Epic Escapade in Vietnam and Thailand: 3 Weeks of Adventure

Morning:

Explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic battlefield from the Indochina War located on the outskirts of the city. Upon arrival, descend into the subterranean world of tunnels stretching over 200 kilometers. These tunnels, with a width of 70 cm and a height of 90 cm, lead to various meeting rooms, kitchens, and even hospitals.

At noon, you'll enjoy a local restaurant lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon:

• Keep your energy up as you embark on a half-day city tour, visiting the city's must-see attractions.
• Your first stop is the Independence Palace, where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army achieved victory in 1975. 
• Your next destination is Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These landmarks are prime examples of French architecture in the city.
• Continue your tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides insights into the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The museum showcases compelling visuals depicting the futility and devastating effects of the conflicts.
• As the sightseeing tour concludes, you will be dropped off at your hotel, giving you the freedom to explore the city at night.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations until 2027. You may be taken to visit the surrounding areas, such as the street book.

Depart for the Mekong Delta, a unique region that combines both land and water, situated in the southernmost part of Vietnam.

The Mekong River, originating in the immense Himalayan range, traverses five upstream countries in Southeast Asia (China, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) before finally flowing into the Pacific Ocean within Vietnamese territory. This river has sculpted a vast and fertile delta in the southern region of the country, famously known as the "Mekong Delta."

• Upon arriving in Cai Be, start your Mekong boat journey. Explore the village and houses on stilts. Visit local workshops to see the production of coconut candy, pop rice, rice wine, and snake wine. Enjoy complimentary samples of these local delicacies and witness the daily life of Mekong locals.
• Experience a rowing sampan ride with locals and explore the small canals on Tan Phong Islet.
• After lunch, take a boat ride along the Mekong River to Vinh Long and make a stop to see traditional brick kilns and pottery making

Conclude the boat tour in Cai Be (Vinh Long) and proceed by car to Can Tho City.

Night in Can Tho

Wake up early and journey to Can Tho, the capital of the delta. Upon arrival, set off on a boat adventure to explore the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. Here, you'll witness a captivating scene as boats are brimming with fruits, vegetables, and a variety of goods, showcasing the unique "river trading" of the Mekong region.

Afterward, visit some of Can Tho's must-see attractions such as Ben Ninh Kieu and the historic Binh Thuy House.

Go to the airport for a flight to Danang to transfer to Hoi An.

Embark on a captivating walking tour through Hoi An's enchanting old quarter, often hailed as "the most charming city in Vietnam." Your journey will lead you to the following must-see sites:

• The Fujian shrine, a sacred place devoted to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors.
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda, a historic gem dating back to 1454, making it the oldest pagoda in Hoi An.
• The iconic Japanese Bridge, an architectural marvel constructed in 1593, linking the Chinese and Japanese quarters with its distinctive design.
• Stroll along ancient streets, visit museums, and admire centuries-old wooden houses. Explore vibrant silk and lantern shops and workshops, immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage.

Following your walking adventure, embark on a scenic bike ride into Hoi An's picturesque countryside. Traverse verdant rice fields, quaint hamlets, thriving shrimp farms, and lush vegetable gardens. Your journey will take you through the charming village of Cam Chau, where you'll have the opportunity to visit a lantern factory. Here, gain insight into the intricate lantern-making process, from bamboo basketry to dyeing and paper crafting, while learning about traditional techniques.

As the day draws to a close, return to Hoi An, where you'll enjoy a peaceful night's rest at your hotel, having experienced the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of this remarkable city.

Following your morning breakfast, you'll have some leisure time to prepare your luggage before embarking on a road trip to Hue, the ancient capital. The journey typically spans approximately 2 hours by road.

Upon your arrival in Hue, the hotel staff will extend a warm welcome and assist you with the check-in process. The remainder of the day is at your disposal, allowing you the freedom to independently discover the city.

Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam 1802-1945)

• The Imperial City served as the residence and workplace for the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years.
• Explore the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the Emperor renowned for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Visit Phu Mong village with its garden houses, an integral part of Hue's imperial heritage.
• Discover the Thien Mu Pagoda, renowned as the most beautiful and frequently visited pagoda in Hue, or experience the serenity of Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty are located. Depending on the timing, you may have the opportunity to witness a monks' prayer session.
• Explore Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can purchase local specialties such as conical hats and tunic dresses. 

Night at the hotel.

Say your goodbyes to Hue as we prepare for our journey to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, the ancient capital with a history spanning a thousand years, you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour at the airport. They will assist with your transfer to a centrally located hotel, and your day's activities will be adjusted according to your arrival time. Begin your exploration of this historic city by visiting its key landmarks:

• King Ly Thai To Square: Delve into the thousand-year history of the Vietnamese capital at this iconic square.
• Lake of the Restored Sword: Discover the enchanting Lake of the Restored Sword, which features the Temple of Mount Jade and the Turtle Islet nestled in the heart of Hanoi.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Take a stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter, known for its 36 corporation streets. Here, you can wander through streets dedicated to various crafts, each bearing the name of the goods produced and sold there. Be sure to visit Ma May Street and explore an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic example of traditional Hanoi architecture.

