November 2025
We had booked the Vietnam and Thailand package first with Wingbuddy. We don't take their flights as we prefer to do our own (air points, flexibility, credit card points and benefits, cc insurance and perks). Their initial flights also went through the States which we had no intention of doing so.
The tour package is semi-organized which is what we like. There is a lot of time on our own. There are no welcome of farewell dinners or really any dinners included. There are no home stays.
When we started looking at flights the intention was to add Japan at the end, over Christmas, however the flight costs were so astronomical that we said forget it. Then we decided since Air Canada had a stopover in Japan we may as well add it ad the beginning so we added 5 days in Tokyo before joining the tour in Hanoi.
SPREADSHEET - WILL ADD LATER
FRI NOV 21
We will fly November 21 9 AM to Vancouver with a 1hr 58 m layover, then Vancouver to Tokyo
arriving late afternoon on the 22nd.
ARRIVE TOKYO SAT NOV 22 4:30 PM Arrange transfer to hotel
HOTEL
6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
We then have SUN NOV 23 until WED NOV 26 to explore Tokyo. We fly to Hanoi on the 26th around 6 PM. We decided to go to the airport around noon.
Nov 26 - Dec 22
Day 1: Hanoi (Vietnam)
November 26 2025
Make your way to your hotel for check-in. (To ensure your airport transfer is arranged, please make sure to send us your flight details - only if you are arriving that day.)
After arriving in Hanoi, the rest of your day is free for you to relax or start your exploration of the night markets and bustling streets of Hanoi.
Day 2 - Day 3: Hanoi
2 additional nights - From November 27 2025 to November 28 2025
Days at leisure. (Breakfasts)
Day 4: Hanoi
November 29 2025
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to discover Hanoi at your own pace.
Departure in the late afternoon from your hotel to embark on a street food tour in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where your expert English-speaking 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 dishes. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter, tempt your taste buds with famed Hanoi dishes at local eateries. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how the tasty dishes are prepared. Continuing into the heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has hardly changed since the colonial era. At the end of the tour, you will be free to continue your exploration of the area. Your guide will assist you with directions or a taxi if you are willing to go back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast-Dinner)
Day 5: Hanoi
November 30 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will meet with your local guide in the lobby of your hotel for a full day city tour of Hanoi. You will start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda founded in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then you will continue toward the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university founded in the 11th century.
After your lunch included at a local restaurant, you will visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, which housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Afterward, you will enjoy a cyclo ride for about an hour, touring through the narrow, lively streets of the Old Quarter, heritage of the French colonial era in Hanoi. At the end of the day, you will see a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast-Lunch)
* Please note : The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Mondays and Fridays, as well as from October 1st to November 30th (approx.) for annual conservation.
Day 6: Halong Bay
December 01 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. En route, you will enjoy a refreshment break. Continuation toward Halong Bay, where you will meet the crew upon arrival and board the traditional wooden junk. You will have some free time to relax in your cabin before enjoying lunch on board while the boat heads toward the secluded islands.
In the afternoon, you will visit an ancient limestone cave and go sea kayaking and swimming (if weather permits). You will return to the junk refreshed and invigorated, just in time to relax on the deck with a drink to watch the sunset. For your evening dinner on board, enjoy a meal prepared with local products and seafood. Overnight on board. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
December 02 2025
Enjoy the fullness of a sunrise and a morning swim (if weather permits) before taking breakfast on board. Then, you will visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay before cruising back to the main harbor for the transfer back to Hanoi. You will then be transferred to Hanoi's airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Hue. Free dinner and overnight in Hue. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 8: Hue
December 03 2025
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will discover Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. You will start your city tour with the ancient walled citadel, including the former Imperial Palace, where ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. You will then visit the Dong Ba market to learn about the local products and specialties of Hue. You might get some great deals at the local Dong Ba market, especially if you are interested in a traditional Vietnamese conical hat.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the majestic royal tomb of King Tu Duc, one of the most magnificent mausoleums in Vietnam located along the Perfume River. Dinner free and overnight in Hue. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
December 04 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration of Hue at your own pace.
After lunch at leisure, you will drive southward to Hoi An via Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will visit the famous Marble Mountains, five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements of nature. After your visit, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Dinner free and overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast)
Day 10: Hoi An
December 05 2025
After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel to start your exploration of Hoi An. On this walking tour, your guide will show you several interesting places around the old town of Hoi An, including the old Japanese Covered Bridge dating back to 1593, the Phuc Kien Temple (Fujian Assembly Hall), a city museum, and the colorful local market. You will walk along tiny streets with houses and buildings influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architecture. After the walking tour, enjoy some free time to continue your exploration of Hoi An.
Hoi An is a unique destination in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It's the only city in the country that has preserved this typical architecture of a trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Stroll along the docks, wander around the local markets, or have a silk dress or suit fitted with outstanding quality at an outrageously low price. You can easily explore the old town by foot. There is also a bevy of amazing restaurants, old houses, craft shops, and art galleries where local artists exhibit their works. If you are interested in a more relaxed afternoon, make your way to the beautiful Cua Dai beach, located just a few kilometers away from the bustling city. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 11: Hoi An
December 06 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some time free to continue your exploration of Hoi An and its surroundings or opt for an optional excursion ($) with your guide. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, you might want to visit the majestic temples at My Son, a complex of Hindu temples built by the Cham people between the 4th and the 14th centuries. You might also want to attend a cooking class at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An old town or get up close and personal with dairy farming and fishing life. For early risers, why not capture the real Hoi An by joining a 4-hour photography tour led by a local expert? If you want to discover underwater life, hop on a boat tour to Cu Lao Cham Island for a fun and relaxing day exploring exotic coral reefs. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
December 07 2025
Breakfast at the hotel and time at leisure in the morning to take a last walk to re-visit a local market in Hoi An. At the time scheduled with your guide, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to discover Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city and economic capital of Vietnam. Dinner is free and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
December 08 2025
After breakfast, you will leave the city toward the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels that was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers in the war. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US troops during the Vietnam War, despite its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City.
After lunch included at a local restaurant, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon guided city tour. You will start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which contains exhibits related to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. Then, you will see the Reunification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Continuation toward the city center, where you will notice a lot of buildings dating back to the French colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, the Municipal Theatre, and the City Hall. After the visit, you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho
December 09 2025
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will head south to visit the Cai Be floating market, cruising on the Mekong River among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. After that, your local guide will offer you the option to stop at local workshops where you will see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice, among other things. Later in the morning, a rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peacefulness of the Mekong Delta. You will also see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves.
After a tasty lunch included at a local restaurant, you will have some time to walk around and enjoy some fresh fruits while listening to traditional music. Your guide will also offer you the option to enjoy a leisurely bike ride along village paths to see local farms and real life in the countryside and observe the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in the Mekong Delta. The cruise will end at Vinh Long City, where you will be transferred to Can Tho, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, for your overnight stay. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 15: Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Ho Chi Minh City
December 10 2025
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a boat cruise that will take you to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market. Here, you will experience a local type of market in which all purchasing activities take place on boats and ships of different sizes. Then, you will continue through a small canal to visit a fruit garden, where your guide will show you around before having a plate of delicious fruits. After your return to Can Tho, you will have some time at leisure to observe rural life and the lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Check out of your hotel and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with lunch included en route. The rest of the afternoon and the evening are free. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City - Bangkok (Thailand)
December 11 2025
After breakfast, greeting in the lobby of your hotel by our local representatives, and transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Dep:Ho Chi Minh City Dec 11, 2025 - Bangkok Dec 11, 2025
VN609 SGN | Dec 11 18:40 - BKK | Dec 11 20:15 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 35m
Arrival at the airport in Bangkok. You will be met by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Bangkok, a city that never fails to amaze. (Breakfast)
Day 17: Bangkok
December 12 2025
After breakfast, you will meet your local guide for a half-day city tour of Bangkok. Starting at Wat Phra Kaew, a sumptuous and colored temple famous for its Emerald Buddha made of jade, you will make your way to the Royal Palace, the most praised royal monument in Thailand. This palace, built in the late 18th century, is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court with its bright buildings, golden spires, and glittering mosaics, all dating back to the foundation of Bangkok. Then, you will visit Wat Pho, a temple hiding a huge reclining statue of Buddha, which is regarded as Thailand’s first center of public education. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple were used to educate people on various subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, and meditation. It is also home to traditional Thai massages. (Breakfast)
Rest of the day at leisure. You can choose from a large variety of optional excursions at your destination ($). Experience, for example, a delightful cruise on the Chao Phraya River to take in views of Bangkok's landmarks from a different angle or pamper yourself with a relaxing Thai massage. As the evening wears on, enjoy drinks and dinner at one of Bangkok’s best rooftops, overlooking a magnificent cityscape.
Day 18: Bangkok
December 13 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free to continue your exploration of Bangkok on your own. If you are willing to absorb the atmosphere of Thailand’s water markets, make your way to Damnoen Saduak floating market, located just an hour away from Bangkok. It can be a fascinating insight into Thai culture. You can also visit the historic city of Ayutthaya, dating back 700 years, which is bursting with stories to tell. This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam is well known for the splendor of its traditional architecture and will give you a new perspective on the Thais’ spiritual life. (Breakfast)
Day 19: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
December 14 2025
Following breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Mai.
Dep:Bangkok Dec 14, 2025 - Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2025
TG110 BKK | Dec 14 13:30 - CNX | Dec 14 14:45 ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 15m
Upon arrival at the airport in Chiang Mai, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the area at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 20: Chiang Mai
December 15 2025
In the morning, after breakfast, you will meet your local guide for your half-day tour of Chiang Mai. Starting at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha, you will get exhilarating views of Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside. Driving back to the city, you will visit Wat Suan Dok, a temple erected in the late 14th century by the local monarchy. Nowadays, it houses several white Chedis, all containing ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family, and it features one of the most famous monk schools in the whole locality of Chiang Mai. Finally, you will reach Wat Jedyod, also known as the “Temple of the Seven Spires," a very unusual temple building built in the 15th century. Lunch time and afternoon free. (Breakfast)
Day 21: Chiang Mai
December 16 2025
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. You can also opt for a wonderful optional half-day excursion ($) to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. (Breakfast)
A visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary will offer visitors an enjoyable opportunity to spend quality time with elephants in their natural habitat, as well as gain insight into their lifestyle and behavior, and create cherished lifelong memories of the time spent with these amazing animals. You can touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants at your leisure before accompanying them to a nearby mud spa. Then, you will walk with the elephants to a nearby river and join them in the water for a refreshing bath. Finally, you will be offered some snacks and seasonal fresh fruits before enjoying once again the impressive rural scenery as you drive back to Chiang Mai.
Day 22: Chiang Mai - Phuket
December 17 2025
Following breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Chiang Mai for your flight to Phuket.
Dep:Chiang Mai Dec 17, 2025 - Phuket Dec 17, 2025
H14700 CNX | Dec 17 10:50 - HKT | Dec 17 12:50 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:2h 0m
Upon arrival at the airport in Phuket, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to take advantage of the facilities or your hotel, relax at the beach, or explore the area. (Breakfast)
Day 23 - Day 25: Phuket
From December 18 2025 to December 20 2025
All breakfasts at the hotel. Enjoy three incredible days in Phuket, where you will certainly be mesmerized by its crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, mountain views, delicious cuisine, and the warm, friendly smiles of the Thai people. (Breakfasts)
You can also opt for an optional full-day Phi Phi Island excursion ($) by speedboat. The islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful in the world and rocked to fame with the filming of the movie "The Beach" on Maya Bay. You will travel to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley and see natural wonders such as Pileh Lagoon, a spectacular emerald green lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliffs, and Viking Cave. Stops will be made for snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear water of some of the nicest bays and beaches.
Day 26: Phuket - Bangkok
December 21 2025
After breakfast, you will be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to the airport in Phuket for your flight to Bangkok.
Dep:Phuket Dec 21, 2025 - Bangkok Dec 21, 2025
H14778 HKT | Dec 21 19:30 - BKK | Dec 21 21:00 luggage ECONOMY
Dur.:1h 30m
Upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok, you will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore Bangkok one last time. (Breakfast)
Day 27: Bangkok
December 22 2025
After breakfast, you will be under your arrangements. (To ensure your airport transfer is arranged, please make sure to send us your flight details - only if you are departing that day.)
-End of services-
We have an early flight from Bangkok to Vancouver to Toronto.
