Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam and Thailand in 18 days – two countries brimming with rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Starting in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, you will explore majestic temples, vibrant markets, and delicious street food. Journey north to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai to experience ancient temples and interact with gentle elephants. In Vietnam, discover Hanoi’s cultural treasures, the serene beauty of Ninh Binh, the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, and the charming streets of Hoi An. It concludes with the historic sites of Hue and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, including a picturesque tour of the Mekong Delta.
Why Visit Vietnam and Thailand?
Vietnam and Thailand offer a rich tapestry of experiences, making them must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia.
Halong Bay in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the “Land of Dragon”, you can explore a diverse landscape that includes bustling cities, tranquil countryside, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking natural wonders. The country’s deep history is reflected in its ancient temples, colonial architecture, and war memorials. The local cuisine, known for its fresh flavors and vibrant street food scene, is a culinary adventure in itself.
Thailand, often referred to as the “Land of Smiles,” is famous for its warm hospitality, golden temples, and colorful markets. Bangkok’s energetic street life and cultural landmarks provide a thrilling start to any journey. Thailand’s beaches, particularly in the south, are some of the most beautiful in the world, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Visiting both countries in a single trip allows you to experience the best of Southeast Asia, from historical treasures and natural beauty to mouthwatering cuisine and rich cultural traditions. This itinerary for 18 days in Vietnam and Thailand promises an adventure filled with unforgettable moments and diverse experiences.
Is 18 days Enough for Both Vietnam and Thailand?
Wat Arun in Thailand
While 18 days is indeed a compressed timeframe, it allows you to get a taste of the distinctive experiences and highlights what Vietnam and Thailand have to offer. A journey to Southeast Asia is the dream for many travelers, and the charm of exploring both Vietnam and Thailand in a single trip is undeniable. Understanding this, with our travel experts’ experience and careful planning, we strive to make it possible for you to have a fulfilling time in both countries within this duration. We can provide a balance between exploration and relaxation, ensuring that you have enough time to savor each destination without feeling rushed.
Remember, even if you can’t cover everything, the memories and experiences you gather during your 18-day adventure in Vietnam and Thailand will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and inspire you to return for further exploration in the future.
Suggested Itineraries for 18 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
Itinerary 1: From Vietnam
Day 1 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City tour: Check out the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum.
Day 3 – Mekong Delta: Travel to Ben Tre for a boat trip along the Mekong River.
Day 4 – Can Tho: Visit Cai Rang Floating Market.
Day 5 – Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An: Take a flight to Da Nang and check in at Hoi An.
Day 6 – Hoi An city tour: Visit My Son Sanctuary, Hoi An’s local market, Old House of Tan Ky, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 7 – Explore Hoi An: Wander through Hoi An‘s Old Town.
Day 8 – Hoi An – Hue: Transfer to Hue.
Day 9 – Hue city tour – Flight to Hanoi: Explore Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Citadel, Dong Ba Market, and tombs of King Minh Mang and King Khai Dinh.
Day 10 – Halong Bay: Ride on a luxurious vessel to visit Surprising Cave, go kayaking or swimming, and stay overnight onboard.
Day 11 – Halong Bay – Transfer to Hanoi: Visit Pearl Farm village at Halong Bay before flying back to Hanoi.
Day 12 – Hanoi city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and take a walk around the Old Quarter.
Day 13 – Hanoi – Phuket: Catch a flight to Phuket and unwind at the beautiful beaches here.
Day 14 – Phuket beaches: You can choose an add-on for a boat trip to Phi Phi Island, and explore Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Beach.
Day 15 – Phuket – Bangkok: Fly to Bangkok and explore the local streets and markets.
Day 16 – Bangkok: Visit Ayutthaya: Stop by the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, Wat Maha That, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
Day 17 – Bangkok: Visit Kanchanaburi: Set off to Ratchaburi to explore Damnoen Saduak floating market by boat, continue to Kwai River and Tiger Temple.
Day 18 – Bangkok – Departure flight: Explore Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, and Wat Benjabophit, with The Grand Palace as an add-on before ending your journey through Vietnam and Thailand in 18 days.
>>> For the detailed tour itinerary, please check out Journey to Vietnam and Thailand in 18 days: From Vibrant Cities to Serene Beaches.
Itinerary 2: From Thailand
Day 1 – Bangkok – Arrival.
Day 2 – Bangkok city tour: Check out Wat Pho, and Wat Traimit, take a boat along the Chao Phraya River, and conclude the day at Wat Arun.
Day 3 – Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets – Bangkok: Visit the Maeklong Railway Market, Samut Songkran, ride along the Grand Canal to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and return to Bangkok.
Day 4 – Bangkok – Morning Flight to Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle: Fly to Chiang Rai, visit the Golden Triangle, and stop by Chiang Saen for Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Pasak. Ride a boat along the Mekong River, and visit the Opium House.
Day 5 – Chiang Rai – Transfer to Chiang Mai: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Day 6 – Chiang Mai – Elephant Camp: Visit Baan Chang Elephant Camp to feed and take care of these giant animals.
Day 7 – Chiang Mai – City Tour – Doi Suthep: Visit Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang, Warorot Central Market.
Day 8 – Chiang Mai – Flight to Hanoi: Check in at Hanoi and explore the city at your leisure.
Day 9 – Hanoi – City Tour: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple, West Lake, Temple of Literature, and Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Day 10 – Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Take a boat along Ngo Dong River, and visit Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu.
Day 11 – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay: Visit Veil Island, Dog Island, Rooster Island, Incense Island, and Thien Canh Son Cave. Go kayaking or swimming in Cap La.
Day 12 – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hoi An: Explore Ca Tunnel before flying to Da Nang and then transfer to Hoi An.
Day 13 – Hoi An – City and countryside tour: Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, Phuc Thanh Pagoda, Japanese Covered Bridge, and Cam Chau village.
Day 14 – Hoi An – Hue: Travel through Hai Van Pass, stop by Lang Co Beach, Ghost Villages. Visit the Imperial Citadel, Royal Museum, and Dong Ba Market.
Day 15 – Hue – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy a boat trip along the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Hieu Pagoda, the Royal Tomb of King Tu Duc, Thuy Xuan village, the Royal Tomb of King Khai Dinh, before flying to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 16 – Ho Chi Minh City tour: Check out Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters, Traditional Medicine Museum of Vietnam, walk along Dong Khoi Street
Day 17 – Day tour to Mekong Delta: Ride a boat from Ben Tre to Mo Cay.
Day 18 – Ho Chi Minh – Departure.
>>> For the detailed tour itinerary, please check out Thailand and Vietnam in 18 Days: Unveil Enchanting Landscapes and Rich Heritage.
Itinerary 3: Extend to Cambodia
Day 1 – Arrive in Bangkok.
Day 2 – Bangkok city tour: Check out the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
Day 3 – Sightseeing in Bangkok: Visit Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Day 4 – Fly to Chiang Mai: Visit a handicraft village in the afternoon.
Day 5 – Chiang Mai – Bangkok: Check out Doi Suthep, the Elephant Camp, and take a night train to Bangkok.
Day 6 – Fly to Siem Reap.
Day 7 – Explore Angkor Wat Complex.
Day 8 – Explore the Great Lake: See the sunrise at Angkor Wat and experience a boat ride on the Great Lake Tonle Sap.
Day 9 – Siem Reap – Fly to Hanoi.
Day 10 – Hanoi city tour: Check out Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the Temple of Literature, and watch a water puppet show.
Day 11 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay: Embark on an overnight cruise to discover the bay. Try swimming, or kayaking to truly immerse in the emerald water of the bay.
Day 12 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang, onward travel to Hoi An: End the cruise itinerary at noon and return to Hanoi for a flight to Da Nang.
Day 13 – Hoi An city tour: Check out the Japanese-covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda, etc.
Day 14 – Hoi An – Hue: Travel through Hai Van Pass. In Hue, visit the Royal Citadel, and Khai Dinh Tomb.
Day 15 – Hue – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Morning enjoy a cruise along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Mausoleum. Afternoon fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 16 – Ho Chi Minh City tour: Check out the War Remnants Museum, the Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Xa Loi Pagoda, and Ben Thanh Market.
Day 17 – Day tour to Mekong Delta: Visit Cai Be floating market.
Day 18 – Depart Ho Chi Minh City.
>>> For the detailed tour itinerary, please check out Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam in 18 Days: A Trip to Remember
Tips and Recommendations for 18 days in Vietnam and Thailand
The best time to visit Vietnam and Thailand in 18 days
The timing of your trip plays an important role in ensuring an enjoyable experience in Vietnam and Thailand. While both countries can be visited year-round, it is advisable to plan your 18-day itinerary during the dry seasons for optimal weather conditions and fewer disruptions due to rain.
Vietnam’s regional weather
In Vietnam, the best time to visit falls between the months of November to April. During this period, the weather is generally dry and temperatures are mild, creating ideal conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. In the north, cities like Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa experience cooler temperatures, while central regions including Hue and Hoi An have pleasant warmth. Southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region enjoy a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Thailand’s regional weather
Thailand’s dry season aligns with the months of November to February. This period offers comfortable temperatures, lower humidity levels, and minimal rainfall, making it an excellent time to visit popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. The northern regions of Thailand experience cooler temperatures, while the southern regions enjoy warm and inviting weather, perfect for beach activities and island hopping.
Traveling during the dry seasons allows you to fully appreciate the outdoor activities and natural beauty that both countries have to offer. Whether it’s exploring ancient temples, going on trekking adventures, cruising through picturesque landscapes, or enjoying water sports, you’ll have a higher chance of clear skies and more favorable conditions for such activities.
>>> For more detailed information, please check out The Best Time To Visit Vietnam and When Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand?
Notable Festivals and Events to Check Out in Vietnam and Thailand
Tet atmosphere in Hang Ma Street, Hanoi
- Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year): Celebrated nationwide from late January to mid-February, Tet is the most significant festival in Vietnam, marked by vibrant parades, traditional performances, and family gatherings. It’s a time of renewal and cultural festivities.
- Hue Festival: A biennial event, usually in April, and is held in the imperial city of Hue. This festival showcases Vietnamese arts, music, and cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and royal traditions.
Loi Krathong Festival in Thailand
- Songkran (Thai New Year): Known for its water fights and lively celebrations, Songkran is a time of cleansing and renewal in mid-April, in Thailand. It’s a joyful occasion where locals and visitors come together to ring in the Thai New Year.
- Loi Krathong: During this festival of lights, usually in November, Thai people release decorated floats into rivers and waterways to pay respects to the water spirits. It’s a mesmerizing sight as the water sparkles with candlelight.
Reflecting on this 18-day journey, you’ll treasure memories of Bangkok’s bustling streets, Chiang Mai’s tranquil temples, the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay, and the historical richness of Hue. Each destination offered unique experiences that combined to create an unforgettable adventure. Feel free to share your travel stories or ask any questions you may have about this itinerary. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more detailed travel itineraries, tips, and inspiration for your next adventure!
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