Two-Week Highlight Tour of Vietnam and Thailand

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, blends old and new in its preservation of historic homes lining streets laden with food stalls and contemporary accommodations sharing lofty views over its fascinating skyline. An aura of friendly charm floods the city’s neighborhoods punctuated by spiritual pagodas dressed in gold and porcelain and typically modest eateries where locals and foreigners gather for a delicious taste of Vietnamese cuisine and coffee. You will embrace the energy of Hanoi once you arrive at the airport, transfer to your exquisite hotel, and wander the neighborhood to acclimate to the Southeast Asian atmosphere.

The backstreets of Hanoi hide distinct cultural gems and alluring historic landmarks that you will be thrilled to uncover on an insider's motorbike tour down narrow alleys to significant sites and memorable viewpoints. Your drivers will safely lead the way on traditional military Minsks, restored and refurbished motorcycles from World War II, for a unique zigzag around Hanoi that is as exhilarating as it is insightful. Galavanting to heritage museums, you will learn about the country’s tumultuous history while meeting spirited locals who share their stories. Your tour will conclude at Long Bien Bridge for stunning snapshots of Hanoi’s sunset.

Hanoi is located near one of Vietnam’s many claims to fame, the spectacular collection of forested islands that rise from the sea’s depths to form the magnificent scenery of Ha Long Bay. You will head for the bay, be welcomed aboard an immaculate boat by a knowledgeable captain who will direct you across the sparkling waters to some of the bay’s most marvelous karst sceneries. From the French lighthouse built in the Da Chong islet to the mesmerizing limestone formations of Con Vit and Gia Luan islets, there is a wealth to discover as you sail the sapphire seas.

Your morning on the boat will be beautiful, so seize the opportunity to practice a traditional Tai Chi class on the shimmering wooden deck while the sky is set ablaze by the rising sun. After breakfast, you will board a day boat bound for the authentic Viet Hai village, a destination seemingly frozen in time that retains the old-world philosophies and customs of the country’s forebears. You may also cycle through the surrounding rainforest to unpack the whimsy of Vietnam’s greenery, keeping your eyes peeled and cameras ready to capture images of the creatures you find along the way.

You will wake up to picturesque views of the bay’s golden waters illuminated by the morning sunshine from the comfort of your private balcony before you relish one last vitalizing Tai Chi session on the sun-washed deck. You will tuck into an assorted breakfast complete with Vietnamese and continental snacks as your boat heads for the pier, where you will transfer back to Hanoi for the evening. With nothing else planned for the day, you may enjoy Hanoi at your own pace, partaking in any additional activities or lounging around your pool to bring your Vietnamese adventure to an end.

Whether you wish to perch on a chair at a charming café while the sounds of blenders buzz as they grind decadent coffee or visit one or two more museums, Hanoi is yours to explore before your flight to Thailand later this morning. Once you take to the skies, you will leave Vietnam behind and soon touch down in the bustling cosmopolitan capital city of Bangkok. After checking into your accommodation, you will jump into Thailand’s answer for a taxi, a tuk-tuk, and taste tour the city’s coveted street food stalls.

Bangkok is a large city and there is much to see and do around its ever-expanding skyline. To make the most of your day and see as much as possible, you will partake in a riveting multi-transport adventure that includes tuk-tuk rides around crowded neighborhoods, boat cruises down quiet canals, and sky train trips over the vibrant districts. These modes of transportation will lead you to the ultimate sightseeing destinations and landmarks of Bangkok, including the golden-drenched walls of the Grand Palace, spiritual complexes of Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and dazzling markets such as the Flower Market.

Southeast Asia has thrived despite being subject to devastating historical events, and the flourishing culture remains preserved in markets and fabled grounds peppering the greater landscape. One of the most quintessential Thailand heritage highlights are floating markets, intricate microcosms of local commerce connected by a series of waterways accessible by boat. Today, you will visit the Lat Mayom Floating Market and glide past humble vendors on a wooden boat, exchanging money for goods as you pass by their waterside stalls. This experience will bring you closer to Thai culture and also allow you to support the local community.

You will escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok today and retreat to the proliferating wilderness of Chiang Rai, the sister city and less-frequented neighbor of the popular Thailand getaway destination Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai’s off the beaten path location makes it the ideal forested paradise away from the crowds for secluded leisure amongst the untouched and spectacular mountainous landscape of Northern Thailand. You will find refuge in a gorgeous eco-retreat hemmed in the viridian hills and spend your afternoon admiring the wildlife and tranquil Thai countryside.

Your second day in Chiang Rai is dedicated to discovering the unique history of the famous Golden Triangle, showcased at museums hidden in the shade of rolling hills and elephant camps, sharing marvelous encounters with the country’s sacred creatures. Your guides will share their knowledge of the local landscape, and sharing the unspoiled wilderness. In the afternoon, you may partake in an authentic Khmer cuisine cooking class and treat your taste buds to the distinct flavors of Northern Thai gastronomy.

You will travel from the idyllic forests of Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand to the Southern reaches of the country to visit the popular and pristine seaside destination of Phuket, a sparkling island boasting pearly-white shores and lush headlands overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Your day of arrival will allow you to acclimate to the lavish seaside lifestyle from the comforts of your decorated accommodation, a throw away from the ocean, and the sensational seafood restaurants Phuket is famous for.

Your first full day in Phuket is yours to enjoy at leisure, and you will be spoiled for choice as you spend hours wallowing in the tropical bliss of Thailand’s revered island getaway. Golden beaches drenched in sunlight dazzle with coral reefs swarming with marine life. Momentous monuments such as the Big Buddha offer panoramic views of the entire island with cultural markets that reflect the island's distinct heritage. The pleasures of Phuket will be at your fingertips to enjoy today.

Phuket is a magnificent island itself and a gateway to the Andaman Seas staggering island gems, including the ultimate tropical destination Koh Phi Phi. Today, you will head for the pier and board a speedboat bound for the little island that boasts enormous appeal, as seen along its well-kept coastline, magical hideaway coves, and sparkling snorkeling opportunities over its rehabilitated reefs. You will hop from shore to shore, enjoying the unique sceneries that compose Phi Phi’s emblematic islandscape, and may even relish scuba diving in the depths of the Andaman Sea.

You will wake up to the sounds of waves beating against the shores and palms swaying in the wind and step out onto your balcony to enjoy one final sunrise overlooking the warm, turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. After breakfast, you will pack your things and spend an hour or two relishing your final moments in Southeast Asia. Whether you wish to wander the soft shores and take in the scenery or visit a few more temples before you go, Phuket is a dreamy final destination to top off your incredible adventure across Vietnam and Thailand.