Includes internal flights, twin shared accommodation, English speaking guides, private cars, sightseeing and meals listed. Excludes visa and travel documents, travel insurance, international flights, local tipping, etc.
This itinerary is to give you a flavor of what is possible. We can tailor this trip to suit your specific needs and expectations. You may alter any aspect of the itinerary from excursions to accommodation.
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to the hotel in the Old French Quarter for check-in.
After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.
Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, take a shuttle transfer 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 en route to the islets 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 demonstration 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 3: Hanoi | Sunrise in Lan Ha Bay | Private Streetfood Tour of Hanoi Old Quarter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.
Sunrise at Halong Bay
After you said your farewell, return to Hanoi.
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 afternoon, 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 leisure time.
Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel
Day 4: Hanoi – Hue | Fly to Hue | Lunch at a Residence | Hue Imperial Citadel
Internal Flight:Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, take a flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
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.
Royal Citadel of Hue – 16 Days Culinary Adventure Vietnam Thailand Lantern Festival
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 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.
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel
Day 5: Hue | Royal Cooking Class with Mrs. Nhu Huy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Hue’s rich culinary heritage with a cooking class with Mrs. Nhu Huy. She grew up in Hue and became a chef early on. She is a book author and a TV presenter. Her creativity and passion for food have allowed her to create special dishes inspired by the royal dishes Hue has preserved.
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel
Day 6: Hue – Hoi An | Road trip to Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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.
After arriving at the hotel and checking in, go to Morning Glory Restaurant for lunch where you’ll enjoy Cao Lau, the specialty noodles of Hoi An, and White Rose Dumpings, another local specialty.
Stroll in Ancient Port Town of Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Port Town – 16 Days Culinary Adventure Vietnam Thailand Lantern Festival
Continue 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: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 7: Hoi An | Flavors of Hoi An with Ms. Vy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you’ll learn about the unique cooking style and rich heritage of Hoi An cuisine.
This morning, take a boat trip from “Vy’s Market Restaurant” to Hoi An’s colorful central market. Tour of the market with an English speaking guide followed by an interesting and informative tour of Vy’s Market Restaurant, watching live cooking demonstrations with actual involvement and many food tastings. You’ll also learn about various herbs, spices, and ingredients used in Central Vietnam. Then, under the guidance of your chef, you’ll prepare several dishes. After the cooking class is finished, you’ll enjoy what you’ve prepared for lunch.
Accommodation: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 8: Danang – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai History and Temples | Massage at Zira Spa
Internal Flight:Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, take a 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, 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 evening. Our guide will then bring you to Zira Spa for a 1-hour massage. After the massage, our vehicle and driver will bring you back to the hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel
Day 9: Chiang Mai | Thai Cooking Class | Yi Peng Festival Gala Dinner
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.
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 traditional Lanna styled lanterns decorate many homes and temples 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 along the Ping River where you’ll see countless Krathongs floating downstream. Be prepared for a magical evening!
Chiang Mai Sky Lanterns Release – 16 Days Culinary Adventure Vietnam Thailand Lantern Festival
Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel
Day 10: Chiang Mai | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 11: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket | Private Seaside Dinner
Internal Flight:Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
As dusk approaches, you’ll enjoy a private seaside dinner with candles, personal butler, and the sound of the sea. Dinner will feature a 5-course traditional Thai menu and a bottle of wine.
Accommodation: Indochine Resort & Villas
Day 12: 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: Indochine Resort & Villas
Day 13: Phuket | Relax on the Beach
Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure on the beach of Phuket, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore on your own.
Accommodation: Indochine Resort & Villas
Day 14: Phuket – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok | Evening Foodie Tour
Internal Flight:Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you will transfer by flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Beginning as a small trading village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has expanded to be both Thailand’s largest city and serves as its booming and cosmopolitan capital. As a gateway to South East Asia, Bangkok has grown in international business significance and yet still maintains its grandeur, mystery, and tropical beauty. With its many markets, world-class restaurants and street food, extraordinary Royal Palace, and a myriad of pagodas, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year and is consistently rated as one of the world’s foremost Destination Cities.
Go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure. After the moon comes up, cruise along Bangkok streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, Tuk Tuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. We will finish the tour by Cinderella’s time. This tour is not suitable for vegetarians.
Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside
Day 15: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat | Afternoon Lesure
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.
Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside
Day 16: Bangkok | 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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One of our Travel Experts will reach out to you and assist you with an itinerary and quote. Also, feel free to leave your phone number and we will give you a quick call just to say hello and clarify any questions we have about your inquiry.
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