21 Days Vietnam – Thailand: From the City to the Mountain

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in the city center.

Check in to the hotel and take a short break.

If time permits, you can join a food tour around Hanoi Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, or go shopping on Hang Gai Street.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

Meet your guide in the morning for a walking tour of Hanoi, highlighting its rich history.

Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex in the city center, where Vietnam’s revered revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is embalmed in a mausoleum. Stroll through the serene grounds to view his humble wooden stilt house and the ornate One Pillar Pagoda, which sits in a lake and symbolizes Vietnam’s national flower, the lotus.

Panoramic view of Tran Quoc Pagoda

Next, head to Ho Tay (West Lake) and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine located on an island. This pagoda, dating back to the sixth century during Emperor Ly Nam De’s reign, is the oldest in the city.

Then, visit the 11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Its well-preserved Confucian temple architecture is so impressive that it is featured on the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

After a lunch break, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which boasts an extensive collection of costumes and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups.

Finally, return to the Old Quarter, where you’ll have free time to shop at your leisure.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, take a short drive from Hanoi to the Bat Trang Pottery Village to explore the traditional handicrafts of Vietnam’s Red River Delta. Our guide will lead you through the village, allowing you to browse various pottery shops. Participate in a workshop where you’ll create your own pottery piece, from shaping the clay on a wheel to drying and decorating it. You can keep your finished piece as a souvenir.

Pottery making in Bat Trang

Have lunch at a local restaurant and return to your hotel for an afternoon free.

In the evening, join a two-hour coffee workshop to master the art of brewing ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk).

Later, return to the Old Quarter for a culinary adventure. As you wander through hidden lanes and back streets, our guide will introduce you to the best street food stalls in the city. Sample local delights such as pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) and the renowned banh mi. Refresh yourself with sugar cane juice or local rice wine before heading back to your hotel.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After an early breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel for a 3-hour journey north to the legendary Ha Long Bay. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay features over 1,500 karst islets rising from jade waters, resembling the spine of a mythological creature – “ha long” means “descending dragon.” This region’s unique beauty has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Upon arriving at the marina, you’ll board a luxurious ship for an overnight cruise. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch in the dining room. Then, relax on the sundeck as the ship glides across the emerald waters, heading to secluded areas of the bay. Later, you’ll visit a hidden cove for a swim and take a kayak trip to explore secret beaches and grottoes.

Dinner will be served on board, followed by evening activities.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide on boat, Sightseeing fee, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Awake to a stunning sunrise over the jade waters and karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Consider joining a morning tai chi session on the deck.

After a light breakfast, relax in a lounger and take in the breathtaking scenery as the ship cruises back to the Ha Long Bay pier. Enjoy a late brunch in the dining room before docking around noon.

Then, embark on a 3three-hour drive back to Hanoi, arriving around 3 pm. In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter at your leisure, picking up souvenirs and savoring delicious street food.

Later, transfer to the station to board an overnight train to Lao Cai. This northern region is celebrated for its majestic mountain landscapes, and diverse ethnic cultures, and serves as the gateway to the renowned town of Sapa and its iconic terraced rice fields.

Overnight on the train.

Included: Transportation, Hanoi – Lao Cai train ticket, English-speaking guide on boat, Meals: breakfast, brunch.

Upon arriving at Lao Cai station, enjoy breakfast before embarking on a scenic transfer to Sapa. The journey offers views of winding rivers, stunning mountain valleys, and landscapes dotted with rice and cornfields, gardens, bamboo forests, and quaint villages inhabited by Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. These groups, originally from southern China, migrated to Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand over the centuries.

Once in Sapa, check into your hotel, freshen up, and set out to explore nearby villages.

Trekking in Lao Chai, Sapa

In Lao Chai, observe the daily life of the Black Hmong, known for their handicrafts and vibrant traditional attire, which they create by hand. From here, take in the expansive views of Muong Hoa Valley, the largest in Vietnam, featuring some of the country’s most beautiful rice fields.

Continue your hike through terraced paddies to Ta Van, a village inhabited by the Giay people, who are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional wooden stilt houses. This area marks the beginning of the vast Muong Hoa Valley. From a vantage point on the main road, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding villages and majestic mountains. At the end of the afternoon, return to Sapa.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Begin your day with a short drive to Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The ascent features an exhilarating cable car ride that ends at a garden complex adorned with pagodas and Buddha statues. From there, you will take a funicular train to the summit. At the 10,212-foot (3,134 m) peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of cloud-topped mountains and even glimpses into China.

Magnificent view from O Quy Ho Pass

Next, meet your driver and head to the O Quy Ho Mountain Pass in the Hoang Lien Son range. Also called Heaven’s Gate, it is Vietnam’s highest mountain pass and boasts some of the north’s most breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll stop to take photos and admire panoramic views of Fansipan and the Sin Chai Valley. The area is often enveloped in mist and clouds, enhancing the dramatic landscape.

Later, return to Sapa and board an overnight train to Hanoi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

This morning, bid a fond farewell to Hanoi as you transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. Nestled on Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is a vibrant and modern city surrounded by the beauty and culture that have made the country a tourism hotspot. In addition to its long golden beaches and high mountain passes, Da Nang boasts a thriving restaurant scene.

After checking into your hotel, embark on a guided tour of one of Vietnam’s most impressive landmarks, Ba Na Hills. This mountaintop resort and theme park was once a favorite vacation spot for the French during the colonial period and is now one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Golden Bridge – Danang

At the station, take a cable car to the renowned Golden Bridge, a 492-foot-long (150 m) pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands. At 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level, enjoy breathtaking views of Quang Nam province. Visit landmarks such as Linh Ung Pagoda and the towering 100-foot (30 m) Buddha. Explore the enchanting French Village, which features a Gothic-style cathedral.

Finally, return to Da Nang via cable car.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Hanoi – Da Nang air ticket, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Travel an hour down the coast today to Hoi An, a serene port town on the Tho Bon River, surrounded by peaceful rice paddies and beaches along the South China Sea. En route, visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone peaks filled with caves, tunnels, and temples.

Later, explore the nearby 208-acre (84 ha) Bay Mau Palm Forest. Visit the bamboo handicraft center, where locals have crafted goods from coconut and bamboo since the early 19th century. Take a trip in a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat through the mangroves, where you can paddle and try your hand at crab fishing.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Continue to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colorful architecture and historic merchant homes. Discover key attractions such as the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation Assembly Hall, and the bustling market with stalls full of regional specialties. End your day with a picturesque lantern boat ride before returning to Da Nang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in the city center. Check in and relax. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city at your leisure.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Da Nang – Bangkok air ticket, Meals: breakfast.

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Bangkok, beginning with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to Wat Pho, home to a colossal reclining Buddha statue.

Next, explore the Grand Palace, a complex of ornate temples and palaces established in 1782, which served as the royal residence for 150 years. Today, the palace hosts royal ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and state banquets. Key highlights include the Reception Hall, Coronation Hall, and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha statue.

Wat Phra Kaew

Conclude your tour with an exciting tuk-tuk ride to Chatuchak Market. Boasting over 15,000 stalls, it is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, offering everything from clothing and flowers to food and antiques. Shop for souvenirs and savor street food snacks before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start your day with a 90-minute drive from Bangkok through lush countryside and paddy fields to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Siam Kingdom in the 14th century, this archaeological site features over 300 historical landmarks, including the ruins of palaces, temples, and monasteries. After exploring these ancient sites, break for lunch before heading to the Portuguese Archaeology Museum, where you can learn about the Portuguese influence on Ayutthaya’s history through trade and weaponry.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Upon returning to Bangkok, indulge in a refined and elegant traditional afternoon tea service at the luxurious Author’s Lounge in the 19th-century Oriental Hotel, now the Mandarin Oriental. Surrounded by white linens and sophisticated French decor, enjoy a delightful assortment of finger sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked scones, homemade jams, and more. Be sure to dress smartly for this exquisite experience.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

This morning, say goodbye to Bangkok and take a short flight north to Chiang Mai. Nestled in the cooler, mountainous region of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and still features a moat-encircled Old City. After checking into your hotel, head out to explore the streets of the Old City at your leisure.

As the sun sets, embark on a culinary adventure with a food tour. Hop into a tuk-tuk and make your way to Warorot, the city’s century-old market. Browse the stalls and sample seasonal fruits and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) with iced tea. Continue to the lively Night Bazaar, where you can try bua loi, a coconut broth with pandan-filled dumplings.

Sample local street food at Chiang Mai’s famous night bazaar

Next, visit another of Chiang Mai’s night markets located at the city’s ancient gates. The bustling Chang Puak Night Market at North Gate offers a wide variety of authentic Thai cuisine. Be sure to try the Khao kha moo (stewed pork leg) from the friendly lady in the cowboy hat, famous for her delicious food and visits from celebrities like Anthony Bourdain.

Afterward, return to your hotel by tuk-tuk or stay out to enjoy more of Chiang Mai’s vibrant nightlife.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Bangkok – Chiang Mai air ticket, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast.

This morning, embark on a delightful full-day tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, a 482-square-mile (1,250 sq km) protected area named after Thailand’s highest peak, Inthanon, which stands 8,400 feet (2,565 m) above sea level. Start early with a 2-hour drive into the park, then begin a steep hike to the summit.

Doi Inthanon National Park

At the top, enjoy the cool air and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. Continue your hike to discover stunning waterfalls and spot exotic birds like the green-tailed sunbird, as well as beautiful flowers such as orchids and rhododendrons. You can also take a short walk to a small stupa, a burial monument containing the remains of Chao Inthawichayanon (1817-1897), the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, venture off the typical tourist path with a trip to Lamphun, an ancient city located 25 miles (40 km) south of Chiang Mai. Established in the ninth century, Lamphun is one of Thailand’s oldest cities and was once the capital of the powerful Haripunchai Kingdom. Like Chiang Mai, it is adorned with temples and surrounded by remnants of ancient walls and a moat. However, it remains relatively untouched by tourism, offering a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Lamphun, Thailand

Begin your private tour at Wat Phra That Haripunchai, a temple built in the 12th century by King Haripunchai. Its highlight is a stunning 167-foot-tall (51 m) golden pagoda, believed to house relics of Lord Buddha. Next, visit Wat Jammathevee, known for its unique chedi that was famously struck by lightning.

Conclude with a stroll through Pa Sang village, where you can observe locals weaving textiles on traditional looms.

Afterward, return to Chiang Mai for the night.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

This morning, set off to explore southern Thailand, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, picturesque islands, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Begin with a transfer to Chiang Mai airport, where you’ll catch connecting flights to Surat Thani. Situated near the mouth of the Taki River on the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani serves as the gateway to some of Thailand’s most stunning islands, including Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Pha Ngan.

Khao Sok National Park

Upon arrival, a driver will take you on a 2-hour journey to Khao Sok National Park, a region rich in diverse flora and fauna, limestone mountains with caves, and the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest. The park is filled with vast lakes and dense forests, perfect for canoeing and jungle trekking. Once you reach the park, head to your jungle lodge nestled deep within the rainforest, and settle into your traditional Thai-style private treehouse, complete with breathtaking river or valley views.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Chiang Mai – Surat Thani air ticket, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

This morning, journey back in time with a ride along the Sok River on a traditional bamboo raft, one of Thailand’s oldest forms of transport. These rafts once navigated the ancient trading routes between the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s west coast and the Gulf of Thailand on the east.

Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting

During this 2-hour guided excursion, you’ll drift along the gently flowing waters, taking in the stunning scenery of towering limestone mountains and spotting wildlife such as gibbons, kingfishers, and tapirs along the banks. The trip includes a stop for a hike through the jungle, leading to a rubber tree plantation and a cave.

After the tour, you’ll return to your accommodation.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

This morning, meet our driver for a 1.5-hour transfer from the park to the Andaman Sea coast, heading to Khao Lak. Known for its soft, powdery white sands, Khao Lak lives up to its name, which translates to “white sand beach.”

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Spend the rest of the day sunbathing and swimming at the beachfront of your resort. Alternatively, you can opt for kayaking or canoeing around a nearby offshore island.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Meals: breakfast.

After enjoying breakfast at the resort, board a speedboat and set off for the Similan Islands, an archipelago of nine islands off the coast of Khao Lak – four of which are accessible to the public. This entire archipelago is a national park, preserving its pristine coastlines and coral reefs.

Similan Island

You’ll experience these ideal marine conditions on a full-day tour of the islands.

In the morning, the speedboat will take you to prime snorkeling spots, where you’ll spend two hours exploring the underwater world with an experienced guide.

Around noon, you’ll stop at an island for a picnic lunch on the beach. After lunch, embark on a short hike to a lookout point that offers stunning views over the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy more snorkeling and have the chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, seahorses, and possibly reef sharks.

After the day’s adventures, you’ll return to Khao Lak.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, set out on a private kayaking tour through the dense mangroves of Khao Lak. Begin your journey by traveling via a long-tail boat to the floating base camp, where you’ll switch to a kayak and follow your guide through the winding mangrove forests, home to monkeys, otters, and colorful birds.

As you paddle through this unique floating forest, you’ll stop at the base camp for refreshments. Then, continue your adventure to a hidden lagoon where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the midst of nature.

Afterward, return to the pier and head back to Khao Lak for a final evening by the sea.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up for a 2-hour drive to the airport in Phuket, followed by your departure flight back home.

End of 3 weeks in Vietnam and Thailand with memorable experience.

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.