Shanghai, Vietnam & Thailand Explorer - Private - 16 Days

Arrive in Shanghai, known as the 'Paris of the East’. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax.

In the morning, we begin with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of traditional Chinese landscaping in the heart of the city. You will have the opportunity to shop on Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, Shanghai's first commercial street, where you can find unique souvenirs and silk products.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the iconic Bund, taking in Shanghai's historic waterfront. For lunch, we will stop at a local Chinese restaurant.

Following this, we will explore the Jade Buddha Temple, known for its exquisite jade statues. You can also admire the exterior of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower while enjoying a walk along the Riverside Promenade.

We will then drive back to the hotel.

In the morning, we will drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town, where you can take an optional short boat ride along the picturesque waterway.

As we explore the town, you will see traditional bridges spanning gentle streams, narrow rivers lined with willow trees, and historic homes with charming courtyards. This peaceful setting offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, transporting you to a world of serenity and antiquity.

We will enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will have free time for shopping in Shanghai.

Enjoy a leisurely day before your flight. We offer the option of experiencing the Maglev train to Pudong Airport for a high-speed departure, or we can drive you directly there. From Pudong, you'll fly to Hanoi, where you'll spend the night.

Hanoi, nestled along the banks of the Red River, is one of the world's oldest capitals. Its city centre boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, temples, and unique museums.

Our friendly guide will collect us to begin our exploration of Hanoi. We visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Built in the 6th century, it is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda.

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Stroll through the gardens and see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and renowned for its unique architecture.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 15th June to 15th August for annual maintenance, though you can still photograph the exterior and walk around the area. Dress modestly when visiting the mausoleum, temples, and pagodas, covering from shoulders to knees.

Discover the culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Ethnology Museum. If visiting on a Monday, you will instead explore the Women’s Museum. Enjoy a Vietnamese meal featuring eight delicious dishes at our restaurant.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in the 11th century.

Delve into the history of the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally used by French colonists for political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it housed American POWs and was famously dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton."

In the morning, we will check out from the hotel and be picked up by the cruise for our journey to Halong Bay. We'll travel through the picturesque Red River Delta, where endless emerald green rice paddies stretch to the horizon.

Upon arrival at Halong Bay, we'll embark on a cruise to explore the stunning limestone formations and karst grottoes. After this exploration, we'll enjoy a delightful seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll visit one of the area's renowned limestone caves. Here, you can choose to kayak or swim, allowing you to get closer to the floating villages and shops.

As evening approaches, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner, with time afterwards to relax or participate in optional on-board activities.

Start the day early by witnessing a breathtaking sunrise, followed by breakfast in the dining room. Awaken your mind and body with a Tai Chi class on the sun deck. We then venture to a limestone cave, known for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Upon returning to the boat, we'll check out and enjoy brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbour. You will then be transferred to Hanoi for a brief rest before heading to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

We begin our journey with a hotel pick-up, setting off for Cu Chi, situated 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The drive will take approximately 90 minutes. Cu Chi, famously dubbed the “area of steel” during the Vietnam War, boasts an extensive network of tunnels stretching over 200 km, forming a formidable underground village that played a crucial role in the war.

Upon arrival, we will view an introductory presentation and video detailing the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of those who lived through wartime adversities.

You will then explore the remaining tunnels and facilities, including living quarters, kitchens, and command centres, as well as clandestine trap doors and security traps designed for wartime defence.

Afterwards, we will enjoy special tea and cassava - staples of the guerrilla diet during the war. You are welcome to relax during this break or opt to experience shooting a real gun. We then return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Departing the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, we set off for My Tho, a charming town on the Mekong River's left bank. Upon arrival, we will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a significant religious site dating back to the late 19th century.

Next, we'll board a sampan and cruise along the river, navigating the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. We will disembark at Unicorn Island, where we'll stroll along country lanes, visit orchards, and savour tropical fruits while enjoying traditional folk music performed by locals.

Our journey continues with a visit to a fruit plantation and a serene ride in a hand-rowed sampan through the Thoi Son Canal, allowing you to soak up the tranquil countryside.

We will stop at family businesses, including a honey-bee farm, where you can sample honey tea, and learn about coconut candy production. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a short break.

In the afternoon, you may choose to cycle around Tan Thach Village, engaging with local villagers and experiencing daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

After our exploration, we will return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the trip.

Savour your final moments before our private driver transports you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

We will collect you from your hotel to explore the vibrant capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Founded in 1782 by King Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok of the Chakri Dynasty, this bustling city is steeped in history.

Our first stop is Wat Trimit, home to the famous Golden Buddha. Crafted during the Sukhothai period, this impressive solid gold statue stands three metres tall and weighs five and a half tons.

Next, we visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples. Built around 200 years ago during the reign of King Rama I, it houses the enormous gold-plated Reclining Buddha, measuring 49 metres in length and 12 metres in height, with intricately inlaid mother-of-pearl soles.

We then drive past significant landmarks such as Sanam Luang (the Royal Field), the Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue with its traditional buildings, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and the Thai Parliament.

Our final visit is to Wat Benchamabophit, renowned for its marble construction from the era of King Rama V. We will spend the night in Bangkok, giving you the opportunity to explore the city further at your leisure.

Today is yours to explore at leisure. Should you wish to deepen your experience, consider joining our optional excursion to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

We will collect you from your hotel to embark on a journey to Ratchaburi province, home to the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - a must-visit attraction in Thailand.

Our tour commences with a drive towards the south-west of Bangkok, where you will have the chance to observe traditional activities along the route. One of the highlights includes visiting a sugar palm factory, where you can witness the process of making sugar from palm trees.

Upon arrival at the pier, we will board a long-tail boat that will take us along the canal, offering a glimpse into the lives of local communities residing by the waterway.

Once at the market, you’ll find an array of vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods from their boats, presenting a vibrant and bustling atmosphere unique to this locale.

Take the opportunity to sample local delicacies, such as the refreshing coconut juice or other fresh fruit drinks, and find souvenirs for friends and family.

Enjoy a final moment of relaxation before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation in Bangkok. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Today is a free day in Phuket - relax by the pool, head to the beach, or venture into town. Alternatively, you can join an optional full-day excursion to Phang Nga Bay.

In the morning, join the cruise team at your hotel and travel to Ao Por Pier. Here, we’ll provide you with complimentary tea and coffee before boarding a luxury boat. We’ll set off on a picturesque cruise through the Andaman Sea, surrounded by the stunning karst islets.

Our first stop is Panak Island, where we’ll embark on a guided canoe trip to explore sea caves and mangroves. Next, we move on to Hong Island for further exploration by canoe or kayak, with a local guide revealing hidden caves and lagoons. Return to the boat for a satisfying buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Khao Phing Kan, renowned for Ko Ta Pu - popularly known as "James Bond Island" from its feature in the film "The Man with the Golden Gun". Here, you’ll have free time at a quiet beach for swimming and sunbathing.

By 3:30 pm, we’ll depart for Phuket, concluding a day of adventure.

Nestled on the Andaman Coast, Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. The island boasts a diverse landscape, from lush tropical rainforests to palm-rimmed shores and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Today, you have the freedom to explore Phuket at your leisure. Choose to unwind on the beach, where you can sunbathe, enjoy a refreshing drink, swim, or even try your hand at snorkelling.

For a unique glimpse of marine life, consider visiting the aquarium at Cape Panwa. If you're up for an adventure, Hanuman World Phuket offers an exciting zip-lining experience through the jungle canopy.

As evening falls, savour fresh seafood at dinner, meander through a bustling night market, or enjoy a drink on the energetic Bangla Road.

Enjoy your remaining time at leisure until our driver collects you for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.