Immerse in Brilliant lands of Bangkok & Northern Vietnam in 11 Days

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Maeklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed. We continue our way to the Damnoen Saduak Floating market. Arrival at the market, you can see the vendors who wear traditional farmer dresses and hats bring local Thai foods, fruits and products to sell on rowing boats. You should not miss the opportunity to experience sitting and giving them a try on one of these boats on the canal. You are free to explore around the market, take photos/videos or even hire a paddling boat to breathe the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere here.  

We then take a boat ride out of the floating market and journey along the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens and plantations. 

Arrive at a jetty pier where you board on the vehicle and return to Bangkok. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast 

Another suggestive tour to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating market

Having a breakfast and at 8h30, we will transfer to pay a visit in some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this handicraft type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

-     Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

-     Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

-     Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

-  Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha.

Heading back to Bangkok. En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Situated about 60 km northern away from Bangkok, this palace is called Royal Summer Palace since it is a favorite resort of royal. The first palace had been built in mid-early of the 17th century, then was the ruins and be forgotten when Burman occupied Ayutthaya. It was not until the rule of King Rama IV – did the palace rebuild. King Rama IV was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.

Return to Bangkok and the rest time of day is on your own. 

At 18:00PM we start a night food tour. Bangkok is considered as the heaven of street food that makes you to be immersed into its variety. The street food tour by tuktuk offers you a fun but safe experience to taste. Lead by an English speaking guide, we come to best local vendors to try pork satay, ginger soup and sesame dumplings, of course the guide will explain and introduce you about them. En route, we observe the view of the city by night and also have an opportunity to visit some attractions such as Phra Sumen Fort, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and Chinatown – our finish point then you transfer back to the hotel. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast , Dinner 

You have free time today until we pick up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival pick up and transfer you to your hotel for overnight. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi 

Meals: Breakfast 

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi 

Meals: Breakfast 

Morning drive south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”. Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings’ palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples. Drive back to Hanoi and have free time

In the evening transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (21:00).

Accommodation : on overnight train - sharing 4 berth cabins (Sapaly or similar) 

Meals: Breakfast 

At approximately 06:00 we arrive in Lao Cai. Your chauffeur waits with a 45 minutes’ drive by private car, from Lao Cai Station to Sapa. After a fresh up and breakfast, we begin our exploration day by walking along buffalo paths through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests to H’mong and Dzay Village of Lao Chai & Ta Van. This is a spectacular walking through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people that you can meet along the way. .We have picnic lunch in Lao Chai or at a convenient spot en route. Continue walking from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Our car arrives to transfer you back to Sapa and the remaining day would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight at hotel in Sapa

Accommodation : At the hotel in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast 

After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery for a 100km to the tranquil town of Bac Ha, home of the Flower Hmong and amazing Sunday market. Upon arrival, we will explore Bac Ha Sunday Market which not much changed by time. It is considered the most unique market in the region where thousands of local minority people in their traditional attires busily buy and sell the local produces. Handicrafts, water buffalo, dog, cat, pig, horse... are all on sales. This is a golden opportunity to take the best shots. Drive to Lao Cai then board the overnight train to Hanoi (19.00)

Accommodation : on overnight train - sharing 4 berth cabins (Sapaly or similar) 

Meals: Breakfast 

Pick up you at the railway station and then transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh-up. At around 8:30 start a 3-hour driving through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner on board. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. Overnight on Junk.

Accommodation : On Ha Long Bay boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi overnight. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You have free time today to explore the Hanoi city before transferring to the airport for your flight home. End of Thai Unika Travel’s service 

Accommodation : NA

Meals: Breakfast