Heritage and Beach Escapes in Vietnam and Thailand 18-Day | Best Package Tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket

Discover the beauty of Southeast Asia with our 18-day tour package that takes you on a journey through Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, this itinerary is designed to showcase the best of the region. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and ends in Phuket, Thailand. Along the way, you will visit historic landmarks, explore stunning natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the Vietnam War. Explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh and discover its rich history and culture.
2. Mekong Delta and River Boat Trip: Cruise along the Mekong Delta, explore the floating markets, and visit a local coconut candy factory.
3. Hoi An Excursion: Wander the charming streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a Thu Bon River Boat trip.
4. Hanoi City Tour: Explore the capital city of Vietnam and its must-see landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter.
5. Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: Embark on a breathtaking overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious seafood.
6. Bangkok City Temple Tour: Discover Bangkok's famous temples, including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace.
7. Chiang Mai Elephant Care: Experience the gentle giants up close and personal in a half-day Elephant Care program.
8. Phuket: Relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Phuket, and take a full-day tour to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands.

These are just some of the highlights of this incredible journey. With our expert guides and carefully curated itinerary, you can be sure that you will have a truly unforgettable experience. Come and discover the wonders of Southeast Asia with Legend Travel Group.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! On your first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. A friendly driver from Legend Travel Group will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions.

We understand that traveling to a new country can be stressful, so we have included airport transfers in the itinerary to make your trip hassle-free. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing that your transportation has been taken care of.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for an exciting adventure! With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your Vietnam trip. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate, and get ready for the amazing experiences that await you.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you will have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handicrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You will also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. To reach the pagoda, you will take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the river and the surrounding areas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoi An (via Da Nang Airport). Upon arrival at the airport in Da Nang our representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will spend the night in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel and take some time to relax or do some last-minute shopping in Hoi An before your departure. You are free to explore the town at your own leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Once you arrive in Hanoi, a friendly and professional driver will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Check-in to your hotel and take some time to unwind after your flight.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city of Hanoi on your own. You can explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, visit the many museums and galleries, or simply relax and soak up the local atmosphere. Sample the delicious street food and explore the many local markets and boutiques to experience the best of Hanoi.

Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for another exciting day of exploration tomorrow.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

Glory Legend Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, you will have some free time to relax or explore the city on your own, go shopping or try some more local Hanoian traditional food. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the bustling city of Bangkok, known for its vibrant street life, delicious food, and rich culture. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Distance: Bangkok Airport to hotel: 32 km (~ 45-minute drive).

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Accommodation Options:

True Siam Rangnam Hotel - 3-star or similar

Nouvo City Hotel - 4-star or similar

Valia Hotel Bangkok - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok to visit some of its most famous temples and landmarks.

Your first stop is Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This temple is famous for its solid gold image of Buddha, which is 900 years old and weighs five-and-a-half tons.

Next, you'll visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn. This temple is one of the most well-known landmarks in Bangkok and is famous for its stunning architecture.

After that, you'll visit Wat Pho, which is the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple is home to the largest single Buddha image, known as the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas).

Lunch is on your own, after which you'll continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok: the Royal Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew and features European-inspired designs (with the exception of the roof) that contrast with the traditional Thai style of Wat Phra Kaew.

After visiting the Grand Palace, you'll return to your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and explore Bangkok at your own pace.

Overnight in Bangkok

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Accommodation Options:

True Siam Rangnam Hotel - 3-star or similar

Nouvo City Hotel - 4-star or similar

Valia Hotel Bangkok - 5-star or similar

Early this morning, we'll pick you up from your hotel and take you to one of the most attractive floating markets in Thailand: the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a boat ride along the small canals and observe the local way of life.

During the boat ride, you'll also visit a coconut farm and have a chance to taste some fresh coconut juice. Additionally, you'll get to explore the market and sample a variety of seasonal fruits, such as rambutan, mangoes, papaya, and more.

After the market visit, we'll drive you back to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day free to relax or go shopping in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

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Accommodation Options:

True Siam Rangnam Hotel - 3-star or similar

Nouvo City Hotel - 4-star or similar

Valia Hotel Bangkok - 5-star or similar

Today, you'll take a flight to northern Thailand, specifically to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you'll meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel.

Later in the day, we'll take you to visit one of Chiang Mai's most sacred temples: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a hilltop and built in the Northern Thai style. The temple houses a holy relic of Lord Buddha and offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire city.

