Tour overview

This 19-day premium small-group journey joins the royal capitals and countryside of Thailand with the highlights of Vietnam, from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. Groups have no more than 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a local leader throughout. You travel by private vehicle, train and boat, with three flights included, and stay in comfortable hotels plus two special stays: a community-run lodge in the Thai hills and a traditional boat in Ha Long Bay. Breakfast is included daily, with 6 lunches and 7 dinners, and an arrival transfer is included. International flights are not; the trip starts in Bangkok and ends in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bangkok opens with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and an electric boat ride through the canals. In Kanchanaburi you visit a Benjarong ceramics community, swim beneath the seven-tiered Erawan Falls and ride the Death Railway, built by prisoners of war. A weaving village and a rice barge dinner cruise lead into Ayutthaya, once the capital of Siam, and a train journey north brings you to Sukhothai, where you cycle through the UNESCO-listed historical park and share dinner in a local home.

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In the northern hills you stay two nights at Lisu Lodge, which trains and employs people from the nearby Lisu hill-tribe village, with a guided walk through a local village and its orchards. A visit to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, comes before two nights in Chiang Mai and the climb up the Naga stairway to the temple of Doi Suthep.

A flight takes you to Hanoi, where you are met at the airport. You board a traditionally styled boat for a night cruise in Ha Long Bay, among its limestone islands, with tai chi on deck in the morning. Back in Hanoi you enjoy a private performance of ca trù, an ancient form of sung poetry, and visit the Temple of Literature before flying to Danang for Hoi An, with a guided walk through its old town and time for its tailors. The trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City with a city tour, the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels and a Vietnamese coffee workshop.

The physical rating is low, with gentle cycling, a 300-step temple climb and plenty of walking. This trip suits travellers who want two countries in comfort, with meaningful community and wildlife experiences included.

Trip highlights

  • Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Pho and canals (Day 2)
  • Erawan Falls and the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi (Day 4)
  • Cycling through Sukhothai Historical Park (Day 7)
  • Two nights at Lisu Lodge and a visit to Elephant Nature Park (Days 8–10)
  • An overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay (Day 13)
  • Hoi An's old town and the Cu Chi Tunnels (Days 16–18)

Your route

12 stops from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City

19-day route: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
  1. Bangkok Days 1–2
  2. Kanchanaburi Days 3–4
  3. Ayutthaya Day 5
  4. Phitsanulok Day 6
  5. Sukhothai Days 6–7
  6. Mae Taeng (Lisu Lodge) Days 8–9
  7. Chiang Mai Days 10–11
  8. Hanoi Days 12 & 14
  9. Halong Bay Day 13
  10. Da Nang Days 15 & 17
  11. Hoi An Days 15–16
  12. Ho Chi Minh City Days 17–18

Why choose this tour

Three flights, an arrival transfer and two special stays are included, in a group of no more than 12. Goes well beyond the big cities to Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai and the hill country around Chiang Mai.

Best suited to

  • Travellers who want to see Thailand and Vietnam in one trip
  • Anyone who likes comfortable hotels and a small group
  • Travellers interested in temples, history and community projects
  • Animal lovers who want to see elephants in an ethical sanctuary
The tiered waterfalls of Erawan National Park, Thailand

Day-by-day itinerary

19 days from Bangkok, Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  1. Day 1 · Bangkok Arrive in Bangkok

    You are met at the airport and taken to your hotel. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at 6pm, followed by dinner together.

    Hotel
    The Theatre Residence or similar
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Bangkok Grand Palace and the canals

    Rise early for an optional merit-making visit to a riverside temple. Then tour the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, home of the giant reclining Buddha, and glide through Bangkok's canals on an electric boat.

    Hotel
    The Theatre Residence or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Kanchanaburi Benjarong ceramics and Kanchanaburi

    Visit a community of artists who paint Benjarong, a traditional style of Thai porcelain decorated in five or more colours, and try it yourself. Continue to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai.

    Hotel
    U Inchantree or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Erawan National Park, Death Railway Erawan Falls and the Death Railway

    Explore Erawan National Park and its seven-tiered waterfall, with turquoise pools for swimming. Learn about the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who built the Death Railway, and ride a section of the line.

    Hotel
    U Inchantree or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Baan Nong Khao, Ayutthaya Ayutthaya

    Stop at Baan Nong Khao, a village known for hand-weaving, to see its museum and palm sugar fields. In Ayutthaya, a former capital of Siam and UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Wat Phra Mahathat, then enjoy dinner on a rice barge cruise.

    Hotel
    Centara Ayutthaya or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Phitsanulok, Sukhothai Train to Phitsanulok and Sukhothai

    Take the train north to Phitsanulok and watch the countryside go by, then continue by road to Sukhothai. The rest of the day is free.

    Hotel
    Legendha Sukhothai or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  7. Day 7 · Sukhothai Historical Park Cycling in Sukhothai

    Join an optional morning alms offering, then cycle through Sukhothai Historical Park, the 13th-century capital of the first Thai kingdom, with a picnic lunch. In the evening, share dinner in a local home.

    Hotel
    Legendha Sukhothai or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8 · Mae Taeng, Lisu Lodge To Lisu Lodge

    Drive north to the Mae Taeng valley and Lisu Lodge, set among rice fields and orchards. The lodge is a community project that trains and employs people from the nearby Lisu hill-tribe village.

    Hotel
    Lisu Lodge or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Muang Kued Village, Mae Taeng Village life in Mae Taeng

    Visit Muang Kued Village with a local villager, learning about daily life, reforestation and the orchards that support the community. Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon.

    Hotel
    Lisu Lodge or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10 · Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park to Chiang Mai

    Visit Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants and other animals. An expert guide shares the elephants' stories as you watch them from a viewing platform. Continue to Chiang Mai.

    Hotel
    Smile Lanna Resort or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  11. Day 11 · Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Doi Suthep

    Drive up the winding mountain road to Doi Suthep and climb the 300-step stairway guarded by Naga serpents to one of Thailand's most beautiful temples, with views over Chiang Mai. The afternoon is free, followed by dinner.

    Hotel
    Smile Lanna Resort or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  12. Day 12 · Hanoi Fly to Hanoi

    Fly from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. You are met at the airport with fast-track arrival and taken to your hotel, where there is a 6pm meeting to welcome travellers joining for the Vietnam section.

    Hotel
    Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  13. Day 13 · Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay cruise

    Drive to Ha Long Bay and board a traditionally styled boat for the night. Cruise among limestone islands, perhaps visiting a cave or fishing village, with the chance to swim or kayak. Lunch and dinner are served on board.

    Hotel
    Overnight cruise boat
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  14. Day 14 · Ha Long Bay, Hanoi Back to Hanoi and ca trù

    Start the day with tai chi on deck, then return to Hanoi. In the afternoon, enjoy a private performance of ca trù, an ancient form of sung poetry recognised by UNESCO.

    Hotel
    Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  15. Day 15 · Temple of Literature, Danang, Hoi An Hanoi tour and fly to Hoi An

    A half-day tour of Hanoi includes the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Then fly to Danang and continue to Hoi An.

    Hotel
    Legacy Hoian Resort or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  16. Day 16 · Hoi An Hoi An old town

    Walk through Hoi An's old town with your leader, visiting a Chinese assembly hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge and pagoda-lined streets shaped by centuries of trade. The afternoon is free for the market or the tailors.

    Hotel
    Legacy Hoian Resort or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  17. Day 17 · Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

    After a slow start and time to collect any tailoring, fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. Check in, then join a city tour that includes the War Remnants Museum.

    Hotel
    KIN Thi Sach or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  18. Day 18 · Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels

    Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the war, and enter a widened section with your leader. Back in the city, join a Vietnamese coffee workshop to learn how the country's coffee is grown and brewed.

    Hotel
    KIN Thi Sach or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  19. Day 19 · Ho Chi Minh City Trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City

    The trip ends after breakfast, and you are free to leave at any time. Extra nights in Ho Chi Minh City can be arranged when you book.

    Meals
    Breakfast
The chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya

Where you stay

  • Bangkok (2 nights) The Theatre Residence or similar
  • Kanchanaburi (2 nights) U Inchantree or similar
  • Ayutthaya (1 night) Centara Ayutthaya or similar
  • Sukhothai (2 nights) Legendha Sukhothai or similar
  • Mae Taeng (2 nights) Lisu Lodge or similar
  • Chiang Mai (2 nights) Smile Lanna Resort or similar
  • Hanoi (1 night) Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar
  • Ha Long Bay (1 night) Overnight cruise boat
  • Hanoi (1 night) Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar
  • Hoi An (2 nights) Legacy Hoian Resort or similar
  • Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) KIN Thi Sach or similar

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 18 nights in hotels, a hill-tribe lodge and a Ha Long Bay boat
  • Meals 18 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Flights Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Hanoi to Danang and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Transport private vehicle, the train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok and the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi
  • Thailand the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, a canal boat ride, Erawan Falls, Ayutthaya, a bike tour of Sukhothai, a Lisu village walk, Elephant Nature Park and Doi Suthep
  • Vietnam a Ha Long Bay cruise, a ca trù performance, the Temple of Literature, Hoi An old town, the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels and a coffee workshop
  • Arrival transfer in Bangkok and a meet-and-greet in Hanoi
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • International flights to Bangkok and from Ho Chi Minh City
  • Departure transfer
  • Visas, where required
  • Meals not listed and optional activities
  • Single supplement (not available on the boat), tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Two Asian elephants in a sanctuary in northern Thailand

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want international flights included — they are not
  • You want a beach holiday — this is a touring trip
  • You need a single room every night — the Ha Long Bay boat is shared
  • You prefer to stay in one place — the trip has ten bases

Good to know

FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Thailand · UK FCDO travel advice for Vietnam
Temples and a lotus pond in Sukhothai Historical Park

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £4,960 per person, twin share, tour only. 68 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Which flights are included?

Chiang Mai to Hanoi, Hanoi to Danang and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, each with 20 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of hand luggage. Flights from the UK to Bangkok and home from Ho Chi Minh City are not included.

Do I get to ride or bathe elephants?

No. Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary for rescued animals, and you watch the elephants from a viewing platform while a guide explains their stories and the issues they face.

How active is the trip?

The physical rating is low. There is a gentle bike ride in Sukhothai, a 300-step climb at Doi Suthep and plenty of walking, plus optional swimming and kayaking.

What is Lisu Lodge?

A community-based lodge in the hills north of Chiang Mai that trains and employs people from the nearby Lisu village. Rooms are traditional in style with modern comforts.

Can I have a single room?

Yes, for a supplement, except on the Ha Long Bay boat, where accommodation is shared.

Do I need to fill in anything before entering Thailand?

Yes. Thailand requires a digital arrival card, completed online before you travel. Your leader will provide the flight details you need for it.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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