24 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Exploration with Mai Chau Countryside

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

Day 2: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Dedicated to displaying the roles and influence that Vietnamese women have had throughout history and in current times, the museum also features the familial responsibilities and fashion of women in the various 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. After this, you’ll visit the nearby Hao Lo Prison where American POWs were held during the Vietnam War. Finish the afternoon off with exploring 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.

Streetfood Adventure

Start the afternoon with the latest craze in Hanoi: Egg Coffee at the original cafe where it began – Cafe Giang(for the less adventurous, other drink options are available). Soak up the AM local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant morning chat. After your cups are dry, begin your walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will entertain you with a commentary about the history of the “36 Old Streets and Guilds”.

Throughout the morning, you’ll stop to try some excellent Vietnamese street food which may include Pho Cuon(grilled beef and fresh herbs wrapped in rice noodles), Ngo Chien(crispy sweet corn), Bun Cha(BBQ pork in fish sauce with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and spring rolls), Nem Cuon(fresh spring rolls) or some other popular Vietnamese dishes. During the morning, you will also visit a local market to see how vendors display their produce, meat, and foodstuffs.

Finish the walking tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm lagoon with an old stone tower on an island in the center.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

Day 3: Hanoi | Mai Chau Rice Terraces

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning you’ll transfer to Mai Chau, a remote valley with a patchwork of rice paddies, farms, and longhouses. Discover the rural life of the Vietnamese just 3 hours from the Capital. Talk with the friendly locals and take in the picturesque scenery of this amazing landscape.

Then you’ll visit Lac, a 700-year-old village. Surrounded by a range of mountains, the rice fields, and stilted houses will create memorable impressions of Vietnam’s countryside.

Return to Hanoi by evening.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

Day 4: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Private transfer in the morning through scenic countryside to Halong City. Check-in at the cruise lounge and enjoy some leisure before embarkation.

Set sail shortly afternoon. Lunch is served in the panoramic dining hall where you’ll enjoy stunning views of towering isles. Continue to Cua Van fishing village. You’ll explore a cave nearby named Tien Ong – an archaeological treasure with human artifacts dating from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Also, admire the impressive stalactite formations before exploring the fishing village outside. Continue by bamboo boats to journey through the village and gain insights into their unique daily life.

World Natural Wonder of Halong Bay

Return to the ship and continue cruising to Luom Bo for overnight. Enjoy the stunning views of the sunset over the bay as the last rays of the Sun pierce through distant karsts to paint streaks across the sky.

After sunset, dinner is served in the restaurant. Evening you can head back to the sundeck to see the starry sky, watch a presentation in the dining hall about the bay or relax in your suite.

Accommodation: Violet Cruise

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue | Lan Ha Bay Sunrise | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early to catch a stunning sunrise over the bay. Tea, coffee, and pastries are served at 6:30 in the restaurant area. Then a Tai Chi class is performed on the Sundeck.

Continue to Titop Island to visit a beach. You may go swimming or climb around 400 steps for a beautiful view from the top.

Back on board, enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room. Check out from the cabin and say farewell to the crew before disembarking. Our guide will greet you at the pier. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the resort for check-in.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 6: Hue | Purple Forbidden City and Hue Imperial Citadel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for it’s natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover it’s shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Have a stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda – while our guide tells you of the old local legend of Thien Mu, a woman who inspired it’s construction over four centuries ago. Your boat will continue to the Ming Mang Tomb, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb that also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. Visit nearby Dong Khan Tomb. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate tile decorations inside.

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

Imperial Citadel of Hue

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale. Return to the hotel for leisure.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An | Mountain Coast Road Trip to Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach the sea coast and continue to your resort for check-in.

16th-Century Ancient Port Town

In the late afternoon, your tour guide and driver will escort you from your hotel 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, a daily tradition that has gone on for four centuries. Return to the resort when you are ready.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 8: Hoi An | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll be able to relax on the beautiful beaches of Hoi An. 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: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 9: Danang – Saigon | Flight to Saigon

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 10: Saigon | Saigon Highlights and Cu Chi Tunnels

Meals: Breakfast

Take your adventures underground today for an adventure in history you won’t forget.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Check out of the hotel late morning and transfer to Cu Chi on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War.

You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War. See the old underground hospital used during the war. Then visit the Cu Chi War History Museum nearby to learn about the effects of the war in Vietnam.

During the afternoon, visit the iconic landmarks of Saigon.

You’ll start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, you’ll learn of its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building which is considered as one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Your next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. To finish the tour you’ll visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 11: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take one of the many colorful fruits in season.

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh-made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency.

When the tour is finished, you’ll Overnight in Can Tho.

In the evening, enjoy a haute night out with dinner at the refined Au Manoir De Khai. Our guide will transfer you to the restaurant. Then enjoy French dishes brought to your table. Then go to check out the Jazz scene before returning back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 12: Saigon – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia | Apsara Dinner Performance

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

You’ll transfer by flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our local guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

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: Shinta Mani Shack

Day 13: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Sunrise and Ancient City of Angkor Thom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Angkor Wat Temple

Before the light of the day, your guide will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. 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 giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Transfer to the South Gate where bicycles await you. Follow our guide on a cycling tour through the trails of the ancient stone city of Angkor Thom. Inside the city, visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon, and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy. Stop at the local Buddhist temple for a short visit to see the daily life of the monks who live there. You may strike up a conversation if you like(many study English).

