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GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Duration: 18 Days/ 17 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Bangkok/ Siem Reap
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the bustling city life of Bangkok, explore ancient temples and palaces.
- Explore the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and cruise through the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
- Visit Siem Reap and explore the ancient temples of Angkor, including Tonle Sap Lake.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (-)
Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. The glorious history of the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is closely linked to the Chakri dynasty that still reigns but does rule in Thailand.
Check in at the hotel and free time for your relaxation.
MEETING POINT:
Bangkok / Suvarnabhumi Airport:
WITH GUIDE: International and Domestic Arrivals - Meeting Point @ Gate No 4
Donmuang Airport:
WITH & WITHOUT GUIDE: International and Domestic Arrivals - Meeting Point @ Gate No 5
(Notes: Hotel check in time is at 2:00 PM. And in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied)
Overnight in Bangkok.
Meal: None.
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, we visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the ceremony of the royal family of Thailand. In the same compound is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew which is known for the Statue of the Emerald Buddha. After visiting this complex, we continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the lying Buddha. Then, we visit the Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, boarding on a long tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offer fantastic views of local life close by. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the temple of the Aube.
Return to the hotel and free time for relaxation.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya World Heritage City - Night Train to Chiang Mai (B)
Morning after breakfast, we will depart to Ayutthaya; it takes about more than hour to reach the former Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. We will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and strolling through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet.
And after that we visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King.
And transfer to railway station for night train to Chiang Mai.
Time estimated for night train: 19:44 – 07:15 (+1)
No guide on board
Overnight on train - 2nd Class Trainn.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 4: Chiang Mai – ½ Day Morning Elephant Nature Park Joint Tour – Doi Suthep Mountain (B, L)
Arrival Chiang Mai, our guide and driver will pick you up and bring you to hotel for breakfast.
NOTE: check in time is 14:00 p.m, surcharge for early check in is excluded.
Program:
Starting From: 7:30 am - 8:00 am - We offer convenient pick-up from your Chiang Mai city hotel. Alternatively, you can meet us at our office at 7:15 am - (Please check map) If you are staying out of town (outside Middle ring-road) additional charges apply. Please advise on your reservation form.
9:30 am - Arrival at Elephant Nature Park. Embark on a guided walk with our knowledgeable staff and the elephants, emphasising a no-riding policy. We will take you to the river that skirts the park, where you can observe and learn about the elephants´ habitat and history.
12:00 noon - Lunch: Indulge in a healthy and diverse vegan buffet featuring a range of Asian and International dishes.
1:00 pm - After lunch, it´s time to bid farewell to the elephants and Elephant Nature Park, as we begin the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai.
In the afternoon we cannot miss the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain’s temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand. We drive up the scenic mountainous terrains and pass by lush landscapes on your way to the base of the complex. We then climb up for more than 300 staircase and finally take an elevator to the top. Here get your chance to admire the picturesque panorama views of Chiang Mai City.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Temples Tour & Warorot Market (B)
After breakfast, we have a walking tour to the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai infcluding of Wat Phra Singh temple, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang.
Wat Phra Singh is one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai with Lanna style architecture. And it is well-known for the name”The temple of the Lion Buddha”.
We then continue to Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple with beautiful garden area sitting right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town.
Next to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi Luang a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its chedi is one of the tallest structures in the old city. There are a lots of important Buddhist holidays take place here.
Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot, which is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life.
Afternoon, visit San Kamphaeng handicraft villages.
San Kamphaeng is famous for high-quality cotton and silk weaving, elaborate wood carving, and ceramics. The village is made up of small cottages tucked between the factories and workshops where artists produce their crafts.
Bo Sang Umbrella Village
Within the district of San Kampaeng is Bo Sang Umbrella Village, famous for the production of paper umbrellas, hand-painted in an infinity of painstakingly detailed designs. These vibrant parasols are so popular that they are celebrated every January at the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 6: Chiang Mai - Flight to Luang Prabang (B, D)
Morning, after breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for departure flight.
Suggested Flight: Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang | 14:55 – 16:00
Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.
Evening, free on our own to explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khoang Si waterfall (B)
You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
After breakfast at the hotel, we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues.
Afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian Bear Rescue Center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 8: Luang Prabang City Tour - Flight to Hanoi - Walking Tour around the Old Quarter with Street Foods (B, D)
Breakfast, we then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Then we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Continue to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. There will be free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure flight to Hanoi.
