Miller’s 16-Day Private Group Journey Through Thailand and Vietnam
A Vietnam and Thailand journey shaped around the group's preferred pace and destinations.
Mr. Miller and his travel companions planned a trip combining Vietnam's landscapes and cultural attractions with a beach stay in Phuket, Thailand. Their journey was arranged around sightseeing, comfortable transfers and time to explore independently.
As the plans developed, the group decided to skip Sapa to save travel time and focus on Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Da Nang instead. The itinerary also accommodated different departure arrangements, with one traveler returning home from Da Nang while the others continued to Phuket.
The resulting Vietnam and Thailand tour combined a boat trip through Tam Coc, a visit to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, and two group excursions from Phuket to nearby islands and coastal attractions.
Miller- Travelers 7 travelers
- Nationality The United States
- Travel Dates 5-20 February 2026 (16 days)
- Countries Vietnam, Thailand
Customized by
Elena
Our senior consultant
How Their Journey Came Together
Miller first contacted Indochina Tour about arranging a Vietnam trip for a group of family members and friends, followed by a beach stay in Phuket, Thailand. The group wanted to explore northern, central and southern Vietnam.
As the plans developed, the group decided to skip Sapa to save travel time and spend more time in other parts of Vietnam. The final proposal focused on Hanoi and Ninh Binh in the north, followed by Da Nang in central Vietnam, before continuing to Phuket.
What Elena Worked Around
- The group's February 5–20, 2026 travel schedule
- Different flight arrangements for group members
- Reducing long-distance travel by dropping Sapa
- Balancing sightseeing, free time and a beach stay in Thailand
Miller October 2025"Because Sa Pa takes so long we would be okay not going there - it will save time off the 12 day itinerary."
Elena revised the proposal to reflect the group's updated preferences, keeping Ninh Binh and Da Nang as key stops while removing Sapa to reduce travel time. She also coordinated the onward travel arrangements to Phuket for those continuing to Thailand, while accommodating the separate departure from Da Nang.
Elena Travel ExpertThe Journey They Finally Took
The group's journey began in Hanoi, where they had time to settle in before heading to Ninh Binh for a day of limestone scenery, river landscapes and caves. Rather than adding Sapa and more long-distance transfers, the itinerary left several days free in Hanoi and Da Nang, giving the group flexibility between sightseeing experiences.
In central Vietnam, the group visited Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, with additional time to explore Da Nang at their own pace. They then flew to Phuket, Thailand, where the final part of the trip shifted towards island scenery, beaches and boat excursions, including visits to the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island.
- 16 Days
- 2 Countries
- 7 Travelers at the start
Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Da Nang – Phuket
Final Itinerary for Miller's Group
- Fly from Manila to Hanoi and transfer to the hotel
- Explore Ninh Binh, including Tam Coc and Mua Cave
- Free day in Hanoi
- Free day in Hanoi
- Free day in Hanoi
- Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang
- Visit Ba Na Hills, the Golden Bridge and surrounding attractions
- Free day in Da Nang
- Free day in Da Nang
- Free day in Da Nang
- Free day in Da Nang
- Fly from Da Nang to Phuket, Thailand
- Join a group excursion to Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay
- Join a group excursion to James Bond Island and nearby sea caves
- Free day in Phuket
- Transfer to the airport for departure
Moments They Remembered Most
The photos capture different parts of Curtis Miller and his group's journey, from the limestone landscapes of northern Vietnam to the attractions of Da Nang and the islands around Phuket. Together, these moments reflect a trip that combined scenic excursions, sightseeing and time to explore at a more relaxed pace.
NINH BINH · VIETNAM
A Boat Ride Through Tam Coc
The group travelled from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for a day exploring the limestone landscapes of Tam Coc. Their itinerary included a boat trip along the river, passing between towering karst formations and through the area's natural caves.
The excursion also included Mua Cave, adding a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding countryside to the day's experiences. Together, these stops offered a chance to discover the natural scenery that makes Ninh Binh a popular destination in northern Vietnam.
MUA CAVE · VIETNAM
A View Over Ninh Binh's Limestone Landscape
Mua Cave was another stop on the group's Ninh Binh excursion. Visitors can climb the stone steps to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding limestone peaks, rice fields and winding Ngo Dong River.
The stop added an active outdoor experience to the day, complementing the quieter river journey through Tam Coc. It also offered a different perspective on the region's distinctive landscape.
DA NANG · VIETNAM
Walking Across the Golden Bridge
In Da Nang, the group's itinerary included an excursion to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, known for its curved golden walkway supported by two giant sculpted hands. The landmark offers views across the surrounding mountain scenery.
The visit provided a change of scenery from Ninh Binh's river landscapes and limestone formations. It was one of the major sightseeing stops planned for the group's time in central Vietnam.
HANOI · VIETNAM
Starting the Journey Together
The group's journey began with a flight from Manila to Hanoi, where airport transfers and initial hotel arrangements had been organised in advance. The arrival marked the start of a holiday combining natural scenery, sightseeing and time to explore Vietnam.
With key transport arrangements coordinated ahead of time, the group could settle into the journey before continuing to Ninh Binh and later Da Nang. Their travel plans also allowed for a separate onward arrangement for the member returning home from Da Nang.
PHUKET · THAILAND
Island Excursions Beyond Phuket
The final part of the journey took six travellers to Phuket, where their itinerary included two group excursions. The first covered Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay, while the second included James Bond Island and Panyee Muslim Fishing Village.
These excursions introduced the group to southern Thailand's coastal scenery, from turquoise bays and limestone cliffs to communities along the water. The beach destination provided a contrast to the cultural sightseeing and inland landscapes they had explored in Vietnam.
What They Said After the Trip
Miller
The journey combined Vietnam's limestone landscapes and cultural attractions with a beach stay in Phuket, Thailand.
The itinerary included guided sightseeing, pre-arranged transfers, free time in Hanoi and Da Nang, and shared island excursions from Phuket.
What Stood Out to Miller
Miller particularly praised his guide, José (Hữu), for making the beginning of their Vietnam journey a memorable experience. José shared useful information and offered tips on what to expect along the way. Miller described his assistance as an added bonus to their trip and thanked him for his excellent service.
The People Behind the Journey
Elena
Travel Consultant
Helped Miller and his travel companions refine their Vietnam itinerary and coordinate their onward journey to Phuket around the group's different departure arrangements.
Lance
Operator
Supports the practical arrangements behind the journey, including transport coordination, transfers and travel bookings across destinations.
Would a Journey Like This Suit You?
Miller and his group wanted to explore Vietnam's landscapes and cultural attractions before finishing their holiday with a beach stay in Phuket. Their itinerary combined a day trip to Ninh Binh, a visit to Ba Na Hills and several days with flexible sightseeing time.
This arrangement worked for a group that preferred to avoid the additional transfers involved in visiting Sapa and wanted time to explore at their own pace. Travelers looking for more structured sightseeing could use some of the free days for additional excursions.
A good fit if you...
- Have around 16 days for Vietnam and Thailand
- Want to combine cultural sightseeing with a beach stay
- Enjoy limestone landscapes, caves and scenic viewpoints
- Prefer a mix of guided excursions and free time
We’d adjust it if you...
- Want more guided sightseeing each day
- Prefer fewer free days in Hanoi or Da Nang
- Want to include more destinations in Vietnam
- Prefer to avoid speedboat excursions and sea activities
Start With the Places You Really Want to See
Tell us what matters to you, and we can tailor a journey around your schedule, interests and preferred pace.
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