This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
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.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including walking tours through Chiang Mai, Hanoi and Hoi An, spend a magical night on Halong Bay, and board a historic train over the River Kwai
✓ 15 nights in central 4-star accommodation
✓ 1 night on board a premium Halong Bay cruise
✓ Breakfast daily, 8 lunches & 3 dinners
✓ All internal flights
✓ Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
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.
Greetings and welcome to Thailand! On arrival into Bangkok International Airport (BKK), please make your way to your hotel.
The vibrant city of Bangkok, renowned for its iconic tuk tuks, khlong boats, and delectable street food, eagerly awaits your arrival. With countless attractions and experiences, we suggest arriving a day or two in advance to truly immerse yourself in the city's charm. Consider embarking on a scenic riverboat ride to Chinatown, where you can wander through its bustling streets and savour the local culture.
Tonight, at 6pm, prepare for our welcome meeting, where our knowledgeable guide will offer recommendations for your Bangkok exploration.
Note:
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast, discover the magnificent Grand Palace, a stunning architectural marvel featuring a series of exquisite structures on the exterior and a truly enchanting interior. This historic palace served as a royal residence from the 18th to the mid-20th century and stands as an undeniable national treasure, likely the most frequented royal monument in Thailand. It's an absolute must-visit.
Embark on a picturesque river cruise along the Chao Phraya River to explore the renowned 'khlongs' or canals. Life along these waterways presents a stark contrast to the bustling streets of the city, offering a tranquil and captivating experience.
As the day progresses, journey westward to Kanchanaburi, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. Situated at the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers, Kanchanaburi is home to the iconic 'Bridge on the River Kwai.
Begin your day by heading towards the enchanting Erawan Falls, which gracefully cascade into a series of emerald-green pools. This natural wonder provides an idyllic setting for swimming, leisurely strolls, or simply unwinding in its serene ambiance. Following your visit, continue your journey to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, a poignant tribute constructed to honour the memory of the Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and Asian conscripts who lost their lives while toiling on the most challenging sections of the Thai-Burma Death Railway.
Next, board a train at Nam Tok station and embark on a historic ride along the tracks that meander beside the Kwai Noi River. Traverse the original wooden viaduct painstakingly built by the Allied POWs, all while being enveloped by awe-inspiring landscapes. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Depart from Kanchanaburi this morning and set your course for Ayutthaya. Once the majestic capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya's Historical Park is now home to the remnants of grand palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient statues. Your afternoon will be dedicated to exploring these remarkable historical sites.
Prepare for a day of travel adventure! Begin your journey by catching a traditional songthaew from your lodging to the train station. There, you'll hop on a day train bound for Phitsanulok. Don't forget to have your favourite music, podcasts, movies, or a captivating book at the ready, as you'll be treated to a leisurely ride through the picturesque countryside on this relaxing travel day.
Upon arrival, you'll have some free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Later, make your way to a local residence for a delightful Inspiring Taste – a Thai-style cooking class. Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the Sukhothai region as your host guides you through the preparation of these authentic recipes. Together, you'll create a delectable feast to enjoy at the end of the session.
Embark on a journey to the ancient ruins of Old Sukhothai, nestled amidst picturesque lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture from the Sukhothai era represent quintessential Thai styles. Upon reaching the park, you'll have the opportunity to hop on an electric vehicle, enabling you to explore the area at a relaxed pace while delving into the captivating history of this remarkable site.
Following your exploration, the afternoon is yours to savour. You can unwind by the pool or consider engaging in one of the optional activities listed below.
Participate in a hands-on workshop at one of the local businesses that have been preserving the traditional Sukhothai crafting techniques for generations. An excellent example is Suthep Sangkhalok, a small family-run enterprise located near the historical park. Here, visitors have the opportunity to engage in a ceramics workshop, gaining insights into the enduring tradition of Sukhothai ceramics.
In present times, Sukhothai boasts several modest ceramic factories typically managed by families who have carried on the craft through successive generations. These establishments not only offer exquisite handcrafted pieces for sale but also provide valuable information about the Sukhothai ceramics process and the distinctive Sawankhalok style.
Duration: 2 hours (including instruction and hands-on experience) with transportation included.
A local guide will be on hand to assist.
Begin your day by journeying to Chiang Mai, the bustling cultural hub of northern Thailand, renowned for its wealth of famous temples and captivating old city district. Upon arrival, your first stop will be Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered temple situated high on a mountain with commanding views over Chiang Mai. To reach this sacred site, you'll have the option to either ascend the 309-step staircase or take a convenient cable car ride.
Continue to your hotel to check-in before a late afternoon walking orientation tour of Chiang Mai.
Please note: your guide services will conclude after your orientation tour.
Chiang Mai holds a special allure, especially when you venture into the ancient districts within its city walls. You have the entire day to leisurely explore or consider participating in one of the optional activities listed below.
Drive out to the ChangChill Elephant Reserve and learn how this organization supports the protection, conversation, and lifestyle of free-roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialize with their other friends. The expert local guides will give you a live lecture on the elephants as well as the reserve’s sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephant’s mud pit, then be treated to lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside the giant mammals.
Depart hotel: 10:00 - 10:30 am
Arrive hotel: 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Inclusions: local guide, return transfers, buffet lunch
When the scheduled time arrives, take advantage of the provided transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is yours to leisurely explore the captivating ancient capital city before an eventful day of touring awaits you tomorrow. At 6 pm, gather in the hotel lobby for a Welcome Meeting with your Tour Guide, providing you with the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and prepare for the adventures ahead.
In the morning, transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (approximately 3.5 hours drive).
After arriving at Ha Long, get on board to cruise around and have chances to admire the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay with fascinating natural formations while having lunch. Then you will have some time to visit villages to have a look at how local people spend their days. You also can join the cooking class aboard to learn how to make spring rolls - a Vietnamese traditional dish.
After having dinner aboard, you can enjoy some night activities such as squid fishing, drinking, listening to music or just simply enjoying the night sky of Ha Long Bay.
Note: please pack an overnight bag with any essentials that you will need for your cruise, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and medications. You will return to the same hotel in Hanoi, so your remaining luggage will be sure to be kept safely for the night.
In the morning, enjoy your light breakfast and relax for a while before exploring the cave system.
Afterwards, return to the cruise and enjoy the beautiful scenery until check-out time. We will then transfer back to Hanoi to check in the hotel.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (exterior) where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit the traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with particular structure.
Later in the afternoon, an expert local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. You will eat as you go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French inspired snack from a street cart. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. Your next two snack stops are at outdoor barbeque stalls. You can sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour. Now time for dessert as you adventure down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this specialty is one not to be missed!
This tour is suitable for all fitness levels, as it involves mostly walking.
In the morning, we transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 - 548). The Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes throughout the years, particularly its renaming from An Quoc to Tran Quoc (protecting the country) by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.
We will move to the Temple of Literature - famous for being the first university of Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
From here, head to the airport to take your domestic flight to Da Nang before transferring to Hoi An to check in at the hotel.
Includes: guide, electric buggy, show ticket
The show features more than 500 performers in colorful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that explores the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Pick up 7:30pm. Show starts 8:00pm.
Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. Your guide will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city’s major attractions. It’s perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. It’s also a shopping mecca – browse local markets and shops for original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns.
The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore Hoi An.
Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries for exquisite paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class.
Enjoy the morning at your leisure and in the afternoon take the short flight down to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will have the evening at your leisure.
Includes: guide, transportation, show ticket
Originating in the Red River Delta, a thousand-year-old tradition, the water puppets act out ancient Vietnamese culture They feature the Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix dance, Fairies dance, fishing, and agricultural work... It ends with puppeteer’s waist deep in water.
Pickup from Hotel Lobby will be 6.00pm, for a 6.30pm show.
Start your day with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels - a vast network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people as you crawl through the tunnels and see how they were used for living, fighting, and communication.
In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City to see the city through the eyes of a local. Visit some of its most iconic landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ho Chi Minh City Hall.
In the evening, explore Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market where you can experience local life and find souvenirs. You can find everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and handicrafts.
Meals are on your own account, but there are many great restaurants to choose from in Ho Chi Minh City. You can try some of the local specialties, such as pho, banh mi and bun cha.
Today is your free day to discover the city at your own pace. Perhaps use your included “Inspiring Sight” to explore the Mekong Delta on a full day tour.
Includes: guide, transportation & lunch
Embark on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Begin your journey by boarding a private boat headed for Ben Tre, where you'll explore the coconut gardens and pause at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams.
Following this, take a seat in small rowing sampans and gently paddle along the Mekong Delta, passing by coconut trees that line the canals. Enjoy a tuk-tuk tour through the villages, gaining insight into rural life and the coconut industry, which produces items like brooms and coconut fiber mats.
Lunchtime arrives at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, where you can savor regional specialties like the famous elephant ear fish. Conclude your day with a peaceful cruise along the major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by bus.
All good things must come to an end and today marks the end of your Vietnam.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Inspiring Tastes
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Stay
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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 for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
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.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that staff have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
An expected tip in this region would be 4-7 USD per person, per day, shared among your driver, bellmen, restaurant staff, and more. Your trip leader will discuss tipping further with you while on tour, and may also discuss having a group tipping kitty that will be fairly dispersed throughout your trip.
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, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,145.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum of 4 and Maximum of 20 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:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are 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.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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