Highlights of Vietnam and Thailand

Continue your flight to Hanoi. Relax, recline, and enjoy inflight meals and services onboard. 

Overnight Onboard the Flight

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at the Hanoi International Airport, meet the driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in. While it may be the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi continues to retain its mystery and charm from past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite visitors to explore the city, while many of its beautiful public spaces, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards, and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature that is unique among Asian capitals.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning after the breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in the old quarter, driving to Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is located on an island east of West Lake (Tay Ho District) with a 1500-year history. It is famous for its sacred Buddha land, which attracts many Buddhists and visitors to Vietnam. Afterwards, continue your visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex (Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the presidential palace, house on stilts final resting place of Uncle Ho, where He lived and worked from (1954 - 1969). Then, you will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting museum in Ha Noi and Vietnam. There is both indoor and outdoor section. While the in–house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display and activities make the museum stand out from the rest. In the afternoon, you will follow the Temple of Literature, an ancient school of Thang Long and the first university in Vietnam, which is acknowledged as an ancient historical-cultural heritage which gives tourists a deeper understanding of Hanoi's years of culture and tradition. After that, make your way back to Hoa Lo Prison. It was built in 1899. The French kept mainly political prisoners awaiting sentencing at the nearby Court of Justice. American pilots who had been shot down and captured were kept as prisoners of war. The pilots called it, sarcastically, the Hanoi Hilton. John McCain was held here at various times during his five and a half years as a POW.
Back to your hotel later on. 
Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Note:
- You should not wear shorts or revealing clothing to come to the mausoleum and temple.
Overnight in Hanoi

This morning at 07:00 – 07:40 - Our guide will meet you at your hotel and start 110km on a shared deluxe van through the verdant landscape of the countryside. Short-break en route. 10:00 - Arrive at Glimmering Bai Dinh pagoda complexes, the largest pagoda, not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia. It is scenically set on the foot hill of Dinh Mountain surrounded by amazing views of the exquisite river valley below and dotted limestone karsts which will take your breath away. These pagoda complexes stunningly boast an array of the most massive and magnificent architecture of Vietnamese tradition refined ever built that it takes a full day to explore everything. So you will visit some of the highlights that owned the national:500 stone statues of “La Han” (Arhats), 2 huge bronze bells, one weighs 27 tons, other weighs 36 tons. Visit The Quan Yin statue with thousands of arms and eyes and Visit the Gautama Buddha statue. 12:00 – Enjoy lunch at our restaurant with great local cuisine. 13:30 – Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an outstanding natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometres that rise dramatically from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountains are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and jungle. Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple… 15:30 – Visit Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with a stunning view of the nature. 17:15 – Return to our bus and then come back to Hanoi at 19:30 – Drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi

From Hanoi, at 8 AM, a shuttle bus will pick you up and head East to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994, and one of the most beautiful places of this Vietnam trip. Upon arrival in Halong, we’ll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Ascending-dragon” bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking, pass floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty at close distance. Back to the boat for dinner late afternoon. In the evening, attend activities on the boat or relax at your leisure.
Please note: The program may be a little varied on the cruise you choose. Only Vietnamese & International food is available on the boat.
Overnight in Halong

Wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay is. After breakfast, our boat will continue to cruise in marvellous areas, where almost every islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Disembark at noon & land transfer to Hanoi airport to take the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and drive to your hotel to check-in
Overnight in Saigon

In the morning after the breakfast, you will visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum. It has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. After that, you will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will be picked up to depart for Cu Chi tunnels and arrive after a drive of 1,5 hours. Our tour guide will give you an overview introduction to Cu Chi and its legendary history. A documentary film about the tunnels will explain the tunnels' histories and how fierce the war was in the area. You will be guided to the tunnels system, including the weapon factory, hospitals, and kitchens, and crawl under the tunnels. After that, you will have a chance to try delicious manioc, the leading food for guerilla warriors in Cu Chi during the war. Then, you can try to fire off an AK47 or MK16 or machine gun at the nearby shooting range (guest’s own account). Leave Cu Chi tunnels and return to Saigon at the end of your trip
Overnight in Saigon

This morning after breakfast, depart for Cai Be by car/van via Trung Luong Expressway. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride on the Tien River. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River. Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden. Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house. Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Saigon

Today you will be transferred back to Saigon Tan Son Nhat International Airport to check in for your flight to Phuket, Thailand. Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Phuket

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and spend your day at leisure. There are plenty of memorable things to do in Phuket. The island itself boasts a beautiful historical town, breathtaking viewpoints, and iconic cultural attractions. Perhaps you may be interested in our optional tours.

