Majestic of Thailand – Vietnam & Cambodia – 21 Days

General Information

Duration: 21 Days/ 20 Nights
Date: No fixed dates
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Chiang Mai
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Danang – Siem Reap – Bangkok – Phuket – Chiang Mai
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Walking Tour with Street Foods (-)
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Cyclo & Water Puppet (B)
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight in Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang (B, Br)
Day 5: Danang – Bana Hills – Golden Bridge – Danang (B)
Day 6: Danang – Coconut Forest – ½ Day Walking Tour in Hoi An (B)
Day 7: Danang – Free Time (B)
Day 8: Danang – Fly to Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (B)
Day 9: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (B)
Day 10: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Mountains – Banteay Srey (B)
Day 11: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Fly to Bangkok (B)
Day 12: Bangkok Full-Day City Tour (B)
Day 13: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Bangkok (B)
Day 14: Bangkok – Phuket – ½ Day City Tour (B)
Day 15: Phuket – Phi Phi & Khai Island & Pileh lagoon, Maya bay by speedboat Group Tour (B, L)
Day 16: Phuket – James Bond Island Group Tour (B, L)
Day 17: Phuket Free Day (B)
Day 18: Phuket – Flight to Chiang Mai (B)
Day 19: Chiang Mai City – Doi Suthep (B)
Day 20: Chiang Mai – Long Neck Karen Village – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B)
Day 21: Chiang Mai – Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Walking Tour with Street Foods (-)

On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake 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 a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fortunately, as it’s Friday so there’s night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.
*All meals will be paid on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: None

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Cyclo & Water Puppet (B)

Today, our tour will start at 8:30 am by a cup of coffee at Lam/Giang Coffee House. Coffee is one of the famous drink in Hanoi every morning. Then, we enjoy 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired “old quarter”. We will be free for shopping in the old quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. After cyclo tour, we will go to Dong Xuan Market, one of the biggest market in Hanoi where you can find everything with lower price than outside. We will spend time walking around Old Quarter Hanoi and see the activities of people in here. Don’t forget to try some salt/sugar dry fruit in Vietnam based on some famous brand of this like: Hong Lam, Van Loi, Gia Loi, Tien Thinh, etc. Around 10:30 – 11 am, we transfer to St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi before transfering to the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius.

After lunch, we will drive to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Later this afternoon, we enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets.

Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not opened every Monday & Friday.
• 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

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight in Cruise (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi around 7:45 – 8:30 am by shuttle bus to start our journey. When we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, you will get checked in at La Regina Royal waiting lounge, and enjoy welcome drink and express check-in before boarding. Once arrived, you will be given a short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations while you enjoy some complimentary welcoming drinks. Shortly after, we start our vacation with a delicious lunch set menu in restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Halong Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.

Around 15:00, your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave. This is considered as one of the most ideal places in Halong for kayaking or rowing boat. After that, you will visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay. Then, we return back to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. At 7 pm, we enjoy our special dinner in the restaurant or on the sundeck (if the weather is permit). After dinner, it’s your choice for a fun squid fishing, spa (surcharge) or relaxing before spending the rest of night on board

11:30 Arrive at Le Regina Royal waiting lounge in Halong International Harbour, enjoy welcome drink and express check-in before boarding.
12:30 Transferred to La Regina Royal Cruise by a tender boat, enjoy Welcome Drink from crew member while manager introduce the safety briefing and clearing our the itinerary.
13:00 Let your vacation start with a delicious lunch set menu in restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Halong Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone
15:00 Your first excursion is a visit to Luon Cave. This is considered as one of the most ideal places in Halong for kayaking or rowing boat. After that, you will visit Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay.
17:30 Return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
19:00 Enjoy our special dinner in the restaurant or on the sundeck (if the weather permits). After dinner, it’s your choice for a fun squid fishing, spa (surcharge) or relaxing.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Danang (B, Br)

In the early morning, we greet the new day on the sundeck with a tachi session and enjoy the fresh air on the bay while you unwind with a cup of tea or coffee.  Following, we visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay. After the time in here, we return back to La Regina Royal Cruise and spend time to check-out before having the Vietnamese cuisine buffet is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor and get on the shuttle bus to return back to Hanoi in around 2.5 – 3 hours.

