20 Days Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Discovery Trip

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, complete all arrival procedures including immigration and customs. After exiting the arrival hall, look for your driver waiting in the lobby holding a signboard with your name for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

You have the whole morning to be free to relax after your long flight.

Lunch is on your arrangement.

In the afternoon, our guide will escort you to visit Hanoi and start the trip.

Then, visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.

After that, visit One Pillar Pagoda, where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world

(You should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…)

Next, you will visit Train Street – a unique and famous location known for its narrow streets where trains pass incredibly close to homes, shops, and cafés. The area, located in the Old Quarter, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists due to the dramatic and rare sight of trains passing just inches away from everyday life.

Then, the tour guide will take you along the Hanoi Old Quarter and learn more about Hanoians by visiting an ancient house located on 87 Ma May. Dating back to the 19th century, this very special house is a stunning example of the architectural style that once prevailed throughout Hanoi before the concrete egg-carton style took over. This is one of the few intact remains of an old-style home open to the public in Hanoi. Our next stop is Bach Ma Temple, lying in the heart of the Old Quarter. The trip will take you inside the alleys and explore the fascinating and confusing narrow streets of the Old Quarter where local markets are located. On the way, you will have a chance to enjoy some traditional tasty foods in the market. You can choose among three light dinner dishes, from the extremely popular “Phở” (Noodle soup), “Bún chả” (grilled pork with vermicelli) and lastly, our personal favorite “Bún Bò” (Beef soup).

To conclude our day, the guide will escort you to back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Please note that due to the status, our guide will flexibly change the route to make sure you are excited all day.

Have breakfast at the hotel

8.00: Our guide will meet you at your hotel and start 110km modern Bus-journey through verdant landscape of country side. Short-brake en route.

10.45: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple dating back to the 17th Century.

12.00: Enjoy the lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.

13.30: Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an out-standing natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountain are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle.

Embark on a traditional sampan gently roweddown the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave,... and Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Temple…

15.30: Arrive Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with specious view of the nature.

Transfer to your hotel in Hanoi at around 19:30 - 20:00.

The rest of the day is your free time to explore Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

08.20 – 08.30 shuttle bus will pick you up at lobby of hotel and start journey east to Ha Long Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see every day Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening, when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal, and later, there is an opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Spend the night on a cruise.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Ha Long. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Ha Long pier to get back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at 15.00 – 15.30.

Then transfer to the airport for flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet our driver holding you name on board at exit lobby and transfer to the hotel in Da Nang.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:30 a.m: Our car and Guide will meet you at your hotel in Da Nang and start the trip to Ba Na Hills.

Upon arrival at Ba Na hills, you will get on a Cable Car which gains 4 world records

Highlight in this tour is the Golden Bridge (Hands of God). You will have a chance to see and take photos of this beautiful bridge.

You continue to visit Linh Ung pagoda where the highest Buddhism statue in the country is located (27 m).

Have Lunch at a restaurant and take a short rest.

At 12:30 p.m: Conquer the peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1487 m, the highest peak in Ba na to visit Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple. You continue to discover the French Square, visit and play some games in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Vietnam with a series of interesting games.

At 15:30: Back to the cabin down the mountain and visit Han Market.

Return to the hotel after the tour.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Da Nang is a fantastic place to relax at the beach! With its stunning coastline, warm weather, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding.

Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, My Khe Beach is wide, sandy, and offers calm waters perfect for swimming or lounging. The beach is less crowded than some of the more famous spots in Vietnam, making it ideal for relaxation. You can enjoy long walks along the shoreline or sip on a coconut from one of the nearby beachside cafes.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.

9.30 Pick up at the hotel and cycling (other transfer will be provided if you can not ride a bicycle) to experience the Basket boat tour at Cam Thanh Village, where you can learn something about the local fishing industry and its local cultural life. You cannot miss visiting the seven hectare water coconut woods with the unique ecosystem of water coconut trees. This place is a  relic of the film revolutionary base during the war between the US army and the Hoi An people. You will be told about the safety instruction how to get balanced on the round basket boat, and how to paddle in it a proper way. Of course, a life jacket will be provided to you, and our local people will help you how to navigate it. We will help you be confident until you can row it by yourself. Your tour ended after a light meal at a local family while enjoying a great round basket performance on the river, which is awesome that you can see only one time in your lifetime.

After lunch, you will discover the Hoi An Ancient Town, the second UNESCO Site of the day, on a guided walking tour. Soak up the historic atmosphere of the former trading port and visit the vibrant local market, the Ancient House, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and an 18th-century covered bridge built in Japanese style. Hoi An is also a growing hub of textile manufacture, and you have the option to see where residents tend silkworms and weave fine-quality silk fabric from the cocoons they produce.

Transfer back to the hotel and you are free to explore the city.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

8.15: We start the day with a welcome drink at Hai Scout Café (98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town)– our meeting point.

Visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds, and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chefs, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked.

Recipes (our food contains no MSG):

*Vegetarians (and other dietary requirements) are provided with replacement ingredients.

1. Making fresh Rice paper

2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp

3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce

4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs

5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles

6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan

* Lunch includes the above dishes as well as: BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration) Finish at approximately 12.30 pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00 pm

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free at your own pace to relax or explore Hoi An Ancient Town.

You may choose to visit nearby beaches such as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, or simply enjoy shopping at tailor shops and exploring the town’s charming streets.

Food lovers can sample local specialties like Cao Lau noodles, Mi Quang, Hoi An chicken rice, and refreshing herbal drinks.

In the evening, optional activities include visiting the lively Hoi An Night Market, enjoying traditional performances, or taking a peaceful boat ride along the Thu Bon River to admire lantern-lit views of the old town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Then transfer to Da Nang International Airport to take a domestic flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, meet our driver holding you name on board at exit lobby and transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time is 14.00, Early check-in is NOT included and subject to hotel’s availability).

