14 Days Thailand & Vietnam Itinerary
This 14-day journey takes you through the highlights of Thailand and Vietnam, from the bustling streets of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil temples of Chiang Mai and the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay. Experience the best of Southeast Asia's culture, cuisine, and natural wonders on a budget.
Duration
14 days
Budget
$1400-2800
Best Time
November to March (dry season in both countries)
Activities
88
Daily Avg
USD150/day
Cities
Bangkok (2d), Chiang Mai (4d), Hanoi (2d), Hoi An (2d), Ho Chi Minh City (2d), Hoi An (1d), Ho Chi Minh City (1d)
Pace
Fast
Combining Thailand and Vietnam offers a diverse Southeast Asian experience, blending vibrant city life with serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You'll explore ancient temples, bustling markets, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine.
Your itinerary covers 10 of 12 must-have experiences
Temples & Spirituality
Day 1: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Street Food Adventures
Day 3: Dinner at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Historical Sites
Day 11: War Remnants Museum
Natural Wonders
Day 8: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Cultural Immersion
Day 4: Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Shopping & Markets
Day 2: Explore Chatuchak Weekend Market (if applicable)
Scenic Views
Day 5: Sunset Views from Doi Suthep
Beaches & Islands
Day 10: An Bang Beach
Nightlife
Day 7: Transfer to Hanoi Old Quarter
Relaxation & Wellness
e.g., Thai Massage, Yoga Retreat
Local Transportation
Day 2: Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Coffee Culture
Day 8: Enjoy Egg Coffee
Thailand and Vietnam offer vibrant and diverse culinary experiences. From the fragrant street food stalls to elegant restaurants, you'll find fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and unique regional specialties. Prepare for a delightful adventure for your taste buds!
Must-Try Dishes
Stir-fried rice noodles with tofu, shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. A classic Thai dish that's both savory and sweet, representing the perfect balance of flavors.
📍 Street food stalls, restaurants throughout Thailand
A flavorful noodle soup with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). The broth is simmered for hours, creating a rich and aromatic base. A comforting and iconic Vietnamese dish.
📍 Street food stalls, restaurants throughout Vietnam
A creamy and aromatic curry made with green chilies, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, and meat (chicken, beef, or tofu). Served with rice.
📍 Restaurants throughout Thailand
Translucent rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Served with a peanut dipping sauce. A light and refreshing dish.
📍 Street food stalls, restaurants throughout Vietnam
Food Neighborhoods
Known for Chinese-Thai cuisine, street food, and seafood
Known for traditional Vietnamese dishes, street food, and local markets
Known for late-night street food, including noodle dishes and desserts
Known for diverse street food, seafood, and local specialties
Vegetarian options are readily available, especially in tourist areas. Look for dishes with tofu or vegetables. Vegan options might require some searching and asking about ingredients (fish sauce is common). Halal food is available in some areas, especially in Muslim communities. Common allergens include peanuts, shellfish, and soy sauce. Always inform your server about any allergies.
In Thailand, using chopsticks is generally reserved for noodle dishes; otherwise, use a fork and spoon. In Vietnam, chopsticks are common for most dishes. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl (it resembles incense offerings to the deceased). Sharing dishes is common, especially in Vietnam. Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Tipping is also not customary in Vietnam, but is becoming more common in touristy areas.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
AprilExpect water fights and celebrations throughout Thailand. Transportation and accommodation may be affected.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year)
January/FebruaryMost significant holiday in Vietnam. Many businesses close, and travel can be congested.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Chiang Mai)
NovemberBeautiful lantern festival in Chiang Mai. Book accommodation and transportation well in advance.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station, then taxi to hotel.$15
02:00 PM - Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Arrive at Bangkok's main airport, collect luggage, and get a local SIM card.
- 🚶Taxi from Phaya Thai Station$30-50
03:00 PM - Check into Hotel
Check into your hotel near the city center (e.g., Sukhumvit or Riverside).
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- 🚶Taxi/BTS to Saphan Taksin, then Chao Phraya Express Boat$5
04:00 PM - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Visit the stunning Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River. Take a ferry across the river for the best views.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Wat Arun$15
06:00 PM - Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant
Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine with views of Wat Arun.
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- 🚶Free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station.$10 (shopping/activities)
07:30 PM - Explore Asiatique The Riverfront
Enjoy shopping, entertainment, and more dining options at this night market.
Book on Klook - 🚶Taxi or BTS
Sukhumvit/Riverside
Sukhumvit offers easy access to transportation and shopping, while Riverside provides scenic views and cultural attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season in both countries)
During the peak season, Thailand and Vietnam experience warm and sunny weather with low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
November to March is the dry season in both Thailand and Vietnam, making it the most popular time to visit. Expect pleasant temperatures and less rainfall.
Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or February can cause closures and higher prices.
Getting Around
BTS/MRT in Bangkok; songthaews and tuk-tuks elsewhere
Rabbit Card (BTS) / MRT Card
Use Grab for fair-priced rides. Always agree on tuk-tuk fare before getting in.
Travel
USD 200-400 (inter-country flights and buses)Accommodation
USD 15-40 per nightFood
USD 15-30 per dayActivities
USD 300-600 (tours and entries)Utilize local buses and trains for intercity travel to save money.
Opt for hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels to reduce accommodation costs.
Eat at local eateries and street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Thai and Vietnamese.
- Bargain respectfully when shopping at markets.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- 1Lightweight clothing
- 2Comfortable walking shoes
- 3Universal adapter
- 4Insect repellent
- 5Sunscreen
Visa application (if required)
Check requirements for your nationality well in advance (1-2 months) and apply online or through an embassy.
International flights
Book 6-12 months ahead for the best prices, especially if traveling during peak season (November-February).
Accommodation
Book 2-4 months ahead, particularly for popular cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) or during major festivals.
Travel Insurance
Arrange as soon as your flights are booked; crucial for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Popular tours/experiences
Book 1-2 months ahead for specific popular tours (e.g., Ha Long Bay cruise, ethical elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes) as they can sell out.
Internal flights/trains
Book 1-3 months ahead for popular routes between major cities (e.g., Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City).
eSIM or physical SIM card
Can be purchased upon arrival at the airport or pre-ordered online a few days before departure for immediate connectivity.
Airport transfers
Can be arranged upon arrival or pre-booked a few days prior for convenience, especially if arriving late or with lots of luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK), AIS stores
📍 Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Viettel stores
📍 GlocalMe website or rental locations
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in tourist areas. Some public areas and shopping malls also offer free WiFi. The quality can vary, so it's often reliable to have a SIM card or pocket WiFi as a backup.
Useful Apps
Purchase your SIM card at the airport upon arrival for convenience. Check the coverage maps for different providers, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas. Consider an eSIM for easy setup and activation. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Protect your data and use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
Two round pins (Europlug)
Three round pins (Thai)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at sit-down restaurants if no service charge
Round up to the nearest 10 baht
20–50 baht per bag for porters
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leave change at casual eateries.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Thailand and Vietnam are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution when crossing roads.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
191
1669
199
1155 (English-speaking)
Tourist police (1155) is the best option for visitors
Payments
Cash preferred at markets, street food, and small shops
Widely accepted at malls, hotels, and mid-range+ restaurants
Growing acceptance; PromptPay QR codes common
ATMs dispense 1000-baht notes; break them at 7-Eleven. Carry small bills for street vendors.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to March. The weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring both countries.
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- Real-time pricing
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