Suggested Flight: Luang Prabang – Hanoi | 17:25 – 18:35
On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in. Around 6 pm, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, trying to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuffed pancakes with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.
Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in the pleasant surroundings overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life at the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.
These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:
- Bánh Cuốn - Steamed rice paper rolls
- Bún Ốc - Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
- Bún Riêu Cua - The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
- Bún Cá - Noodle soup with fish
- Bánh Xèo & Nem Lụi - Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
- Miến Xào Lươn - Glass noodles with eel
- Bánh Đa Trộn - Mixed flat rice noodles
- Bánh Tôm - Hanoi shrimp cakes
- Chả Rươi - Fried Worm (Based on season)
- Bánh Gối - Crispy 'empanadas'
- Mỳ Gà Tần - Chicken noodles in herbal broth
- Chè - Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
- Lẩu - Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, ...)
- Steaky Rices - Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs, etc)d
- Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9: Hanoi Classic Heritage City Tour (B, L)
Today, at 8:30 am, our guide pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi where we will venture out to explore Hanoi the first stop will be a coffee shop on Phung Hung Street. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. After spending around 1 hour here, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a temple to Confucius. Let's continue the tour by visiting Quan Thanh Temple represents the Taoist religion dating from the Ly Dynasty. Lunch is inclusive and served after the Quan Thanh Temple.
Then, we go to the Ho Chi Minh Complex as the first attraction. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visit outside) which houses his corpse everlasting so that Vietnamese people and friend countries can come to pay expect to him as the greatest president ever in Vietnam; his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh's final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period that Buddhist was most magnifically prosperous. The architecture followed special meanings as well. You absolutely find out how special this city means to Vietnamese people.
After the tour here, we will spend time in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hoa Lo is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and was where former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years.
Later this afternoon, we enjoy 1-hour cyclo tour of the French-inspired "Old Quarter". We will be free to shop in the old Quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. Then, we sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets and return back to the hotel in Hanoi.
Remarks:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not opened on every Monday & Friday.
- The Museum of Ethnology is closed on every Monday.
- The Museum can be moved to your favourite museum in Hanoi.
You might like to consider the following alternatives for your day in Hanoi:
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum – one of the most interesting museums in Hanoi and voted among ’10 Must-see sites in Hanoi’ by the Tripadvisor. The museum has three main galleries and three main themes: Women in Family, Women in History and Women’s Fashion. With more than 1000 materials, photos and objects displayed in the museum show the role the Vietnamese women in History and Family life.
- The History, Fine Arts and Army Museum – large, but many interesting exhibits
- The Hanoi Citadel – in the process of being released by the Army: two buildings now accessible
- The Dong Xuan, Hang Be or Hom markets – large, crowded, but very Vietnamese
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral – European neo-Gothic (plenty of up-market shops and restaurants nearby)
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Halong Bay Wonders with La Regina Day Cruise (B, L)
06:30 – 07:30 – Pick-up from hotel and transfer to Halong Bay
10:00 – 10:15 – Ready to Sail
Arrive at La Regina Day Cruise lounge in Tuan Chau Harbour. A quick check-in gets you on board, enjoy Welcome Drink from crew member while manager introduce the safety briefing and clearing the itinerary
10:15 – Setting Sail
The cruise sets course for Halong Bay, a natural marvel that will mesmerize you with its limestone wonders. Take in the stunning sights as we glide through the bay.
11:45 – 12:30 – Cave Exploration
Discover the astonishing Sung Sot Cave, the grandest of its kind in Halong Bay. Marvel at the panoramic beauty of the bay from this enchanting spot.
12:40 – Lunch with a View
Indulge in a delightful lunch while we pass by iconic landscapes like Hong Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave… Enjoy your meal amidst these breathtaking scenes.
14:00 – Serene Waters
The next stop is. Luon Cave, a perfect spot for kayaking or rowing. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay’s waters.
15:30 – Island Bliss
Visit Titov Island, a paradise with a crescent moon beach. Take a dip in the turquoise waters and climb to the island’s peak for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view.
16:30 – Sunset Magic
Witness a mesmerizing Sunset Party on board. Sip Vietnamese tea or coffee, relish fresh fruits and cake, and snack on treats as we cruise past stunning landmarks like Cong Troi, Hon Cho Da, Hon Ga Choi, Dinh Huong…
17:30 – Journey’s End
Disembark at the harbor, farewell to guests , see you in the next journey
Note: Due to cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area, but internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of Halong Bay.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 11: Hanoi - Flight to Danang, Hoi An (B)
After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Noi Bai airport for your next flight to Hanoi.
