Highlights of Vietnam and Thailand

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and take you directly to your hotel in the Old Quarter.

We have left this afternoon free for you to relax, unwind and become accustomed to your new surroundings. There will be a short tour briefing this evening with your guide followed by a welcome dinner at KOTO restaurant, a social enterprise that trains and employs underprivileged youth to provide a step up in life.

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Visa-on-Arrival letter (unless otherwise arranged). Please ensure to pack this in your carry-on luggage. Your Visa-on-Arrival letter must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today with the help of your private guide and driver, you will get to explore the city’s top attractions, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes away from the tourist trails, hunkering down with the locals on the street at a variety of atmospheric food stalls.

Morning
Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.

From HCM Complex, you will take a leisurely walk through the small laneways toward Huu Tiep Lake. Explore the grounds of a 400-year-old temple, followed by a stroll through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Ha Noi, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.

Take a short drive to the outskirt of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam. Some of them you will meet during your trip to Sapa.

Today you will have Pho for lunch, a Vietnamese Noodle shop. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world!  At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese meal times, and also tell you which special ingredients are needed for you.

Afternoon
After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

Embark on a fun cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quater, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel and the Opera House, name to a few.

Enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee at Pho Co Café with stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the surroundings.

Now it’s time to embark on a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter (in contrast to the French Quarter) to discover the street food scene in Hanoi where it feels like you are never further than a few metres from a street food stall. Your guide will talk you through the ingredients and the different herbs of each dish, while you are crouching on tiny plastic stools in a back alley. Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage), and the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles). Finish your day walking down the city’s railway tracks and then stop for a home-brewed beer, the renowned Bia Hoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Morning
After breakfast, your private tour guide will pick you up and take you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to the legendary Halong Bay where you will board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk Boat that is your home for the evening. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters of the bay provide an ethereal backdrop for your leisurely cruise.

Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed aboard your Stylish Junk boat, each with its own individual route, to begin your cruise around the bay’s thousands of limestone islets and caves.

Afternoon
After a delicious lunch on board, you will spend time to sunbathe on the sundeck and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the bay.

Later you will visit Sung Sot Cave “Grotte des Surprises” a hidden gem of mother nature. Float peacefully through magnificent limestone formations containing thousands of stalagmites and stalactites.

Continue to cruise. As you weave your way through the islands, you’ll come across secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and floating villages.

There is plenty of leisure time to enjoy activities both onboard and around the fantastical scenery of the Bay. Pamper yourself at the cruise spa or swim in the emerald waters.

Toward the end of the day, you will sail to the overnight mooring area. During this time – the magical “blue hour” – Halong Bay reveals its true, magnificent beauty. You have a chance to attend the chef’s cooking demonstration or enjoy a mesmerising sunset on the top deck before a scrumptious dinner.

The rest of the evening will be at leisure. You can watch a movie or join the crew for squid fishing before retiring to your room for a restful sleep.

Note: If your time permits, we would highly recommend an additional night on board which gives you a lot more time to relax and take in the amazing landscape. You’ll get to cruise deeper into the Bay where it’s more beautiful and less crowded.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay

Morning
The graceful practice of Tai Chi eases you into your day as is the local custom. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surrounds. You’ll have time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s quiet beaches and, if you’re feeling energetic, hop on a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves admiring the glittering stone walls.

Back to the Junk boat. Check out of the cabin and then enjoy a full brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return drive to Hanoi.

Afternoon
On the way back you will stop at Yen Duc, a beautiful and typical village of Northern Vietnam, where you can stroll around the village, meet the locals, and learn about their daily life. You will also watch a traditional water puppet show.

After enjoying the show and some local snacks, transfer to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival Da Nang Airport you will be picked up by your private guide and then driven towards the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An. Check in to your hotel room. Then the evening will be yours at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

After having breakfast in the hotel, you will start your day in the ancient town of Hoi An, a beautiful place that once was an important commercial port to where Chinese, Japanese and European merchants used to come to trade their goods. This makes Hoi An a town that clusters a cultural legacy similar to much bigger and populated cities. After some time being forgotten, this town has come back as an important tourist destination and in 1999 it was listed as a World Heritage Site. Fortunately, its architecture and lifestyle haven’t really changed from those in the past.

This is a fact you will be able to verify the moment you take a pleasant stroll through the narrow streets of Hoi An’s old quarter and visiting the traditional merchants’ homes. Of course, you will get the chance of seeing Chua Ong Temple, Tan Ky Old House, Hoi An Market, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and especially the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built at the end of the 16th century by the Japanese community living in Hoi An, so they could communicate with the Chinese neighborhood located on the other side of the river, and the colorful town’s market.

Later, you will have lunch in a local restaurant and, back in the hotel, you will have the rest of the day free so you can discover this fascinating place at your own pace. You can rest or maybe go to the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An

The whole morning will be yours to relax in Hoi An. Check out of the hotel at midday.

In the afternoon, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to Da Nang airport to board a short flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your name on it and take you directly to your hotel in downtown for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure.

This evening embark on a luxury barge journey into Thai culture and the Thai hearts. Enjoy a fine dining, traditional and culture tour on the only original antique teakwood rice barge on the famed Chao Phraya River. Experience first-class Thai hospitality and delicious food from around Thailand in the comfort and tranquility of the luxury, open-air cruise.

Overnight in Bangkok

Morning
After breakfast, meet your private guide and head to the historic center of Bangkok and start your day at Wat Suthat. A few visitors come to this temple early, so much the better to enjoy the monks’ melodic chanting ritual. It’s an incredible sensory experience. Then, take a short walk through small alleys with wooden houses and guardian spirit signs to visit the Wat Pho, where you can see the image of Reclining Buddha is 15m high and 43m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight contorts on two box-pads of blue, extravagantly encrusted with glass mosaics.

Make a stop at Lak Muang, Bangkok’s city pillar, well worth a five-minute detour before continuing onto the site the Thai people consider the most sacred in the Kingdom: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the renowned Grand Palace. This is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Thai court, with several grand halls in the same compound.

Enjoy a delightful Thai lunch, take in the scenic views at the Deck by Arun Residence restaurant, and experience the mid-day bustling atmosphere of the lively Chao Phraya River.

Afternoon
Take the public ferry to visit the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), which you will probably recognize from its famous silhouette. The local story goes that the shards of pottery decorating its 79 m tall spire came from a nearby shipwreck 100 years ago.

Your trip continues with a long-tail boat ride along the canal to see Thai houses and typical rural life. This boat tour takes you through its canals, locally known as Khlongs to explore greener and more peaceful parts of Bangkok.

End your sightseeing with a visit Wat Triamit, one of the most famous temples in Bangkok and is known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha (the statue of Buddha is made from solid gold weighting 5.5 tons). Then get back to your hotel for a short rest and some shower before taking the fantastic evening food tour by Tuk Tuk, a very popular means of transport in Thailand.

Evening (foodie tour)
Your Tuk Tuk food journey begins at Sam Yan MRT subway station where you are met by your expert guide and Tuk Tuk Drivers. A short ride brings you to the first stop, a Northeastern Thai restaurant. Here you will sample famous dishes from the region like spicy raw papaya salad, deep-fried crispy catfish meat with spicy sauce, spicy pork salad, and spicy pork meatballs. Your next stop is chicken crispy noodle, with a choice of runny or well-cooked eggs.

Then, take a digestion break by visiting the flower market where you might have small snacks and pause at the temple of Wat Pho to see a totally different scene at night. Continue onto Bangkok’s best Pad Thai. You will skip the long queue and go right in.

The final stop is at a local rooftop bar (beer or soft drink included) where you enjoy the stunning views of the over the Chao Phraya River by night. After that the Tuk Tuk will drop you off at your hotel for your good night’s sleep.

Overnight in Bangkok

Morning
After breakfast, depart Bangkok and drive southward to Ratchaburi Province. You will pass the largest source of salt production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. Arrive in time at the open-air Mae Klong Market, (the World’s Most Fascinating Railway Market) to witness markets and vendors clearing up their stalls when a train pulls through the market; truly a unique scene!.

Following the train market, take a short drive to the pier where you will embark on a boat trip along the canals and backwaters. This leads you to the first main attraction of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Spend some time walking the canal sides observing this fascinating waterborne market in progress. Then get on a paddling boat, ride along the canals to breathe the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere of this legendary market. You can see numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits, and products on the rowing boats. Make sure your camera is ready.

Leaving the floating market, continue your boat trip through the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens, and plantations. Eventually you will arrive at the docks where you meet your private driver again and transfer back to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure.

Relax at the hotel or enjoy some fun shopping at the Bangkok night market.

Overnight in Bangkok

Morning
After breakfast, your private driver greets you at the hotel lobby and take you back to Bangkok Airport to board a short flight to Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand.

Upon arrival, a new private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in.

Afternoon
Head out to visit the FAE Elephant Hospital, the world’s first elephant hospital, founded in 1993. The elephants here are long-term patients recovering from injuries sustained in the logging trade or in the wild, and the rehabilitative care they receive here is unique to the region.

Proceed to Lampang, stopping to browse for the famous Lampang ceramics and a snack at the Kaad Thung Kwain Market. Discover the magnificent Lanna architecture of Temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a unique place in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as public transportation at the temple.

The tour will then finish at Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institute where you will enjoy the weird but superb massage done by former female prisoners. This massage centre is among the best-rated massage places in Chiang Mai. It has been featured in many TV shows and documentaries around the world and they always praise the centre’s rehabilitation program. program.

Evening
Your tour guide will take you to visit the Night Bazard, the main venue for shopping and sampling delicious local food in Chiang Mai, indeed all of Thailand, the night bazaar is a can’t-miss part of the Chiang Mai experience. Ground zero of this nightly commerce bomb is located at the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road but the whole thing spreads out for two blocks in either direction.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Morning
Leave the hotel early and drive to Mount Doi Suthep. While the Rose of the North is still asleep, you will benefit from roads without traffic. First stop, in short, in a market that is open early in the morning – where monks already receive offerings and where you will buy offerings. Not far from there, you will surprise the barely awake little who devote themselves to the first prayers in a magnificent wooden temple in the heart of the moat.

Continue to drive up to Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep (AD 1384), located on the top of the mountain. Without any crowds, you can enjoy the magical morning light and the beams of sunrise brighten the Golden Pagoda. Take a chance to attend the monks’ ceremonies and have the privilege of seeing an original food offering – Tak Bat, a ritual performed by monks for hundreds of years for spiritual redemption. At the top of the temple, a viewing platform offers panoramic views of the whole Chiang Mai City – take in the wonderful countryside landscape while the sun rises behind the city and mountains.

On your way down, pause at Wat Palad, a temple of forest monks that will give you the most beautiful memory. It’s a hidden gem that we’re unveiling here. Then get back to the hotel for breakfast, and relax for the rest of the morning.

Afternoon
You will drive around the Old City to see the city’s moat and old city temples. Start your afternoon tour with Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple, which probably dates back to 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and it is noteworthy for its chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses.

Next, visit Chedi Luang Temple, built sometime between 1385 and 1402, is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious relic.

Continue to visit Wat Phra Singh, which was built in the year 1345. This temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art, including a Lanna style viharn and the finest scripture repository of its type in the north.

