27 Days Vietnam and Thailand In-depth Tour

Day 1 Welcome to Hanoi!

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, your local tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. Then, the guide will escort you to the hotel and help you check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi City Tour, Train to Lao Cai

Meals: B

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick up at your hotel, start the tour to beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. This Pagoda is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism that visitors can learn more about.

Then, head to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.

The next destination is One Pillar Pagoda, a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave the pagoda for the Temple of Literature, which is the first college of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, you need to choose one of the city’s museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive back to admire Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple before taking cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore in Hanoi.

In the evening, board the overnight train to Lao Cai to discover the mountain tribes in northern Vietnam.

Overnight on the train.

Day 3 Arrive in Lao Cai, Sapa

Meals: B

Arrive in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning around 6:30 am.

Your guide will pick you up from the train and then escort you to your hotel in the highland town Sapa. You can have a good rest at the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a relaxing walking tour through the beautiful rice terrace fields, and visit the Ta Van Village and Red Dao Village to discover the local ethnic tribe Back H'mong and Giang Ta Chai.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4 Full Day Bac Ha Market, Train Back to Hanoi

Meals: B

After breakfast, depart for the highland town of Bac Ha Market where you can wander through the district market, considered one of the most colorful ethnic markets in the Northwest.

After lunch, drive back to Sapa. On clear days you can see the highest mountain of Vietnam, the Fansipan Mountain. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Finally, head to Lao Cai Railway Station by car. You will take a night train at 21:40 to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

Day 5 Full Day Halong Bay Cruise

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, drive about 3 hours to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient. Around noon, your Halong Bay Cruise starts from Tuan Chau Island, the gateway of Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, explore the treasures spread across the Halong Bay, covering some stunning caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and fantastic rock formations rising up out of the emerald water.

While onboard, you can enjoy the services of Spa and Massage. Another highlight of the cruise is the innovative and varied cuisine offered in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages. You can watch the chef's cooking demonstration and try to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Overnight in Halong Bay Cruise.

Day 6 Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi | Flight to Danang

Flight: Domestic flight include and arranged by Indochina Tour

Meals: B

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. The breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit to the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi Airport and flight to Danang.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at airport and escort to the hotel in Hoi An for check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Full Day My Son Heritage, Hoi An Ancient Town

Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lies the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. The town is a perfect mixture of ancient architecture, houses, and temples as well as modern western restaurants and cafes. The historic sites you will visit are the Japanese Bridge, a renowned Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchants' houses.

Later, take a boat trip along the Huai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and see how local people work on their crafts. In the evening, the town became so romantic when the lights come on and you see colorful lanterns everywhere especially the flower lanterns floating on the river.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 Hoi An Culinary Tour and Cooking Class with River Cruise

Meals: B

This morning, we will head to Hoi An’s bustling market and experience the amazing and colorful sights as you stroll through the market with your guide, who'll introduce you to the ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 30-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Along the way, enjoy photo ops of local life on this scenic river.

Upon arriving at the Red Bridge Cooking School, walk through its abundant herb garden and learn about the herbs that give Vietnam’s cuisine its distinctive flavors.

Then head to the school’s open-air riverside building, a beautiful and breezy location for your cooking class. The chefs demonstrate the preparation of each dish (see menu below) and help as you learn to prepare the dishes yourself.

To finish the day’s lesson, which takes about two hours, observe an introduction to Vietnamese plate decoration or food carving, which is truly an art in itself.

After the class, sit down and enjoy eating the delicious meal that you have made!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9 Relaxing on the Beach at Hoi An

Meals: B

Today, you'll have a day at leisure to enjoy Hoi An Beach, you can relax in the sunshine and sunbathe on the beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10 Flight to Saigon

Flight: Domestic flight will be on INT's arrangement and include in Quotation

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer to airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport. You will be escorted to Hoi An for hotel check-in.

The rest of the day you can freely explore the city or have a rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11 Saigon Tour

Meals: B

Today, you will be escorted to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks.

You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia.

Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war.

The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.

Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12 Drive to Vinh Long and Can Tho

Meals: B

In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer about 136km to Vinh Long, a riverside town located in the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise to the Cai Be floating market with sellers and buyers bargaining and exchanging goods from their boats, and then go to Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet where the maze o shady creeks will surely fascinate you. You will have a chance to mingle with local peasants, learn the secrets of their bonsai gardening. You will pay a visit to local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics, drop into rice-paper kiln and coconut-candy kiln, and observe daily country life.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Can Tho and check-in hotel. In the evening, wandering around the night market will be recommended for you.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 13 Half Day Can Tho, Back to Saigon

Meals: B

In the morning, you will have a boat trip to see the Cai Rang Floating Market to enjoy the selling and buying activities of local people. Along the boat trip, you will also watch bustling activities along the Can Tho Riverbank. Drive back to Saigon in the afternoon and check in hotel for a rest.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 14 Flight to Bangkok

Flight: International flight include in quotation and will be on INT's arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy you free morning until you transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival,your local tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. Then, the guide will escort you to the hotel and help you check-in.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 15 Bangkok City Highlights Tour

Meals: B

After breakfast, you will have a full-day city tour of Bangkok. First visit Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is the home to a gold Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons.

Then visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the most published images of Bangkok. In the middle of the temple, an 82 metres high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower stands, where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and the rivers.

After that, explore Wat Pho, also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Finally, head for the Grand Palace, one of the must-sees in Bangkok, followed by Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 16 Bangkok Excursion to Kanchanaburi

Meals: B

In the morning, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you can experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local food, fresh fruit and products from their boats.

After an exploration of the market, drive to Kanchanaburi that is famous for the Death Railway built during WWII. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the bridge and railway are notable attractions in Kanchanaburi. Today, carriages still go on the tracks, taking travelers through the fields of sugar cane and rice terrace.

Finally, pay a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more history about the railway.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 17 Ayutthaya Day Trip; Flight to Chiang Rai

Flight: Domestic flight include in quotation and will be on INT‘s arrangement

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to explore the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Your tour begins at one of Ayutthaya’s oldest markets, where you can sample the traditional boat noodles and among other authentic bites from a local vendor.

Next, visit the iconic temples in Ayutthaya. The first one to see is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol with its 196-foot-tall (60-meter) stupa, followed by the ancient ruins of Buddha images at Wat Mahathat, also known as the Temple of the Great Relics. Finally, stop by Ayutthaya’s most historically important temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

In the afternoon, visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya's most renowned temples. Then go behind the scenes of the production of roti sai mai to see how this spun sugar dessert is made and enjoy a taste.

Finally, you will take the flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival , your private guide will meet you at the airport and escort to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 18 Chiang Rai Excursion to Golden Triangle

Meals: B

Today, head to the Golden Triangle region to have a full day excursion.

Start the morning by Long Neck Karen Village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If time permits, you can watch cockfighting near the hill tribe village. Then drive to Mt. Doi Mae Salong to visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain.

After lunch, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border, Doi Tung. Here you can overlook the entire northern rice field plain and visit Doi Tung Temple that was built in A.D.1493. The scenery here may remind you of Switzerland.

After that, drive back to your hotel and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 19 Easy City Tour in Chiang Rai

Meals: B

Today, your half-day tour begins with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew. It said to have been the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha. From here, continue to the peaceful Wat Phra Singha, a beautiful example of Lanna Thai religious architecture.

Then, make a stop at Oub Kham Museum and Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre. You will view an incredible collection of artifacts from the Lanna kingdom, including ritual objects and royal treasures. Time permitting, you may take a tour of the remarkable Wat Rong Khun. (Also known as the White Temple) is an impressive modern temple. Its construction began in 1998, and its expected to take several generations. Marvel at this amazing and ornate white temple, originally conceived by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

After Wat Rong Khun, head back into the city to visit Chiang Rai's busiest market before being delivered back to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 20 Chiang Rai Excursion to Chiang Saen

Meals: B

After breakfast, drive to visit the House of Opium located at the bent of the mighty Mekong River to learn about the opium history of Thailand. From here, you can also get the overlooking views of the river junction by the three countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Then head towards the ancient city of Chiang Saen, where ruins of numerous temples, stupas, Buddha images are still to be seen. Pay a visit to Chiang Saen National Museum or tour the temples of Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong or Wat Phra That Pha Ngao.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day 21 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Meals: B

Today, you will transfer to Chiang Mai, taking around 3 and a half hours. En route, visit Meow Hill Tribe Village that locates on Doi Suthep. It was once famous for opium cultivation. Then head to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can get a panoramic view of Chiang Mai City. The site is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset.

Upon arrival, go to tour the beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. Start with the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue, learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds.

Then visit Wat Suan Dok built in the 14th century, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel. Also, you have the opportunity to chat with the monks about Buddhism and their temple life.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 22 Chiang Mai Zipline Tour

Meals: B

Today, you will experience a zipline tour in Chiang Mai. The tour begins with a pickup from your at about 10:30. After 1 hour drive, you get to the zip-lining center, set against a backdrop of lush rainforests and coffee plantations.

On arrival, meet your instructors and watch the safety briefing and demonstration before getting suited up in your helmet and harness. Then, climb up to the treetops to enjoy the zip-lining and feel a rush of adrenaline as you zoom through the trees.

A total of 28 zip-lines are included, reaching up to about 274 meters long. There are 4 abseils, ranging in height from 20 meters to 50 meters, 4 sky-bridges, and the "zigzag way" with its 3 hair-raising spiral stairways.

After that, head back towards Chiang Mai and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 23 Chiang Mai Excursion to Elephant Nature Park

Meals: B

Today, tour the elephant rescue and rehabilitation center - Elephant Nature Park, involving in the rescues of the disabled elephants, dogs and cats.

You can volunteer and care for the animals. Take your time to wander freely on the grounds and get close to these gentle giants. You get the opportunity to feed them and learn how to bathe them.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 24 Chiang Mai Cooking Class

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, departing your hotel at 8:30 am, head to a produce market where the locals pick up fresh food from farmers and vendors.

Visiting the market with a guide offers the building blocks of Thai cuisine. You can learn how to choose the right ingredients for each dish you are going to prepare. Upon arrival at the cooking school, roll up your sleeves for cooking.

You have a five-course menu to finish, including an appetizer, stir-fry dish, soup, curry, and dessert, as well as preparing fresh spring rolls and Thai tea. When the meal is ready, sit down to try the dishes you’ve prepared.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 25 Chiang Mai to Phuket

Flight: Domestic flight is on Indochina Tour's arrangement

Meals: B

Enjoy your breakfast and free morning until transfer to airport for the onward flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and then escort you to hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 26 Phuket Full Day Beach Relax

Meals: B

Today, you can simply lie on the beach for a sunbath, jump into the blue sea waters to have fun, taste the fresh seafood with a glass of cocktail in hand, go further to adventure the off-coast small islands, or explore the nearby fishing villages to find the history of Phuket.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 27 Farewell from Phuket!

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, you can enjoy your free time to explore this city until transfer to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

Service End.