19 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Romantic Getaway with Beach Resort

ITINERARY

Day 1: Chiang Mai | Arrive in Chiang Mai

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. After getting settled in your room, feel free to explore the night markets and bazaars for some interesting souvenirs made by the hill tribes in the surrounding mountains on your own.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 2: Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Temples | Yi Peng Lantern Festival

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.

Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453. You’ll return to the hotel for some leisure in the afternoon.

In the evening, you’ll join the Yi Peng and Loi Krathong Festivals. Krathong is what the floating boats set adrift are referred to. Each Thai imparts a different meaning or prayer depending on whether they are Buddhist or Hindu. Regardless of religion, it is believed to be casting away the negative elements of oneself. The Loi Krathong festival happens all throughout Thailand. At the same time, in Chiang Mai, the Yi Peng Festival occurs where they set off countless Lanna-style sky lanterns for good luck. Tonight, you’ll get to see both festivals being practiced. You’ll join in an exclusive gala dinner at one of the best locations in Chiang Mai with all of the lanterns from the two main bridges flying overhead. Be prepared for a magical evening!

Sky lanterns release – 19 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Romantic Getaway Beach Resort

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 3: Chiang Mai | Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff. Next, enjoy a picnic spread for lunch.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 4: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Hill Tribe Visit and Doi Suthep Temple | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early morning to join locals in visiting a Buddhist monastery. You can watch or participate in offering alms to Buddhist monks at Wat Srisodain. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then take a trip up in the hills and visit a tea plantation. Take a seat above the terraces flowing with arched rows of green tea shrubs while you sip on a fresh cup of hot green tea. Explore the tea plantation to learn a little about the process of cultivating and harvesting tea. Then continue to a Meo hill tribe village. Have the opportunity to see their unique apparel and simple way of living. Meo families take a great deal of pride in their herbal gardens.

Continue to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple perched on the mountain. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddhist relics and is considered sacred to adherents. Climb around 300 steps to reach the temple. On the way, ring some of the temple bells, if you like. The temple has a set of impressive murals picturing scenes from the life and teachings of Buddha. Our guide will elaborate on some of the history and stories as you explore the temple compound.

Check out at noon and transfer by flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Panwa Boutique Beach Resort

Day 5: Phuket | Sea Caves by Starlight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

World-famous kayaking inside marine limestone karst islands with macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, and Sea Eagles. Meet at the hotel around 11 AM to transfer to the pier (1 hour). Then continue by boat with a light lunch served on board. Self-paddle with your own sea cave guide through tunnels and lagoons.

When darkness falls, stars shine overhead in the circle of the black night, fireflies flash in the cliffside jungle and, most of all, the sea glows with phosphorescence. Enjoy a spiritual ceremony with your own made “Krathong”.

Have a magnificent dinner onboard. Then return to land. A truly magical and out of this world experience (Listed among National Geographic’s “World’s Top 50 Adventures”).

Accommodation: Panwa Boutique Beach Resort

Day 6: Phuket | Phuket Island Tour

Meals: Breakfast

A Cultural and scenic treat to enrich your holiday memories and to experience the charm of the “Pearl of the Andaman” Phuket. A chance to take in the natural beauty of Phuket Island as you are driven along scenic beach roads taking in the stunning vistas in and around Phuket and the island’s best scenic spots. This tour gives you an insight to Phuket Island and a short visit to Phuket Town to the Sino-Portuguese style buildings with a short time to wander around the local market or admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Other attractions visited are, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha at Chalong, and a visit to a Cashew Nut grove. Finish off with a visit to the famous sunset viewpoint at Promthep Cape which is home to one of the most beautiful vistas on the island of Phuket.

Accommodation: Panwa Boutique Beach Resort

Day 7: Phuket – Bangkok | Relax on the Beach | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket. Head south to visit Panwa Beach and Ao Yon Beach on your own or simply enjoy the views of Chalong Bay.

