15 Days Vietnam and Thailand with Scenic Lan Ha Bay Cruise

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel in the Old French Quarter for check-in.

Trang Quoc Pagoda – 15 Days Vietnam Thailand Scenic Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi | Morning: Impressions of Hanoi | Afternoon: Recover from Jet Lag | Evening: Private Streetfood Tour

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.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Streetfood in Hanoi Old Capital

Start the evening 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 local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant 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 evening, 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 afternoon, 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 overnight.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay | Sunset Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our guide will transfer you to Haiphong where you’ll enjoy some time at Orchid’s Private Lounge for refreshments until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while enroute to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demostration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 4: Hanoi – Ninh Binh | Sunrise Lan Ha Bay | Continue to Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy breakfast in the dining hall before taking the journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Bid the crew farewell and transfer to Ninh Binh.

Check-in at the Emeralda Resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for leisure and overnight.

Bai Dinh Pagoda – 15 Days Vietnam Thailand Scenic Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue | Natural Wonders of Ninh Binh | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast

Start at 8 am with our guide taking to the countryside by bicycle through narrow backroads. Rice fields and grottoes line your path with towering karsts in the distance. An occasional local farmer and small communities with friendly welcoming smiles. You’ll head up to Ba Chon Mountain’s viewpoint. Enjoy the clean fresh air of this region far away from any major cities. Continue South on the country road alongside Van Nature Reserve. You’ll stop at Van Long Marina to board a traditional local boat. Explore some of the streams and grottoes of Van Long Nature Reserve. You might spot some flocks of the rare black-faced spoonbill, cotton pygmy geese, or white-browed crakes.

Return back to the resort to relax and freshen up. Check out at noon and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Continue to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 6: Hue | Bicycling to Hue Imperial Tombs

Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, take to bicycles through the romantic city of Hue and surrounds. Your journey will bring you to Khai Dinh’s Tomb. On the way, stop to take some photos of the countryside scenery. When reaching Khai Dinh Tomb, start exploring the structure. It is notable for its elaborate decorative work and unique architecture, being a mix of a number of architectural styles. The tomb is of a rectangular structure leaning against Chau Chu Mountain in the outskirts of Hue. The side walls are formed by large dragon sculptures. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court, featuring a reinforced concrete steel monument, as well as twelve stone statues representing bodyguards.

Close to the top floor is the Khai Thanh Palace, featuring intricately designed glass and porcelain decorations on the walls. The ceiling of the palace is decorated with nine intricate dragons. The rear room of the palace is home to a temple containing Khai Dinh’s grave, an altar to him as well as a statue of his likeness. After visiting Khai Dinh tomb, continue by bicycle to Tu Duc Tomb. While Khai Dinh’s Tomb is noteworthy for its ornate extravagance, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb showcases a traditional elegance, and many views it to be the most beautiful of Hue’s royal tombs. Designed by Tu Duc himself, it is said he preferred spending time in these serene grounds than at the palace.

Lunch at Former Residence

Enjoy a Hue styled Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before riding to the last famous imperial tomb today – Minh Mang Tomb. Minh Mang tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 structures (palaces, temples, and pavilions) designed on a symmetrical axis running from Dai Hong Gate to the foot of La Thanh (The Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. Local rumor has it that the emperor buried a splendid treasure of gold and priceless valuables somewhere on the large compound. But the secret of it’s whereabouts followed him to his grave.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An | The Hue Citadel and Purple Forbidden City | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 6 miles 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.

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.

Road Trip along the Scenic Mountain Coasts

Our 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 you 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.

Hue Royal Citadel – 15 Days Vietnam Thailand Scenic Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Our tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Then, 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.

Hoi An Ancient Port Town

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: Little Hoi An – A Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 8: Hoi An – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | H’mong Hill Tribe Visit | Doi Suthep Mountain Temple Sunset

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast

You’ll transfer by flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, go to visit Wat Umong – an ancient cave temple with secret tunnels and a small lake. Then you’ll transfer up the snakey road of Suthep Mountain to visit 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 Wat Doi Suthep with its sky-piercing golden chedi (Pagoda) for a beautiful sunset.
Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 9: Chiang Mai | Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will visit an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. You will have an elephant just under both of your care for the day-with the mahout (elephant guide) to help you learn about your elephant and get acclimated with their behavior and personality. Learn how she became free from abuse and misuse. You’ll be shown how to approach your elephant, what spoken commands she respond to, how to read her body language, and how to check her health. Then have an opportunity to feed her. The mahout will also show you how to ride on her neck(no heavy howdah seats are used) or you can walk alongside your elephant if you prefer.

Continue to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff. The sanctuary has a photographer who will capture these moments in high quality for you throughout the day and provide you a CD of the experience. Next, enjoy a picnic spread.

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

Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 10: Chiang Mai | Thai Culinary Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll join a culinary experience with a Thai chef. The school is run by Sompon Nabnian, a Chiang Mai culinary legend who has been featured on National Geographic and the Travel Channel. Start the class with a visit to the local market where Thai people buy groceries. The chef will be keen to teach you how to identify various products and what to pick. You’ll learn about many new vegetables and spices. Then, with the ingredients you’ll need in hand, continue to a Thai pavilion where the class will commence. You’ll have your own station and cooking utensils. The chef will show you how to prepare several dishes and oversee your work providing tips along the way. Then it’s time to enjoy your creation! After saying goodbyes, return back to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Resort

Day 11: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today, take a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, Mgallery By Sofitel

Day 12: Phuket | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, Mgallery By Sofitel

Day 13: 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”).

Note: This is a join-in tour with other travelers except when canoeing – you will have your own sea cave guide.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, Mgallery By Sofitel

Day 14: Phuket | Leisure Day | Private Seaside Dinner at Sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning and afternoon are at your leisure to explore the beaches of Phuket.

As dusk approaches, you’ll enjoy a private seaside dinner with candles, personal butler, and the sound of the sea.

Accommodation: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, Mgallery By Sofitel

Day 15: Phuket | 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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