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14-Day Thailand Vietnam Combined Tour - Review Of Kallie

Hello everyone‎ ! Kallie here,‎ back after 2 weeks in Thailand Vietnam,‎ a trip I chose to discover two countries with very different atmospheres.‎ With Autour Asia,‎ I joined a 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour,‎ from Bangkok and Northern Thailand to Hanoi,‎ Halong Bay,‎ Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.‎ Throughout the journey,‎ I particularly enjoyed moving from temples to natural landscapes,‎ then from big cities to local life.‎ In this review,‎ I share my itinerary, my most memorable experiences and some personal tips to help you plan your own Thailand Vietnam itinerary.

I. Why choose a 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour ?

Combining Thailand Vietnam in 2 weeks allowed me to discover two contrasting sides of Southeast Asia without adding too many stops.‎ During this 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour,‎ I went from the temples and palaces of Bangkok to the landscapes of Northern Thailand before continuing to Vietnam.‎ There,‎ I discovered a different atmosphere through Hanoi’s heritage,‎ the karst formations of Halong Bay,‎ the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the canals of the Mekong.

14 days did not allow me to see everything, but they gave me a varied overview of both countries. Flights between distant destinations helped limit long transfers, while several free moments allowed me to slow down. If you enjoy alternating between culture, nature, history and local experiences, this Thailand Vietnam combined tour offers a good balance.

II. My detailed 14-day Thailand Vietnam itinerary

1. Days 1 - 2: Bangkok - Temples and first immersion in Thailand

My arrival in Bangkok marked a gentle start to this trip.‎ After the transfer from the airport and settling into my hotel,‎ I did not try to fit in too many visits:‎ I preferred to recover from the journey,‎ then enjoy some free time.‎ A walk through the streets, among stalls,‎ lively markets and the aromas of Thai cuisine,‎ gave me a glimpse of the city.‎ I took the opportunity to try some of the best specialties in Bangkok,‎ such as pad Thai,‎ mango sticky rice and grilled skewers.‎ This relaxed pace allowed me to start the trip without exhausting myself.

On the second day, Bangkok revealed a more spiritual side to me.‎ From the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit to the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho,‎ each stop immersed me in Thai Buddhist culture.‎ I then discovered the magnificent setting of the Grand Palace and the precious Emerald Buddha,‎ the highlight of the morning. After this cultural immersion,‎ I appreciated having some free time in the afternoon to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere of Bangkok.‎ This first cultural stop perfectly set the tone for my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour before my‎ departure for Chiang Rai the following day.

Accommodation: Century Park Hotel in Bangkok (days 1 and 2)

2. Day 3: Chiang Rai - Iconic temples of Northern Thailand

The third day took me to a different side of Thailand.‎ I left Bangkok by plane for Chiang Rai,‎ where the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Thailand won me over.‎ After dropping off my luggage at the hotel,‎ I discovered Wat Rong Khun. Its dazzling white color,‎ mirrors and blend of Buddhist art and contemporary creations made the famous White Temple one of the most pleasant surprises‎ of my 2-week Thailand Vietnam itinerary.

I then found a more traditional atmosphere at Wat Phra Singh,‎ marked by Lanna heritage,‎ followed by Wat Phra Kaew,‎ closely linked to the history of the Emerald Buddha. To end the day differently,‎ I boarded a trishaw and leisurely explored the streets of Chiang Rai.‎ If you follow this 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour,‎ this stop will offer you‎ a pleasant transition before discovering the Golden Triangle the following day.

Accommodation for day 3: Nak Nakara Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in Chiang Rai

3. Days 4 - 5: Golden Triangle and Chiang Mai - Northern Thai culture

On the fourth day,‎ I left the temples of Chiang Rai to continue my 14 days in Thailand Vietnam toward Sop Ruak,‎ in the heart of the Golden Triangle.‎ Looking out over the Mekong and the shores of Thailand,‎ Laos and Myanmar, I was captivated by this peaceful border landscape,‎ shaped by a complex history.‎ The Hall of Opium allowed me to learn more about the region’s past and the opium trade that marked it for so long.‎ After lunch,‎ I continued to Chiang Mai through lush green landscapes.‎ Upon arrival,‎ I settled into the hotel, happy to enjoy some peace and quiet before a new experience the following day.

