22 Days Vietnam & Thailand Grand Journey

Welcome to your holiday with Vietnam Travelette!

Upon arrival at the airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Vietnam Travelette's signboard with your name on it. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. (Time for check-in: 14.00. Early check-in is NOT included and subject to the hotel’s availability)

Take a deep breath after a long journey.

Then, you are free to explore the city's charming Old Quarter:

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: This beautiful lake is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can take a stroll around the lake, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Explore the Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites. You can explore the area and learn about its history, or simply wander around and discover the many hidden gems.

Try the local street food: Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, and the Old Quarter is the perfect place to try some. From pho (beef or chicken noodle) to banh mi (bread) to Bun Cha (spring rolls)

Try the famous egg coffee: This unique coffee drink is made with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. It's a popular local specialty, and there are many cafes in the Old Quarter that serve it.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

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

Lunch is on your arrangement.

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

Then, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where 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: 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 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.

Get up early, check out the hotel, and take a breakfast box (You can leave the big luggage at the hotel).

6.45: Pick up from your hotel and get on the shared Limousine 9 seats bus. Then, departing for Sapa with Comfort break en route.

12.30: Arrive Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic People. Meet the local guide.

Enjoy the lunch with local Vietnamese dishes.

Next, visit Cat Cat Village, which is located about 3 km from Sapa Town and is home of Black H’mong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trekking down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station, a short time for a photo with the bridge and the waterfall, then you will trek up hill to get back to Sapa with very beautiful scenery in the late afternoon.

Return to your hotel and have dinner in your own way.

Overnight in Sapa.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Hiking to Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages, about 8 km from Sapa town, where black H’mong and Giay people are living, is also the beginning of the valley, which is called Muong Hoa. From a high point of the main road, a great view of the whole villages open wide to offer the marvelous panoramic views, backed by high mountains and facing the river. Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terrace fields, stream, discover and visit some Black H’mong families. You will have a welcome feeling at any house of the hospitable people there. You can interact with them, learn about their culture and customs…

Have lunch in the restaurant.

The rest of the day is your free time at leisure.

You can try Red Dao herbal baths after a long day explore.

As a land of rare herbal medicines, the traditional Red Dao herbal bath is a unique experience in Sapa.

You will immerse yourself in a wooden bathtub made from Pomu wood. The bathwater is meticulously prepared with 77 different types of herbs, including 5 to 10 scarce herbs that the Red Dao people collect from the deep forests. This herbal concoction provides a relaxing experience, brings abundant energy, helps restore joints and bones, and detoxifies your body by eliminating toxins.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Today you have the whole free day.

Although Sapa is a small town, it abounds with fascinating activities and captivating sights to explore. You will encounter breathtaking mountain scenery, verdant rice terraces, and unique villages inhabited by diverse ethnic minorities, crafting an unforgettable and extraordinary adventure.

In the morning, visit the Sapa Stone Church. Inspired by the French architectural style, the Sapa Church is the only remaining structure in Sapa that still preserves the soul and beauty of Catholic Architecture.

It offers various cultural activities, from exploring its unique architecture to witnessing local religious ceremonies. Its picturesque location amidst stunning surroundings also provides excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful retreat from the busy town.

You can also visit Fansipan Peak. Fansipan Peak is 3.143m high, the highest mountain of the Indochinese peninsula (including Laos & Cambodia). Tickets are managed by yourselves.

From Fansipan peak, enjoy the view of Hoang Lien Son majestic wild forest, mountain ranges, and Muong Hoa Valley.

After lunch, check out the hotel.

Then, our limousine driver will transfer you back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi in the evening.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

8.00: Our guide will meet you at your hotel and start 110 km modern bus journey through the 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 lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.

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

Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down 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 to watch the spectacular rice valley with specious view of nature.

End of the tour, transfer you to the Ninh Binh Hotel to check in.

In the evening, relax and enjoy the peace of Ninh Binh by night.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

08:15 – 08:45: The limousine bus comes and picks you up.

11:45 – 12:00: Arriving at Tuan Chau Marina, transferred by tender of cruises.

12:45 – 13:00: Welcome aboard the cruise. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain and crew in the cruise briefing and safety instruction.

13:00 – 13:15: A special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites is served while sailing through the Islets of Con Vit.

16:00: The Cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay. The area is surrounding of extraordinary limestone karsts landscapes. We progress to Ong Cam Area of Lan Ha Bay - a separate part of Ha Long Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam, enjoy kayaking and/or enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.

17:30: Back to Cruise, drop anchor to stay overnight. Enjoy a cooking demonstration (teaching you how to make our speciality, Spring rolls) and the complimentary Sunset Party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruit.

19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. After dinner, retire to your cabin or join the fishing excursion, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar, access the wifi, or play exciting games.

Overnight on board.

06:00: Enjoy sunrise and admire the never-ending miraculous scenery of the Bay.

06:30: Light breakfast, coffee, and tea served.

07:15: Visit Dark & Bright Cave and the islets by local rowing boats, which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage.