Overnight in Phuket

Discover the beauty of Khao Sok National Park on a full-day tour from Khao Lak. Enjoy an exciting hike through the jungle of Khao Sok National Park, filled with unique flora and fauna. Our guide will help you get acquainted with flora & fauna. Walk up to the stream where you can swim in crystal clear water. On this trail, you can expect to see wild monkeys, langurs, and some reptiles. Canoeing or bamboo rafting at the Sok River. Marvel Khao Sok's stunning landscape along the canal. Sit back and unwind inside a roomy canoe(or bamboo rafting) as a local paddler takes you on a scenic boat ride and enjoys the surroundings. Head to Khao Sok View Point to see the bird's eye view of the lush forest. Visiting a Panturat Temple to see wild macaques. In the rainy season, we add a visit to Mae Yai Waterfall as an extra. Re-charge your energy with a delicious and filling lunch at a local restaurant. 

Your Phang Nga Bay day trip from Phuket takes you through the emerald waters of this epic bay, past hundreds of limestone islands, aboard a speedboat. Make stops at James Bond Island and the secluded lagoons of Talu Island on a scenic canoe ride and trek through quiet caves for an up close look at these limestone wonders. This memorable full-day tour includes local lunch and plenty of time to soak up the sunshine on the shores of Naka Island. 

This is a Seat in a Coach (SIC) Tour with English speaking guide. Pick up & drop off from Maikhao, Naiyang, Naithorn and Ao Por are available on request at a surcharge.

Enjoy a 15 minute-speedboat trip to Coral Island (Koh Hey). Discover the white sandy beach, give snorkeling a try, and go swimming in the turquoise water. A variety of sea activities (optional) such as sea walking, diving, parasailing, and banana boats will be available. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant. In the afternoon you may enjoy leisure time relaxing on the beach.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Rassada Pier in Phuket for a ferry to Phi Phi Island, one of the most beautiful island groups in Thailand. Phi Phi is famous for its limestone cliffs rising out of the emerald-green waters, white powdery beaches, and coral reefs with diving and snorkeling activities. A two-hour ferry ride will take you through the Viking Cave. Upon arrival at Tonsai Pier, you will need to pay an entrance fee (20 BAHT) and then transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. There are lots of things to do on Phi Phi Island to make the most of your time. From day activities involving the sun and sand to nighttime adventures involving fire shows and dancing on the beach, Phi Phi Island has something to offer for everyone.

Overnight in Phi Phi

Today you may enjoy a day at leisure. Stroll along the beach, go sunbathing or check out some of the water sports available.

Overnight in Phi Phi

Enjoy your morning at leisure. You will be able to store your luggage at the hotel upon check out before being transferred back to Tonsai Pier later this afternoon. Prepare for a ferry ride to Krabi. The ferry will depart Tonsai Pier at 3:30 PM and arrive at Ao Nang, Krabi at 5:00 PM. Upon arrival in Krabi, you will be transferred to the resort.  

Overnight in Krabi

After breakfast at the hotel, spend your day at leisure. There is no place on earth quite like Krabi, one of Thailand's tourist jewels. With its jagged karst limestone islands rising from the azure sea, pure white beaches, and exotic temples on land, Krabi is a fascinating place to discover. From ancient Buddhist caves and seafront restaurants to water sports, golf, and vibrant nightlife, the coast around Krabi can offer a little bit of everything.

Overnight in Krabi

FREQUENCY: Daily TIMING: 0900 to 1600 NOTES: SIC tour with a minimum of 2 people. English speaking guide only This tour will take you to unique limestone islands by speedboat. Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, exploring, and photography are the main activities to enjoy. Expect plenty of sunshine, a rich variety of corals and fish, crystal-clear water, and white powdery beaches lined with coconut palms. You will have a picnic lunch (rice box provided) on an island beach. There will also be open water snorkeling stops – but do not expect to see much in the way of marine life. This trip is more about the beaches, with lots of white sand and excellent photo opportunities. We will stop at Chicken Island, which got its name from a bizarre rock formation resembling the head of a chicken. One end of the island consists of majestic cliffs, while the other end boasts beautiful beaches along a peninsula. This peninsula gets flooded at high tide, creating a small island. At low tide you may walk between the Tup Islets and Chicken Island. The itinerary will vary according to the tides so that you arrive at the sandbank as close to low tide as possible.

