Wonderful Thailand & Indochina 20 Nights / 21 Days
Ideally combines three wonderful Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, an unforgettable holiday trips for friendly family, small groups and couples. Visit the iconic Bangkok’s main attractions including impressive architecture of Grand Palace admired by sacred Emerald Buddha, oldest Buddhist temples, river cannels and famous floating market, and explore northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai’s hill tribe villages to cultural insights, fascinating temples, elephant sanctuary and the golden triangle. Continuously, witness the incredible Angkor complex, the great lake plus unique ox cart ride of Siem Reap, along with the striking Phnom Penh Capital enhanced by notable Royal Palace, national museum, interact locals from cyclo ride before pay a worth visit to the vibes of Saigon City from Saigon’s French architectures, the thrilling historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels, the must-see Mekong Delta and discover the best insights of Hanoi, attractive karst formation of Tam Coc and leisurely relax in cruise at beautiful Halong Bay.
Destinations
Bangkok → Ratchaburi → Kanchanaburi → Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai → Siem Reap → Phnom Penh → Saigon → Mekong Delta → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong Bay
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Bangkok – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: Best Bangkok City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin at 8.00am for the amazing day to explore significant tourist attraction in central Bangkok City, visit Wat Traimit which houses the largest Golden Buddha statue in the world and catch the highlights of bustling China and Indian towns animated by interesting daily activities or you can stop by for a short visit when we drive pass to observe the Temple of the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. Continue for a guided strolling at The Grand Palace which is popularly known as “The City Landmark” admired by the most impressive Emerald Buddha and other building complex that features unique architectural designs and cultural arts. Enjoy delicious Thai lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, enjoy a long-tail boat excursion across Chao Phraya River to pay attention at the remarkable Wat Arun which means Temple of Dawn which dates back to Ayutthaya Kingdom and take beautiful photos of Bangkok Skylines. Resume our exciting journey on boat through small canals of Thonburi to see Bangkok’s real local lives, wooden houses on the water, temples and other interesting things along the canals before we make our way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Floating Market, Death Railway & The Bridge on the River Kwai
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we leave a bit early for our remote adventure at 7.00am to Ratchaburi which popularly emerges the must-see Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where we will process to take a rowing boat to see the bustling activities along rivers and canals, colorful fruits, flowers, vegetables, snacks and other various items on local boats in this famous floating market in Thailand. Lunch is provided at a selected local restaurant.
Continue our journey to Kanchanaburi whose the well-known Death Railway is located and it dates back to World War II, we spend our worth visit to War Cemetery and JEATH war museum that displays the remnants left from the war including photography, artifacts, documents, equipment and so on. After unlocking the horrific war history, we enjoy the walking on the black iron bridge over the remarkable River Kwai where you can take a good breathtaking and take nice photos before we make our way back to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Nice Train Experience: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out and get transferred by our team at 7.45am for the day train at 8.30am to Chiang Mai. This is quite suitable for those who seek for nice experience of Thailand’s beautiful sights by popular trains from bustling Bangkok Capital to the fascinating Northern Thailand’s hilly jungles, panoramic landscapes and other impressive attractions on the way. The train journey takes approx. 11-12 hours and arrive in Chiang Mai’s train station at 7:30-8:30pm.
Note: Food, drinks and snacks can be purchased on the train.
*Daily domestic flights (1 hr 15 min) are available upon request.
Upon your arrival, your will be friendly greeted by our team and transfer to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Hmong Village & 3km Trekking
Breakfast is served at hotel. We start our wonderful Chiang Mai tour at 8.30am, drive up on Doi Suthep Mountain to visit the famous golden temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep standing 3500 feet above the sea level and it religiously houses Buddha relics then enjoy breathtaking the panoramic view over Chiang Mai City from the summit of Doi Suthep. Resume our journey to Black Hmong Village locates at the hillside, observe daily life of Hmong villagers admired by their interesting routine activities.
Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.
After lunch break, we continue driving down the hill for a pleasant trekking with 3km through jungle trails up and down towards the fascinating and less touristy Monthatan waterfalls hidden among the dense forest in Chiang Mai. Unwind and emerge yourselves with the stunning surrounding, get refreshed and enjoy swimming before heading back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Chiang Mai – Full Day Elephant Nature Park
Breakfast is served at hotel. Be ready with your small light pack for pickup at 7.40am arranged by Elephant Nature Park. 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. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants and 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. We finish the tour and returning Chiang Mai between 5:00pm – 5:30pm.
What to Bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Sandals/Flip Flops, Shoes for walking, Camera, Bug Repellent, Refillable Water Bottle. (Rain Jacket – Rainy Season April – October).
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Vegetarian buffet lunch
Day 7: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai & Chiang Rai Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out at 8.30am then we say goodbye to beautiful Chiang Mai and drive with 2 ½ hours to Chiang Rai Province, we will stop at Mae Kachan Hot spring for coffee break and wander in the area to see locals boiling eggs inside the hot spring. Continue driving, we then pay attention to witness the well-known Wat Rong Khun (popularly known as White Temple) admired by its stunning Thai art styles and unique temple architecture where many tourists always take fabulous photos of its reflection.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant and check in at a booked hotel in Chiang Rai.
Afternoon, we leave hotel for a worth visit at Black House temple museum which inspires traditional Northern Thai arts and architecture then continue to visit the impressive Wat Rong Suea Ten (or Blue Temple) in rare blue color, adorable carvings with its own architectural styles. We’ll then make our way for Kad Luang market to observe daily life of local people and see various Thai products from fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, meats to local street food, clothes and accessories.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle & Long Neck Karen
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we leave a bit early at 7.30am for our wonderful journey to explore the most attractive destinations of Chiang Rai. We spend about an hour to visit Mae Chan admired by its fresh massive Choui Fong Tea plantation where you will learn a bit more about tea processing and enjoy the taste of real tea flavor of Chiang Rai while observing the fantastic scenery. Continue our adventure to interact diverse Akha hill tribal village and Long Neck Karen where we witness their daily life of living in exotic clothes/handicrafts while observing their interesting activities and the surrounding before heading to the well-known Mae Sai market where you wander around to grab a lovely gift for yourselves, this market is boring between Chiang Rai and Tachileik, Myanmar – the commercial place for locals and ethnic minority people come for trades and exchange their various goods.
Enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive to Golden Triangle point where the parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Ruak River and Mekong River meet at the confluence, the region was largely famed for opium production and cultivation in the world. We then take a change to take Mekong River boat which pleasantly provides amazing boat ride to see the mighty Mekong River, to Don Sao Island – a part of Laos where we will wander around Don Sao market.
Note: Visiting Don Sao Island is not required visa but make sure you bring along passport with you and keep it safely with boat company and claim it back when you finished the boat ride. Or you may skip the boat ride if you want.
The best part of the trip is not to miss out Opium House Museum which gives you best interesting history about Opium plantation, production and cultivation, and there are numerous exhibits of opium artifacts as well as houses of opium collection which can tell you that the Golden Triangle is one of most impressive opium cultivation in the world. Finally, our trip ended with meaningful and we drive with 1 ½ hours back to Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Chiang Rai - Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Chiang Rai before our team transfers you to airport for flight (1 stop in Bangkok) to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in and simply have yourselves free time.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
You may opt to visit Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated entertainment! – Phare Cambodian Circus that won the Guinness World Record and it is the only unique Phare Circus performance (no animals) which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts, and impressively inspires Cambodia culture and arts etc.
Day 10: Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 8.00am to the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy tasty Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant near temples.
Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset (free of charge) is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 25 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Kampong Phluk Village, City Tour & Apsara Performance
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off hotel at 8.30am for countryside sightseeing along with a visit at local market to see interesting trades before resuming our journey to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We process to take a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kompong Phluk then the boat slows down to let you enjoy the surrounding admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats, you sometimes see kids in their student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we embark on a canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our main boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about Tonle Sap ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
Afternoon, we go for guided orientation at the finest Artisan Angkor wood/stone carving center which displays various defined handicrafts and silk products, continue to stroll around old market to see interesting daily trade as well as bargaining for local handmade products, paintings, lacquers, carvings, clothes, traditional crafts and so on, and resume going to Royal Residence Garden where we enjoy the walking for breathtaking and take nice photos as well as observing the sacred shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm.
Evening, transfer to have yummy buffet dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Show
Day 12: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Private Car/Minivan
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out and we leave hotel at 7.30am and drive with 6 hours toward Phnom Penh Capital. On the way, we stop for a short visit at the 12th century ancient bridge at Kampong Kdei – the bridge was built in 12th century during Angkor time. We will have a fully guided orientation around the impressive group of Pre-Angkorian monuments “Sambor Prei Kuk”, originally named Isanapura, built in 7th century, was anciently served as the capital of Chenla Kingdom as well as an important learning center during the Angkorian Era. We discover three main groups, unlock the rich history of the Pre-Angkorian time, strolling around the tropical forest with limit undergrowth and take fantastic photos. On the way, we sample a few bites of Bamboo sticky rice and a chance to dare tasting the deep fried insects at Skun village before we’re reaching a booked hotel in Phnom Penh in the evening.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 13: Phnom Penh – Tuol Sleng, Killing Field, National Museum & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today our guide and driver meet you at hotel’s lobby at 8.00am then drive to witness the tragic site of Cheug Ek – the killing field that proceeded more than 20 thousands of civilians and the site is connecting with Tuol Sleng Museum – was the former school that was transformed to Tortured Prison S21. Stroll around Russian market for shopping.
Afternoon, we go for a guided tour at the National Museum, the world’s most important collection of Cambodian antique sculptures and carvings. Next, continue to visit Wat Phnom with interesting legendary of founding place of Phnom Penh Capital. Return hotel refreshment and short break.
Evening, we head to Phnom Penh’s Riverside then get on board with a welcome cocktail while the boat is slowly cruising along Mekong & Tonle Bassac, watch the nice sunset fading at horizon before Western set dinner (or buffet) is started to serve, unwind yourself with colorful Phnom Penh nightlights. Disembark and return hotel.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 14: Royal Palace, Market Tour By Cyclo & Flight to Saigon, Vietnam
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.00am to take a challenge of cyclo ride (rickshaw) along riverfront for fantastic morning highlight of Phnom Penh Capital toward Independent Monument where we stop to capture some beautiful photos before resuming the ride to stroll around central market to see bustling local trades. Finished the cyclo ride at Royal Palace, we walk to visit The Royal Palace – a complex of buildings which are served as the royal residence for the King of Cambodia, admired by impressive Silver Pagoda with over 5000 solid silver tiles and other Royal Stupas, shrines, monuments etc.
Return hotel for refreshment, check out and our team transfers you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 15: My Tho – Mekong Delta Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off 8.00am out of the bustling Saigon straight to My Tho boat pier where we process to embark a local motorboat which slides on Mekong Delta overlooking islets, fish farms and floating houses admired by fishing and trading activities on boats. In Unicorn Island, we will be pampered by Vietnamese traditional music depicting a folk art rooted from South Vietnam and get refreshed by tropical fruit tasting. Continue by canoe, we explore the natural beauty of Mekong canals with lush beautiful coconut trees stretching at both sides until we enjoy the walking tour to observe bee keeping farm and sample honey tea before having lunch. After lunch break, we catch our regular boat to coconut candy workshop to learn the processing of how coconut candies are made, along with a chance to taste and chew sweet candies or purchase a few packs before we get in our awaiting car/minivan and drive back to Saigon City in the evening.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon City Tour & Flight to Hanoi
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin our adventure trip at 7.30am out of bustling Saigon City, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended.
Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we return for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Our team transfers you to airport for flight to Hanoi Capital. Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17: Fully Guided Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.00am for a fully guided tour within Ba Dinh Square, visit the main attractions included the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda with most interesting architecture and 10th century Temple of Literature – the first national university of Vietnam along with rich history. Enjoy delicious lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant (or similar).
Afternoon, we observe Hoa Lo Prison which tells you an interesting war from French colonial time to Vietnam and American War. Continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the significant place to witness the best collection, documentation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic patrimony of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, we take rickshaw (cyclo) explore the popular Old Quarter admired by attractive daily life and bustling local activities. Ending the cyclo ride at Thang Long Opera Theatre, we then enjoy a traditional, unique water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc & Bich Dong Pagoda
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out bustling Hanoi at 7.30am and drive with 2 ½ hours through Red River Delta dotting with beautiful scenery to Ninh Binh Province southern Hanoi. Arrived at Tam Coc, we process to take 2 hours of wonderful sightseeing on Sampan rowing boat through the fascinating rice fields that features the stunning karst formations and surrounding natural beauty as well as peddling through mysterious limestone caves while enjoying the tranquil calm. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue to the significant Bich Dong Pagoda where we will hike up and down to observe religious and interesting places at low, middle and upper pagodas built aside at rocky mountain, learn from your tour guide about local religion, pagoda architectures and history while taking a deep breathtaking to enjoy beautiful landscapes from the highest pagoda. Our last stop will be at Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam dates back to 10th century before it was moved to and established the capital in Hanoi. From there, we will only have a quick visit from the outside at the bridge of the front gate of Hao Lu (depends on time) and unlock its great effort in the history in term of unique art works and architectures. Finally, we make our way back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Prepare yourselves with light packing ready to be picked up by shuttle bus between 8.00-8.30am at your hotel and start your trip to explore the most amazing Halong Bay in the North of Vietnam.
Note: Private car/minivan round trip transfers Halong Bay is available upon request.
On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest. We will reach Halong cruise port around 12.30pm then process the registration and get transferred by tender to Swan Cruise. After safety brief, a welcome drink and checking in, delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing before getting back to the cruise for sunset party.
Evening, have sumptuous set dinner on board and it’s your free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
Overnight in Cruise Halong Bay
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note:
There are many cruise companies operate from standard to luxury cruises to Halong Bay and every cruise companies have their similar cruise itineraries. The above cruise itinerary is detailed according to Swan Cruise’s standard itinerary. If you chose to stay at another cruise, cruise itinerary will then be provided at the time you confirmed. If you really love Halong Bay and want to stay a night longer, 2nights/3days cruise is available, so feel free to speak about this with our sale team.
Day 20: Halong Bay Cruise, Back to Hanoi
Rise a bit early in the morning for Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day to the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave for an hour then return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Around 10.00, attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetable carving. Next, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat while the cruise is heading back to the harbor and disembark at Halong cruise port. At 12.30pm: our shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi and arrive in the evening around 16.00-17.00pm.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 21: Hanoi - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Vietnam then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
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