Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi
Your private guide will meet you at Hanoi's arrivals hall and handle the transfer to your hotel. They'll take care of your luggage and check-in so you can get settled without worrying about the details.
- Day 2
Hanoi Sightseeing
Start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex to see the Mausoleum and his former stilt-house residence, then move on to Hoa Lo Prison and One Pillar Pagoda. The Temple of Literature, built back in 1070, comes next before lunch. After eating, the Museum of Ethnology shows displays from 54 ethnic minority groups. You'll take a cyclo ride through the chaotic Old Quarter streets, and the day ends with the Vietnamese Water Puppets Show.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's former stilt-house residence)
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison
- Visit The One Pillar Pagoda
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Explore Museum of Ethnology
- One-hour cyclo ride through Old Quarter
- Vietnamese Water Puppets Show
Landmarks Ho Chi Minh Complex Hoa Lo Prison One Pillar Pagoda Temple of Literature Museum of Ethnology - Day 3
Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise
A private transfer takes about 3 hours to reach Halong City where you'll board a traditional Vietnamese junk in the afternoon. The cruise moves around limestone islets and caves with sunset viewing from the deck. Dinner happens on board, and all meals are included. Swimming, kayaking, and diving are available if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Halong City
- Traditional Vietnamese junk cruise around Halong Bay
- Sunset viewing from deck
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Diving
Landmarks Halong Bay - Day 4
Halong Bay to Hoi An
Early morning brings a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck to catch the sunrise. Cruising continues with options to kayak or take a traditional rowing boat to see local life on the water. You'll disembark around 11:00 AM at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, then transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang (landing around 1:30 PM). Your guide meets you in Da Nang and takes you to your Hoi An hotel. The rest of the day is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tai Chi lesson on sundeck
- Choice of kayaking or traditional rowing boat
- Private transfer to Hanoi airport
- Private transfer from Da Nang airport to hotel
- Day 5
My Son Sanctuary
Head to My Son Sanctuary to check out this ancient site of the Cham religion, then grab lunch before returning to Hoi An. From there, walk across the Japanese Bridge with its distinctive architecture, visit the Chinese Temple showing Chinese influences, and explore beautifully restored former Vietnamese merchants' houses. Your evening and remaining time is yours to spend.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit My Son Sanctuary
- Walk on Japanese Bridge
- Visit Chinese Temple
- Visit former Vietnamese merchants' houses
Landmarks My Son Sanctuary Japanese Bridge Chinese Temple - Day 6
Hoi An Fishermen & Waterways Eco-Tour
Join the Fishermen & Waterways of a Past War Eco-Tour to learn traditional fishing techniques and paddle unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats through coconut-palm-lined waterways. You'll get hands-on cultural experiences showing authentic local Vietnamese life. The afternoon is free to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Learn traditional fishing techniques
- Paddle Vietnamese bamboo basket boats
- Explore coconut-palm-lined waterways
- Day 7
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
A private transfer takes you to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your guide meets you and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and adjust.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Da Nang airport
- Private transfer from airport to hotel
- Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City War Sites
Morning takes you to the underground Cu Chi Tunnels, then you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City to see the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace). Next comes Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Dong Khoi Street, formerly called Rue Catinat, offers good shopping and a leisurely walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit War Remnants Museum
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
- Visit Old Saigon Post Office
Optional Activities
- Explore Dong Khoi Street
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels War Remnants Museum Reunification Palace Notre Dame Cathedral Old Saigon Post Office Dong Khoi Street - Day 9
Mekong Delta Cruise
Early departure heads to the Mekong Delta Area for a river cruise, visiting Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix islands. On Unicorn Island you'll explore the village, check out tropical fruit orchards and bee farms, and try honey-tea. After visiting a fruit farm and hearing Southern traditional music, you'll land on Dragon Island to travel by cyclo or motorbike to a local home for homemade lunch including Banh Xeo and spring rolls. You'll cook with the owners before returning to the boat station and heading back to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Homemade lunch including Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe) and Spring Rolls)
Included Activities
- Cruise on Mekong River
- Visit Unicorn Island village
- Visit tropical fruit orchards
- Visit bee farm
- Visit Dragon Island local home
- Homemade lunch with cooking participation
- Transfer back to Saigon
Landmarks Mekong Delta - Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Your private guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel for check-in. Free time allows you to stroll around Siem Reap's streets and explore the city at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport
- Private transfer from Siem Reap airport to hotel
Optional Activities
- Explore Siem Reap city streets
- Day 11
Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat
A private car takes you to Angkor Thom's West Gate to bypass the crowds. You'll visit the South Gate and explore the last capital of the Angkor Period (AD 802-1432), seeing Bayon Temple with over 200 giant faces carved into its 54 towers. Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple, Terrace of the Elephant, Terrace of the Leper King, and Royal Palace Temple follow. In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Sunset viewing happens at Phnom Bakheng before returning to your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Angkor Thom South Gate
- Visit Bayon Temple
- Visit Baphuon Temple
- Visit Phimeanakas Temple
- Visit Terrace of the Elephant
- Visit Terrace of the Leper King
- Visit Royal Palace Temple
- Visit Angkor Wat Temple
- Sunset viewing at Phnom Bakheng
Landmarks Angkor Thom Bayon Temple Baphuon Temple Phimeanakas Temple Terrace of the Elephant Terrace of the Leper King Angkor Wat Temple Phnom Bakheng - Day 12
Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, Ta Prohm
You can optionally head out early to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat Temple and listen to singing birds while enjoying the ancient landscape. Friendly conversations with monks and nuns at a nearby pagoda are possible. Breakfast at your hotel or as takeaway comes next before visiting Banteay Srei, known for its remarkable preservation and excellent decorative carving. Banteay Samre with its rose-colored sandstone walls decorated with carvings comes after. Lunch at a local restaurant offers exotic cuisine, then Ta Prohm Temple and Banteay Kdei are explored. Late afternoon brings leisure time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local restaurant with exotic cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit Banteay Srei Temple
