Thailand & Vietnam Smiles Journey - 16 Days

Begin your Thailand and Vietnam journey with your arrival in Bangkok. Our private driver will greet you at the airport holding a sign with your name and escort you to your accommodation, conveniently situated in the heart of the city.

From here, you are free to discover Bangkok's vibrant streets at your leisure or unwind at the hotel to recover from your flight.

After breakfast at the hotel, join us to explore Bangkok's vibrant cultural heritage, featuring its vivid temples and magnificent palaces. We begin in bustling Chinatown at Wat Traimit, where you’ll encounter one of the world's largest solid gold Buddha statues, weighing an impressive 5.5 tonnes.

Next, we visit Wat Pho, home to the renowned 45-metre reclining Buddha and historically significant as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Our exploration continues at the Royal Grand Palace, a national icon and deeply respected royal site. Here, you’ll tour the grand palace halls, used for important ceremonies such as coronations and state funerals, and visit the sacred Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most esteemed Buddha image.

Following our tour, we'll return you to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Savour your final moments in Bangkok before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, another driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Spend a leisurely day in Chiang Mai, exploring the city at your own pace or consider joining an optional excursion.

Alternatively you may join us for a optional excursion at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, dedicated to the ethical treatment of Thailand's revered elephants. We'll depart early, embarking on a 1.5-hour journey through scenic landscapes of hills, forests, and farmlands.

Upon arrival, you'll receive an introduction to the sanctuary and the elephants' history. Change into traditional Karen attire, and assist in preparing herbal medicine for the elephants.

We'll then have the unique opportunity to meet, feed, and interact with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviours along the way.

Next, we'll walk with the elephants to a river for a bathing session. Don’t forget your swimwear! Conclude this enriching visit with a traditional Thai lunch before returning to Chiang Mai.

Enjoy a free day in Chiang Mai, a city with a rich blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. You might choose to leisurely stroll through this captivating town or set off on a mountain hike.

Here are some recommended activities: discover the art galleries situated on the east side of the Ping River, explore the vibrant markets, and savour the delicious street food.

Consider visiting Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Pagoda, an often quieter temple adorned with intricate silver panelling - it’s truly a sight to behold. Venture out of the city for a trek along the mountain trails or ascend the unique 'sticky waterfalls'.

Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day with a traditional Thai massage.

Savour your final moments in Chiang Mai before our private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by your driver and escorted to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Please note: Some flights from Chiang Mai to Hanoi may include a stopover in Bangkok, depending on the day of travel.

In the morning, we'll check out of the hotel and be collected by the Cruise team to embark on our journey. We'll take the most picturesque route to Halong Bay, travelling through the fertile Red River Delta - an area known for its expansive emerald rice paddies.

Upon reaching Halong, we board the cruise ship to admire the stunning limestone formations and karst grottoes. A delicious seafood lunch awaits us, enjoyed on the sundeck as we explore the Bay.

The cruise will pause at a hidden spot, where we'll have the opportunity to kayak or swim, allowing us to get closer to the beautiful karst grottoes. As evening approaches, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time.

Start the day early with a breathtaking sunrise at this Natural Wonder, followed by breakfast in the dining room. Recharge with a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, invigorating both mind and body.

We then explore a limestone cave, adorned with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. After our adventure, we return to the boat to check out and enjoy brunch as we cruise back to the harbour. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Savour your last moments in Hanoi before our private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Hoi An. Upon landing at Da Nang Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and taken to your accommodation in Hoi An. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

You have a free day to explore Hoi An at your leisure. We suggest renting a bicycle from your hotel to discover this enchanting town. Cycle towards the riverside or the beach, where small cafes offer a perfect spot to unwind with a fresh fruit drink after a swim in the warm, calm sea.

Consider visiting one of Hoi An’s renowned tailor shops, where skilled craftsmen can create bespoke clothing, bags, or shoes overnight for you and your loved ones.

In the evening, we highly recommend strolling through the Old Town. As lanterns light up, the area transforms into a magical scene. Don't miss the vibrant street performances that bring local culture to life.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for Hue, travelling by private car. The journey takes us along the stunning Hai Van Pass, renowned as one of the world's most picturesque routes, offering breathtaking mountain and sea vistas.

Upon arrival in Hue, you'll check in at your hotel and then have free time to explore the local area at your leisure.

Our guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in central Hue for a day brimming with history and culture. Begin with a tranquil dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, heading to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest pagoda. This serene 30-minute journey offers a refreshing start to your day.

Explore the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former residence of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Dong Ba Market, the city's liveliest, where local trade thrives. Capture the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps shop for souvenirs. Savour a meal of Hue's renowned dishes, followed by a brief rest.

We continue with tours of the imperial tombs. Discover Khai Dinh Tomb, notable for its striking blend of Western and Eastern styles, and Minh Mang Tomb, celebrated for its grand design and picturesque harmony with nature.

We'll stop at a conical hat village and incense stick village to witness traditional Vietnamese crafts in action. Return to your hotel, concluding a day of cultural immersion and exploration. Enjoy a restful night in Hue.

Savour your final hours in Hue before our private driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our driver will meet you and transport you to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

We will collect you from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for our journey to Cai Be. Once there, enjoy a boat ride to the remnants of a historic wholesale floating market on the Tien River.

This area, once a bustling trade hub, offers insights into traditional trading practices that have evolved with modern advancements in transport and agriculture.

Explore local villages to appreciate an ancient house and delve into the indigenous culture. Visit a family-run business to see the craftsmanship behind coconut fudge and crispy rice popcorn. Savour fresh fruit while relaxing to the melodies of Southern Vietnamese folk music, reflecting the cultural fabric of the Mekong Delta.

Experience a paddle through narrow canals, taking in the serene atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. On reaching Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in the calmness of nature. At lunchtime, participate in a meal preparation session with locals, cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes and dining in a picturesque garden setting.

Cycle along village paths skirting orchards, meeting islanders to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the Mekong Delta. We will also visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house. Conclude your visit with a return boat ride to Cai Be, where your bus awaits for the onward journey to Can Tho City.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. We offer an optional leisurely boat ride along the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong, including the Bassac River. Here, you can discover the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, renowned for its lively trading atmosphere.

Following this, we take a walking tour of a local noodle factory to see traditional production methods firsthand. Next, we visit the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple celebrated for its distinctive architectural style.

From there, we travel by boat to the Con Son tourist area for a tour of the flourishing fruit plantation, where you can savour a variety of seasonal fruits. Enjoy lunch before we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your final day in Thailand and Vietnam with a nutritious breakfast. After checking out of the hotel, take the opportunity to explore the local markets and pick up souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, our private driver will transport you to the airport for your return flight home.