Suggested Flight: Hanoi – Danang | Flexible
On your arrival in Danang, our car and English-speaking tour guide will wait at Danang International airport to transfer you to Hoi An Ancient Town for accommodation.
*Note: Some optional activities that you can try in Hoi An are joining the Impression Shows; doing the Vespa Tour around the village, cooking class with market visiting, etc.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 12: Hoi An – Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery (B)
After breakfast, we will be free until our guide pick us up at the hotel and transferring all of us to Bay Mau – Famous eco-tourism gives visitors many experiences about the nature of rivers, immense coconut forests and rustic basket boats, you can taste the local lunch meal in there. After the activities, your driver arrives to take you to Hoi An ancient town. We will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit:
- Japanese Covered Bridge – an iconic symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town which was built in the 17th century with Japanese businessmen’s assistance. As a result, the bridge has been associated with a monster legend called Namazu. Specifically, Namazu is a Japanese mythological monster whose movements cause earthquakes and floods. Its head is located in India, while its body is in Vietnam and its tail in Japan
- The Museum of Trade Ceramics – one of several ancient houses that can be visited in Hoi An, with over 400 pieces and fragments in its interior.
- Tấn Ký Old House – One of the rare ancient houses in Hội An that still preserves the traditional architecture from the mid-18th century
- The Cantonese Congregation – a historically significant relic of Hoi An Ancient Town. With its Chinese architectural style, this is a popular destination for travelers to visit and explore.
- The Silk Street of Hoi An – On this street, you will find many products made from silk. This is one of the most prominent crafts in Hội An from the 17th to 18th centuries, alongside incense making. If you wish to purchase something, you can contact the tour guide for more specific instructions
- Finally, we will take some time to walk around the ancient town and feel time slow down, transporting us back to the old days when the bustling atmosphere of the largest trading port in central Vietnam is brought to life through the sight of small, closely packed 2-3 story houses, with architecture blending Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Hoi An – Transfer to Danang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
This morning we transfer to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, along the way we visit China Beach and Marble Mountain. We spend some time taking in the amazing views a top Marble Mountain before browsing the many stores at the foot of the mountain.
Suggested Flight: Danang – Ho Chi Minh City | Flexible after 1 pm
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we will be greeted and driven to our hotel in the city centre. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city of Ho Chi Minh City. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Deep into the Mekong Delta Vietnam Tour – Red Kingdom (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Vinh Long then we depart the boat and take a downstream on the Mekong River seeing many Afloating cages for farming fish. Stop to visit the Vinh Long market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables... Then, stop to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Next visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
Then, we’ll walk to visit the orchard & traditional house of a local family to visit their old house, orchards, and enjoy some fruits. Optional lunch should be served on board when our cruise is coming to RED KINGDOM where you can see hundreds of brick kilns on both sides of Thay Cai, Mỹ An & Hòa Tịnh canal. We will walk / bike in the peaceful village to see how they make bricks, floor tiles, wave bamboo trays, bamboo baskets…Our boat continues to travel on the Long Ho Canal. The cruise will go back to Vinh Long City and from here, we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Flight to Siem Reap - Evening Khmer Dance Show (B, D)
Suggested Flight: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap | SGN – SAI | 12:00 – 13:15
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Later this evening, we will sit down to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant all the while enjoying the traditional Khmer Dance show.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 16:Siem Reap with Full-day Angkor Wat Exploration (B))
This morning, we visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
This afternoon, we visit to the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy a wonderful sunset from the top of Pre Rup temple.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 17: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei Tours – Tonle Sap Lake Boat Trip (B)
This morning, we will visit Banteay Srey, known as the Citadel of Women or a Pink Temple, and Banteay Samre Temples. Then, we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake at KAMPONG PHLUK VILLAGE. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen's "floating village" with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the "village" move from place to place following water levels and current.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 18: Siem Reap Departure (B)
After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. Tour ends!
Have a safe flight!
Meal: Breakfast.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- 17-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detail itinerary
- Transfers for touring and airport pick-up/drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle (minivan) with experienced driver
- Meals as specified in the itinerary with Vegan/Western/Indian food available on request. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees & permits (if have)
- Day cruise excursion and kayaking in Halong Bay
- Boat/sampan excursions as per mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
Exclusions
- Surcharge for early check-in or late check-out unless stated
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes
- Visa Arrangement (kindly advise nationality if need assistance)
- Travel insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary
