Charming Vietnam with Ancient Thailand | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Charming Vietnam with Ancient Thailand

PRIVATE TOUR - 16 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 8318

Private Tour Highlights

  • See some of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture
  • Observe the interesting local life of Ayutthaya
  • See the fusion of French and Asian influences on Hanoi
  • Visit Halong Bay, Vietnam’s “Eighth Wonder of the World”
  • Check out the small, charming coastal town of Danang
  • Enjoy a moonlight dinner cruise on a converted rice barge
  • Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok with a colossal reclining Buddha
  • Visit numerous temple ruins and beautiful landscape of lotus ponds and moats
  • Pass many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long Bay
  • Known for its blend of architecture and natural landscape, witness the Tomb of Minh Mang
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

While in Thailand, you will visit some of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture from Bangkok, to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. See the dazzling splendor of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew and the riverside Wat Arun. Then, observe the local life as you head north to Ayutthaya, which displays many fine ruins from its days as a major Asian powerhouse. From here, you will visit several small towns and temples along the way until you arrive at Sukhothai. This city boasts a historic park that features some 200 temples exhibiting the most classic of Thai architectural styles from Thailand’s golden age.

Once transferring to Hanoi, you will find yourself exploring Vietnam’s charming capital, where you can explore the intriguing Ho Chi Minh Complex, observe the elegant French architecture, and browse the shops in the Ancient Quarter. Any trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without visiting Halong Bay, considered Vietnam’s 8th Wonder of the World, which offers seascape vistas that are incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Finally, a few days in the central region will bring you through the smaller and charming coastal towns of Danang, Hoi An and Hue which are great to stroll through and offer some fine cultural sites, like Hue’s Imperial Citadel and the Cham Museum in Danang.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Domestic airfare from Sukhothai to Hanoi, Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Hanoi, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified (food only), Bottled water and cool towels provided for transfers and sightseeing, Vietnam and Thailand government tax and service charges, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Bangkok afternoon excursions
Bangkok waterways:
A cruise through the Thonburi canals is an experience that no other Asian capital can offer. The Bangkok water ways show how this bustling fast developing city retains its traditional way of life and why the city has been known as the “Venice of the East”. Beyond the limits of the typical tourists boats, is a world where stilted houses line the banks. See people bathing in the canals, and generally beginning their day, while you meander through areas of lush vegetation dotted with quaint old Buddhist temples. This tour also includes a visit to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Royal Barges Museum.

Elephant and crocodile show at Samphran:
Situated a mere 1 km from the Rose Garden and 30 km from Bangkok is the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo. Watch the exciting Elephant Theme Show - the only show of its kind in central Thailand - where kings and princes fight on elephant back and conduct games such as elephant races and elephant football, which are only some of the highlights. Visitors can also stroll around the zoo and see keepers showing off their skills in handling tropical reptiles and crocodiles.

National Museum:
Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, this complex was once a palace consisting of several old beautiful Thai style buildings. It houses a vast and interesting collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. From every day objects to weapons of war designed for use from Elephant back, the pieces reflect a rich history. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.

Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 8 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 25 December. Special conditions apply between 28 – 31 December.

* If staying in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai during the Loy Kratong Festival (Nov 1), Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, you will be subject to a compulsory dinner at an additional cost.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 8318

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok

Day
2

Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

Touring Thailand by water

Late morning transfer to Maharaj Pier for a short shuttle boat ride to Supatra River House Restaurant for lunch (food only). This two-story traditional Thai house on the banks of the Chao Phraya River was formerly the home of Lady Supatra Singholaga, who was a leading advocate of women’s rights in Thai society. The décor is traditional architecture, and the views of the river, Grand Palace and Wat Arun are spectacular.

Proceed from Maharaj Pier by tuk tuk for an afternoon tour. The first stop is the Grand Palace which is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of the Kings of Thailand, here see Palaces which were used for different occasions; including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok with a colossal reclining Buddha and finally the “Chedi of the Kings”. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Bangkok-river-boat-thailand
Day
4

Visit to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak

Early morning transfer to visit the fascinating Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak about 110 km (68 miles) from Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province. This market is still unspoiled by the modern influence of the city. Continue to Nakorn Pathom, the oldest city in Thailand, to see the Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the tallest Buddhist stupa in the world with a gilded dome towering to 116 meters.


