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19 Days | Explore the hearts of Northern Thailand and Vietnam, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes
19 days
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Trip Code
TTPVC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
17 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Private Minibus, Train, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (15 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)
From £4,589(19 days)
Trip Informations
Get to know the essence of local culture as you travel from the city streets to the mountain tops of Northern Thailand – a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, fascinating history and incredibly hospitable locals. Explore the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, spend time with Lisu hill tribes, meet the experts at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and uncover the country’s past in Kanchanaburi. Then, hit the streets of bustling Vietnam and take part in enriching local encounters as your leader shows you the soul of this diverse metropolis. Get lost in the districts of Hanoi, cruise past the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise, discover the old-world charm of Hoi An and navigate the winding streets of Ho Chi Minh City. With an unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine and history, your Premium journey through two of Southeast Asia’s hotspots will surely surprise and delight.
Why you’ll love this trip
Stay in the beautiful Lisu Lodge for your Feature Stay in Thailand. This community-based project employs Lisu villagers and allows you to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying creature comforts.
Support an important animal welfare initiative, speak with local experts and get close to incredible creatures at the Elephant Nature Park.
Explore the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with your local leader, who will help you uncover the vibrant mix of influences, from the French to Asian traders, settlers and Indigenous peoples.
Enjoy an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay on a boat as beautiful as its surroundings for your Feature Stay in Vietnam. Take in spectacular views while enjoying a candle-lit dinner on deck.
Sit down to a soul-stirring Hat Xam performance, your Exclusive Experience and an art form that dates back over 700 years to the Tran Dynasty.
Is this trip right for you?
You will visit several temples on this trip, which requires a level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. The heat can be challenging, especially in April and May, so please pack accordingly.
This trip includes a leisurely cycling tour around Sukhothai Heritage Park, so a level of confidence on a bike is required. The roads are quiet with minimal traffic, and the tour takes place within the park's confines.
Tet (Lunar New Year in Vietnam) takes place annually in January or February. This is a fascinating and rewarding time to visit. However, you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and transport to be packed as many locals are travelling. Please consider this when choosing your departure date.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
17 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
Boat, Plane, Private Minibus, Train, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (15 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)
Activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Bangkok - Welcome Dinner
Bangkok - Grand Palace
Bangkok - Wat Pho
Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
Bangkok - Temple Merit Making
Benjarong - Ceramics Workshop
Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Kanchanaburi - Bridge over the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Baan Nong Khao - Weaving Community Visit
Ayutthaya - Temple Visit
Ayutthaya - Traditional Rice Barge Dinner Cruise
Ayutthaya - Train to Phitsanuloke
Sukhothai - Morning Alms Offering
Sukhothai - Historical Park Visit and Bike Ride
Sukhothai - Dinner in a local home
Muang Kued - Village Visit, Cooking Class, and Handicraft Workshop
Mae Taeng - Mae Tamaan Base Camp BBQ Dinner
Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park Half Day Trip
Chiang Mai - Akha Ama Coffee Social Enterprise Visit
Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Chiang Mai - Farewell Dinner
Hanoi - Welcome Dinner
Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Hanoi - Hat Xam performance
Halong Bay - Tai Chi
Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
Hanoi - Hoa Lo Prison
Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
Ho Chi Minh City - Notre Dame Cathedral
Optional activities
Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000
Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
Hoi An - Farm to Table dining experience at Tra Que Village and Mua restaurant - USD84
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
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Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Halong Bay boat overnight where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport is required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. Due to limited luggage space in our vehicles, please ensure that you are packing light and compact. Large, bulky suitcases are unsuitable for this trip. Please refer to the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for details. 
6. Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you may stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Otherwise, we may swap the activities and destinations of Days 13 and 14 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
7. Flight schedules within South East Asia are currently limited. Whenever possible, you will be on a direct fight. However, some flights may require a stop.
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