As top 2 destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand stands out for its bustling life and tropical islands, while Vietnam is typically famous for its rural life and diverse landscape.
2 weeks is a popular time to explore in these two countries. You can discover their iconic highlights at a fast pace by allocating 1 week to each country. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and an island top any Thailand itinerary. For a classic Vietnam trip, don't miss Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
More comfortably, you can spend 8-9 days in your preferred country and leave 5-6 days in the other.
Read the suggested itineraries for your inspiration.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Cruising Ha Long BayItinerary 1: A Classic 2-Week Thailand and Vietnam Tour
This itinerary will showcase the best of Thailand and Vietnam. Starting in Vietnam, you'll cruise on the unique Karst seascape—Halong Bay, soak in the cultural ancient Hoi An, and gain an insight into the Vietnam War by exploring Cu Chi Tunnels.
In Thailand, indulge in the chaos of Bangkok, enjoy a memorable elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and unwind on the sandy beaches of Phuket.
Check the brief itinerary as below: 1 week in Vietnam and 1 week in Thailand.
- Days 1–3: Hanoi and an overnight cruise in the Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Days 4–5: Hoi An with a walking tour of its ancient town
- Days 6–7: Ho Chi Minh City with the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Days 8–9: Bangkok city tour with iconic temples
- Days 10–11: Chiang Mai with elephant sanctuary
- Days 12–14: Phuket (free beach time)
7 Days in Vietnam
Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through Vietnam, exploring Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
For the first three days, experience the vibrant charm of Hanoi during a brief stop before continuing your journey to Halong Bay. Enjoy a leisurely 2-day cruise, a relaxing retreat beyond the ordinary day trips. For an exclusive touch, consider our carefully selected private junk or a smaller luxury cruise.
Then continue your trip to Hoi An, a historical town full of a laid-back vibe. Here, you can savor a cup of our unique egg coffee, chat with friendly local craftsmen, or take a countryside bike ride with your family or loved ones.
In the last two days, you'll fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can see the French-colonial heritage, Vietnam war sites, and real on-trade floating markets.
7 Days in Thailand
Your Thai adventure begins in Bangkok, the bustling capital city. A typical Bangkok tour includes the Grand Palace, ancient temples, and navigating the vibrant markets by tuk-tuk rides.
Next, head to Chiang Mai. Elephant interactions and Loy Krathong (sky lantern festival) are top reasons to visit Chiang Mai. For foodies, creating a Thai dish with a local family would create a unique experience.
Continue your journey to the tropical paradise of Phuket. You can idyllically sunbathe on the beach, go for a thrilling snorkelling on an island hopping tour and embark on a jungle adventure in Koh Sok National Park.
Itinerary 2: 14-Day Romantic Escape to Thailand and Vietnam
If you prefer some romantic experiences and exploring both countries at a slow pace, take this tour. Your romantic journey ideally takes 9 days in Vietnam and 5 days in Thailand.
- Days 1–2: Hanoi city tour with an Old Quarter cyclo ride, Vietnam
- Days 3–4: Overnight Halong Bay Cruise to unspoiled areas
- Days 5–6: fisher-folk experience and evening foodie tour in Hoi An
- Days 7–9: Ho Chi Minh City with the Cu Chi Tunnels and a canal boat ride on the Mekong Delta
- Day 10: Explore Bangkok's highlights and have a long-tail boat ride
- Days 11–14: Koh Samui (free beach time)
Private and exclusive activities are a must for a couple's trip. You and your beloved can enjoy quality intimate time on a Halong Bay cruise, go for a foodie adventure in the atmospheric Hoi An and take a beach candlelight dinner on the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui. For milestone celebrations, a Thai wedding will turn your big day into a lifelong memory.
You can also experience local life by a cyclo ride in Hanoi, a fishing tour in Hoi An, a canal boat ride to see the Mekong Delta and a long-tail boat ride in Bangkok.
To enhance the privacy of your stay, we've specially arranged adult-only hotels and private cruises for you.
Itinerary 3: A 2-Week Family Trip to Thailand and Vietnam
This itinerary is packed with family-interactive activities, which is perfect for families with active teenagers.
In this itinerary, you'll have more time in Thailand for outdoor adventures, such as more beach time, side trips to Ninh Binh, and the Doi Inthanon hiking tour in Chiang Mai.
Here's a customized itinerary for your reference: 5 days in Vietnam and 9 days in Thailand.
- Day 1: Hanoi city tour with street food tour and private water puppet show and a day trip to Ninh Binh exploration, Vietnam
- Day 2: Ninh Binh, Vietnam(Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, sampan boat trip to visit Tam Coc and the Mua Cave hiking tour for panoramic views)
- Days 3–5: Overnight Halong Bay Cruise to unspoiled areas
- Days 6–8: Chiang Mai, Thailand (Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, ancient town tour by a rickshaw ride, Doi Inthanon hiking tour, Karen village)
- Days 9–11: Phuket with a private charter to Phi Phi Island, Thailand
- Days 12–14: Bangkok, Thailand (city tour with iconic temples, a long-tail boat ride, railway Market, floating market)
Your Vietnam trip would focus on the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh). Your family vacation will start from Hanoi's street food tour. Vegetarian food is available as well. A private water puppet show allows your kids to get up close to the local culture.
Taking a leisurely rowing boat ride through an amazing tunnel cave would be a WOW moment in Ninh Binh. For iconic Halong Bay, we've carefully selected Halong Bay cruises with family rooms for your family to stay together.
Continue your family getaway to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Take a rickshaw to unveil the hidden gems of the ancient town, then prepare food, feed and bathe elephants in the family-friendly Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, and go to the wild by Doi Inthanon hiking tour.
Then enjoy Phuket's endless beaches, snorkeling and a private island hopping to Phi Phi island. Finally, conclude your trip to bustling Bangkok.
Insider's tip: early booking is suggested to be made 3 months in advance if you look for characteristic hotel experiences, like a tree house in Phuket, and floating camping in Koh Sok National Park.
Want to Explore More Hidden Gems in Thailand and Vietnam?
SapaThe itineraries mentioned above cover popular destinations in Thailand and Vietnam, ideal for first-time travelers. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, feel free to contact us to customize your itinerary.
Specializing in personalized private tours, we can incorporate unique experiences in Thailand, such as a side trip to Kanchanaburi with a floating house stay, an exploration of the mysterious Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, or biking in the ancient ruins of Sukhothai.
In Vietnam, you can trek through the mountainous landscapes of Sapa, ride a motorbike along the scenic Hai Van Pass, and explore the Tu Lan or Phong Nha Caves in Dong Hoi.
Costs for a 2-Week Trip to Thailand and Vietnam
A 2-week quality tour to Thailand and Vietnam usually costs US$200 to 250 per person per day. Kids under 10 would get 30–50% off.
So, a family with 2 adults and 2 kids has better prepare US$9,500–12,000, while a couple can expect to spend around US$5,600–7,000, excluding the cost of international flights to and from their home country.
Traveling with us at similar prices, we'll provide you customized itinerary, hassle-free private travel experiences, best-value hotels and exclusive activities.
If you prefer to save some costs, travelling in May and October (before or right after high season) still promises good weather and fewer crowds.
Popular Thailand and Vietnam Tours
We provide a customized service for private tours. Our travel consultants will listen to and work on your ideas and answer any questions. We will create your dream trip based on your interests, travel length, and needs.
Here are some of our sample tours:
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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