Premium Thailand and Vietnam

Duration

19 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Over 19 days, set off on an adventure through Thailand and Vietnam and see the contrast of bustling cities and serene landscapes.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (18), Lunch (6), Dinner (8)
Accommodation: Hotel (15 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)

Highlights

Stay in the beautiful Lisu Lodge for your Feature Stay in Thailand. This community-based project employs Lisu villagers and allows you to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying creature comforts.
Support an important animal welfare initiative, speak with local experts and get close to the gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park.
Explore the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with your local leader, who will help you uncover the vibrant mix of influences, from the French to Asian tradersand Indigenous peoples.
Enjoy an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay on a boat as beautiful as its surroundings for your Feature Stay in Vietnam. Take in spectacular views while enjoying a candle-lit dinner on deck.
Sit down to a soul-stirring Ca Tru performance on a Premium Exclusive Experience – an art form that dates back more than 700 years.

Trip Details

Duration

19 days

Transportation

Boat, Plane, Private Minibus, Train, Bicycle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Ho Chi Minh City, Thailand

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your journey begins in Bangkok, where you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe explore Thailand’s capital at your own pace. By day, you can experience a city filled with history and tradition, but by night Bangkok is taken over by a flood of music and neon lights. Maybe visit one of the many temples or explore Chinatown. Watch tuk tuks zip by while traditional khlong boats slowly wind down the Chao Phraya River. After your meeting, join your small group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where your leader will introduce you to the local flavours.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Bangkok - Welcome Dinner

Accommodation:

The Theatre Residence or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Bangkok

Rise early for an optional Exclusive Experience away from Bangkok’s tourist track. Join the locals and visit a temple along the Chao Phraya River, where you’ll ‘make merit’ by bringing an offering to the temple’s monks. Later, your leader will take you for a day of sightseeing and activities around the city. Tour Wat Po – a larger-than-life temple complex in the city and home of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace and learn about the site which has been the official residence of the kings since the 1700s, then head out on an electric boat tour of the city's canals as your leader shows you how Bangkok’s locals live today. The afternoon is free to do as you wish – maybe check out the art collection at the Jim Thompson house or relax with a Thai massage.

Included Activities:

Bangkok - Grand Palace
Bangkok - Wat Pho
Bangkok - Temple Merit Making
Bangkok - Khlong Electric Boat Canal Tour

Optional Activities:

Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House (200 THB)
Bangkok - Thai Massage (300 THB)

Accommodation:

The Theatre Residence or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Kanchanaburi

Unleash your creativity and learn about the history of Benjarong – a traditional style of painted Thai porcelain – during today’s visit to a ceramics community. The name literally means ‘five colours’ (although it’s not unusual to see up to eight) and artists use enamel to create intricate floral and geometric designs. This morning, you’ll get to paint your own mug or teacup which will be fired and sent to you to take home as a unique souvenir. After, maybe grab some lunch before you continue to Kanchanaburi to visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. This prisoner of war cemetery was one of the first museums to educate the public and keep the memory of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous Death Railway alive.

Included Activities:

Benjarong - Ceramics Workshop
Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Kanchanaburi - Bridge over the River Kwai

Accommodation:

U Inchantree or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Kanchanaburi

Visit Erawan National Park to explore famous seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are said to be some of the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters perfect for a dip. Many Allied prisoners of war and conscripted Asian labourers were engaged here to help build a rail route to Myanmar (Burma), including the passage infamously known as Hellfire Pass. Visit the memorial museum of the pass where your leader will provide more information about this chapter in history. Take a historical train journey across a portion of this 'Death Railway' along the Kwai Noi River and travel over the original wooden viaduct, known as the Krasae Bridge, constructed by the allied POWs. The evening is yours to explore the town.

Included Activities:

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Kanchanaburi - Train trip on Death Railway

Accommodation:

U Inchantree or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ayutthaya

This morning, head to Ayutthaya – one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way, visit Baan Nong Khao CBT Village – an agricultural village famous for its Pha Khao Mah hand-weaving. Visit the community’s museum, a palm sugar field and a local house to see how desserts featuring this famous Thai ingredient are made. Of course, you’ll get to sample these sweet treats. Then watch the weavers at work as they use more than 100 colours of yarn to create traditional Thai clothing. When you get to Ayutthaya, explore the photogenic 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat and discover rows of Buddhas beheaded by the Burmese. Look out for the displaced Buddha head suspended in the roots of a Banyan tree (one of the country’s most photographed images). Tonight, you’ll board a traditional rice barge and tuck into a delicious Thai dinner.

