Thailand and Vietnam are two of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. For SE Asia first timers, they are must-visit destinations.
These two countries offer a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, from bustling cities and ancient temples to pristine beaches and stunning landscapes.
For a memorable and hassle-free trip, here are some tips on how to plan your Thailand and Vietnam itinerary well.
How Long to Spend in Thailand and Vietnam
A 2-week trip is what we recommended for a usual first-time Thailand-Vietnam schedule. It would cover the must-visit highlights in the main tourist destinations with some local cultural interaction, e.g. a handicraft experience.
You may want to set aside 8 to 9 days for Vietnam and 5 to 6 days for Thailand. Vietnam offers a wealth of experiential activities, so we suggest spending more time in Vietnam, especially if traveling with children. Thailand is more about entertainment and enjoying relaxation.
If you want to do an in-depth exploration in these two countries, then a trip of three weeks or longer would be better to meet your needs.
Feel free to contact us. We will help you arrange your itinerary based on your interests, available time, and other requirements. If you have a bucket list, we can help you realize it and give you professional advice about what options are available.
Itinerary Suggestions
Here we offer two itinerary ideas, one for a classic 2-week itinerary and the other for a more in-depth 3 weeks.
Classic 2-Week Itinerary for Thailand and Vietnam

On a 2-week itinerary, it is suitable to arrange three cities with their surrounding areas in Vietnam and one city and one island in Thailand.
Compared to Thailand, Vietnam is better for cultural exploration and local lifestyle experiences, like a local fishing experience. Hoi An is a place you cannot miss if you're interested in Vietnam culture.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are also must-see cities, with foodie tours, key Vietnam War sites, and the famous Halong Bay and Mekong Delta nearby.
The remaining time in Thailand is enough for Bangkok and one island: Phuket or Koh Samui. If you are looking for a variety of activities and cost-effectiveness, then go to Phuket. If you prefer a quiet and luxurious environment, then Koh Samui would be better for you.
Here is the itinerary, starting in Vietnam's Hanoi and ending in Thailand's Phuket:
- Days 1–2: Hanoi sightseeing at iconic landmarks, plus a rickshaw ride to see local life and explore the city
- Days 3–4: A Halong Bay cruise with interesting activities on board and water activities on the bay
- Days 5–6: Hoi An exploration with a basket-boat ride experience, an evening food tour, a Vietnamese fishing experience, and a night boat trip surrounded by colorful lanterns
- Days 6–7: Discover Ho Chi Minh City by visiting its historic landmarks and Vietnam War relics.
- Days 8–9: A Mekong Delta tour, visiting a local village, taking a sampan ride on canals, and seeing the most bustling floating market
- Day 10: Bangkok sightseeing with temples, the Grand Palace, and a long-tail boat ride
- Days 11–14: Phuket beach time — tropical island free time to do with as you wish
If you are interested in this itinerary, you can view more details on our 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour.
All our tours can be adjusted according to your needs and interests. Simply contact us to see what we can do for you.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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3 Weeks in Thailand and Vietnam

On the basis of the 2-week itinerary above, a 3-week itinerary would allow time to see the sights in some off-the-beaten-path cities in Vietnam like Sapa and Hue.
Sapa is a town in the mountains of northern Vietnam. If you are interested in Vietnam's countryside life and enjoy trekking, you will enjoy it. Walk among the locals' fields and rice paddies, meet the local ethnic people, and visit their villages.
You could also visit Hue, a historic city in central Vietnam. Learn the story of Vietnam's last imperial dynasty through visiting its remaining palaces and ruins.
An in-depth itinerary for Vietnam could be arranged like this: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Back to Hanoi
For more details, check out our 13-Day Vietnam Classic Tour with Sapa.
In Thailand, in addition to Bangkok and Phuket on the two-week itinerary above, you could also visit Chiang Mai in the north if you traveled for an extra few days.

Chiang Mai is a great place to visit at a slow pace and experience a variety of activities. You could visit a humane elephant camp, take cooking classes, make Thai floating lanterns, and, if you're visiting in November, celebrate the romantic Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival.
The Thailand itinerary could be like this: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket.
For more specifics on the itinerary, see our 10-Day Classic Thailand Tour.
Costs for a Trip to Thailand and Vietnam
There is not much difference on the per-day travel cost between Thailand and Vietnam. They are both affordable.
A private tour is even more recommendable in Southeast Asia, where it is "an affordable luxury". You are guaranteed hassle-free, quality service and a first-rate experience.
About 200 to 250 USD per person is the daily cost for a private Thailand and Vietnam tour, including air fares within/between Thailand and Vietnam, 4- or 5- star hotels, authentic lunches, attractions, guiding, and transfers. Kids under 10 would get 30–50% off.
You could enjoy the security of a 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights for any cancellation made up to 3 weeks before departure (see more on our booking policy).
Read more about planning a couple's trip to Southeast Asia>>>
Which Country to Enter First
Considering international flights' convenience, starting your journey in Thailand or Vietnam would not make a big difference, as you can easily find international flights to both their capitals.
For a better travel experience, we suggest starting from Vietnam and ending in Thailand, as this winds down from cultural and adventure experiences in Vietnam to the tropical-island vibe and relaxation found in Thailand.
How to Travel between Thailand and Vietnam
Flying is definitely the best and fastest way to travel between Thailand and Vietnam. A direct journey takes about 2 hours. Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh are the most-used flight hubs.
Many airlines have flights between Thailand and Vietnam. If you would like a boutique and luxury flight service, Bangkok Airways is the best choice. For good value and service, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Vietnam Airlines are the top choices. For budget airline options, you could check out AirAsia, Vietjet Air, and Thai Lion Air flights.
Our private tour service would manage all the transportation in Thailand and Vietnam and also the flight between Thailand and Vietnam, all according to your cost and service requirements.
Best Time for a Thailand and Vietnam Trip
Thailand and Vietnam are both year-round destinations. Each season has its own advantages.
If you want the best weather, then November to April (the dry season) is the best time for most of Thailand and Vietnam. You could also find more dry places to go in Southeast Asia Weather in December>>>
Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest period of the peak season. Crowds and the highest prices are expected.
If your travel time is flexible, a smart choice could be the time just before/after the peak season (the periods of early May and late October), with smaller crowds, still reasonably rain-free weather, and lower prices.
Dominated by showers, rather than continuous rain, the rainy season (generally from May to October) actually is not a decisive problem for your tour, if you are prepared to put up with delays/cancellations and on-the-tour adjustments. It is best for a cost-effective trip and quiet attractions.
If you are planning a summer holiday trip, June is a better time to go, due to relatively low rainfall and smaller crowds compared with July and August. See more on our Travel to Southeast Asia in Summer 2023: Places to Go, Costs, Weather.
For more weather details, check the best & worst times to visit Thailand and Vietnam>>>
Visa Requirements for Thailand and Vietnam
Vietnam requires a tourist visa if you're from the US, Canada, Australia, etc. The most convenient way is to apply for an e-visa online. This is a very simple process that just requires you to fill in some information. If you are from certain European countries, like the UK, France, Italy, and Germany, you can enjoy visa-free entry.
Thailand allows visa-free entry from 64 countries, including the USA, and the UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Norway, etc.
If you have any questions or difficulties in applying, you can contact our experienced travel consultants for help.
Popular Thailand and Vietnam Tours
We provide a customized service for private tours. Our travel consultants will listen to and work to your ideas and answer any questions. We will create your dream trip based on your interests, travel length, and needs.
Here are some of our sample tours:
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.