Thailand and Vietnam are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. For Southeast Asia first-timers, they are must-visit destinations.
These two countries offer a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, from bustling cities and ancient temples to pristine beaches and stunning landscapes.
For a memorable and hassle-free trip, here are some tips on how to plan your Thailand and Vietnam itinerary well.
How Long to Spend in Thailand and Vietnam
A 2-week trip is what we recommend for a usual first-time Thailand-Vietnam schedule. It would cover the must-visit highlights in the main tourist destinations with some local cultural interaction.
You may want to set aside 8 to 9 days for Vietnam and 5 to 6 days for Thailand. Vietnam offers a wealth of experiential activities, so we suggest spending more time in Vietnam, especially if traveling with children. Thailand is more about entertainment and enjoying relaxation.
If you want to do an in-depth exploration in these two countries, then a trip of three weeks or longer would be better to meet your needs.
Feel free to contact us. We will help you arrange your itinerary based on your interests, available time, and other requirements. If you have a bucket list, we can help you realize it and give you professional advice about what options are available.
Vietnam and Thailand Itinerary Suggestions: 10 Days, 2, and 3 Weeks
Here we offer two itinerary ideas, one for a classic 2-week itinerary and the other for a more in-depth 3 weeks.
1. 10-Day Itinerary for Essence of Thailand and Vietnam
This well-rounded itinerary captures the essence of both Thailand and Vietnam, offering a mix of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and leisurely beach time.
You'll spend 5 days in Thailand and another 5 days in Vietnam.
- Days 1–3: Hanoi and an overnight cruise in the Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Days 4–5: Ho Chi Minh City with the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Days 6–7: Bangkok city tour with iconic temples
- Days 8–10: Phuket (free beach time)
Embark on a 5-day exploration of Vietnam, starting in Hanoi with visits to the Old Quarter and Halong Bay's enchanting overnight cruise. Transition to Ho Chi Minh City for historical insights at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
In Thailand, spend 5 days discovering Bangkok's cultural gems, from the Grand Palace to Chinatown. Explore iconic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Conclude your adventure with 2 days of beach relaxation in Phuket, enjoying the vibrant nightlife on Patong Beach and exploring optional excursions. Cherish the memories of a diverse and enriching journey through Vietnam and Thailand.
Contact us to tailor-make a tour for you according to your length and interests.
2. Classic 2-week Itinerary for Thailand and Vietnam
Hoi An Ancient TownOn a 2-week itinerary, it is suitable to arrange the top three cities (Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh) with their surrounding areas in Vietnam, and one city (Bangkok or Chiang Mai) plus one island in Thailand.
Hanoi, with its ancient charm, is complemented by the captivating Halong Bay nearby. In central Hoi An, lantern-lit streets beckon, while bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the south contrasts with the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta.
The remaining time in Thailand is enough for Bangkok and one island: Phuket or Koh Samui. If you are looking for a variety of activities and cost-effectiveness, then go to Phuket. If you prefer a quiet and luxurious environment, then Koh Samui would be better for you.
Here is the itinerary, starting in Vietnam's Hanoi and ending in Thailand's Phuket:
- Days 1–2: Hanoi sightseeing at iconic landmarks, plus a rickshaw ride to see local life and explore the city
- Days 3–4: A Halong Bay cruise with interesting activities on board and water activities on the bay
- Days 5–6: Hoi An exploration with a basket-boat ride experience, an evening food tour, a Vietnamese fishing experience, and a night boat trip surrounded by colorful lanterns
- Days 6–7: Discover Ho Chi Minh City by visiting its historic landmarks and Vietnam War relics.
- Days 8–9: A Mekong Delta tour, visiting a local village, taking a sampan ride on canals, and seeing the most bustling floating market
- Day 10: Bangkok sightseeing with temples, the Grand Palace, and a long-tail boat ride
- Days 11–14: Phuket or Koh Samui beach time
If you are interested in this itinerary, you can view more details on our 14-day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour.
You can also check out more options for 2 weeks in Thailand and Vietnam. All our tours can be adjusted according to your needs and interests. Simply contact us to see what we can do for you.
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3. 3 Weeks in Thailand and Vietnam
SapaBased on the 2-week itinerary above, a 3-week itinerary would allow time to see the sights in some off-the-beaten-path cities in Vietnam like Sapa and Hue.
