3-Week Thailand and Vietnam Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Thailand And Vietnam tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaThailand and Vietnam travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Southeast Asia Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Angkor Wat

  This cultural odyssey through Thailand and Vietnam features Chiang Mai temples, overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, and Hoi An's ancient town. Package includes 20 breakfasts, 8 lunches, English-speaking guides, and domestic flights. Costs approx. $250 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Bangkok & Chiang Mai

    Plan your Bangkok airport transfer outside rush hour to avoid heavy traffic. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market before 8:30 AM to see it at its best and avoid crowds. "The floating market was fascinating, but bring small bills in Thai Baht for easier bargaining with vendors." Take the overnight train to Chiang Mai (14 hours) and get a lower berth for convenience.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Northern Thailand

    Visit Chiang Mai's temples including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Get to Doi Suthep temple early before the heat builds up. The 300+ steps can be challenging later in the day. Remember to pack clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for temple visits.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Luang Prabang

    The alms-giving ceremony starts around 5:30 AM. Dress appropriately and keep your distance from the monks. "Watching the monks collect alms at sunrise was humbling. Bring a shawl—it gets chilly in the morning." Take a boat to Pak Ou Caves but watch your step on wet days. Visit Kuang Si waterfall before 10 AM and bring water shoes if you want to swim.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Hanoi & Halong Bay

    Walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter early to avoid the heat and motorcycle traffic. Pack light for your Halong Bay cruise (4 hours from Hanoi). "Choose an upper deck cabin - they offer better views and ventilation."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Central Vietnam

    Start your Hoi An walking tours in the morning before it gets too hot. Try the Tra Que herb village bike tour. It's an easy ride but don't forget sunscreen and water. Visit My Son Sanctuary at sunrise to beat the crowds. "The cooking class in Hoi An was a highlight - ask to learn local specialties like Cao Lau noodles."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Southern Vietnam

    Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning when it's cooler. Book morning Mekong Delta trips to see the floating markets at their liveliest. "The small canals around Ben Tre were more authentic than the main tourist spots - ask your guide to include these."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Siem Reap & Angkor

    Start your Angkor Wat visit at 5 AM for sunrise. Bring a flashlight and good walking shoes. The stone gets very hot by midday so carry plenty of water. "Enter Angkor Thom through the less crowded East Gate rather than the busy South Gate. The morning light there is perfect for photos."

    

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• 21 Days in Southeast Asia, incl. Bangkok and Siem Reap

  The 21-day route from Bangkok's Damnoen Saduak Market to Ha Long Bay's limestone islands showcases Thailand and Vietnam's finest spots. Travelers visit Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh, stop at Hoi An's Tra Que Village, and sail through Mekong Delta. Premium lodging includes Easterin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Thailand

    Arrive in Bangkok in the evening and check into your hotel. Your second day starts with an early trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by long-tail speedboat through historic canals. Later, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai, which takes about 14 hours. Chiang Mai offers beautiful temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. Visit Doi Suthep Temple at 5,300 feet elevation - go early to avoid crowds and heat. Be ready for 306 steps up to the temple, which can be tough in Thailand's humidity.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Laos

    Fly to Luang Prabang. You can watch the alms-giving ceremony at 5:30 AM if you're an early riser. Remember to dress appropriately with covered shoulders. A recent visitor shared: "You'll want to arrive before sunrise to secure a quiet spot away from tourist crowds. The reverence of the moment is unforgettable." Visit the Royal Palace Museum (closed Tuesdays) and take a boat to Pak Ou Caves to see thousands of Buddha statues. At Kuang Si waterfall, wear good walking shoes since the paths get slippery. Swimming is possible in the top pool if conditions allow.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Northern Vietnam

    Take a flight to Hanoi and head to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise among limestone formations. Spring and fall usually have the best visibility. Spend one night in Hanoi before flying south.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Central Vietnam

    From Danang, travel to Hoi An. Book your custom clothing early so there's time for fittings. Explore local food by bike and visit Tra Que Village to learn dumpling-making. Plan your My Son Sanctuary visit for early morning to beat the heat.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Southern Vietnam

    In Ho Chi Minh City, take a Mekong Delta day trip through the waterways. Try local foods like Elephant-Ear Fish. Visit Cu Chi Tunnels early before crowds arrive. If small spaces make you uncomfortable, you can view the tunnels from outside.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Cambodia

    Finish in Siem Reap to explore Angkor. Start at 5 AM for Angkor Wat sunrise. Follow your guide's counter-clockwise route to avoid crowds. Wear shoes with good grip on the stones. A visitor noted: "Ta Prohm is magical in early morning light - you'll want proper camera gear to capture the tree roots embracing ancient stones."

    

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• 21 Days in Southeast Asia, incl. Hanoi and Bangkok

  The 21-day adventure through Thailand and Vietnam covers 8 major cities. UNESCO sites like Halong Bay and Bangkok's temples take center stage. Selected 3-star properties include Skylark Hanoi and New Siam Palace Bangkok.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Northern Vietnam

    Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi at 7 AM to watch locals practicing tai chi by West Lake. "Watching the morning rituals at the pagoda was mesmerizing. Go early before the tour buses arrive." Walk through the Old Quarter's narrow lanes and stop at Hoan Kiem Lake. Book a street food tour on your first evening to get familiar with Vietnamese food and culture.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Halong Bay

    Take the morning shuttle to Halong Bay (3.5 hours). Book a cruise with overnight anchoring to catch the best sunrise views of the limestone karsts. "The kayaking through caves was incredible, but bring water shoes - the limestone can be sharp." Most boats offer cooking classes and morning tai chi on deck.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Central Vietnam

    Take a 1.5-hour flight to Hoi An. Visit the Ancient Town early before the crowds show up. Try a bicycle tour through rice paddies to Tra Que herb village. "The afternoon heat can be intense - do active tours before 11 AM and save shopping for evening when lanterns illuminate the streets."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Southern Vietnam

    Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit Ben Thanh Market in the morning when it's cooler. Take an early trip to Cu Chi Tunnels before the 2-hour drive gets busy. Spend a day at the Mekong Delta's floating markets. "The morning market at Cai Rang was fascinating but bring small bills for purchasing fruits directly from boats."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Cambodia

    Take the speedboat to Phnom Penh (5 hours). Start at the Royal Palace when the silver floor shines brightest in morning light. Travel to Siem Reap by shared van (6 hours). For Angkor Wat: "Enter through the less crowded East Gate at sunrise. The West Gate gets extremely busy."

    
  • Days 14-17

    Bangkok

    Fly to Bangkok (1 hour from Siem Reap). Get to the Grand Palace at opening time (8:30 AM) before crowds pile in. Plan a day trip to Ayutthaya's temples and bring an umbrella. "The river dinner cruise offered amazing night views of Wat Arun, but book a table on the right side of the boat for the best temple views."

    
  • Days 18-21

    Phuket

    Finish your trip in Phuket. Visit Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island but check the tides for cave access. "The Big Buddha is worth visiting but go before 11 AM when tour buses arrive. The winding road up gets congested later."

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