Check out at noon and transfer by flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat | Leisure Time in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Temple of Dawn – 19 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Romantic Getaway Beach Resort

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Bangkok – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Apsara Dinner Show

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dinner experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Memoire D’Angkor Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom by Bicycle | Water Blessing Ceremony

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing cycling tour in the morning in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

The biking tour will start at the South Gate – a photogenic bridge at the gateway of the stone city of Angkor Thom which has made its way into many Hollywood movies. Angkor Thom which was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the stone city and explore shaded trails and ancient monuments. Visit Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as “Khmer Smile”, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Stop your cycling trip with a visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Then take part in a Water Blessing Ceremony. We will provide a change of clothes for you – a traditional Sarong which you will wear during the ceremony.

In the afternoon, go to visit Ta Prohm Temple – a jungle monastery with trees overcoming stone. This temple has been featured in many Hollywood films, including Tomb Raider and Transformers 3. On the way back, stop to see the Killing Fields of Wat Thmei. Our guide will relay to you the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities.

Accommodation: Memoire D’Angkor Boutique Hotel

Day 11: Siem Reap – Hanoi | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women | Flight to Hanoi

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Before the light of the day, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Continue the trip to discover Banteay Srei Temple: The Citadel of Women. Built in the10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple lies near the hill of Phnom Dei tucked away in the remote jungle north of Angkor Wat. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still in excellent condition to this day. The structures are miniature in scale, but the attention to detail is unmatched among all the temples in Southeast Asia. These factors have made the temple a place of intrigue and wonder, which have led to it being widely praised as a “precious gem”, or the “jewel of Khmer art.

Board an evening flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Angkor Wat Temple – 19 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Romantic Getaway Beach Resort

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 12: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Water Puppet Show with Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, you’ll be escorted to see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top.

Next, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision.
You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’s teachings.

Water Puppet Show and Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 13: Hanoi | Home Hosted Cooking Class at Van Giang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Northern Vietnamese Cooking Class

Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and escort you to Van Giang village to learn the nuances of Northern Vietnamese dishes from the rural residents of the Red River Delta. A scenic hour-long drive brings you to the charming village of Van Giang. Enjoy a cup of green tea and get acquainted with your host while listening to the village’s history. Spend the rest of your morning learning how to cook a few traditional Vietnamese dishes, before sitting down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve prepared with your new family. After the tour ends, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 14: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Haiphong with the cruise shuttle (3 hours) to the La Regina Private Lounge. Then board La Regina Legend Cruise.

Start with a welcome drink and a cold hand towel while the Cruise Manager gives the safety briefing. The boat starts to cruise to Lan Ha bay. A delicious set menu lunch is served in La Corona restaurant.

In the afternoon, take an excursion to discover Trung Trang cave, one of the iconic and historic caves in Cat Ba island.

As dusk approaches, welcome the beautiful sunset. Join a Cooking Class on the sundeck with the Chef to learn how to prepare an iconic dish. Then dinner is served on the sundeck, weather permitting.

In the evening, you can try Squid Fishing or watch a movie in La Magia Restaurant on the third floor. Or perhaps some private time in your room. I do suggest keeping your eyes to the water for catching an iridescent light show from plankton and sea life if conditions are right.

Accommodation: La Regina Legend Cruise

Day 15: Hanoi – Danang | Sunrise at Lan Ha Bay | Flight to Danang

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise over the bay followed by a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. A light breakfast is served in La Corona on the second floor. The boat anchors at Tra Bau area, where you’ll enjoy kayaking or swimming.

Return back to the boat for relaxing, packing up, and settling any bills. Brunch is served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.

Bid the crew farewell and then transfer to Hanoi airport (3 hours) for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 16: Danang | Relax on the Beach | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll be able to relax on the beautiful beaches of Danang.

In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 17: Danang | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to relax on the beautiful beaches of Danang. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 18: Danang | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to relax on the beautiful beaches of Danang. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

Accommodation: Fusion Maia Danang

Day 19: Danang | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

Today, our guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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