Vietnam & Thailand Trip

This morning, we’ll visit the stately Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you will have a better understanding of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam. See his famous words, "Nothing is more valuable than independence and freedom" engraved on the granite wall. Worship President Ho's embalmed body well preserved in the glass coffin. Then, walk to the nearby Presidential Palace, whose main building is a French classical architecture built in 1868. Listen to your private guide’s storytelling about how a regime started and fell. Besides, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House inside the palace shows you where the great leader lived and worked.

Afterward, peek at the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a temple built on a huge pillar in a lotus pond and is connected to the land by a stone bridge, resembling a lotus. The last stop in the morning will be the Temple of Literature, a Chinese-style temple dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher, Confucius, whose philosophy and principles have largely influenced Asia’s schooling and education for thousands of years. The fifth courtyard was built as the Imperial Academy, the first national university in Vietnam, worshipping the country’s Confucian master, Chu Van An.

After lunch, you will be guided to visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to gain an overview of Vietnam's 54 minority groups and Southeast Asian minorities. In the indoor exhibition hall, ethnic fabrics, farming, living and ritual utensils of different tribes are displayed. The outdoor area would impress you with the traditional architectural buildings, which retain the life details of the groups and you can actually get inside! After that, wander around the Old Quarter. Each one of its 36 streets concentrates on the same kind of goods, such as sauce and clay products. The streets are also teeming with an array of simple coffee shops, with small tables and plastic short stools placed just on the roadside. Why not sit down and let a drink slow your pace? Be careful of speeding motorbikes hurtling past from every corner of the streets. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the nearby restful Hoan Kiem Lake and an entertaining show is waiting for you!

★ Water Puppet Show - Enjoy Vietnamese National Cultural Essence

Stage drama is an intuitive way to experience the local culture, and today you will enjoy a brilliant Water Puppet Show. The nearly one-hour performance is made up of several short shows that portray the traditional life, history and legends in Vietnam, such as rice farmers planting rice seedlings and fairies descending on the earth. Although the show is in Vietnamese, our guide will explain it to you in advance, and free brochures in various languages are also available at the entrance.

► Tip: The brightly colored puppets are small and difficult to see from the back row, so please book with us as early as possible so that we can reserve you a front seat.

After that, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive 3 hours to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, a typical limestone karst seascape with more than 3,000 islands and islets standing out of the sea. Upon arrival, board the Signature Royal Cruise, which will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the quiet and pristine Bai Tu Long Bay, an extension of Ha Long Bay. En route, have a delicious lunch onboard while enjoying the picturesque scenery of mountains and sea, as well as tropical rainforests and idyllic hamlets.

In the afternoon, transfer to a rowing boat or a kayak to explore varied heavenly karst caves before you drop by the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, where colorful houses float on the serene sea, children on houseboats smile at you innocently, and fishermen work hard on fishing boats. After the visit, return to the cruise ship for a Vietnamese cuisine class and an elaborate dinner. Besides, recreational activities including diving and card games await. If you are a fishing enthusiast, follow the staff to enjoy squid fishing at night, and fishing lights and baits will be well prepared. If water games are on your list, we recommend that you bring a change of clothes and waterproof bags. Tonight, have a special experience staying overnight on the cruise ship.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

In the early morning, you can appreciate the charming sunrise and follow a professional Tai Chi master to experience the traditional Chinese martial art that combines strength and softness. Then enjoy your morning coffee or tea in the dining room. Afterward, disembark and explore the Thien Canh Son Cave, by whose spectacular stalactites and stalagmites you will be spellbound. Moreover, a stretch of sand beach under the cave offers a nice place to swim and sunbathe. The stairs to the cave is relatively short but somewhat steep, so be cautious. After that, return to the cruise ship for a bumper brunch before you disembark at noon and then be escorted to Hanoi airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your local guide and the driver will pick you up and transfer you to the handpicked hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel Hoian (4 stars) or similar

Today's trip will start with an excursion to the historic My Son Valley, which is known as "Little Angkor Wat". This UNESCO-listed site was once the most important and largest Hindu shrine of the Champa Kingdom (137-1697), dedicated to the god Shiva. Appreciate the 20 ruined temples made of red bricks and carved with flowers, birds and goddesses. The red bricks you see are surprisingly the original bricks, while those have faded are from the later reconstruction, indicating the Champa craftsmen’s exquisite brick-firing technique, a mystery yet to be explored. Then, linger to take in the essence of Champa through an exotic dancing show, many movements of which are derived from the postures of Hindu statues.
Tips:
1. Relics of My Son Valley are far apart from each other in the open air, so generous sunblock and a light coat are highly recommended.
2. Craters, maybe some unexploded bombs as well, are left over from the war, so please follow the guide closely.

At noon, your guide will transfer you to a famous local restaurant in Hoi An to enjoy lunch. Then follows a walking trip in Hoi An Old Town. Once being an international trading port, the town is teeming with many Chinese and Japanese-style buildings. We’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, built in 1653 by then Chinese immigrants to worship their war and wealth God, Guan Yu, who was actually a general in Chinese history, and later became the deity representing loyalty, bravery, and justice. Then, proceed to the Chinese Assembly Hall to appreciate valuable cultural relics, including a ship model that the Chinese used for maritime trade. We’ll also drop by the Tan Ky Old House, the residence of a Vietnamese merchant, where you can see the innovative pulley system used to lift their furniture up when floods occurred. Next, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge with a temple atop it, attracting locals to pray - another evidence of friendly cultural exchanges. Finally, today's journey will conclude with a leisurely boat trip along the Thu Bon River to catch gorgeous night views, and you can release a water lantern like a local if you like. As night falls, the streets and the river are teeming with colorful lanterns, which earns Hoi An the nickname "Lantern Town".

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Hotel Hoian (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang airport for about 45 minutes, and then take a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel.

After settling down, your guide will accompany you to the city center to admire its landmarks. First, visit the Reunification Palace, aka the Independence Palace, and peek at the auditorium and the diplomatic room, which witnessed the signing ceremony of the reunification of the North and the South. On the rooftop terrace sits the helicopter by which the last Americans evacuated in 1975, ushering in Vietnam's reunification. Then head to the sobering War Remnants Museum to learn more about the Vietnam War. The museum detailedly displays war weapons, related news reported by the media of various countries, the use of Agent Orange by the US army on local residents and its irreversible impact, etc.

Then let the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral soothe your frayed nerves. Completed in 1880, the cathedral was modeled on its counterpart in Paris, and even its materials were shipped from France. Later, wander around its opposite Central Post Office, a century-old post office still in operation since colonial times. Peruse the maps of different periods on the wall to have a clear awareness of the boundaries of the city in the late 19th century. If interested, send some postcards to your friends. After that, round off today with a visit to the largest local market, Ben Thanh Market, which is in full swing in the evening, with a wide selection of high-quality goods including clothing, accessories and groceries. If you are interested in the specialties like cashews, dried mangoes and coffee beans, make sure you drive a hard bargain.

► Restaurant Recommendation (at your own expense)
Food generally features a light, fresh, and a little bit sweeter flavor in South Vietnam. Seafood, vegetables, and rice are the main ingredients, accompanied by fish sauce, lemon and various kinds of herbs. We recommend that you have a try in Hoang Yen Vietnamese Cuisine, a restaurant with a comfortable environment and authentic cuisines like Vietnamese pancakes, spring rolls, and fried shrimp rice.
Average Cost per Person: VND 200,000-300,000 (USD 8-12)
Address: 148 Hai Ba Trung, Da Kao, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

This morning, a comfortable drive for around 1 hour will take you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a 250-kilometers-long (155-mile) complex network featuring three levels underground. These narrow tunnels are less than 0.8 meter (2.6 feet) wide and only 0.7-1.5 meters (2.3-5 feet) high, with chambers, kitchens, clinics, schools and military traps well laid out. Follow your knowledgeable guide to crawl through the tunnels and experience the difficult conditions that the Vietnamese once lived in. It should be noted that it’s wet and dim inside, and there might be insects, such as chiggers, so please be cautious and bring insect repellent.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport and help you board your 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, your Bangkok local guide and the driver will pick you up and transfer you to the downtown hotel.

