14-Day Budget Adventure: Relaxation and Culture in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jay Fai

Start your adventure with a delicious omelette at the legendary Jay Fai, a street food vendor awarded a Michelin star.
Take a taxi to the restaurant
THB 250, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Grand Palace

Explore the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, a must-see treasure of Thai architecture and history.
Take a tuk-tuk from the restaurant
THB 500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Thip Samai

Enjoy the famous Pad Thai at Thip Samai, known as one of the best in Bangkok.
Walk or take a tuk-tuk
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Wat Pho

Visit Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha and an incredible temple complex.
Walk from Thip Samai
THB 200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Boat Ride on Chao Phraya River

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Bangkok from the water during a sunset boat ride.
Take a ferry from Wat Pho pier
THB 40, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Khao Gaeng Rang Nam

Immerse yourself in local flavors with a traditional Thai curry dinner at this popular eatery.
Take a tuk-tuk to the restaurant
THB 150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at On Nut Market

Delight in some local Thai breakfast dishes at this vibrant market.
Take the BTS Skytrain to On Nut
THB 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shop at Chatuchak Market

Wander through the vast Chatuchak Market, finding souvenirs, clothing, and local eats.
Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit
Free to enter, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chatuchak Market

Grab lunch from one of the countless food stalls at the market, trying various local snacks.
In market
THB 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Jim Thompson House

Explore the beautiful traditional Thai house and learn about the silk industry here.
Take a taxi from Chatuchak Market
THB 150, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Cooking Class at Baipai Thai Cooking School

Join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes using fresh ingredients.
Take a taxi to the school
THB 2500 (approx. $75), 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at the Cooking Class

Enjoy the dishes you made during the cooking class, paired with authentic Thai flavors.
In the cooking school
Included in class cost, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
At your accommodation
THB 150, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ayutthaya

Journey to the ancient town of Ayutthaya by train to see the historical ruins.
Take a train from Hua Lamphong station
THB 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Ayutthaya Historical Park

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical temples and ruins.
Walk from the train station
THB 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Sample local dishes at one of the small restaurants around the park.
Walk to a nearby eatery
THB 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tuk-tuk Tour of Ayutthaya

Take a tuk-tuk to explore more historical sites around Ayutthaya.
Hire a tuk-tuk for the day
THB 600 (split with other tourists), 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Bangkok

After a full day of exploring, take the train back to Bangkok.
Walk back to train station
THB 300, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Khao San Road

End the day with dinner on the lively Khao San Road, enjoying a variety of street food options.
Tuk-tuk to Khao San Road
THB 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel while preparing for your travel day.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:00AM

Fly to Chiang Mai

Catch a morning flight to Chiang Mai for the next phase of your adventure.
Taxi to the airport
THB 300, flight THB 800, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check-In and Rest

Check into your accommodation and freshen up before the day's activities.
At your hotel
THB 600 (per night), 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at SP Chicken

Dive into Chiang Mai's famous rotisserie chicken and sticky rice at SP Chicken.
Walk from hotel
THB 120, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Doi Suthep

Explore the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and the panoramic views of the city.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk
THB 400 (ride + entry fee), 3 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Nimmanhaemin

Explore the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, known for its boutiques, cafes, and street art.
Walk from Doi Suthep
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Whole Earth Restaurant

Indulge in delicious vegetarian options at The Whole Earth Restaurant, a local favorite.
Walk or take a tuk-tuk
THB 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a busy day with breakfast at your hotel.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Elephant Nature Park

Spend the day at this ethical elephant sanctuary, learning about and interacting with these gentle giants.
Book a tour that picks you up from your hotel
THB 2500 (approx. $75), 7 hours

5:30PM

Return to Chiang Mai

Head back to the city after a fulfilling experience with elephants.
Included in tour cost
Included in tour cost, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Night Bazaar

Explore the Night Bazaar for dinner and enjoy a variety of street food stalls to experience local flavors.
Take a tuk-tuk
THB 100, 2 hours

9:00PM

Explore the Night Bazaar

Wander the Night Bazaar to shop for handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
In the Night Bazaar
Free to explore, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Chiang Mai before leaving for Cambodia.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Fly to Siem Reap

Catch a flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor.
Taxi to the airport
THB 300, flight THB 800, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive in Siem Reap and check in at your hotel.
At your accommodation
THB 600 (per night), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Marum

Savor a delicious lunch at Marum, known for its local flavors and social enterprise mission.
Walk from hotel
USD 10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Angkor Wat

Visit the iconic Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious monument in the world.
Take a tuk-tuk from hotel
USD 37 (entry fee + tuk-tuk), 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Khmer Grill

Try local Cambodian dishes at Khmer Grill, a casual dining spot.
Return by tuk-tuk
USD 8, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Angkor Temples Tour

Siem Reap, Cambodia

5:00AM

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Experience the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, an unforgettable sight.
Take a tuk-tuk from your hotel
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Return to the hotel for breakfast after your early morning adventure.
Return by tuk-tuk
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Ta Prohm

Visit Ta Prohm, the famous temple overgrown by tree roots, a stunning visual experience.
Take a tuk-tuk
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bayon Temple

