Vietnam and Thailand Essential

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

  Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon! When you arrive at the airport, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for some rest. Later in the afternoon, you may board an exquisite boat for a sunset cruise along the Saigon River. Enjoy the stunning view of the river and city under the moonlit.

  Or, you may join a small group to explore the fascinating Saigon on the back of Vespas. Under the guidance of an experienced local tour guide, drive through busy or quiet neighborhoods and districts, enjoy local music flowing in the breeze, and try to taste delicious street food. Like locals do every night!

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 2: HCMC, Mekong Delta Day Excursion

  This morning, depart for a Mekong Delta Day Excursion. You will cycle through flat terrain covered with verdant rice fields, coconut groves, and fruit orchards. Hop on a motorboat sailing along one of the countless waterways to see the local life of stilt-house communities. Visit a small cottage industry to learn how to make a typical snack, sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves, using age-old techniques. Walk through a village and stop at a century-old farmer's home for a delicious lunch of 'Delta' specialties.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 3: HCMC - Hanoi, Sightseeing Tour of HCMC

  Before flying to Hanoi, take some time to explore in-depth through a guided sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, where many French colonial ear buildings and some museums about the Vietnam War still occupy the city center. During this trip, you will see the city's significant landmarks, from the colorful Ben Thanh Market to the poignant War Remnants Museum and the historic Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace).

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  • Hanoi

• Day 4: Hanoi, City Tour & Water Puppet Show

  Hanoi, where the old meets new, is one of the fascinating capitals in Southeast Asia. In the morning, follow the steps of your local guide to explore this enchanting city. The tour includes the French colonial-style Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, an exciting cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, and a visual feast in the Fine Art Museum.

  The afternoon goes with a visit to Dao Thu Village, home to the unique folk art of water puppetry. Here you will meet an artisan of this ancient craft and learn how he and his family are continuing this tradition. Afterward, a 30-minute private outdoor water puppet show, accompanied by a live traditional music performance, will show you interesting scenes from daily life, fairy tales, or Vietnamese legends.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay, 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise

  Depart for Halong Bay, one of the World Heritage Sites. It will take about 3 hours to drive from Hanoi to the port. Board your cruise ship to enjoy a 2-day cruise. Halong Bay would surprise you with about 1,600 islands surrounded by emerald water.

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  • Halong Bay

• Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Bangkok

  It's a unique experience to take in the breathtaking beauty of the bay at sunrise. You can get up early to view the scenery and participate n a Taiji class on the deck. Take some photos of the Karst landscape and have brunch before disembarking the ship at noon. Your private guide will meet you at the dock and transport you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Bangkok. Check into the hotel and relax upon arrival.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 7: Bangkok, City Tour & Chinatown Culinary

  Bangkok always welcomes you with its time-honored history and culture, sparkling palaces, and sacred temples.

  The Wat Arun stands out among Bangkok's numerous glittering attractions, notable for its unique architectural design and an 82m (269ft) high Khmer-style tower. From the beautiful corridors with the Buddha statues to the white tower decorated with colored porcelain and shell mosaics, there are amazing opportunities for photography. The opposite, on the other side of the river, is the magnificent Grand Palace. This palace complex consists of many buildings, halls, and pavilions surrounded by open lawns, gardens, and courtyards. It used to be the home of the Thai King. An informative guided tour will take you to dazzling buildings, including the holiest Wat Phra Kaew. After a regular city tour, hop on an iconic long-tailed boat to experience this charming city from a unique perspective.

  As the night falls, when Chinatown becomes bustling, our guided foodie tour will take you through the countless street-side food stalls and eateries, tasting authentic Chinese delicacies and street food.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 8: Bangkok, Excursion to Mahachai Market and Floating Market

  Explore the rich flavors of Thai cuisine, an essential highlight of your Thailand experience. Join your local guide today for an immersive journey into the culinary traditions of Thailand.

  Begin your day at Mahachai Market, renowned as one of Thailand's largest seafood markets. Here, delve into the diverse world of Thai culinary ingredients, ranging from fresh seafood to vibrant vegetables and fruits. Gain insights into the local food scene as you navigate through the bustling market. Continue with a boat journey to the traditional Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a haven for food enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the unique experience of purchasing delectable treats from vendors on boats laden with exotic foods. Relish these culinary delights just like the locals do, seated along the riverbank. Don't miss the chance to explore the narrow road adjacent to the canal, capturing picturesque scenes and savoring more treats from the boat vendors.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 9: Bangkok - Chiang Mai

  Today, you'll fly late in the morning to Chiang Mai, Thailand's "Rose of the North." After checking into your hotel, board a local trishaw for an enticing tour of the old city's magnificent temples and local community, followed by a stroll through the bustling Warorot market. Finally, return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 10: Chiang Mai, Lanna Family Cooking Class

  This morning, you will participate in a half-day cooking class with a traditional Lanna family, who are carrying on the traditions of many generations by building their homes of teak wood and preserving the natural surroundings in a way that is now uncommon in Chiang Mai.  Unlike commercial cooking classes, you can pick up fresh ingredients from the garden during this class, make friends with your host, learn to cook traditional home recipes with authentic northern Thai flavors and share the fruits of your labor with them.

  After the meal, return to Chiang Mai for a sightseeing tour. Driving through breathtaking mountain scenery and then climbing 309 steps up Doi Suthep Mountain to reach Wat Phra That, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 11: Chiang Mai, Baan Chang Elephant Park

  Chiang Mai is ideal for getting up close and personal with gentle Asian elephants. Baan Chang Elephant Park, your destination today, is a small Thai family-run park dedicated to providing the best possible living conditions for elephants. You will have an excellent opportunity to learn about elephants' daily lives and behaviors here. You can also feed, bathe, and play with baby elephants.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 12: Chiang Mai - Phuket or Some Other Islands

  A private transfer will take you to the airport on time for your flight to Phuket, where your beach vacation will begin. Other islands, such as the more peaceful Koh Samui, are also available at your request.

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  • Phuket

• Day 13: Phuket, Beach Time

  Phuket will exceed all of your beach vacation expectations with its turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, spicy Thai cuisine, and so on. On this day off, you can dive or snorkel to explore the colorful ocean world, eat fresh seafood at a local restaurant, and then watch the sunset over the ocean.

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  • Phuket

• Day 14: Phuket, Beach Time

  There are numerous activities available in addition to beach and water sports. You can take a walk through the streets of old Phuket town to see the well-preserved houses and temples. You can also visit the Phuket Big Buddha, which is located at the top of the Nakkerd Hills. Simply take the time to discover your favorite things at your own pace.

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  • Phuket

• Day 15: Phuket - Bangkok, Departure

  Your trip in Southeast Asia comes to an end today. With wonderful memories of your vacations in Vietnam and Thailand, board your flight back to Bangkok, where you can conveniently connect to your return flight.

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