26 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with Phuket Tropical Island

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.

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.

Trang Quoc Pagoda – 26 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Phuket Tropical Island

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi | Leisure Day | Water Puppet Show with Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning is at leisure to explore Hanoi on your own or relax at the hotel. Feel free to visit the guild shops in the Old Quarter or check out Hanoi’s growing art scene.

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. Once you finish your dinner, return back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Hanoi | Impressions of Hanoi | Walking & Streetfood Tour in French Old Quarter

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, begin 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.

Street Food

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 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 | Home Hosted Cooking Class | Bat Trang Village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Learn the Vietnamese culinary secrets with a cooking class in Van Giang Village.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you to bring you 11 miles South of Hanoi to Van Giang Village. Here you will learn the basics of preparing refreshing and nuanced Vietnamese dishes from the rural residents of the Red River Delta. After you’re finished with your guided creation, you’ll sit and enjoy lunch.

After lunch, enjoy a cup of green tea as you get acquainted with your hosts and hear the village’s history.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Trang Pottery Village. Situated approximately 10 miles outside of Hanoi, the village is surrounded by fertile farmland. You’ll see how the artisans form, paint and glaze their products, which are then baked for several days in huge kiln.

When the tour finishes you’ll return to your hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Emerald Isles of Halong Bay

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 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.

Halong Bay – 26 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Phuket Tropical Island

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 6: Hanoi | Halong Bay Sunrise

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 a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Return to Hanoi.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 7: Ninh Binh – Hanoi | Natural Wonder of Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Hoa Lu(2 hours), 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.

In the afternoon, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the Trang An Grottoes is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead is magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats. In the valleys, you’ll see cultivated rice fields.

Bai Ding Temple

You’ll then go on 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 Hanoi and overnight.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 8: 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: The Scarlett Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Hue | Hue Residences and Tombs by Bicycle

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 it’s 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.

Afternoon Activities

Enjoy a Hue styled Vietnamese lunch a 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.

Hue Royal Citadel

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: The Scarlett Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Hue – Hoi An | Hue Imperial Citadel | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An

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. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, 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. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate 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.

Afternoon Activities

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.

Scenic Road Trip

Check out from the hotel and continue on 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. Continue to the hotel for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wooden and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.

Accommodation: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 11: Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

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. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel. Our guide will give you the Hoi An entrance ticket so you can revisit when you would like during the rest of your time in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 12: Hoi An | Leisure Day: Explore on Your Own

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to explore the ancient town of Hoi An on your own. Your hotel is located along the Thu Bon River. Head Northeast a short distance on foot and cross the footbridge to reach Hoi An Ancient Town. You might also consider taking a taxi 10 minutes out of town to Cau Dai Beach.

Accommodation: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 13: Danang – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap | Apsara Performance and Dinner

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you will 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.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.
Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

Dinner Show

In the evening, go 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: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 14: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom by Bicycle and Water Blessing Ceremony | Phare Circus

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.

Ta Prohm Temple – 26 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Phuket Tropical Island

Afternoon and Evening Activities

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.

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 leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 15: Siem Reap | Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women | Village Visit and Filter Donation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll visit Banteay Srei Temple: The Citadel of Women. Built in the 10th 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.” Then enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, go with our guide to visit a small village where a water filtration system* has been donated on your behalf. You’ll have a chance to meet with locals. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the family. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The guide will help to translate.

Optional recommendation:

We suggest 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.

*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. We coordinate with waterforcambodia.org to have the filters made and for coordinating with local government authorities in establishing which families need a filter. Water for Cambodia is a non-profit supported by Rotary International and The Singapore International Foundation.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 16: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Leisure Day: Explore on Your Own

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 picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. 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.

Angkor Wat Temple

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 17: Siem Reap – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today, take a 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.

Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside

Day 18: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat | Afternoon Leisure

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat past Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view. Continue through the Thonburi Klongs(Canals) to see local life in Bangkok.

Then visit 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.

Temple of Dawn at dusk – 26 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Phuket Tropical Island

Accommodation: Chatrium Hotel Riverside

Day 19: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | Chiang Mai Temples

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Today, 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.

The old city walls still stand formidably against the ravages of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their hand made tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

Chiang Mia Temple Tour

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.
Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 20: Chiang Mai | Elephant Sanctuary Experience

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.

Elephant Sanctuary – 26 Days Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Phuket Tropical Island

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 21: Chiang Mai | Hill Tribes and Doi Suthep Mountain | Evening Kantoke Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, 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. 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.

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: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 22: 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: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 23: Phuket | Phuket Sino-Portuguese History

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. Then return to the hotel for leisure.

Accommodation: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 24: 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: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 25: Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to explore the beautiful beaches of Phuket, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore on your own.

Accommodation: The Mangrove Panwa Phuket Resort

Day 26: Phuket | Farewell!

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

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