Private Tour Highlights
- Explore the first official capital of independent Vietnam, Hanoi
- Sift through the ruins of ancient buildings
- See how French colonization has impacted modern Vietnam
- Bask in the beauty of Vietnam’s “8th Wonder”: Halong Bay
- Marvel at the contrasts of new and old in Bangkok
- Journey through the ancient quarter, aka the 36 streets district
- Pass by the most revered and beautiful holy sites
- Visit the beautiful Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves
- See Tay Phuong Pagoda, famous for its finely carved wooden statues of former monks
- Enjoy Thai cultural performances, including the colorful Buddhist ordination procession
Tour Overview
Hanoi was founded in 1010 and became the official capital of independent Vietnam in 1954. Today ancient crumbling buildings dating from the 11th century lie scattered among the grand French colonial residences, while shrines and monuments to Vietnam’s first president, Ho Chi Minh, sit in the shadow of modern high-rise buildings. The streets of the Old Quarter preserve age-old customs, where trade takes one back half a century, and temples, pagodas and monuments reflect the historic character of Vietnam.
Halong Bay is often called Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world and once visited, it is hard to dispute that claim. 3000 spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area that is without doubt the most outstandingly naturally beautiful in the country – an incomparable coastal scenery. Not only is the area a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is a must see for any trip to Vietnam and is a good place to visit from Hanoi.
Bangkok, “the City of Angels” and the capital of Thailand, was established over 200 years ago and has proved irresistibly intriguing to traders and travelers ever since. Many visitors have made this indefinable city of contrasts their permanent and beloved home, transforming the city into a multicultural hub. Suiting all tastes and lifestyles, fast-paced Bangkok rarely sleeps, yet houses many enticing nooks and crannies from yesteryear. Some of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture can be found here; in the magnificent complex of the Grand Palace, and its main artery Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) which supports a waterway lifestyle that has remained unchanged for decades.
Inclusions
Regional airfare from Hanoi to Bangkok, 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)
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.
* 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
Package Price: From £$ 4294
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
International Flight to Hanoi
Overnight international flight to Hanoi.
Overnight international flight to Hanoi.
Arrival in 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.
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 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 a private afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Marvel at 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 Museum of History of Vietnamese Military, Vietnam History Museum, or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided walking tour 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.
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Museum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays from September to November annually.
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Pagodas of Hanoi
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Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colorful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda) is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi. 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 lacquer and gold statues of Buddha in his past and present form, as well as the colorful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.
Only 6 kilometers (4 miles) 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. Lunch is included today.
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Hanoi – Halong Bay
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Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5 hour direct drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, get on a boat to begin the cruise. While the junk is passing many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches on Halong Bay, the lunch of fresh seafood will be served on board. Then visit the Thien Cung and 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. This option is highly recommended.
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Halong – Hanoi
Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Continue to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Reception at airport and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Continue to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. Reception at airport and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Wat Pho & Thompson Silk Museum
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After breakfast, drive to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. One of the oldest and most extensive temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the famous 45m Reclining Buddha. It is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. Next, visit the Grand Palace, the most important and spectacular royal palace in Thailand. The palace is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of the Kings of Thailand, there are multiple palaces within the complex which were used for different occasions; including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the most revered Buddha image in Thailand: The Emerald Buddha. Continue with a walk to the public ferry pier for a short boat ride to Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. After exploring, eat lunch (not included).
Proceed with a visit to Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, the former residence of Prince Chumbhotpong and his wife. The highlight of the museum is the 300-year old lacquered pavilion decorated with 17th Century gold leaf murals and fine woodcarvings. Continue with a visit to the Thai-style house of Jim Thompson.
Jim Thompson is the legendary American businessman who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and rediscovered the Thai silk industry. His house is now a museum filled with fascinating Asian antiques and historical memorabilia. It consists of six separate Thai teakwood houses from the Ayutthaya period put together as one. Jim Thompson's mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia remains a mystery to this day. After the tour, return to the hotel for the evening.
Note: Wat Arun Temple will be under renovation until further notice. One can visit the temple and walk around it, but the construction is ongoing and tourists will not be able to climb up the stupa. Ladies should wear a short-sleeved top with pants or a knee-length skirt and gentlemen should wear pants and a short-sleeved shirt for religious reasons. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.
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Exploring the Floating Market & Dinner Cruise along the Chao Pyrha River
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Depart early morning for the 2-hour drive to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats. For the best experience of the market atmosphere, board a rowing boat and make journey through the small canals to buy fresh produce from the vendors. This is the only place to see the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand.
Afterwards, visit the Nakorn Pathom; the site of the highest Chedi in Thailand called "Phra Pathom Chedi", which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Enjoy an excellent buffet lunch at the picturesque Rose Garden. After lunch, there will be Thai cultural performances, including the colorful Buddhist ordination procession, an elegant fingernail dance, a Thai boxing demonstration, Hill Tribe dance performances, sword fighting, elephants, charming folk dances, a traditional Thai wedding ceremony and more.
This evening, transfer to Manohra Pier (or Saphan Taksin Pier) from the hotel, to board a boat for an evening cruise. Learn more about Bangkok and the Chao Phrya River, a truly magnificent waterway and one of the great rivers in Asia. The river has been a principal factor in the development of Thai heritage, culture, and economy, and is considered the nation's life and soul.
While cruising down the Chao Phrya River, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner and watch the gorgeous views change to reveal fantastic treasures from the country's rich past, as well as fascinating modern architectural creations. The Manohra Luxury Cruise will venture to the King Rama VIII Bridge, where the boat will turn around and head back to the pier. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
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International Flight Home
Transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Ha Long Natural heritage
Bangkok Thailand
Places You'll See
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Testimonials
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
Nick and Stephanie C.
Traveled April, 2015
The guides were amazing and truly your biggest asset
We had a great Trip 🙂 Thailand is a beautiful country and so are it’s people. We will go back in the future and wish that it was closer. The guides were amazing and truly your biggest asset
Traveled To
Jonathan C.
Traveled November, 2014
Paula and I had a wonderful trip
Just landed back home. Everything on the trip went very well all had a good time, thanks. Could have spent one more day in Siem Reap everyone loved that. Paula and I had a wonderful trip, thank you for your efforts. Thanks,
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