Vietnam & Thailand Refined Journey - Private - 11 Days

Your adventure in Vietnam kicks off with your arrival in Hanoi. Our private driver will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. We’ll then escort you to your accommodation located right in the city centre, placing the intriguing Old Quarter within easy reach. You can delve into the city's sights at your leisure or simply unwind at the hotel after your journey.

We begin our day as our friendly guide collects us to explore Hanoi, situated by the Red River, is one of the world's oldest capitals, featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, and unique museums.

Our first stop is Tran Quoc Pagoda on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Dating back to the 6th century, this is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Here, we can also explore the gardens and see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

We then visit the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and renowned as the world's most unique pagoda. Remember to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, when visiting sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. Please note: The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 15th June to 15th August for maintenance, although visitors can still take photographs and stroll around the area.

Next, we visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to delve into the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Please note: On Mondays, when this museum is closed, we will instead explore the fascinating Women’s Museum.

Enjoy lunch at our restaurant, where you can savour Vietnamese cuisine with a variety of eight delicious dishes. We continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university founded in the 11th century.

Our final visit is to Hoa Lo Prison Museum, initially used by French colonists for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War—the latter period marks its infamous nickname, the "Hanoi Hilton."

We will start the day with a 07:30 pick-up from the hotel, heading to Ba Vi. Our journey includes visits to three distinct villages, each offering a glimpse into Vietnamese rural life.

We will be warmly welcomed by Mr. Duoc, a veteran, who will share personal stories from the Vietnam War era. Additionally, Mr. Duoc, renowned for his expertise in processing tea leaves, will guide us through the art of turning raw leaves into market-ready products.

Next, we'll explore a tea village, home to 30-year-old tea trees. Here, you will have the opportunity to walk through the plantations, assist in harvesting tea leaves, and learn the techniques for selecting the finest parts of the plant to produce an exceptional brew.

Our culinary experience continues at Mrs. Chin’s home, where we will participate in a cooking lesson and enjoy a homemade lunch in her garden. Afterwards, you can relax before Mrs. Chin accompanies you on a tour of the village. Here, you'll visit local workshops, observing traditional processes such as tofu making, rice milling, and the craftsmanship of a hammer artisan who has honed his skills over 70 years.

In the afternoon, cycle through picturesque rice fields to Mr. Chau’s house. We will indulge in a relaxing foot soak with herbal leaves, a practice rooted in the traditions of the Muong ethnic group. The day concludes with a serene boat trip along the Da River, offering stunning views and insights into riverside life.

We'll return to Hanoi in the evening, concluding the Ba Vi Eco Tour back at the hotel around 18:30.

Today, we venture to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Start your journey with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before meeting your driver. The drive takes us along the scenic route through the Red River Delta, offering views of vast, emerald-green rice paddies.

Upon arrival at the pier, we board a cruise to experience panoramic views of limestone formations and karst grottoes. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch on the sundeck as we sail through the bay. Our cruise brings us to a secluded spot where you can kayak or swim, getting up close to these awe-inspiring grottoes.

As evening approaches, we return to the boat for an early dinner, after which you have free time. You may choose to join optional on-board activities or simply relax. We will spend the night on the cruise.

Please note: In the event of adverse weather conditions preventing the cruise from setting off or staying overnight at sea, the Halong Bay tour may be cancelled without notice. We will explore alternative tours or refunds as circumstances dictate.

Start your day by witnessing a stunning sunrise at a natural wonder, followed by breakfast in the dining room. We then invite you to join a Tai Chi class on the sun deck to awaken both mind and body. After checking out, enjoy a final brunch as the cruise makes its way back to the harbour. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport for your international flight from Hanoi to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, our local representative will greet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to either unwind or start discovering the delightful city of Chiang Mai at your own pace.

Begin your exploration of Chiang Mai with an insightful tour of this city, rich with over 700 years of history. We will start by ascending the winding road to the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most significant temple, located 3,500 feet above sea level.

Here, you'll encounter the city's emblem, a copper-plated Chedi topped with a five-tiered golden parasol, housing sacred relics of Buddha. The temple's terrace offers magnificent panoramic views of the city below, especially rewarding after climbing the 306 steps of the Naga staircase, flanked by mythical serpent-like creatures.

Back in the city, we'll visit Wat Suan Dok, renowned for its stunning flower gardens and an impressive central Stupa. Our journey continues to Wat Chedi Luang, home to a grand Chedi originally constructed in 1411.

The tour lasts approximately five hours, after which you will return to your accommodation in Chiang Mai.

Embark on a transformative half-day journey at an ethical elephant sanctuary, conveniently situated 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai. This six-hour excursion offers a rare opportunity to engage responsibly with these gentle giants.

We begin with a hotel pickup, heading through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, lush forests, and local farmlands.

Upon arrival at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, we delve into the fascinating stories of the elephants. After changing into traditional Karen clothing, we meet and feed the elephants, observing their natural behaviours and interactions.

Experience a unique mud spa session alongside the elephants, followed by a gentle stroll to a nearby river where we help bathe them. Savour a traditional meal before bidding farewell to our elephant friends. As we conclude our visit, we retrace our route back to Chiang Mai, with hotel drop-off arranged for your convenience.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport for your direct flight to Bangkok, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Bangkok, our local representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or discover the lively city of Bangkok as you please.

We'll collect you from your hotel and begin our exploration of Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok. Founded in 1782 by King Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), Tokyo is noted for the length of its formal name and its rich history.

Our tour includes visits to three iconic temples. We'll start at Wat Traimit, home to a remarkable Golden Buddha from the Sukhothai era. This 3-metre tall statue is crafted entirely from solid gold, weighing an impressive five-and-a-half tons.

Next, we visit Wat Pho, one of the most historic and largest temples in Bangkok. Founded about 200 years ago by King Rama I, it houses the stunning Reclining Buddha. This gold-plated figure stretches 49 metres in length and stands 12 metres high, featuring mother-of-pearl inlay on its soles.

As we drive through the city, we'll pass notable landmarks such as Sanam Luang, the Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and the Parliament Hall, providing a glimpse into Bangkok's architectural heritage.

Our final stop is Wat Benchamabophit, known as the Marble Temple, famous for its Italian marble construction commissioned during the reign of King Rama V.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by some free time to relax or explore at your leisure. Your private driver will collect you and ensure your comfortable transfer back to Bangkok, heading directly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) for your departure flight. We trust your time in Thailand has been memorable and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.