Hi, I’m Hugo.
In March 2025, my wife and I escaped our busy lives for a 10-day Vietnam Thailand combo tour with Autour Asia, a travel agency in Asia. It was the break we truly needed. We explored the lively streets of Hanoi, cruised through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay, biked along rice fields in Ninh Binh, and later wandered Bangkok’s bustling markets and the peaceful River Kwai. In this short travel story, I’ll share our favorite moments, a few helpful tips, and the little things that made this journey unforgettable.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this might just be it.
With my wife, we organized this trip last March, a Vietnam Thailand itinerary 10 days that perfectly blended nature, culture and discovery. We’re a couple in our late thirties, taking a rare week off from parenting, and decided to spend 6 days in Vietnam and 4 days in Thailand, an ideal balance to explore these two beautiful countries.
This 10-day Vietnam Thailand tour was much more than just a sightseeing itinerary: it was a real human adventure. I was deeply touched by the warm welcome of the Vietnamese people, the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay and the enchanting scenery of Tam Coc. In Thailand, the majestic temples of Bangkok and the floating atmosphere of the markets amazed me. This trip will forever hold a special place in my heart. Here is the program of our 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip for those who wish to be inspired:
I spent two days in Hanoi on our trip to Vietnam, which was part of our 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip. I was immediately seduced by this city, which is both ancient and resolutely modern, where thousand-year-old alleys rub shoulders with contemporary buildings. Hanoi is full of hidden gems: cozy neighborhood cafes with unforgettable flavors, artisan workshops, and unexpected pockets of calm. However, the chaotic traffic and air pollution are palpable; I highly recommend bringing a quality mask to fully enjoy your visit.
As soon as I arrived, my wife and I felt the excitement of Hanoi. A driver took us to the hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the Old Quarter. That same evening, we explored the famous Tạ Hiện Street, the perfect start to our 10-day Vietnam Thailand itinerary. Sitting on small plastic chairs, we toasted with the locals, enjoyed a cold beer and watched the vibrant animation: street music, street food stalls and lively discussions. That convivial moment truly captured the authentic soul of Hanoi.
For me, the best memory remains the gastronomy: in this Vietnam Thailand tour 10 days, I discovered enthusiasts who dedicate themselves to perfecting a single dish, often in a discreet alley. These places are real hidden treasures and well worth discovering; It's better to define your desires or let yourself be guided by a local. On the cultural side, don't miss the traditional shows — water puppets. With a good tour operator and a few chats with locals, your experience can swing beautifully between rural charm and buzzing modern life..
Then, my discovery of Ninh Binh, nicknamed the "Halong Bay on land", really transported me. If you can take a day trip as part of our 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip, it's still a bit rushed: I'd recommend spending two days there — one to explore the cliffs, rice paddies and temples, and one to chill out in the middle of the landscapes. Renting a motorbike makes the 10-day Vietnam Thailand tour feel more personal and flexible: you can go through the villages, visit caves, waterfalls and rivers, and enjoy absolute calm between two visits, without running after the guide.
As for the famous boat ride, the Tam Coc ride, although convenient if you are staying locally, takes only 45 minutes each way, is more expensive and sometimes comes with annoying requests to buy additional services. On the other hand, the Trang An boat tour lasts 3 to 4 hours, offers three routes to choose from, stops at several temples, fascinating caves and above all, without any scam, for a lower price. From Tam Coc, it's just a bike ride to Trang An, or stay in one of the charming surrounding rural accommodations for more serenity.
Learn more:
> Ninh Binh boat tour
> Ninh Binh 5-day itinerary
After exploring the charms of Ninh Binh, my wife and I hit the road to the famous Halong Bay, another must-see stop on our trip to Vietnam. We were a bit worried it might be too touristy, but it ended up being one of the highlights of our Vietnam Thailand 10-day combo tour. We opted for a 5-star junk cruise: delicious food, comfortable cabin, friendly atmosphere and perfect rooftop for the sunset. The early departure allowed us to fully enjoy the magic of the landscapes, to swim, kayak, and visit the Sung Sot cave, magnificently lit. All in a surprisingly clean bay. In the evening, Dinner on board followed by a peaceful night on the water added a truly romantic touch to our unforgettable 10-day adventure.
