Authentic Highlights of Vietnam & Thailand - 13 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy guided tours of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Take an overnight cruise around Lan Ha Bay
• Visit a floating market, homestay, and workshop in the Mekong Delta 
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya
• Kick back on Ko Samet's peaceful beaches 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Dinner at Ly Club Restaurant

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's historic and wonderfully chaotic capital. On your first day in this culturally rich city, there's time to explore at your own pace. You could wander around the Old Quarter's narrow streets dotted with boutique shops and cafés or hop on a cyclo (a traditional Vietnamese rickshaw) to nip around on three wheels. Stop at a local vendor's shop to taste bun cha (Vietnamese meatballs) or pho bo (beef noodle soup). Then treat yourself to a famous egg coffee and visit the long-established ice-cream institution of Trang Tien, which serves up delicious—and unusual—types of ice cream.

Day 2: Vintage Minsk Motorbike Tour, Home-Hosted Dinner with a Hanoian Family

Today you'll have the chance to see Hanoi in a different light. Hop on a Soviet-era Minsk motorbike to discover the city's hidden corners with a professional rider. Stop at the Opera House for photos, then follow the zigzagging backstreets and alleyways—which have just enough room for a single bike—to the biggest second-hand mechanics and electronics market in Vietnam.

Continue with a visit to the home of a Vietnam War veteran and his lovely family, who have lived in a tiny Russian apartment compound since the 1960s. While you're invited to have a cup of Vietnamese tea with the family, you can enjoy the opportunity to chat freely. Jump back on the Minsk to explore Hanoi's charming French boulevards before tasting authentic food, including banh cuon (pork mince rice rolls) and pho cuon (beef rice rolls).

This evening, you'll have the pleasure of sharing a hosted dinner with a local family. In Vietnam, a family meal has always been a way to connect with others, a time to talk and create a bond between generations. During the meal, the older family members teach the younger ones their customs, table manners, and traditional values. In turn, the children show their care and respect by preparing meals and giving thanks.

Day 3: Muong Ethnic Village Visit, Cooking Class, Tea Plantation Experience 

Today is all about escaping the noise and crowds of Hanoi's city center with a visit to the beautiful Muong Ethnic Village in Ba Vi. After a welcome drink, head off on a cycling tour through nearby rice fields and quaint villages, stopping off along the way at a neighborhood market where you'll have the chance to meet local vendors and see how they make a living. Leave your bicycle behind for a small boat trip down the Da River, then gather at the home of Mrs. Chin to join a cooking class, where you will learn how to make special bun cha and spring rolls, Hanoi style.

With a full belly, venture to a 30-year-old tea plantation in Ri village. A peaceful place to enjoy the greenery, this plantation plays an important role in providing tea for the whole north of Vietnam. You will have the chance to help the owners harvest the best tea leaves to make the highest quality beverage. Then spend time at Mr. Duoc's house, the owner of the large tea farm, before a scenic trip back to Hanoi's city center.

Day 4: Overnight Cruise Around Lan Ha Bay

It's time to get out on the water with an overnight cruise around Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay's more serene and less touristy neighbor. You'll leave Hanoi and be driven to Tuan Chau Harbor, around 2.5 hours away via the new highway. Enjoy a warm welcome and tea at the Heritage Cruises lounge. Then climb aboard your authentic vessel and set sail for Da Chong Islet, where you'll stop for lunch at L'Indochine Restaurant and see a heritage lighthouse built by the French more than 100 years ago. After lunch, cruise to Gia Luan Lagoon and marvel at the dramatic limestone karst formations rising out of the sea.

Sail onward toward Ba Trai Dao ("Three Peach Beach"), a natural frontier between the provinces of Ha Long and Haiphong. This beautiful hideaway has sandy beaches and caves, and there's time for kayaking and swimming in the clear waters. After your aquatic activities, return to the boat and enjoy the luxury facilities on board. Join a cooking class or wine-tasting experience, or simply relax in your suite and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin with a cocktail in hand. You'll have dinner on board, then head up to the bar on the top deck for a peaceful nightcap.

Day 5: Visit the Dark & Bright Cave, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Wake up in your cabin and head up to the sundeck to start the day with a session of vovinam (a Vietnamese martial art), followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark & Bright Cave, a fascinating twin cave complex featuring a pitch-black tunnel and a light-filled grotto that can only be reached by boat. Tuck into brunch while cruising back to Got Harbor, then catch your transfer to the airport and fly southeast to Ho Chi Minh City. When you arrive in this large high-octane city, formerly known as Saigon, you'll have the evening at leisure to settle in.

