2-Week Southeast Asia Adventure: Exploring Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam

Day 1: Bangkok Introduction

Bangkok, Thailand on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at On Lok Yun, known for its old-fashioned ambiance and signature Thai coffee and toast.
THB100, 1h0m

9:30am

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Visit the iconic Grand Palace complex, home to the Emerald Buddha and spectacular Thai architecture. It's a must-see cultural highlight in Bangkok.
THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Savor arguably the best Pad Thai in Bangkok at Thip Samai, a legendary street food spot known for its charcoal-fired noodles.
THB150, 1h0m

2:00pm

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Explore this beautiful riverside temple famous for its colorful spires and panoramic views of Bangkok from the top.
THB100, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax by the Chao Phraya River

Take a break with a riverside walk or a drink at a nearby cafe watching the sunset on the riverboats.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Raan Jay Fai

Experience Michelin-starred street food at Jay Fai, famous for crab omelette and smoky wok-fried dishes. Reservations recommended.
THB1200, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, Thailand on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick and hearty breakfast at your accommodation before the day trip.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Ayutthaya

Drive or take a train approximately 1.5 hours north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ayutthaya, the ancient Siamese capital.
THB50-300, 1h30m

10:00am

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Explore stunning ruins and impressive temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram that tell the story of a historic kingdom.
THB50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Malakor Kitchen and Cafe

Enjoy authentic Thai dishes and riverside views at this charming local cafe near the historical park.
THB200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Bangkok

Head back to Bangkok to rest and prepare for your next destination.
THB50-300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Dine at a unique restaurant combining great Thai food with a social cause supporting education and health projects.
THB400, 1h0m

Day 3: Chiang Mai Culture

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 25, 2025

6:30am

Morning flight to Chiang Mai

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (approx. 1 hour), enjoy breakfast at the airport or packed on the go.
THB1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Check in and freshen up

Settle into your hotel and prepare for a day exploring northern Thai culture.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Discover this revered Chiang Mai temple, known for its classic Lanna architecture and vibrant murals.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Chiang Mai Old City

Stroll the historic streets, markets and charming cafes inside the city walls.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Try delicious northern specialties like Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup at this local favorite.
THB70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Doi Suthep Temple

Take a short drive to this sacred mountaintop temple for breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and spiritual serenity.
THB50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at SP Chicken

Relish grilled chicken and local dishes in this casual, highly rated eatery favored by locals.
THB150, 1h0m

Day 4: Elephants & Night Market

Chiang Mai, Thailand on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Elephant Nature Park Visit

Spend a half-day volunteering and learning about ethical elephant care at this renowned rescue sanctuary (open 8:00am-4:00pm, booking required).
USD80, 6h0m

2:30pm

Return to city and relax

Rest at hotel or explore local cafes to rejuvenate after the morning with elephants.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Browse crafts, souvenirs, and tasty street food at this lively market perfect for evening entertainment.
Free Entry, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dash! Restaurant & Bar

Relax with traditional northern Thai cuisine inside a charming teak house near the night market.
THB300, 1h30m

Day 5: Fly to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day early with a hotel breakfast before your flight to Luang Prabang.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Luang Prabang

Fly from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, Laos (approx. 1.5 hours).
USD150, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and city orientation

Settle into your guesthouse and take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed town center.
Included, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Khaiphaen Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Lao dishes served by a local NGO supporting marginalized youth.
USD7, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Wat Xieng Thong

Explore one of the most important and beautiful temples in Luang Prabang with intricate carvings and serene surroundings.
USD2, 1h0m

4:00pm

Mount Phousi Sunset

Hike up to Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views over the town and Mekong River.
USD1, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tamarind

Dine on fine Laotian cuisine at Tamarind, known for delicious local flavors and sustainable sourcing.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 6: Luang Prabang Waterfalls

Luang Prabang, Laos on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in town

Grab a simple breakfast at a local bakery or coffee shop to fuel your day.
USD3, 0h45m

9:00am

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Take a trip to these spectacular turquoise waterfalls for swimming and nature hikes, open 8:00am-6:00pm. Entry fee applies.
USD5, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bear Restaurant near waterfalls

Enjoy casual meals featuring local and western options at this eco-conscious venue close to Kuang Si.
USD10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Luang Prabang and Rest

Relax after your waterfall adventure or explore additional temples in town.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Lagoon

Experience upscale Lao dining in a beautiful setting, famous for fresh local ingredients and unique dishes.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 7: Vientiane City Highlights

