Thailand & Northern Vietnam 14-Day Tour from Bangkok to Hanoi

After breakfast, set out on a full-day exploration of Bangkok’s cultural landmarks and traditional riverside communities.

Begin at the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and one of Thailand’s most important historic sites. Within the palace complex, visit Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha and an outstanding example of Thai religious architecture.

Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its large Reclining Buddha and its long association with traditional Thai massage and learning.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before discovering another side of the city on a Bangkok canal tour by long-tail boat. Cruise along the historic khlongs, passing wooden houses, small temples and waterside neighborhoods that reflect Bangkok’s traditional way of life.

Later, visit a local market, where fresh produce, local snacks and everyday trading activity offer a closer look at daily life in the Thai capital.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, travel north from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Historical Park, the former capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the ancient ruins of this historic city, beginning with Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha head entwined within tree roots. Continue to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once part of the royal palace complex and recognised for its impressive row of restored chedis.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during your visit.

In the late afternoon, take a short boat journey along the river to view Ayutthaya’s historic temple surroundings from the water as the day begins to cool. Afterwards, return to Bangkok by private vehicle.

This day offers a clear introduction to Thailand’s royal history and architectural heritage beyond the modern capital.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the cultural centre of Northern Thailand.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer into the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with an opportunity to sample the distinctive flavours of Northern Thai cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Chiang Mai Old City, surrounded by ancient walls and moats. Visit Wat Chedi Luang, known for its impressive ruined chedi, and Wat Phra Singh, one of the city’s most important temples associated with Lanna heritage.

In the evening, visit a local night market, such as the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or a walking street market, depending on the operating day. Browse handicrafts, local products and street-food stalls before returning to your hotel.

Flight Note: The Bangkok–Chiang Mai flight is quoted separately unless specifically included in your confirmed quotation.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, travel into the hills outside Chiang Mai to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Northern Thailand’s most revered temples. Set on the mountainside above the city, the temple offers an important insight into local Buddhist traditions as well as panoramic views over Chiang Mai when weather conditions are clear.

After your temple visit, continue to a local market to learn about fresh herbs, vegetables and spices commonly used in Thai cooking.

Later, join a hands-on Thai cooking class guided by a local instructor. Learn how selected Thai dishes are prepared and discover the balance of ingredients and flavours that shape Thai cuisine.

Enjoy the dishes you have prepared as your lunch before returning to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or continue exploring Chiang Mai independently.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, choose one of two experiences designed to introduce you to the natural surroundings and local culture of Chiang Mai.

Option 1: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience

Visit a carefully selected ethical elephant sanctuary focused on responsible care and observation. Learn about elephant welfare and conservation practices, and spend time observing the animals in a respectful environment without riding. Activities are arranged according to the sanctuary’s responsible tourism guidelines.

Option 2: Mae Kampong Village Experience

Travel into the mountains outside Chiang Mai to visit Mae Kampong Village, a peaceful community surrounded by forest scenery. Walk through the village, see traditional wooden houses and experience the calm atmosphere of rural Northern Thailand.

Lunch is included during your selected excursion. Return to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi, continuing your journey from Northern Thailand into Northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in central Hanoi. After check-in, enjoy time to rest or take a short walk around the nearby streets.

In the evening, join a guided Hanoi Vespa street food experience. Travel through lively local neighborhoods and the atmospheric streets around the Old Quarter, stopping to taste selected Vietnamese dishes and drinks. This evening tour provides an enjoyable introduction to Hanoi’s food culture and everyday street life.

Flight Note: The Chiang Mai–Hanoi flight is quoted separately unless specifically included in your confirmed quotation.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, begin a full-day tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and one of the country’s most culturally rewarding cities.

Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, viewed from outside when the mausoleum is closed, to learn about the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, located beside the peaceful waters of West Lake.

Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison, a historic site offering insight into important chapters of Vietnam’s modern history.

Have lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, including its traditional trading streets, Hang Ma Street and Dong Xuan Market. Continue to Bach Ma Temple, one of the oldest religious sites in the Old Quarter.

Take a break to enjoy traditional Vietnamese egg coffee, one of Hanoi’s signature drinks. In the evening, attend a Water Puppet Show, a distinctive performance art with origins in the Red River Delta.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, leave Hanoi and transfer to the cruise pier for your overnight experience in Lan Ha Bay.