Enjoy some free time for relaxation.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. This meandering river winds through rice paddies, sugarloaf formations, and passes under the three caves at the base of the limestone peaks.

Return to Hanoi by the end of the day and spend the night at the hotel.

For a shorter drive, there's an option to stay in Ninh Binh on this day and spend the night there (without returning to Hanoi during the day). Then, you can depart for Halong Bay the following morning with the guide and private car. Please contact us for this option.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to witness a spectacular moment: the first rays of sunlight painting the limestone karsts of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk before disembarking and heading back to Hanoi.

Hanoi: Free morning, then flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark, where you will be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne rooms.
• Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country.
• Visit Wat Pho along the way, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, famous for its 45-meter reclining Buddha statue.
• We will then visit Wat Traimit, which is well-known for the Golden Buddha.
• Board a long-tail boat to sail along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, staying away from the heavily touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel to rest for the night in Bangkok.

Depart early to visit the Maeklong market, located on the railway tracks very close to the train terminus. Walk along the rails to explore the vibrant market and witness how quickly the merchants fold up their stalls in preparation for the train, which is scheduled to pass around 8:30 a.m.

Afterwards, head to the small market of Samut Songkhran, where you'll embark on a beautiful canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, providing an authentic glimpse of rural Asia just outside of Bangkok. The approximately one-hour ride will culminate in the heart of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Explore this traditional market, bustling with sellers offering a variety of products, including food, flowers, plants, and even animals.

Then continue the journey to Kanchanaburi.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and then embark on a journey to Bang Pa-In, which will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, we'll explore the Summer Palace, an architectural gem with roots tracing back to the Ayutthaya period. This stunning palace served as a royal summer retreat during the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the opulent history of Thailand.

Following our visit to the Summer Palace, we'll make our way to Ayutthaya, often referred to as the 'Invincible City' of Thailand. To explore this ancient city, we'll hop aboard a Kermit tuk-tuk, and our first stops will be at significant temples, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat, renowned for its sacred Buddha relics.

As we continue our journey, we'll stroll through a local market, providing an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant local life.

We'll return to your hotel to complete the check-in process, and you'll spend the night in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, embark on an exploration of the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Take a 'Kermit' tuk-tuk ride to discover the city's charm. These adorable tuk-tuks are unique to just two of Thailand's provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the way, you'll visit the highlights of Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (home to a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and wander through a local market.

Next, proceed to Bang Pa-In Palace, a historical gem dating back to the Ayutthaya era. The palace boasts an eclectic collection of buildings, blending European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles, and it's a favorite summer retreat of the king.

Return to Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Rai, where you'll be warmly welcomed by the driver and checked into your hotel.

Enjoy your night in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, head towards Doi Mae Salong. You'll navigate through lush green hills adorned with tea plantations and have the opportunity to sample delicious tea from one of the many local plantations. From Doi Mae Salong, your journey will take you to two ethnic minority villages: the Akha village of Loyo and the Lisu village of Ban Haygo.

Next, visit Mae Sai, situated on the Thai-Myanmar border, marking the northernmost point of Thailand.

Continue your journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic location offering a unique panorama that spans across Thailand, Burma, and Laos – where these three borders converge.

Upon arrival, explore the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the history of the Golden Triangle.

Then, visit the city of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328. You'll have the opportunity to explore various historical sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, ancient city walls, and moats.

Return to Chiang Rai and spend the night at your hotel

After breakfast, depart towards Chiang Mai, winding through hills, valleys, and picturesque villages.

Along the way, take a short break at the Mae Khachan hot spring. Here, you can enjoy a brief respite with coffee, restroom facilities, and the option to soak your feet in the spring.

You'll arrive in Chiang Mai around noon. In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep hill, which offers a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by climbing 290 steps or taking a cable car. At the top, you'll find a golden chedi that houses the Buddha's relics.

Enjoy your night in Chiang Mai.

A day dedicated to exploring the rich heritage of Chiang Mai, a city founded in the 13th century, which reflects a blend of Lanna, Siamese, and Burmese cultures.

Begin with a walking tour of the old town, including stops at the ancient wall, the moat, and an old town gate. You'll have the opportunity to admire some of Chiang Mai's most exquisite temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Following this, wander along quaint streets lined with traditional houses and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Your exploration will lead you to the bustling Warorot Central Market.

In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep Hill, offering splendid panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by climbing 290 steps or taking a cable car. At the peak, a golden chedi houses the revered relics of the Buddha.

Night in Chiang Mai.

Spend an unforgettable day with Thailand's elephants in the picturesque mountains of Chiang Mai.

You'll be welcomed by an English-speaking guide at your hotel, and then depart by car, heading approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai, passing through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

Upon arrival at the sanctuary, take a walk through the jungle to reach the elephant jungle sanctuary. Your guide will provide you with information about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

Next, don traditional Karen clothing, listen to your guide for more insights about the Sanctuary, grab some bananas and sugar canes, and you'll be ready to meet the elephants!

At the end of the day, return to your hotel to collect your luggage before heading to the airport for your departure.