After the tour, return transfer to Bangkok. This afternoon, choose from one of the following excursions:
Elephant & crocodile show at Samphran
Bangkok waterways
National Museum (closed Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays)


In the evening, enjoy a moonlight dinner cruise on a traditional converted Rice Barge along the legendary “River of Kings”. Cruising and dining on Bangkok’s majestic river is a delightfully romantic way to pass an evening. Savor the sights, sounds and, incomparable scenery of the Bangkok skyline by night while enjoying a delicious meal as while cruising upriver.
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bangkok-floating-market-thailand
Day
5

Journey to Ayyuthaya

This morning, begin the journey to Ayutthaya, located in the lower half of northern Thailand. Head north along the historical Chao Phraya River and enjoy the everyday scenes of Thai life along the way. Lunch will be included en route.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Siam, visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V. With a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, this proves to be a well preserved monument to the former Thai Kingdom. Transfer to hotel for check in.

This morning, begin the journey to Ayutthaya, located in the lower half of northern Thailand. Head north along the historical Chao Phraya River and enjoy the everyday scenes of Thai life along the way. Lunch will be included en route.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Siam, visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V. With a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, this proves to be a well preserved monument to the former Thai Kingdom. Transfer to hotel for check in.

Ayutthaya_Thailand
Day
6

Ayyuthaya – Sukhothai

Morning read more...

Morning transfer north out of the city to continue to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaerkrang River, which is rarely visited by foreign tourists. Visit the Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple with an impressive Crystal Hall and Golden Shrine. Enjoy lunch at the Uthai River Lake Country Resort.

In the afternoon, continue driving north to Phitsanuloke, a major regional commerce center that is spread along the banks of the Nan River. Visit the much venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, which is home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image. Then continue to Sukhothai and check in at the hotel for the evening.
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Sukhothai_buddha_Thailand
Day
7

Tour of Sukhothai

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Morning visit to Sukhothai’s Historic Park to visit the numerous temple ruins and beautiful landscape of lotus ponds and moats. Inside the walls of this old city remain the ruins of nearly two dozen different monasteries that display art and architecture styles of the original Khmer, Mon, Sinhalese and Tai influences.

Continuing the journey north, visit the ancient town formerly known as Muang Chaliang, but later renamed Si Satchanalai under the reign of a new government. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within this town’s park, which serves as a good place to contrast tot Sukhothai’s Historical Park. There is a sense of history and a mysterious atmosphere among these ruins as they remain largely un-restored.
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Sukhothai-Historic-Park
Day
8

Sukothai – Hanoi

Depending on departure time, enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the Sukhothai Airport for a connecting flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Depending on departure time, enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the Sukhothai Airport for a connecting flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hanoi-Temple-of-Lit
Day
9

Hanoi City Highlights

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Morning tour of the Ho Chi Minh complex with a private guide. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum – an extraordinary tribute to the life of the “father of the country”. Carry on to the Governor’s Residence, a fine example of Hanoi’s French architecture, followed by a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda to hear the legend of its construction.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by privately guided afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Take an orientation to the tree lined streets on the way to the Opera house and pass by Hoan Kiem Lake en route to one of the city’s fascinating museums of choice – the Military, History or Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, which built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour, with a private guide, of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District, where a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops will be found.
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Hanoi-Ho-Chi-Minh-Mausoleum
Day
10

Pagodas of Hanoi

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Morning excursion outside of Hanoi City for a trip to the surrounding country side with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colourful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's pagoda) is located 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi lies. While a temple is a place to worship the dead, a pagoda is a place to worship the Lord Buddha. Thay Pagoda is widely known for its finely carved statues in lacquer and gold of Buddha in his past and present form and for its colourful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.