Included Activities:

Baan Nong Khao - Weaving Community Visit
Ayutthaya - Temple Visit
Ayutthaya - Traditional Rice Barge Dinner Cruise

Accommodation:

Centara Ayutthaya Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Phitsanulok to Sukhothai

Leave Ayutthaya and travel to the town of Phitsanulok by train. Sit back, relax and watch the scenery roll by. When you arrive, change to a private vehicle and continue this comfortable journey until you arrive in Sukhothai. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to relax by the pool or unwind with a Thai massage. For dinner tonight, maybe ask your leader where you can get a bowl of Sukhothai’s famously tasty noodles.

Included Activities:

Ayutthaya - Train to Phitsanuloke

Accommodation:

Legendha Sukhothai Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sukhothai

Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Start your day with an optional alms offering before visiting its famed World Heritage-listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. You’ll rent a bicycle for a cycling tour through the park and as you ride, your leader will teach you more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Have a picnic lunch then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the town at your own pace, or relax by the pool back at your accommodation. This evening, regroup and head to the home of one of our local friends where you’ll sit down for a homecooked dinner and a unique insight into life in this part of the country.

Included Activities:

Sukhothai - Morning Alms Offering
Sukhothai - Historical Park Visit and Bike Ride
Sukhothai - Dinner in a local home

Accommodation:

Legendha Sukhothai Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Mae Taeng

Travel from Sukhothai to the Mae Taeng region. Draped between rice fields and fruit orchards, you’ll find the Lisu Lodge – your Feature Stay for the night. The lodge is a community-based project that trains and employs Lisu villagers from the nearby hill tribe and aims to preserve their cultural heritage. The Lisu people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and one of the six main hill tribes of Northern Thailand. Meet the colourfully dressed villagers and learn more about the Lisu way of life – this is a truly special experience that’s sure to be one of your enduring memories of Thailand. The lodge offers guestrooms decorated in the traditional Lisu style with modern comforts. Savour unforgettable views of the surrounding hillside and valley and enjoy tonight’s dinner of fresh, local Thai food.

Accommodation:

Lisu Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Mae Taeng

After breakfast at Lisu Lodge, it’s a quick trip to Muang Kued Village where you’ll meet with a local villager and enjoy a private guided tour. Learn about village life, the reforestation of the surrounding area and how produce is grown in the village orchards. Explore the organic farm and choose the ingredients for a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook traditional Thai food. After lunch, join the villagers and learn how to weave palm leaves to create ornaments and accessories. You’ll also join them for a tasty barbeque dinner at the nearby Mae Tamaan Base Camp.

Included Activities:

Mae Taeng - Mae Tamaan Base Camp BBQ Dinner
Muang Kued - Village Visit and Handicraft Workshop
Muang Kued - Cooking Class

Accommodation:

Lisu Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Chiang Mai

Travel to the Elephant Nature Park – a unique project that provides sanctuary for elephants and other animals. Be greeted by an expert local guide and learn the stories of the rescued elephants and the issues they face in South East Asia. Watch the elephants from a viewing platform with the expert staff as they bathe and play and tuck into a vegetarian buffet lunch. Back in Chiang Mai, visit the Yimsoo Café, which supports workers living with disabilities. Then, the evening is yours to enjoy your own way. Maybe visit the vibrant Night Bazaar or take a stroll around the Old Town, which is bounded by moats. Your leader can give you recommendations on where to go for dinner.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park Half Day Trip
Chiang Mai - Yim Soo Cafe

Accommodation:

Smile Lanna Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Chiang Mai

This morning, drive to the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Take in the views along the scenic and winding mountain road, which brings you to an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards justify the ascent to the top, with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, not to mention the fantastic panoramic views of the city. Return to Chiang Mai where you’ll have time to relax before your farewell dinner, cooked by a local chef! Dine on Thai fusion food made with local ingredients as you reminisce about the wonderful adventures you’ve had in Northern Thailand.

