Highlights of Vietnam and Thailand in 18 Days

Arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by our local guide at the airport, and transferred to the city center. After checking-in your hotel, enjoy free time to rest or explore the Thai capital.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

After breakfast, set out to explore Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia’s most bustling capitals. Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you’ll be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and throne rooms. Within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, where you’ll see the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the country’s most revered Buddha image. Along the way, visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple, famous for its 45-meter-long reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. You’ll then visit Wat Traimit, famous for its sparkling golden stupa.

The Grand Palace

In the afternoon, board a long-tail boat to cruise along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, away from the touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, famous for its unique architecture, decorated with colorful porcelain pieces, creating a splendid, shimmering beauty in the sunlight. In the evening, visit Yaowarat Road, also known as Chinatown, where you will be overwhelmed by the aroma of street food and the bustling atmosphere of shopping.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start early to visit Maeklong Railway Market, located on the railway tracks just a stone’s throw from the train station. Experience the thrill of a train rumbling through the heart of this 100-year-old market, watching as vendors quickly pack up their wares in preparation for the train’s arrival.

Maeklong Railway Market, Bangkok

Then head to the smaller Samut Songkhran market, where you’ll embark on a scenic canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Thailand just outside Bangkok. The hour-long ride ends at the heart of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the country’s most famous floating market. Explore this traditional market, bustling with vendors offering a wide range of products, including food, flowers, plants and even animals.

Return to Bangkok and enjoy some free time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. After a short break and lunch, you will head to the Golden Triangle, a historic area famous for its opium cultivation. Located at the junction of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, the Golden Triangle is set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Delve deeper into the history of the region with a visit to the Opium House. This fascinating museum offers a fascinating insight into the culture of opium cultivation and the complex history of opium in the region.

The Golden Triangle

On the way, visit Chiang Saen, Thailand’s oldest city, home to Tham Khao Luang (a pristine cave decorated with numerous Buddha images and statues) and an important meditation site, and the ancient ruins of the historic Wat Pasak.

Return to Chiang Rai, where you will check in and enjoy some time at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning visit Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple (a remarkable architectural work with walls and buildings entirely painted white) and Wat Rong Suer Ten, or the Blue Temple (a sacred temple with a sparkling blue color of architecture and motifs).

After lunch, you will travel to Chiang Mai, often referred to as the “Rose of the North”.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple, which houses the sacred relics of the Buddha inside a golden stupa. This site also offers unmissable panoramic views of Chiang Mai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

You will then travel to the camp and the outskirts of Chiang Mai to visit Baan Chang Elephant Camp, exploring the surrounding dense jungle as you explore the elephant training camp set in the middle of nature. You will learn about elephant behavior and care, feed them their favorite treats and have a magical experience of bathing an elephant, a moment that will surely leave you in awe. Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Spend a day exploring the rich heritage of Chiang Mai, a city founded in the 13th century that reflects the blend of Lanna, Siamese and Burmese cultures. Start with a walking tour of the old city, stopping at the old city wall, moat and ancient city gate. You will have the opportunity to admire some of Chiang Mai’s most exquisite temples, such as Wat Chiang Man (famous for its 15 elephants and famous ancient Buddha statues) and Wat Chedi Luang (a temple with typical Lanna architecture).

Doi Inthanon

In the afternoon, head to Doi Inthanon, where you can admire the beautiful waterfalls such as Wachirathan and Sirithan, explore the jungle trails, visit sacred temples and enjoy the fresh air. Returning to the city center, in the evening you can relax in the hotel or stroll and shop at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, with diverse stalls and special Thai cuisine.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, the car will take you to the airport to catch the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, our local driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in. You have free time to explore the city.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Meals: breakfast.

Start your tour by visiting the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake and visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the final resting place of the great father of Vietnam or Uncle Ho), and the Ho Chi Minh stilt house (where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked). Next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda – a group of structures including a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave the pagoda for the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university and a place dedicated to Confucianism. Then, we pass through the famous Hanoi Train Street to stop for photos or enjoy a cup of coffee if you wish.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

In the afternoon, choose one of the city’s museums (the Museum of History and the Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison once known as the “Hanoi Hilton”). Return to the city center for a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets, this bustling area of ​​narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses and vendors. It is a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities.

In the late afternoon, you can enjoy a one-hour Water Puppet Show – a unique traditional Vietnamese performance or enjoy a fascinating circus show in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Wake up early and depart for Ninh Binh, about 2 hours drive from Hanoi. Then, you will visit Trang An complex, a UNESCO world natural heritage site. You can take a boat trip through the rivers and lakes of Trang An to see the scenery and admire the beauty of the landscape. During the journey, visitors will admire the caves, valleys, streams, lakes, limestone mountains, historical relics, and unique architecture. Then you will continue to Mua Cave, a very famous photography spot. Climb the stairs leading to the top, from here you can admire the majestic natural scenery, the vast golden rice fields stretching out.

Trang An Landscape Complex

Returning to the city center in the evening, take a walk around Hoa Lu ancient town, admire the sparkling scenery in the evening with lanterns and boats on the river, enjoy the unique cuisine of Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Depart for Ha Long Bay, the most beautiful bay in Vietnam and one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. You will start your cruise, starting with Tung Sau Pearl Village. Here you can see the pearl production process or experience kayaking. Explore Ti Top Island, where you can immerse yourself in the blue sea, or climb the mountain and admire the stunning scenery of the bay with a 360-degree view.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

After dinner on the cruise, you can relax in your room or join the night squid fishing activity.

Overnight on the cruise.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Early in the morning, wake up to watch the sunrise over the islands of the Ha Long bay. Then you will visit Sung Sot Cave – the largest stalactite cave in Ha Long Bay with a magical, majestic beauty created from countless stalactites and stalagmites shimmering in strange, unique shapes.

Cave of Surprise (Hang Sung Sot) in Ha Long Bay

The cruise arrives at the port at noon, then you will move to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang, the most vibrant coastal city in Vietnam. After landing, our driver will pick you up and move to Hoi An, a peaceful town about 15km from Da Nang.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

This morning you will take a walk to visit the most prominent destinations in town such as the Fujian Assembly Hall, Phuc Thanh Pagoda, Tan Ky Old House and the Japanese Covered Bridge,….. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will start your cycling journey to explore the suburbs, the fresh air and peaceful scenery of the countryside will bring you a comfortable relaxation. Stop to visit the lantern making village and you can directly participate in the process of making colorful lanterns.

Japanese Covered Bridge

On the way, don’t forget to visit Bay Mau coconut forest, a famous eco-tourism destination with shady coconut trees and a quiet river. You can experience rowing a basket boat with the locals and participate in interesting folk activities such as fishing, weaving nets.

Returning to the center of Hoi An in the late afternoon, you can join in releasing flower lanterns on the banks of the Hoai River, take a walk to admire the sparkling scenery at night or enjoy special performances.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start the journey from Hoi An to Hue (about 2 hours driving), along the way, you can stop to admire the beautiful scenery of Lang Co Bay and Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam. After checking in and storing your luggage, you will move to Hue Imperial City (where the historical and cultural values ​​of the Nguyen Dynasty are preserved) and Khai Dinh Tomb (the most majestic and magnificent tomb of the Nguyen Dynasty). Take your time to explore the majestic and magnificent palaces, tombs and royal gardens.

Hue’s Imperial Citadel

Continue the journey to Thien Mu Pagoda – the most ancient and sacred pagoda in Hue. In the evening, you can take a cruise on the Perfume River, enjoy dinner while watching Hue folk songs, a unique cultural experience.

Overnight in Hue.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Have breakfast at the hotel. Then, you move to Tu Duc Tomb – the most beautiful tomb of the Nguyen Dynasty. Continue the journey to Kim Long ancient village, famous for its conical hat making and embroidery. Visitors can not only admire the ancient architecture, learn about traditional culture but also have the opportunity to experience the simple life of local people. Stop by Dong Ba market for a while, you can buy specialties here or souvenirs.

Tu Duc Tomb in Hue

At the end of the tour in Hue, you will move to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After landing, you will move to the hotel and spend the remaining time to rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast.

Today is a full-day tour to explore the city’s iconic destinations. Start at the Independence Palace, a famous tourist destination thanks to its modern architecture with oriental traditions. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which collects and stores documents, images, and artifacts about the evidence of crimes and consequences of wars that invading forces have caused to Vietnam.

Independence Palace

Have lunch and rest a bit, you will visit a few other places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Ben Thanh Market,…. Return to the hotel to rest for a while, in the evening you will take a cruise on the Saigon River, watching the sparkling city at night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will travel to the Mekong Delta, admire the rice fields along both sides of the road and the Vam Co Dong River. The first place to visit is Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the South with a unique architecture between Vietnam, Khmer and Western Europe. Continue to My Tho, go to the boat station and take a boat along the Tien River, admire the scenery on both sides of the river with fresh air, dispelling the noisy atmosphere of the city. Coming to Thoi Son Islet, also known as Lan Islet, visitors can walk on the village road, visit local houses and fruit gardens, enjoy seasonal fruits and listen to Southern folk music.

Cai Be Floating Market

After lunch at a local house, you will travel to Cai Be floating market, a transit point for fruits and products to all regions. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Enjoy a free morning in Ho Chi Minh City until the designated time, then transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your international departure flight.

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.