Essential Vietnam Thailand 18 days

At Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, your private guide and driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and take you to your hotel downtown in about 45 minutes.

Please look for your tour guide, who will be holding up a sign with your names on it.

(Even though every effort is made to have your room ready when you arrive, check-in isn't until 2:00 pm to follow the hotel policy, and your room might not be ready before then. Your tour guide will give you more information about your stay, and you can ask any questions you have.)

In the late afternoon, you go on a culinary adventure to the Old Quarter to try some street food. It's a great chance to try all those strange and interesting foods you've seen but didn't know what they were. A good thing about this short trip is the local beer. Find an empty seat and do what the locals do: pull up a stool and have a drink while watching the world go by at Bia Hoi Corner.

As you walk through the narrow streets of the old quarter, your guide will point out a variety of tasty noodles, bread, and snacks. Don't forget to bring a camera so you can take some beautiful pictures of the nightlife in the area. Downtown Vietnam is a great place not only to walk but also to eat street food. End the night with dessert from Hanoi’s best-known ice cream parlor before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: street food tour

Explore the attractive city of Hanoi, known as the 'Paris of the East', with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and picturesque lakes.

Begin by visiting Ho Chi Minh's House, a basic wooden structure in a peaceful environment where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Some of his possessions are on display, and visitors can climb the steps to see his bedroom.

Continue to the 6th-century Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi's oldest pagoda, which is located on a small island in West Lake. Tour the 11th-century Taoist Quan Thanh Temple, which features a combination of imperial architectural styles and is accentuated by a spacious yard shaded by a giant banyan tree and a shrine with a famous bronze figure of Tran Vu, one of Taoism's primary deities.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, which was erected in the late 11th century. The gorgeous temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, and it appears on the reverse of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Tour the Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the "Hanoi Hilton"), which was used by the French from 1896 until 1954 to detain Vietnamese political prisoners before housing American POWs. While just a portion of the original complex remains, the displays offer a Vietnamese perspective through images and essays about the foreign countries involved in Vietnam's recent history.

Finish the day with an engaging water puppet show, a particularly northern Vietnamese art form claimed to have originated in the Red River Delta's flooded rice fields, when villagers entertained themselves by maneuvering puppets across the water. The play uses colorful wooden puppets to depict stories from Vietnamese folklore.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Morning

You will be picked up from your hotel by the guide, and then you will go to Ninh Binh, which is a world heritage site. The first destination is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which was established in 968 and continued to serve that function until the early 11th century when Emperor Ly Thai To transferred the capital to what is now the city of Hanoi. Upon reaching this breathtaking alpine setting, you will have to travel a distance of three hundred meters to reach the Dinh and Le Dynasty temples. In Tam Coc, you can sample some unique dishes at a restaurant in the area.

Afternoon

The journey will get underway in the Tam Coc region. Leaving from the Tam Coc wharf on one of the rowing Tam Coc Boat Tours. The boat tour is organized by local folks who can use both their hands and their legs. During your Tam Coc River Tour, you will get the opportunity to visit three different magical grottos: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Then, let's spend thirty to forty-five minutes pedaling about Tam Coc. Discover the way of life of the locals and take in the scenery of the expansive green fields by pedaling about the community. If you take a trip during the harvest season, you will see several rice fields that have taken on a golden hue. The Mua Cave is the final stop on the journey. Some people have compared it to "the Great Wall of China." You will have to climb 500 stairs to reach the top of the Mua cave, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Ninh Binh. After that, take some time to unwind, and then head back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch.

Breakfast is the best way to start the day, so make it enjoyable and nutritious. Your tour guide will then pick you up from your accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter at 8:00 am to take you to Quang Ninh province and Halong Bay. Take 15 to 20 minutes to relax before getting ready for one of your life's greatest adventures.

At 12:30, we will arrive at the harbor, where you can board the boat and begin your voyage with our amiable, knowledgeable, and skilled crew.

The lunch will be served to you as the boat travels on to our destination, passing by an almost unlimited number of islands and islets. Unquestionably a genuinely wonderful encounter.

You can head to the upper deck after your excellent meal to take in Halong Bay's grandeur in all of its natural, pure, magical, and beautiful manifestations.

Are you all set to join the activity? Let's kayak for an hour around the region of the floating community. If you don't like kayaking, don't worry, you can also swim.