06:00 Greet the new day on the sundeck with Tai Chi Exercise.
06:30 Light breakfast is served at the restaurant.
07:30 After the breakfast, Your next excursion is a visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay.
09:00 Come back to La Regina Royal Cruise. Check out of the cabin.
09:45 Vietnamese cuisine buffet is served at the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.
11:00 Disembark at the harbor.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Day 5: Danang – Bana Hills – Golden Bridge – Danang (B)

07:00 am – 08:00 am: Our Minivan and a tour guide pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.
9:30 am: Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, then take The Climbing Train to visit the top of the mountain& further explore Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Debay Wine Cellar (old wineries) & Ling Ung Pagoda. Continue the 2^nd Cable Car to visit the French Village (enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue), Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop. Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome … Challenge the most popular adventure ride – Slide of Tube Car (free ride).
11:00 Visit the Golden Bridge. Located in the middle of the mountain, the bridge is designed to be soft, the entire bridge covered with a magnificent yellow. From the distance, the bridge is like a silk strip floating in white clouds. What makes the bridge more special is the huge supporting hand. Lunch at the restaurant (Buffet). Join in Fantasy Park with Walking in Fairy Forest, discover Dinosaur Park, play 5D wild west, enjoy 4D death race ride, watch 3D mega 360 degree, ride on Journey into the underground, enter Jurassic Park, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.
15:00: Return to the Cable Car for leaving Ba Na Hills
16:45 – 17:45: Our Minivan brings you back to your hotel. Tour ends.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Danang – Coconut Forest – ½ Day Walking Tour in Hoi An (B)

After breakfast, we transfer to Bay Mau – Famous eco-tourism gives visitors many experiences about the nature of rivers, immense coconut forests and rustic basket boats. 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 the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we transfer back to Danang city for overnight accommodation.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Danang – Free Time (B)

Today is free day.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Danang – Fly to Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (B)

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel for check in. Visit to the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths” was once used or ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei(surrounded by 4 concentric walls), 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. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake) and Preah Khan temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.  Dinner not included and night at hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (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 and the Terrace of the Leper King.

This afternoon, we will 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 wonderful sunset from the top of Phnom Ba KhengTemple.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Siem Reap – Phnom Kulen Mountains – Banteay Srey (B)

We will drive up Kulen Mountains for the visit to a Grand Buddha Statue, the River of Thousand Lingas and the Great Waterfall. On the way back, we will visit to Banteay Srey, known as Citadel of Women or a Pink Temple, and Banteay Samre Temples.

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Fly to Bangkok (B)

In the morning, 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. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to next destination.

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. Our English Speaking Tour guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of the airport and then, they will take you to your hotel in the city center for check in. 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 and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to recover from jet lag and explore the city on your own.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Bangkok Full-Day City Tour (B)

After breakfast, we began to visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the ceremony of the royal family of Thailand. It is is the most sacred place, respected and majestic in Bangkok. The Grand Palais, or the Royal Palace, is a resort with many historical monuments built for centuries. For most, these are temples and official buildings still used today. In the same compund 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. Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is located at the shore of eastern Chao Phraya River, south of the Grand Palace. The temple of the symbol is the famous statue “Reclining Buddha”. This statue represents Buddha on his deathbed. It is 45 meters long and 15 meters high. His feet are inlaid with mother of pearl.

Then, we visit the Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha. This highly revered temple contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 5 ½ tons. 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. It is recognized as one of the most iconic and beautiful temples in Thailand. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is famous for its magnificent 79-meter-high central spire, reputed as being Thailand’s Eiffel Tower, which has a unique design and fine craftsmanship.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Bangkok (B)

In early morning, 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. First, you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”, which is located just outside Ayutthaya. Then you will proceed to the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You will also visit Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, one of the largest bronze Buddha’s in Thailand. Have lunch by your own account.

Afterwards, you will visit Wat Lokaya Sutha. This temple enshrines a large reclining Buddha image. Our last 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.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Bangkok – Phuket – ½ Day City Tour (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, pack your bags and hop on a plane to your next destination in southern Thailand. You will spend the next few days under palm trees on the dream beaches of your choice. Upon arrival in Phuket, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel by our English Speaking Guide and local driver. Then, we will start to explore Phuket City. Stop and take a photo at the best view point of Phuket Island, we can see Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Pu Island from the top of hill. Then, we will visit a famous temple on Phuket Island is Chalong temple. Next, we will visit Pearl, cashew nut factory (Good local product of souvenir). Last, sightseeing around Phuket Old Town to see the way of life of Phuket local people, China town and the Sino-Portuguese style buildings.

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Phuket – Phi Phi & Khai Island & Pileh lagoon, Maya Bay by speedboat Group Tour (B, L)

7.30 AM Pick you up from hotel and transfer to pier
8.30 AM Warm welcome at pier
9.00 AM Depart to Phi Phi Ley Island, visit the beautiful scenery of May Bay, snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay and also visit Hong Island (Pileh lagoon) for swimming, take a photo at Viking cave.
12.30 PM noon Having a great lunch on Phi Phi Don Island.
14.30 PM Arrive at Khai Island. Free time on the beach take a photo with a wonderful fishes.
16.15 PM Arrive at pier and transfer back to your hotel by pleasant trip.

