18 Days Heritage and History Tour of Vietnam and Thailand

Welcome to Bangkok!

Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel and check in.

Note: If your arrival time is early, and you prefer to explore the city instead of taking a nap, please kindly tell our travel consultant, and we’ll recommend one of our suggested activities like watching a boxing game at Rajadamnern Stadium, a half-day city highlights tour, or night market & food tour, etc.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: NA

Enjoy your breakfast in Bangkok and prepare to enjoy a full day’s Bangkok city’s exploration. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Wat Phra Kawe & the Grand Palace: a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, which has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
2. Ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple

Then, have a nice local lunch after the long morning tour, and have a short break.

In the afternoon, explore the city’s renowned klongs (canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also, visit the following two sites:

1. Wat Arun: one of the most visited temples in all of Thailand
2. Royal Barge Museum: many exhibitions on Thai history, royalty, and Buddhism.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the hotel, enjoy your free time, and have a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, after your breakfast at your hotel, you'll be going to a place a little farther away from downtown Bangkok. Around 1-hour drive, you’ll get to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Then you’ll be driven to Kanchanaburi.

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits, and products from their boats.
2. Kanchanaburi: learn about the region’s storied past and present-day culture.
3. Death Railway: built during WWII, made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai.
4. Thailand-Burma Railway Center: learn more history about the Death Railway.

Today, carriages still go on the tracks, taking travelers through the fields of sugar cane and rice terraces. After the tour, your tour guide will escort you back to the hotel in Kanchanaburi. You can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby at around 8:00 am– 8:30 am and take you to the historic city of Ayutthaya for around 1 hour.

Welcome to Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital, renowned for its temple ruins and historical sites! During this day tour, you’ll visit:

1. Historic City of Ayutthaya: the second Siamese capital founded in C.1350.
2. Wat Mahathat: 600 years old ruins.
3. Temple of the Reclining Buddha: Large reclining Buddha image. End of the sightseeing, you will have lunch at an authentic Thailand restaurant, and then take a rest. Enjoying a traditional Thai lunch, you’ll continue to visit:
4. Bang Pa-In Palace: an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles, once used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century.
5. Wat Yai Chai Mang Khon: a Buddhist temple with over 600 years of history.

Around 5:00 pm, you’ll get back to Bangkok and the rest of the day is your own time.

Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your breakfast and morning until your tour guide picks you up at the airport in the afternoon, taking a flight to Sukhothai, about 80 minutes.

Welcome to Sukhothai, one the capital of the first kingdom of Siam in the 13-15th centuries. Upon arrival at the airport, our tour guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is your free time to explore this ancient city.

Accommodation: Overnight in Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

At around 8:30 am, your experienced English-speaking guide will come to pick you up from your hotel. Then, you'll start your bike ride in a small village on the outskirts of Sukhothai called Ban Khuai. You'll pedal through this quiet village, enjoy the pretty views, and ride on a dirt road past lots of rice fields and a big mountain called Kao Laung.

When you reach the Eastern Gate of Sukhothai, you'll see beautiful temples and statues from a long time ago. Your guide will tell you about the history of Sukhothai and the amazing buildings.

There are numerous breathtaking views in the Sukhothai Historical Park, just waiting for you to discover and enjoy. You'll also find many splendid and remarkable monuments that can help you learn about the local culture and traditions.

After that, you'll stop for lunch at a local Thai restaurant and then you’ll be transferred to the hotel and have a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Sukhothai

Meals: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, your tour guide will meet you from 8:00 am to 8:30 am and take you to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand, famous for its beautiful waterfalls, picturesque landscape, and Thailand culture.

Upon arrival in the park, it’s time to have a local Thai lunch, after a short rest, you’ll visit:

1. Wachirathan Waterfall: one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand
2. Sirithan Waterfall: a centrally-located falls in Doi Inthanon National Park, dropping a total of 40 meters into the river.
3. Grand Pagoda Nabhapolbhumisiri: the great holy relics pagoda.
4. Ang Ka Nature Trail: 2500 meters above sea level and surrounded by hi evergreen forest.
5. Ban Mae Klang Luang: a S’gaw Karen village in Doi Inthanon National Park.

After the end of the tour, you’ll be driven to Chiang Rai for about 5 hours.

Welcome to Chiang Rai! Upon arrival at the airport, our tour guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you to the city center. You could have a rest in your hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Golden Triangle is a mysterious region for most Indochina tourists. Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion to the heart of the Golden Triangle region.

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you around 8:00 am and take you to the Long Neck Karen village. The Long Neck Hill tribe people are relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border.

And then, you will go to Mt. Doi Mae Salong to visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant. After a short break, you will continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border in the afternoon:

1. Doi Tung: provides an opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha villages as well as terraced farming areas and see from a distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden.
2. Doi Tung Temple: built in A.D.1493, located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, and features many unique images and temple architecture overlooking the entire northern rice field plain.
3. Opium Museum: learn more about the region’s opium trade.

After the tour, return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll start your tour in Chiang Rai. In the morning you’ll visit:

1. Mae Kachan Hot Spring: hot water geysers; bathe feet in thermal water; boil quail eggs.
2. Meow Hill Tribe Village: located on the Mountain Doi Pui and once famous for opium cultivation.
3. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): it's all white and has shiny pieces of glass that glimmer in the sunlight.

After lunch at a local restaurant, your Chiang Rai tour continues. In the afternoon, you’ll visit:

1. Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple): recognizable for its brilliant shade of rich sapphire.
2. Baan Dam (Black House): a special art museum with both old-style Thai buildings and new, unusual designs.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, after breakfast, you will enjoy your free time until your tour guide picks you up for a drive to Chiang Mai. It takes around 3 hours.

Welcome to Chiang Mai, a delightful city nestled in northern Thailand, celebrated for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Upon your arrival at the airport, our tour guide will warmly receive you and accompany you to the city center. You could have a rest in your hotel after arrival.

In the evening, here comes our most popular tour-street food tour. Your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel in Chiang Mai between 6:30 am-7:00 am and drop you off there at approximately 9:30 pm.

Evening Street Food Markets: trying out some northern Thai delicacies and learning how to order food in Thai.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will be picked up by our guide at 7:30 am – 8:00 am, and drive back to Chiang Mai. After enjoying a local traditional Thai lunch, you’ll start a half-day visit to Elephant Nature Park, which is a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, and other rescued animals.

Watch the saved elephants in two different places where they live together with their friends. You can learn about their stories. Besides, you could get a cool view of the small groups of elephants from SkyWalk.

1. 'Hands Off' Project: This is where elephants freely roam together, and you can see them from the SkyWalk, which is a special viewing spot.
2. Watch the Herd: Take a walk in the park to see the elephants in their groups. You'll also learn their stories and what they need.
3. See Them Socialize: Watch the elephants hang out together, play in the mud, or roll in the sand after they've had a bath in the river.
4. Visit Rescued Animals: You can visit the Dog Project and Cat Kingdom to learn about the saved dogs and cats. Besides, you can meet other saved animals in the park.

At 5:30 pm, it's time to say bye to the elephants. Then, we'll drive you back to your hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy your time and wait for our tour guide to pick you up to the airport, taking a flight to Hanoi, about 90 minutes.

Welcome to Hanoi!

Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will welcome you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure for recovery.

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast. In the morning at 8:00 am-8:30 am, you will be met by our tour guide at your hotel, and start to explore the city of Hanoi. The morning’s activities include:

1. Tran Quoc Pagoda: located on the shores of West Lake, this pagoda is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism, a must-see for any Hanoi city tour.
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: one of the most famous works in Vietnam. With great cultural and historical value, it will expand your understanding of the country.
3. One Pillar Pagoda: Hanoi’s iconic landmark is not to be missed, famous for its extraordinary architecture. This Pagoda is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a religious stop for local pilgrims.
4. Temple of Literature: one of the top historical attractions in Hanoi, is the first university in Vietnam. The temple represents Vietnamese ancient architecture and traditional fondness for learning.

End of the sightseeing, you will have lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, and then take a rest.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy the following activities:

1. Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple: famous for its peaceful beauty, and cultural as well as historical values.
2. Take a traditional cyclo tour through the Old Quarter: the fascinating experience of rickshaws driving around the Old Quarter and experience the daily life of the locals.
3. Savor the best street food in the world: never miss out the Vietnam food

After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, after breakfast, our driver will pick you up at about 8:00 am,and then head to the cruise port of Halong Bay. It takes about 3 hours to arrive. Upon arrival, the cruise staff will help you with the check-in at around 12:00 am.

Welcome onboard in Halong Bay! You will be greeted with a welcome drink and the introduction and guidelines. Then, you will enjoy the lunch onboard in the elegant dining room.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy some exciting activities such as sightseeing, kayaking, or swimming according to each cruise’s itinerary.

While onboard, you can take advantage of the leisure time of the Spa, Beauty, and Massage services surrounded by the stunning scenery around you. Besides, you can also join in the chef’s cooking class and learn the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

In the evening, an elegant dinner is ready with a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

After dinner, enjoy a leisurely evening onboard, such as joining in board games, squid fishing, a night movie, or bars & karaoke.

Accommodation: Overnight at Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your second day of Halong Bay Cruise will start with a Tai Chi class for 20 minutes to breathe the fresh air and brighten the day.

After breakfast, continue with the exploration of the tourist sites on Halong Bay. At around 10:00 am, it’s time to pack your luggage for checkout.

At about 11:30 am, your cruise boat will sail back to the port and you will enjoy an early lunch on the way. Then, our driver will pick you up at the port, heading to the airport of Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, our tour guide will escort you to Hoi An for about 1 hour. Welcome to Hoi An, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous for the old town. Your tour guide will take you to the hotel in Hoi An for Check-in. You can have the rest of the day to yourself.

Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, after breakfast, you will start your half-day excursion to Cam Thanh village. Your tour guide will pick you up around 8:00 am to 8:30 am. During this half-hour, you will experience:

1. Fishing, catching the crabs & coconut mussels: enjoying experiences from learning traditional fishing techniques and exploring tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war.
2. Vietnamese bamboo basket boat ride: made of bamboo with the shape of baskets to make you have the very Vietnamese experience.

At the end of the first half of the day, the guide will take you to a very delicious Vietnamese lunch. After a short rest, wait for our tour guide to pick you up to the Da Nang airport, taking a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, about 80 minutes.

Welcome to Saigon, the largest city, business, and financial hub of Vietnam! Its history dates back hundreds of years. Saigon is famous for its fascinating culture and ornate pagodas and temples.

Around 6:00-6:30 pm, your tour guide will bring you to join in the dinner cruise on the Saigon River. After the tour, back to your hotel, and have a good rest.

Accommodation: Overnight in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, at about 8:30 am, we will drive about 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels, where you discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You will see various weapons used in the war on display. It will take the whole morning to explore and enjoy.

After lunch at a local restaurant, back to Saigon city to explore the iconic highlights, including:

1. Notre Dame Cathedral: honored as one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals, the only representative from Southeast Asia, seen as the architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City
2. Old Saigon Post Office: Vietnam’s largest post office and oldest colonial structure, is one of the must-sees, attracting visitors with its aesthetic and historical values
3. Cholon: the largest Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh with many traditional shops, markets, and local food stalls.
4. Emperor Jade Pagoda: a sacred place of Saigon, built by a Chinese merchant named Liu Daoyuan, where people pray and seek blessings.

End of the sightseeing tour, you will be escorted to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Overnight in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your breakfast and free time in the morning until your tour guide picks you up to the airport. Tour service ends here.

Hope you enjoyed a great trip with us and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Note: If you’re planning to continue exploring the Indochina region, like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, please never hesitate to tell us, we’re tour experts for all of these destinations.

Accommodation: NA

Meals: Breakfast