How many days do you need for Vietnam and Thailand together?

Twelve days is the practical minimum, and it means choosing one part of Vietnam, usually the north with Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, plus Bangkok and one Thai region, as on our 12-day Thailand and Vietnam tour. Fifteen to eighteen days is the comfortable length: Vietnam from north to south, then Bangkok with either the northern hills around Chiang Mai or a few nights on a southern island. Three weeks lets you do both without leaving anything out.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam and Thailand together?

November to March suits both countries. It is the dry season in Thailand and a comfortable period for most of Vietnam, although Vietnam's regions never share one season and central Vietnam can still be wet in November. Thailand's rains peak in August and September, when the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui usually have better weather than Phuket and Krabi. Our guides to the best time to visit Vietnam and the best time to visit Thailand cover each region.

How do you travel between Vietnam and Thailand?

By air. Hanoi to Bangkok takes about two hours and Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok about an hour and a half. The only overland route between the two countries crosses Laos and takes several days, so we rarely build it into a trip unless you want to see Laos as well.

Do we need visas for Vietnam and Thailand?

Each country has its own rules. For Vietnam, UK and most western European passports enter visa-free for up to 45 days, while US, Canadian and Australian passports need an e-visa valid for up to 90 days. Thailand currently allows 30 days visa-free to about 60 nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, and every visitor must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days before arrival. Rules change, so confirm yours before booking flights; our Vietnam visa guide has the Vietnam details.

Can we choose our dates and change the itinerary?

Yes to both. There are no fixed departures, so you choose the dates that suit you or give the best flight prices, and you can start in either country. The itineraries on this page are starting points: a travel consultant adjusts the route, hotels and pace around your interests and budget until it fits.

How much does a Vietnam and Thailand tour cost?

Our quotes are per person, based on four travellers staying in standard hotels, and they do not include international flights or travel insurance. Because every trip is private, the final price depends on your dates, hotel category and above all group size: the same itinerary costs less per person for six travellers than for a couple. Send us your dates and group size and we will prepare a detailed quote.