The Best of Vietnam & Thailand

Upon arrival in Hanoi you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy street food with our tour guide. Tonight your guide will take you on a culinary adventure, sampling street food in the Old Quarter. It’s a great opportunity to try all those weird and wonderful foods you see but just aren’t sure what they are! Start your trip at Bia Hoi corner to try the local brew, a draft beer that traces its roots to Eastern Europe. Do as the locals do and pull up a stool and enjoy a drink while watching the world go by. Continue through the old quarter’s narrow streets as your guide points out a range of tasty noodles, breads and snacks. At night the sidewalks are packed with locals perched on stools, amongst sizzling woks and bubbling pots. These small pop up restaurants are a nightly feature that all but disappear during the day. Sit down and enjoy a flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables on skewers. End the night with dessert from Hanoi’s best-known ice-cream parlour before getting a good night’s rest.

Today you will discover some of Hanoi’s classic visits and hidden gems during a full-day tour of the capital. Start the morning off with a visit to one of Hanoi’s most iconic destinations: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This grand, monumental structure houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s first president and revered leader who liberated the country from colonialism. If there is time, pay a visit to the president’s former home before visiting another of Hanoi’s most classic attractions, the Temple of Literature. The country’s first university, the Temple of Literature is known for its striking courtyards, ancient architecture and deep historical roots dating back over 1,000 years. After the visit, enjoy a delicious local meal at one of our favorite nearby restaurants, serving up classic Hanoi delicacies. After lunch, continue to the iconic Old Quarter of Hanoi. Known for its maze of alleyways and lanes, this section of the city is divided into 36 streets, each which historically sold their own unique products and specialties. Alongside our local expert, discover just what makes this part of Hanoi so unique and charming. Reenergize with a delicious Vietnamese coffee at a local cafe which overlooks the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. After sipping the famously strong brew, head to Ngoc Son Temple at the lake’s heart, a must-see site for anyone touring Hanoi. Top off the day with one of northern Vietnam’s most classic forms of entertainment: a water puppet show. Transport will be provided back to the hotel after the performance.

After breakfast you’ll be transported out to Halong Bay (3-4 hour ride). One of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations, Halong Bay, or the Bay of Descending Dragons, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone karsts and pristine waterways. Upon arrival into Halong Bay (around noon), you’ll be assigned to your traditional “junk” cruise ship where you’ll be spending the evening & following day. Once on board, you’ll be served a delicious (and super-fresh) seafood lunch as the boat makes its way out into the mystical waters of the bay. In the early afternoon you will be brought to some of the region’s most famous sites including the Dinh Huong & Ga Choi Islands, Thien Cung, Dau Go & Sung Sot Caves (the region’s 3 largest) and a pristine white sand beach where you’ll have the chance to swim in the area’s placid waters (weather permitting). Back on board you’ll be able to catch an unforgettable sunset, enjoy another delicious local meal and watch the stars come out as they saturate the Halong night sky. Allow the lapping of water & the boat’s light rocking to soothe you to sleep in your private cabin.

Wake up early to catch the Halong sunrise (not to be missed!) and enjoy some Tai Chi on the top deck of the cruise boat to kick off your Day 4. Enjoy a light beverage before heading out to explore some nearby islands via rowboat. After a brief morning tour you’ll return to the junk for breakfast and have the chance to soak in some last minute limestone karsts along Bai Tu Long Bay. Before you disembark, you’ll be treated to a lovely brunch before our transport picks you up and brings you back to Hanoi. Once arriving at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, you’ll board a quick flight to the central Vietnam city of Hue. Our guide will pick you up in Hue and transport you to your hotel.

Today you’ll have the chance to explore Vietnam’s former royal capital. Once home to the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is most famous for its Forbidden Purple City, or the Imperial Citadel (the Nguyen Dynasty’s private residence). Fashioned after China’s Forbidden City (back in the 19th century), this compounded fortress is home to a number of palaces, houses and temples that once were completely off limits to non-royalty. Our guide will bring you around this iconic site, explaining all the historical facts and destinations along the way. In the afternoon you’ll pay a visit to the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda and Hue’s Cho Dong Ba- the bustling riverside market.

The morning of Day 6 you’ll enjoy a private boat cruise down Hue’s romantic Perfume River. Your guide will bring you through the Thien Mu Pagoda (Lady Pagoda) and ornate tomb of Minh Mang, followed by a memorable lunch along the riverside (at one of our favorite local restaurants). After lunch you will begin your trip south to the Ancient Town of Hoi An, passing Da Nang City and the picturesque Hai Van Pass along the way (one of the country & world’s most beautiful coastal roads… featured in Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear!). Stopping off in Da Nang city, you’ll have the chance to visit the Cham Museum (the only of its kind in Asia) and some handicraft villages located at the base of the mythical Marble Mountains. Finally reaching Hoi An, you’ll be transported to your hotel (in the late afternoon), giving you some free time to explore the Ancient Town on your own.

The morning of Day 7 you’ll be transported 40 kilometers south of Hoi An to the historic My Son Sanctuary (Vietnam’s version of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat & Thailand’s Ayutthaya). Home to a number of striking Cham temple ruins & statues, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will give you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural background in connection with the Champa Kingdom. That afternoon you’ll be transported back to Hoi An where you’ll have some more free time to explore the beaches, pedestrian streets & lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An. Feel free to shop, dine, visit the countryside or beaches in Hoi An (always a tourist’s favorite destination!).