Included Activities:

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Chiang Mai - Farewell Dinner

Accommodation:

Smile Lanna Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hanoi

Say goodbye to Thailand today and catch an unescorted flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital city, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be a second group meeting to meet your new group and local leader after which you will head out for dinner at a beautifully decorated restaurant resembling an old-fashioned Vietnamese house. Dive into the world of Vietnamese cuisine as your leader introduces you to a range of classic dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Hanoi - Welcome Dinner
Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 USD)

Accommodation:

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi and travel to Ha Long Bay – one of the great natural treasures of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening – a traditionally decorated boat featuring modern conveniences. Set sail in comfort as unforgettable views of scattered islands and towering limestone karsts slowly unfold in front of you. Explore the bay and sit down for a seafood lunch on board. The sights you visit will vary, but you may stop at a cave where your leader will point out interesting rock formations or a fishing village to learn about local life. In the afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. Soak in the stunning surroundings with a dinner on deck before settling in for a night of stargazing and swapping stories.

Included Activities:

Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Optional Activities:

Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)

Accommodation:

Secret Halong Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Hanoi

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast and maybe take part in some Tai Chi on board the boat before returning to Hanoi. This afternoon, you’ll take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and sit down to a soul-stirring traditional Ca Tru performance. Ca Tru is an art form of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed at Royal Courts and is now included by UNESCO on the list of Intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to an ancient temple and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where these artists still sing acoustically.

Included Activities:

Halong Bay - Tai Chi
Hanoi - Ca Tru Performance

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Accommodation:

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Hoi An

This morning, you’ll get to know Hanoi on a half-day tour with your leader. Discover a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side as your leader shares knowledge on the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. You'll also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, which held American POWs. Today’s lunch is extra special as you’ll visit the fantastic KOTO cafe – a social enterprise that provides hospitality training and experience to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam and offers a creative menu of Vietnamese dishes made with local ingredients. This afternoon you’ll say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Danang. Drive on to Hoi An and take in views of lush scenery along the way. The rest of the day is yours to explore or chill out in the hotel’s pool.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
Hanoi - Hoa Lo Prison

Accommodation:

Hoian Rosemary Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Hoi An

Set off on a walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town and discover a blend of traditional treasures and cultural influences from historical traders. Your leader will discuss the city’s history as you walk the pagoda lined streets, visit a Chinese assembly hall, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, enter the ornately decorated historic house of a former trader and check out a local museum. Hoi An was once a great trading port for pottery, and centuries-old pottery villages still exist to this day. No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying its famed coffee – your leader will take you to a local coffee shop, where you can savour a delicious brew as you watch the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Maybe try a traditional egg coffee or a refreshing iced coconut coffee. Your afternoon is free for your own explorations.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Hoi An - Vietnamese Coffee Stop

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Farm to Table dining experience at Tra Que Village and Mua restaurant (84 USD)
Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience (69 USD)

Accommodation:

Hoian Rosemary Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City

The morning is free for you to enjoy more of Hoi An and the surrounding area. Maybe browse the market for silk and other materials or collect any garments that you might have had crafted by the efficient tailors or hire a bicycle and ride along the lanes and out to a nice nearby beach. Your leader will have great recommendations for places to eat and drink. In the afternoon, transfer back to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel before heading out for a tour of the dynamic city, including a visit to the War Remnants Museum. In the evening – the food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh market might call you over with the sweet and savoury scents of pho and bun mam.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
Ho Chi Minh City - Half Day City Tour

Accommodation:

Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City

Head out of the city to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. Enter a widened section of the tunnels with your leader who will help you imagine what life underground must have been like and explain how the tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used for refuge, storage and as a military base for the Viet Cong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and maybe spend some time with your fellow travellers and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant. Your leader will have some great options!

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City - Local gin tasting at Lady Trieu Distillery

Accommodation:

Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh city, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (59 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $9,790

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 19 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Over 19 days, set off on an adventure through Thailand and Vietnam and see the contrast of bustling cities and serene landscapes.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Jul 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now