Is an extraordinary adventure through Vietnam and Thailand what you are looking for? Then you are landing in the right place, where we present to you amazing itineraries spanning 19 days, taking you on a whirlwind of cultural immersion, awe-inspiring landscapes, and cherished memories of these two Southeast Asian gems. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the picturesque Halong Bay, from the ancient temples of Chiang Mai to the vibrant markets of Hoi An, our meticulously crafted itineraries promise to showcase the very best of Vietnam and Thailand.
Why Visit Vietnam and Thailand in 19 Days
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Why choose Vietnam and Thailand for a 19-day adventure? The answer lies in the irresistible allure of these two captivating countries. Vietnam and Thailand offer a perfect blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and immersive experiences that make them ideal destinations for an extended journey.
Vietnam boasts a fascinating tapestry of history, from the ancient temples of Hanoi to the remnants of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An and Hue, cruise along the breathtaking Halong Bay, and trek through the lush landscapes. Indulge your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Meanwhile, Thailand is enchanted with its vibrant cities, golden temples, and idyllic beaches. Discover the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where modernity meets tradition in a captivating blend. Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, seek serenity in the temples of Chiang Mai, and bask in the sun-kissed beauty of the southern islands. Thai cuisine will tantalize your senses, and the friendly smiles of the Thai people will leave an everlasting impression.
Best Time for 19 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
Wat Arun Temple, Thailand
For Vietnam, the ideal time to visit is during the spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) seasons. These months offer comfortable temperatures, lower humidity levels, and minimal rainfall, allowing you to explore with ease. From the bustling cities to the stunning landscapes, this time of year provides the perfect conditions to fully appreciate the beauty of Vietnam.
In Thailand, the best time to visit is during the cool and dry season, which spans from November to February. This period offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, visiting ancient temples, and relaxing on the pristine beaches. However, it’s worth noting that popular tourist destinations can be crowded during this peak season, so planning ahead is advisable.
Ultimately, the best time for your 19-day adventure in Vietnam and Thailand depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to read more in detail, please check out the best time to visit Vietnam, as well as the most ideal time for a Thailand trip.
Itineraries for 19 Days in Vietnam and Thailand
Itinerary 1: From Vietnam
Day 1 – Hanoi Arrival – Explore the French Quarter: Check out iconic landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Day 2 – Hanoi city tour: Visit West Lake, Huu Tiep Lake, and Hoang Hoa Tham Street.
Day 3 – Hanoi leisure day: Explore the Old Quarters, markets, museums, and art galleries.
Day 4 – Hanoi – Halong Bay: Arrive at Tuan Chau Island, explore caves and grottos by kayak, and visit a pearl farm.
Day 5 – Halong Bay – Hue: Enjoy breakfast onboard. Transfer to Hanoi to catch a flight to Hue.
Day 6 – Hue city tour: Ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel.
Day 7 – Hue – Hoi An: Cross the Hai Van Pass to Lang Co Fishing Village before reaching Hoi An.
Day 8 – Hoi An city tour: Walk through Hoi An streets, and visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and Thu Bon River.
Day 9 – Hoi An leisure day: Ride through the countryside, take a cooking class, and visit galleries and spas.
Day 10 – Hoi An – Chiang Mai: Transfer to Da Nang for a flight to Chiang Mai.
Day 11 – Chiang Mai – Elephant Discovery Camp: Visit Elephant Discovery Camp in Mae Wang district to play and take care of elephants.
Day 12 – Chiang Mai – Wat Doi Suthep and Wat Umong: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Umong.
Day 13 – Chiang Mai – Bangkok.
Day 14 – Bangkok city tour: Check out BTS National Stadium Station, Jim Thompson House, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace.
Day 15 – Cooking class at Blue Elephant.
Day 16 – Bangkok – Hua Hin: Explore the coastal town of Thailand.
Day 17 – Sam Roi Yod National Park: Visit Sam Roi Yot National Park, Bang-Pu fishing village, Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Day 18 – Hua Hin leisure day.
Day 19 – Return to Bangkok – Departure flight.
>>> See the full tour itinerary at 19 Days in Vietnam and Thailand: A Tale of Splendid Discovery.
Itinerary 2: From Thailand
Day 1 – Bangkok arrival.
Day 2 – Bangkok exploration: Optional Tour – Half Day Royal Grand Palace Tour.
Day 3 – Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Phitsanulok: Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng.
Day 4 – Phitsanulok – Lampang – Chiang Mai: Visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Transfer to Chiang Mai.
Day 5 – Chiang Mai: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and go shopping at San Kamphaeng Road.
Day 6 – Chiang Mai – Lamphun – Sukhothai: Drive to Lamphun, and explore Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Temple and Sukhothai Historical Park.
Day 7 – Sukhothai – Lopburi – Bangkok: Head to Lopburi to visit Phra Pang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan. Transfer to Bangkok.
Day 8 – Bangkok – Fly to Hanoi: Leisure day in Hanoi.
Day 9 – Hanoi city tour: Visit the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Optional Tour – Australian Beef & Wine Dinner Tasting by Local Chefs.
Day 10 – Hanoi – Halong Bay: Drive along the Red River Delta to arrive at Halong Bay. Explore limestone islands, caves, and grottoes.
Day 11 – Halong Bay – Hanoi: Tai chi session onboard. Drive back to Hanoi after lunch.
Day 12 – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market. Optional Tour – Dinner on Saigon River Cruise.
Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh City exploration: Optional Tour – Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 14 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne: Relax at Mui Ne beach.
Day 15 – Mui Ne leisure day.
Day 16 – Mui Ne leisure day.
Day 17 – Mui Ne leisure day.
Day 18 – Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 19 – Ho Chi Minh City departure.
>>> See the full tour itinerary at Best of Thailand and Vietnam in 19 Days: A Journey to Remember.
Itinerary 3: Extend to Cambodia
Day 1 – Hanoi arrival.
Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Ride a cyclo around Hanoi Old Quarter.
Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay: Discover Halong Bay’s caverns, swim, or kayak in the refreshing water.
Day 4 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue: Visit Sung Sot Cave. Transfer back to Hanoi to catch a flight to Hue.
Day 5 – Hue City Tour: Ride a boat along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Explore the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, and Dong Ba Market.
Day 6 – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An: Stop by Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum and My Khe Beach. Arrive in Hoi An and visit Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Japanese-covered Bridge.
Day 7 – Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City: Transfer to Da Nang for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 8 – Half-day Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi Tunnels: Visit Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 9 – Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho: Visit Vinh Trang Temple, Turtle Islet, An Khanh at My Tho. End the day in Can Tho.
Day 10 – Can Tho – Cai Rang – Chau Doc: Visit Cai Rang floating market, and go to Chau Doc to stop by Sam Mountain.
Day 11 – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh: Take an express boat to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Day 12 – Phnom Penh City Tour: Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, the Central Market, and Russian Market. Check out Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museums.
Day 13 – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: Take a flight to Siem Reap. Take the Small Circuit tour to visit Takeo, Ta Prohm, Sras Sang, Banteay Kdei, and Prasat Kravan. Stop by Angkor Thom and other landmarks such as Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants, and the Terrace of Leper King.
Day 14 – Angkor Wat – Banteay Srey: Watch the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple complex. Visit Banteay Srei temple.
Day 15 – Siem Reap – Bangkok: Fly to Bangkok and discover the city at your leisure.
Day 16 – Bangkok Temple Tour: Visit Wat Traimit, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Chetuphon.
Day 17 – Fly to Phuket & City Tour: Visit Wat Chalong, Wang Thalang, Rawai Beach, Phromthep Cape.
Day 18 – Phi Phi Island Full-day Tour: Ride a boat to Phi Phi Island and Long Beach. Swim or snorkel around the beach.
Day 19 – Phuket departure.
>>> See the full tour itinerary at Legends of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand in 19 Days.
Keep in Minds to Enjoy the Best of Vietnam and Thailand in 19 Days
- Pack appropriately: Vietnam and Thailand have diverse climates, so pack clothing suitable for the season and region you’ll be visiting. Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal for the tropical weather, while modest attire may be required for visits to temples and religious sites.
- Embrace local customs and etiquette: Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of Vietnam and Thailand to show respect for the local culture. Learn basic greetings and phrases in the local language, and be mindful of appropriate behavior in religious sites.
- Sample street food cautiously: Street food is an integral part of the culinary experience in both countries. While it offers delicious flavors, be cautious about hygiene standards. Look for busy stalls with freshly cooked food, and consider avoiding raw or undercooked dishes to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Stay hydrated and practice good hygiene: The tropical climates can be hot and humid, so it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink purified or bottled water. Additionally, practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.
- Respect the environment: Both Vietnam and Thailand are blessed with stunning natural landscapes. Help preserve the beauty of these destinations by practicing responsible tourism. Dispose of waste properly, avoid single-use plastics, and support eco-friendly initiatives.
The vibrant street food scene in Bangkok
Choosing Vietnam and Thailand for a 19-day adventure means immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage, exploring diverse landscapes, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. From the vibrant cities to the serene landscapes, we crafted these adventures with the hope of igniting a spark of wanderlust within you, inspiring future explorations and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our world. If any of these itineraries capture your interest, don’t hesitate to contact us for further discussion. Let’s embrace the unknown together and let your adventurous spirit soar high!
Read more:
