Vietnam and Thailand Essential

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Tour Code: ODY-SE-012

Destination: Vietnam, Thailand

Duration15 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Classic

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About This Trip

Begin this tour in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will visit some of the top sights and take a Vespa ride to experience the authentic Saigon. After that, there will be a Mekong Delta Day Excursion and a Hanoi city tour before boarding the cruise ship for a 2-day Halong Bay leisure vacation. Discover Bangkok's highlights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the floating market. In Chiang Mai, have fun with elephants and take a local cooking class. Enjoy some beach time in Phuket before returning home. This 15-day Thailand and Vietnam tour will show how wonderful these two countries are.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 6

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta, Reunification Palace
Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Old Quarter Rickshaw Ride, Water Puppet Show
Halong Bay: 2-Day Cruise
7 - 15

Thailand

Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Night Food Tour with Tuk Tuk, Floating Market
Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Elephant Park Experience, Cooking Class
Phuket: 3-Day Beach Holiday

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Itinerary

Day 1:Ho Chi Minh City With Vespas Tour

Vespas Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon! Meet your guide at the airport and take our private transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

A perfect first-night experience in Saigon city would be a guided Vespas tour - like locals do every night, drive your motorbike through lively and hidden neighborhoods, enjoy joyful music in the warm breeze, and taste delicious Vietnamese street food.

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Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2:Mekong Delta Day Excursion From HCMC City

Boat Cruise Mekong Delta

Today it's a day trip to explore the great Mekong River with your guide. This morning, head to Ben Tre, a serene province in the Mekong Delta. After about 2 hours' journey you'll meet palm-lined rivers, vibrant market, and warm local hospitality.

Hop on a boat for a cruise along coconut-fringed waterways, then switch to a traditional rowboat to navigate peaceful canals shaded by lush palms. Step into a riverside village to see everyday life unfold, and you'll also have chance to ride a tuk-tuk. Visit a farmer’s home for fresh tropical juice, watch artisans handcraft brooms from coconut leaves, and taste sweet coconut candies made by local families.

Your day ends with a home-cooked lunch of authentic Vietnamese delta dishes, shared in a local family before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

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Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3:Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Flight to Hanoi

Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Explore in-depth through a guided sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City before your flight to Hanoi. The streets are lined with French colonial architecture and landmarks, which reflect Vietnam's complex history. You'll visit the War Remnants Museum for powerful exhibits on the Vietnam War, and discover the symbol of the country's reunification - Reunification Palace.

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Hanoi

Day 4:Hanoi City Tour With Water Puppet Show

Water Puppet Show, Hanoi

In Hanoi, take in the outside view of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing structure that symbolizes the nation's respect for its founding leader. Nearby, explore Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts, offering a glimpse into his personal life. A short walk leads to the One Pillar Pagoda, known for its unique design, followed by a visit to the Temple of Literature, a historic site that reflects Vietnam's rich cultural and academic traditions.

Next, the Museum of Ethnology provides insight into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, where narrow streets and bustling markets immerse you in the heart of local life. Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake, and wrap up your day with a traditional Water Puppet Show, a fun and immersive way to experience Vietnamese culture.

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Hanoi

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

Halong Bay Cruise

Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald waters and over 1,600 limestone islands. The drive to the port from Hanoi takes about 3 hours, afterward board your comfortable cruise for a 2-day journey through towering cliffs, hidden caves, and floating fishing villages.

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Halong Bay

Day 6:Halong Bay - Hanoi - Bangkok

Start your morning with a breathtaking sunrise on Halong Bay, and if you like, you can join in a Tai Chi class on deck. During the cruise, you can capture some stunning photos of the bay's dramatic karst formations before enjoying your brunch.

Disembark at noon, your guide will meet you at dock and go to Hanoi airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind for the evening.

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Bangkok

Day 7:Bangkok City Tour With Chinatown Street Food

Grand Palace, Bangkok

Today start with Bangkok's iconic sights accompanied by your guide - the perfect way to get to know this amazing city. Step into the Grand Palace, a dazzling complex once home to Thai kings, and take in the majesty of the revered Emerald Buddha inside Wat Phra Kaew. Not far away, Wat Pho invites you to admire the golden Reclining Buddha. Then cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, famous for its 82-meter Khmer-style spire decorated with colorful porcelain.

As the night falls, when Chinatown becomes bustling, it's time for you to feast on delicacies! A guided food tour will take you through this foodie paradise lines with sizzling food stalls, tasting dishes from fresh dim sum to stir-fried noodles while soaking up the neon glow.