09:15: Back to Cruise, relax before checking out.

10:00: Lunch is served on board.

12:00: Disembark at the Tuan Chau marina by tender. Take our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi

15:00 – 15:30: Arrival back at your hotel

Then, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, our car driver will pick you up and escort to Da Nang to check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy your breakfast well.

At 12:30 am, our local guide picks you up at the hotel and transfers you to Cam Thanh village by boat or car on the way, meet local fishermen and experience daily life.

Take a bamboo basket boat along the Cam Thanh water coconut forest, and have a brief introduction to the history there. Enjoy a hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing done by local fishermen. Learn how to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race. Explore the peaceful coconut waterways. Go catch the crabs, drop the net.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, 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.

Then, you can experience releasing lantern flowers over the Thu Bon River - a beautiful and symbolic tradition. The practice is tied to the belief that the floating lanterns carry away bad luck and bring good fortune.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today is the time for you to be free in your own way. You can visit famous tailor-made shops here or nearby beaches, such as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, by yourself. Enjoy the unique cuisines of Hoi An, such as: Cao Lau (a pork noodle dish), Mi Quang (Quang Noodle), Chicken Rice Hoi An, Banh Dap, Mot’s traditional Herbal drink…

*In the evening, Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:

1.  Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River. The riverside area becomes even more magical in the evening with lanterns reflecting on the water.

2.  Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Night Market. Browse through a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.

3.  Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

4.  Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: Embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the illuminated lanterns along the riverbanks. It's a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Hoi An at night.

Enjoy your evening exploration of Hoi An! Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Then, you check out and transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free time at your leisure. You can walk around and see the hustle and bustle of the biggest city in Vietnam.

Enjoy some night walks in the streets, and try some local food here.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel.

08.30, our tour guide will pick you up at the hotel.

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers, helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relaxation or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun (optional)

Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Pick you up at the hotel at 8.30

A smooth one-and-a-half-hour bus ride through rice field scenery along National Highway 1 brings you to the beautiful rural district of Trung Luong. On arrival at My Tho, take a motor boat to enter My Tho city through the Bao Dinh natural canal. Take a leisurely cruise on the Tien River to view the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Explore the fish farming village along Tan Long islet.

Then, transfer to Ben Tre by boat and embark on a traditional sampan to explore Rach Vam Xep, a pristine and less-touristy natural canal with coconut trees.

Visit local homes, eco-tourism sites, beekeeping areas, and savor honey tea and seasonal fruits.

Take a leisurely stroll through the village, or hop on a horse-drawn carriage to explore the local way of life.

Next, visit a coconut candy workshop, where the famous specialty of Ben Tre is produced.

After that, enjoy a delicious lunch at Song Nuoc Mien Tay Restaurant or Diem Phuong Eco Restaurant.

Return to the pier by boat, meet at the bus, and return to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta, and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.

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 check out and transfer to the airport for a flight to Phuket.

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

Overnight in Phuket.

Have breakfast at the hotel.

At 7:00, you will be picked up from your hotel.

08:00 Check in at counter No. 2 (Rassadar Pier)

08:30 Depart from Rassada pier to Phi Phi Island

10:30 Sightseeing around Phi Phi Led, Maya Bay, Lohsamah Bay & Viking Cave

11:00: Arrival at Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don, change to Phi Phi Crise’s snorkelling boat for snorkelling at Coral Bay

Have lunch at Phi Phi island and free time to explore around the island

14:00 Check in on Ferry at Tonsai pier

14:30 Depart from Tonsai pier to Phuket

16:30 Arrive safely at Rassada Pier and transfer back to your hotel

Overnight in Phuket.

You have a free day and discover Phuket on your own.

- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary on Phi Phi Island, which is one of the well-known elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. This sanctuary provides a more ethical way for visitors to interact with elephants compared to some traditional tourist attractions that may not prioritize the welfare of the animals. It is a sanctuary that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of elephants, particularly those that have been used for heavy labor or in tourism (such as riding elephants). This sanctuary aims to provide a more natural and comfortable environment for the elephants, where they can roam freely, enjoy mud baths, take mud and water baths, and engage in natural behaviors.

- The Siam Niramit show is a spectacular cultural performance held in Phuket, Thailand, that showcases the rich history, art, and traditions of Thailand. The show is famous for its stunning stage productions, elaborate costumes, and breathtaking special effects. It’s one of Thailand's most popular cultural attractions and a great way to immerse yourself in Thai heritage while enjoying a meal. It is a grand theatrical performance that tells the story of Thailand's history, culture, and spiritual traditions. It’s performed on a massive stage (one of the world’s largest), and the show includes a combination of dance, music, and storytelling

Overnight in Phuket.

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).

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 Thailand's 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 stop 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 a longtail boat and go along the narrow village canals to enjoy the local scenery along the way, explore the local life and bustling market every day.

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 everything and step back the wall when the train passes by and put it back right after the train departs. 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.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Having breakfast at hotel, then transfer to the airport for the flight to your homeland.

We hope you have taken back many beautiful memories in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Tour ends!