Best of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam - 13 Days

Highlights

• Visit Bangkok's largest floating market and famous palaces, like Wat Arun
• Tour the complex at Angkor, the largest religious structure in the world
• Hit the highlights of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam's two most captivating cities
• Embark on an overnight cruise on the jade waters of Ha Long Bay

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Optional Activities

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand! You'll arrive in Bangkok, the country's beating heart. Thailand's dynamic capital is not only one of the world's great cities but also an ancient one. It began as a humble fishing village on the Chao Phraya River in the 15th century and has been ruled by subsequent dynasties and monarchs ever since. You can bet that there's no shortage of awe-inspiring historical landmarks to visit in this city.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then, you can head out and explore at your own pace. You'll definitely want to indulge in Bangkok's famous street food. One of the best places to delight in these quick eats is in the Chinatown neighborhood, which is the largest Chinatown in the world (outside of China, of course).

You could also visit Siam Paragon, one of Thailand's largest shopping malls, or watch a Muay Thai kickboxing match (Thailand's national sport) at a stadium like Rajadamnern. Younger travelers may want to have a beer on Khao San Road amid the backpacker atmosphere. You can also head to King Power Mahanakhon, a skyscraper in the Silom/Sathon central business district of Bangkok. It features the city's largest outdoor viewing deck, which stands at 1,030 feet (314 m) above ground level.

Day 2: Markets, Palaces & Long-Tail Boat Tour

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Bangkok, starting at Pak Khlong Talat, a 24-hour flower and produce market. Peruse the selection of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables and watch the locals go about their day-to-day lives. Then, continue to the Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the kings of Siam since 1782. Wander through the opulent courtyards and buildings, getting a close-up look at Thai architecture and craftsmanship. Admire the golden spires, ornate statues, and vibrant murals depicting scenes from Thai mythology before getting lunch at a local restaurant.

After refueling, switch to a long-tail boat to discover the city's canals. Glide along the waterways, passing stilted wooden houses, bustling floating markets, and lush riverside vegetation, showcasing a stark contrast to the city's modern skyline. Watch locals fishing, washing their clothes, and socializing along the canal banks. Keep an eye out for landmarks like the Taling Chan Floating Market and Wat Arun, known as the "Temple of Dawn." Following the boat tour, grab dinner at one of the restaurants along the river before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Railway & Floating Markets Tour

Today, you'll experience a couple of the most famous markets in the Bangkok region. In the morning, you'll meet your driver/guide for the 1.5-hour ride west out of the city to Mae Klong Railway Market. The name is no gimmick—Mae Klong got its name because the vendor stalls sit on a narrow stretch of railroad track between buildings. Even more incredible is that trains pass by at regular intervals. When they do, the vendors quickly gather their products, wait for the train to pass, and replace them as if nothing happened. It's a great place to shop for fresh produce (just be mindful of the train whistle).

Afterward, you'll travel to a nearby klong (canal) and visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This is one of Thailand's many "floating markets"—commercial hubs where local vendors ply the waterways selling items from small boats. On a stop here, you can meet hawkers and shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, souvenirs, and other items. After browsing the market, you'll return to your Bangkok hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day 4: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia)

After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Like Thailand, this nation is a veritable open-air museum home to some of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Located in the country's northwest, Siem Reap sits on the shores of Tonlé Sap and is the gateway to the most famous site of all: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, whose ruins were once the capital city of the Khmer Kingdom from the ninth to the 15th centuries. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you'll transfer to your hotel, where the day is yours to relax.

Day 5: Full-Day Tour of Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

Today, you'll visit Angkor Thom (literally "Great City"), once the most impressive royal city of Cambodia's Angkor period. During its heyday in the 12th and 13th centuries, it was a formidable defensive area, protected by 26-foot (8 m) walls and a wide moat. Looming over Angkor Thom are the 54 towers of Bayon Temple. King Jayavarman VII commissioned it in the 12th century, and his smiling face is represented in its 216 stone sculptures. Other highlights include the Terrace of the Elephants, Phimeanakas (a three-tiered pyramid), and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After Angkor Thom, you'll tour the most famous temple of all: Angkor Wat. Famed for its majesty and splendor, this 12th-century complex features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Its five towers are so iconic they're emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. While here, you'll stroll Angor Wat's galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards. Afterward, enjoy a sunset view from Bakheng Hill (or at the less crowded Pre Rup, a 10th-century Hindu temple).

Day 6: Full-Day Tour of Banteay Srei & Ta Prohm

Wake early today for a bucket-list return trip to see Angkor Wat as the sun rises. There's nothing quite like watching the sun come up behind the largest spire of the complex, transforming this world-famous monument in shades of gold. Afterward, head back to your hotel for breakfast before heading out again, stopping to visit rural villages on your way to Banteay Srei, also known as the Citadel of Women. The 10th-century temple is dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva and Parvati, and you'll spend an hour or two marveling at the temple's intricate carvings and red sandstone architecture.

In the afternoon, you'll move on to Ta Prohm, built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its ruins are entwined with the forest's trees and vines and were featured in the Tomb Raider movies. Next is Ta Keo, an unfinished mountain temple that predates Angkor Wat. Its five sanctuary towers are set on a 72-foot-high (22 m) pyramid, offering sweeping views of the temple-studded landscape. 

Day 7: Day Trip to Tonlé Sap, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

This morning, transfer about 11 miles (18 km) south to Tonlé Sap. This is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Here, you'll board a private boat and sip on a refreshing beverage as you ride to Tonlé Sap's famous floating villages. These remarkable communities have their own infrastructure, including schools, markets, and restaurants.

At the end of the tour, you'll return to Siem Reap and the airport, where you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Welcome to Vietnam! Formerly known as Saigon, this metropolis in southern Vietnam is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots and traditions in the face of a communist revolution, a devastating war, and ever-encroaching modernity. At the airport terminal, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city.

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Half-Day City & Markets Tour

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer two hours north of the city to the 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, supply routes, and hospitals. A visit here will give you a better understanding of Vietnam's wartime history and the hardships faced by 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.

When you return to Ho Chi Minh City, spend the rest of the day on a guided tour, starting at the famous Ben Thanh Market. This century-old marketplace is a hub of activity, with hundreds of vendors peddling fresh produce, seafood, and street eats. Later, proceed to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid look at the American War (as the Vietnam War is known locally) through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Highlights here include various exhibits—like weaponry and military equipment—as well as historical photos, prison-cell recreations, and tiger cages. It's guaranteed to leave an indelible impression.

Next, travel to 19th-century landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. You'll also visit Reunification Palace (also known as Independence Palace), the Saigon government's headquarters during the war. Cap the excursion with a stroll along the upscale shopping drag at Dong Khoi Street.

Day 9: Full-Day Mekong Delta Tour 

This morning, you'll meet your driver for the 1.5-hour ride south to My Tho, a river city located in the Tien Giang province at the doorstep of the famous Mekong Delta region. 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 leisurely stroll down the backroads here as you pass orchards, sample tropical fruits and coconut candies, and listen to traditional music coming from the village homes. You'll also see a shrine dedicated to the Coconut Monk, a local religious cult leader who, back in the day, preached adherence to peace, harmony, and coconuts. You'll then return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in the province.

Day 10: Fly to Hanoi, City Tour & Water Puppet Show

It's time for another plane ride! Transfer to the airport this morning for the two-hour flight to northern Vietnam and its ancient capital of Hanoi. At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride into the city, where you'll meet a guide for a walking tour. It begins in the Old Quarter (historic center) at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Highlights include the wooden stilt house where he once lived and the ornate One Pillar Pagoda, which rises from a lake and resembles Vietnam's national flower, the lotus. 

The last stop of the day is at Hoan Kiem Lake, where you'll be treated to a traditional water puppet show. Known as mua roi nuoc in Vietnamese, this cultural expression dates back over 1,000 years, originating in the Red River Delta rice fields. When the fields were flooded, puppeteers used the water's surface as a stage to tell stories with intricately crafted wooden marionettes. The tradition endures today, and seeing a show turns a history lesson into good fun. After the performance, you'll transfer to your hotel in the city.

Day 11: Bhaya Classic Cruise -Day 1, Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi this morning for the three-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. In this sweet spot where the land meets the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters and comprise one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Upon arrival at the port, you'll board a luxurious ship operated by Bhaya Cruise Center for a memorable overnight cruise along the bay. After a greeting from the crew, you'll be led to your cabin, followed by a short trip briefing.

Once the ship gets underway, sit down for a lunch of fresh seafood. Enjoy the scenery as the boat passes impressive sights like the karst islet Trong Mai and the floating village of Cua Van. The first stop is at Trinh Nu Cave, a massive 21,000 square-foot (1,950 sq m) cavern with a wide array of stalactites and stalagmites. After hiking the cave, hop in a kayak and paddle the emerald waters along the white sands of Trinh Nu Beach. Then, return to the boat and participate in a cooking lesson on the sun deck. During this workshop, you'll learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls.

Day 12: Bhaya Classic Cruise -Day 2, Transfer to Hanoi

Wake up early and start the day strong with a tai chi session on the sun deck. After a light breakfast, the ship will cruise to Sung Sot, the bay's largest and most magnificent cave. On a brief excursion, you'll venture into the cave and marvel at its ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Later, you'll return to the ship and cruise to the Ha Long Bay pier, enjoying a late brunch as you go. Then, hop in a vehicle for the 3.5-hour ride back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. There, you'll check into your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to explore Hanoi under your own steam.

Day 13: Depart Hanoi

You've seen the highlights of three incredible countries in Southeast Asia, and now it's time to begin the journey home. In the morning, your driver will pick you up and take you outside Hanoi to the airport, where your flight awaits. Safe travels!

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