Active Adventures in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (Vietnam), Optional Activities

Welcome to Vietnam! There's no better place to experience the breadth of Vietnam's history and culture than Hanoi. The nation's capital is the epicenter of everything travelers love about Vietnam: centuries-old architecture, ancient temples, an eclectic/chaotic Old Quarter (historic center), and some of the best cuisine in the hemisphere. Plus, the city is strategically positioned just a few hours from some of the most magnificent natural wonders in the country.

 

At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the transfer into the heart of the city. You'll be staying at a hotel in or around the Old Quarter, and after checking in there will be free time to relax and adjust to the time change. If you can't wait to see the sights, head out on a self-guided tour. The Old Quarter dates back over 1,000 years, and it has the landmarks to prove it.

 

You can start by browsing the famous silk shops on Hang Gai Street, strolling the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, and crossing the iconic red-arched bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. This 19th-century landmark was built to honor Tran Hung Dao, a military commander who famously repelled two Mongol invasions. When hungry, take part in Hanoi's world-famous street food scene, the pinnacle of which is pho, an aromatic beef or chicken soup with rice noodles that's the country's national dish.

Day 2: Day Trip to Ninh Binh, Rafting & Cave Exploration

Rise and shine! This morning, a driver will pick you up for the transfer two hours south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a region beloved for its ruined palaces and patchwork paddy fields bisected by snaking rivers. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam's capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, which features decorative temples built in honor of former emperors like Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty.

Stop at a market and restaurant for lunch before heading to the harbor in Tam Coc. Here, you'll board a sampan boat, which your driver will row with their feet, local style. Float through limestone grottoes and spot spiritual sites like Dia Linh Mountain among the dramatic karst scenery, which has earned itself the nickname "Ha Long Bay on Land." End the day with a trip to Mua Cave, where you can climb nearly 500 steps for a panoramic view over Tam Coc, before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Day Trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village, Coffee & Food Tour

Leave in the morning on a short drive from Hanoi to the Bat Trang Pottery Village, where you'll learn about the traditional handicrafts of Vietnam's Red River Delta region. Your guide will take you through the village, where you can peruse its many pottery shops. Stop for a workshop where you'll learn to make a piece of pottery, from turning the clay on a wheel to drying and decorating. You can take away your masterpiece as a souvenir.

In the evening, you'll participate in a two-hour coffee workshop to learn the secrets of brewing the perfect cup of ca phe sura da (Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk). Afterward, return to the Old Quarter for a delicious culinary odyssey. As you stroll the hidden lanes and backstreets, your guide will lead you to the city's best street food stalls. Try local favorites like bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) and of course, the famous banh mi sandwich. Wash it all down with sugar cane juice or a local rice wine. Afterward, head back to your hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Da Nang, Optional Activities

Say goodbye to Hanoi, as this morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. Located on the central Vietnamese coast, all around this dynamic and modern city lies the beauty and culture that has made Vietnam a tourism hotspot. Besides the long golden beaches and high mountain passes, Da Nang features a world-class dining scene.

 

Perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll on the banks of the Han River, the arterial waterway that bisects the city. Or head to the wide and inviting sands of My Khe, Da Nang's main urban beach. And when you get hungry, not to worry—in Da Nang, like elsewhere in Vietnam, you're never far from incredible street food.

Day 5: Visit Ba Na Hill & Golden Bridge

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver for a day trip to the most stunning landmark in Da Nang: the Golden Bridge. Located in the misty Truong Son Mountains, this 490-foot (150 m) pedestrian bridge sits at the top of the green Ba Na Hill. The entire region was a popular leisure spot for 19th-century French colonialists due to the incredible views it offers over the countryside and coast.

After driving for one hour to the mountain's base, you'll ascend to the top via the Ba Na Cable Car. Running 19,032 feet (5,801 m), this is the longest non-stop cable car in the world. Once at the top, you'll stand 4,593 feet (1,400 m) above sea level. Enjoy the dizzying 360-degree views with a stroll along the Golden Bridge, whose most incredible feature is the pair of giant stone hands gently cradling it.