Tour included: Shared round trip hotel transfer, sharing speed boat round trip, professional English Speaking Tour guide and crews, mask, snorkel and life jacket, lunch, soft drink, fresh fruits, insurance.
Excluded: National Park fee: 400 THB/ adult and 200 THB/ child
What to bring: Sun protection, swimming suit, beach footwear, towel & camera, cash…
– Note:

• Please be on time, don’t be late because this is join tour. You will be left back at the marina/ island if you are late more than 10 minutes.
• The program may vary depending on the weather and the tides but a pleasant day is guaranteed.
• For pregnancy please let us know and some tours can’t join the tour
• S.I.C/ Join tours are OFTEN upto 30 passengers or more for speedboat tour and 50 – 60 passengers for Big Boat tour, sometimes even more (depending on the boat size)

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 16: Phuket – James Bond Island Group Tour  (B, L)

8.00 AM: Pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Marina.
9.30 AM: Departure from the Marina Phuket direct to James Bond Island
10.15 AM: Visit James Bond Island where “James Bond 007, the man with the Golden Gun” was filmed.
11.00 AM: Start to paddle a sea canoe in the beautiful cave for 45 minutes.
12.30 noon: Great lunch at Panyee Musalim fishing village and free time as leisure for shopping.
14.00 PM Leave from Panyee village direct to Naka island for swimming and relaxing.
16.00 PM Departure from Naka island back to Phuket.
16.20 PM Arrive to Marina and transfer back to hotel by pleasant trip.

Tour included: Shared round trip hotel transfer (pick up from hotels in Patong, Kata and Karon beach only), shared speedboat round trip, Soft drink, drinking water, fresh fruits, Professional license English Speaking Tour Guide and crews, Buffet lunch.
Excluded: National Park fee: 300 THB/ adult and 150 THB/ child
What to brink: Sun protection, swimming suit, beach footwear, towel & camera, cash…

– Note:

• Please be on time, don’t be late because this is join tour. You will be left back at the marina/ island if you are late more than 10 minutes.
• The program may vary depending on the weather and the tides but a pleasant day is guaranteed.
• For pregnancy please let us know and some tours can’t join the tour
• S.I.C/ Join tours are OFTEN upto 30 passengers or more for speedboat tour and 50 – 60 passengers for Big Boat tour, sometimes even more (depending on the boat size)
  

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17: Phuket Free Day (B)

Enjoy an entire day free for basking in the sun or bathing in the warm coastal waters. This is the time when the dream of spending holidays in an exotic country becomes a reality.

Overnight in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Phuket – Flight to Chiang Mai (B)

Today is free at your leisure for sightseeing before driving to the airport for late morning flight to Chiang Mai. (No Guide). Upon landing, you’ll meet our English Speaking Guide and driver at the airport and then take a comfortable ride to hotel. Check in to your hotel then relax.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Chiang Mai City – Doi Suthep (B)

Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, we have a walking tour to the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai including 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. Last is Wat Chiang Man, the oldest Temple in Chiang Mai town. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. The beautiful Lanna-style ordination hall enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaew Khao, revered by Chiang Mai locals.

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. 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 20: Chiang Mai – Long Neck Karen Village – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from your hotel around 07.00 – 7.45 AM for a group tour. Your first stop will be the Maekhajan Hot Springs and next is Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a good spot to have a morning cup of coffee before heading up towards the stunning Wat Rong Khun also called The White Temple due do its dazzling white color inlaid with mirrored glass.

We will proceed to the Golden Triangle where you can see the meeting points of Thailand, Burma, and Laos. Take a boat trip on the Mekong to Laos Island. Have lunch before visiting Yao hill tribe and Akha and Karen Long Neck Village. Return back to your Chiang Mai hotel around 09.00 PM.

Special note:
Please be aware that this is a one day tour. You only spend 15 – 20 minutes at each sites as certain parts of this tour close by 5.00 PM (except at the Golden Triangle which will stop longer than other places due to we have a boat trip option to step in Laos). During this whirlwind tour (quick overview tour) you will drive over 700km and spend more than 9 hours in your tour vehicle. So, if you are interested in spending time exploring these sites and would like to have the luxury of leisure this tour is not for you. We highly recommend that you should select for the 2 or 3 day version of this tour. Therefore, we would like to advise you to choose a multi-day tour that you can enjoy the wonders Northern Thailand offers.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Chiang Mai – Departure (B)

Free time on your own leisure until you will be picked up by our English-speaking tour guide and local driver transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for a flight next destinations. Thanks for choosing Indochina tour with Viet Vision Travel!