After the temple visit, we'll transfer you back to your hotel where you'll have free time to relax and explore on your own. In the evening, you'll get to experience the famous "Khantoke Dinner," also known as the northern welcome dinner, which includes traditional hill tribe dancing.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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Accommodation Options:

White Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

The Rise Suites- SHA Extra Plus - 4-star or similar

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort - 5-star or similar

On pick up from your hotel, we will head northwards to the Mae Taeng area, making a brief stop at the local market at Mae Malai. From there, we will continue to a small riverside elephant camp (No ride). The elephants spend most of their time here, enjoying the company of a few trekkers, as well as having some space to roam to the river. At the elephant camp, you will be introduced to the elephants and shown how to care for these lovely animals. You will spend around 2 hours at the elephant camp, with the highlight being a trip to the river where you will get to help the elephants take their morning bath (make sure to bring a swimsuit!). Additionally, you will learn how to make traditional elephant medicine from natural ingredients, as well as a natural elephant scrubber made from forest vines.

Following the elephant camp, it will be time for lunch before embarking on the trek to the waterfall. You will trek through lush forest, following a little stream to a jungle waterfall where you can take a shower under the cooling cascade of water. Afterward, you will trek out of the jungle to the rafting camp, where you will board the white water rafting boats for the 5km paddle down the Mae Tang River. In the wet season, there are some big rapids on this stretch of water! At the end of the white water rafting, you will transfer to the waiting transportation and be driven back to Chiang Mai, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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Accommodation Options:

White Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

The Rise Suites- SHA Extra Plus - 4-star or similar

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, we will transfer to Mae Sai Border, which is one of the largest border markets in Thailand located at the Thai-Myanmar border. Here, you can explore a variety of products including local food, clothes, jewelry, silverware, precious stones, and more. We will have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing our journey to the Golden Triangle. This is where the three borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet, and it is also connected to China by boat. Historically, this route was used by the Chinese to deliver opium to Siam Country before spreading to other parts of the world. We will also visit the Opium House located nearby, where you can learn about the history of opium, see galleries, accessories, and more related to opium use. After this, we will return to the hotel and you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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Accommodation Options:

White Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

The Rise Suites- SHA Extra Plus - 4-star or similar

Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort - 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then have free time to relax until it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will have the rest of the day to yourself to explore and relax. Overnight in Phuket.

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Accommodation Options:

Ibis Styles Phuket City - 3-star or similar

Little Nyonya Hotel - 4-star or similar

Oceanfront Beach Resort - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you will join a minivan transfer to the pier to board a speed boat for a trip to Phi Phi Island. The boat will depart from Chalong Pier at 7:00am and head to Phi Phi Ley Island for swimming and sightseeing at "Maya Bay" (where the movie "The Beach" was filmed). You can also enjoy snorkeling and feed the colorful fish at "Loh Samah Bay", as well as sightseeing at "Peleh Cove" and "Viking Cave".

At 12:00pm, you will arrive at "Phi Phi Don Island" where you can feed the monkeys with pieces of banana, followed by lunch on the island at 12:30pm. Afterwards, at 2:00pm, you will have the opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters, snorkel among plentiful coral reefs, and feed the fish at Monkey Beach.

At 3:00pm, you will arrive at "Khai Nok Island" where you can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and feeding the fish. The boat will then depart for Chalong Pier at 4:00pm and you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Phuket.

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Accommodation Options:

Ibis Styles Phuket City - 3-star or similar

Little Nyonya Hotel - 4-star or similar

Oceanfront Beach Resort - 5-star or similar

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to spend as you please. You can take the opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket or explore the island's attractions at your own pace. Phuket has a lot to offer, from stunning temples and historical sites to shopping centers and exciting nightlife.

You may want to visit the Big Buddha, a massive 45-meter high statue that sits atop a hill overlooking the island, or explore the charming old town with its colorful streets and Sino-Portuguese architecture. Alternatively, you can indulge in some retail therapy at the local markets or shopping centers.

In the evening, you can enjoy the lively nightlife of Phuket with its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. However, if you prefer a more peaceful evening, you can relax at your hotel and enjoy the facilities available. Overnight in Phuket.

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Accommodation Options:

Ibis Styles Phuket City - 3-star or similar

Little Nyonya Hotel - 4-star or similar

Oceanfront Beach Resort - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your next adventure. After breakfast, you have some free time to relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel before it's time for your departure. We will provide a transfer to Phuket airport at the appropriate time, so you can catch your flight without any worries.

Our services come to an end at the airport, but we hope that you had a fantastic trip with us. We thank you for choosing Legend Travel Group, and we look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure. Don't forget that your airport transfer is included in our services, so you can relax and leave the logistics to us. Goodbye for now, and safe travels!