► Recommended Activities for Your Free Time in Bangkok
If you arrive early, visit the efficacious Erawan Shrine, the well-known four-faced Buddha, located at 494 Ratchadamri Rd. It represents career, love, wealth and health, and the best way to pray is to light a candle, and offer three incense sticks and a little bunch of flowers to each side of the Buddha in a clockwise direction. Besides, there are famous shopping centers around: Central World, Big C, Siam Square, and Platinum Mall, and feel free to take a stroll.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

★ Witness the Splendor of Wat Arun via Boating on the Chao Phraya River

Many famous attractions are located along the Chao Phraya River, which is Thailand’s main river that flows through the city and is equipped with mature express boat routes. To avoid Bangkok's heavy road traffic, this morning, we arrange a pleasing cruise along the river to visit the splendid Wat Arun, aka Temple of Dawn. Floating on the serene river, why not snap a full view of the temple’s main tower from afar? It is 79 meters (260 feet) high and is surrounded by four stupas.

Upon arrival, disembark to closely admire the temple. With a history of more than 300 years, Wat Arun was built in memory of King Taksin the Great, Thailand's 41st king, who retook the lost territory from the Burmese army. Be smitten by its chromatic ornaments of stained glass, ceramic chips, and shells. Then climb it up to have a panoramic view of the Bangkok city and Chao Phraya River. The stairs are steep, so please be careful!

Afterward, head to the luxurious Grand Palace, which is the largest and best-preserved royal palace in Thailand and now is used for coronation ceremonies and court celebrations. Besides, you may have a chance to see the changing of the guards in front of the Chakri Group Palace, which combines the European and Thai styles. Then stroll northeast of the palace to stand in awe of the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew, one of the three national treasures of Thailand, which was built in 1784. Then visit the Wat Pho built in 1793 to marvel at one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues - 46 meters (150 feet) long, 15 meters (50 feet) high, and each foot is 5 meters (16 feet) long! In addition, buildings such as the Preaching Hall, the Scripture Hall and the pagodas also show you exquisite and gorgeous traditional Thai art.

Finally, round off the day with the Pak Klong Talat Flower Market, the largest wholesale flower market in Bangkok. Appreciate fresh roses, sunflowers, exotic carnations and water lilies, as well as wreaths woven by artisans for the blessing of the Buddha or as traditional gifts.

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense)
Thai food emphasizes the balance of sour, sweet and spicy flavors. Commonly used ingredients include rice, fruits and seasonings like fish sauce, shrimp paste, coconut milk, turmeric and lemon. In the evening, we recommend that you enjoy dinner at Madam Saranair Thai Food Restaurant. Try representative dishes like tom yum soup (sour and spicy shrimp soup), green and red curry, mango sticky rice, seafood, and pineapple fried rice.
Average Cost per Person: THB 300-400 (USD 9-12)
Address: 139/1 Soi Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

★ Explore Thailand’s Most Famous Floating Market by Rowboat

Today, the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market awaits! It is about 95 kilometers (59 miles) southeast of Bangkok, and the market embraces its peak time around 09:00-11:00, so we will depart early and drive around 1.5 hours to meet its vibrancy. Teeming with wooden stilt houses along the banks and vendors offering a wide selection of fruits, snacks and knickknacks on boats with colorful umbrellas, the floating market radiates a unique and engaging atmosphere. After a comprehensive investigation beforehand, we specially arrange for you a hand-rowing boat tour. Unlike a motor boat with higher speeds and roar, a hand-rowing boat makes the most of your leisurely drift through a narrow waterway. Immerse yourself in the soothing sound of the paddling and enjoy an intriguing chat with the locals.
► Great Spots for Incredible Pictures
1. The bow of the boat offers a broad view of the market revealing right in front of you.
2. If you want to capture the vivid scene of the boats crossing and trading, snapping from above on the banks or a bridge will satisfy you.

After lunch, your guide will escort you to the airport for your 1h15mins flight to Chiang Mai. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed and be escorted to the hotel.

► Friendly Recommendation in Chiang Mai (at your own expense)
At night, explore the bustling Night Bazaar on your own, the largest sightseeing night market in Chiang Mai, which operates every day with clothes, accessories, silverware, restaurants, massages, etc. Local street food, with a wide selection and reasonable prices, like Khao Soi noodles, banana pancakes, racks of pork ribs and mango sticky rice, is highly recommended. You can also enjoy a free dance performance and get a cozy massage. If Thai souvenirs are on your list, make full use of your bargaining skills. For your information, an exquisite Thai silk T-shirt costs around USD 5.
Address: Changklan Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

Today, you’ll visit the most exalted temples in the city. After breakfast, have a glimpse into its heyday through a wander around the distinguished Wat Chedi Luang. Built in the 14th century, it boasts the tallest building in the city. The Lanna-style main pagoda was once 82 meters (270 feet) high, but now is less than 60 meters (197 feet), still the tallest, after a massive earthquake, the Thai-Burmese War, and several lightning strikes. The temple also enshrines the city’s patron saint, Sao Inthakin, known as the city pillar, symbolizing prosperity and stability. In late May, the lavish "City Pillar Festival" occurs, when the bustling crowds holding flower baskets gather here and hold worship activities. Please wear modest attire, without exposing your shoulders and knees, when entering the temple. Free sarongs (similar to tube skirts) are available at the gate, with a deposit of THB 100 (USD 3).

Afterward, follow your knowledgeable guide to delve into the history of the Phra Buddha Sihing statue inside Wat Phra Singh, the largest temple in Chiang Mai. With a history of more than 600 years, it combines the classic elements of the Lanna period and characteristics of traditional Thai Buddhist architecture, which you will see from its exquisite wood and stone carvings, and murals decorated on the main hall and the stupa. Every mid-April, when the Songkran Water Festival occurs, a grand Buddha bathing event is held here.

Later, let’s head to Suthep Mountain to visit the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep founded in 1383. Marvel at the two sculptures of Naga, a serpentine deity in Hinduism and Hinayana Buddhism, lining both sides of the 306 stairs. You can either ascend the stairs or use the cable car to arrive at the gate. Worship at the main gilded pagoda where a holy relic of the Buddha is enshrined; and don’t miss enjoying a panoramic view of the whole city and Ping Valley on the observation deck.

► Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: A Holy Temple Site Chosen by a Sacred White Elephant
Legend has it that the king of ancient Lanna released a white elephant carrying the Buddha's relic into the jungle, allowing it to find the location of the offering. The white elephant arrived at where the golden pagoda is now located, trumpeted three times and bowed down. The king then commanded people to build the temple right there. Today, a memorial statue of the white elephant is worshiped behind the temple gate.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport to catch the 2-hour flight to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. After arriving, your local driver will escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day and the next two days will be free for you. Maybe take advantage of the well-maintained Patong Beach and enjoy the first sea breeze Phuket brings to you.

► Unwind in Phuket with Moreish Seafood (at your own expense)
Phuket is rich in seafood, and Banzaan Fresh Market is a place well worth recommending. Select some seafood on the ground floor and then have them cooked in one of the food stalls upstairs. Prices are definitely negotiable here, so use your bargaining skills. For your information, stalls at the end of each row often offer lower prices. The seafood market closes at around 10 p.m.
Average Cost per Person: THB 300-500 (USD 9-14)
Address: 74, 51 Nanai Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket
Insider Tips:
1. Mosquitoes are prevalent in Phuket, so repellents are highly recommended.
2. Check the weather ahead of time before venturing out to sea.
3. When playing on the beach or snorkeling, stay away from sea creatures like sea urchins.

► Phuket Traffic Guide
In addition to booking a taxi with ride-hailing apps like Grab, Bolt or Indrive, there are three kinds of auto public transport: featured blue songthaew, pink bus, and tuk-tuk. The blue songthaew, which you can hail down along the main road, is the cheapest from Phuket town to beaches, including the famous Patong Beach and Kata Beach. If you want to explore around Phuket town, the pink bus is the first option. Tuk-tuk is a characteristic mode of transportation here, but the drivers may command high prices, so make sure you negotiate the price and check the destination beforehand. In addition, banknotes are better to be prepared in advance.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Charm Resort Phuket (4 stars) or similar

Embrace your Phuket free day! You can enjoy the coastline landscape, take a cozy sunbath, take part in some exhilarating activities like surfing and kayaking, or go out to sea to hop around islands, snorkeling or diving to get in touch with the underwater world.

Ask your hotel front desk or a local travel retailor to book an island-hopping tour. Bring your beach gear and start with the Phi Phi Islands, one of Phuket's three famous outlying islands. Its Ko Phi Phi Don is well equipped, while the Ko Phi Phi Le is more unspoiled, with many snorkeling spots including the famous Maya Bay. Surrounded by crystal clear water, explore the wondrous ocean world and marvel at the lovely fish and amazing creatures just around you! Then, enjoy some cozy moments in Khai Nai Island and soak up the sun. Besides, with the shoals brimming with small fish, the island is also a right place for children. Be aware of the coral debris on the beach, and beach shoes are recommended.

Getting back in the late afternoon, savor fully the Phuket chill ambiance in the cozy Bud's Beach Bar. Attentive staff, great choices of delicious cocktails and other drinks, as well as reasonable prices, make the bar a slice of heaven in Patong Beach. Lying on a deck chair on the beach, watch paragliding and a stunning sunset over the sea.
Average Cost per Person: THB 200-300 (USD 6-9)
Address: 45 Thawewong Rd, Patong, Phuket

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Charm Resort Phuket (4 stars) or similar

Today, continue to enjoy your leisure time on Phuket Island. You can either enjoy shows like the Transvestite Show and Muay Thai performance or take part in recreational activities we recommend as follows on your own.

Are you a jungle enthusiast? If so, Jungle Xtrem Adventure Zipline Park suits you greatly! In the lush rainforest, fly like Tarzan, gliding through the canopies and overlooking the dense jungle and the magnificent sea just in front of you. The zip-line features packages for people of different ages and skill levels. The costs range from THB 1,900 (USD 60)-THB 3,900 (USD 120). They also offer a shuttle service, but you’ll get a discount if you go on your own.

After exciting jungle hours, have a serene experience at the nearby Wat Chalong, a popular temple in Phuket, about a 10-minute taxi ride away. Appreciate the magnificent architecture, and worship the golden Buddha statues scattered throughout the temple. It’s free for all. The temple is on a local bus route and the bus ticket costs THB 40 (USD 1.2), but it may not be on time, so you can make flexible arrangements according to your time.

After nearly 2 weeks of Southeast Asian food, you may want something different. Try the Bosphorus Turkish Restaurant Patong, an authentic Turkish restaurant with a variety of fresh seafood at reasonable prices, and rave reviews. Try moreish Adana kebap, a kind of Turkish roast meat, which is even highly recommended by Turkish tourists. And the roast squids will wow your taste buds, too.
Average Cost per Person: THB 300-400 (USD 9-12)
Address: 56 Rajuthitt 200, pee road, Patong, Phuket

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Charm Resort Phuket (4 stars) or similar

Today, say farewell to your 2 weeks Vietnam and Thailand tour package. If there’s some spare time, take the last minute to soak up the sun on the beach. Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby according to your flight time and escort you to the airport. Wish you a nice trip home!

If you would like to visit other sites and countries of Indochina, for example, the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Luang Prabang, the spiritual center of Buddhism in Laos, please feel free to let us know and we will tailor an itinerary to your satisfaction.

Meal: Breakfast