14-Day Classic Highlights Of Vietnam & Thailand From Hanoi
Highlights
Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ninh Bình, Halong, Bangkok, Phuket
Locations Covered
Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ninh Bình, Halong, Bangkok, Phuket
nature, cultural, sightseeing
Private Tour
14 Days
Easy
English
Description
Enjoy a 14-day voyage into the magic of Vietnam and Thailand. Depart from Hanoi and visit its historical sites before venturing to the rice terraces and hill tribe villages of Sapa. Discover Ninh Binh, known as Vietnam’s "Halong Bay on land," before cruising the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay. Fly to Thailand, where you'll experience its rich culture and iconic landmarks. Conclude your journey in Phuket, with its pristine beaches and vibrant waters. This tour combines cultural exploration, natural beauty, and relaxation.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
- Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our driver and guide will warmly welcome you.
- From there, you'll be comfortably transferred to Hanoi's city center, where you'll check in to your hotel and start your journey.
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals: None
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Day 2: Hanoi – Full day city tour – Night train to Sapa (Breakfast)
- Begin your full-day city tour with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex.
- Here, you'll see the exterior of the mausoleum honoring Vietnam’s founding leader, Ho Chi Minh, along with the Presidential Palace and his humble stilt house. Nearby, explore the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi with roots tracing back to the city's early days.
- Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a testament to the nation's scholarly heritage.
- In the afternoon, dive into the cultural diversity of Vietnam at the Ethnology Museum, showcasing the rich traditions of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. Then, head to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake before enjoying a charming cyclo ride through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.
- Wrap up your day with a transfer to the train station for an overnight journey to Lao Cai - Sapa, departing at 9:00 or 10:00 PM.
Accommodation: Luxury shared cabin on an overnight train
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3: Sapa – Taphin Red Dao hill tribe village – Sapa (B)
- Around 6:00 AM, you'll arrive in Lao Cai, where your private chauffeur will be waiting to take you on a scenic 45-minute drive to Sapa. Once there, you'll freshen up, enjoy breakfast, and get ready for an exciting day tour in Sapa.
- Highlights
- Discover the unique culture of Ta Phin Village, where the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups live side by side yet maintain distinct traditions. Visiting their homes offers a fascinating insight into their contrasting lifestyles.
- Itinerary:
- Your journey begins with a visit to Ta Phin commune, about 14 km southeast of Sapa town. Nestled in a large valley surrounded by pine-covered mountains, this area is home to the cheerful and open-minded Hmong people and the more reserved and resourceful Red Dao community.
- A short drive takes you to the heart of the valley, where you'll embark on an easy walk along village paths. Explore Hmong hamlets scattered across the valley, from the lower plains to the mountain slopes, and marvel at the stunning views of the valley below.
- Continue to the Red Dao village, where you'll meet local women crafting beautiful handmade items like embroidered clothing and handbags. After soaking in the culture and scenery, you'll return to Sapa for a relaxing evening.
Approximate time:
1.5 hours driving
1.5 hours walking
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4: Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Sapa – Night train to Hanoi (Breakfast)
- Highlights
- Enjoy a half-day trek through stunning landscapes with breathtaking views of rice terraces.
- Meet the Black Hmong people and get a glimpse into their unique way of life.
- Itinerary
- Your day begins at 9:00 AM when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Sapa. From there, you'll head downhill to Cat Cat Village, soaking in the beautiful scenery along the way.
- At the village, take a break near a picturesque waterfall and an old hydroelectric station before continuing your trek. Follow a dirt trail that winds through lush, terraced rice fields and a rainforest under the protection of Hoang Lien National Park.
- Next, you’ll arrive at Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong community. Here, you'll rest and have the chance to observe their daily life before starting a climb back to the main road. Your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Sapa.
Approximate time:
15 minutes driving
3 hours walking
Accommodation: Luxury shared cabin on an overnight train
Meals: Breakfast
- Highlights
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Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (Breakfast)
- Your day begins with a pick-up from the train station, followed by a check-in at a mini hotel for a few hours to freshen up and enjoy breakfast, either at the hotel or a local restaurant with your guide. Afterward, you'll set off for a full-day adventure in Ninh Binh.
- Morning:
- Travel to Ninh Binh, once the capital of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its place in the 11th century. This region is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Tam Coc Caves and the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, home to temples honoring King Dinh and King Le from the 10th century.
- Start your exploration with a peaceful boat trip in Tam Coc. Glide through lush green rice paddies and admire the dramatic limestone karsts rising from the fields, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”
- Afternoon:
- Dive deeper into Ninh Binh’s history with a visit to Hoa Lu. Walk through the site of the ancient kings’ palace and marvel at the intricate wooden carvings in the Dinh and Le temples nestled under the shade of old trees.
- Next, head to Mua Cave, a site rich in folklore and charm. Challenge yourself with a climb up 500 stone steps to reach the peak, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Tam Coc, the Ngo Dong River, and the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Overnight in cruise (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic 3-hour drive to Ha Long City.
- Along the way, there will be comfort stops where you can stretch your legs and snap some photos of the picturesque landscapes.
- Upon arrival in Ha Long City, you'll board a luxurious wooden sailing junk and begin your journey through the breathtaking limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- While cruising, savor a delicious seafood lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
- Afterward, enjoy some free time to swim in the bay's crystal-clear waters and explore its fascinating limestone caves.
