Thailand & Vietnam Highlights 17 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, leave Chiang Mai and drive north to Chiang Rai through forested hills and rice fields (about 3 hours), with a stop at the hot springs of Mae Kachan.

On arrival, visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, begun in 1997 and still unfinished. Its white walls and mirrored glass make it one of the most striking temples in Thailand, and inside the wihaan a mural mixes Buddhist themes with modern popular culture.

Continue to Baan Dam, the Black House, the unusual creation of national artist Thawan Duchanee: part studio, part museum and part home, it mixes traditional northern Thai buildings with bold modern designs.

Finish the day at Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, whose name means "temple of the dancing tiger", before checking in at your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel to explore the surroundings, starting with the road to Doi Mae Salong. You'll ascend and descend lush green hills covered with tea plantations. You'll also taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you'll visit the ethnic minority villages.

Afterward, you'll continue the journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic point where you'll witness a unique landscape shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos – the meeting point of the three borders.

Upon arrival, visit the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the Golden Triangle. Explore the town of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328, and visit various sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, old city walls, and moats.

Then, board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying views of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and the Ruak River flows into the Mekong.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Chiang Mai (about 3 hours 30 minutes) and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Waking up surrounded by 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. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Hanoi Airport to take a flight to Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda

Built in 1601, it is one of the best-known religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.

Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

Transfer back to the centre of Hue for lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.

If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian

The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

Start your tour today with the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son, which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings

In the afternoon, start walking to the Hoi An Old Town.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

Make a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, meet your guide and check in at your hotel.

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Mekong Delta - Vinh Long.

Mekong Travel boat will take you at the new boat station, downstream on Mekong River seeing many floating cages for farming fish. Stop to visit Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables...

Then, stop to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay.

Next visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. Then, we’ll walk to visit the orchard & traditional house of Ut Trinh family. The optional lunch can be served at this local house.

Biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to do cycling on village paths to see the daily life of the rural people.

The cruise will go back Saigon city.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

Morning free until time to transfer to airport for flight back home.

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in time for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None