Fantastic Vietnam & Thailand 11 Days

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival (-/-/-)

Day 2: Mekong Delta – My Tho & Ben Tre Coconut Village (B/L/-)

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Da Nang - Hoi An - Free tailor made item of clothing at Ann Tailor (B/-/-) - by flight - 1 hour

Day 4: Hoi An City Tour in the morning (B/-/-)

Day 5: Hoi An Foodie tour - My Son Sanctuary (B/L/-)

Day 6: Hoi An - Free day - Da Nang (B/-/-)

Day 7: Da Nang - Bangkok (B/-/-) - by flight - 1 hour 40 minutes

Day 8: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour - Chiang Mai (B/L/-) - by overnight train - 14 hours 20 minutes

Day 9: Chiang Mai City Temples Tour (B/L/-)

Day 10: Doi Suthep in the morning (B/-/-)

Day 11: Chiang Mai - Departure (B/-/-)

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Arrival

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Settle into Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city, a bustling metropolis with a fascinating blend of history and modern life. Take some time to relax after your journey, or perhaps enjoy a leisurely evening stroll to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Mekong Delta – My Tho & Ben Tre Coconut Village

Today, delve into the unique regional way of life in the "rice bowl" of Vietnam.

• Morning: Embark on an exciting boat trip through the Mighty Mekong Delta to the areas of My Tho and Ben Tre. Cruise along the intricate network of canals and rivers, observing local life, lush fruit orchards, and traditional stilt houses.
• Afternoon: Visit a local coconut village in Ben Tre, where you'll learn about the versatile uses of coconuts, from candy-making to handicrafts. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and listen to traditional Vietnamese folk music. Take a smaller, hand-rowed sampan through narrow, tree-lined canals for a truly immersive experience.
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Da Nang - Hoi An - Free tailor-made item of clothing at Ann Tailor

Combine historical exploration with a transition to Vietnam's charming central coast.

• Morning: Drive outside the city to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels, learn about the ingenious guerrilla warfare, and perhaps even crawl through a section to understand the living conditions.
• Afternoon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City. You will then be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your domestic flight to Da Nang (DAD). This flight typically takes around 1 hour.
• Evening: Upon arrival in Da Nang, a short transfer will take you to Hoi An. As a special treat, enjoy a voucher for a free tailor-made item of clothing at Ann Tailor, a great opportunity to experience Hoi An's famous tailoring.

Day 4: Hoi An City Tour in the Morning

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and cultural fusion of Hoi An.

• Morning: Embark on a delightful half-day walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. Explore its UNESCO-listed streets, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the vibrant Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a traditional old merchant's house, and the bustling local market. Learn about Hoi An's rich history as a trading port.
• Afternoon: Enjoy free time to explore Hoi An at your leisure. You could browse more tailor shops, relax by the riverside, or discover hidden cafes.

Day 5: Hoi An Foodie Tour - My Son Sanctuary

Savor the local flavors and uncover ancient Cham history.

• Morning: Embark on a Hoi An Foodie Tour. This is typically a guided walking or cycling tour that takes you to various local eateries and street food stalls, allowing you to sample authentic regional dishes and learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions.
• Afternoon: Journey to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a cluster of abandoned and ruined Hindu temples constructed by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. Explore the ancient architecture and learn about its profound historical and religious significance.

Day 6: Hoi An - Free Day - Da Nang

Enjoy a final day of relaxation or exploration in Central Vietnam.

• Full Day: This is a free day for you to customize your experience in Hoi An or Da Nang. Options include:
  • Relaxing on nearby beaches like An Bang or Cua Dai.
  • Taking a cooking class (if not already done).
  • Cycling through picturesque rice paddies.
  • Visiting the Marble Mountains in Da Nang.
  • Enjoying a spa treatment or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
• Evening: Transfer to Da Nang in the evening.

Day 7: Da Nang - Bangkok

Transition from Vietnam to the vibrant capital of Thailand.

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Da Nang. You might have some free time depending on your flight schedule.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your international flight to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK or DMK). This flight typically takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Evening: Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and prepare to explore the "Land of Smiles."

Day 8: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour - Chiang Mai

Experience Thailand's unique market culture before an overnight journey north.

• Morning: Depart early for a tour to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand's most famous and vibrant floating markets. Enjoy a longtail boat ride along the canals, observing vendors selling goods from their traditional boats.
• Afternoon: Return to Bangkok. You'll have some free time for a final meal or last-minute exploration in Bangkok before heading to the train station.
• Evening: Transfer to the train station for your overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. This journey typically takes around 14 hours 20 minutes, offering a unique local travel experience.

Day 9: Chiang Mai City Temples Tour

Arrive in the "Rose of the North" and discover its spiritual heart.

• Morning: Upon arrival at Chiang Mai train station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After refreshing, begin your Chiang Mai City Temples Tour.
• Daytime: Explore some of the most beautiful temples within Chiang Mai's old city walls. This typically includes Wat Phra Singh, known for its beautiful Lanna architecture, and Wat Chedi Luang, an impressive crumbling pagoda. You'll delve into the history and significance of these spiritual sites.
• Evening: Enjoy the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for dinner and souvenir shopping.

Day 10: Doi Suthep in the Morning

Ascend to Chiang Mai's iconic mountain temple for breathtaking views.

• Morning: Take a trip up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most iconic temple, nestled high in the mountains. This sacred site offers not only stunning Lanna architecture but also panoramic views of Chiang Mai city below. You'll have time to explore the temple grounds and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Enjoy free time in Chiang Mai. You could explore more local markets, visit unique cafes, or relax at your hotel.

Day 11: Chiang Mai – Departure

Your Vietnam and Thailand adventure concludes.

• Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk around the city.
• Departure: Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) for your departure flight, carrying a lifetime of incredible memories from Vietnam and Thailand.