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15 Day Best Of Thailand & Vietnam

This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.

Airfares
Included

This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5

 

Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.

 

As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.

Pace
Balanced

A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Escorted Type
Partially Escorted
320 people have travelled to this destination
✓ Return International airfares included
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including exploring the historic city of Ayutthaya, temple hopping through central Thailand, Chiang Mai city tour, discovering the ruins at Sukhothai historic park, Enjoy a guided walk through Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site, Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights
✓ Superb accommodation in 4 star hotels
✓ All domestic and international flights
✓ 13 Breakfasts, 6 lunches & 1 dinner
✓ Local, English-speaking guides in Bangkok, Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ All entrance and sightseeing fees included
What we love about this tour

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Itinerary

Hotel
Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel or Similar

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand!

On arrival, you will be greeted by your transfer driver at Suvarnabhumi Airport and taken to your hotel for check in.

Please note: Some flights may depart your home city the night before

Hotel
Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure to explore Thailand’s capital or join in an optional tour as outlined below.

Bangkok dazzles with tuk tuks, a lively river precinct, skyscrapers, great shopping and ancient traditions. Maybe surprise your taste buds with amazing local flavours served up by a street food vendor before wandering down Khao San Road or indulging in a Thai massage. Cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any number of the  riverside or rooftop bars.

Optional Tour - Half Day Royal Grand Palace Tour

Explore the dazzling Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece comprising several buildings from the outside and a magical inside, which was used as a royal residence from the 18th to mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, which shouldn’t be missed. The building houses the Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest temple, in which is located the famous gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha.

Hotel
The Imperial Hotel and Convention Centre or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today, visit the former capital Ayutthaya, a historic city awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for the splendour of its archaeological ruins and temples. Behold this once vast inland city including Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat. Board a traditional long tail boat to observe the city from a different perspective. After lunch, check-in to your hotel in Phitsanulok. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon after a big day of sightseeing.

Hotel
Amora Hotel Chiang Mai or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, make a quick stop at Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok to visit the splendid Phra Buddha Chinnarat. Continue on to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, housing what many consider to be the most beautiful wooden Lanna Temple in Northern Thailand. Ascend the staircase to admire the temple’s bronze Buddha statue.  Enjoy lunch locally before travelling to Chiang Mai.

Hotel
Amora Hotel Chiang Mai or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples located on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. To reach the temple, you’ll have to climb the 309-step staircase (or simply use the cable car). Later, browse the shops on San Kamphaeng Road, a 10 km-long precinct selling local goods such as pottery, silverware, jewellery, silk products and lots more. Watch artisans at work producing good quality items. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel to relax or spend the afternoon exploring more of Chiang Mai.

Hotel
Legendha Sukhothai Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you will leave Chiang Mai for the short drive to Lamphun. Upon arrival,  visit the magnificent, thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Temple to see the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, including the 46-metre Lanna-style golden Chedi and the 21-metre-tall Hariphunchai-style Chedi. 

Continue south to visit Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which contains the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom founded in the 13th century.

Hotel
Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Depart for Lopburi after breakfast for a visit to Phra Pang Sam Yot, the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple, and the adjacent Brahman shrine San Phra Kan, known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to Bangkok for check-in at your hotel.

Hotel
Flower Garden Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some last minute shopping in Bangkok, before being transferred to the airport for the flight to Hanoi – the Capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the bustling streets of this northern Vietnamese city. 

Hotel
Flower Garden Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, its time for a lively tour of the exciting streets of Hanoi.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and the 1500 year old pagoda of Tran Quoc Pagoda, originally constructed in the 6th Century.  

Enjoy lunch before a free afternoon where you’re free to continue exploring this fabulous city.

Optional Tour - Australian Beef & Wine Dinner Tasting by Local Chefs

At one of Hanoi's authentic local restaurants, taste Australian beef prepared by the talented hands of local chefs. Enjoy local dishes prepared using Australian beef in a unique Vietnamese style.

Hotel
Oriental Sails or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, travel by coach through the rich, verdant farmlands of the Red River Delta to arrive at Halong Bay. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind and wave-eroded grottoes, is a stunning escape from the city.

Board your ship for the night, and set sail. The thousands of limestone islands filled with caves are the iconic image of this region. The sails of junks and sampans on the clear waters of the bay form a magnificent scene. Enjoy the opportunity to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs to get an up close view of this natural wonderland.

Hotel
Flower Garden Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Wake early this morning, and if you’re feeling nimble, participate in Tai Chi on deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. 

Enjoy a rousing local vietnamese coffee (or tea), before setting out to explore some nearby islands by rowboat. Return in time for breakfast and take advantage of the sundeck to admire the peace and views that make Halong Bay famous. Enjoy a light lunch before sailing back to shore. Your driver will then meet you at the jetty for your drive back to Hanoi.

Hotel
Ramana Saigon Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today, transfer to the airport for the two hour flight south  to Ho Chi Minh City. 

This flight is unescorted.  On arrival you will be met by your guide. Start this section of your holiday with a guided tour around central  Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) Spot Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office before a visit the War Remnant Museum and soak up the atmosphere of Ben Thanh market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore further.

Optional Tour - Dinner on Saigon River Cruise

Dinner on Saigon River Cruise offers an opportunity to witness another side of Saigon.. Hop on your wooden barge and sail down the river. Feel the gentle breeze caressing your skin and enjoy a lovely dinner accompanied by the traditional music and dance performances. 

Hotel
Ramana Saigon Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore the city in more detail or enjoy one of the optional tours as below.

Optional Tour - Mekong Visit The Locals

Embark on a cruise on the Ben Tre River visiting local brickworks, a local coconut processing workshop and village to witness traditional handicrafts. Continue taking a motor cart (xe lôi) or cycling through the green rice fields and vegetable plains. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant.  In the afternoon, sail back to Hung Vuong Pier for your return to the city.

Optional Tour - Cu Chi Tunnels

During the Vietnam War, guerrilla fighters built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels, using them to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, giving visitors a unique understanding of what life was like during the Vietnam War.

 

Meals
Breakfast

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Welcome home. We hope you have had an amazing adventure.

Inclusions

  • Return international airfares included
  • Incredible sightseeing, including exploring the historic city of Ayutthaya, temple hopping through central Thailand, Chiang Mai city tour, discovering the ruins at Sukhothai historic park, Enjoy a guided walk through Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, Overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site, Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights.
  • Superb accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • All domestic and international flights
  • 13 Breakfasts, 6 lunches & 1 dinner
  • Local, English-speaking guides in Bangkok, Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City
  • Return airport transfers
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • All entrance and sightseeing fees included

  • Contemplate the ruins at Ayutthaya, a historic city awarded UNESCO World Heritage status
  • Magnificent Phra Buddha Chinnarat, home of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha. 
  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples
  • Visit Phra Pang Sam Yot, the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple 
  • San Phra Kan, known as the ‘Monkey Temple’
  • Free time exploring bustling Bangkok
  • Hanoi - Enjoy a guided walk through Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, an intricate network of narrow alleys & shop houses
  • Hanoi - Visit the Temple of Literature, dedicated to the cult of Confucius, dating back to 1070
  • Hanoi - See the final resting place of communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Hanoi - Indulge in a popular Hanoi pastime, by savouring one of the country's most famous exports, coffee.
  • Halong Bay - Overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights including Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Remnant Museum and Ben Thanh market.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Enjoy free time in Ho Chi Minh City to unwind or continue exploring the Mekong Delta on a full day tour (optional)

Fine Print

Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. 
 
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
 
Australian owned and operated 
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
 
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period.  Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
 
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.

We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.

Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.

Pay In Full Option:

  • Full payment due at the time of the booking.
  • Please select this option at the payment page prior to finalizing your booking

Installment Payment Plan Option:

  • Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person.
  • Pay a 1st installment of $1,107.00 per person within 28 days.
  • Pay a 2nd installment of $760.00 per person within 90 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfill your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $950.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Land Only
This package is unable to be sold without the airfares included.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Group Size
2-30 people

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

  • Partially Escorted - A portion of these packages runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is independent, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.

Please note that flights for this package are arranged on our behalf by our local travel partner. The best available flights will be booked for you and will be sent along with your tour documentation approximately 2 weeks before departure.

Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?

No, due to the nature of this package and that airfares are arranged by our travel partner, flights will be booked as per the package and an extension of stay is not permitted.

Can I request a specific airline?

Requests to fly with a specific airline or on a specific flight schedule cannot be taken into consideration, with the best available option being booked.

Conditions of flights for this package:

  • Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
  • Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s, such as Bamboo Airlines, with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please select land only.
  • Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
  • Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
  • Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
  • Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to fees to amend with the airline or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
  • If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
  • Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure they are familiar with the most up to date airline schedule prior to departure
  • Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
  • If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation.
  • You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly. 

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

Inspiring Vacations and our partners do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Online check-in

 Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

  • Half Day Royal Grand Palace Tour (Day 2) - $113 per person
  • Australian Beef & Wine Dinner Tasting by Local Chefs (Day 9) - $150 per person
  • Dinner on Saigon River Cruise (Day 12) - $169 per person
  • Mekong Visit The Locals (Day 13) - $211 per person
  • Cu Chi Tunnels (Day 13) - $110 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Tipping
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