A Wonderful Journey to Southeast Asia
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!
Known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences, Hanoi is the spirited capital city of Vietnam. It's also famous for its delectable cuisine, silk textiles, and bustling Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade.
Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, retrieve your luggage and proceed to the arrival gate. Look out for our driver, who will be holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any trouble locating them, please don’t hesitate to message or call your Personal Travel Consultant for immediate assistance.
We will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8.00- 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City
08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake
It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.
09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world
Ø Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
Ø Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Ø Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area
11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam
Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays
12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine
with 8 delicious dishes.
14.00-14.15: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century
15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton”
16.15 -16.30: Return to your hotel
Overnight in Hanoi
Have breakfast at your hotel.
Check out the hotel and bring all lugguage with you to Halong Bay.
7:40 – 08:45: Hotel pick up with our shuttle bus. Short break half way.
11:45 – 12:00: Arriving Tuan Chau marina, transferred by tender of La Pandora cruises.
12:45 – 13:00: Welcome aboard the cruise. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain, crew in the cruise briefing, safety instruction.
13:00 – 13:15: A special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites are served while sailing through Islets of Con Vit.
16:00: The Cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay. The area is surrounding of extraordinary limestone karsts landscapes. We progress to Ong Cam Area of Lan Ha Bay - a separate part of Ha Long Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam, enjoy kayaking and/or enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.
17:30: Back to La Pandora Cruise, drop anchor for staying overnight. Enjoy cooking demonstration (teaching you how to make our speciality, Spring rolls) and the complimentary Sunset Party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruit.
19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. After dinner, retiring to your cabin or join the fishing excursion, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar, wifi access or play exciting games.
Overnight on board.
06:00: Enjoy sunrise and admire the never-ending miraculous scenery of the Bay.
06:30: Light breakfast, coffee and tea served.
07:00: Visit Dark & Bright Cave and islets by local rowing boats which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage.
09:15: Back to our La Pandora Cruise, relax before checking out.
10:00: Lunch is served on board.
12:00: Disembark at the Tuan Chau marina by tender. Take our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi.
15:00 – 15:30: On the way back to Hanoi, you will stop at a meeting point (Aeon Mall Long Bien). From there, a private car will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your flight.
Upon landing at the airport, retrieve your luggage and proceed to the arrival gate. Meet up with our driver, we will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Enjoy buffet breakfast at the hotel. You may take some rest in your room to get ready for the Hoi An City Tour & Basket Boat experience this afternoon.
12h50 – 13h00 PM: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel.
Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut. As a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will learn traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe, interesting and suitable for everybody.
About 2.30 pm: Visit the next destination, Hoi An Old Town.
Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Shopping at Hoi An Central Market. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees make offerings.
You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses, such as Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. Visit Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.
6:00 pm: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on the Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best luck for you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.
6:30 pm – Return to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
07:30 a.m: Our minivan and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby. Enjoy a ride to Ba Na Hills via cable car.
Spend your time in the most modern cable car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable Car Station, and admire the breath-taking view of Da Nang coastal city.
After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge, which has the most exotic structure and is also one of the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges, as highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amourn (which consists of nine gardens), and Linh Ung Pagoda.
Sit on the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village, where you could enjoy street music, watch Art’s statue, Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, watch the Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome, etc.
Have lunch at the restaurant (Buffet).
Take the Lava Train from Sun Kingdom to many new attractions for check-in, such as Helios waterfall, Time Gate, and the Moon Kingdom. Join in Fantasy Park by walking in Fairy Forest, discovering Dinosaur Park, playing 5D Wild West, enjoying a 4D death race ride, watching 3D Mega 360 degrees, riding on a journey into the underground, entering Jurassic Park, challenging Freefall Tower, participating in an adventure in Horror House, and playing over 90 free games.
3:00 pm: Return to the cable car after leaving Ba Na Hills.
5:30 p.m: Our minivan brings you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a full free day to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace — wander the lantern-lit streets, relax by the riverside, or discover hidden local gems on your own.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Enjoy your free time until our driver meets you at the hotel lobby then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet up our driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in. After checking in, the remainder time of the day to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Depart from your hotel at around 7:30–8:00 AM.
Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification Palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Depart for Cu Chi Tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
19:00: Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast at your hotel.
8:00 AM Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and starting your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which dates back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise Islands.
Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and folk song music which is performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.
Ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time.
In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammocks are relaxing and enjoy a cool breeze for those who can't join the cycling trip.
17:00 PM: Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our local representative.
Overnight at the hotel in Bangkok.
Start your day with a hearty American breakfast at your hotel. At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up for a full-day cultural exploration of Bangkok.
Begin at Pak Khlong Talad, Thailand’s largest flower market. Stroll through vibrant stalls of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Try local snacks, watch artisans create flower garlands, and even try your hand at making one and decorating lotus flowers—just as locals do before visiting temples.
Continue on foot to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, home to the majestic 45-meter Reclining Buddha and the original school of traditional Thai massage. If timing allows, you may witness the serene morning monk chanting.
Next, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)—a spiritual landmark housing Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image, carved from jade.
From there, walk to the pier for a long-tail boat ride through the canals of Thonburi, catching glimpses of local life. Stop at the striking Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), once a royal temple of King Rama II.
Then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride to Chinatown, exploring Yaowarat Road and the lively Talad Kao Market, filled with herbs, spices, fresh produce, and traditional Chinese goods.
Wrap up your tour with a drop-off at your choice of:
Important Notes for the Bangkok Tour
After breakfast, your tour begins at 8:00 AM, heading 76 km north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital for over four centuries. Founded in 1350, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its impressive ruins, ancient temples, and rich cultural legacy.
Start with a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a former royal residence blending Thai and European styles.
Then, explore Ayutthaya’s most iconic landmarks:
The tour also includes a scenic boat ride, offering views of riverside ruins. (Boat route subject to river conditions)
Return to your hotel in Bangkok.
Start your day with an American breakfast at the hotel.
After check-out, enjoy a private transfer with an English-speaking guide to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide for a private transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, depart at 08:00 AM for a full-day private tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Enjoy scenic drives past lush landscapes and terraced rice fields.
Visit the King and Queen’s twin pagodas, built by the Royal Thai Air Force to honor their 60th birthdays, and take in stunning panoramic mountain views.
Continue to a Karen hill tribe village and explore a hill tribe market, then stop at the impressive Wachiratharn Waterfall.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature trek (choose one trail option):
Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
After breakfast, depart around 6:30 – 7:00 AM for the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, located 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai.
08:30 – Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Begin with an introduction to the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ history. Change into traditional Karen clothing and prepare herbal medicine for the elephants.
09:00 – Meet the elephants up close. Feed, interact, and learn about their behavior in a natural and ethical environment. Enjoy opportunities to take memorable photos.
09:45 – Join the elephants for a fun mud spa session.
10:30 – Walk with the elephants to a nearby river and help bathe them.
11:30 – Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch, then say goodbye to your gentle giant friends.
12:00 – Depart the sanctuary and return to Chiang Mai (approx. 1.5-hour drive).
In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most revered hilltop temple. Climb the 306-step staircase flanked by mythical Nagas to reach the golden chedi, said to enshrine relics of the Buddha. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views over Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.
Return to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.
At the appropriate time, enjoy a private transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your 17 Days Journey Through Vietnam & Thailand. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you for traveling with us!
