Nature & Culture in Vietnam & Thailand - 21 Days

Highlights

• Visit famous landmarks and temples in cities like Bangkok and Hanoi
• Cruise amid limestone towers in Ha Long Bay and hike the Sapa mountains
• Witness wartime history in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to the Mekong Delta
• Visit elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai and browse colorful local night markets
• Go island hopping around Krabi and Phuket in Thailand's tropical south

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (Vietnam), Self-Guided Tour

Welcome to Vietnam! This star of Southeast Asia has attracted travelers for decades. They come for the deep history, rich culture, unrivaled natural beauty, and world-class cuisine. And the best hub to enjoy all of these qualities is in the north, at the nation's capital of Hanoi. With a settled history dating back to the third century BCE, Hanoi doesn't lack awe-inspiring sights. It's also strategically positioned close to some of the country's most famous natural wonders.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride into the city and your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day exploring on a self-guided tour. Hit the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter (historic center) on foot or a three-wheeled cyclo. There are plenty of historic and iconic landmarks in this area, including Hoan Kiem Lake and its 19th-century Ngoc Son Temple.

For a meal, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien to try the beloved Hanoian dish bun cha (noodle soup with grilled pork). This restaurant's interpretation of the dish is so famous that it's served guests like Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain. Later, sip cocktails on the Pan Pacific Hotel's rooftop bar and soak in sunset views over Tay Ho (West Lake) to wrap up your evening in style.

Day 2: Hanoi Vespa Tour & Street Food Walk

Leave in the morning to explore Hanoi in style on a vintage Vespa scooter. During this half-day excursion, your guide will take you for a ride through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter to admire its famous landmarks. These include the colonial-era Opera House and Hanoi Train Street, a line of train tracks running through a residential neighborhood so narrow it's almost impossible to believe. You'll also visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Parliament House, and other government buildings as your guide reveals the history of Hanoi.

Continue to Huu Hiep Lake and the crash site of a US plane shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Hanoi—a poignant reminder of recent history. A drive along Tay Ho will take you to the monument to the late US Senator John McCain, who was a prisoner of war in Hanoi during the American War (as the Vietnam War is known locally). Then, head just outside of Hanoi to a village on an island in the Red River, where you'll meet a resident family and learn more about rural life.

Afterward, you'll visit a nearby kumquat farm, where peach blossoms are grown for Tet (Lunar New Year), as they symbolize luck, health, wealth, fertility, and peace. Then, drive back to the Old Quarter via the Long Bien Bridge, built over a hundred years ago to connect the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts. In the early evening, you'll embark on a three-hour foodie walking tour around Hanoi. Your guide will lead you to the best street food vendors and local spots, where you'll sample up to 10 dishes that range from Vietnamese pancakes to noodle dishes and papaya salad.

Day 3: Transfer to Sapa, Visit Love Waterfall, Scenic Drive

Enjoy a hearty breakfast because you've got a long (but scenic) transfer ahead. Meet your driver in the morning for the six-hour transfer from Hanoi to Sapa. As you leave the Red River Delta region, you'll enter Vietnam's beautiful highlands, where cities give way to misty mountains dotted with ethnic hill-tribe villages and terraced rice fields.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Sapa, the postcard image of Vietnam's mountainous north. Around this picturesque highland town are traditional villages and terraced agricultural fields. After checking into your hotel, you'll get to tour some of these iconic landmarks.

Meet your driver for the 30-minute transfer outside of Sapa to Love Waterfall. This romantic cascade plunges 323 feet (100 m) into a lagoon and earned its name from a local legend telling of a fairy who fell in love with a mountain boy playing his flute in this picturesque spot. Afterward, continue higher into the mountains to O Quy Ho Mountain Pass (also known as Heaven's Gate). There, you can admire views of Mount Fansipan, which you'll see more of in the coming days. At 10,312 feet (3,143 m), it's the highest peak in Vietnam. Enjoy the scenery and snap some photos before returning to Sapa.

Day 4: Hike to Ethnic Hill Tribe Villages

Lace up your hiking boots because you've got a full day of trekking ahead of you. Meet your guide in the morning and transfer outside Sapa to the trailhead. There, you'll embark on a 7.4-mile (12 km) hike around rice paddies and ethnic minority villages.

As you descend into the scenic Muong Hoa Valley, you'll pass through two such villages—Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai—home to the Black Hmong people. With the help of your guide, you'll meet residents and browse their traditional handicrafts. Lunch will be served at the home of a local family in Lao Chai or a riverfront café. 

Afterward, continue on the scenic trail, which passes alongside terraced rice fields backed by soaring mountain peaks. The last stop of the day is at Ta Van, a village home to the Giay people. They're known for their rich culture and traditional wooden stilt homes rising above the rice fields. At the end of the hike, you'll transfer back to Sapa by vehicle. 

