Vietnam and Thailand combo

Arrival in Hanoi. Welcome to Vietnam! Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices. Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which makes it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel and time for leisure.
Note: Hotel check-in time is 14h00; early check-in can be arranged at additional cost.

There’s no arguing, Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colorful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage, the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There’s picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let’s jump right in and experience it all. We’ll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy. In the evening, watch a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Note: Most of the museums are closed on Mondays; Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday, Friday and in the afternoons.

Depart Hanoi for a 1.5hr drive to Duong Lam, a typical agricultural village in the northern Red River Delta. Duong Lam has the honor of being the birthplace to two Vietnamese kings and is the first village in Vietnam to be recognized by UNESCO for its Cultural Heritage Conservation. Home to approximately 300 houses built nearly 400 years ago, Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways showcase rural life and ancient Vietnamese architecture. The cultural and historical vestiges of Duong Lam include the Mong Phu Communal House in Mong Phu hamlet, the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, here dedicated to national heroes, the 15th century Mia Pagoda known for its 287 ancient statues and the Old Catholic Church. The village well, a traditional feature of communal life, is also a fascinating stop. Finish your tour at an ancient house where you can chat with the friendly owners over a cup of tea before returning to Hanoi.

Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route for stretching our legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity. Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km). Surrounded by the hundreds of limestone karst-mountains and rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water; Halong bay is listed as one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Let’s spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder. Arrive at the harbor at noon time and do the check-in procedure on your boat. You will be welcomed and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, beach, relax or simply enjoy sunbathing on the sundeck (the program varies depending on each boat cruise). Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset. Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
Note: No private guide on board with guests. On-board English-speaking guide is arranged by the junk.

Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day by joining in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi. Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise. Note: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization. Transfer by vehicle from Halong to the Noi Bai Airport (160 km). Arrival in Hue and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Starting your day by taking a boat trip to visit one of the oldest pagoda which is called Thien Mu Pagoda. Its iconic seven-story pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city and the temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes about Hue. Visit the Royal Imperial City, located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House, special place reflect the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city, it is the manor of mandarin of the feudal court. The house has garden covered with full of fruit trees including mangosteen, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, baccaurea, figs and grapefruits.

Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away, welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang. This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We’ll also stop at the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves. Afternoon at leisure (without guide).

Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers’ paradise. We’ll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. In the afternoon, we’ll take a lazy cruise along the river to traditional pottery villages.

Set off on a half-day electric scooter adventure through the beautiful countryside of Hoi An. A unique eco-tour experience exploring Hoi An’s captivating countryside on a comfortable electric scooter. Discover some of Hoi An’s most beautiful hidden spots, meet locals and learn first-hand about their daily routines. This is the only scooter tour in Vietnam where clients can legally drive themselves! You will be met by our tour guide at your hotel and transferred by electric car to our parking lot where you learn and get familiar with how to ride on Electric Scooter. We head toward Cam Nam village to experience some hidden gems and charismatic locals of the daily life on this beautiful island. We will visit a boat repair yard to see and understand how hard work is involved in maintaining a fishing boat. We then take a short drive through the zig-zag village roads and make a stop enroute at a local family chapel to have a brief understanding of the spiritual and religious beliefs of a traditional Vietnamese family. Our next visits to local handmade products from Hoi An: lanterns and leather workshops where you can have a DIY or a customized one. Before brunch break at a local café by the riverside, we make another stop at a stall overlooking Hoi An Ancient Town and Thu Bon River, where we will learn how the rice cracker is being processed and have a bite on site of this popular snack. Afterward, keep going on our drive, cutting through beautiful rice fields to Tra Que Village, where people planted herbs and vegetables organically by compost fertilizing from river weeds. By the end of the tour, unwind at a stunning beach lounge of An Bang Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a refreshing drink. Return to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
*Please join us in minimizing plastic waste for environmental protection by carrying your own reusable water bottle or you can use our bamboo water bottle.

Transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to the Danang airport (35 km). Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we will be going underground, deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City and Chinatown. Ever-vibrant, ever-changing, this is the buzzing city of Ho Chi Minh City, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We’ll head out to Cholon, the historic Chinatown district to discover colonial-era gems, Chinese temples and vivacious street life. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle for your flight to Bangkok. Welcome to Thailand! Thailand might almost have been designed with holidays in mind, so blessed is the country with attractions from bustling modern cities to golden tropical beaches. It’s a famously friendly country; thanks to the renowned hospitality of the Thai people, it’s known as ‘The Land of Smiles’. Arrival at Bangkok Airport. Proceed to closest Exit of the International Arrival. (Exit B & C) Then, go through and turn right. Please, follow the sign “Meeting Point”. You can meet our tour guide or airport representative who will hold your welcome sign with the Exotik Logo at the Gate 4 area zone.

