Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Optional Activities & Thai Massage

Sawadika (greetings) and welcome to Thailand! Your grand tour of Southeast Asia kicks off in the nation’s capital, Bangkok. Believe it or not, this massive metropolis of over 14 million people started in the 10th century as a tiny village settled by the Tai people of southern China. For centuries, it was ruled by different empires until 1782, when King Rama officially declared Bangkok the nation’s capital. Needless to say, there’s a lot of culture and many historical landmarks here, and you’ll get to see the highlights.

 

First, you’ll transfer from the airport for 1.5 hours to your hotel in the city. After settling in, you can explore. For the best views, head to Bangkok’s only hill and hike 320 steps to reach the Golden Mount Temple. Afterward, hop on a water taxi for a ride down the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s main waterway. It’s a scenic and fun way to get around, and if you like, it will take you right to Chinatown. In this massive enclave, you can indulge in some of the best of Bangkok’s delicious street food. Try staples like pad thai, papaya salad, moo ping (grilled pork skewers), and jok (rice porridge).

 

Later, relax after a long day of flying and tours with a relaxing Thai massage. Except that this otherwise classic experience comes with a twist—it takes place in the dark. The studio you’ll visit is unique because the owners employ blind or visually impaired massage therapists. These expert therapists turn their handicap into an asset, as their sense of touch is heightened, and thus they offer a more intricate therapy. After the massage, you’ll return to your hotel.

Day 2: Full-Day Walking Tour & Classic Afternoon Tea 

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This morning, you’ll dive deep into Thai culture and history on a full-day walking tour of Bangkok. First, you’ll transfer by vehicle to Wat Arun. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this iconic temple dates to the 17th century and is known for its towering 259-foot (79-m) central spire. Afterward, you’ll hop on a ferry and travel across the river to Wat Pho. One of the oldest temples in Thailand (it dates to the 13th century), this is where you’ll find the famous 150-foot (46-m) Reclining Buddha.

 

Then it’s a short 10-minute walk over to the Grand Palace. This royal complex was constructed in 1782 and has been the official home of Thai royalty ever since. After admiring the architecture and visiting the throne hall, you’ll transfer by tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) to Chatuchak Market, the largest and most famous weekend market in Bangkok. There are around 15,000 vendor stalls, including food kiosks, which makes this a great place to stop for lunch. If you want to do some shopping, you can browse souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, artisanal items, and much more. 
 
Afterward, you’ll visit the Flower Market. Operating 24 hours a day, this colorful marketplace is filled with vendors selling local and imported flowers, including jasmine, roses, orchids, lilies, snapdragons, irises, and many more. Later in the day, you’ll stop for afternoon tea. This concept was introduced by British royalty in the mid-19th century and endures to this day. This two-hour service takes place at a signature coffee shop in Bangkok, where you’ll enjoy quality teas, coffees, and an assortment of scones, pastries, and sandwiches. 

Day 3: Transfer to Chiang Mai, Optional Activities

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After breakfast in Bangkok, you’ll transfer to the airport and catch a one-hour flight to the far north of the country and Chiang Mai. This city is unique in Thailand because from 1296 to 1558, it was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. Much of this history is well-preserved in the form of ancient walls, moats, and the Buddhist temples dotting the Old City (historic center). 

 

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Then you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can start at Wat Phra Singh, a 14th-century Buddhist temple. Lying in the heart of the Old City is another 14th-century highlight: Wat Chedi Luang, the largest chedi (Buddhist stupa) in Chiang Mai. Last but not least is Wat Chiang Man, a temple that dates to the late 13th century, making it the oldest in the city.  

 

Afterward, you can head to Worarot, Chiang Mai’s largest municipal market. It’s a popular stop for locals who shop for fresh produce, preserved foods, local delicacies, clothes, flowers, and other knick-knacks—all at reasonable prices. At the end of the day, return to your hotel.

Day 4: Sunrise Balloon Flight, Elephant Jungle Expedition

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Wake up at dawn and head just outside the city, where a hot-air balloon awaits. Hop in the basket and then ascend over the valleys and mountains of northern Thailand as you watch the sun light up the landscapes. This unforgettable experience lasts about 45 minutes, and during the ride, you’ll reach heights of 2,000 feet (609 m).

 

After the balloon ride, you’ll get in a vehicle and drive into the jungle to an elephant rescue center. Here, you’ll enjoy a private tour and spend time with elephants as you care for and bathe them. Upon arrival, a mahout (elephant carer) will introduce you to the animals. Part of the experience involves learning the behavior of the elephants, and later you’ll bathe them in the river. You’ll also get to meet a baby elephant and its mother, plus walk with these animals through the jungle. Afterward, enjoy a Thai-style picnic lunch by a waterfall before returning to Chiang Mai.

Day 5: Transfer to Phuket, Optional Activities

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After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport in Chiang Mai and catch a two-hour flight south to Phuket. This kicks off the tropical island portion of your Southeast Asia adventure. Located on the Andaman coast, Phuket is the country’s largest island, famous as much for its raucous nightlife as its sublime white-sand beaches.

 

Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then you can feel free to spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool or on the beach. If you like, see a different side of Phuket on a visit to its historic Old Town area. Lining Thalang Road are colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. There are also plenty of charming cafés and restaurants in the area where you can sit and relax with a good book.

Day 6: Speedboat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands 

In the morning, hop on a speedboat for a full-day snorkeling/swimming excursion at the famous Phi Phi Islands. The tour starts around 7:30 am and the first stop is at Phi Phi Lee (Maya Beach). One of the most stunning destinations in Thailand, Maya Beach is a secluded bay hemmed in by towering limestone cliffs on a romantic isle. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was featured in the 2000 film “The Beach.”

Once here, you’ll take a dip in the water in designated swimming areas and snap photos at other nearby highlights like Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave. On the way north to the larger island of Phi Phi Don, you’ll pass Monkey Beach, named for its community of crab-eating macaques. Upon arrival, you’ll have time for snorkeling, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon, visit Bamboo Island for more sunbathing, and from there, you’ll transfer back to your hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Hanoi, Optional Activities

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After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Thailand and board an airplane for the three-hour flight from Phuket to Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital has a long and storied history dating back to its initial founding around 200 BCE. In that time, the nation has seen many different epochs, including the rise and fall of dynasties, colonization, a communist uprising, and devastating wars.

 

At the airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore. Maybe start with a self-guided walk in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to browse the street vendors and silk shops on Hang Gai Street. You definitely won’t want to miss Vietnam’s famous cuisine: In Hanoi, you can find street-food staples on every corner, so be sure to sample favorites like pho (a delicious bowl of noodles and beef).

Day 8: Full-Day City Tour

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This morning you’ll head out on a full-day tour to discover Hanoi’s history and culture. First, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the final resting place of revolutionary leader “Uncle Ho.” Just next door is the One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century Buddhist temple regarded as the most unique pagoda in Asia due to its lotus-flower design perched on a stone pillar rising out of a pond. Then continue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which overlooks West Lake. Dating back to the 6th century, this is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. 

After lunch, proceed to other city highlights like the Ethnology Museum and the Temple of Literature. The latter was constructed in 1070 as Vietnam’s first-ever university. Finish the tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the peaceful waters of Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters and visit the Jade Mountain Temple. This landmark was built in the 18th century to honor Tran Hung Dao, a military commander who famously repelled two Mongol invasions.

Day 9: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise

Early this morning, a shuttle will pick you up at your hotel for the 3.5-hour scenic ride north to Ha Long Bay. In this most incredible of regions, 1,500 karst islets rise above jade waters that resemble the spine of a mythological creature (“ha long” actually translates to “descending dragon”). Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multi-level ship for an overnight cruise around this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After settling into your cabin, head to the top deck, where a delicious lunch awaits. Then you can spend a few hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later you can enjoy a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes. Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 10: Morning Cruise, Transfer to Da Nang

Wake up early (if you so choose) and head to the deck to enjoy an incomparable sunrise over Ha Long Bay, which can be paired with an outdoor Tai Chi session. Afterward, sit down and enjoy an al fresco breakfast as the boat cruises around towering karst islets. Around 11 am, you’ll return to the port in Ha Long Bay. From there, you’ll transfer back to Hanoi and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to the coastal city of Da Nang. A driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city, and you’ll have the evening free.

Day 11: Day Trip to the Golden Bridge

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Wake up early for a day trip to the most stunning landmark in Da Nang: the Golden Bridge. Located in the misty Truong Son Mountains, this 490-foot (150 m) pedestrian bridge sits at the top of the green Ba Na Hill. This entire region was a popular leisure spot for 19th-century French colonialists due to the incredible views it offers over the countryside and coast.

 

After driving for one hour to the mountain’s base, you’ll ascend to the top via the Ba Na Cable Car. Running 19,032 feet (5,801 m), this is the longest non-stop cable car in the world. Once at the top, you’ll stand 4,593 feet (1,400 m) above sea level. Enjoy the stunning 360-degree views with a stroll along the Golden Bridge, whose most incredible feature is the pair of giant stone hands gently cradling it.

 

The bridge crosses several lovely gardens, and old French villas are nearby, which make for great photo opportunities. Another highlight in the area is the Linh Tu Pagoda, a temple dedicated to the Holy Mountain Mother, a kind of patron saint of Ba Na Hill. Also, there is an amusement park here featuring games and 4D movies. You’ll return to your hotel in Da Nang at the end of the day.

Day 12: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Optional Activities

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After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport in Da Nang, where you’ll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Vietnam’s largest metropolis is fascinating in that it has survived a communist revolution and devastating war to become the nation’s business and financial hub. Nevertheless, it retains much of its traditional culture, and there are many impressive architectural landmarks dating to the colonial era.

 

Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you can explore on a self-guided tour. Be sure to visit Reunification Palace. Perhaps the most iconic structure in the city, this was the headquarters of the Saigon government until it fell to the Viet Cong in 1975. Today it’s a museum and is open to the public.

Day 13: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, Afternoon City Tour

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In the morning, you’ll head two hours north of the city for a tour of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. This immense network of underground passages—it totals over 74 miles (120 km) in length—was constructed in 1948 to protect Viet Cong guerrillas from French attacks. The tunnels were deep enough to withstand destructive bombings and were durable enough to outlast prolonged sieges. The tunnels served as living quarters, communications centers, supply routes, and even hospitals.

 

A visit here offers a stark insight into the country’s wartime history and the hardships faced by the thousands of soldiers who survived the French and American wars. You can even crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience just how narrow they really are. Afterward, return to the city and enjoy a short sightseeing tour that includes highlights like the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. If you like, you can shop at Ben Thanh Market, a large municipal market with street food that’s over 100 years old.

Day 14: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

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Alas, your adventure in Southeast Asia ends here in Ho Chi Minh City. Wake up early for one last leisurely breakfast in the country. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also have time to hit the shops and browse for souvenirs. Your driver will transfer you to the airport at the appropriate time, where you’ll catch your flight home. Then we will arrange a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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