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat, Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour

This morning, transfer to Tan Cang Jetty and take a private speedboat trip along the Saigon River, passing by glittering skyscrapers and traditional stilt houses, to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels: an immense underground system that stretches more than 135 miles (220 km). It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War. The tunnels were dug in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong from the French and also served as living quarters, communication routes, hospitals, and weapons caches. Return by private speedboat to Saigon with a stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, set out to explore Ho Chi Minh City on a half-day tour. You'll discover a city filled with winding alleyways, sprawling markets, and soaring skyscrapers set among decorative temples and French colonial landmarks. Travel to architectural highlights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, and visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the end of the Vietnam War. The tour ends with an introduction to the city's coffee culture and a brief language lesson with your guide.

Day 7: Mekong Delta Boat Trip, Fly to Bangkok

Today you'll swap city scenes for lush rice paddies and fruit farms. Depart on a 1.5-hour drive to Ben Tre in the Mekong River Delta. Jump in a motorboat to visit the floating market of Cai Be, where boats are piled high with colorful fruits and other foods. Then board a rowing boat to head deeper into the countryside along smaller canals. Back on the motorboat, you'll travel to An Bình Island and head along the man-made canal to a Ut Trinh homestay for lunch.

In the afternoon, walk around the orchard and enjoy tea while listening to traditional music. Then visit a local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, or pop-rice, and enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. A cycle tour can also be arranged for extra insight into local daily life, where you can see the local school, church, pagoda, and traditional houses. A trip to the brick kilns will show you how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. 

Day 8: Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Today you'll explore Bangkok's surrounding attractions. Travel around an hour north of the city by car to Bang Pa-In, the summer palace built by Rama IV, to see the contrasting palace buildings and surrounding temples inspired by European, Chinese, and Thai designs. Visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the Gothic-inspired temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, then board the charming Thanatharee rice barge at Wat Kasatra Pier and enjoy a private lunch cruise, soaking up the scenes of Wat Phanan Choeng, the Elephant Kraal Pavilion, and local life as you glide down the river.

Day 9: Long-Tail Boat to Ko Kret, Temple & Museum Visit, Pottery Workshop

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and drive for about 12 miles (20 km) to Pak Kred Pier, where you'll board a long-tail boat to Ko Kret and see Wat Poramai Yikawat, an old temple with a distinctive leaning pagoda. Visit a local museum where you'll see religious objects and learn about the Mon people, a dominant tribe in central Thailand between the 6th and 10th centuries, who fled from Burma and built their community here. Walk through a nearby market and taste some exotic local snacks and ice-cold drinks served in hand-thrown terracotta pots.

Then it's time to get your hands dirty! Hop back on the boat to visit a pottery house that preserves the Mon's famous craftsmanship and exquisite pottery patterns and join a mini pottery workshop. Cruise around this small car-free island before jumping off the boat and walking through lush greenery to be welcomed into a local family's house. Sit down, relax, and learn how to make kanom krok—a sweet coconut pancake prepared in a terracotta stove. 

Day 10: Fly to Ko Samet (Thailand)

After an action-packed nine days, it's time to slow the pace and embrace laid-back island living. Leave the bright lights of Bangkok behind and take a shuttle boat from Ban Phe Pier to the idyllic island of Ko Samet. The most taxing decision you'll need to make today is where to watch the sunset. Ao Prao Beach, on the western side of the island, is a great spot for gazing out to sea as the sun sinks into the ocean before dining on your favorite Thai dishes at a restaurant on the beach. 

Day 11: Explore Ko Samet

Koh Samet is a beautiful island to explore at leisure. You could visit Khao Laem Ya National Park to trek through the pristine forest and look out for local wildlife or go diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or fishing. Head to the village of Samet to visit Wat Ko Samet, which houses a giant Buddha statue and colorful murals telling the story of the island. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a relaxing massage on the beach.

Day 12: Ko Samet Beach Day

A day of pure chill-out time on the beach is a must during your stay on Ko Samet. The island's most popular beach is Hat Sai Kaew, which has fine white sands and shallow turquoise waters, perfect for families. It also has a choice of cafés, bars, and places to rent sports gear. Or, make your way to Ao Phai, where you'll find a gorgeous beach surrounded by rocks on both sides offering beautiful views.If you're looking for total peace and privacy, Ao Nuan is the place to go—it has just one restaurant and a handful of bungalows.

For those who struggle to sit still, venture to Ao Lung Dum. There isn't much to do at the beach, but from here, you can easily walk to the western side of the island to a viewpoint where you can watch the sunset.

Day 13: Return to Bangkok Airport, Depart

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast on Koh Samet, then take the boat and private car transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight back home. Goodbye and safe travels!

More Great Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these Thailand itineraries, explore different ways to spend 13 days in Thailand, and discover the best time to visit Thailand.

A note on diacritical markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.