15-day round trip through the best of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
The best Southeast Asia tour for first-time visitors: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are among the most popular destinations for a first trip to Southeast Asia. On this two-week tour, you'll experience the highlights of Thailand in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Vietnam.
Taiguo.Published 9 min read
Adapted from thailandhighlights.com. Any first-person experiences in this article belong to the original author.
The best Southeast Asia tour for first-time visitors
Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are among the most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia. On this two-week tour, you'll experience the highlights of Thailand in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, discover the vibrant life of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and explore the spiritual atmosphere of Cambodia around the famous Angkor Wat.
This is a private tour that can be tailored entirely to your wishes. We can include beach stays or other activities of your choice, adjust your itinerary by adding or removing days, and organize a special theme or activities for a birthday, family with children, honeymoon/anniversary, etc.
"Most people rush through these three countries and only see the overcrowded tourist attractions. We take our time and show you a better way."
We'll take an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, allowing you to wake up on the water before the tourist crowds arrive. In Siem Reap, we'll leave the bustling temples behind and take you on a quad bike tour through the peaceful countryside. In Chiang Mai, we'll go beyond the usual temple visits and accompany a monk into the tranquility of the forest temples – a truly contemplative experience far removed from any typical sightseeing tour.
Travel Highlights
Travel Moments
A travel itinerary for inspiration
The full-day guided tour typically starts at 9:00 AM and ends around 5:00 PM. Your preferences will determine your individual trip. Days, stops, and pace can all be adjusted. We look forward to creating a unique journey through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam for you.
Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport by your tour guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to recover from jet lag or explore your hotel.
Hanoi – The city's highlights: Exploration
Visit Hanoi's top attractions, including the unforgettable Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the historic Temple of Literature, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the informative Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Take a leisurely ride in a bicycle rickshaw through the Old Quarter and experience the daily life of Hanoi's inhabitants.
Experience an entertaining water puppet theatre performance, a unique art form of North Vietnam.
Hanoi to Halong Bay and overnight cruise in Halong Bay
After breakfast you will be taken from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Board your junk boat at midday. This smaller boat offers a more intimate and authentic experience than the usual excursion boats.
Swim in the emerald green waters of Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay.
Take part in interesting onboard activities, such as cooking demonstrations and squid fishing.
Enjoy exquisite drinks and delicious food on board while admiring the spectacular views.
From Halong Bay via Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, we go kayaking to the Ao Ech area to discover the hidden charm of Ha Long – the Lan Ha Bay.
After brunch, transfer from Halong Bay back to Hanoi for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport by your tour guide and driver and taken to the hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour including Cu Chi Tunnels
In the morning, you'll take a speedboat to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. After just 15 minutes, you'll experience the transition from urban development to the lush jungle along the riverbank.
The hidden and winding Cu Chi tunnels testify to the resilience of the Vietnamese in times of need.
In the afternoon you should visit the city's main sights: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Reunification Palace.
Next, we go to the War Museum. The massive, old military equipment in the museum reminds us of the horrors of war.
Mekong Delta impression
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. There you will find lush rice paddies, fresh tropical fruits, stilt houses and fish farms.
Take a motorboat trip through the waterways and experience the landscape of the delta, including a once bustling floating market that is now smaller.
Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride on picturesque canals.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport and onward flight to Siem Reap.
Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by your local tour guide and taken to the hotel.
Cambodian Spirituality – Angkor Wat
Cross the old moat and venture into the heart of Angkor Wat.
Experience the glorious achievements of the Khmer Empire with a walk through Angkor Thom.
Discover the history of Bayon and greet its smiling faces that protect the Imperial City through the long stream of history.
Hike through Ta Prohm in the shade of towering trees and watch as their gigantic roots engulf the ruins.
Traverse the extraordinary Preah Khan and immerse yourself in its splendor.
Discover Cambodia's cultural treasures and rural adventures
Visit Banteay Srei, the jewel of Khmer art.
Visit the Landmine Museum, where you will be moved by the perseverance of Cambodia's efforts to clear life-threatening landmines.
Explore the lesser-known ruins of Banteay Samre.
Take an adventurous quad bike tour through the countryside and experience the breathtaking sunset.
Arrival in Bangkok, Thailand (Siem Reap).
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport by your tour guide and driver and taken to the hotel.
Take the rest of the day off to stroll around your hotel.
Discover the highlights of Bangkok
Begin your tour with the Wat Pho temple complex when the morning light touches the monks' robes and the hall echoes with chanting.
Visit Bangkok's iconic Grand Palace. Take a longtail boat ride through the ancient canals to Wat Arun.
Explore the old but vibrant market of Chinatown at your own pace and experience a different side of Bangkok.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Travel north to Chiang Mai and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty. Private airport transfers are available in both cities.
Chiang Mai: Local life and the tranquility of the Forest Temple
Get up early and experience a special start to your day in Chiang Mai: Join the locals in a traditional morning alms ceremony and learn how Buddhist beliefs are integrated into everyday life.
Afterwards, visit Chiang Mai Gate Market, a popular meeting place for locals to buy fresh ingredients and enjoy breakfast. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, discover the flavors of Northern Thailand, and gain insight into the daily lives of the people.
Next, we go to a charming community room that comes alive on weekends, where local crafts, music and a relaxed atmosphere offer a different side of Chiang Mai.
In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the lush forest surroundings of Wat Umong and Wat Pha Lat. At Wat Pha Lat, you will follow a resident monk into this hidden forest sanctuary, where tranquil paths, flowing water, and a peaceful natural setting invite you to pause, meditate, and enjoy candlelight.
End your day at the legendary Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai in the soft light of the sunset.
A unique encounter with elephants in the jungle
Spend half a day at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary caring for the elephants. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the sanctuary, observe elephants roaming freely, and learn about their unique stories.
Observe the elephants as they engage in their natural behaviors, such as eating, playing, and socializing. You can also take photos and ask your guide questions about their individual stories.
Watch elephants rub themselves with mud – it's a healthy cosmetic treatment for their skin.
After the mud bath, you can walk with them to a nearby river and watch them wading, playing, and swimming in the refreshing water. You can even join in the fun!
Departure from Chiang Mai
Your tour guide will take you to the airport for your onward flight home.
Make it your very own unique piece
This is where the magic happens. Enhance your offerings with experiences that will inspire you – be it a private cooking class, a jungle hike, or a special celebration.
Your stay is part of history
Your choice of accommodation shapes your trip. We carefully select hotels based on their unique character – from boutique hotels in the city to beachfront hotels.
What is included in the delivery?
No surprises, no hidden costs. Our prices are transparent and tailored to your individual plan. Here you can see clearly what is typically included.
Price guide
Their inclusions
Modern, spacious vehicle with air conditioning and driver
Dedicated, English-speaking local tour guide
All admission prices and listed activities
All nights in hand-picked hotels
Domestic flights between cities
Daily breakfast and set meals
ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
Good to know
Based on two people, traveling in the off-season.
The price for a child under 8 years old is approximately 80% of the price for adults.
The final price will be individually tailored to your group, travel dates and your wishes.
Want to combine different hotels? Absolutely. We'll put together a trip that fits your budget.
International flight (we are happy to help you with booking)
Most lunches and dinners (for more flexibility)
Visas and travel insurance
Discounts for children under 8 years old.
We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR and other currencies.
Let's plan your trip together.
It's very simple. Here's how it works: 1. Share your ideas with us using the plan below. 2. Your travel consultant will contact you within 24 hours.
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