For this fifth day,‎ I chose an optional excursion to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.‎ Leaving around 7 a.m.,‎ I traveled for about 1.5 hours through the hills,‎ forests and farmland around Chiang Mai.‎ Upon arrival,‎ I learned about the history and behavior of elephants,‎ as well as some aspects of Karen culture. Then came the moment I had been waiting for:‎ getting close to them, feeding them and observing them before taking part in a mud bath and accompanying them to the river.‎ This change-of-scenery experience ended with a traditional meal before I returned to Chiang Mai,‎ ready to leave Thailand for Hanoi the following day.

Accommodation: Novotel Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub (days 4 and 5)

4. Days 6 - 8: Hanoi - Heritage and local life

After several days in Northern Thailand,‎ the sixth day opened a new chapter of my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour: Vietnam.‎ I flew from Chiang Mai to Hanoi,‎ then headed to my hotel. With no visits planned, I took advantage of this first day to explore the capital freely. I walked through the streets, observed the old facades, small shops and the bustle of motorbikes before trying phở and egg coffee. This first walk, between street scenes and local flavors, allowed me to slowly soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi before the visits the following day.

The seventh day immersed me in a historical side of Hanoi.‎ At the Ho Chi Minh Complex,‎ I discovered the mausoleum,‎ the stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda before enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Tran Quoc Pagoda. After lunch,‎ the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology allowed me to better understand Vietnam’s cultural diversity, while the Temple of Literature charmed me with its peaceful atmosphere.‎ I ended the day around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then in the lively streets of the Old Quarter.‎ This contrast between monuments, lakes and street life revealed several sides of the capital to me in a single day.

With no specific plans or schedule to follow,‎ I explored Hanoi at my own pace on this eighth day. This break in my 14-day Thailand Vietnam itinerary allowed me to slow down without adding another excursion.‎ I returned to the streets of the Old Quarter,‎ walked through the French Quarter and observed daily life around Hoan Kiem Lake. Between walks,‎ I tried local specialties and settled into a Hanoi café to enjoy the atmosphere.‎ I particularly enjoyed this unstructured day:‎ it allowed me to experience Hanoi differently and take a break before heading to Halong Bay the following day.

Accommodation for days 6, 7 and 8: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi

5. Days 9 - 10: Halong Bay - Cruise through karst landscapes

A new setting awaited me on my ninth day with Halong Bay,‎ which I had been eagerly looking forward to.‎ After breakfast, I left Hanoi by shuttle, traveling through the Red River Delta.‎ Upon arrival, I boarded the cruise and had lunch overlooking the limestone formations.‎ In the afternoon, I explored a cave, went kayaking and, depending on the conditions, enjoyed a swim. After dinner,‎ I appreciated the peaceful atmosphere on deck. Spending the night in the middle of the bay was one of the most memorable‎ and refreshing experiences of my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour.

On the tenth day,‎ I woke up surrounded by limestone peaks in a peaceful atmosphere.‎ Waking up in the bay was one of the moments I particularly enjoyed during this 2-week Thailand Vietnam tour.‎ After breakfast,‎ I spent some time on deck admiring the bay and photographing the islets.‎ The cruise continued with a visit to a cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites,‎ followed by sailing among the karst formations.‎ I found it hard to leave this scenery as we returned to the port.‎ Back in Hanoi in the late afternoon,‎ I enjoyed a free evening before flying to Ho Chi Minh City the following day.

Accommodation:

Day 9: Overnight stay aboard Doris Cruise in Halong Bay
Day 10: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi

6. Day 11: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City - From North to South

Leaving Hanoi on the eleventh day,‎ I traveled from Northern to Southern Vietnam by flying to Ho Chi Minh City.‎ Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat,‎ I headed to my hotel to drop off my luggage before freely exploring the city center.‎ I started with a walk around Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office,‎ then continued to the Opera House and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.‎ I particularly enjoyed this late-afternoon walk, between historic architecture,‎ wide avenues and the lively urban atmosphere. After Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City immediately felt more intense and modern to me.‎ A dinner featuring Southern flavors completed this first immersion in my 14-day Thailand Vietnam itinerary,‎ before my departure for the Mekong Delta the following day.

Accommodation for day 11: Hotel Continental Saigon, one of the best 4-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

7. Day 12: Mekong Delta - Canals, orchards and rural life

On the twelfth day, I left the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho to discover another side of Vietnam. As soon as I boarded the boat, I was captivated by the scenery: the river, lush green islands and orchards replaced the wide avenues. On Unicorn Island, I followed small paths, tasted tropical fruits and listened to traditional Southern songs, discovering the local culture along the way.

The experience continued along the Thoi Son canals, explored by rowing boat. I enjoyed this peaceful break among family-run workshops, a bee farm, honey tea and coconut specialties. After lunch, a bike ride around Tan Thach village brought me closer to rural life. This day was a memorable immersion during my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour.

