14-Nights Best of Vietnam & Thailand from $3,768

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Transfer: Hanoi Airportto Hanoi - The French Quarter

Hotel: Melia Hanoi Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Contemporary 21-story hotel located in the city centre of Hanoi, in the heart of the business & diplomatic district, near government offices & tourist attractions.

Melia Hanoi Hotel has 306 well-furbished rooms. From its 22 stories, guest can enjoy the view of the city which boasts many parks, rivers and lakes.

All rooms and suites are furnished with full-length windows, air-conditioning, large working desk with executive chairs, IDD telephone and fax line, spare connection line, Wireless Broadband Internet outlets and power points for your computer, voice mail and message light, alarm clock, remote controlled colour satellite television, in room safe, bathroom with bathtub and shower, bathrobe and slippers, hair-dryer, well stocked mini bar and refrigerator and complimentary tea/coffee making facilities, local English newspaper.

Enjoy a half-day explore the Westlake area and the surroundings by private vintage Jeep. You will observe the contrast between traditional residential quarters versus the new architecture in the developing areas. Stop by a much less-visited pagoda where daily worship is still practiced and enjoy the ambiance and culture of this religious site. Mingle with locals at a coffee shop to watch daily life passing by.

Then drive further to the war memorial - Huu Tiep Lake. It features a US B-52 bomber that was shot down in 1972 during the Vietnam War. What special about this B-52 bomber is that it was shot down before it dropped any bomb. There were around 47 bombs collected from the wreck.

Walk back to the main road and continue your vintage jeep trip toward Hoang Hoa Tham Street. This area is full of bonsais, flowers and pet shops. Chance to enjoy the hustling and bustling vibe between the buyers and sellers. On the way back to your hotel, pass by the lively Old Quarters and the stunning Opera House. The vintage jeep brings you back to the hotel with vivid memories.

Hanoi is a paradise for lovers of street food and the city's best dishes can be found on its bustling sidewalks, where the air is filled with the aroma of lemongrass, chili, cilantro, and other fresh herbs. Your guide will offer you insights into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, including details about the ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Start strolling through the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter and indulge your taste buds along the way. Let's sit down with young locals and try the popular Nom Kho Bo, a salad made with green papaya and beef jerky. The key to this dish is the crunchy texture of the papaya and the flavor imparted by lime and fish sauce. Next, follow the scent of fragrant food to a rustic venue where Banh Cuon, a steamed rice roll, is served. You will be astonished as the skilled chef demonstrates how this delicious dish is cooked. Then visit a family-run eatery that serves Bun Cha, a one-dish meal of noodles with flame-grilled pork cooked over hot coals for extra flavor. After satisfying your appetite, it's time for dessert. Venture down a small alley in search of seasonal sweet treats. Before heading back to your hotel, optional mingle at a hidden café with stunning views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.

This morning, transfer from your Hanoi hotel to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, transfer to the Paradise Elegance. You will be greeted by the Paradise crew who will aim to provide you with the highest standards of service throughout the journey. Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship's tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by bamboo rowing boat. Today's cruising program includes a visit to Titov Island and Luon cave. At sunset, Paradise Elegance will anchor overnight. It is the perfect time to enjoy Happy Hour and Canapes while being serenaded by a live music performance at L'Odyssee Sundeck or Piano Lounge before sitting down to delicious dinner.

Hotel: Paradise Elegance (5 Star Rating)

A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Rise early and start the day with a Tai Chi session at L'Odyssee Sundeck before enjoying a light continental breakfast at Le Marin Restaurant. This morning you will visit Sung Sot cave, the most beautiful and largest cave in Halong Bay. Back on the ship, enjoy a full breakfast while cruising past Thien Cung and Dau Go Cave and the Fighting Cock Islet. Paradise Elegance returns to Tuan Chau Marina and you will get transferred to your Hanoi Hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Transfer: Hanoi - The French Quarter to Hanoi Airport

Transfer: Da Nang Airportto Hoi An - Ancient Town

Hotel: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (4 Star Rating)

Stretching along the sun-kissed shores of Cua Dai Beach, the distinct Indochine-inspired Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa is a paradise haven nestled in the heart of Hoi An. The beach resort offers upscale accommodations, heartfelt services, and authentic experiences.

Nested along the central coast, Hoi An is a city that blends history, culture and natural beauty into a captivating destination. With its well-preserved ancient architecture of 15th-19th century, colorful lantern-lit streets, vibrant traditional textile workshops, Hoi An offers a journey back in time. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively market as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. Pay a visit to the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. During the walk, make a stop at a market to taste well-known local green leaf cakes in Hoi An. Wrap up the tour by visiting a Tea House that supports disadvantaged youth. The majority of the staff are hearing impaired, making for a unique experience as you communicate your order of tea or coffee or home-made cookies by writing it down or using wooden blocks with words.

Transfer: Hoi An - Ancient Town to Da Nang Airport

Transfer: Chiang Mai Airportto Chiang Mai - Old City

Hotel: Tamarind Village (4 Star Rating)

Located at the heart of historic Chiang Mai is Tamarind Village which is a unique boutique property that serves as the perfect base for exploring the city's ancient temples and shopping districts. The name Tamarind comes from the 200-year-old tree that gives shade to the hotel, creating a cool and relaxing ambience.

You will be picked up this morning for the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive to Chang Chill Sanctuary. After an introduction and safety briefing, meet the resident elephants and follow the guide through the forest to observe the elephants from a safe distance. Learn from the mahouts about the elephants' behaviors and interesting facts about their lives, such as how they eat, sleep, and live. Following this, it will be time to feed the elephants using feeding tubes.

A Thai vegetarian lunch will be served at the camp.

In the afternoon, take a walk through the camp's herb garden to learn about the medicinal properties of various plants and gather ingredients to prepare healthy supplements for the elephants. End the day with a conversation with the mahouts and learn about how they came to care for the elephants and the importance of elephants in Thai culture. Depart Chang Chill Sanctuary at approx. 3pm and transfer back to Chiang Mai to your hotel.

Today, head out to take a closer look at Chiang Mai's rich traditions with an early morning tour with monks. Set off at first light and drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located on a mountain top, this temple is one of Chiang Mai's most sacred sites. Arrive in time to see the monks emerge from their monasteries for the daily alms collection. Witness the saffron-robed monks shuffle silently down the streets, collecting offerings from local Buddhist residents. This serene ceremony is the perfect introduction to Chiang Mai's spiritual side. Climb up the massive staircase to the top of Doi Suthep, admiring the Golden Naga images that line the stairs. Take a stroll around the golden stupa that sits at the centre of the pagoda and admire the sweeping views of the city.

Continue along the spiritual trail with a visit to tranquil Wat Umong. Dating back to the 14th century, this sacred temple contains a network of mysterious tunnels and caves. In one of these quiet corners, receive a special blessing from a local monk.

Following this introduction to the spirituality of northern Thailand, head to a popular local restaurant for a snack. Order a bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai's most famous dish which combines crispy noodles and coconut curry sauce. Slurp up the delicious noodles while reflecting on the magical morning then return to the hotel.

Transfer: Chiang Mai - Old City to Chiang Mai Airport

Transfer: Phuket Airportto Phuket - Rawai Beach

Hotel: The Vijitt Resort Phuket (4 Star Rating)

Escape to a heavenly corner of earth at the Vijitt Resort Phuket where the pace of life is slow and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Situated on a tranquil beach away from the bustling tourist crowds, this luxury all-villa Phuket resort offers a rejuvenating retreat that exudes Thai charm. The exquisite location of the Rawai hotel was handpicked for its outstanding natural beauty offering wide open spaces with tall swaying palms and lush green lawns that gently slope towards the Andaman Sea.

Today, spend a day at sea visiting beautiful Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. After breakfast, you'll be met and driven to the jetty where a private, longtail boat awaits. Climb aboard and cast off to begin your adventure!

Cross the emerald-green waters of the bay, passing by dramatic limestone karsts and uninhabited islands. Go ashore at 'James Bond Island', a distinctive rocky island that is a popular place for photos.

The day is filled with several fantastic stops. Cruise through a pristine mangrove forest, getting a close look at the incredible ecosystems created by these ancient plants. Stop at secluded beaches to go swimming alongside colourful tropical fish. There is plenty of time to explore secluded beaches and soak up the sun. Around midday a scrumptious picnic lunch will be served in a scenic location. Enjoy the fresh air and tropical breeze while dining on a delicious meal.

As the sun begins to dip low into the sky, return to Phuket arriving in time to watch the sunset at the end of the day. You'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Transfer: Phuket - Rawai Beach to Phuket Airport