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the lively Hanoi Old Quarter at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy local street food and try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your morning with a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, an important historical landmark designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue to admire French colonial-era architecture at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the elegant Saigon Central Post Office. Afterwards, explore the War Remnants Museum, which presents powerful exhibits from Vietnam’s wartime history.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 90 minutes from the city. Upon arrival, watch a brief introduction and documentary explaining the construction and historical significance of the tunnel system. Then explore the extensive underground network, including living quarters, kitchens, storage areas, field hospitals, and command centers, as well as hidden entrances and defensive traps used during the war. End the visit with traditional tea and cassava, a wartime staple food.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver and depart for a scenic drive of about 1.5 hours along National Highway 1, passing through peaceful rice fields en route to the Mekong Delta region.

Upon arrival in My Tho, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Tien River to explore the famous four islets known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.

Continue with a visit to a local coconut candy workshop before taking a traditional hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Along the way, enjoy seasonal fruits and honey tea while listening to live performances of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

You have the whole morning to free explore the city by yourselves and check out the hotel.

Then, you checking out and transferring to airport for flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel for check in.

In the evening, you will be picked up to the restaurant to have dinner and watch Apsara Dance Show.

Experience Cambodia's rich cultural heritage performed by graceful dancers in elaborate costumes, this classical Khmer art form tells stories from ancient mythology and showcases the elegance of Cambodian culture.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Wake before sunrise this morning and make the 15-minute journey with your guide to Angkor Temple Complex.

Your guide will take you to a serene viewpoint where you can experience the dramatic sunrise as the first rays of the day kiss the magnificent temple’s good morning. It is certainly one of the most unique places in the world for sunrise but be forewarned, you won’t be alone! Then we continue to visit Angkor Wat Temple, a legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site. Said by some to symbolize the soul of the Khmer people, the magnificent temple was built during the reign of King Suryavaman II in the early 12th century. Historians believe that many of the fascinating bas-reliefs and stone carvings immortalize many of the mighty king’s wars. Images of Apsara dancers decorate the five famous towers which replicate the universe according to Hindu mythology. Return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, continue to visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

End tour by 12.00.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Banteay Srei temple this morning. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Continue on a pleasant drive through the countryside to Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12th century. It preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways.

Transferring back to Siem Reap for 1.5 hours. (It is advisable to wear sturdy, walking shoes with a decent grip)

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Having breakfast at the hotel, then transferring to the airport for the flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival at the International Airport, transfer to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in is NOT included and subject to the hotel’s availability).

Take a rest after your flight.

Starting your Bangkok night tour. You will travel by Tuk-Tuk, this world-famous three-wheel motorized open-air vehicle, and explore Bangkok’s markets, temples and food, under the night lights. While most tourists will visit Bangkok’s landmarks during the day time, Thailand Journeys offers the incredible opportunity to enter these places at an original and unique time of the day.

The first stop will be Bangrak, a trendy district just a short distance from the Chao Phraya River. Spend some time exploring the Bangrak Bazaar and the surrounding streets as your guide introduces you to some more tasty treats. (Alternative to Petchburi Soi 5 and China Town, depending on the day in the week)

It’s a really amazing time to take a great shot around Rattanagosin Island, including the scenery outside of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace at night. Continue to Chinatown (locally named Yaowarat road) – transforms int o one of the largest street food spots in the world. Popular offerings include dim sum, oyster omelettes, flat noodles in a pepper broth, and lots of fresh seafood. There are also many exotic fruits on offer, as well as homemade ice cream. We’ll explore some more unique flavours and street food treats throughout Chinatown before ending the journey by sipping a drink, looking out over the nightlife scenery at the local bar.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the city tour.  We visit the Grand Royal Palace, which is home to Thailands royal family first.

The majestic Wat Phra Kaew, famous for housing the Emerald Buddha Statue, is located inside the same complex.

After exploring this structure, we move on to Wat Pho, a huge building with the lying Buddha, and then head to Wat Traimit, also called the Golden Buddha.

Afternoon:

Boarding a long tail boat in the afternoon for a tour around the Chao Phraya River and other busy inner canals that provide amazing views of nearby local life. We make a pit break at Wat Arun, the Aube temple, on the route.

Return to the hotel and spend the night in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

At 07:30, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel.

Get on car to transfer to the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Spending 1 hour walking around the market and enjoying the lively scenes along the canal. Following the local guide and meeting vendors to try some fresh fruits and foods served on a small boat full of products. After walking, you will have a chance to get on longtail boat and go along the narrow village canals to enjoy the local scenery along the way, explore the local life and bustling market everyday.

From there, transfer to the Mae Klong railway market - 1,5 hours away from Bangkok. Here, the vendors

sell their products along the train tracks and actual trains run straight through the market many times every day. Watch how fast they collect everythings and step back the wall when the train pass by and put it back right after the train depart. Taking a photo at that moment is an interesting experience to try.

Free time to discover the unique market with the guidance of the local guide and meet friendly vendors here.
Afternoon: we will visit the Patom Organic Village, which opens only on Saturday & Sunday. You have the chance to learn more about the path taken by organic raw materials to become Patom goods and experience the traditional Thai way of life here.

Note: if the tour isn't scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, you'll be visiting the Jim Thompson House rather than Patom Organic Village & Using services in Patom Organic Village at your own expense, except for the entrance fee.

Return to Bangkok and spend the night in the city.

16:00: Get on car to head back to Bangkok, reaching your hotel in the Bangkok center.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

We hope that you have a memorable experience in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Tour ends!