Best of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia Tour 19 days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in and some time to rest.

Standard check-in is at 14:00; if you require early check-in, please contact your travel consultant in advance. 

Morning 

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Bangkok’s most iconic temples and historic landmarks. Visit Wat Traimit, home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, before continuing to Wat Pho and its impressive reclining Buddha.

Continue to the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most remarkable architectural landmarks, and explore Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, make your way to the canals of Thonburi.

Afternoon

Board a traditional longtail boat and cruise along Bangkok’s quieter canals, passing riverside homes and glimpses of local life along the Chao Phraya River. Continue to Wat Arun, recognisable by its striking riverside pagoda and one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks.

After the canal experience, return to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing or exploring Bangkok at your own pace.

NOTE: You should wear long pants, shoes that cover the heel, and shirts that cover the upper arm (no vests) to show respect to the Thai people.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Bangkok at your own pace. Explore the city’s lively neighbourhoods, browse world-class shopping malls, or simply take time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

For a different experience, you can also choose from a range of optional tours, from discovering floating markets and local street food to exploring Bangkok’s historic surroundings. Spend your final evening in Bangkok however you like before continuing your journey tomorrow.

Morning

Private transfer from the hotel to Bangkok Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai. After about one-hour air transfer, you will reach Chiang Mai International Airport and transfer to the hotel with our tour guide

Begin the half-day city tour with the first destination of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, regarded as one of the most respected temples in Thailand

After you descend the mountain, the first destination is Wat Chedi Luang, a Lanna-style chedi that was once one of the tallest structures in ancient Chiang Mai

View a collection of classic Lana art and explore an old library at Wat Phra Singh, or Temple of the Lion Buddha

Wandering around the gardens at Wat Suan Dok, flower Garden Temple, where you can check out a 500-year-old bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Thailand

Afternoon

You have free time to join in your own activities.

Morning

Around 08:00 - 08:30, begin your day with a hotel or accommodation pick-up in Chiang Mai. Depart for a scenic 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai, passing through serene rolling hills, dense forests, and peaceful local farming villages.

Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Meet your guide and enjoy a short 10 -15-minute trek through the lush jungle to reach the main sanctuary area. Upon arrival, change into traditional Karen clothing and participate in an engaging introduction about elephant anatomy, behavior, and history.

Meet the elephants up close. Spend time feeding, interacting, and observing them in their natural environment. Learn about their personalities and individual stories while taking memorable photos.

Savor a delicious lunch featuring authentic Thai cuisine and fresh seasonal fruits.

Afternoon

Take part in a hands-on session learning how to prepare herbal medicine balls. Feed the elephants these healthy treats, then enjoy a walk with them to the nearby river. Join in their bath time by brushing and bathing them in the cool water.

Treat the elephants (and yourself!) to a fun and therapeutic mud spa session. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river alongside these gentle giants and capture some more unforgettable photos.

After a meaningful time with the elephants, change into your dry clothes and bid farewell to your new friends. Depart from the sanctuary and relax during the 1.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai.

Around 17:00 - 17:30, arrive back at your hotel or accommodation in Chiang Mai. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai to rest and reflect on your unforgettable day with the elephants.

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Standard hotel check-in is at 14:00; early check-in can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability. 

Evening

Meet your local guide at the designated meeting point and set off on a walking food tour through the lively Hanoi Old Quarter. Wander through bustling streets and hidden lanes while sampling some of the city’s favourite local dishes, such as Pho Bo, Bun Thang, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Mi, Nom Bo Kho, and Nem Chua Ran.

Finish the experience with a cup of Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee), Hanoi’s signature coffee topped with a rich, creamy egg foam.

Morning

After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

Arrive at the pier around midday and board your cruise. After a warm welcome from the crew and check-in, settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch as the cruise begins sailing through the bay, passing towering limestone islets and secluded coves.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon discovering the natural beauty of Halong Bay. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may explore a limestone cave or floating fishing village, kayak through calm waters, or take a swim. Alternatively, relax on the sundeck and enjoy the panoramic scenery as the cruise glides through the bay.

As the sun sets, savour a Vietnamese dinner onboard. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether joining a cooking demonstration, trying your hand at squid fishing, or simply unwinding beneath the stars.

Overnight aboard the cruise amid the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

NOTE: The cruise itinerary may vary depending on the cruise you choose.

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay at sunrise. Start the morning with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the tranquil scenery.

After a light breakfast, continue cruising through the bay and discover more of its hidden corners. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may visit a limestone cave, floating village, or enjoy a final swim in the emerald waters. Return onboard for a brunch as the cruise gradually makes its way back to the harbour.

Afternoon

Disembark around midday and meet your driver for the journey back to Hanoi. Travel through the peaceful countryside of northern Vietnam before arriving in Hanoi by late afternoon.

The rest of the evening is free to relax at your hotel or explore more of Hanoi at your own pace.

Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby before setting out to discover Hanoi’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his humble stilt house, and the peaceful grounds of the Presidential Palace, gaining insight into the life and legacy of one of Vietnam’s most influential historical figures.

Note: The mausoleum is closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug. You can only take photographs from the outside.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic wooden structure built on a single stone pillar and celebrated for its distinctive architecture and spiritual significance.

The journey continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing respect for education and scholarship.

Wander through its ancient courtyards and pavilions before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, rounding off a day immersed in Hanoi’s history and cultural character.

Morning

After breakfast, travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts and peaceful countryside.

Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, visiting the historic temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. 

Afternoon

Next, continue to Tam Coc, where you’ll board a traditional boat for a serene journey along the Ngo Dong River. As you glide through lush rice paddies and beneath limestone cliffs and cave passages, immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside views - this is one of Vietnam’s most picturesque landscapes.

Later, climb more than 400 steps to Hang Mua for sweeping views over Tam Coc Valley and its surrounding landscapes before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hanoi, with time for some last-minute shopping or a stroll through the Old Quarter, depending on your flight schedule. Your driver will then transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to unwind or explore Hue at your own pace.

After breakfast, set out to discover the cultural and historical highlights of Hue, Vietnam’s tranquil former imperial capital.

Begin at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable landmarks, beautifully set on a hill overlooking the peaceful Perfume River. Take time to admire its distinctive seven-storey tower and learn about the pagoda’s important place in Hue’s spiritual heritage.

Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the former royal centre of the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through its grand gates, courtyards and historic buildings while discovering more about Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty and the traditions of the royal court.

Complete the morning at Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest traditional market. Wander through the lively stalls filled with local produce, handicrafts, fabrics and everyday goods, offering a glimpse into the daily life and trading culture of Hue.

Morning 

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the scenic journey south from Hue to Da Nang by shuttle bus or private car. The route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, continue by road to Hoi An, a charming riverside town known for its well-preserved architecture and historic trading heritage. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

After breakfast, set out to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture and rich trading heritage. Begin at Hoi An Market, where you can see local produce, handicrafts and everyday goods while getting a glimpse into daily life.

Continue to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Phung Hung Ancient House, and Tan Ky Ancient House, discovering the cultural influences and traditional lifestyles that shaped the town. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture and the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House to learn more about local crafts, music and traditions.

Complete the tour at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, then enjoy some free time to browse handicraft shops, art galleries or wander through the charming lanes of the old town.

Morning 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in and some time to refresh before the afternoon sightseeing.

Afternoon

Set out with your guide to discover the historic heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

The first stop on our trip is Reunification Palace, formerly the official residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, which shows the period of French colonialism through the architecture of the building you will admire

Set off to the War Remnants Museum, the oldest museum in the city, containing precious artifacts about the brutality of the Vietnam War.

Get to Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, with the French colonial architecture listed as the most iconic and oldest buildings in this bustling city.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation.

Keep your soul peaceful and pray in Jade Emperor Pagoda, a historic Chinese temple with brightly colored decorative designs.

Finish the tour with a visit to a local market, where you can browse souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional items before returning to your hotel. 

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel around 08:00 and depart for Ben Tre, a peaceful province known for its coconut groves and waterways. Cruise along the Ham Luong River, taking in views of mangrove forests and local life along the riverbanks.

Visit a coconut processing workshop and a traditional mat-weaving house, where you can enjoy fresh fruit and tea. Continue by xe loi through lush orchards and rural landscapes before stopping for lunch at a riverside restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch, board a traditional sampan boat and travel through the narrow canals surrounded by coconut palms and mangroves, offering a closer look at life in the Mekong countryside.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00 and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

After breakfast, meet your driver at the hotel around 08:00 for a private transfer to the airport and your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer directly to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey or explore Siem Reap at your own pace, perhaps taking a leisurely walk around the town or enjoying the local atmosphere.

Morning 

After breakfast, meet your guide around 08:00 and head to the Angkor Temple complex, exploring some of Cambodia’s most remarkable ancient monuments. Begin with Ta Prohm, famous for its atmospheric ruins embraced by towering tree roots, before continuing to Angkor Thom through its impressive South Gate.

Explore Bayon Temple, known for its striking stone faces, along with the Phimeanakas, Royal Enclosure, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Discover its intricate galleries, towering five-spired design and fascinating history as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, climb Phnom Bakheng for panoramic views over the surrounding landscape and, depending on conditions and access, enjoy the beautiful sunset before returning to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Siem Reap with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. At the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your journey through Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.