Today we will visit two of the most important sights of Bangkok. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is a giant lying Buddha, covered in gold leaf. The Grand Palace is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which houses Thailand most precious image of the Lord Buddha. After lunch, we will take the riverboat to Wat Arun, named the number 1 landmark in Thailand on TripAdvisor, there’s no excuse for missing Wat Arun. This religious complex, also called the Temple of Dawn, is known for its dreamy white spires that can be seen for miles around. Then continue walking to the old town where all the religious and cultures mixed Kudi Chin. The Kudi Chin or also known as “Kadi Chin”, is one of a historic neighborhood found near the bank of the Chao Phraya River during the reign of King Taksin the Great who established the City of Thonburi as the new capital city. Although the Portuguese, Thai community has settled in Bangkok for more than 200 years, they have amassed a wealth of Culture, History and Tradition to pass on to subsequent generations. It’s a unique community that harmonizes Buddhists, Christians and Muslims way of life together with diverse Thai and Chinese cultures. Hence, this cultural variety makes Kudi China unique and charming community for everyone to experience.
Important: Please note that for visiting the Grand Palace, you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulder, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings as a symbol of respect.

To discover the way Bangkok used to be, travel approximately 100 km outside of Bangkok to the Floating Market with its many colors, flavors and exotic fragrances. Start with a scenic ride on a narrow long tail - speedboat, passing riverside villages and fruit plantations, before entering the vibrant market. There will be many photo-opportunities along the way and on the colorful market on the water.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, free time until the transfer to the Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Arrive at Chiang Mai, transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai by private transfer and rest of the day at leisure.

Breakfast at hotel. Start exploring the city of Chiang Mai which has many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples, and this tour visits the most interesting, such as, the 600-year-old temple of Wat Pra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Other temple visits on this tour include Wat Suan Dok whose large central stupa contains a Buddha relic and where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Family are interred; Wat Chedi Luang where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined; Wat Phra Singh, housing a very sacred 1,500-year-old Buddha image. In the evening, enjoy a superb Kantoke dinner while being entertained by a selection of traditional Thai culture and folk performances. Kantoke is the customary northern Thai style of eating with the food being served in large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor. As you enjoy your meal, let yourself be entertained by a selection of northern Thai cultural performances.

We will drive along the winding road through spectacular jungle mountain on route Mae Rim – Mae Malai approx. 3 hours to Pai. Stop along the way at the local market at Mae Malai. Arrive in Pai District, visit Kongland (Pai Canyon), the high eroding cliff, the best scenic point where you could witness the breathtaking view of Pai. Then visit to Tha Pai Hot springs. There are 3-4 big hot springs and some small and scattering all over the area. Here water erupts from geysers in a small stream, creating clouds of stream in the woodland. The temperature of water is about 90-99 degrees Celsius and feel cool and fresh at the beautiful Mo Peang waterfall. Continue on to the iron bridge, built during World War II by Japanese troops stationed at Pai. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, visit to some of the Burmese style temples i.e. Wat Nam Hu, contains a sacred Chiang Saen Buddha image, 24 inches wide at the base and 30 inches high. Later be impressed by viewing the sunset from Mae Yen Buddhist temple and the beauty of Pai’s scenery.

After breakfast, leave Pai and drive through jungle-clad mountains, approx. 3 hours for Mae Hong Son. On the way visit Lisu and Lahu Hilltribe villages and Tham Lod Cave with a bamboo raft ride on the stream in the cave. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon explore Baan Rak Thai or “the Thai-Loving village” located in Mae Aw near Thai - Myanmar border. It is one of the three Chinese villages found in northern Thailand. Founded by Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) Chinese soldiers, the people in the village still preserve their unique Chinese culture and traditions. The village also offers views of the lake and small tea plantation. Visitors can taste some delicious Oo-long tea, a kind of famous tea. Check in at hotel.

This morning, we will visit the early morning market and explore Mae Hong Son is a small town in a remote setting near the border with Myanmar (Burma). It is home to many Shan people, originally from Myanmar. Much of the architecture of local temples is of Shan origin. Afternoon city and temples tour of Mae Hong Son. Visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo on the hill overlooking Mae Hong Son town. Burmese style temples Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang. Then a trip by long-tail boat, for about one hour, along the Pai River. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to visit Long Neck Karen Paduang Village. The Karen women wear numerous brass coils round their necks and legs. The coils are considered beautiful and are a sign of wealth.

Leave Mae Hong Sorn for visit to the unique Fish Cave which locals believe must be holy to be able to live in the cave and stop to see the bamboo bridge of Su Tong Pae, beautifully simple in its construction, stretches for 500 meters across rice fields and the Mae Sa Nga River to link the temple at one end with the village of Kung Mai Saak. Then drive approx. 6 hours back to Chiang Mai with stop for lunch at local restaurant.

Transfer from Chiang Mai Hotel to the airport for your return flight, or opt for a beach extension for your stay, you can find the link on “Details” tab.
Note: Hotel check-out time is 14:00; late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost.