Hanoi to Phuket: A 2-Week Cultural Odyssey

Arrival in Hanoi, a thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam. Welcome by the English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour at the airport, transfer to the hotel in the center of the city and day adapted according to your arrival time. Departure for the first visits to the city center to soak up the charm of the thousand-year-old capital:

• King Ly Thai To square, discovery of the thousand-year-old history of the Vietnamese capital.

Ly Thai To is the founder of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). It was he who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010

• Lake of the Restored Sword with the temple of Mount Jade, the Turtle Islet, in the heart of Hanoi.
• Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 corporation streets, where you can stroll through craft streets bearing the name of the goods that were produced and sold there. Don't forget to stop at Ma May Street and visit an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.

This Old Quarter is located in the heart of Hanoi and is full of old houses, temples, bustling markets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants. It is an emblematic place that testifies to the history and culture of the Vietnamese capital.

Discover the colonial heritage with French concessions: take a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to visit the Grand Théâtre, the Métropole hotel, the state bank, the Central Post Office… End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel.

This begins your captivating Northern Vietnam and Thailand in 2 weeks with Kampá Tour.

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Night in Hanoi.

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugarloaf mountains of Tam Coc. In the past, it was renowned for its dance performances for the kings of the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th century).

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. This meandering river winds through rice paddies, sugarloaf formations, and passes under the three caves at the base of the limestone peaks.

Return to Hanoi by the end of the day and spend the night at the hotel.

For a shorter drive, there's an option to stay in Ninh Binh on this day and spend the night there (without returning to Hanoi during the day). Then, you can depart for Halong Bay the following morning with the guide and private car. Please contact us for this option.

Part of the Gulf of Tonkin (Pacific Ocean), Halong Bay is a vast area comprised of thousands of limestone karsts rising from the sea. A cruise aboard a junk boat in this bay is a must during any trip to Vietnam.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to witness a spectacular moment: the first rays of sunlight painting the limestone karsts of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk before disembarking and heading back to Hanoi.

Hanoi: Free morning, then flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Dedicate a day to the discovery of Chiang Mai. Founded in the 13th century, the city of Chiang Mai bears witness to a rich heritage, blending Lanna, Siamese, and Burmese cultures.

Enjoy a walking tour of the old town, making stops at the ancient wall, the moat, and an old town gate. Along the way, you will admire some of Chiang Mai's most beautiful temples, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Following this, you'll stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses and experience a rickshaw ride. Later, you'll explore the bustling Warorot central market.

In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep hill, which offers a superb view of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the top via a staircase of 290 steps or by taking a cable car. At the summit, you'll find a golden chedi protecting the relics of the Buddha.

End the day with an overnight stay in Chiang Mai

08:00 - 08:30: Welcome by the English-speaking guide at your hotel, then depart by car, approximately one and a half hours south of Chiang Mai, through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

10:30 a.m.: Arrival at the sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Put on traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson on elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

11:00 a.m.: Meeting with the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with elephants in their natural environment to learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.

12:00: Enjoy a lunch of Thai dishes and fresh fruit.

1:00 p.m.: Learn how to make herbal balloons, feed the elephants, then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.

2:00 p.m.: Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.

3:00 p.m.: Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours towards Chiang Mai.

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Return to your hotel or accommodation.

Night train to Bangkok.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark, where you will be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne rooms.
• Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country.
• Visit Wat Pho along the way, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, famous for its 45-meter reclining Buddha statue.
• We will then visit Wat Traimit, which is well-known for the Golden Buddha.
• Board a long-tail boat to sail along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, staying away from the heavily touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel to rest for the night in Bangkok.

Depart early to visit the Maeklong market, located on the railway tracks very close to the train terminus. Walk along the rails to explore the vibrant market and witness how quickly the merchants fold up their stalls in preparation for the train, which is scheduled to pass around 8:30 a.m.

Afterwards, head to the small market of Samut Songkhran, where you'll embark on a beautiful canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, providing an authentic glimpse of rural Asia just outside of Bangkok. The approximately one-hour ride will culminate in the heart of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Explore this traditional market, bustling with sellers offering a variety of products, including food, flowers, plants, and even animals.

Return to Bangkok and enjoy some free time to relax.

Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Transfer to Bangkok airport for the flight to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, known as the "pearl of the Andaman Gulf" with beautiful nature. This island is renowned for its coconut trees, stunning beaches, and relaxed way of life.

Upon arrival, our driver will welcome you and assist with your hotel check-in.

You'll have some free time to rest and savor the beach.

Spend the night in Phuket.

You have 2 days completely free to rest and explore Phuket at your leisure.

You can spend your time relaxing on deserted beaches under the shade of tall trees. Additionally, there is the option to take excursions to its magnificent islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and others off the coast of Phuket. These islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Enjoy your nights at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will fly to Bangkok for your return journey.

This marks the end of our 2-week journey from Northern Vietnam to Thailand with Kampá Tour. Safe travels and farewell!