Krabi’s surrounding thick vegetation provides the perfect ecosystem for a wide range of flora and fauna. This excursion takes us to a sanctuary within the tropical lowland rainforest of Khao Pra Bang Kram which is home to rare bird species including Gurney’s Pitta, the Rufous-Collared Kingfisher, and the Black Hornbill. Here we get close to nature and walk along shaded and wooded pathways stopping at freshwater pools and Nam tok Ron Sapan Yoong, the local natural hot springs that are popular among local Thais for their health and wellness benefits. We also visit Tham Sua, Tiger Cave Temple, a famous Southern Thailand monastery where we meet and observe monks in the natural serenity of the caves. The summit of the temple top is reached by climbing 1,237 steps for a breath-taking view over lush forests, limestone karsts and the ocean. Lunch is at a local restaurant within a resort hotel. SIC tour with English speaking guide.

Today you will be transferred to Krabi Airport or travel overland to Phuket Airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an immersive half-day city tour showcasing three of Bangkok’s most remarkable and historically significant Buddhist temples.Your journey begins at Wat Traimit, home to the world-renowned Golden Buddha, a breathtaking statue crafted from 5 ½ tons of solid gold. This shimmering masterpiece, hidden under a plaster casing for centuries to protect it from invaders, was only rediscovered in the 1950s, making it one of Thailand’s most fascinating treasures.vNext, continue to Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple complex, renowned for housing the colossal Reclining Buddha. Stretching an impressive 46 meters in length and covered in gold leaf, this awe-inspiring statue symbolizes the Buddha’s passage into Nirvana. Wat Pho is also famous for its intricately adorned Chedis of the Kings, a collection of towering, colorfully tiled stupas dedicated to past monarchs, as well as its reputation as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.Conclude your temple exploration at Wat Benjamaborpitr, also known as the Marble Temple, a stunning example of Thai craftsmanship. Constructed from pristine white Carrara marble imported from Italy, its elegant multi-tiered roofs and intricately carved gables reflect the harmonious fusion of Thai and European architectural influences. Inside, the main hall houses a magnificent bronze Buddha statue, while the surrounding courtyard features a striking collection of Buddha images from various regions of Thailand. After your temple tour, enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace—whether by indulging in Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene, exploring its lively markets, or relaxing at a riverside café. Alternatively, you may choose to enhance your experience by pre-booking one of several exciting optional tours tailored to your interests.

Overnight in Bangkok

The Grand Palace was not only the seat of the king and his court but contained within its crenulated walls, the entire government administration. While architecture is vibrantly Thai, visitors may see some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect this magnificent palace has is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. The construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it only features richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is carved from a single piece of jade, and while it is only 17 inches tall, it is the most revered object in Thailand. Also, within the grounds lie several palaces which are used for various occasions: The Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. While most halls and palaces may be seen from outside only, but the exteriors are breathtaking enough to please the eyes of travelers.

FREQUENCY: Daily

TIMING: 1930-2330

NOTES: Pick-up service is not included, tour guide will be meeting clients at the entrance of Exit 2, Samyan MRT station (in front of Chamchuri Square)   

Go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure. After the moon comes up, cruise along Bangkok streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, TukTuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. We will finish the tour by Cinderella’s time.  

*** Please note that this tour is not suitable for vegetarian ***

FREQUENCY: Daily except Saturday & Sunday  

TIMING: 1700-2200

Exploring the bustling Chinatown, a popular tourist attraction and a food haven. Upon this 1-km strip packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants, and a dense concentration of gold shops. Continue the journey to Pakklong Talaad, the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. Drive to Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing. From here, we continued foot passing Bangkok Metropolitan Office to a Bangkok's historic road, Rachadamnoen Avenue. Dinner at Hotel D' Moc's restaurant, then travelling by tram around Ratanakosin area with the fantastic views of “The Must-See” attractions in Bangkok, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Golden Mount, Wat Ratchanaddaram, The Democracy Monument, The City Pillar Shrine, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and National Theatre. End up the night by exploring the Khao San Road for its famously described as "the centre of the backpacking universe".

Enjoy breakfast at your pace. Spend the rest of the morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.