10 Days in Vietnam & Thailand - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Cultural Gems of Vietnam & Thailand

Experience the cultural wonders of Vietnam and Thailand on this 10-day journey, crafted especially for first-time visitors to these Southeast Asia destinations. Throughout, you'll immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Hanoi and Bangkok, explore the historical Cu Chi Tunnels, and visit the UNESCO-recognized ruins of Ayutthaya. Then, round off your experience by taking in Vietnam's profound nature during an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay and a boat and bike trip in the lush Mekong Delta region.

Welcome to Vietnam! Your adenture kicks off in Hanoi, where you'll get your first taste of the country's vibrant culture and cuisine during an evening street food tour of Thanh Ha Market and Old Quarter. Then, dedicate the following day to the city's historic side during a guided tour, stopping by iconic sites like the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Before catching a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, a delightful overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay is on the agenda, complete with an onboard cooking class, a morning tai chi lesson, and a visit to a limestone cave.

During your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, experience the city's underground while touring the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and spend an afternoon between Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. You'll also set aside a day to explore the Mekong Delta by boat and bike and experience local life before hopping on a flight bound for Bangkok (Thailand). Kick off your stay with a rejuvenating session at Oasis Spa and a fascinating tour of Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Chinatown. Then, end your trip with a memorable day touring the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of Thailand & Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Bangkok & Phuket

Perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded and activity-focused trip in Thailand and Vietnam, this best-of itinerary offers everything from a street food tour in the middle of Bangkok to an immersive elephant care experience. Starting in Vietnam, you'll take in Hanoi's historic city sites, visit a traditional village, and spend a night on peaceful Ha Long Bay. Then, in Thailand, split your time between Bangkok's chaotic markets and the serene surroundings of Phuket.

Upon touching down in Vietnam's high-energy capital of Hanoi, take a moment to refresh at your hotel before heading out on a guided tour of the city's top sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex where revered revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, lies embalmed in a mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Museum of Ethnology. Split the following day between a pottery-making workshop in Bat Trang Pottery Village and a coffee and food tour in Hanoi. Next, transfer to Ha Long Bay, where you'll embark on a majestic overnight cruise, stopping by secluded islands to swim, kayak, fish, and relax until returning to Hanoi to catch a flight to Bangkok. 

Over the following two days, enlist the help of friendly local guides to dive into the fast-paced culture of Bangkok. Start with a tour of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, then taste your way around Chinatown's famous street food and wrap up your stay visiting Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Catch a flight to Phuket on Day 7 and dedicate your final days to beach hopping and jungle visits. Highlights include a speedboat trip to the impressive Phi Phi Islands, a day spent with elephants at a dedicated sanctuary, and time to relax on golden sand beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Culinary Adventure in Vietnam & Thailand

Vietnam and Thailand are celebrated for their rich culinary traditions, and this itinerary promises a taste of their finest offerings. Between street food tours, cooking workshops, and market visits, you'll gain a well-rounded introduction to each country's flavors, ingredients, and traditions. Complement these foodie experiences with a luxury cruise on Ha Long Bay, a trip to the Mekong Delta, and explorations of Bangkok's temples for a genuinely diverse and enriching travel experience.

Your flavor-packed adventure begins in Hanoi, shrugging off jet lag while exploring independently, followed by a guided city highlights tour, a traditional water puppet show, and a delectable street food excursion through the Old Quarter and Nguyen Huu Huan. Wake early the next morning to transfer to Ha Long Bay, where you'll board a luxury ship for an overnight cruise on the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon returning to Hanoi, catch a flight to Da Nang, located on Vietnam's central coast, and transfer to Hoi An. Spend a half-day in a cooking workshop and on a guided walking tour of the historic city. 

From Hoi An, fly to Ho Chi Minh City and discover the city while on a vintage-style Vespa tour, with stops to delight in the city's famous street food. Get to know the rural side of Vietnam the following day during a boat and bike trip along the Mekong River, stopping at a family home for an informal cooking lesson. Then, board a plane bound for Bangkok and immerse yourself in Thailand's spice-laden cuisine. Devote an evening to a guided food tour and visit Maeklong Market and the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market before your culinary adventure concludes. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Northern Vietnam & Thailand Nature Escape

Hand-crafted for nature enthusiasts, this Vietnam and Thailand escape gets you out exploring among lush rice paddies, drowned valleys dotted with limestone karsts, vast caves, and historically important mountains. Starting in Vietnam, you'll focus on Hanoi's mix of city and countryside highlights, spend two days learning about rural life in Ninh Binh, and delight in an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. Then, hop over to Chiang Mai in Thailand for memorable experiences in Doi Inthanon National Park and at an elephant sanctuary. 

