Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Vietnam beach holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Bangkok
• 1 night overnight train
• 2 nights Chiang Mai
• 1 night overnight train
• 4 nights Phu Quoc

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met at the airport and be driven to your hotel, checking in for three nights.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel   

Days 3 & 4: Bangkok

With two days to explore Bangkok, we recommend that you start with the temples. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are both intricately decorated with gems and mosaics, making them perfect for a morning wander. In the afternoon, catch a boat along the Chao Praya River to Chinatown, where you can squeeze your way through the crowded lanes past fabric shops, medicine men and vendors selling squid and pork on a stick! If it’s a Saturday, be sure to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is a great place to find some unusual souvenirs. In the evening, head out to a night market to try a massaman curry or kao ka moo for dinner - you won’t regret it!  

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel                     

Day 5: Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train

Spend the morning at your leisure. You will be met at your hotel late afternoon today and taken by air-conditioned vehicle to Bangkok’s train station, where your guide will wait with you until you board the train. Once you board the train, your guide will get you settled and explain how it all works before leaving you in peace to enjoy your overnight journey north to Chiang Mai.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 1^st class berth     

Days 6 & 7: Chiang Mai

Spend a couple of days exploring Chiang Mai, whether you stroll amongst the temples and monasteries of the city or hire a moped and zoom up the hairpin bends to the top of Doi Suthep. Stunning views over the city await you, as well as the golden temple that you’ll discover amongst the trees at the top of the hill. Staying in the city you can explore the shops and restaurants of Chiang Mai – why not try a bowlful of khao soi, a northern speciality made of crunchy noodles, lean beef and delicious Thai spices and herbs.

In the evenings you could head over to the night market, exploring the various stalls and shops selling everything from clothes and jewellery to food and souvenirs. Finish the night at one of the city’s many laid back bars, enjoying the relaxed nighttime atmosphere of this northern town.

On Day 6 we’ve included a full day Chiang Mai trekking tour to the region of Chiang Dao, an area with 5 different ethnic hill tribes. The day begins with a drive to a colourful local market to handpick a local picnic lunch to have later. Your expert guide will lead you on one hour trek to the first village, followed by a 2-3 hour trek to the next, with time to enjoy your picnic lunch while learning about the culture of the local people. You’ll continue on to see the Lisu, Akha & Palong tribes before making the 1.5-hour trek back to Chiang Mai.       

Included: Breakfast, trekking day tour, 4* hotel                                

Day 8: Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train

You have a whole day free today until your guide comes to collect you from your hotel, for your transfer back to the station and your overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 1st class berth       

Day 9: Fly to Phu Quoc

You’ll arrive in Bangkok this morning, refreshed and ready to go. You’ll be picked up at the train station and driven to the airport, ready for the short flight to Phu Quoc. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel and check in for four nights.

Included: Transfers, international flights, 5* hotel          

Days 10 – 12: Phu Quoc

Relax on the perfect sands of Phu Quoc, where you can stroll along the beach or snorkel in the clear waters looking for colourful fish. Take the cable car over to Hon Thom, also known as Pineapple Island, for some of the best snorkel spots, or wander to the end of Rach Vem Beach to spot the bright red starfish that can often be found lounging near the water’s edge. Half of the island is a national park, meaning the lush interior of the island, full of forests and waterfalls, as well as the reefs off the beach, are protected.

Included: Breakfast, 5* hotel     

Day 13: Depart Vietnam    

After breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights       

Day 14: Arrive UK