Day 5: Explore Mount Fansipan, Transfer to Hanoi

Start the day with a cable car ride to the top of Mount Fansipan, nicknamed the "Roof of Indochina." The cable car ends at a garden complex dotted with pagodas and Buddha statues, from which you can either hike or take a funicular train journey to the top of the mountain. From the 10,212-foot (3,134 m) peak, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of cloud-topped mountains and can see across the border into China.

Afterward, you'll return to Sapa and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, it's time to make the six-hour journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have the evening free.

Day 6: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise

Rise and shine! Your driver will pick you up early for the three-hour drive north to the coast and the incomparable Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder of the world. In this sweet spot on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters, resembling the spine of a giant reptile—hence the name "Ha Long" (it translates to "descending dragon"). Here, you'll board a multilevel ship operated by Orchid Cruises for a two-day luxury cruise.

Once aboard, you'll sit down for a gourmet lunch and then get underway. The ship will pass several islets before arriving in Lan Ha Bay, part of the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve archipelago. Here, the boat will drop anchor, and you'll switch to a smaller boat for a tour of Trung Trang Cave. This gaping cavern was carved out of limestone thousands of years ago. 

After marveling at the massive stalactites and stalagmites, there will be the option for swimming in an emerald-green lagoon. You'll return to the ship in time for sunset, followed by happy hour cocktails, a cooking demonstration, and dinner. Enjoy an optional massage before retiring for the evening in your spacious cabin. Or, you can cast a line off the ship's stern and do a bit of night squid fishing.

Day 7: Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi, Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Wake up early with a sunrise over the jade waters and karst towers of Ha Long Bay. Then, begin the day with a morning tai chi session on the deck. After a light breakfast, you can relax in a lounger and enjoy the scenery as the ship cruises to the Ha Long Bay pier. There will also be time for a kayak excursion followed by late brunch in the dining room before you dock around noon. Then, hop in a vehicle for the 3.5-hour ride back to Hanoi, arriving around 3 pm.

Once back in the city, you'll transfer to the airport by private vehicle and catch a two-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam's largest metropolis is the perfect introduction to this beautiful country's energy, complexity, and contradictions. It's steeped in rich history yet is simultaneously on the cutting edge of modernity, as evidenced by gleaming skyscrapers sitting alongside French colonial landmarks. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in the city.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City on a self-guided tour. You could trawl for treasures at Ben Thanh Market, a popular spot for street food and shopping, or visit one of the many spas for a foot massage. When you're ready for a break, grab a beer on a high floor at the 861-foot (262 m) Bitexco Tower and enjoy panoramic views across this sprawling city.

Day 8: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta

This morning, you'll transfer south to the lush Mekong Delta. Known as Vietnam's rice bowl, this region is full of mangroves, sugar cane plantations, and flourishing rice paddies. Board a boat for a ride down the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Mekong. Along the way, you'll stop and visit local businesses like a brick workshop and honey farm. The region is also famous for its coconut candies, and you'll visit a workshop to see how these tasty confections are made. 

Next, you'll stop at a small riverside village for tea with a family that makes hand-woven rush mats. Then, explore the town by bike or xe loi (motor cart) and witness scenes of peaceful riverine life. You'll pass verdant rice fields, vegetable farms, and exotic fruit orchards. Have lunch at a restaurant on the banks of the river, then hop on a traditional raft and paddle down a creek. Afterward, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll have a free evening.

Day 9: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

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Today, you'll learn about Vietnam's war history with a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Viet Cong fought American soldiers in the 1960s. Located about an hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, this complex of underground tunnels stretches over 155 miles (250 km) and was a bitter battleground during the war. You'll learn how the Viet Cong used these tunnels as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living areas for fighters. You'll even get the chance to crawl through a section to experience the tunnels' narrow dimensions.

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

For your last morning in Vietnam, meet your guide for a highlights tour of Ho Chi Minh City. After visiting historic 19th-century French colonial landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, and the Central Post Office, you'll continue to the War Remnants Museum, which features exhibits detailing the Vietnam War. You'll also stop by Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. It was here in 1975 that Ho Chi Minh's tanks stormed the complex, marking the symbolic end to the war.

After a stop at a local café to indulge in Vietnam's famous coffee culture, you'll transfer to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok. Among other attractive qualities, Thailand's dynamic capital is known for its chaotic 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.

Then, you'll have the rest of the day free for optional activities. You'll want to indulge in Bangkok's famous street food. One of the best spots to delight in quick eats is the expansive Chinatown neighborhood. Alternatively, visit the upscale Siam Paragon shopping mall or have a beer on Khao San Road amid the youthful backpacker atmosphere. In the evening, perhaps watch a Muay Thai boxing match (Thailand's national sport) or head for Warehouse 30, a gallery space where you can experience Bangkok's contemporary art scene.