Vientiane, Laos on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before flying to Vientiane.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Vientiane

Take a short domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Laos' capital city, Vientiane (approx. 45 mins).
USD70, 0h45m

10:00am

Check-in and quick brunch

Settle into your accommodation and have a light brunch at a nearby cafe.
USD5, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Pha That Luang

See the golden stupa, a national symbol of Laos and a remarkable Buddhist monument.
USD1.50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Walk to Patuxai Victory Monument

Explore this Arc de Triomphe-style monument offering great city views from its top.
USD1.50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kualao Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Lao cuisine in a beautiful garden setting, perfect to sample classic dishes.
USD12, 1h0m

3:00pm

Buddha Park Visit

Afternoon trip to this quirky sculpture park filled with Buddhist and Hindu statues (open 7am-6pm).
USD1, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Makphet Restaurant

Experience delicious and socially conscious Laotian food supporting street youth, located in the city center.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 8: Fly to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before your morning flight to Hanoi.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Hanoi

Fly from Vientiane to Hanoi, Vietnam (approx. 1.5 hours).
USD100, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and lunch

Check into your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy lunch at nearby Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for Vietnamese grilled pork with noodles.
VND60,000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Old Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse in the bustling streets filled with vendors, shops, and French colonial architecture.
Free, 3h0m

4:30pm

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Relax by the peaceful lake center and visit the iconic temple on its small island.
VND30,000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Hanoi's signature dish, Cha Ca, turmeric fish with dill, at this classic local restaurant.
VND150,000, 1h30m

Day 9: Hanoi Sightseeing

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Start your day with Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and light breakfast at this historic cafe.
VND40,000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Pay respects at the mausoleum and explore the surrounding gardens and Uncle Ho’s stilt house (closed Mondays/Fridays).
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Temple of Literature

Visit this well-preserved temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university.
VND30,000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful colonial building.
VND120,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups and cultures through engaging exhibits (open 8am-5pm).
VND40,000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Savor traditional Vietnamese street food in a cozy setting popular with both locals and tourists.
VND150,000, 1h30m

Day 10: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Departure for Ha Long Bay

Travel by shuttle bus or private transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5-4 hours).
USD25, 4h0m

11:30am

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic 2-day cruise exploring limestone karsts, caves and floating villages. Includes lunch on board.
USD150, 7h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Board

Savor fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine as you enjoy the peaceful evening on the bay.
Included, 1h30m

Day 11: Cruise & Return

Ha Long Bay to Hoi An, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Morning Activities on Cruise

Enjoy Tai Chi on deck, kayaking, or visit caves and beaches before brunch on the boat.
Included, 4h30m

11:30am

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport

Return to Hanoi by shuttle and take your flight to Da Nang for Hoi An (1.5 hour flight).
USD100+Taxi, 5h0m

5:00pm

Check into Hoi An hotel

Relax at your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful riverside ambiance of Hoi An.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine at this popular riverside restaurant offering international and Vietnamese cuisine with great desserts.
VND250,000, 1h30m

Day 12: Hoi An Heritage

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with local fruits and pastries.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Hoi An Ancient Town Tour

Explore the well-preserved ancient town with its historic houses, pagodas, and assembly halls (entrance fee for sites approx. VND120,000 for a full ticket).
VND120,000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Taste traditional Central Vietnamese specialties at one of Hoi An’s most famous eateries.
VND200,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bike to An Bang Beach

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this tranquil beach just a short ride from town.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Experience innovative dishes blending Vietnamese ingredients with international flavors, right near the river.
VND300,000, 1h30m

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1.5 hours).
USD80, 1h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in and lunch

Settle into your hotel and have lunch at Pho 2000, known for authentic Vietnamese pho noodles.
VND100,000, 1h0m

1:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Visit this compelling museum presenting vivid exhibits on Vietnam's history and the effects of war.
VND40,000, 2h0m

3:30pm

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

Explore these iconic French colonial landmarks located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Dine in a charming setting with home-style Vietnamese cooking that is both authentic and delicious.
VND200,000, 1h30m

Day 14: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Mekong Delta Tour

Full-day guided tour exploring the river life, floating markets, fruit orchards, and traditional villages. Tours typically run 7am-5pm.
USD50, 10h0m

7:00pm

Return and dinner at hotel or nearby

Enjoy a relaxed meal after your full day exploring the Mekong Delta.
Varies, 1h0m