Introduction to Vietnam & Thailand

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai

This luxurious, leisurely private tour is the perfect introduction to Vietnam and Thailand. Visit the highlights of both countries, including the most interesting cities, and experience the incredible culture.

Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. With an expert private guide and driver, learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Perhaps stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich). If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities such as river boat rides, meeting with historians, visits to private homes, private musical performances, philanthropic activities, art and design touring, an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta, private cooking classes and tasting tours, and more.

Continue to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, cooking lessons and farm visits, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Next, travel to Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. If desired, also visit Hanoi's top museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Also attend a performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppet show, or attend a performance at the landmark Hanoi Opera House.

Fly to Bangkok. Enjoy a fascinating, private long-tail boat tour through Bangkok's canals. Visit Bangkok’s most important attractions, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, Buddhist items, food and crafts. There will also be time to enjoy one of the world's leading spas, swim, shop for exquisite Asian art, and dine on some of Southeast Asia's best cuisine.

Continue to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Stay at an exclusive luxury resort surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. During private touring, visit a revered mountaintop temple and see monks collecting their morning alms. One day, take an excursion to an elephant sanctuary and learn about these fascinating animals. Also explore Chiang Mai's historic temples and wonderful markets. Other optional activities can be arranged, upon request, such as golfing, hiking, biking, shopping excursions, family activities, in-depth Buddhist experiences, cooking classes, rice planting and more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Saigon, Vietnam VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Saigon Full-day private city tour, with option to visit Cu Chi Tunnels Day 3 Saigon – Hoi An Private transfer to airport for flight to Da Nang. Private arrival transfer to Hoi An resort for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 4 Hoi An Half-day private tour Day 5 Hoi An – Hanoi Private transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon private city tour. Evening water puppet or opera house performance Day 6 Hanoi Morning private market and culinary tour. Afternoon flexible private touring and shopping Day 7 Hanoi – Bangkok, Thailand Private airport transfer for flight to Bangkok. VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 8 Bangkok Full-day private city tour Day 9 Bangkok Half-day private city tour Day 10 Bangkok – Chiang Mai Private transfer to airport for flight to Chiang Mai. Private arrival transfer to resort for 4 nights Day 11 Chiang Mai Half-day private tour, including option for sunrise alms-giving Day 12 Chiang Mai Private excursion to elephant sanctuary or cultural touring. Private evening visit to night market Day 13 Chiang Mai Morning market visit and Thai cooking lesson or private cultural touring Day 14 Depart Chiang Mai Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Cost

$19,270 Per person (double occupancy)