21 Days Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Luxurious Trip with Surin Island

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 take the hotel shuttle to explore the night markets and bazaars for some interesting souvenirs made by the hill tribes in the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Ruen Come In

Day 2: Chiang Mai | Tea Plantations and Hill Tribes | Sunset at Suthep Mountain | Khantoke Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Oolong. 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. After seeing their home and making a new friend, return back to Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple perched on Suthep 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. After sunset, return to the hotel for some leisure.

Around 7 PM, we will transfer to an outdoor courtyard theater. Take a place in traditional Thai seating as Thai dishes are brought to you. Enjoy colorful performances in traditional Lanna Thai apparel with live music. Then return to the hotel after the show.
Accommodation: Ruen Come In

Day 3: 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: Ruen Come In

Day 4: Chiang Mai – Phuket | Chiang Mai Heritage | Flight to Phuket

Internal Flight: Included
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.

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: Navatara Phuket 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. 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: Navatara Phuket Resort

Day 6: Phuket | Snorkeling at Surin Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Join a speedboat to visit Surin island in the Andaman sea. Various coral can be found around the island and it is one of the best snorkeling sites in Thailand. Visit a Moken Village where sea gypsies reside in the North Andaman Sea. The area is an unspoiled tropical paradise with healthy forested islands and clear blue water. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.

Accommodation: Navatara Phuket 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.

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: Riva Arun Bangkok

Day 8: Bangkok | Ayutthaya Ancient 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 the hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Ayutthaya Ancient Capital – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin Island

Accommodation: Riva Arun Bangkok

Day 9: Bangkok – Siem Reap | Bangkok by Boat | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included
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.

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

Accommodation: J7 Hotel

Day 10: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom by Bicycle | Ta Prohm Temple | Royal Garden Candlelit Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing cycling tour in the morning in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

Bayon Temple – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin Island

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 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 about the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities.

Enjoy a candlelit dinner at the hotel’s Le Bistro Du Parc, overlooking the Royal Gardens of Siem Reap.
Accommodation: J7 Hotel

Day 11: Siem Reap | Floating Village at Tonle Sap Lake | Village Visit and Water Filter Donation | Apsara Dinner Show

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, start with an ox cart ride through Cambodia’s green countryside where you’ll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalo. After that, continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You’ll take a boat ride to Kampong Phluk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to its history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby.

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

Apsara Dancing Show

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: J7 Hotel

Day 12: Siem Reap – Hanoi | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Flight to Hanoi

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
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. Our guide will arrange a light breakfast for you to enjoy in the restaurant nearby. 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. After your explorations, you’ll return to the hotel for some rest and leisure time.

Check out at noon and transfer by 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 – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin Island

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 13: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Haiphong with our guide to the La Regina Private Lounge. You’ll leave Hanoi over Cau Long Bien Bridge to have a chance to see this old and enduring French architectural masterpiece. 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

Day 14: Lan Ha Bay – Ninh Binh | Lan Ha Bay Sunrise | Return to Hanoi & Farewell! (2) | Continue to Bai Dinh Temple (4)

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 the 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.

Disembark at the harbor and then our guide will transfer you to Ninh Binh.

Halong Bay Sunset – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin Island

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 overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 15: Ninh Binh – Hanoi | Wonders of Ninh Binh | Return to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start at 8 am with our guide 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.

Transfer to Hanoi and get checked in at Silk Path Boutique Hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 16: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Vespa 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.

Streetfood Tour by Vespa

Around dusk, transfer to a cafe for a cocktail and snack. There you will meet your Vespa chauffeur. With helmets on, hop on the back of your vintage Vespas. You’ll explore the back streets of the Old Quarter on the way to the vending area. It’s a local joint quite literally on the railway tracks! There you will enjoy some infused rice wine and buffalo jerky. Back on the road, you’ll venture to stop two – a lively restaurant serving Bun Cha.

This dish is at the heart of Hanoi cuisine – grilled pork and meatballs, spring rolls, and rice noodles. Heading out of the Old Quarter, continue to the West Lake to give Pho Cuon a try. You’ll learn how to wrap these Hanoi style rolls and enjoy. Then take in a bowl of Vietnamese Pho noodles. Continue to the last stop near the Opera House – a Jazz Club with a blend of 30’s style Jazz combined with traditional Vietnamese music. Nothing like you’ve ever heard! Return back to the hotel for some leisure and overnight.

Hanoi Street Food by Scooter – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin IslandTour

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 17: Hanoi – Hue | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today, take a 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 18: Hue | Hue Imperial Tombs

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 view 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.

Minh Mang Tomb

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 its whereabouts followed him to his grave.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 19: Hue – Hoi An | Hue Citadel | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.

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.

Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An

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 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. Your tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 20: Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk | Candlelight Cruise Dinner on Thu Bon River

Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure.

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.

As the evening unfolded, you’ll enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner cruise on the Thu Bon River. Cruise into the heart of Hoi An’s Old Town as you relax with a glass of wine and Vietnamese dishes.

Hoi An Ancient Town – 21 Days Thailand Cambodia Vietnam Luxurious Trip Surin Island

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 21: Hoi An | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Our guide will transfer you to the airport in Danang to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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