- Visit Banteay Samre Temple
- Visit Ta Prohm Temple
- Visit Banteay Kdei Temple
Optional Activities
- Early morning sunrise tour at Angkor Wat with sunrise viewing and bird listening
- Friendly talk with monks and nuns at nearby pagoda
Landmarks Banteay Srei Banteay Samre Ta Prohm Temple Banteay Kdei - Day 13
Tonle Sap Lake & Siem Reap to Bangkok
After pickup from your hotel, you'll visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest fresh-water lake. Explore Kompong Phluk Floating Village, actually three villages with stilted houses in the floodplain surrounded by mangroves and largely untouched by tourism. The boat trip takes you through the floating village, high-stake houses, the local community, and even a children's school. Your guide then escorts you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Bangkok. On arrival, your private guide welcomes you at the airport and transfers you by private car to your hotel with luggage and check-in assistance.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tonle Sap Lake
- Explore Kompong Phluk Floating Village
- Boat trip through floating village
- Private transfer to Siem Reap airport
- Private transfer from Bangkok airport to hotel
Landmarks Tonle Sap Lake Kompong Phluk Floating Village 
- Day 14
Bangkok City Tour
Enjoy a private guided tour starting with the Grand Palace, Bangkok's most famous landmark. You'll see the Palace sections used for various occasions, the Coronation Hall, Funeral Hall, Royal Guest House, and the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Next comes Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples built about 200 years ago by King Rama I. The gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha measures 49 meters long and 12 meters high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll walk to the pier and take a water taxi to Wat Arun (The Dawn Temple), then return to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Grand Palace
- Visit Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
- Visit Wat Pho
- Water taxi to Wat Arun
Landmarks Grand Palace Wat Phra Kaew Emerald Buddha Wat Pho Wat Arun - Day 15
Maeklong & Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets
Early morning brings a 2-hour drive to Maeklong Railway Market (Rom Hub Market), where a train runs through several times daily and vendors quickly move their wares using movable containers. Then it's on to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, now 100 years old and about 100 km from Bangkok, one of Thailand's most famous attractions. From about 8 AM to 11 AM, hundreds of vendors and purchasers float in small rowing boats selling and exchanging goods. You'll take a long-tail boat ride to experience authentic floating village life, then either explore by 4-seat boat (at your own expense) or stroll the river banks. Return to Bangkok with time to explore other interesting places if possible, and your driver can suggest alternatives.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Maeklong Railway Market
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Long-tail boat ride
Optional Activities
- 4-seat boat exploration of floating market (at your own expense)
- Additional Bangkok sightseeing with driver
Landmarks Maeklong Railway Market Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Day 16
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Your internal flight takes you to Chiang Mai, the historical and colorful city in northern Thailand known for its Lanna temples, charming traditions, unique food, family-friendly attractions, and mountain setting. Your private guide meets you at the airport and transfers you by private car to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transfer from Chiang Mai airport to hotel
- Day 17
Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep
A morning half-day old-city temple tour takes you through different parts of Chiang Mai. Wat Pra Singh is visited first, one of over 200 ancient Buddhist temples in the area and a prime example of Lanna architecture. Wat Chedi Luang follows, site of an enormous pagoda originally 280 feet high and partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. Warorot Market comes next to experience real northern life. After lunch at a local restaurant, a relaxing 1-hour drive goes to Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb 309 steps to the top (a tram is available for a small charge). At the summit, Wat Phra That sits as one of Northern Thailand's most sacred temples with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. This evening, explore the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar approximately 1 km long where handicrafts, souvenirs, and mobile food stalls showcase unique local foods.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wat Pra Singh
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang
- Visit Warorot Market
- Visit Doi Suthep Mountain
- Climb 309 steps to Wat Phra That
- Panoramic views of Chiang Mai city
Optional Activities
- Tram to top of Doi Suthep Mountain (small surcharge)
- Explore Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Landmarks Wat Pra Singh Wat Chedi Luang Warorot Market Doi Suthep Mountain Wat Phra That Chiang Mai Night Bazaar - Day 18
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
A half-day at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers quality time with elephants in their natural home while learning about their history and behavior. After pickup from your accommodation, you'll drive through scenic agricultural areas to reach the Sanctuary. Your English-speaking guide explains the elephants before you change into traditional Karen clothing. Armed with bananas and sugar cane, you'll feed the elephants then walk through the Sanctuary where free-roaming elephants roam. Touch, feed, photograph, and interact with them at your leisure while learning about their lifestyle. After the close encounter, you'll return to your hotel with the rest of the day free.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
- Change into traditional Karen clothing
- Feed elephants with bananas and sugar cane
- Walk through Sanctuary with free-roaming elephants
- Interact with and photograph elephants
Landmarks Elephant Jungle Sanctuary - Day 19
Chiang Mai to Phuket
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket. On arrival, your private guide accompanies you for hotel check-in. After settling in, relax poolside or head to the beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Chiang Mai airport
- Private transfer from Phuket airport to hotel
Optional Activities
- Relax poolside
- Visit beach
- Day 20
Phuket Leisure
The day is yours in Phuket. Relax at your resort or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Relax at hotel
- Explore surrounding area
- Day 21
Phuket Leisure
Another day of leisure in Phuket. Relax at your resort or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Relax at hotel
- Explore surrounding area
- Day 22
Departure
Enjoy your free time until your guide arrives to escort you to the airport for your onward flight.
Included Activities
- Private transfer to Phuket airport
