How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip? The Itinerary Ideas Recommended

Embarking on a journey through Vietnam and Thailand promises a thrilling fusion of vibrant cultures and ancient traditions. With a thoughtful itinerary, it’s possible to see the best highlights of both countries on a single visit.

From the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, a tour of Vietnam and Thailand is sure to delight. Here are some recommended itinerary ideas for planning a Thailand and Vietnam trip. 

The Most Classic Trip Ideas for a Thailand and Vietnam Trip: 5 Days in Thailand, 7 Days in Vietnam

The classic Thailand and Vietnam trip is 5 days in Thailand with highlights of Bangkok and a tour of Chiang Mai. Then 7 days in Vietnam to explore the Mekong Delta, see historical sites like the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, and discover the rich culture of the major cities as you travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in Thailand, then Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Mekong Delta, Hoi An and Hanoi in Vietnam. 

12 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Saigon - My Tho - Saigon

Arriving in Bangkok is a great way to start the trip. Bangkok is a welcoming place for visitors, home to stunning cultural attractions, and a good jumping-off point for visiting Southeast Asia. Touring the city must include a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. An afternoon river tour can end with a visit to the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun, to see the beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower illuminated against the backdrop of the river.

After Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a great destination. Filled with beautiful temples like the temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. The street food and night markets in Chiang Mai, like every city in Thailand isn’t to be missed, but Chiang Mai also features a great natural experience. Nearby is the Elephant Nature Park where elephants and other animals are rescued and rehabilitated. 

Visit Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park

It’s just a short hop from Chiang Mai to Ho Chi Minh City where you can see the Cu Chi Tunnels. An amazing relic from the Vietnam War, it is a fascinating place to learn more about that seminal event in Vietnamese history. Ho Chi Minh City also features colonial architecture, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and neoclassical buildings built during that period.

From Ho Chi Minh you can transfer to the remote My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is home to the Vinh Trang Pagoda overlooked by a tall white Buddha. Traveling along the Mekong River, you’ll also be able to see the traditional villages and ancient river culture of the people who live there.

Hoi An Ancient Town via Da Nang is the next logical stop. The ancient capital is well-preserved and offers a perfect mix of traditional architecture and modern amenities. Hanoi is next with its peaceful West Lake. On the shores of the lake is the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda. Founded over 1400 years ago, it is a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of the city. A trip to Hanoi must also include visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Visiting the solemn resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the man who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Vietnam is a contemplative experience and a testament to human willpower. 

At each stop along the way, take time to enjoy the local cuisine and visit the traditional markets. Using any free time to explore the cities is a great way to experience local life before you leave.

11 Days Thailand and Vietnam Tour with Hoi An Ancient Town

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Saigon - My Tho - Saigon - Hoi An - Hanoi

If You Have More Days, Add these Tourist Destinations in Thailand and Vietnam

With more time available, there are many more places worth visiting. In Vietnam, Sapa is a stunning place to visit. Home to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, adventurous travelers can hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the mountains. A cruise of Halong Bay is a great opportunity to see the jewel of Vietnam’s natural beauty while stopping to explore caves and islands.

In Thailand, extra time is worth spending at Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The archeological ruins are a great place to explore ancient temples and palaces. Northern Thailand in places like Pai or Mae Hong Son are laidback and serene destinations with hot springs, waterfalls, and villages offering authentic cultural experiences.

Thailand Pai Tour

There are also, of course, the beaches. Both countries have many pristine white sand beaches, perfect for a few days of peaceful relaxation. Besides the beaches at Halong Bay, Vietnam has great coastlines around Da Nang at My Khe Beach, and Lang Co Beach located near Hue. Thailand has dozens of beach locations. Some, like Patong Beach in Phuket, with exciting nightlife, and others, like Chaweng and Lamai on Koh Samui, offer more peaceful experiences.

22 Days Vietnam and Thailand Odyssey Tour

Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Saigon - My Tho - Saigon - Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket

It Is Easy to Travel Between Vietnam and Thailand by Flight

Traveling between Vietnam and Thailand is very convenient. Flights to Bangkok are available regularly from Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang, Da Lat, and Phu Quoc. Hanoi directly connects to Chiang Mai, and Phuket can be reached from Saigon.

The daily flights from Hanoi to Bangkok cost as low as $65 USD and take only 1 hour and 50 minutes. Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok are only 90 minutes and can be found for $60 USD. Da Nang to Bangkok is around the same price and takes 1 hour 45 minutes. From Phu Quoc, flights are limited and cost around $70 USD.

How to Apply for Vietnam and Thailand Visa?

Getting a visa for Vietnam and Thailand is a convenient and straightforward process. The best option for a Vietnam visa is through their e-visa process. Tourists can apply for visas online for a cost of $25 USD. Typically these are single-entry, 90-day visas. Visas on arrival are also possible, but an approval letter has to be obtained first through a local tour operator.

Under Thailand Visa Exemption Scheme, tourists from 64 countries are allowed to enter Thailand without applying for a visa. The requirements are that the visit is for tourism purposes only, the visit be no longer than 30 days, and in some cases, a valid address in Thailand and a confirmed return ticket may be required. A visa on arrival is available to nationals from an additional 15 countries for stays of up to 15 days aat a cost of around $65 USD, and an eVisa for longer stays is also available for around $82 USD.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Thailand Together: Nov. to Apr.

Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam and Thailand together is important for having the best experience possible. Luckily, the ideal season to visit both countries overlaps for many months. Overall, the optimum window to explore these destinations is from November until April.

During this time, regions like Hanoi and Halong Bay experience cool and dry weather, making it an excellent time for cultural explorations and cruising along the iconic limestone karsts. Central Vietnam around Hue and Hoi An basks in sunshine during these months, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta have comfortable and dry weather.

Explorations and cruising along the iconic limestone karsts in Halong Bay

In Thailand, the popular beach destinations in the south have dry, sunny weather, perfect for relaxing or water activities. Central Thailand around Bangkok and Ayutthaya is at its mildest, with great weather for excursions. And in the north, this time features cooler temperatures making it comfortable for exploring temples and markets.

27 Days Vietnam and Thailand In-depth Tour

Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoi An - Saigon - Can Tho - Saigon - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

Thailand and Vietnam are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for good reason. Vibrant city life, beautiful natural scenery, rich culture and history, and wonderful beaches, both places have it all. The best way to experience it is to visit both countries together. Contact us to start planning your ideal Thailand and Vietnam trip, and let us get you on your way to a dream vacation.