When the time is up, you'll head back to the boat for a fun sundown party on the sundeck. Here, you may mingle with other tourists while listening to relaxing music and taking in the breathtaking splendor of Halong Bay.

Yes, this day has been great. There is no better way to cap it off than by indulging in a sumptuous dinner prepared by our chef. After that, you are free to do whatever you wish with your time, such as sing or just unwind.

Overnight on Halong Bay

Meals included: Breakfast | lunch | dinner

Get up early and join us for a practice of Tai Chi on the terrace deck. This will help you relax your mind and muscles as you watch the first rays of sunlight strike the sea. The dining room is stocked with beverages such as coffee, tea, and pastries, perfect for starting the day off well.

After breakfast, you'll be prepared to embark on the day's main adventure: exploring the Cave. That is one of the most stunning and alluring caves in Halong Bay; it is a remarkable destination. Your knowledgeable tour guide will tell you everything there is to know about it.

Proceed with your cruise across the Bay, which is characterized by its limestone rocks and several little islands. An ever-evolving background for photography can be found in the form of grottoes and little beaches that are abandoned and were sculpted out by wind and sea. Not to mention the mental pictures of ancient junks or basketboats floating off in the distance on glistening waters.

Later, as you have a delicious lunch, we'll cruise back to the pier. After that, it will be time to disembark and bid the boat crew farewell. You will be transferred back to your accommodation in Ha Noi after being dropped off at the dock.

A private car will pick you up in Hanoi and take you to the airport to catch the flight to Da Nang. Another driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast | lunch

Mornnig

Meet your guide at your accommodation in the morning, and then visit a local market. Bargain with local vendors and purchase ingredients for the culinary session. Next, get in a car and head to Cam Thanh. Visit a village in Cam Thanh and see the coconut palm plants.

Your guide will tell you fascinating facts about the village and explain the people's daily lives. Board a traditional coracle boat and take a leisurely ride down the Thu Bon River. Watch a performance by local artisans and learn how to manufacture palm leaf keepsakes.

Learn about the history of these lanterns and follow the instructions to create your lantern, which you can keep as a souvenir. Afterward, begin a cooking session with a local cook to learn about Vietnamese food. Finish preparing the fried spring rolls, rice pancakes, papaya salad with chicken, and Cao Lau noodles, a Hoi An specialty. Eat and savor the cuisine you have made before returning to your hotel

Afternoon

Tour highlights include the Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, all of which may be seen in the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Precious Heritage Museum, which houses Réhahn's Precious Heritage Collection, for more of its permanent display. The collection will take you to the most remote regions of Vietnam and reveal the intricate cultural fabric of the country's ethnic minorities.

Visiting the Reaching Out Tea House, owned and maintained by mute and deaf people, is the highlight of the day. The tea house is a peaceful haven in the heart of the Old District, otherwise full of noise and activity. In this establishment, you can expect to be served wonderful Eastern-style tea and tasty sweets.

It's time to start exploring Hoi An's delicious street food. You'll get to eat at stalls frequented by locals and savor the region's cuisine alongside them as your guide leads you through the maze of narrow streets. At 4 o'clock every day, the streets of Hoi An are flooded with dozens of merchants hawking anything from fresh fruit to grilled pork. The street food tour is a fantastic way to get a taste of some of the local specialties like Banh Mi, meet the people who prepare them, and see how the natives of Hoi An organize their condiment trays.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Street Food Tour

You will be taken from your hotel in Hoi An to your hotel in Hue by private car in the morning. Hue was the imperial city of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th century. It's beautiful emperors' tombs, old pagodas, and the ruins of the Citadel all add to its unquestionable regal allure.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, which is in the middle of the Complex of Hue Monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the tall main gate and enjoy the beautiful buildings and gardens while your guide tells you about the drama and intrigue that surrounded the former royal court. Even though it was bombarded a lot during the Vietnam War, some parts are still in great shape, and others are being meticulously repaired.

You can take a short trip to the Royal Antique Museum once you leave the citadel. You can visit one of two royal tombs:

(1) The Tu Duc Royal Tomb is the most spectacular of all the royal mausoleums. Emperor Tu Duc built it between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc had 104 wives and many concubines, yet he did not leave any heirs to the throne. There is a tomb in the complex, along with pavilions and temples, but no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried because all 200 of the servants who buried the monarch were executed to keep grave robbers from finding out where he was buried.

(2) The Khai Dinh Royal Tomb has a lot of different styles of building that show off both Eastern and Western art. The Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is smaller than many of the other tombs, but it is more colorful. The side walls going up to the tomb are made up of the biggest dragons in the country. The tomb's outside is blackened concrete, and the inside is a colorful mosaic. The main building is big and has murals depicting the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects, and Eight Fairies on the walls.

Go back to your hotel after visiting the tomb.

Overnight in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast

Morning

You will go on a half-day tour of Hue to learn more about this beautiful city. Take a dragon boat to the first place, Thien Mu Pagoda (Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda), which is the oldest pagoda in Hue City. The morning boat ride to the pagoda will be a great way to start the trip. The Perfume River's fresh air will make you feel very good. Visit The Citadel. The Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last royal family, lived in the Imperial City. After the Citadel, our car will take you to the Dong Ba market, which is Hue's busiest and has a lot of different foods and goods. You can see how people in the area buy and sell things here. This is also a chance to buy gifts for your family and friends. 

Afternoon

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh, previously known as Saigon. The driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. And this is free time to explore Ho Chi Minh in your own way.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meal: Breakfast

Morning

After breakfast, you will be greeted by your guide and driven to Cu Chi, a small village located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City known for its network of subterranean tunnels that served as a safe haven and successful infiltration route for the Viet Cong during the closing stages of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you will view a brief instructional movie before visiting the tunnels, the most renowned battlegrounds of the period. It is thought that the concealed network of Viet Cong tunnels spanned "hundreds of miles" in total length and contained living quarters, storage areas, temporary hospitals, kitchens, etc. Although the system was initially somewhat narrow, some sections have been enlarged for tourists, and you have the option to explore them.

Please note that these tunnels will be hot and claustrophobic, so if you want to watch from above ground, that is an option.

Cassava, the staple diet of the Viet Cong soldiers, is served alongside a tart tea. After exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, return to the city with lunch at the local restaurant on the way.

Afternoon

Spend the remainder of the day touring Ho Chi Minh City's major attractions. The Notre Dame Cathedral, the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House, the historic Rex Hotel, the Central Post Office, renowned for its architecture, and Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste, are particularly recommended.

Later, visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum for a somber and enlightening look at Vietnam's military history and violent past.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Morning

After breakfast, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Ben Tre Town, which is referred to as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam because of its extensive rice fields, intricate canal system, and picturesque surroundings.

To get to Ben Tre town, where you will board a motorized boat excursion around the picturesque River and see several local industries along the route, it takes around two hours of driving through the fertile farmland countryside. While on the boat, we'll make stops at the modest local factory housing the mat-weaving business and the coconut processing workshops. Visit a quiet village where you may take a little stroll to see how the inhabitants live their daily lives and sample fresh fruits and honey tea. Continue your tour by stopping at a workshop in a coconut mill where a variety of expertly handcrafted coconut husk and fiber goods are made, including the local delicacy of coconut candy.

After that, go for a motorcycle (Xe Loi) ride or a bicycle excursion to visit the village's coconut and vegetable orchard plantations. Then you've finished your tour, your guide will take you for lunch at a local restaurant beside a river.

Afternoon

Take a small sampan to row around the coconut canals after lunch for the stunning view. The canals are secret streams that are bordered by a huge variety of tropical vegetation. The peaceful, rural environment is a refreshing and healing retreat from the hectic, distant HCM City. When the boat returns, the bus will pick up passengers at the pier and depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

The night is all yours. Let's go on a nighttime tour of Ho Chi Minh by yourself.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

You have free time after breakfast till our private airport transfer takes you to the airport for flying to Bangkok.

When you get to Bangkok, your driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. After the flight, you can relax by yourself.

Spend the night in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam during its golden age, and its temple ruins are a sight to behold.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the drive to Wat Lokayasutha, which is the first stop in Ayutthaya, after traveling there in a luxurious and air-conditioned vehicle from Bangkok. This temple is famous for its enormous picture of a Buddha that is reclining because it is one of the few constructions that have been preserved here.

Your next stop will be at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is located within the complex of the royal palace and was used by the royal family for religious ceremonies. It is widely acknowledged as Ayutthaya's most significant religious structure.

After that, you should go to Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. It is said that the sacred relic of the Buddha was formerly kept within this temple, making it one of the oldest and most important in Ayutthaya's history. Take a moment to appreciate the iconic Buddha head that has been sculpted into the roots of a Bodhi tree.

After that, you will have a delicious lunch at a local Thai restaurant, where your guide will be available to provide recommendations on the regional delicacies served there.

Your journey should come to a close at the magnificent Wat Chaiwattanaram, which is located along the river. As you make your way through the gigantic grounds, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the captivating architectural style that was inspired by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

After breakfast, the guide will pick you up from the hotel. This tour of Bangkok's most prominent temples will immerse you in the city's rich history and spiritual legacy.  From the towering Grand Palace to the breathtaking Wat Pho and Wat Arun, this guided walking tour takes you through centuries of Thai art, culture, and religion.

 Begin your day by seeing Thailand's renowned Grand Palace, a symbol of the royal family and an architectural marvel.  Wander around the beautiful temples, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses one of Thailand's most holy Buddha images.  Admire the beautiful features of the palace's golden spires and murals, while your guide explains their historical significance.

 Continue to Wat Pho, where you'll see the colossal 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf.  This temple, also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, is a must-see for its peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural past.

 After that, cross the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun, one of Bangkok's most recognizable monuments.  Wat Arun is known for its tall prang (spire) that is artistically embellished with multicolored porcelain and provides stunning views of the river and cityscape.  Climb the temple's steep steps to see the exquisite sculptures up close and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Our afternoon ends in Bangkok's Chinatown, which is one of the city's oldest areas. It is possible to buy almost anything you can think of in this chaotic labyrinth of narrow streets and busy sois (alleys), which are overrun with restaurants, stores, street markets, and food booths. You will also make a pit stop to try some of the most delicious food the city has to offer, such as odd snacks in a market, some of the best noodles in the city, or dessert. There is no need to bother eating in advance because you won't feel hungry at any point during the event. Throughout the course of the tour, vegetarian meal alternatives will be provided.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

We will pick you up from your hotel and, depending on flight availability, transport you to one of the local airports for your trip to Phuket, Thailand's beach life capital. Phuket has a little bit of everything, from its exciting nightlife to its many beaches, delicious street food, and vibrant Old Town. Tonight, travelers can go to Patong, Phuket's famous party hub, for a crazy night out!

When you get to Phuket, meet the driver and go to the hotel to check in.

Overnight in Phuket

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy the famed beach in Thailand and the food there. You may relax in the sun or check out the shops, cafes, and restaurants.  Do not miss the beautiful sunset, no matter what you do!

Overnight in Phuket

Meals included: Breakfast

This multi-stop adventure tour from Phuket gives you the chance to paddle a canoe and ride a longtail boat. Try the local food, tour Talu Cave, and go to James Bond Island to see the beautiful limestone karsts made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

After being picked up from your hotel in Phuket, go straight to your first stop of the day, Wat Suwan Khuha, also called the Monkey Cave, because of the mischievous monkeys that live in the temple complex. Before going to the pier, go down into the cave temple and look at the statues and paintings.

Next, get on a longtail boat and sail to Panyee Island, also called the "Floating Village." Since the 1800s, people have lived on the island, which was built by local fishers on stilts. Before having lunch in a village restaurant, you can walk around the village and see how people live there.

After you've eaten some delicious local food, get back on the boat and head to Talu Cave. Canoe in the beautiful blue water when you have some free time. Check out the cave area, where you can see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and rock forms with strange shapes.

Then, keep going to James Bond Island, the day's big attraction. Stop at the best place to see the 20-meter-tall rock formation, which is a single cliff ringed by turquoise water and other cliffs. Before heading back to Phuket, you can look at the beautiful scenery that you will never forget.

Overnight in Phuket. 

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

As the sun rises, Phuket comes to life. People who work early in the morning go to marketplaces and coffee shops. The sounds of blenders whirring as they make smoothies, the smells of breakfast cooking on the go, and the fresh sea breeze coming off the Andaman Sea are all things that will make you love Phuket this morning before you go. After breakfast, you will pack your things, meet your private transfer, and head to the international airport to catch your journey back home from beautiful Phuket.