Upon arrival, board your selected Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise and receive a short introduction to the onboard arrangements and confirmed cruise program. Enjoy lunch on board as the vessel sails among limestone islands and calm green waters.

In the afternoon, discover the scenery of the bay through activities included in your confirmed cruise itinerary. Depending on the selected vessel, weather conditions and local operations, these may include kayaking, a sampan boat ride, swimming or time to relax on deck.

As evening approaches, enjoy the peaceful bay views from the cruise before dinner is served on board. Optional evening activities may be available according to the operating program of your selected vessel.

Cruise Note: Cruise name, cabin category and included onboard activities will be confirmed in your quotation. Activities may be adjusted according to weather and operational conditions.

Overnight in Lan Ha Bay.

Wake to the peaceful surroundings of Lan Ha Bay and enjoy breakfast on board as your cruise continues through the limestone scenery.

Depending on the confirmed cruise program, the morning may include an onboard activity or a visit to a nearby natural attraction before returning to the vessel. Check out of your cabin and enjoy brunch while cruising back towards the harbor.

After disembarkation, meet your driver and transfer directly to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, travelling through the countryside of the Red River Delta.

Arrive in Tam Coc in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the quieter rural surroundings after your overnight cruise.

Overnight in Tam Coc.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Ninh Binh with a traditional Tam Coc sampan boat ride. Travel along the Ngo Dong River, passing limestone cliffs, rice fields and natural caves in one of Northern Vietnam’s most recognisable countryside settings.

Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic temple complex built against the limestone mountainside. Climb through its different levels and enjoy views over the surrounding rural landscape.

After lunch at a local restaurant, depart Ninh Binh for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a mountainous region known for rice terraces, traditional villages and green valleys. Travel time is approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and local road conditions.

Upon arrival, check in at your selected accommodation and enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings of Pu Luong. A local cultural performance may be arranged where available under your confirmed accommodation program.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Wake up among the mountain scenery of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and prepare for a day of countryside experiences and light outdoor activities.

In the morning, begin a scenic walk through local village surroundings, with visits planned around Uoi Village and Lan Village where route conditions allow. Pass rice terraces, traditional stilt houses and farming landscapes while learning more about rural life in the region.

Enjoy lunch at the confirmed local venue or your accommodation.

In the afternoon, travel to Cham Stream for a gentle bamboo rafting experience, taking in the surrounding vegetation and peaceful waterways. Continue to Ban Cong Village to see traditional water wheels that have long been used for local irrigation.

Later, visit Hieu Waterfall, one of Pu Luong’s best-known natural attractions. Enjoy time to appreciate the scenery and relax near the waterfall. Swimming should only be undertaken where conditions are safe and permitted locally.

After the excursion, return to your accommodation for the evening at leisure.

Activity Note: Today includes walking on village paths and countryside trails. The route and duration may be adjusted according to weather conditions and your fitness level.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

After breakfast, continue exploring Pu Luong Nature Reserve with a visit to Kho Muong Village and Kho Muong Cave, also known locally as Bat Cave.

Travel through mountain scenery and village surroundings before reaching the cave area. Walk into the limestone cave to observe its natural formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. The surrounding village provides a final view of traditional stilt-house communities and the rural landscapes of Pu Luong.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling back to Hanoi. The drive normally takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and local road conditions.

Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening, check in at your hotel and spend your final evening at leisure.

Activity Note: Access to Kho Muong Cave involves walking on uneven terrain and steps. The visit may be adjusted if weather or local conditions affect safe access.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and some free time in Hanoi, depending on your departure flight schedule.

At the arranged time, meet your driver and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Your Thailand and Northern Vietnam 14-day tour from Bangkok to Hanoi ends after a journey through Thailand’s temples and cuisine, Hanoi’s historic streets, the limestone scenery of Lan Ha Bay, the countryside of Ninh Binh and the rice-terrace landscapes of Pu Luong.

End of Tour Services.

Tour Note

Regional flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai to Hanoi are normally quoted separately, as fares and schedules vary according to travel dates and availability. Hotel category, cruise cabin type and selected activities can be customized on request. Cruise programs and outdoor experiences may be adjusted according to weather conditions, safety considerations and local operations.