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Bangkok

Day 8:Train Market & Floating Market Tour From Bangkok

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Today visit two famous markets around Bangkok with your guide. Leave Bangkok in the morning for the Train Market, where you'll witness a thrilling scene as vendors swiftly pull back awnings just seconds before a train glide through, seamlessly resuming their business moments later - a truly unforgettable experience.

Next, head to Thailand's most well-known water market - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind scene: wooden boats piled high with tropical fruits, coconut desserts and handmade crafts. You can seat along the riverbank, just like locals, tasting exotic Thai street food while watching longtail boats weave through the waterways. Wander along the canals and capture some iconic photos of such colorful chaos before returning Bangkok.

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Bangkok

Day 9:Bangkok - Chiang Mai

In the morning, fly to Chiang Mai, known as the "Rose of the North" in Thailand. After checking in, explore Chiang Mai's old city with a half-day tour. You'll visit the riverfront Warorot Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices and handicrafts. Take a traditional Samlor (trishaw) ride past the historic Tha Phae Gate before visiting two of Chiang Mai's most revered temples - Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. After the sightseeing, return to hotel and enjoy a relaxing night.

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Chiang Mai

Day 10:Chiang Mai, Lanna Family Cooking Class

Lanna Family Visit, Chiang Mai

Join in a half-day cooking class with a traditional Lanna family, who continue the traditions of many generations in building their homes of teak wood and preserving the natural surroundings in a way that is now rarely seen in Chiang Mai. Unlike typical cooking class, here you can handpick fresh spices and vegetables from the garden, learn authentic northern Thai recipes, and enjoy your homemade dishes with your warm hosts.

After the meal, drive through scenic mountain roads to Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most symbolic temple. Climb the 309 steps to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where golden spires shimmer in the sunlight, and the breathtaking panoramic view of the city unfold below.

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Chiang Mai

Day 11:Chiang Mai Elephant Park

Baan Chang Elephant Park, Chiang Mai

Being a perfect destination for intimate interactions with Asian elephants, Chiang Mai turns encounters into lifelong memories. Today you'll visit Baan Chang Elephant Park, a family-run sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of Asian elephants. On this join-in experience, learn about the elephants' story, behavior, and daily routines. Enjoy feeding them fresh treats, walking alongside them, and joining in a gentle bathing session. Meeting these gentle giants - especially the playful babies - becomes the highlight of your Thailand trip.

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Chiang Mai

Day 12:Chiang Mai - Phuket or Some Other Islands

Phuket, Thailand

Today your private driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Phuket, Thailand's most favorable island paradise. Your relaxing beach vacation starts from here!
If you prefer a quieter escape, you can choose alternative islands such as Koh Samui, this itinerary is tailored to your requests.

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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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Inquire Now

Accommodation Options

The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.

Ho Chi Minh City 2 Nights

Top Choice

Harmony Hotel & Spa

Address: 32A-34 Bui Thi Xuan St- Ben Thanh Ward, Dist.1, HCMC, Vietnam
Top Choice

Lotte Hotel Saigon

Address: 2A - 4A Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel

Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, TP.HCMC, Vietnam
Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hanoi 2 Nights

Top Choice

The Lapis Hotel

Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, HoanKiemDist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Top Choice

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
La Siesta Premium Hang Be

Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Oriental Jade Hotel

Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Halong Bay 1 Night

Top Choice

Athena Luxury Cruise

Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Top Choice

Orchid Trendy Cruise

Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Athena Royal Cruise

Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Paradise Elegance

Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Bangkok 3 Nights

Top Choice

Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18

Address: 26 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Top Choice

Lancaster Bangkok

Address: 1777 New Phetchaburi Rd., Bangkok, Thailand
Riva Surya Bangkok

Address: 23 Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

Address: 28 Charoenkrung Soi 70, Bangkholame, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Chiang Mai 3 Nights

Top Choice

Smile Lanna Hotel

Address: 129/1 Chang Lor Road, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Ideally located near Chiang Mai's famous Saturday and Sunday Walking Streets and just minutes from the bustling Night Market, Smile Lanna Hotel offers the perfect harmony of shopping and Northern Thai traditions.
Top Choice

RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Address: 33 Chang Klan Road, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

Address: 1/1 Soi 9, Charoenprathet Road, Tambon Changklan, Amphoe Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Phuket 3 Nights

Top Choice

Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa

Address: 124/29 Moo#3, Cheung Thalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand
Top Choice

Kalima Resort & Spa

Address: 338/1 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand