Vietnam and Thailand Essential

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

  Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon! On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and take our private transfer to your hotel. Check-in and have some time to refresh in your room.

  The ones who want to blend in the local life would probably prefer 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

  After breakfast, meet your guide and head south to Ben Tre, a peaceful province in the Mekong Delta. Start your day exploring a vibrant local market, where you'll see locals trading fresh produce and daily essentials. Hop on a boat for a cruise along coconut-lined waterways, then switch to a traditional rowboat to glide through quiet canals under the shade of lush palms. Stroll through a village, visit a farmer's home for fresh tropical juice, and soak in the warm hospitality of the Delta.

  Ride a tuk-tuk to meet skilled locals crafting brooms from coconut leaves and making traditional coconut candies. Get a taste of these sweet treats before joining a local family to prepare a delicious homemade lunch. After enjoying your meal and this unique cultural experience, bid farewell to your hosts and return to Saigon.

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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-era buildings and some museums about the Vietnam War still occupy the city center. During this trip, you will see the city's significant landmarks, including 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 in 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 warmly greets you with its rich history, vibrant culture, sparkling palaces, and sacred temples. Start at the magnificent Grand Palace, a sprawling complex of grand buildings, halls, and pavilions set amid manicured gardens and courtyards. Once the royal residence of the Thai King, it now serves as a cultural treasure trove. A guided tour unveils its architectural splendor and leads you to Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's holiest temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

  Nearby, Wat Po offers a serene escape with its famous Reclining Buddha, surrounded by intricately decorated stupas. Finally, cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, renowned for its striking Khmer-style spire that rises 82 meters (269 feet) into the sky. Adorned with colorful porcelain and shell mosaics, its beauty is mesmerizing, offering countless photo opportunities from its ornate corridors to its glittering tower.

  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 Train Market and Floating Market

  In the morning, drive outside Bangkok to visit the fascinating Train Market. Witness the thrilling spectacle as vendors skillfully retract their awnings and rearrange their goods just seconds before a train glides through, seamlessly resuming their business moments later - a truly unforgettable experience.

  Next, dive into the charm of the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Experience the unique thrill of purchasing delectable treats from boats brimming with exotic foods and colorful goods. Relish these local delicacies, just as the locals do, while seated along the riverbank, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Wander along the narrow road beside the canal, where you can capture stunning photos of the bustling scene and discover even more tempting delights from the boat vendors. Afterward, return to Bangkok, arriving at your hotel to unwind.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 9: Bangkok - Chiang Mai

  Today, take a morning flight to Chiang Mai, known as Thailand's "Rose of the North." After settling into your hotel, head out to the riverfront Warorot Market for a true insight into local life, followed by a traditional "Samlor" or trishaw ride passing the highly intact Thapae Gate. You will then explore two remarkable temples - Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Finally, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at 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, Elephant Park

  Chiang Mai is an ideal place to connect with gentle Asian elephants up close. Your destination today, Baan Chang Elephant Park, is a family-run sanctuary committed to ensuring the well-being of its elephants. On a join-in tour, you'll gain fascinating insights into their daily lives and behaviors. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of feeding, bathing, and playing with these gentle giants, including adorable 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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