Sapa is a town in the mountains of northern Vietnam. If you are interested in Vietnam's countryside life and enjoy trekking, you will enjoy it. Walk among the locals' fields and rice paddies, meet the local ethnic people, and visit their villages.
You could also visit Hue, a historic city in central Vietnam. Learn the story of Vietnam's last imperial dynasty through visiting its remaining palaces and ruins.
In Thailand, in addition to Bangkok and Phuket on the two-week itinerary above, you could also visit Chiang Mai in the north if you traveled for an extra few days.
Chiang Mai is a great place to visit at a slow pace and experience a variety of activities. You could visit a humane elephant camp, take cooking classes, and, if you're visiting in November, celebrate the romantic Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival.
Week 1: Northern Vietnam
- Day 1-2: Hanoi, Vietnam
- Day 3-5: Sapa
- Day 6-8: Ha Long Bay
Week 2: Central Vietnam
- Day 9-10: Hue
- Day 11-13: Hoi An
- Day 14-15: Mekong Delta
Week 3: Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Phuket
- Day 16-17: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
- Day 18: Bangkok, Thailand
- Day 19-20: Phuket, Thailand
This itinerary is a suggestion and can be adjusted based on personal preferences, travel dates, and interests.
Costs for a Trip to Thailand and Vietnam
There is not much difference on the per-day travel cost between Thailand and Vietnam. They are both affordable.
A private tour is even more recommendable in Southeast Asia, where it is "an affordable luxury". You are guaranteed hassle-free, quality service, and a first-rate experience.
About 200 to 250 USD per person is the daily cost for a private Thailand and Vietnam tour, including airfares within/between Thailand and Vietnam, 4- or 5-star hotels, authentic lunches, attractions, guiding, and transfers. Kids under 10 would get 30–50% off.
Best Time for a Thailand and Vietnam Trip
Thailand and Vietnam are both year-round destinations. Each season has its own advantages.
If you want the best weather, then November to April (the dry season) is the best time for most of Thailand and Vietnam.
Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest periods of the peak season. Crowds and the highest prices are expected.
If your travel time is flexible, a smart choice could be the time just before/after the peak season (the periods of early May and late October), with smaller crowds, still reasonably rain-free weather, and lower prices.
Dominated by showers, rather than continuous rain, the rainy season (generally from May to October) is not a decisive problem for your tour, if you are prepared to put up with delays/cancellations and on-the-tour adjustments. It is best for a cost-effective trip and quiet attractions.
If you are planning a summer holiday trip, June is a better time to go, due to relatively low rainfall and smaller crowds compared with July and August. See more on our Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer: Places to Go, Costs, Weather.
For more weather details, check the best & worst times to visit Thailand and Vietnam>>>
Which Country to Enter First
Considering international flights' convenience, starting your journey in Thailand or Vietnam would not make a big difference, as you can easily find international flights to both their capitals.
For a better travel experience, we suggest starting from Vietnam and ending in Thailand, as this winds down from cultural and adventure experiences in Vietnam to the tropical-island vibe and relaxation found in Thailand.
How to Travel between Thailand and Vietnam
Flying is the best and fastest way to travel between Thailand and Vietnam. A direct journey takes about 2 hours. Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh are the most-used flight hubs.
Many airlines have flights between Thailand and Vietnam. If you would like a boutique and luxury flight service, Bangkok Airways is the best choice. For good value and service, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Vietnam Airlines are the top choices. For budget airline options, you could check out AirAsia, Vietjet Air, and Thai Lion Air flights.
Our private tour service would manage all the transportation in Thailand and Vietnam and also the flights between Thailand and Vietnam, all according to your cost and service requirements.
Visa Requirements for Thailand and Vietnam
Vietnam requires a tourist visa if you're from the US, Canada, Australia, etc. The most convenient way is to apply for an e-visa online. This is a very simple process that just requires you to fill in some information. If you are from certain European countries, like the UK, France, Italy, and Germany, you can enjoy visa-free entry.
Thailand allows visa-free entry from 64 countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Norway, etc.
If you have any questions or difficulties in applying, you can contact our experienced travel consultants for help.
Popular Thailand and Vietnam Tours
We provide a customized service for private tours. Our travel consultants will listen to and work to your ideas and answer any questions. We will create your dream trip based on your interests, travel length, and needs.
Here are some of our sample tours:
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