Marvel at the intricate stone faces of Bayon Temple, one of the key temples of Angkor.
Continue the tuk-tuk tour
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Temple Restaurant

Recharge with lunch at the Temple Restaurant, with a great view and tasty dishes.
In the Angkor complex
USD 12, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Banteay Kdei

Visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Kdei, known for its serene atmosphere.
With your tuk-tuk driver
Included in entry fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Siem Reap

Head back to your hotel to relax after a day filled with exploration.
By tuk-tuk
Included in tuk-tuk fee, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Pub Street

Spend your evening dining and enjoying the atmosphere on Pub Street.
Walk from hotel
USD 10, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation in Siem Reap.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Phnom Penh

Take a bus to Phnom Penh, giving you the chance to see the countryside.
Book a bus ticket in advance
USD 12, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive in Phnom Penh and check into your hotel.
At your accommodation
USD 15 (per night), 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Royal Palace

Explore the stunning Royal Palace, a symbol of Cambodia’s rich history.
Take a tuk-tuk
USD 10 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Friends the Restaurant

Dine at this social enterprise restaurant known for its delicious Cambodian dishes.
Take a tuk-tuk back
USD 10, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Riverfront Stroll

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Tonle Sap River, watching the sunset.
Walk from the restaurant
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Explore Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in breakfast at your hotel before your day of exploration.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Killing Fields

Gain insight into Cambodia's tragic history at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
Arrange for a tuk-tuk for the day
USD 10 (entry fee + transport), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Replenish your energy with lunch at a nearby local eatery.
Near the Killing Fields
USD 5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tuol Sleng Museum

Learn more about the history of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide.
Return by tuk-tuk
USD 3 (entry fee), 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel and freshen up after a day of exploration.
Tuk-tuk back
USD 5, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner on Riverside

Enjoy your last night in Phnom Penh by dining at a riverside restaurant.
Walk to the riverside area
USD 10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a refreshing breakfast at your hotel in Phnom Penh.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, crossing the border into Vietnam.
Arrange bus ticket in advance
USD 15, 7 hours

3:30PM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive in HCMC and check into your hotel.
At your accommodation
USD 20 (per night), 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and local food.
Walk from hotel
Free to enter, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pho 24

Savor delicious Pho at the renowned Pho 24, a must-try in Vietnam.
Walk from the market
USD 8, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the impactful history of Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum.
Take a taxi or bus
USD 2, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Enjoy Vietnam's famous Banh Mi sandwiches at this popular spot.
Walking distance
USD 3, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, showcasing stunning French architecture.
Walking distance
Free to enter, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the beautifully restored French colonial architecture of the Central Post Office.
Walking distance
Free to enter, 1 hour

4:30PM

Coffee Break at Cafe Apartment

Enjoy a relaxing coffee break at one of the quaint cafes in the historic apartment building.
Walking distance
USD 3, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of Vietnamese dishes at this beloved local restaurant.
Take a taxi or walk back
USD 10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Ho Chi Minh City hotel.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Fly to Da Nang

Catch a flight to Da Nang, and transfer to Hoi An for your next destination.
Taxi to the airport
USD 10, flight USD 50, 2 hours

10:30AM

Transfer to Hoi An

As you arrive in Da Nang, take a taxi to Hoi An.
Taxi from Da Nang airport
USD 30, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation upon arrival in Hoi An.
At your accommodation
USD 25 (per night), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Feast on regional specialties at Morning Glory, a must-try local restaurant.
Walk into the old town
USD 10, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll through Hoi An’s Old Town

Enjoy the charming streets of Hoi An, lined with beautiful lanterns and historic architecture.
Explorer by foot
Free to explore, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An's history.
Walk from Old Town
USD 1 (entry fee), 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Indulge in fusion cuisine at Mango Mango while overlooking the river.
Walking distance
USD 15, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for an exciting day with breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take a Cooking Class

Join a local cooking class to learn how to prepare popular Vietnamese dishes.
Arrange transportation if needed
USD 25, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Cooking Class

Enjoy the dishes you prepared during the cooking class.
In cooking class location
Included in class cost, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at An Bang Beach, taking in the sun and sea.
Take a taxi or bike rental
USD 5 (taxi), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman

Enjoy fresh seafood dining at The Fisherman, a popular seaside spot.
Taxi from the beach
USD 12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hoi An at the hotel.
At your accommodation
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Travel back to Da Nang for your flight to Hanoi.
Taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport
USD 30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Fly to Hanoi

Catch your flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
Flight duration
USD 50 (flight), 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel.
At your accommodation
USD 20 (per night), 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous local dish, Cha Ca, at Cha Ca Thang Long.
Take a taxi from hotel
USD 8, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax and stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful area in the heart of Hanoi.
Walk from Cha Ca Thang Long
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Ngọc Sơn Temple

Explore Ngọc Sơn Temple, situated on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake.
Walk from the lake
USD 1, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Cha Ca

Finish your adventure with another delicious serving of Cha Ca at Restaurant Cha Ca.
Walk from the temple
USD 10, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability