Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Northern Vietnam 12 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey or take a first walk in the neighbourhood. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where gilded temples and street-food stalls sit beside modern shopping centres and the busy Chao Phraya River.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: None

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, visit the Grand Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Thai royal family. Within the palace grounds, discover Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, followed by Wat Traimit, which houses the remarkable solid-gold Buddha.

In the afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals of Thonburi. Pass waterside homes and neighbourhood temples, offering a glimpse into local life along Bangkok’s waterways. Afterwards, visit Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

Having a breakfast and we will transfer to pay a visit in some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Being a ruin with many temples which characterize the handicraft architecture, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya with 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style.

Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand.

Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha.

In the afternoon, head back to Bangkok. En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Being a favorite resort of royal, the Royal Summer palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles..

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and check in at your hotel.

Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

08:00 – 08:30 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation

08:30 : Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.

10:30 : Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

11:00 : Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.

12:00 : Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.

13:00 : Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.

14:00 : Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.

15:00 : Change clothes and say goodbye to the elephants

15:30 : Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.

17:00-17:30 : Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Chiang Mai until your transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your direct flight to Hanoi with Thai AirAsia, a short flight of under two hours.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your Vietnamese guide and transfer to your hotel in or near the Old Quarter for check-in.

In the late afternoon, take an orientation walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and through the Old Quarter, where each street was once home to a different trade guild. Stop for a cup of egg coffee, a Hanoi speciality, and watch the evening life of the city return to its pavements.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.

Then we take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel and then start a 3-hour driving through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner served on board. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island. In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On board the cruise in Ha Long Bay

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor.

After brunch on board, disembark and drive south to Ninh Binh (about 3 hours), a region of limestone peaks, rice fields and rivers often called the "Ha Long Bay on land". Check in at your hotel and enjoy the peaceful countryside in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ninh Binh

After breakfast, take a sampan boat ride through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the river winds through limestone mountains, grottoes and small temples. The boat is rowed by local villagers, and the ride lasts about two to three hours.

Continue to Hoa Lu, the first capital of independent Vietnam in the 10th century, to visit the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings, set at the foot of the mountains.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Hanoi (about 2 hours) and check in at your hotel. The evening is free.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

Today is free for you to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may wish to visit the Temple of Literature, browse the shops of the Old Quarter or the Dong Xuan Market, or join an optional Vietnamese cooking class or street-food walk (at additional cost). Your guide can suggest the best options for your interests.

In the evening, a water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre is a lively way to discover this traditional art form of the Red River Delta (optional).

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

You have free time today to explore the Hanoi city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport in time for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None