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21-Day Thailand and Vietnam Travel Itinerary

Viewed by 85 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok, Thailand

Morning: Arrive in Bangkok, check into hotel, and relax after your flight.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and street food.

Evening: Enjoy dinner and a river cruise on the Chao Phraya River to see the city lights.

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Day 2: Bangkok Temples and Culture

Morning: Visit the iconic Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew.

Afternoon: Explore Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha and get a traditional massage.

Evening: Wander around the lively Khao San Road for nightlife and street food.

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Day 3: Ayutthaya Day Trip

Morning: Travel to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and visit its historic ruins.

Afternoon: Explore Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet temples by bicycle.

Evening: Return to Bangkok and enjoy a relaxing dinner near your hotel.

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Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai

Morning: Take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Old City and its many temples like Wat Chedi Luang.

Evening: Stroll through the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for shopping and snacks.

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Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Morning: Visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary outside Chiang Mai.

Afternoon: Participate in feeding and bathing the elephants; learn about conservation.

Evening: Relax with a traditional Lanna Thai dinner and cultural show.

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Day 6: Doi Suthep and Local Villages

Morning: Hike or drive to Doi Suthep Temple for panoramic city views.

Afternoon: Visit nearby Hmong Hill Tribe Village for local crafts and culture.

Evening: Enjoy street food and live music at the Nimmanhaemin Road area.

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Day 7: Travel to Phuket

Morning: Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket, check into your beachside resort.

Afternoon: Relax on Patong Beach or explore Phuket Old Town.

Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant and stroll along the lively Banzaan Market.

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Day 8: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Morning: Take a speedboat tour to the famous Phi Phi Islands.

Afternoon: Swim, snorkel, and explore Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.

Evening: Return to Phuket for a relaxed night at your resort.

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Day 9: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Morning: Kayak through limestone caves and lagoons in Phang Nga Bay.

Afternoon: Visit James Bond Island and enjoy a local seafood lunch.

Evening: Relax with a spa treatment or Thai massage on Phuket.

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Day 10: Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam

Morning: Take your flight from Phuket to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital.

Afternoon: Explore the Old Quarter and visit the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Evening: Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show after dinner.

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Day 11: Hanoi City Tour

Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Evening: Dine on local specialties like pho and bun cha in the Old Quarter.

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Day 12: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Morning: Depart for Halong Bay; board your cruise boat.

Afternoon: Explore limestone karsts, caves, and enjoy kayaking.

Evening: Dinner on board with sunset views and overnight on the boat.

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Day 13: Halong Bay and Return to Hanoi

Morning: Tai Chi on deck and visit a floating village or island.

Afternoon: Disembark and return to Hanoi; relax at your hotel.

Evening: Free time to explore local cafes and street food stalls.

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Day 14: Travel to Hue

Morning: Fly or take the train to Hue, the former imperial capital.

Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.

Evening: Dinner by the Perfume River with traditional Hue cuisine.

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Day 15: Hue Exploration

Morning: Explore Thien Mu Pagoda and local markets.

Afternoon: Take a boat trip on the Perfume River visiting hidden temples.

Evening: Relax at a café or enjoy a lantern-lit walk in the old town.

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Day 16: Travel to Hoi An

Morning: Scenic drive along the coast to Hoi An.

Afternoon: Discover the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening: Experience the magical Hoi An Lantern Festival (if timed); riverside dining.

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Day 17: Hoi An Cooking Class and Beach

Morning: Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class.

Afternoon: Relax at Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach.

Evening: Explore night markets and sample street food specialties.

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Day 18: My Son Sanctuary Day Trip

Morning: Visit the ancient Hindu temple complex of My Son Sanctuary.

Afternoon: Return to Hoi An for shopping and leisure time.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside cafe or take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

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Day 19: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Morning: Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon: Visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.

Evening: Explore Bui Vien Street for nightlife and street food.

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Day 20: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Morning: Depart for the Mekong Delta, visiting floating markets and villages.

Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride through canals and sample tropical fruits.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at your hotel.

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Day 21: Departure

Morning: Last-minute shopping or visit Ben Thanh Market.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Evening: Safe travels home!

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Grand Palace, Bangkok: 3 hours, approx. $15 entrance fee
  • Elephant Sanctuary, Chiang Mai: 5 hours, approx. $70 tour cost
  • Phi Phi Islands Tour: Full day, approx. $100
  • Halong Bay Cruise: Overnight, approx. $150 including meals
  • Imperial Citadel, Hue: 3 hours, approx. $7 entrance fee
  • Hoi An Cooking Class: 4 hours, approx. $45
  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Full day, approx. $60
  • Internal Flights (Thailand and Vietnam): Approx. $300 total

Total Estimated Cost: $742 (excluding accommodation and international flights)

Tips

If you prefer a shorter trip, consider focusing solely on either Thailand or Vietnam for 10-12 days to fully enjoy each country's highlights without rushing. For travelers seeking an extended adventure, add additional days in northern Thailand (Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle) or central Vietnam (Phong Nha caves, Da Nang) for more nature and cultural experiences. Tailor your daily activities based on your interests in history, beaches, or local cuisine.

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