Have you ever wondered how to fill a week in Vietnam and Thailand with unforgettable experiences? Imagine savoring street food in bustling markets, lounging on pristine beaches, and exploring ancient temples—all in just seven days. With rich cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities, both Vietnam and Thailand offer a feast for the senses and memorable adventures. Let’s dive into a well-curated itinerary that promises to make the most of every moment on your journey.
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends classic Southeast Asian culture with modern-day sophistication. Begin your journey here and get ready for an exciting exploration.
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we’ll make our way to our accommodation to settle in. After refreshing, we can head out to grab a quick bite from a nearby café or street food stall. The local specialty, Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich), or a bowl of Pho is a great start to the day.
Afternoon: Explore Historical Landmarks
Let’s kick off our sightseeing with a visit to the War Remnants Museum. It provides poignant insights into Vietnam’s turbulent history. Next, we can stop by the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office—two iconic sites showcasing French colonial architecture.
Evening: Ben Thanh Market and Dinner
Before sunset, a stroll through Ben Thanh Market will introduce us to the lively energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We can try various local delicacies for dinner and shop for souvenirs. To end the day, a relaxing nightcap by the Saigon River can be just what we need.
Day 2: Discovering Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling city, with its scenic landscapes and waterways.
Morning: Travel to the Mekong Delta
We’ll leave early for a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a region famous for its lush rice paddies and dynamic waterways. The journey will take around two hours, so let’s sit back and enjoy the countryside views.
Afternoon: Boat Tour and Local Experiences
On arrival, we’ll hop on a boat tour along the delta. These tours often include stops at local villages where we can witness traditional ways of life, try freshly picked fruit, and perhaps even hear some folk music.
Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City
By evening, we should be back in Ho Chi Minh City. A hearty dinner awaits us, with options ranging from luxurious dining establishments to vibrant street stalls.
Day 3: Fly to Bangkok, Thailand
Having explored the vibrant scenes of Southern Vietnam, it’s time to change countries and atmospheres.
Morning: Fly to Bangkok
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our short flight to Bangkok. Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we’ll proceed to our hotel to drop off our luggage and freshen up for our first Thai adventure.
Afternoon: Grand Palace and Wat Pho
A visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without seeing the Grand Palace. This stunning piece of Thai architecture stands as a symbol of the country’s history and monarchy. Nearby, Wat Pho is home to the enormous reclining Buddha and is a short walk away.
Evening: Chao Phraya River Cruise
To wind down, a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River lets us enjoy delicious Thai cuisine while admiring Bangkok’s illuminated skyline. It’s a splendid way to conclude our first day in Thailand.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s glorious past.
Morning: Travel to Ayutthaya
We’ll journey to Ayutthaya, which is about an hour north of Bangkok by car or train. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, this city is peppered with ruins and historical sites.
Afternoon: Explore Historic Ruins
As we wander through ancient temples and statues, we’ll imagine the city at the height of its power. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram with its mesmerizing architecture.
Evening: Return to Bangkok
By evening, we’ll head back to Bangkok. A leisurely dinner filled with traditional Thai dishes will round off our day. Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, or Mango Sticky Rice are good options to consider.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, nestled in Northern Thailand, is known for its well-preserved old city and mountainous landscapes.
Morning: Fly to Chiang Mai
We depart for Chiang Mai early, allowing more time to experience its charm. After checking into our accommodation, let’s take a short walk through the Old City.
Afternoon: Doi Suthep and Traditional Crafts
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s illustrious temple, is perched atop a mountain and offers panoramic views of the city. After visiting the temple, we can head to a nearby village to see local artisans at work, crafting intricate silver jewelry or weaving beautiful textiles.
Evening: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the city’s highlights. We’ll find vibrant stalls offering everything from handicrafts to delicious street food. Bargaining is part of the fun!
Day 6: Chiang Mai Wildlife and Nature
Chiang Mai’s natural beauty is captivating and offers numerous outdoor activities.
Morning: Elephant Nature Park Visit
After breakfast, we’ll spend a half-day at an ethical elephant sanctuary—an opportunity to appreciate these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, without riding them. It’s an enriching experience that contributes to their protection and preservation.
Afternoon: Hiking and Nature Exploration
A short hike in the surrounding mountains or a walk through the lush botanical gardens will allow us to take in the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Evening: Kasvisaan Village
To experience true Northern Thai culture, we’ll head to the Kasvisaan village for a traditional Lanna dinner accompanied by a cultural dance show—an unforgettable glimpse into the local heritage.
Day 7: Return to Bangkok
Our last day leads us back to the capital before heading home.
Morning: Fly Back to Bangkok
We’ll begin our final day by flying back to Bangkok. This flight is brief, giving us ample time to explore more of the city if we wish.
Afternoon: Shopping and Relaxation
Bangkok is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, offering everything from luxury malls to local markets. We may want to visit the famous MBK Center or Chatuchak Market for last-minute souvenirs. Alternatively, a relaxing spa treatment can offer some tranquility before the long journey home.
Evening: Departure
With our hearts full of memories and our bags full of souvenirs, we’ll make our way to the airport for our return flight. This marks the end of our journey, but the experiences and connections we’ve made will remain with us forever.
By experiencing the diverse offerings of Vietnam and Thailand, from cityscapes to nature retreats and cultural landmarks, we’ve gathered a weekful of memories to savor and stories to tell. Until the next adventure calls us, we have traveled well and seen the wonders of Southeast Asia, each experience richer than the last.