Compare Sightseeing Tour: Best of Vietnam and Thailand by Bravo Asia Tours vs Spirits Of Vietnam - Cambodia -Thailand In 17 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon

City tour starts upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon, be met and drive to visit Ben Thanh Market, where you can see many interesting things about the daily life of local people. Continue driving to your hotel for check-in and have lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon: we will start a Ho Chi Minh City travel visiting the War Remnants and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.Overnight in HCMC.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnel

In the morning, travel by transfer to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, you will enjoy a scenic drive through idyllic paddy flatlands and countryside. Arrive at Cu Chi tunnels for a fascinating guided tour of this amazing three-floor labyrinth of underground passages stretching a staggering 250kilometres from Saigon to the Cambodian border. After Cu chi, transfer to Cao Dai temple at Tay Ninh town for a trip. You will arrive at the temple in time for the midday service giving you the chance to listen to chanting devotees. The temple’s exterior is decorated with multi-colored dragons of all shapes and sizes. Return to HCMC after lunch. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon - Can Tho

Your tour guide picks you up at the hotel to travel to Ben Tre, the “Coconut capital” in Mekong Delta. Arrive at Ben Tre town, take a boat trip around Ben Tre River, enjoy sight-seeing local activities on the river.In Cai Son and Nhon Thanh creeks, we will see some family making mats.Take motor cart Pass by rice fields and vegetable plains to know the culture in the country.After lunch take a bicycle to visit countryside in Mekong delta. Visit rice factory and Mr. Sáu khánh house – local ancient porcelains collected.Back to the boat then cruising to canal then back to the land where our car waiting for us to Cantho. On the way we stop over at Bonsai village, see the beautiful church. Then continue to Cantho pass by ferry for conquering large river.Overnight in Cantho.

Day 4: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon - Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, rising to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang floating markets. Enjoy seeing the real Mekong lifestyle in the market, visit orchard garden & noodle house before back to land to visit Chinese temple… After then, we drive back directly to the HCMC international airport for a late afternoon flight to Bangkok.Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 5: Bangkok - Bang Pa-in - Sukhothai

Pick you up at your hotel in Bangkok. First, you drive north to Bang Pa-In, a former royal palace that nowadays serves as a summer residence of the king. Continue to drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Bangkok, destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese Visit here, the most important temples, including Wat Phanan Choen, Wat Yai Mongkol, and Wat Rachaburana. Drive through the central plains to Singburi where the Phenom Chaksi Wat, a temple with one of the largest reclining Buddha is Thailand's. Singburi of Uthai Thani to take a small, very beautiful road through the rice level and look at a glass temple in Uthai Thani. It continues with a brief stopover Kamphengphet up to Sukhothai. Overnight at hotel in Sukhothai.

Day 6: Sukhothai - Phitsanulok

Sukhothai was the first capital of the former Kingdom of Siam in the 13-14 century. You will visit the most ancient plants, such as Wat Mahatat, Wat Sra Sri, and Wat Sri Sawai. Due to this huge park, you can either walk or your supervisor rents bikes, where you can tour the facility. Since very few cars run here, it's a nice change, a time to sit on the bike. Then it continues with a visit to the Wat Phitsanuloke Mahatat. Overnight at hotel in Phitsanulok.

Day 7: Phitsanulok - Lopburi - Kanchanaburi

Departure in the morning back south to Lopburi. In Lopburi, we will look at a monkey shrine, the ancient Khmer temple of Wat Prangsamyot, and the former Royal Palace Narai. We continue our tour in a southwestern direction through the central plains, passing Suphanburi until reaching Kanchanaburi. Overnight at hotel in Kanchanaburi.

Day 8: Kanchanaburi

Have a morning tour to visit Kanchanaburi. Here are the so-called JEATH Museum, War Cemetery and the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Then take a train ride on the "Death Railway". After that, you go to an elephant camp where you first ride on an elephant under an hour and then take a bamboo raft ride. Overnight at a resort on the River Kwai, about 50 km north of Kanchanaburi.