Ta Prohm Jungle Temple

Then continue by vehicle to Ta Prohm – the ancient Buddhist dwelling place for monks during Angkor times. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under the canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into an Indiana Jones movie set. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition. Have lunch next to Srah Srang – an ancient manmade reservoir used during Angkorian times for irrigation during the dry season.
After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). Return back to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Shack

Day 14: Siem Reap | Floating Village and Countryside

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you’ll take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake to a floating village called Kampong Phluk. Kampong Phluk means, Harbor of the Tusks, likely due to it’s past trade in elephant ivory many years ago. Having 3,000 inhabitants residing in stilted houses, the most common profession is fishing. The houses are unique in that they rise high above the water on wooden poles. Villagers get around by small boats. The lake is also home to some of the most diverse animal life in Southeast Asia with rare avian species.

Banteay Srei Jungle Temple – 24 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Exploration Mai Chau Countryside

Disembark and go to visit Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women. Although among the smallest of temples in size, Banteay Srei is one of the most ornate in stone carvings of all the temples. Explore the intricate libraries and central towers while the guide unfolds the ancient Hindu stories the carvings represent.

Then go to visit a small village to donate a slow sand water filtration system. You’ll have a chance to meet with the village families. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the whole village. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The installation staff will instruct the villagers on how to maintain the filter.

Optional recommendation:

We recommend that if you have any used children’s books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village. This can impact the village children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school.

More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html
Nearing dusk, you’ll go to a private dinner at a traditional wooden house in the countryside surrounded by dragonfruit orchids and rice fields. Tiki torches and live traditional music will welcome you. Start with cocktails and canapes. Then enjoy an exquisite evening dinner while you chat and reflect on the fond memories you have collected over the last two weeks. Return to the hotel when you are ready.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Shack

Day 15: Siem Reap – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Chiang Mai with a short layover in Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Mai

Day 16: Chiang Mai | Ancient Lanna Kingdom | Meo Hill Tribe Visit

Meals: Breakfast

Wat Chedi – 24 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Exploration Mai Chau Countryside

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 your hotel and the afternoon is at your leisure.

Doi Suthep Mountain Trip

Take a trip today up to Doi Suthep mountain, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, with Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy Buddhist Temple. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddha relics and therefore is Holy to Buddhists. There are about 300 steps to climb. The reward is more than worth the effort. You will see a beautiful Buddhist Temple and you will experience a clear view of the beautiful Chiang Mai view. One of the things you will notice, still in the outside area, are the many Temple bells (rakhang in Thai). Ring them if you like.

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep also has a set of very impressive murals, picturing scenes from the life and teachings of the Buddha. Then visit a Meo hill tribe village to see local life. After the visit, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Mai

Day 17: Chiang Mai | Befriending Elephants

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will join in a tour Elephant Nature Park in the jungles near Chiang Mai. 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 in the morning.

Enjoy a lunch buffet. Then 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.

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

Accommodation: Le Meridien Chiang Mai

Day 18: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight today to Phuket. Continue to the hotel for check-in. Then leisure time to enjoy the beaches nearby.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – Mgallery by Sofitel

Day 19: Phuket | Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Phi Phi Island – 24 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Exploration Mai Chau Countryside

Discover the spectacular limestone rock formations of Phi Phi Island. Visit Maya Bay, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed and go snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear water in some of the nicest bays. Last stop at a lovely island with great white sandy beach. Good spot to lay down and relax at the beach or go for more swimming and snorkeling in a nice reef around the island.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – Mgallery by Sofitel

Day 20: Phuket | James Bond Island

Meals: Breakfast
The tour by speedboat and a mesmerizing combination of sightseeing and activities. The perfect way to discover all of the many attractions of Phang Nga Bay. Visit the world-famous ” James Bond Island“, Hollywood filmed parts of the movie “The man with the golden gun”.

Sightseeing & canoeing to explore hidden caves and lagoons. Gliding through the waterways of the mangrove swamps in the north of the bay, an untouched natural preserve. Traditional Thai set lunch at “Panyi village” the Muslim village built on stilts in the sea. Some swimming stops during the day trip.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – Mgallery by Sofitel

Day 21: Phuket – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer by flight to Bangkok. Our guide will greet you at the airport and continue to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa

Day 22: Bangkok | Thai Grand Palace and Temples

Meals: Breakfast

Temple of Dawn – 24 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Exploration Mai Chau Countryside

In the morning, take a boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn.

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. Also visit Wat Po, with it’s large reclining Buddha. Return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa

Day 23: Bangkok | Ancient Ayutthaya City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start early and transfer North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Start by visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to Ayutthaya and start with the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Continue to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed.

Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Then continue to the Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital – 24 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Exploration Mai Chau Countryside

Accommodation: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa

Day 24: Bangkok | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide will transfer you to the airport to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

GET FREE QUOTE