Accommodation for day 12: Hotel Continental Saigon

8. Days 13 - 14: Cu Chi and the end of the trip in Ho Chi Minh City

For my second-to-last day, I left Ho Chi Minh City behind and traveled for about 1.5 hours to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels. This visit immersed me in a dark chapter of Vietnamese history. I discovered the underground network, its narrow passages and the spaces once used for living, cooking or gathering. As I made my way through the tunnels, I became aware of the difficult conditions people experienced underground during the war. Tasting cassava added a tangible dimension to this experience. Back in Ho Chi Minh City, I enjoyed my last evening with dinner and the lively atmosphere of the city.

The fourteenth day marked the end of my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour at a more relaxed pace. After breakfast, I used my last few hours to visit Ben Thanh Market. Among Vietnamese coffee, handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs, I enjoyed choosing a few gifts while taking in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City once again. This walk offered me a simple and pleasant conclusion before departure. I then collected my luggage from the hotel and headed to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for my return flight, taking with me memories of these 2 weeks in Thailand Vietnam.

Accommodation (day 13): Hotel Continental Saigon

III. Where to depart from for a 14 days in Thailand Vietnam ?

The itinerary in Asia remains generally the same regardless of where you travel from. The main differences involve international flights, connections, jet lag and the total time available. For this 14-day journey, arriving in Bangkok and departing from Ho Chi Minh City keeps the route linear and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

From UK

For a Thailand Vietnam itinerary 14 days from UK, the journey can be organized around a few practical considerations:

• Flights and access: London offers a wide range of flight options to Bangkok, while departures from cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh may involve a connection. Comparing the overall journey time is particularly useful when planning a relatively short trip.

• Multi-city ticket: flying into Bangkok and returning from Ho Chi Minh City is a practical option for this itinerary. It allowed me to travel through Thailand and Vietnam in one direction without having to return to my original arrival point.

• Trip duration: I found it more comfortable to keep the full 14 days for the trip itself and count international travel separately. A relaxed first day in Bangkok also made it easier to recover from the long flight and adjust to the time difference.

From US

A Thailand Vietnam itinerary 14 days from US requires more attention to international travel time, connections and jet lag:

• Flights and connections: depending on your departure city, reaching Bangkok can involve a long journey and one or more connections. From major gateways such as Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York, I would therefore leave enough time between flights and avoid planning an intensive first day.

• Jet lag: the significant time difference between the US and Southeast Asia can make the first few days more tiring. Keeping the arrival day in Bangkok relatively free gives you time to rest before starting the main sightseeing program.

• 14 days in Asia or door-to-door: this distinction is especially important when traveling from the US. If possible, plan for 14 days in Thailand Vietnam rather than including the long international journeys within those two weeks. Otherwise, the effective time available for the itinerary becomes considerably shorter.

• Return from Vietnam: since the journey finishes in Ho Chi Minh City, a multi-city ticket with Bangkok as the arrival point and Ho Chi Minh City as the departure point keeps the route straightforward. On the final day, activities such as visiting Ben Thanh Market can remain flexible according to your international flight schedule.

IV. My tips for a successful 14-day trip to Thailand Vietnam

With 2 countries to discover in just 14 days, good organization seemed essential to me to make the most of each stop without making the trip too demanding.

• Limit the number of stops: focus on a few complementary regions rather than adding too many destinations and long transfers.

• Choose flights for long distances: domestic and regional flights saved me valuable time between the main stops.

• Choose well-located accommodations: I preferred hotels close to central areas or with easy access to simplify transportation and make the most of my free time.

• Travel during the right period: generally, choose the period from November to March to benefit from more favorable weather conditions across much of this Thailand Vietnam combined itinerary.

• Travel light: with several flights, transfers and hotel changes, easy-to-carry luggage makes the tour much more comfortable.

At the end of these 2 weeks, I am left with memories of a journey rich in contrasts. From Thai temples to the streets of Hanoi, from Halong Bay to the canals of the Mekong, each stop on my 14-day Thailand Vietnam combined tour offered me a different atmosphere. I particularly appreciated this balance between heritage, nature, history and local life, despite a sometimes fast-paced schedule and several changes of region. This 2-week Thailand Vietnam tour allowed me to discover two countries through a varied itinerary. If this experience inspires you, Autour Asia, a tailor-made travel agency in Asia, can help you create a Thailand Vietnam tour adapted to your pace and preferences.

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