Day 9: Kanchanaburi - Damnoen Saduak - Bangkok

After an early breakfast drive to Damnoen Saduak, and visit the only remaining active floating market in Thailand. With a rowing boat to be rowed for an hour through the market street and the adjacent channels, close to the market situation over. Like 140 years ago today still people from surrounding areas come here and sell their products in this key market. Then you visit a beautiful Catholic church, on the banks of the Mae Klong River. Continue on to Petchaburi with a visit to the Khao Luang Cave, in which many monkeys live, and the Royal Palace. Finally, you can either go back to Bangkok hotel or to the airport for your departure flight.

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Explore The Magnificent Halong Bay (B/L/D)

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Day 3: Wake Up With The Dragon In The Bay (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Travel From Hanoi To Ancient Town of Hoi An (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang. When you arrive at Da Nang Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Immerse Yourself In The Beauty Of Lantern Town (B/L)

Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an influential port along the Silk Road. For over 500 years, merchants from China, Japan, France, and Portugal settled in the prosperous town resulting in a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, religions, and architecture. In 1999, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having the most unique architecture in Southeast Asia.

Begin your tour on foot into the heart of Hoi An, a former trading port, that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th Centuries. Nowadays, Hoi An is famous for its stunning restored architecture, homemade silk, expert tailors, distinctive yellow walls, and delicious noodles and seafood. Its relaxed vibe and pedestrian streets make this town a pleasure to discover on foot.

Start with a wander through the Chua Ong Pagoda, a stunning Chinese-style structure constructed in 1653 to honor the Chinese general Quan Cong. Then, head onward to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, famous for the Jinshang Temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Since the city's culture was linked closely with the sea - and the safety of merchant sailors that frequented its shores - this temple is one of the most historic and significant in the entire town.

Finally, wander onward to the 200-year-old ancestral Tan Ky House and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Built by Japanese craftsman and doubling as a temple. Learn about how the bridge was constructed, and now it is a major landmark in the city before the guide takes you to the local restaurant for lunch and then back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Riding The Basket Boat and Fishing Like A Local (B/L)

Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you for a cycle trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside, you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the neighborhood. After that, you will board a boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Later, you will take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. After the boat trip, have delicious lunch and cycle back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Cherish Your Time in Hoi An Town (B)

Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find many small cafes where you could relax with the fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water in the sea is warm and calm.

You could visit a tailor-shop which could make you and your loved ones a new piece of clothes, bag or shoes overnight.

In the evening we recommend you to walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You and would really feel like being in a fairy-tale. And don’t skip the colourful performances organized on the street in the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to Da Nang Airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Ho Chi Minh airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 9: Excursion To The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L)

Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.

Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farm, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.

Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10: Discover the Mysterious Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnels. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served.

Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day11: Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and gave some rest before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Siem Reap. When you arrive at Siem Reap Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12: Explore The Magnificent Ancient Capital Of Khmers (B)

Start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 13: Explore the Floating Villages of Tonle Sap Lake (B)

After breakfast, visit to Floating Village, take a ride by traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake to experience the human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive – floating villages, towering stilled houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. Afternoon, We will drive to the Pouk district about 15 Km in the West of Siem Reap town you visit the silk farm, a fascinating farm/workshop where you can see the entire silk creation process including growing the food for the silk worms, breeding the worms, silk extraction and refinement, traditional kit dying pattern creation and looming. Retail silk and souvenir shop. On the way back, visit the Western Baray (Baray Occidental) measuring 8 km by 2.3 km which provided water for the intensive cultivation of lands around Angkor.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 14: Travel From Siem Reap To Phuket (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and rest before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Phuket. When you arrive at Phuket airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free for leisure.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day15: Cherish Your Time On Phuket Beaches (B)

Free at your leisure to discover Phuket by yourself. Phuket is a beautiful destination for sightseeing and adventuring. The island itself is rife with diverse landscapes, from its famous sandy beaches to forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, low plains, lagoons, and lush tropical vegetation. Spend your time exploring the stunning beaches, have a hike to the waterfall for a picnic, or take a boat trip to explore other islands nearby.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day16: Cherish Your Time On Phuket Beaches (B)

Free at your leisure to discover Phuket by yourself. Phuket is a beautiful destination for sightseeing and adventuring. The island itself is rife with diverse landscapes, from its famous sandy beaches to forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, low plains, lagoons, and lush tropical vegetation. Spend your time exploring the stunning beaches, have a hike to the waterfall for a picnic, or take a boat trip to explore other islands nearby.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 17: Time To Say Goodbye - Phuket Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. Trip Ends.