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transported back to Da Nang where you’ll board a domestic flight to the southern Vietnam city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon). Arriving late in the morning, you’ll have a chance to explore some of the iconic sites of Vietnam’s largest city as you make your way to your hotel (with private guide & transport). After check in, you’ll have lunch in a buzzing, local restaurant, followed by a fully guided tour through the southern city. Your visit will include the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Post Office, plus a number of other sites along the way. After your guided tour you have the evening to enjoy free time in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take a short bus ride out to the historic Cu Chi Tunnel Complex. An extensive maze of underground war tunnels, these subterranean hideouts were crucial to the Viet Cong during raids and bombings in the American War. For those who can brave the descent (and don’t mind some serious tight spaces!), you’ll have the opportunity to actually climb into and around the tunnels to see what life was like for Vietnamese soldiers during the wartime period. After visiting Cu Chi, we will visit Tay Ninh’s beautiful Cao Dai Temple (a stark contrast to the wartime tunnels!) where you can observe or take part in a noontime service. This temple practices Caodaism, a peaceful & hybrid religion that observes nearly all major religions (Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam & Hinduism). After taking lunch in Tay Ninh, you will be brought back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll have the afternoon free to explore.

After taking breakfast at the hotel, you’ll begin the ride further south to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. You’ll first stop off in the riverside town of Cai Bai, where you’ll visit a local candy factory, fruit orchard and enjoy a beautiful cultural performance. We will have lunch here at a relaxing riverside restaurant before heading out onto the river via motorboat. From the boat you’ll be able to visit some local villages and have the opportunity to bike your way around the countryside. Our driver will meet you at the Vinh Long pier then get back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Your day is at leisure until the time comes to transfer to Tan San Nhat International Airport for the flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

While Bangkok is not one of Asia’s oldest cities, it still holds a fascinating amount of history. Head over to the Rattanakosin District, which is Bangkok’s most historically significant quarter. Meander the local flower market, rich in sights, smells and activity, before receiving a hands-on lesson on how local Buddhists worship with the lotus flower, a traditional symbol of the Buddhist faith. After departing the fragrant flower market, transport will be provided to the Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s many must-see destinations. Discover the royal roots of the city and come face to face with classic Thai architecture. Inside the Palace, the Emerald Buddha can be found, which is considered the holiest relic in the country. After discovering the Royal grounds, continue on for a delectable local lunch with some excellent views of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. Continue on foot to Wat Pho, home to the giant Reclining Buddha statue, before being driven over to the Baan Bat community where their Giant Swing is located. Discover how this community produces the alms bowls of monks, a practice that has been sustaining this village for generations. Chat with the locals and top off the experience with a one-hour foot massage in a traditional home, the perfect way to end a full day of touring!

Travel from one capital city to another during this day trip to Ayutthaya. Driving out of Bangkok, witness the stark contrast to life outside the capital city as the roads lead through much more rural regions. Before reaching Ayutthaya, make a stop to Bang Pa In, the former summer retreat of King Rama IV. The waterfront palace has visible influence from Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, with some classic Thai symbolism tucked into the design. From the grand watch tower to the camel-bone carved dragon, this royal retreat is a truly fascinating visit. Continue onwards to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam and the predecessor to Bangkok. Discover this former capital’s grand temples and crumbling structures, offering some unique insight into what was once Thailand’s largest and most important city. After exploring these fascinating temples, board a local boat for a dining cruise downriver to Bangkok. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way as you soak in a totally different view from the one you saw on the drive up to Ayutthaya.

One of the most unique experiences outside Bangkok is a visit to the floating markets. Of all these iconic marketplaces, Damnoen Saduak is by far the most striking. Driving 100km southwest of the city, head towards Ratchaburi province where this classic marketplace can be found. Discover on foot the floating vendors and endless stalls or rent a paddle boat to view the magic of the marketplace by water. To continue the alternative marketplace experiences, head to Mae Klong Railway Market. Vendors sprawl produce across this tight-quartered marketplace until hearing the signals of a quickly arriving train. 8 times a day the trains literally run through this market, where everything from produce to clothing is quickly removed, and then just as quickly placed back down (on the tracks!) to be sold. There is nothing quite like it… and it has to be experienced to be believed! After a morning of alternative market explorations, transport will be provided to the airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel.

Enjoy exploring the beauty of Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai in an eco-friendly manner… aboard a traditional Thai rickshaw! Head outside the city to discover one of Thailand’s most famous temples: Wat Phra Doi Suthep. The holiest temple in northern Thailand, this golden-topped shrine can be seen from all points of the city and is as mesmerizing inside as it is from afar. Dating back to the 14th century, this mountain-top retreat offers some spectacular views of the city below and is well worth the 300-stair climb to the top. After exploring the temple, enjoy a local lunch at a riverside restaurant before boarding the rickshaw for Warorot Market. Chiang Mai’s main marketplace, this bustling location sells everything from spices and produce to home goods and clothing, making for a truly fascinating (and shopper-friendly) experience. Wrap up the day with a visit to two more beautiful temples, Wat Srisuphan and Wat Chedi Luang.

Begin the day’s journey by heading north of Chiang Mai to the Palong Village, an ethnic tribal village famous for its Burmese origins. Cruise onwards to another ethnic village, Ban Palai, where traditional Karen people still live in bamboo houses and cut rice paddies into the dense surrounding jungle. This village will be the starting point of a two-hour trek through breathtaking natural scenery. Filled with flowers, thick vegetation, rare wildlife and more, photographers will be more than pleased with the endless photo ops along this natural escape! Stop for a picnic lunch in the wilderness before heading to the Mae Taman Elephant Camp where you can come face to face with these gentle giants. Enjoy some time getting to know the camp’s resident elephants before wrapping up the journey with a river rafting ride- the perfect means of seeing a wholly different view of the jungle’s interior.

Early morning transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

You are free & leisure in Phuket

You are free & leisure in Phuket

Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Airport for your flight to Bangkok to connect with your onward flight.