- As the sun sets, your junk will drop anchor near a tranquil, remote island, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
- Enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard while soaking in the magical ambiance of Ha Long Bay.
Accommodation: Onboard luxury junk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (Breakfast/Lunch)
- Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and start your day with an early morning swim, soaking in the peaceful ambiance as the sun rises over the sea. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast on board.
- Spend the morning exploring more secluded areas of the bay, taking in its quiet charm and breathtaking scenery. Your luxury junk will stay nearby, ensuring comfort and support whenever needed.
- Around midday, return to the main harbor, where you'll disembark and transfer to your waiting vehicle for a 3-hour drive back to Hanoi.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 8: Hanoi - Flight to Bangkok (Breakfast)
- Take some time to relax at your hotel in Hanoi before your driver and guide pick you up for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport. From there, you'll board your flight to Bangkok.
- Upon arrival in Bangkok, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, unwind and recharge after your journey, getting ready to explore the vibrant city ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 9: Bangkok city (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the majestic Grand Royal Palace, the ceremonial heart of Thailand's royal family. Within the same complex, you’ll explore the stunning Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue.
- Next, head to Wat Pho, famous for its enormous reclining Buddha statue. Afterward, make your way to Wat Traimit, known for housing the Golden Buddha, a striking figure made of solid gold.
- The day continues with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, where you can admire its intricate design and beautiful riverside location. Afterward, return to your hotel for some free time to relax and unwind.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 10: Bangkok – Maeklong Railway market – Damnoen Saduak floating market – Jim Thomson House – Bangkok (B)
- Early in the morning, we drive southwest of Bangkok, visit the Maeklong railway market, take photos, and enjoy the local snack in the market before driving to Damnoen Saduak, a rural floating market. Stop for a long-tailed boat trip along the waterway to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak.
- Then we go back to Bangkok to visit Jim Thompson House, in the heart of Bangkok’s city center. Start by learning the story of the American businessman and traveler who made it his life’s work to bring Thai silks to the world’s fashion houses, and then explore his remarkable home. This is one of the best places in Bangkok to see traditional Thai teak homes, as Thompson assembled his using historic houses shipped to Bangkok from around the country. Find out what is known - and what remains a mystery-about Thompson’s 1967 disappearance in the Malaysian jungle, then explore the collection of art that he assembled during 25 years in Thailand.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 11: Bangkok - Flight to Phuket (Breakfast)
- Having breakfast in your hotel and having free time until the driver picks up to Bangkok airport and has the flight to Phuket.
- Once you come to Phuket airport, the driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for relaxing after the long flight.
Accommodation: At the hotel in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 12: Phuket Free Day (Breakfast)
- Enjoy your free time in Phuket to relax and explore at your own pace. If you're looking for an exciting day trip, consider the optional Phi Phi Island tour, which takes you to some of the most stunning islands in Thailand.
- Phi Phi Island Day Trip (USD 75/PAX)
- This adventure begins with a 50-minute speedboat ride to the beautiful Phi Phi Ley Island, where crystal-clear turquoise waters await. Here's the itinerary:
- 07:30 hrs: Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the pier.
- 08:30 hrs: Arrive at the pier for a warm welcome, registration, and enjoy snacks and drinks while receiving a briefing about the tour.
- 09:00 hrs: Depart for Phi Phi Ley Island. Visit the stunning Maya Bay, walk along its white sandy beach, and enjoy snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay. Explore the tranquil Pileh Lagoon and swim in its crystal-clear waters, then stop at the Viking Cave.
- 12:30 hrs: Enjoy a delicious lunch on Phi Phi Don Island.
- 14:30 hrs: Arrive at Khai Island, where you’ll have free time to relax on the beach and take photos with the famous tiger fish.
- 16:15 hrs: Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel after a pleasant trip.
Note: The program may change due to weather conditions without prior notice.
- Package Includes:
- Speedboat trip
- Round-trip hotel transfer (Patong, Kata, Karon Beach)
- National park fee
- Package Excludes:
- Professional tour guide and crew
- Mask, snorkel, and life jacket
- Lunch
- Soft drinks, fresh fruit
Insurance
Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast for your international flight
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Day 13: Phuket Free Day (Breakfast)
- Enjoy a day of relaxation or choose to explore the beauty of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island with an optional day tour.
- Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Day Trip (USD 75/PAX)
- 08:00 hrs: Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the marina.
- 09:30 hrs: Depart from the marina for a direct journey to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.
- 10:15 hrs: Explore James Bond Island, famous for its appearance in the film *The Man with the Golden Gun*.
- 11:00 hrs: Paddle a sea canoe through stunning caves for 45 minutes, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
- 12:30 hrs: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Panyee, a Muslim fishing village, with free time afterward for shopping and exploring.
- 14:00 hrs: Depart from Panyee village and head to Naka Island for swimming and relaxation on the beach.
- 16:00 hrs: Leave Naka Island and return to Phuket.
- 16:20 hrs: Arrive back at the marina and transfer back to your hotel, concluding your trip.
- Package Includes:
- Hotel round-trip minibus transfer (SIC)
- Soft drinks, drinking water, and fresh fruits
- Professional licensed tour guide and crew
- National park fee
- Full insurance
- Buffet lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 14: Phuket Departure (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Phuket Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Accommodation: NA
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 3 | /person |
| 4 to 6 | /person |
| 7 to 8 | /person |
| 9 to 12 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 3 | /person |
| 4 to 6 | /person |
| 7 to 8 | /person |
| 9 to 12 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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