The next morning, we woke up in the middle of the bay, just in time to admire a sunrise of unreal beauty. It was a suspended moment, where everything seemed calm and perfect. In the afternoon, we returned to Hanoi for one last night before continuing our 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip with the next stop in Thailand. This trip to Vietnam deeply marked us with its cultural richness, the kindness of the inhabitants and the diversity of the landscapes. Each region visited offered us a unique side of the country: authentic, vibrant, sometimes chaotic, but always full of soul.
Read also:
> Vietnam Trip 2 weeks
> 15 days trip to Vietnam in November
The transition from Hanoi to Bangkok went smoothly. After an early flight, my wife and I were warmly welcomed at Bangkok airport with the traditional flower necklaces. Our guide drove us directly to the hotel for a quick check-in, before heading out to explore the city. We boarded a private boat to sail the scenic canals of Thonburi. This cruise offered us an authentic glimpse of Thai life. What to do in Bangkok ? We then visited Wat Pho with its huge reclining Buddha, then the Royal Palace and the Royal Barges Museum, which gave us a better understanding of the history of this fascinating kingdom.
The next day, our 10-day Vietnam Thailand itinerary continued with the discovery of the magnificent Wat Arun, whose towers sparkle in the sun thanks to the fragments of colored porcelain. After lunch in a small local restaurant, we strolled through the night markets of Bangkok, a real explosion of colors, scents and sounds. Chinatown turned out to be a favorite: we enjoyed incredible street food in an electric atmosphere. It is an unforgettable sensory experience. A special shout out to the pad Thai sold on the sidewalks – absolutely delicious!
Bangkok is a fascinating global city, at the crossroads of many cultures. That's what we liked most about this teeming capital: this unique melting pot, which is hard to find anywhere else in Asia. Even though we are not very "urban" people, Bangkok is now on the short list of cities where we would really like to live. Despite its excesses and frantic pace, it has a charm that we couldn't resist. This segment of our trip to Thailand was a real favorite, mixing discoveries, energy and emotions.
On the eighth day, my wife and I left the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to travel up the River Kwai to Saiyoke National Park. Upon arrival, we explored the Saiyoke Yai Falls nestled in the heart of a teak forest before lunch at a local restaurant. After the meal, a one-hour elephant ride took us through bamboo forests and lush vegetation, offering a deep sense of serenity. At the end of the day, transferring to our hotel by the river, we had dinner on-site with traditional Mon dances, followed by a peaceful night lulled by the gentle lapping of the water – an authentic interlude in our Vietnam Thailand tour 10 days.
On the ninth morning, after breakfast facing the river, we set off to explore the Damnoen Saduak floating market on a scenic canoe cruise. The merchants, installed on their boats invaded by tropical fruits, shared their good humor while we tasted some local specialties. At lunchtime, we moved away from the canals to reach Nakhon Pathom and admire the largest Chedi in the world. In the late afternoon, return to Bangkok for a free evening and dinner, according to your desires, before a comfortable night in the city.
On the last day, after a final Thai breakfast, you will have free time to stroll around or do your last souvenir shopping. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals were on our own, marking the official end of our 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip, rich in discoveries, emotions and unforgettable encounters.
My 10-day Vietnam Thailand tour was much more than just a sightseeing trip. It was a deeply human adventure, full of emotions and unexpected discoveries. Thanks to a travel agency in Asia, everything was fluid, well organized, without stress. I was able to enjoy every moment to the fullest. I still remember the dawn on Halong Bay, the scent of spices in Bangkok, the benevolent glances exchanged in the villages. I felt like I was rediscovering the world, and a little bit of myself too. This trip allowed me to slow down, to breathe, to savour.
How did I feel? Pure, simple joy. I was moved, touched by so much beauty and generosity. This 10-day Vietnam Thailand trip reminded me why I loved traveling so much: for the encounters, the emotions, the stories you take with you. Thanks to this journey, I had a true window of happiness – and I have only one desire: to set off again.
Have a good trip to you all!
FR
ITA