The bridge crosses lovely gardens and offers views of nearby French villas, which make great photo opportunities. Another highlight is the Linh Tu Pagoda, a temple dedicated to the Holy Mountain Mother, a kind of patron saint of Ba Na Hill. Return to your hotel in Da Nang in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Day Trip to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains & Bay Mau Palm Forest

Travel an hour down the coast today toward Hoi An, a peaceful port town that lies on the Tho Bon River and is fringed by tranquil rice paddies and beaches lapped by the South China Sea. Visitors are drawn to Hoi An for its ancient architecture, lantern-lined streets, and skilled tailors who can whip up a custom-made outfit in as little as 24 hours. On your way to Hoi An, stop at the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone peaks home to caves, tunnels, and temples. 

Later, tour the nearby 208-acre (84 ha) Bay Mau Palm Forest. Peruse the bamboo handicraft center, where locals have been creating goods from coconut and bamboo since the beginning of the 19th century. Afterward, take a trip in a thung chai (bamboo basket boat) through the mangroves; you'll get the chance to paddle and try your hand at crab fishing.

Continue to Hoi An, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colorful old merchant homes. Explore highlights, including the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation Assembly Hall, and the market where stalls brim with regional specialties. End the day with an atmospheric lantern boat ride before transferring back to Da Nang. 

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Optional Activities

In the morning, transfer to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam's largest metropolis sits on the Saigon River and is both steeped in history and on the cutting edge of modernity. After checking into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.

 

A great place to start is at Ben Thanh, a famous market for street food and shopping, or check out one of the city's many spas for a relaxing foot massage. Later, perhaps grab a beer at the 861-foot (262 m) Bitexco Tower and enjoy panoramic views across this sprawling city.

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

Leave early this morning on a two-hour transfer north of the city to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This immense network of underground passages was constructed in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from French attacks. They also served as living quarters, communications hubs, and supply routes with storage areas and hospitals. A visit here reveals Vietnam's wartime history and the hardships faced by the thousands of soldiers who survived the French and American wars. You can even crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience their narrow dimensions.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City for a guided tour. Highlights include Reunification Palace, the former seat of power for the Saigon government. There's also the War Remnants Museum, which features exhibits covering the First Indochina War and the American War (as the Vietnam War is known locally). Rounding out the tour are stops at historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. You'll also stop at Ben Thanh, one of the largest municipal markets in the city.

Day 9: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta

You're in for a treat, as this morning you'll leave on a full-day tour of the famed Mekong Delta. It begins with a 1.5-hour transfer south to My Tho. This river city is located in Tien Giang province at the doorstep of the Mekong. Your full-day tour of the beautiful riverine landscapes begins with a boat ride down the Mekong River. During the scenic trip, you'll pass tranquil islands as you sip on fresh coconut juice (the Mekong is famous for its coconut groves). The boat tour ends with a visit to one of the area's massive floating markets, where hundreds of boats ply the waters selling fresh produce.

At the end of the tour, you'll visit Thoi Son Island. Stretch your legs on a stroll down the backroads here as you pass orchards, sample tropical fruits, and listen to traditional music coming from the village homes. After stopping at a honeybee farm, you'll visit a shrine dedicated to the Coconut Monk, a local religious cult leader who, back in the day, preached adherence to peace, harmony—and coconuts. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in the province.

Day 10: Fly to Bangkok (Thailand), City Tour

Bid a fond farewell to Vietnam this morning because you're off to Thailand! Your driver will transfer you to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok. Among other attractive qualities, Thailand's dynamic capital is known for its energy, world-class street food, buzzing nightlife, and awe-inspiring Buddhist sights. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day involves sightseeing on a guided tour. It starts with a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River (the city's arterial waterway). Disembark at Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount, which dates back to the Ayutthaya era, making it one of Bangkok's oldest temples. Climb 320 steps to watch the glorious sunset over the city from the 262-foot-high (80 m) temple.
 
Afterward, satisfy your taste buds at the Michelin-starred street food stall, Jay Fai, where you can enjoy their famous crab omelet. End the day amid the youthful backpacker energy of the Khao San Road, or head to Chinatown to browse the traditional food stalls and markets. 

Day 11: Bangkok Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle and Boat

To experience Bangkok, it's necessary to travel in the open air via different modes of transport. This morning's guided tour delivers just that—a half-day excursion during which you'll visit some of the city's most popular enclaves and landmarks by boat and bicycle. It starts around the city center in Chinatown, the largest such neighborhood in the world (outside of China, of course). During the bicycle portion of the tour, you'll ride amid Chinatown's frenetic market, exploring narrow alleys and side streets. 

 

Next, take a break from the bicycle and hop on a long-tail boat on the river to discover just why this city is called "Venice of the East." The boat will take you around Bangkok's famous klongs (canals)—narrow waterways lined with old temples and traditional wood-framed stilt homes. Here, life on the water continues much the same as it has for centuries, with locals hanging laundry on their front porches as Thai folk music carries over the water.

 

Another highlight of the day is riding through Bangkok's parks and urban plantations that comprise the "green lung" of this city. For lunch, stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Thai dish such as pad thai or kao pad (Thai fried rice). After the meal, you'll ride to the pier and take the ferry back to Bangkok and your hotel. 

Day 12: Skydiving Over the Gulf of Thailand

Get a bird's-eye view of Thailand's beautiful countryside and coast this morning on a thrilling sky-dive jump. After breakfast, you'll meet the jump crew and hop aboard a plane for a flight south of Bangkok. A short while later you'll be cruising over the white-sand beaches of Rayong, a city on the Gulf of Thailand. 

 

Once the aircraft reaches 13,000 feet (3,962 m), you'll strap into the harness in tandem with your instructor. Then the doors will open for the jump and the ultimate freefall experience! At about 5,000 feet (1,524 m), your instructor will deploy the parachute, and the rest of the time in the air is a scenic and peaceful descent to Earth capped with a smooth touchdown on a grass landing area.

Day 13: Safari at Wildlife Sanctuary

It's not often you get to go on safari at a wildlife rescue center, but that's exactly what you'll do this morning. Leave your hotel early for the 2.5-hour transfer outside of Bangkok to the center. Here, dedicated professionals promote conservation and animal welfare by rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. Many different animals call this sanctuary home, including tigers, gibbons, bears, monkeys, and, of course, elephants.

 

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you around the grounds, where you'll see hundreds of species and hear their stories. After a break for a Thai buffet lunch at the onsite restaurant, you'll hop aboard one of the foundation's safari buses. Then embark on a more in-depth tour of the park. During the drive, you'll stop at various projects and initiatives, including a space for rescued bears, the big cat rescue center, and even an elephant hospital. At that last one, you'll get to feed rescued elephants their favorite snack: bananas. Later, you'll transfer back to Bangkok.

Day 14: Fly to Chiang Mai, Visit a Local Hill Tribe

It's time to head north this morning. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Bangkok for the 1.5-hour flight to Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North." The largest city in Thailand's northern region was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom from the 13th to 18th centuries, existing apart from the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand). Much of Chiang Mai's distinctive architecture and historic landmarks remain today, including its moat-encircled Old City. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.

Later, gain insight into the history and culture of Chiang Mai's people with an excursion to meet the region's hill tribes. It starts with a drive up to 3,500 feet (1,066 m) above sea level to the 14th-century temple, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise as you hike around the area, then continue along mountain roads to the White Hmong hill tribe village. Originally migrating from China, the villagers enjoy a simple, self-sustaining life while preserving their culture and customs. Meet the villagers, learn about their daily lives, and see the gorgeous embroidered costumes they create.

Day 15: Sunrise Balloon Flight, Chiang Mai Cycling Tour

Wake just before dawn and meet your driver for a drive northeast of Chiang Mai to a launch site on the grounds of a resort hotel. After enjoying a morning coffee or tea, you'll hop in the basket of a hot-air balloon and embark on a ride you won't soon forget. This balloon flight starts early when dawn's morning light is just beginning to wash over the green mountains of northern Thailand.

 

During the scenic 45-minute ride, you'll reach heights of 2,000 feet (609 m) and will be treated to a bird's-eye view of this region's natural splendor. When the balloon touches back down on land, you'll toast the experience with a glass of champagne before returning to Chiang Mai.

 

There, enjoy a more Earth-bound tour as you hop on a bicycle for a half-day tour in and around Chiang Mai. You'll peddle alongside the tranquil Ping River, stopping to admire the forested brick stupas and mosaicked temples of Wat Ko Klang. Next, cross a bridge onto a small river island, where you'll visit McKean, a former leper colony that's now a rehabilitation center partly funded by royal donations. Other stops on the tour include an organic, locally-run vegetable garden and a collection of archaeological sites and ancient temples. 

