Thailand and Vietnam Getaway 15 Days, 14 Nights

Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, collect your luggage process through custom. Your private tour guide and driver from Asia Dream Tours will be waiting for you outside the arrival hall to transfer you in a private vehicle to the hotel in downtown. (The tour guide will hold up your names on a welcome signboard).

Transfer to your hotel then check in and relax at your own leisure in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

(Check in time is 14.00 – Early check in is upon availability) 

Meet our tour guide at Lobby, and start to visit the famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho – the oldest massage school in Thailand, where the blind may be trained to become masseuses. Then visit 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 Temple of the sacred Emerald Buddha and transfer to hotel.

After lunch you travel by long tail boat through the Klongs to see the family homes, temples and local life. You make your final stop of the day at the Temple of Dawn.

Returning to your hotel for relaxing at your own leisure until 19.00 when our driver will meet you up at the hotel and start our street food tour experience in Bangkok.

Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stop eating. Bangkokians usually find themselves enjoy eating even at midnight. So, what would be a better idea than exploring this city of angels via a fun TukTuk ride and visiting best local eateries after the sunset? That’s why we’d love to invite you to come with us on the “BANGKOK’s BEST EATS MIDNIGHT FOOD TOUR”.

Go beyond tourist zones for the most enjoyable midnight eating adventure. After the moon comes up, cruise along Bangkok streets via this city’s iconic 3-wheel, TukTuk, to visit Bangkokian’s favorite places to eat. Taste a variety of savory menus, including the local favorite Northeastern Thai Food (Esan Food), the town’s Best Pad Thai, and the popular home-style Thai snack. Between the bites, visit old-town landmarks and temples for a different perspective compared to the busy day time scene. Discover the side of Bangkok wholly unknown to visitors. We will finish the tour by the Cinderella’s time.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel we drive north to Ayutthaya.

Depart Bangkok and journey north to the former capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Look closer at the iconic buildings and archaeological wonders of a 14th-century Siamese capital, including temples and statues.

Go to the majestic Bang Pa-In Palace to see the former summer residence of the Thai royal family then continue to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat Gothic Temple. Wat Niwet Thammaprawat is the most intriguing because it’s the only Neo-Gothic monastery in Thailand and is located on an island in the Chao Phraya River opposite the Bang Pa In Palace near Ayutthaya.

Access is gained through a cable car strung across the river and manned by the monks from the temple. A Delicious Thai lunch is served at local restaurant, and then we move to near the Muslim quarter and sample one of the most famous delights of Ayutthaya – and try candy floss roti.

After continued to Historical Park and visit to the ancient palace ground. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once a royal temple lying beside the Grand Palace, was once the most significant temple during Ayutthaya period. Adjacent to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is Viharn Phra Mongkolbopit, an impressive building that houses a large seated bronze Buddha image. Its rebuilt pristine hall was believed to be a replica of the old Assembly Hall of Ayutthaya.

We continue to Wat Mahathat, a classic temple ruin of Ayutthaya and famous for the picturesque Buddha head engulfed by the Bodhi tree roots. The foundation size, remaining prangs, and towers attest the significance during its time. And continued to visit Wat Ratchaburana,- also called the Monastery of the Royal Repairs or the Ayutthaya at Tha Wasukri Sub-district. Before back to Bangkok and transfer you to hotel by private car.

Overnight in Bangkok.

This morning, our driver will meet you up at your hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport for your direct flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, meet our tour guide and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most important and famous temple in Chiang Mai. The tour begins with a pleasant wildly driving up 3,500 feet above sea level to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. You then ascend up the 306 steps to the temple gateway which guarded by two splendid Nagas (serpents). Walk around the grounds of Doi Suthep past golden pillars, six foot gongs and rows of bells. A five tiered parasols made of gold sat on display in the inner courtyard. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383, is the symbol of Chiang Mai. It is the most sacred temple in the city and contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha which is enshrined in the magnificent golden pagoda that can be seen for miles around. A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffaloes, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.

Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.

Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

Feeding the Elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park.

Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

*Park visits are all about spending quality time observing and being with the herd. We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants.

What to bring? Hat, Sunscreen, Sandals/Flip Flops, Change of clothing as you may get muddy or wet, Towel, Shoes for walking, Camera, Bug Repellent

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your short flight to Hanoi.

On arrival, our driver and tour guide will meet you up at Hanoi airport and take you to your hotel. Check in and relax at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

The full day tour takes you around Hanoi’s highlights sites including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house, Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. You also have chance to visit historic University – The Temple of Literature, that dates back to the 11th century; learn about Buddhist practices in a serene lakeside pagoda. Visit the famous Ethnology Museum, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit the Ngoc Son temple set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. You’ll hear how it got its name from a legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle! Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named after the products that were sold from their shops. End you day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.

Return to your hotel after the visit.

Overnight in Hanoi

At 08:00, you will leave Hanoi for Halong Bay after 3.5 hours drive and board a boat, enjoying lunch while cruise through the bay. The magical bay is home to thousands of limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons’ teeth. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board, you will enjoy cocktails or cooking classes while watching the sunset, before indulging in a lavish dinner onshore. Afterwards, you can choose to do anything from joining movie night, playing board games, or relaxing at the beauty spa before retiring for the night.

Overnight onboard with the cruise

*** Itinerary varies depending on which cruise you are going to take

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves, fresh air, and breeze welcoming the new day. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. The boat arrives at the harbor by 11.30am and your driver is waiting to take youto the airport for your next flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, being welcomed at the airport by our driver and tour guide, you will head to your hotel in Hoian. Check in and relax at your own leisure in Hoian.

Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at your hotel then make your way to the vibrant central market on two wheels. Navigate every section and interact with the local vendors as you purchase your ingredients. Hop on your bike and go to Tra Que village, a quaint village famous for its distinctly fresh Vietnamese herbs and vegetables. Be refreshed by a welcome drink as you arrive and walk through the vegetable gardens to see the traditional farming methods of the locals. After some farming practices enjoying a foot massage and the traditional herbal foot dip. Then learning how to prepare and cook authentic Vietnamese cuisines as one of Hoi An’s resident chefs shows you how it’s done. Then savor the delightful dishes that you’ve cooked as a reward to yourself before heading back to your hotel.

This afternoon take a pleasant guided walk through Hoi An’s ancient town, which has remained largely unchanged over the last couple of hundred years. Seeing the town on foot let you better appreciate the architecture and monuments that reflect various Asian styles.

• Visit houses that show elements of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese styles
• Make a stop at the only Japanese-style covered bridge outside of Japan
• Admire the grand ornamentation of ancient Chinese Assembly Halls

Finish the tour then return to your hotel to relax. Free time afterwards.

Overnight in Hoian

Free at your own leisure.

After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Check in your hotel and relax at your own leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.

From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.

Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Head to Cho Lon – the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Return to your hotel to relax afterwards.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Today your private guide and driver will take you out of Saigon in a private vehicle and onto some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town, the heart of the Mekong Delta, popularly known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, and is famous for its vast rice fields, orchard farms, coconut trees, numerous waterways and beautiful landscapes.

After appox 2 hour driving through the lush farming land we arrive at Ben Tre town where we will embark on a motorized boat trip around the scenic Bến Tre River, viewing various local industries along the way. During the boat ride we will stop to visit the small local factories where bricks and sleeping mats are made. Take a leisure walk along the village lanes visiting the local homes to try dry fruits, taste honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music show. Continue to visit a coconut mill workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a range of coconut husk and fiber products are skillfully handcrafted.

We next take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frenetic buzz of Saigon which seems far, far away.

Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xelôi) passing rice and vegetable orchard farms while meeting with local people. Then we head to a local restaurant for a simple lunch, after which we will be driven back to Saigon. Rest of day is for relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Free at your own leisure until our driver transfers you to the airport for your departure flight home.