Your Thailand and Vietnam journey begins in Bangkok. Your private driver meets you at the airport with a name board and takes you to your city-centre accommodation. Explore independently or rest after the flight.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Thailand and Vietnam — Lands of Smiles
Thailand and Vietnam: Cities, Culture and Local Life - 16 Days
▣16 days ⌖9 stops ▱Four flights, private transfers and shared cruise
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Tour photograph · Hanoi
Your tour idea
From Thailand’s temples through Vietnam’s landscapes
Begin in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, then travel from northern to southern Vietnam.
At a glance
Sixteen days from Bangkok and Chiang Mai through Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.
Best suited for: Travellers who enjoy culture and scenery alongside free days and optional activities.
After exploring Bangkok’s temples, enjoy free days in Chiang Mai, with an optional elephant excursion. In Vietnam, spend a night on Halong Bay before travelling between Hoi An and Hue via the Hai Van Pass.
Finish in the Mekong Delta, visiting Cai Be, Can Tho and Cai Rang Floating Market, before departing from Ho Chi Minh City.
What you will experience
- Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Buddha images
- Free days in Chiang Mai
- Overnight Halong Bay cruise
- Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass
More highlights
- Hue’s Imperial City
- Cai Be, Can Tho and Cai Rang Floating Market
Day by day
Your itinerary
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Save the full itinerary and read it at your leisure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, discover Bangkok’s cultural heritage through colourful temples, grand palaces and important Buddha images. At Wat Traimit in Chinatown, see one of the largest solid-gold Buddha statues, weighing around 5.5 tonnes. Continue to Wat Pho and its celebrated Reclining Buddha, around 45 metres long. The complex was also an early centre for traditional Thai massage. Continue to …
After breakfast, discover Bangkok’s cultural heritage through colourful temples, grand palaces and important Buddha images. At Wat Traimit in Chinatown, see one of the largest solid-gold Buddha statues, weighing around 5.5 tonnes. Continue to Wat Pho and its celebrated Reclining Buddha, around 45 metres long. The complex was also an early centre for traditional Thai massage.
Continue to the Grand Palace, one of the country’s most important royal landmarks. Explore halls used for different royal occasions, including coronation and funeral ceremonies, and the royal guesthouse. Visit the highly revered Emerald Buddha.
Transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy your remaining time in Bangkok before your private driver takes you to the airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy a free day or book the optional half-day visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, including lunch. The programme lists this at USD 165 per person, with a minimum of two participants. Optional programme: the morning visit is advertised as approximately 6:30 am–12:30 pm. Depart at around 7 am for a 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai through hills, …
Enjoy a free day or book the optional half-day visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, including lunch. The programme lists this at USD 165 per person, with a minimum of two participants.
Optional programme: the morning visit is advertised as approximately 6:30 am–12:30 pm. Depart at around 7 am for a 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai through hills, forest and farmland. Arrive at the sanctuary at around 8:30 am, meet the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing and prepare herbal remedies for them.
From 9 am, feed the elephants, give them the prepared remedies and learn about their behaviour and histories, with time for photographs. The optional programme includes a mud bath at around 9:45 am and a walk to the river for bathing at 10:30 am. Enjoy a traditional Thai meal at 11:30 am before saying goodbye. The detailed schedule places departure at around noon for the 1.5-hour return drive; your actual hotel arrival time will be confirmed.
Bring swimwear if you intend to join the elephant-bathing activity.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Spend the day as you wish. Stroll through Chiang Mai or head into the mountains for a walk. Independent options include galleries east of the Ping River, markets and street food. You may like to visit Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple, known for its intricate silver decoration. Beyond the city, explore mountain trails or the Sticky Waterfalls. …
Spend the day as you wish. Stroll through Chiang Mai or head into the mountains for a walk. Independent options include galleries east of the Ping River, markets and street food.
You may like to visit Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple, known for its intricate silver decoration. Beyond the city, explore mountain trails or the Sticky Waterfalls. Alternatively, unwind with a spa visit or Thai massage.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy your remaining time in Chiang Mai before your private transfer to the airport and flight to Hanoi. Meet your driver at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Please note: on some days of the week, the flight may connect through Bangkok.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check out in the morning and meet your cruise transfer team. Travel through the Red River Delta, passing green rice fields along the way. Board at the pier and take in the limestone cliffs and caves. A seafood lunch is served, followed by time to enjoy the bay from the sundeck. The boat stops in a quiet spot …
Check out in the morning and meet your cruise transfer team. Travel through the Red River Delta, passing green rice fields along the way.
Board at the pier and take in the limestone cliffs and caves. A seafood lunch is served, followed by time to enjoy the bay from the sundeck.
The boat stops in a quiet spot for kayaking or swimming, giving you a closer view of the limestone scenery. Return to the ship in the early evening for dinner, followed by time to join on-board activities or relax.
Overnight on board.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the bay. Breakfast is served in the dining room, and a tai chi session on the sundeck offers a gentle start to the day. Visit a limestone cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, then return to the boat, check out and enjoy brunch as you sail back to the harbour. Transfer …
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the bay. Breakfast is served in the dining room, and a tai chi session on the sundeck offers a gentle start to the day.
Visit a limestone cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, then return to the boat, check out and enjoy brunch as you sail back to the harbour. Transfer to your accommodation in Hanoi afterwards.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy your remaining time in Hanoi before your private airport transfer and flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to your accommodation in Hoi An. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own pace. Hire a bicycle from your hotel for a ride to the river or beach. After a swim, relax with a fresh fruit drink at a small beachside café. Hoi An’s tailors can often make clothing, bags or shoes overnight; confirm the timing and allow for fittings. In the evening, stroll through …
Explore Hoi An at your own pace. Hire a bicycle from your hotel for a ride to the river or beach. After a swim, relax with a fresh fruit drink at a small beachside café.
Hoi An’s tailors can often make clothing, bags or shoes overnight; confirm the timing and allow for fittings. In the evening, stroll through the lantern-lit Old Town and look out for colourful street performances.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, enjoying mountain and sea views. Check in on arrival and spend some time exploring your surroundings.
Overnight in Hue.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Your guide and vehicle collect you from your central hotel at around 8 am. Take a dragon boat along the Perfume River for about 30 minutes to Thien Mu Pagoda, enjoying the fresh morning air. Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. Continue to bustling Dong Ba Market to watch …
Your guide and vehicle collect you from your central hotel at around 8 am. Take a dragon boat along the Perfume River for about 30 minutes to Thien Mu Pagoda, enjoying the fresh morning air.
Visit the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. Continue to bustling Dong Ba Market to watch the trading and browse for souvenirs.
After a lunch of Hue specialities and a short break, visit the royal tombs. Khai Dinh’s tomb combines Eastern and Western architectural influences, while Minh Mang’s is known for its grand layout and natural setting.
On the way back, stop at conical-hat and incense-making villages to learn about traditional crafts. Return to your hotel at around 4 pm.
Overnight in Hue.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy your remaining time in Hue before your private airport transfer and flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your driver at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
You are collected at 7:30 am for the drive to Cai Be. Take a boat to the part of the Tien River once known for its wholesale floating market. Learn how modern road transport and farming techniques have changed trading patterns. The surrounding orchards reveal the abundance of this fruit-growing area of the lower Mekong. Walk through small …
You are collected at 7:30 am for the drive to Cai Be. Take a boat to the part of the Tien River once known for its wholesale floating market. Learn how modern road transport and farming techniques have changed trading patterns. The surrounding orchards reveal the abundance of this fruit-growing area of the lower Mekong.
Walk through small villages, visit an old house and learn about local traditions. At a family workshop, see coconut sweets and crispy puffed rice being made. Sample fresh fruit and listen to southern Vietnamese folk music, an important part of the delta’s culture.
Paddle along small canals and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Explore the natural scenery of Tan Phong Island, then prepare Vietnamese dishes with local residents and share the meal in a garden.
Cycle along village lanes through orchards, meet island residents and learn about their daily lives. Visit Ba Kiet’s old house, then return by boat to Cai Be, where your bus is waiting for the onward journey to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, take a boat through the scenic waterways of the lower Mekong and Bassac area to visit Cai Rang Floating Market. Visit a noodle workshop on foot and admire the distinctive Khmer architecture of Munir Ansay Pagoda. Continue by boat to Con Son, where you visit an orchard and taste seasonal fruit. Return to Ho Chi Minh …
After breakfast, take a boat through the scenic waterways of the lower Mekong and Bassac area to visit Cai Rang Floating Market.
Visit a noodle workshop on foot and admire the distinctive Khmer architecture of Munir Ansay Pagoda. Continue by boat to Con Son, where you visit an orchard and taste seasonal fruit.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Explore this day in more detail
- Meals
- Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on the final day of your Thailand and Vietnam trip. After check-out, browse local markets for souvenirs if time allows. Your private driver later takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Your journey comes to an end.
Included services
Tailored to your preferences and budget
- ✓Personal trip planning
- ✓Local transport
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Round-the-clock support
Additional costs
×International flightsPlease budget for these separately.
Plan each stage of your journey with our local team.
✦ Duration✦ Pace✦ Comfort
Carefully selected
Your accommodation
Compare suggested accommodation by destination and hotel category. Room types and availability will be confirmed when you book.
Swipe sideways to compare hotel categories.
| Destination | 3 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | |||
| Chiang Mai | |||
| Hanoi | |||
| Halong Bay | |||
| Hoi An | |||
| Hue | |||
| Ho Chi Minh City | |||
| Can Tho |
The listed hotels and cruise vessel apply to each trip category, with comparable alternatives possible. The final selection is confirmed when you book.
These hotels are suggestions, not confirmed reservations. If a hotel is unavailable, we will offer a comparable alternative. Columns represent the trip categories; lodges, homestays and cruises may be the same across more than one category.
Local expertsbased in Vietnam
Tailored to youRoute, pace & comfort
24/7support during your trip
≈ 24 hoursto our first reply
Frequently asked questions
Before you send your enquiry
Discuss your travel preferences with our team. Here are answers to some common questions.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Discuss the duration, hotels, activities, pace and individual stages with our local team.
What does the starting price mean?
The starting price is indicative and based on the stated hotel category and traveller numbers. Your final quote depends on travel dates, availability and your preferences.
Are international flights included?
International arrival and departure flights are excluded from the published starting price. Your personal quote will clearly list included services and additional costs.
Who can help during my trip?
Our local team is your point of contact during the trip and can help with urgent questions or changes.
When will a travel specialist reply?
We usually reply within 24 hours of your enquiry. More complex itineraries may take a little longer to prepare.
Services at a glance
Our team will tailor the services to your preferences and budget.
16 days16 stages
From USD 2,101 / personInternational arrival and departure flights excluded
Included services
- Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 20 kg of baggage per person.✓
- Flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi with 20 kg of baggage per person.✓
- Flight from Hanoi to Da Nang with 20 kg of baggage per person.✓
- Flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City with 20 kg of baggage per person.✓
- Child airfares follow the airline’s conditions at booking. Please contact us for a quote if travelling with more than one child.✓
- Experienced English-speaking guide. German-, French-, Spanish- or Dutch-speaking guides are available on request for a supplement.✓
- Meals as listed in the daily itinerary. B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.✓
- Private door-to-door collection and drop-off.✓
- Return air-conditioned bus transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay.✓
- Air-conditioned buses or private vehicles for excursions.✓
- All sightseeing and admission tickets listed in the itinerary.✓
- Tissues and drinking water in the vehicle.✓
- Service charges and government taxes.✓
- 24/7 assistance through our hotline.✓
Additional costs
- International arrival and departure flights.×
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips.×
- Early check-in and late check-out unless expressly included.×
- Compulsory gala dinners on 24 and 31 December, where applicable.×
- Holiday surcharges at Christmas, New Year and Tet in Vietnam, where applicable.×
- Airport-transfer surcharges between midnight and 5 am.×
- An e-visa or visa for Vietnam and Thailand, where required.×
- Optional half-day elephant excursion in Chiang Mai with lunch: USD 165 per person, with a minimum of two participants. See Day 4 for the full programme.×
- Services not expressly listed.×
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Your tour idea: Thailand and Vietnam: Cities, Culture and Local Life - 16 Days
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