Guided Tour of Thailand and Vietnam

If you’re looking to experience southeast Asia, it’s hard to do better than a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Separated geographically by Laos and Cambodia, these two coastal countries are chock-full of temples, bustling markets, and savory street food. This 12-day guided tour takes you to first to Thailand and then to Vietnam, where you’ll explore the major cities and take an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. The tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX)
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at Mandarin Hotel or similar in Bangkok
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at at Duangtawan Hotel or similar in Chiang Mai
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at Thien Thai Hotel or similar in Hanoi
• 1 night of standard cruise accommodations at Halong Bay
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at Hoi An Silk Village Resort & Spa or similar in Hoi An
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Harmony Hotel or similar in Ho Chi Minh City
• Domestic flights between all cities
• All ground transportation in private air conditioned vehicle
• 5 tours and one night cruise
• 13 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
• English-speaking guide
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Add a 3-day Cambodia extension from $300 per person

Day 1: Departure

You’ll begin your trip with a flight from LAX to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Day 2-3: Bangkok, Thailand

• Temple of the Golden Buddha: See the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha statue—it’s 10 feet tall and estimated to be some 800 years old.
• East meets West at Vimanmek Mansion, a former royal residence that features daily Thai dance performances and 19th-century European decor.
• Taste authentic pad thai at a street stall, where the tasty noodle dish is made on the spot in a searing-hot wok with chili powder.
• Half-day tour: Visit the Grand Palace, known for its colorful and intricate architecture. The palace complex was built in 1782 and is home to the famous Emerald Buddha.

Day 4-5: Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Claim to fame: Surrounded by a giant wall that was built in 1296, Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand.
• Elaborate Buddhist temples can be found across the city. The 14th-century Wat Phra Singh is trimmed in intricate gold designs inside and out, and colorful murals line its walls.
• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Shop for handmade jewelry and clothing, then sample pad kra pao (a stir-fry seasoned with basil and chilies) from a food stall.
• Side tour: Ride an elephant to a Long Neck Village.

Day 6-7: Hanoi, Vietnam

• Hoan Kiem Lake is a major focal point for the city (and a good spot to orient yourself). Weeping willows surround the water and you can sometimes spot giant turtles.
• Vietnam’s first university was established in Hanoi in 1076. Back then, entrance was only granted to students of noble birth. The site is now the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius.
• Eat like a local: Order a bowl of pho (pronounced “fuh”), a popular Vietnamese street food that consists of long rice noodles, fresh herbs, and meat in a savory broth.
• Local guidance: Your time in Hanoi includes a half-day guided tour of the city.

Day 8: Halong Bay, Vietnam

• Language lesson: The word “Halong” roughly translates to “where the dragon descends into the sea.” You’ll spend the night here on a boat.
• Floating fishing villages: Many of the bay’s native fishermen live in floating villages, some of which date their origins to the 19th century.
• Press accolade: Lonely Planet calls Halong Bay’s island seascape “spectacular” and “a vision of ethereal beauty.”

Day 9-10: Hoi An, Vietnam

• Get your bearings during a half-day tour of this coastal city.
• Claim to fame: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An contains more than 800 well-preserved structures dating back to the 16th century.
• Must-see landmark: The Japanese covered bridge, an ornate arched pathway built in the 18th century by Japanese residents of Hanoi to reach the Chinese quarter on the other side of the canal.
• Phuoc Kien Pagoda honors a Vietnamese sea goddess. The statues inside are said to promote fertility and prosperity.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Get a lay of the land during a guided half-day city tour.
• Reunification Palace: Once the South Vietnamese presidential headquarters, the palace was stormed by North Vietnamese troops in 1975, bringing an end to the Vietnam War.
• Notre-Dame Basilica reflects the city’s French colonial roots, with Romanesque spires and a façade made of bricks imported from Marseille.
• Eat like a local: Try the banh mi op la, a dish of eggs cooked in a personal-sized pan along with meats and veggies. Popular add-ons include caramelized onions, slices of salty ham, and a side of crusty baguette.

Day 12: Return to the USA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Call go-today at 800-227-3235 for additional pricing options from any departure airport not listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, you can arrange for that over the phone at the time when you redeem your voucher with go-today.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
Check the Deal Options above to see if there is availability for the specific date you are interested in. If there are multiple dates listed in a Deal Option, call go-today at 800-227-3235 for the most up-to-date availability.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
If go-today is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
For promotions, which include airfare, all travelers over the age of 2 are required to purchase a Groupon. Different occupancy arrangements can be requested with go-today at the time of reservation.

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