The tour comes to an end with a visit to Wat Suan Dok, which means ‘field of flowers’. This temple is one of the first temples with a large viharn, or prayer hall. This chapel is unusual not only for its size, but also for the fact that it is open on the sides rather than being totally enclosed.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today you will embark on a full-day tour to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary which offers you the unique opportunity to get to know each of the remarkable elephants and gain a special understanding of their daily lives and behaviors. Experience life with the elephants in their natural home – A freely roamed environment that is both safe and sustainable. 

Morning
After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local farming areas to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, located beside a Karen village in a densely forested mountainous region, and surrounded by spectacular jungle scenery.

Upon arrival, you will meet your expert guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing and then enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

After that, you will meet the elephants; feed, interact and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Make sure your camera is ready.

Afternoon
After enjoying a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit at the Sanctuary you will have a chance to learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants, and then walk with the elephants to the river. Spend your time to bathe and brush the elephants. Join them for a therapeutic mud spa. You can also swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.

At the end of the tour, change clothes again, say goodbye to those giants, and wind your way back to your hotel where the rest of the day will be free at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Take a full-day tour to Thailand’s national treasure, the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is also known as the “Roof of Thailand” where you will have the opportunity to get close to nature during your thrilling journey. 

Morning
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through the countryside of Northern Thailand, follow your private guide to visit the village of the Karen tribe, and meet members of a local hill tribe.

Continue on to the two stunning waterfalls in the Doi Inthanon National Park, which are Siritarn and Wachiratarn Waterfalls. These cascades are beautiful all year round but roar with life during the rainy season.

Afternoon
After a satisfying lunch beside a waterfall, take an easy nature trail walk for three hours to the Doi Inthanon Summit, which is the tallest point in Thailand at a height of 2,565 meters. Follow this with a visit to the twin pagodas that were built in honor of the King and Queen of Thailand. These mirrored buildings sit atop the mountain and are surrounded by manicured flower gardens with jaw-dropping views of the valley below.

The trip ends with a visit to the King’s Royal Projects. Opium was once harvested on the mountainside but now more sustainable farming techniques are being practiced. There you’ll find a coffee plantation (try some Arabica coffee), cool-weather fruits, and vegetables, well as exotic flower gardens. After that, your guide and driver will take you back to Chiang Mai city and drop off at your hotel lobby where the remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have free time. At the appointed time, you will go to the Bangkok airport to fly to Krabi, a city located in the south of Thailand by the Andaman sea. Once you land there, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Located on the western side of Mae Nam Krabi, about 1000 km away from Bangkok and 180 km from Phuket, this town offers a lot of attractive activities worth its discovery. Actually, the river here is surrounded by lush mangroves and in the northern part of town, you can find the twin limestone mountains of Khao Khanap, majestically rising from the water.

The town of Krabi is as well a popular touristic destination and an important stop for all the ferries that link to the surrounding islands. In the night, you cannot miss the bustling night market located on Khong Kha dock, where you will find many options for having dinner.

Overnight in Krabi

Enjoy a free day exploring Krabi’s wonders. Don’t miss the Phi Phi islands, reachable by cruise from Ao Nang town. Visit the Viking Cave, known for its pirate ship mural and terns’ nests. Discover Khao Phanom Bencha National Park with its stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife, including clouded leopards and tropical birds. Witness the enchanting Marine Fossil Graveyard, featuring ancient marine fossils formed over 35 million years.

On the final day of your trip, explore Krabi and its surroundings freely. Consider visiting Koh Lanta, an island district 70 km south of Krabi, with its beautiful Marine National Park. Explore Koh Rok Nai’s breathtaking bay, cliffs, coral reefs, and white sand beaches. Don’t miss the extraordinary limestone caves in Koh Talabeng.

Alternatively, head to Railay near Ao Nang, known for iconic limestone rocks and opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on scenic beaches like Hay Rai Leh and Hat Rai Leh East.

Overnight in Krabi

As your unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Krabi comes to a close, it’s time to prepare for your return home.

You will be transferred to the airport at the designated time to catch your flight back to Bangkok. From there, you will connect to your international flight heading home.