Day 16: Trekking in Mae Win, Visit Elephants & Hill Tribes

This morning, your guides will collect you from your hotel and transport you to the Mae Win area, a drive of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you'll begin your jungle trek, walking for about two hours until you reach a beautiful, refreshing waterfall. Take a dip and relax here for a bit, then walk to a nearby village, where you'll be introduced to a local tribe. Learn more about their daily lives and culture, see their homes, and walk around the village, then head to a local restaurant for lunch.

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to do a meet and greet with friendly elephants, feeding and bathing them alongside their mahouts (keepers) and listening to their stories and tales about these gentle giants and their habits. End the day with a bamboo rafting excursion down the Mae Win River, taking in the lush jungle greenery and keeping an eye out for wildlife. Meet your drivers at the end of the ride, and make the drive back to Chiang Mai for the evening. 

Day 17: Fly to Phuket, City Tour

Today, you'll leave Thailand's mountainous north on a two-hour flight south to Phuket, a gateway to the famous coast and islands of the country's south. Thailand's largest island, Phuket, sits on the Andaman Coast and is known for its powdery beaches, neon nightlife, and luxury resorts. The island is also home to diverse landscapes ranging from tropical rainforest to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs.

After checking into your hotel, meet your guide for a half-day city tour. Besides hitting famous beaches, like Patong and Kata, you'll stroll the streets of Old Phuket Town (the historic center). There, you'll visit a local honey and cashew factory, then continue walking to admire Sino-Portuguese architecture, Thai temples, colorful Chinese shrines, museums, and stately mansions. The last stop on the tour is at Thalang Road, home to a popular outdoor market. 

Day 18: Adventure Sports Day in Phuket

Though primarily known for its beaches and nightlife, Phuket also offers plenty of exciting adventure sports. Today's excursion takes full advantage of this by offering several thrilling outdoor activities: whitewater rafting, ATV rides, and zipline tours. Start with a morning transfer to a whitewater rafting camp on a river deep in the Thai jungle. There, you'll receive training before strapping on a helmet and vest and then heading out on the 3-mile (5 km) route.

After braving Phuket's whitewater rapids, leave the boat and hop on an ATV (quad bike) for a 30-minute through the mountains, rubber plantations, and tropical forests around Phuket. Make an optional stop at the hilltop Big Buddha Temple, then, drive to the Monkey Cave at Suwan Kuha Temple to admire the 49-foot (15 m) long reclining Buddha. Finally, head to a local zipline site, strap into a harness, and fly over the treetops along 500-foot (150 m) long lines. Take a break for lunch at the camp, then visit a scenic waterfall before transferring back to your hotel. 

Day 19: Adventure Sports Day 2

As your grand Southeast Asia tour winds down, enjoy another day of thrilling adventure sports. This morning, you'll transfer to an activity camp where you'll get on another ATV for a wild ride along easy trails. This is a private, guided tour led by expert staff that will eventually take you along more challenging terrain. After an hour or so on the ATV, you'll transfer over to the zipline circuits in the park for another flight over the treetops. At the of the half-day experience, you'll return to your hotel for some free time.

Day 20: Sea Caves & Bioluminescence Tour

Leave in the late morning on a full-day exploration of the Phuket coast and its sea caves. The tour begins with lunch on a catamaran, after which you'll transfer to kayaks and head into the "Tidal Nape" sea caves that can be found inside Phang Nga Bay. Here, you'll discover the beauty and tranquility of the hongs, Thai for "rooms," which are actually sinkholes within the cliffs and are only accessible through the sea caves. 

The cliff-lined lagoons are home to a variety of wildlife, including macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, sea eagles, and brahminy kites—so keep your eyes peeled! As the light fades, you'll find yourself floating in the hongs in your self-made flower krathong, where you can experience the natural light show created by bio-luminescent plankton. The tour closes with a delicious sunset buffet dinner before you return to your hotel for the evening. 

Day 21: Depart Phuket

It's been a whirlwind three weeks across Vietnam and Thailand, and now it's time for the final farewell. At the appointed time, a driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for the journey home. Safe travels!

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