Day 11: Temples & City Tour, Evening Street Food Tour

Today, a guide will lead you around Bangkok's most remarkable sites, starting at the elaborate Wat Traimit. Known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, it's home to one of the world's largest solid gold Buddha statues. Continue to the 16th-century Wat Pho temple and see the 150-foot-long (45 m) reclining Buddha. You'll also spend time at the sensational Grand Palace, once home to the king of Siam, and visit its Coronation Hall, Funeral Hall, and the famous Emerald Buddha. This 15th-century figurine is made from one solid piece of green jade, with clothing made of diamonds and gold.

In the afternoon, tour the city on a long-tail boat. Cruising the canals is a great way to see traditional Thai houses and typical rural life on the outskirts of Bangkok. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a temple with a soaring central spire that's one of the icons of the city.

Later, you'll embark on a guided street food tour. Begin in Chinatown, where you can try finger foods like kai satay (barbecued chicken) with peanut sauce. Of course, you can also tuck into Thailand's most well-known menu item, pad thai. Other tasty tidbits include seafood boiled rice and ba me mhoo daeng (dried noodles with red pork). Complete with experience with some traditional Thai and Chinese desserts, then hop on a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) for a night ride through the neon night of Bangkok.

Day 12: Day Trip to Country Farms & Markets

Leave the city behind today on a guided tour of Thailand's coastal "Salt Road." Head out early with your driver to Samut Songkhram Salt Farms, where local farmers tend to their fields, creating shimmering crystal pyramids of salt to dry in the sun. Then, hop on a train through the Mae Klong Railway Market, a raucous experience that has to be seen to be believed. Vendors set up their stalls on an active railway track, and each time a train approaches, they swiftly retract their awnings and merchandise to make way for the passing locomotive.

After enjoying the spectacle, visit a local coconut sugar farm next to learn how to make sugar from coconuts. Then, continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors sell their wares from long-tail boats. Jump in a boat yourself and glide through the canals to get up close and personal with the merchants selling street food, fresh fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs. Later, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 13: Fly to Chiang Mai, Guided Temples Tour

It's time to head north this morning. Your driver will take you to the airport in Bangkok so you can catch 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, a driver will pick you up at the airport for the transfer to your hotel. After settling in, head right back out on a tour to visit some of the most famous (and lesser-visited) temples around Chiang Mai. First, transfer to the foot of Doi Pui mountain, on the city's outskirts, and Wat Umong. Dating to the 13th century, this temple is known for its ancient network of tunnels that Buddhist monks use as meditation chambers. The complex occupies a scenic and tranquil forested area with fountains, lakes, pavilions, pagodas, and impressive chedi (stupa).

After Wat Umong, your driver will take you on mountain roads up to 3,500 feet (1,066 m) and the 14th-century Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai's most famous temple features an enormous staircase adorned with ornate nagas (mythical beings, half human and half cobra). Hike the 306 steps to the top and marvel at the copper-placed chedi topped by a five-tiered golden parasol, which contains relics of Lord Buddha. You'll arrive in the evening, and from the temple can enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai lit up below. After a while, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 14: Day Trip to an Elephant Sanctuary

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll hop in a vehicle and head to the forests outside the city and the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. This is just one of many centers in the region that rescue abandoned and abused elephants. These organizations earn money through tourism, opening their doors to visitors who can admire these magnificent creatures in a humane and eco-friendly way.

This half-day activity begins when you change into a mahout (caretaker clothing), after which you'll meet the elephants and spend the morning feeding them. You'll also take them to the river to bathe and brush them—a highlight for both the elephants and visitors. Back at the center, enjoy a snack of fresh fruit with the group and guides. Then, it's time to say a bittersweet goodbye to your new elephant pals and transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Day 15: Chiang Mai Free Day: Temples, Hot Springs & Markets

It's nice to spend a day unencumbered by schedules. And laid-back Chiang Mai is the perfect place to explore at your leisure. If you'd like, spend time discovering Lanna culture and history in the Old City through its many wats (temples). One highlight is Wat Phra Singh, an opulent 14th-century temple complex. For shopping, don't miss the San Kamphaeng Road. Also known as Handicraft Highway, it stretches for 11 miles (18 km) and is the place to buy artisanal crafts like pottery and silverwork.

If time permits, you can visit San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, a 90-minute drive from the city. This open-air spa features hot-water geysers shooting 65 feet (20 m) into the air. The springs are a great place to soak in mineral baths while enjoying the landscaped gardens.

After dark, head to the city's ancient gates to browse Chiang Mai's night markets. Chang Puak Night Market at North Gate is always bustling and offers a great range of authentic Thai cuisine. Try the khao kha moo (stewed pork leg) served by the amiable lady with the cowboy hat. Besides her excellent food, she's become famous thanks to visits from wandering celebrities like Anthony Bourdain. Later, take the tuk-tuk back to your hotel—or stay out a little longer and enjoy the nightlife. 

Day 16: Fly to Krabi, Optional Activities

This morning, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport. Here, you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Krabi, a resort town on the Andaman Sea. Like many places in the region, this area is famous for its gorgeous coast, breathtaking beaches, coral reefs, and romantic offshore islands. At the airport, another driver will pick you up for the transfer to nearby Krabi Town. After checking into your hotel, you can discover Krabi's delights on your own.

If you like, spend the day relaxing on one of Krabi's many beaches. Or, rent a kayak and paddle down the coast, enjoying scenery that includes towering limestone rock formations. You can also stroll around Krabi Town and the waterfront of the Krabi River. For great views, hike up to the 19th-century temple of Wat Kaew, which overlooks the city. If traveling with kids, you can take them to the lagoons and hiking trails at Thung Teao Forest Park. When the sun sets, be sure to visit Krabi Town's bustling night market. 

Day 17: Krabi Island-Hopping Tour by Speedboat

Early in the morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel for a short ride to the pier at Nopparat Thara Beach. Here, you'll begin your full-day island-hopping tour. Board a boat for the trip to Tup Island, which is actually two small islets connected by sandbars. When you arrive at low tide, it will be possible to walk between the two. Then, continue to adjacent Ko Kai (Chicken Island), a rocky isle shaped like a chicken head fringed with white-sand beaches.

After doing some snorkeling and swimming, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach at Poda Island, another star islet with turquoise waters, white sands, and towering limestone rock formations. Here, you can swim or just pass the time sunbathing. In the early afternoon, visit Phranang Beach, which features a gaping cave and is also a great place to relax. In the mid-afternoon, you'll return to Nopparat Thara and then transfer back to your hotel.

Day 18: Transfer to Phuket, Optional Activities

Rise early and meet your driver for the scenic drive up and around the Andaman coast to Phuket. Thailand's largest island is known for its powdery beaches, neon nightlife, and world-class resorts. It's also home to diverse landscapes ranging from dense rainforest to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you can spend the rest of the day exploring.

If you like, head to a famous stretch of sand, like Patong, Kata, or Freedom Beach, for sunbathing and watersports like snorkeling and kayaking. However, the natural highlights of Phuket extend beyond the coast. The island has diverse landscapes, including forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, lagoons, and tropical forests. Many offer great hiking, like the trail up to the Black Rock viewpoint, which looks out over beautiful Cape Krathing.

Day 19: Speedboat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands

Early this morning, you'll transfer to the pier and board a speedboat for a full-day tour of the famous Phi Phi Islands. From the dock, it's an hour's trip to Phi Phi Lee, which is also called "Maya Beach." One of the most stunning destinations in Thailand, Maya Beach is a secluded bay hemmed in by towering limestone cliffs on a romantic isle. If it looks familiar, it was featured in the 2000 film "The Beach."

Once here, you'll take a dip in the water in designated swimming areas and snap photos at other nearby highlights like Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave. On the way north to the larger island of Phi Phi Don, you'll pass Monkey Beach, named for its community of crab-eating macaques. You'll have time for snorkeling, followed by a delicious lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit Bamboo Island for more swimming or sunbathing on the beach. From here, you'll return to Phuket by boat and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 20: Phuket Free Day: Old Town, Beach Time & Outdoor Adventure

For your final day in Phuket, you can pursue any activities you'd like. Perhaps start with a trip to Karon View Point to see the whole city laid out in front of you and the grand vistas of Phuket's beaches. Follow up with a visit to the Big Buddha, a giant statue nearly 150 feet (45 m) tall and considered one of the island's most important landmarks. Then, visit the monastery of Wat Chalong, or head over to the Old Town district, where you can browse an outdoor market or dine at one of its many restaurants.

Of course, you can always make a beeline for the beach to sunbathe, kick back with a cold drink, or swim. For aquatic views of Phuket, embark on a snorkeling tour or visit the aquarium at Cape Panwa to stroll its underwater glass tunnel. If you're feeling adventurous, head to the forest and soar over the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline tour. When the sun sets, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, browse a night market, or revel in the nightlife at Bangla Road.

Day 21: Depart Phuket

You've taken a deep dive into the nature and culture of Vietnam and Thailand. Hopefully, this adventure has stoked your interest in visiting more Southeast Asian nations. For now, you'll transfer to the airport and catch your flight home or onward to the next adventure. Safe travels!

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