21-Day Thailand and Vietnam Adventure Tour

Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and then drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

• Stroll through the largest flower market in Thailand — Pak Khlong Talad. Observe the art of making flower garlands, and decorate lotus flowers in the traditional Thai style.
• Visit one of Bangkok's oldest temples, Wat Pho, known for its iconic 46-meter-long (150-foot-long) reclining Buddha and first school of Thai traditional massage.
• Then your guide will escort you to the Grand Palace, housing the revered Emerald Buddha crafted from jasper.
• Take a tuk-tuk ride to Chinatown for an authentic glimpse of old Bangkok. Stroll along Yaowarat Road lined with shops offering everything from gold to local delicacies.

Discover the temples, markets, and Chinatown in Bangkok

• Journey north from Bangkok, immersing yourself in the diverse cultures and landscapes of each passing province.
• Start your exploration in Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Thailand's former capital.
• Witness the grandeur of Wat Mahathat, a serene temple adorned with Buddha heads, and marvel at the architectural splendor of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the Royal Palace temple.
• Conclude your day with a visit to Bang Pa-in's palace, a picturesque retreat used by Thai royalty.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site in Ayutthaya

• Depart Ayutthaya and delve deeper into Thailand's rich history in Lopburi. Entertain yourselves with the playful monkeys roaming the ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yot, an ancient Khmer temple.
• Continue to Kamphaeng Phet, another UNESCO site boasting the impressive Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
• Explore the archaeological remains of ancient cities, including Mueang Chakangrao, with its laterite structures, and Mueang Nakhon Chum, famed for its smaller brick temples.
• End your day in charming Sukhothai, Thailand's first kingdom (1248–1438).

The impressive Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park

• Cycle through Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO treasure trove of temples and ruins. The most important sights in the historical park are Wat Si Chum, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Sa Si.
• After the morning tour, savor a delicious local Sukothai-style lunch.
• Proceed to Lampang city. You may want to bow in reverence at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, a magnificent wooden temple and one of the country's most complete. Its stupa holds special significance for those born in a year of the Ox according to the Chinese zodiac.
• Take a unique city tour by horse-drawn carriage before settling into your Lampang accommodation.

The magnificent Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang

• Prepare to be awestruck by the architectural marvel of Wat Phutthabat Sutthawat, perched atop a mountain. This "Unseen Thailand" gem, also known as Doi Pu Yak, features a golden pagoda and breathtaking views. Reach the peak by car and foot, where you'll find a sacred Buddha footprint.
• Continue your journey to Chiang Rai, a vibrant city known for its laid-back atmosphere.
• Savor the bustling atmosphere of the Chiang Rai night market and indulge in a steaming hot pot, a quintessential Thai experience.

The bustling atmosphere of the Chiang Rai night market

• Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of Chiang Rai. Explore the dazzling White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the surreal Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the intriguing 'Black House' (Baan Dam Museum).
• In the afternoon, transfer to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand.

The amazing temples in Chiang Rai

• Embark on a half-day package experience at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, a delightful opportunity to connect with elephants in their natural habitat.
• Engage with the elephants on a personal level as you meet, feed, interact, and play with them in their natural environment.
• Wind down after your experience with a relaxing moment, savoring tea, coffee, and seasonal fruits. Depart the sanctuary and embark on the scenic 50-minute drive back to Chiang Mai.

Play with the elephants in their natural habitat

• Leave your hotel before sunrise and journey towards Doi Suthep, where you'll witness the captivating scene of monks descending from the mountain to receive alms from the locals.
• Following the alms-giving ceremony, ascend the mountain to reach picturesque Wat Doi Suthep, which was established in 1383.
• Then make your way to Wat Chedi Luang, a historic temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha before it found its new home in Bangkok's Grand Palace.
• After the temple visits, indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the unique flavors of Northern Thai cuisine.

Reach to the Doi Suthep Temple and receive blessing from the monk

• Discover the marvels of Doi Inthanon National Park including the King and Queen Pagodas, a tribute from the Royal Thai Air Force to honor two royals' 60th and 5th birthdays respectively.
• Perched majestically at an elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level, Doi Inthanon National Park is often hailed as the "Roof of Thailand."
• The park serves as an ideal setting to witness stunning sunrises or sunsets while immersing yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.
• Take a leisurely nature walk along the Ang Ka Trail, visit a hill tribe village (specifically the Red Hmong tribe), explore a quaint Hmong market, and admire the scenic beauty of Wachiratharn Waterfall.

Discover the marvels of Doi Inthanon National Park

Say goodbye to Chiang Mai as you prepare to catch your onward flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your friendly local guide will welcome you to your hotel. Get ready for the next exciting adventure with a seamless transition.

• Explore the renowned streets of the Old Quarter and visit a local family that has been living here for over five decades. Engage in enlightening conversations and delve into their daily lives.
• Hop on a cyclo to go through the Old Quarter, which offers a unique perspective on Hanoi.
• Visit the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 11th century, which is dedicated to Confucius and other scholars.
• Conclude your day with a private water puppet show at a local residence. Watch the puppets, operated by hidden puppeteers underneath the water, come to life in a captivating display.

Watch a private water puppet show at a local residence

• Transfer to your 5-star Orchid Cruise to start exploring Ha Long Bay, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
• Proceed to Trung Trang Valley on Cat Ba Island, which spans just 300 m (1,000 feet) in length and features awe-inspiring stalactites of various shapes.
• Join a cooking demonstration onboard and partake in Happy Hour at the bar, accompanied by a scenic view of the Bay during sunset.

Stay overnight on a Halong Bay cruise to enjoy stunning views

• Embark on kayaking activities in the Ao Ech area to uncover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay in the morning on the next day. Indulge in a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back.
• Catch an onward flight to Hue in the afternoon.

Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay

• Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the nearby Royal Antiquities Museum.
• Visit Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb and the unique "garden houses" that characterize Hue.
• Later in the evening, you'll be picked up for a boat ride on the Perfume River including a one-hour performance of traditional Hue music.

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue

• Drive from Hue to Hoi An through the Hai Van Pass to catch a glimpse of lush landscapes on a winding road.
• Start a delightful journey into Vietnamese culture through a street-food-tasting tour in the serene city of Hoi An.
• Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene by relishing renowned dishes like white rose dumplings, Vietnamese pancakes, and Cao Lau noodles.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the ancient town to soak in the enchanting evening atmosphere.

Enjoy Hoi An street food

• Go to a local fishing village, where you'll be immersed in the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen.
• Board a fishing boat, cruise along the scenic Cua Dai River, and experience the ancient technique of casting Vietnamese fishing nets.
• Paddle a unique Vietnamese round basket boat, navigating through the calm and picturesque waterways.
• Escape from the town center to the tranquil countryside setting of Tra Que herb village. Join a local family in preparing delectable dishes using fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden.

Experience the ancient technique of casting Vietnamese fishing nets

On day 18, we'll transfer you from Hoi An to Danang for your onward flight to Can Tho and the final part of your journey in south Vietnam. After landing in Can Tho, you can choose to take a rest in the hotel or a leisurely cycling tour to explore the countryside.

• Your early morning adventure starts with a local motorboat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the bustling trade of boats laden with fruits, vegetables, and fish from all over the Mekong Delta.
• Then transfer to Cai Be to board a local boat, the Mekong Queen, and cruise through the fertile lands of the Mekong Delta.
• Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through picturesque canals before cruising to a local family's home, where they craft products from water hyacinth.
• Drive to Ho Chi Minh City to end the day.

Take a local cruise through the Mekong Delta

• Take a morning speed boat journey to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, which saves you two hours compared to a car transfer.
• Explore the intricate network of underground passages, chambers, rooms, and booby traps used by the Vietminh and Viet Cong.
• The city tour encompasses some of Saigon's most historic landmarks, from Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to the Presidential Palace and War Remnants Museum.
• Immerse yourself in Saigon's famed street coffee culture. Your guide will provide a brief language lesson and offer insights into the daily life of a Saigonese.

Visit the historic landmark of Central Post Office

As your adventure comes to a close, your guide will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight back home or onwards. We trust this tour will have created lasting memories, and we hope you carry the essence of your journey with you.