The Best of Vietnam and Thailand

DAY 1: HANOI
Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, and reception at the airport. Private transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 2: HANOI
After breakfast, tour of Hanoi. Vietnam's capital is the only Asian city with tree-lined avenues, French colonial architecture, lakes, and oriental temples.

Visit the Temple of Literature, the country's first university and considered the symbol of Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, and the One-Pillar Pagoda, made of wood shaped like a lotus leaf, in honor of Buddha.

Lunch stop at a local restaurant (no drinks).

In the afternoon, visit an artisanal flower shop to learn about the production of traditional Vietnamese spiritual floral arrangements and offerings. Then, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake with panoramic views of Ngoc Son Temple.

Finally, ride a Pousse cycle (bike with cart) through Hanoi's old quarter, also known as the District of 36 Streets.


DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY
After breakfast, land transfer to Halong Bay through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, past rice fields and the region's traditional rural life.

Board the traditional wooden boat “junco” for a cruise for 1 night with full board (without drinks). The trip passes through numerous islands in the bay, such as the Turtle, the Dog, the Chief of Man, etc. Free

time to relax and enjoy the scenery or organize optional activities.

Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to weather conditions.


DAY 4: HALONG BAY - HANOI/ HO CHI MINH
During the cruise it is possible to take a Tai Chi class on the boat terrace at sunrise.

Brunch served on board and return to the pier. Ground transfer to Hanoi airport to board a flight (not included) to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrival and private transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 5: HO CHI MINH
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the city of Ho Chi Minh, still called Saigon by many local residents, with a visit to the Reunification Palace (external visit) and the former Central Post Office.

Next, stroll down Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, where the municipal buildings, the Ho Chi Minh Statue, and the City Hall are located. After the tour, opportunity to drink authentic Vietnamese coffee and enjoy the sunset.

Free afternoon for independent activities.


DAY 6: HO CHI MINH/BANGKOK
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Private airport transfer for boarding to Bangkok.

Arrival, immigration and reception at the airport. Private transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 3 days, with breakfast.


DAY 7: BANGKOK
After breakfast at the hotel, private half-day Bangkok tour to three of the most famous Buddhist temples: Wat Traimit, with its priceless Golden Buddha, weighing 5 1/2 tons of solid gold; Wat Po, the largest temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha; and the Grand Palace of Bangkok, one of the most beautiful and ancient examples that used to be the residence of the kings of Thailand.

Opportunity to visit the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Room, the Coronation Room and the impressive Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Return to the hotel and the rest of the day free for independent activities.


DAY 8: BANGKOK
After breakfast at the hotel, private part-time tour to visit the famous market on the Maeklong Train Rails. When the train approaches the market, merchants fold their sales station to allow the train to cross the middle of the market.

Then, visit the traditional Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which opens at dawn and closes at noon. Thousands of Thai women wearing bamboo hats guide the small and numerous boats, offering fruits and vegetables. As it is always full, the best way to discover the market is from inside a boat that crosses the small canals, so you can buy fresh products from the merchants.

Free afternoon for independent activities.


DAY 9: BANGKOK/CHIANG MAI
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Private transfer to Bangkok airport for boarding a flight to Chiang Mai (flight not included).

Arrival, reception and private transfer to the hotel for accommodation for 3 nights, with breakfast.


DAY 10: CHIANG MAI
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and departure to Baan Tong Luang to visit the various tribes in the region. First, a visit to the world-renowned Mae Tang tribe, home to women from Burma, known for wearing rings around their necks, the “giraffe women”. Next, visit the Karen Hill and Lahu Hill tribes.

Stop at one of the region's orchid farms, where there is a wide variety of these flowers. It includes lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, tour Chiang Mai, passing by the most interesting Buddhist temples, such as the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, atop Doi Suthep. After a stretch of ascent, the final part is made up of a staircase of 306 steps in the shape of a snake. Inside, there is an intriguing copper-clad chedi under a five-tiered golden umbrella that are part of the Buddha's relics.

Visit to Wat Suan Dok, whose central stupa has a Buddha relic and where the ashes of the Chiang Mai Royal Family are located, to Wat Chedi Luang, where the Emerald Buddha once lived; and to Wat Phra Singh, which houses the 1500-year-old Buddha image.


DAY 11: CHIANG MAI
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to an elephant sanctuary for an experience of caring for and preserving the Asian elephant.

At the site, an introduction will be provided on how to find the elephant in the jungle, the management of the elephant farm and the elephant breeding program, in addition to learning how to interact with the elephants, their diet, daily care, and a bath in a river. Stop for lunch (without drinks), return to the farm for more interaction and a photo shoot. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.


DAY 12: CHIANG MAI/PHUKET
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Private transfer to Chiang Mai airport for boarding a flight to Phuket (flight not included).

Arrival, reception and regular transfer to the hotel. Accommodation for 3 nights, with breakfast.


13TH AND 14TH DAY: PHUKET Free
days for independent activities.


DAY 15: PHUKET/BANGKOK
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Regular shuttle to Phuket airport.