Only 6 kilometres (4 miles) further away lies Tay Phuong Pagoda situated at the top of a small hillock. Built in 1794 the pagoda is famous for its vast display of finely carved wooden statues of former monks from the 18th Century. Afterwards, return to Hanoi to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
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Day
11

Hanoi – Halong

Depart Hanoi in the morning for about a 3.5 hour direct drive to Halong. Upon arrival, get on a boat to begin the cruise. While the junk is passing many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long Bay, a lunch will be served on board with fresh seafood. Then visit the Thien Cung & Dau Go Caves – the most beautiful among the thousands in the Bay. Return to land for a late afternoon hotel check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Note: If staying overnight on a boat is preferred, please contact a travel consultant. Yampu highly recommends this option.
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Hanoi-Sunset-on-Halong-Bay
Day
12

Halong – Hanoi

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Drop off in Hanoi to enjoy the final afternoon here at leisure.

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Drop off in Hanoi to enjoy the final afternoon here at leisure.

vietnam-tour-hanoi
Day
13

Hanoi – Danang

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Morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the city for a visit to the Chasm Museum, then continue to visit Hoi An with a private guide and vehicle. Close by Danang is China Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Also nearby are the Marble Mountains; a climb inside through the hundreds of the natural caves and grottoes is a must.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Hoi An before taking a walking tour of this small town with a private guide. Wander the completely traffic free streets and discover the historic old town center before transferring to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Danang-My-Son-Ruins
Day
14

Danang – Hue

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Morning transfer to Hue in a private vehicle. The overland journey will take guests through the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam while traversing the Hai Van, or “Cloudy Pass”. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and stops at beaches en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon tour of the Imperial Citadel with a private guide. In the early 19th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty administered Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor constructed a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, but suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived with in its moated walls for nearly 150 years.
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Hue-Citadel-Entrance
Day
15

Visit to Thein Mu & the Tomb of Minh Mang

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Morning visit to the Thein Mu Pagoda with a private boat. And guide Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the “Heavenly Lady Pagoda” is one of the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that took the monk Thich Quag Duc to the site of his self-immolation in 1963 Saigon. Then, continue by boat to the less visited, yet most majestic, of all of Hue’s tombs – the tomb of Minh Mang. Built around 1840, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the remainder of the day at leisure. ...read less

Hue-Thien-Mu-Pagoda
Day
16

International flight home via Hanoi

Transfer to the Hue airport for a connection to Hanoi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Transfer to the Hue airport for a connection to Hanoi and flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Bangkok Thailand

Sukhothai Thailand

Ayutthaya Thailand

Hanoi, Vietnam

Halong Bay Vietnam, Hàng Bạc, Hanoi, Vietnam

Danang, Da Nang, Vietnam

Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Places You'll See

  • Bangkok_Temple

    Bangkok

    Dubbed the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure, Bangkok is home to a plethora of attractions, and activities. Enjoy a variety of shopping and dining experiences, or the city’s bustling night life. Or immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture by visiting the Grand Palace, any of the several Buddhist temples, or the Bangkok National Museum.

  • Sukhothai_temple

    Sukhothai

    Sukothai flourished as a Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries, which has been deemed as the golden age of Thai society. The local art and architecture that date to this period are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, which are exemplified in its historical park. This park features some 200 ruined temples, lotus ponds and moats covering an area of nine square miles.

  • Ayutthaya_Thailand

    Ayutthaya

    Ayuthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a former Asian powerhouse and major port city during the time of the sea trades. Despite its fall as an empire, major renovations and restoration projects upon its ancient ruins have made it possible to imagine the splendor that made many traders declare it as the finest city they had ever seen.

  • Hanoi_City_View_Vietnam

    Hanoi

    Meaning “embraced by the river”, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Visit the many temples and parks of this beautiful city, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake Park. Visit the Army Museum and hear retellings of many battles fought throughout the country’s history. Take the little ones to the Ha Noi circus for some family fun.

  • halong-bay-vietnam284606

    Halong Bay

    Halong Bay is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. With roughly 1,600 limestone islands, each covered in thick vegetation, it has extreme aesthetic value. Home to a small fishing community of people living on floating houses. Enjoy “junk boat” tours, or a rent a kayak and explore.

