Itinerary

A 25-day adventure through Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos sounds like a dream! Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that balances culture, nature, and relaxation.

## Day 1-5: Vietnam (Hanoi & Halong Bay)

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Arrive in Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam.
• Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
• Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 2: Explore Hanoi

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace.
• Explore the Old Quarter and try some street food (pho, banh mi).
• Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
• In the evening, catch a water puppet show.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

• Take a day trip to Ninh Binh, known as "Halong Bay on land."
• Visit Tam Coc for a boat ride through stunning limestone karsts.
• Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
• Return to Hanoi for the night.

## Day 4: Halong Bay

• Depart for Halong Bay (about 4 hours from Hanoi).
• Board a cruise and enjoy lunch while cruising through the bay.
• Visit Sung Sot Cave and swim or kayak in the bay.
• Spend the night on the boat, enjoying a seafood dinner.

## Day 5: Return to Hanoi & Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

• Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the bay.
• Enjoy breakfast on the boat and continue cruising.
• Return to Hanoi and catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
• Explore Ben Thanh Market and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

## Day 6-10: Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta)

## Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace.
• Explore the bustling streets of District 1 and try local dishes.
• Visit the historic Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office.

## Day 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip

• Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
• Visit My Tho and take a boat ride on the Mekong River.
• Explore local villages, taste tropical fruits, and enjoy a traditional lunch.

## Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels

• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used during the Vietnam War.
• Learn about the history and experience the tunnels firsthand.
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City and relax at a café.

## Day 9: Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Fly to Siem Reap (if you want to include Cambodia) or take a bus to Phnom Penh.
• Explore the local markets and enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner.

## Day 10: Angkor Wat

• Spend the day exploring the Angkor Wat temple complex.
• Visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm.
• Enjoy sunset at Angkor Wat.

## Day 11-15: Thailand (Bangkok & Chiang Mai)

## Day 11: Fly to Bangkok

• Fly to Bangkok and check into your hotel.
• Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (home of the Reclining Buddha).
• Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

## Day 12: Explore Bangkok

• Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it’s the weekend) or explore local neighborhoods.
• Visit Jim Thompson House and learn about Thai silk.
• Enjoy street food in Chinatown in the evening.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Ayutthaya

• Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
• Explore the historical ruins and temples.
• Return to Bangkok for the night.

## Day 14: Fly to Chiang Mai

• Fly to Chiang Mai in the morning.
• Visit the Old City and explore temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
• Enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner with cultural performances.

## Day 15: Elephant Sanctuary

• Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary.
• Learn about elephant care and enjoy feeding and bathing them.
• Return to Chiang Mai and relax.

## Day 16-20: Laos (Luang Prabang)

## Day 16: Fly to Luang Prabang

• Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong.
• Enjoy a sunset at Mount Phousi.

## Day 17: Kuang Si Waterfalls

• Take a day trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls.
• Swim in the turquoise pools and hike in the surrounding area.
• Visit the bear rescue center nearby.

## Day 18: Almsgiving Ceremony & Explore Luang Prabang

• Wake up early to witness the almsgiving ceremony.
• Explore the local markets and try some Laotian dishes.
• Visit more temples or take a boat trip on the Mekong River.

## Day 19: Pak Ou Caves

• Take a boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues.
• Enjoy the scenic views along the Mekong River.
• Return to Luang Prabang and relax.

## Day 20: Fly to Vientiane

• Fly to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
• Visit the Patuxai Monument and That Luang Stupa.
• Enjoy dinner by the Mekong River.

## Day 21-25: Thailand (Bangkok & Islands)

## Day 21: Explore Vientiane

• Visit the COPE Visitor Centre and learn about the impact of unexploded ordnance.
• Explore local markets and try some Laotian desserts.
• Fly back to Bangkok in the evening.

## Day 22: Fly to Phuket or Krabi

• Fly to either Phuket or Krabi for some beach time.
• Check into your hotel and relax on the beach.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner by the ocean.

## Day 23: Island Hopping

• Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands or Hong Islands.
• Snorkel, swim, and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches.

## Day 24: Relaxation Day

• Spend a leisurely day at the beach or indulge in a spa day.
• Explore local shops and markets for souvenirs.

## Day 25: Departure

• Enjoy your last breakfast in Thailand.
• Depending on your flight time, you might squeeze in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Head to the airport for your departure.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and relaxation. Feel free to adjust the days based on your interests and travel pace. Enjoy your adventure through these beautiful countries! Safe travels! 🌏✈️