After arriving in Hanoi and getting your bearings through a vintage Vespa scooter tour, you'll head out of the city for a guided tour of the Ba Vi countryside. Meander through a tea plantation and visit local families in Moc Village before transferring south to Ninh Binh. Here, a two-day stay ensures plenty of time to boat under limestone peaks in Van Long Nature Reserve, cycle alongside waterlogged rice paddies, and sail to the otherworldly Galaxy Grotto. Your Vietnamese journey ends with a memorable overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, experiencing kayaking, cooking classes, and night fishing.

From Vietnam, catch a flight to Chiang Mai (Thailand), and spend your first evening getting to know the city's rich history during an evening's temple tour, complete with a visit to the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Next, embark on a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park and challenge yourself with a climb to its summit before enjoying more leisurely hikes to Wachirathan Waterfall and along the Ban Mae Klang Luang nature trail. Lastly, top off your trip with a fun and endearing day at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and return to Bangkok to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Vietnam & Thailand Cultural Highlights

Delve into the rich culture of Vietnam and Thailand on this relaxed journey with four nights in Hanoi, two in Bangkok, and the rest in Phuket. Throughout, you'll uncover Hanoi's serene outskirts, glide through Tam Coc's caves, marvel at Bangkok's majestic temples, and unwind on Phuket's pristine beaches. Enjoy city vibes, beach relaxation, and cultural immersion, with standout moments including an intimate elephant sanctuary visit in Phuket and an exhilarating Muay Thai match.

Your relaxed-pace journey begins in Hanoi, where you'll unpack your bags and settle in for a four-night stay. Kick things off with an independent tour of the Old Quarter and sunset drinks at Pan Pacific Hotel's rooftop bar, and enlist the help of a local guide for a thorough introduction to the city's highlights. The following two days are about discovering the villages outside of Hanoi, first to Bat Trang Pottery Village to craft your own souvenir and then to Ninh Binh for an immersive history and nature tour. Afterward, catch a flight to Bangkok, which will be your base for two days. 

Bangkok is known for its chaotic streets, flavorful food, and tucked-away temples, and you'll experience the best of them during your stay. Start with a visit to the historic Jim Thompson House, then tour the Grand Palace and Chatuchak Market before delving into Chinatown's street food scene. Next, swap the bustle of Bangkok for the powdery beaches of Phuket. After spending a day cruising among the wonders of Ao Phang Nga National Park and experiencing the thrill of Muay Thai, you'll end your trip on an ultimate high, dedicating a morning to interacting with elephants in a jungle sanctuary. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Culture, Nature & Beaches in Vietnam & Thailand

Discover Vietnam and Thailand's highlights on this 10-day tour, tailor-made for travelers eager to embrace diverse experiences while keeping on the move. Throughout, you'll embark on a rickshaw ride through Hanoi, glide along Ha Long Bay's emerald waters, revel in Bangkok's majestic palaces, and spend a day with elephants near Chiang Mai. Then, round off your trip in Phuket, lazing on idyllic beaches and boating under cliff-like islands. 

Begin your tour in the vibrant capital of Hanoi, shaking off any fatigue with a thrilling rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter and delighting in a classic water puppet show in a nearby village. Then, leave the city behind for a scenic day spent in the Ninh Binh province, touring the sprawling Bai Dinh Temple and cycling around the postcard-perfect Trang An. A splendid overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay is featured next on your itinerary, complete with a cooking demonstration and plenty of time to swim and kayak. Afterward, return to Hanoi, where you'll board a flight bound for Bangkok. 

A quick stay in Bangkok gives you ample time to take in the city's iconic landmarks on a full-day tour, including the colorful Pak Khlong Talat market and the temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Then, it's on to Chiang Mai, where two days will soar by with a visit to a hill tribe village, a memorable morning at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, and a locally-led private cooking class on the agenda. Before heading home, spend your final days in Phuket, lazing at Patong, Kata, or Freedom Beach, roaming along the colorful Thalang Road, and whizzing around the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other 10-day Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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