  • Danang_Sunset

    Danang

    There is much to do in the busy city of Danang. View the artistic quality of the sandstone sculptures in the Cham Museum. Hike the trails of the Marble Mountains and explore the Buddhist temples built into the caves and grottoes. Take a Da Nang Food Tour and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city, then spend time relaxing on one of the beaches.

  • Hoi_An_Vietnam

    Hoi An

    Once a trading port in the 15th century, this beautifully preserved city is a prime example of Southeast Asian culture. The architecture showcases a fascinating blend of local and foreign influences. Enjoy exploring the old town by motorbike, kayak, motorboat, and more. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture and learn about traditional Vietnamese dress and culture.

  • Royal_Palace_benches_Hue_Vietnam

    Hue

    Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and culture. During the Vietnam war, much of the city was destroyed, but the buildings and ruins that are left are worth visiting. Much of the Imperial Citadel still stands and houses interesting shops, museums, and galleries. See the Tombs of the Emperors along the pristine Perfume River.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Bangkok : Adelphi Suites

Bangkok : Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok

Bangkok : Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

Bangkok : U Sathorn Bangkok

Sukhothai : Le Charme Sukhothai Resort

Sukhothai : Legendha Sukhothai Resort

Ayutthaya : Classic Kameo Hotel

Ayutthaya : Kantary Hotel

Hanoi : Church Boutique Hotel Hang Gai

Hanoi : La Belle Vie Hotel

Hanoi : Golden Silk Boutique Hotel

Hanoi : Skylark Hotel

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Halong Plaza Hotel

Hue : Mondial Hotel

4 Star Properties

Bangkok : Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

Bangkok : Ariyasomvilla

Bangkok : Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Bangkok : Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Sukhothai : Sukhothai Heritage Resort

Sukhothai : Tharaburi Resort

Ayutthaya : Iudia on the River Hotel

Ayutthaya : Sala Ayutthaya

Hanoi : Silk Path Hotel

Hanoi : Sunway Hotel

Hanoi : Mercure Hanoi La Gare

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong (Junior Suite)

Hue : Saigon Morin

Hue : Eldora Hotel

Hue : Imperial Hue Hotel

5 Star Properties

Bangkok : The Okura Prestige

Bangkok : Shangri-La Hotel

Bangkok : Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok : Sofitel So Bangkok

Hanoi : Hotel De L’Opera

Hanoi : Melia Hotel

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong (Executive Room)

Hue : La Residence Hotel & Spa

Hue : Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

Luxury Properties

Bangkok : Mandarin Oriental

Bangkok : The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Bangkok : The Siam Hotel

Hanoi : Sofitel Legend Metropole

Hue : Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa (Aqua Bungalow)

Testimonials

Jeff N.

Traveled June, 2014

Everything met, or exceeded our expectations!

We did not know what to expect with our trip to Vietnam, but everything met, or exceeded our expectations! The guides were both excellent, and added their own local perspective to the areas we explored. All of the included meals were excellent, and exceeded our expectations!

Traveled To

Daniel and Rosa O

Traveled November, 2012

It was great, we had a good time.

It was great, we had a good time. Vietnam and Cambodia are beautiful countries: people here were friendly, the food was excellent and the places we toured were amazing. Cuchi Tunnel in Vietnam was eye opening to see how these people lived underground during the war. In Cambodia the Angkor Archaeological Park is an amazing site to see, especially Angkor Wat temple is an architectural masterpiece. Thanks to you and your staff we had a great vacation; hotels, tour guides, flight schedules were all excellent. I have attached two pictures of our vacation. Once again thank you!

Traveled To


Gunnar

Traveled December, 2015

We had a wonderful trip to Vietnam

We had a wonderful trip to Vietnam.The guides both in Hanoi and Saigon were very nice and helpful and made the trip very successful. The wonderful sights in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cu Chi Tunnel and all the museums was very interesting. The relax days at Phu Quoc was beautiful. Once again you and Yampu made our holiday a great experience with a lot of good memories.

Traveled To

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