Two Weeks Exploring Northern Thailand and Northern Vietnam: Chiang Mai to Hanoi Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Chiang Mai, Thailand on November 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Bakery Shop

Start your day with fresh pastries and local coffee at this popular café known for its warm atmosphere and quality offerings.
THB150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wat Phra Singh

Explore this iconic temple known for its beautiful Lanna architecture and revered Buddha statues, open daily from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
THB50, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Khao Soi Khun Yai

Enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine, especially the signature Khao Soi curry noodle soup, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
THB80, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Doi Suthep Temple

Take a scenic drive and hike up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
THB50, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Nimmanhaemin Road

Explore the hip Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood with boutique shops and cafés, ideal for an early evening stroll.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dash! Teak House

Enjoy Northern Thai delicacies in a traditional teak house setting, open until 10:00pm, perfect for a cosy and authentic dinner experience.
THB350, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Chiang Mai, Thailand on November 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ristr8to Lab

Enjoy expertly crafted coffee and artisanal breakfasts with a hip vibe, open from 7:00am.
THB200, 1h0m

9:00am

Cooking Class at Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

Learn to cook authentic Northern Thai dishes in a hands-on class that lasts half a day, fostering culinary skills and cultural appreciation, classes run 9am-1pm.
THB1500, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cooking School

Enjoy the dishes you prepared yourself at the cooking school’s dining area.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Chiang Mai Old City Walls and Gates

Walk around the ancient city walls and gates to appreciate the historic layout and architecture, open all day and free to visit.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Warorot Market

Dive into local shopping and food stalls in this bustling traditional market, ideal for souvenirs and street snacks.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Dine overlooking the Ping River with live music and a mix of Thai and international menu options.
THB400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Hanoi

Chiang Mai to Hanoi on November 3, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before your flight to Hanoi, ensuring an early start.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi

Take a direct or connecting flight; total flight time approximately 2.5 hours. Check airlines like Vietnamese Airlines or AirAsia for availability.
Variable, 3h0m

12:00pm

Arrival and Lunch at Pho Bat Dan

Experience classic Hanoi pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, at one of the city's most famous local eateries, open from 6:00am to 11:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Relax and stroll around this iconic city lake and its Ngoc Son Temple, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets and traditional shops in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, perfect for cultural immersion and shopping, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Try the famous cha ca (turmeric fish) dish at this historic Hanoi restaurant, serving since 1871, open until 9:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic and Cultural Sites

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with quality Vietnamese coffee and western dishes, open from 7:00am.
VND80000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

See the final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, open 8:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-4:30pm (closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste famous Hanoi bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), made popular internationally, open daily from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
VND60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnamese art history in a beautiful French colonial building, open 8:30am-5:00pm (closed Mondays).
VND40000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee at Cafe Giảng

Enjoy traditional egg coffee, a Hanoi speciality, at the historic and atmospheric cafe.
VND40000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 5, 2025

7:00am

Pick Up for Halong Bay Tour

Begin an organised day tour to Halong Bay, including transport, a cruise, and meals.
USD100, 10h0m

7:30am

Halong Bay Cruise

Enjoy stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters aboard a traditional junk boat, with opportunities for kayaking and visiting caves.
Included in tour, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch onboard

Savour fresh seafood with a Vietnamese flavour during the cruise.
Included in tour, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi with scenic views en route, arriving by early evening.
Included in tour, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Home in Hanoi Restaurant

Relax from your day trip with contemporary Vietnamese dining in a cosy, stylish setting.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Final Explorations

Hanoi, Vietnam on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Little Hanoi Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and traditional Vietnamese blends.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore diverse ethnic cultures of Vietnam through exhibitions and outdoor displays, open 8:30am-5:30pm (closed Mondays).
VND40000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Xuan Xuan Restaurant

Enjoy simple, traditional homestyle Vietnamese food with excellent reviews, open until 2:00pm.
VND70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping and strolling in Trang Tien Plaza

Relax with upscale shopping or local boutiques and souvenir hunting in this modern mall in the city centre, open until 9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Coffee at Cong Caphe

Experience Vietnam’s famous coconut coffee at this trendy chain with a retro revolutionary vibe.
VND40000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at New Day Restaurant

Indulge in northern Vietnamese cuisine with a picturesque rooftop view, ideal for a final celebratory meal.
VND150000, 1h30m
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