Highlights Of Thailand And Vietnam - Viet International Travel and Trade Co., Ltd
Highlights Of Thailand And Vietnam
from 1 review
18 day 17 night
Classic
English, Vietnamese
Overview
This tour brings you through the highlights of Thailand And Vietnam during 18 days.you will have an overview about the Thailand and VietnamHighlights
Spending 18 days, you will have an overview about the Thailand and Vietnam. This tour brings you through the highlights of the 2 countries. It shows you the local life, culture, history, landscapes etc. Don't miss the chance to explore the highlights of Thailand and Vietnam.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) - Arrival
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and driver and be transferred to the city center for check-in your hotel. Free at own leisure to explore the evening city. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2 : Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) - Sightseeing Tour (B)
In the morning, meet our guide and drive to visit two of the most special Buddhist temples in the city. The Buddha in Wat Traimit weighs several tons, and is made of solid gold. And visit the famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Po, where the blind may be trained to become masseuses.
Lunch is on your own cost (our tour guide can suggest you some local restaurants).
In the afternoon, continue your discovery tour with a visit to a site the Thai people consider the most sacred in the Kingdom: The Royal Grand Palace. This is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Thai court, with several Halls in same compound. You will also visit the Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna School of the north, dating from the 15th century.
After that, explore the Chao Phraya River’s edge, on a traditional "Long Tail Boat", and spend a few hours to enjoy the old canals of the Thonburi side of Bangkok, where an older and more gracious lifestyle still prevails. You will have an opportunity to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3 : Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) - Ayutthaya Day Tour (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Departure for Ayutthaya in the morning. Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for 417 years.
Upon arrival, a tuk tuk "Kermit" will make you discover the magnificent ruins of ancient temples in the Ayutthaya Historical Park: Wat Mahathat, WatYaiChai Mongkol, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Continue visiting Bang Pa in Summer Palace built by King Rama IV at the time of the growing European influence in Thailand. Admire the building of Italian style and surround temples. Return to Bangkok.
The rest of day, you are free at leisure. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 4 : Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) - Flight To Chiang Mai (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Private pick-up by your driver from your hotel to the airport for a flight to Chiang Mai.
On arrival, meet our guide and start your day with a visit to Meow Hill Tribe Village, located on Doi Pui, famous for opium cultivation in the past. It is 1500 meter above the sea level.
The trip continues to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple. The drive offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Visit of San Kamphaeng district, heart of the Silk and Cotton Home Industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted.
From here, onwards to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai where exquisite ceramics are produced. These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, stop to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen. Then transfer to your hotel for relax. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 5 : Chiang Mai - Joining Elephant Home Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Pick up from your hotel around 08.00AM
- Change into mahout clothing upon arrival.
- Orientation and learn basic elephant commands.
- Pay respect to Ganesha the Elephant Buddha.
- Feed the elephants before practicing how to getting on and off them.
- Ride your elephant along a jungle path into the mountains.
- Enjoy a special lunch in the jungle.
- Get an elephant kiss before playing with them in the mud spa.
- Ride down to the river and bath your elephant.
- Ride to camp, take a shower, enjoy fresh fruit while looking at today’s photos.
- Return to Chiang Mai.
The rest of day you are free at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 6 : Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Day Tour (B/L)
After a breakfast at the hotel, we depart to Chiang Rai in early morning. En route, stop at the hot spring for a relaxing time. Continue the drive through the countryside, passing rice paddy fields & mountains. Visit an unique White temple built by one of the best national artist. Discover Karen Hill Tribe Village and visit Mae Sai Border market, the most important border market
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Golden Triangle in Chiang Sean, where the three borders of Myanmar-Laos-Thailand are meeting. Embark on a traditional long tailed boat to Laos’s side and see hill top viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual "Triangle" with Laos Myanmar and Thailand.
Back to your hotel for relax. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 7 : Chiang Mai - Flight To Hanoi City (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
This morning, you will be picked up by our driver and we transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.
Welcome to Hanoi city, Vietnam!
Meet Inbound Vietnam Travel's guide and we will escort you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your free time at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8 : Hanoi - City Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast, check out hotel but leave your luggage, we will firstly take a visit the outside of the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum then stroll through the garden to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until he passed away in 1969. This simple two-room dwelling has been preserved in the same condition as during his life and can be viewed through the windows. Continue to the special architecture 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
Secondly, visit the Temple of Literature – The first royal academy of the country.
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Break for lunch at a local restaurant.
Thirdly, visit the Museum of Ethnology (Hoa Lo Prison if you visiting on Monday) – one of the 25 most attractive museums in Asia. The museum was opened in 1997 to preserve and introduce most of the richest culture, traditions of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. It is a place which is combined with a very green and tranquil garden behind where you can see and learn more about some of very popular architectures as King people’s traditional house, Ede tribe’s longhouse, Bana tribe’s communal house, Stilt house of Tay tribe…
Hanoi is a blend of long-established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial buildings give the city a touch of Western elegance, while crowded blocks of tiny old houses and narrow lanes full of daily life bear the charms of the past centuries. Take 45 minute Cyclo Tour through the Old Quarter: Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36s names’ was related to the products being sold there. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities. Before coming back to your hotel, we will watch a water puppet show. Dinner is on your own arrangement. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9 : Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Trang An (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8.00AM: our tour expert picks you up at your hotel, we travel to Hoa Lu. Along the way, we may take some stop-over for photo and refreshment while enjoying rural stunning scenery on the way. Arrive in Hoa Lu which is the former capital of Vietnam (968 – 1009) under Dinh and Le dynasties. Visit Dinh temple, Le temple and surroundings.
Have lunch at local restaurant with local food.
After lunch, take the amazing boat trip to visit Trang An grottoes which is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While rowing through Trang An grotto in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats, visitors enjoy a heaven on earth.
15:00: Leave Trang An and drive back Hanoi city.
18:00: Arrive your hotel in Hanoi. Free on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10 : Hanoi - Halong - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)
Breafkast is served at your hotel.
Morning, our driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby and depart for Halong Bay. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a lush dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.
Day 11 : Halong - Hanoi Airport - Flight To Hue (B/L)
Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.
Upon arrival at Hue airport, our tour guide will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in.
Day 12 : Hue - City Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering.
We then head back to Hue for your lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City or Tu Cam Thanh. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 13 : Hue - Hai Van Pass - Hoian Ancient Town (B)
After breakfast at hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoian via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city.
Upon arrival Hoian, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoian in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall - an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. Back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 14 : Hoian - Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village - Tra Que Herb Village (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
08.00 AM: Our local guide picks up you at the hotel lobby, you enjoy a cycling trip along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and pause to see farmers toiling in their rice fields using centuries of farming practices. Peddle your way through palm forests, across bridges, fields of water buffalo. Riding along country lanes at a peaceful pace viewing local life and stop over to see farmers (If you can't cycle, we will arrange car or mini van as an alternative)
9:00 AM: Take a short break in a local family at Cam Thanh Village before enjoying 1.5 hours ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time to catch fishes and “purple crabs” in the Canal.
10:30 AM: Continue to drive to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetable are produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.
11:30 AM: Visit a local family and after a short, informative and fun cooking lesson, we sit down for a delicious lunch. Be back to town central your hotel for relax.
Overnight in Hoian.
Day 15 : Hoian - Danang Airport - Flight To Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today, you are free at leisure until being picked up and transferred to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, meet our driver and we transfer to hotel. Check in and relax (We can arrange Saigon jeep tour by night or scooter evening tour… on your request). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 16 : Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - City Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8:00am: Our guide & driver pick you up at hotel.
A half day tour to Cu Chi, located about 70 km from Saigon, where you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the former stronghold of the Viet Cong with a network of tunnels three levels deep stretching over 200 km.
Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from former Saigon .
At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.
Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like.
The tunnels have been widened for our benefit (otherwise we would not be able to enter them!) For those interested there's even the opportunity to try an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. (On your own cost)
Your lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route.
Your afternoon begins with the exploration of Ho Chi Minh city, including the Reunification Palace that was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. Then, continuing our trip visiting War Remnants Museum that is formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display the futility of war. Close to the museum, we go to visit the Central Post Office that is the country’s largest post office was built since 1891. It is a fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. Back to your hotel and free on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 17 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
08:00am: our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the “Capital” of Coconut – Ben Tre. It takes about 2-2.5 hours transfer on the way to Ben Tre.
On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier (Ben Tre town). Take a boat on Ben Tre river – one of tributaries of Mekong river, Sight-seeing lively activities along river as fishing,water transfering... Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along Cái sơn canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to Nhon Thanh village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits.
Take a tuk tuk or ride on shady paths, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on realy life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon - Take rowing-boat along water palm creek and boat along Cai Coi creek back to Hung Vuong Pier where our driver awaits for you to transfer back to Ho Chi Minh.
You are free in evening and overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 18 : Ho Chi Minh - Departure (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Free morning at your own leisure until the transfer to the airport for your flight departure.
Thank you for choosing our services!
Included/Excluded
Tour Inclusion
- Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services as stated in program
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- All sightseeing tickets as program
- Tissues and water on coach
- Services charges and government tax
- Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service
- 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
- All domestic flights and International flights (if any)
- Boat trip as per tour (if any)
- Vietnam Visa On Arrival pre-approved letter (if any)
Tour Exclusion
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Beverage
- Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo for each person)
- Other services not mentioned above
- International flights & departure taxes (if any)
- Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
- Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year (if any)
Transport
Tour's Location
Payment term and changes
The terms and conditions described below are an integral part of any agreement, oral or written, between Inbound Vietnam Travel Company (hereinabove referred to as IVN) and a physical client or legal person (referred to as “the Customer”).
In the absence of another agreement/contract between Inbound Vietnam Travel and the Customer is fully governed by these Terms and Conditions, which is the commitment to purchase tour services.
1. Deposits & Payment Policy
A deposit of 50% of the total of the tour is required upon confirmation of booking tour. Full payment must be made at least 30 days before departure.
In some specific cases, we can accept payment upon arrival. Accordingly, the Customer must pay the remaining amount on the first day of the trip. In case of non-compliance with this commitment without the consent of IVN, IVN reserves the right to cancel the trip without refunding the deposit paid by the Customer.
From the payment of a deposit or balance, Inbound Vietnam Travel creates a receipt and sends the Customer before or upon arrival in Vietnam, or by email or fax, or by hand at IVN’s office.
2. Payment Method
The Customer can choose the following payment methods:
- Bank Transfer to IVN’s bank account:
ACCOUNT NAME: INBOUND VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COMPANY LIMITED
ACCOUNT CURRENCY: VND
BANK NAME: Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank)
BANK BRANCH: Vietcombank Transaction Center, Hanoi
BANK ADDRESS: 55 – 57 Le Hong Phong street, Dien Bien ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi city, Vietnam
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0991000052012
SWIFT/IBAN: BFTV VNVX
- One Pay payment gateway: The Customer can pay by credit card via a secure online payment system (3.5% service charge is applied to Visa/Master cards; 4.5% service charge is applied to AMEX cards)
- Cash: The cash payment is made at Inbound Vietnam Travel’s office or with persons designated. In this case, no fee is required.
3. Cancellation Policy
At Inbound Vietnam Travel, we do our best to minimize cancellation penalty for our guests but we must abide by the cancellation policy of each service provider. Bellows are general cancellation policy for:
Cancellation from date of confirmation to 30 to 7 days before departure date: only the deposit is forfeited as processing fees.
- Cancellation less than 7 days before departure date or no show: charge 100% of total amount.
*** Nonrefundable deposit and banking service fee will be forfeited in all cancellation cases.
4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in your tour price. It is highly recommended to anyone who takes part in a trip organized by IVN to have travel insurance cover contracted in their home country. IVN may have to ask the Customer for certificate of insurance and assistance.