12 Days Vietnam and Thailand Itinerary

12 days itinerary for Vietnam and Thailand – Experience two of the most visited destination in Southeast Asia. Appreciate the best of sights with a leisurely itinerary including places to visit that takes you from the verdant Mekong Delta and Saigon in the south to graceful Hanoi and magnificent Halong Bay to vibrant Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Traveling to Vietnam and Thailand in 12 days, as two destinations that attracts tourists with their rich history, vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beaches of Phuket, each day of this suggested itinerary planned to immerse you in the authentic and beauty of he local culture.

What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam and Thailand?

The best overall time for visiting most of Thailand & Vietnam, vis a vis climate is between November and February – during these months it rains least and is not too hot. The south is best visited when the rest of Thialand is miserably hot (March to May), and the north is best from mid-November to early December or when it starts warming up again in February.

If you’re spending time in Hanoi or Bangkok, be prepared to roast in April and do some wading in October – probably the worst two months, weather-wise, in the capital. The peak tourist months are December and August, and the least crowded months are May, June and September.

Explore best time to visit Vietnam Or best time of the year to visit Thailand

Best Places to Visit on a trip to Thailand and Vietnam

Both Vietnam and Thailand considered as an easy counties to to travel in, with efficient transport, reasonable accommodation and a delicious national cuisine. Locals are renowned for their friendliness and smiles toward tourists. There are countless places, cities, sights, and world class beaches (Specially in Thailand) to select as best places to visit –

Here are our top picks for a 12 days Itinerary for Thailand & Vietnam:

Bangkok

Probably the first stop for visit Vietnam and Thailand in 12 days – Bangkok proper seethes on the east side of the Chao Phraya River and can be divided into two by the main north-south train line. Old Bangkok glitters in the portion between the river and the railway and it is here that most of the older temples and the original palace are located. The new Bangkok is east of the railway, covering many times more area than the old city.

Must sees include Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Traimit. This latter is the Temple of the Golden Buddha, home to the impressive three-metre tall, 5 1/2-tonne solid-gold Buddha image.

Khao San Road in Banglamphu is the traditional budget-traveller centre, but the Sukhumvit Rd area has a better selection of mid-range hotels. Banglamphu and neighbouring Thewet are the best spots for budget eating. If you want to go for a city stroll and experience day-to-day Bangkok, head for Chinatown and Pahurat, the busy Chinese and Indian market districts.

Chiang Mai

Thailand’s second largest city, modern Chiang Mai is easily managed, with many visitors choosing to get around by bicycle. It’s well-known for its restaurants and also has heaps of good hotels, Chiang Mai’s evenings are cool and conducive to moseying around the central Night Bazaar. To get value for money, bargain patiently but mercilessly. Chiang Mai is a good base for mountain treks to visit the hill tribes who live in the surrounding area.

There are 300 wats, including Wat Chiang Man , Wat Phra Singh (built in the classic northern-Thai style) and Wat Chedi Luang. Doi Suthep rises 1676 metres to the west of the city providing a dramatic backdrop and, should you venture up, fine views of the city.

Phuket

Dubbed the `Pearl of the South’ by the tourist experts, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and lies in the Andaman Sea off the country’s south-western coast. Surprisingly, about 35% of the island’s population are Thai muslims. The island’s terrain varies from rocky beaches and long, broad sweeps of sand to limestone cliffs and forested hills. It has good beaches, tropical vegetation and a pleasant, hot night-life atmosphere, and great array of luxury resorts to stay. The main resorts include Patong, Karon and Kata, but better beaches are scattered all around the island.

There are plenty of flights to Phuket from Bangkok or from Vietnam. First-class air-con buses take about 12 hours to reach the island from the capital. The 12 days Vietnam Thailand suggested itinerary could be ick off from here.

Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all around layers of centuries old history reveal periods of French and Chinese times – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

Top sites including Hoan Kiem, A 1000 years old Temple of literature, Old Quarter and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hanoi is a base for trips toward the mountainous areas such as Sapa and Ha Giang.

Halong Bay

Welcome to Halong Bay where Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay’s scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty and, unsurprisingly, northern Vietnam’s number one-tourism hub. Explore it aboard the cruise boat along with numerous activities. Trips start and ends in Hanoi.

Hoi An

Hoi An is capturing anyone’s itinerary. The face of the Old Town has preserved its incredible legacy of tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea warehouses – though, of course, residents and rice fields have been gradually replaced by tourist businesses. Lounge bars, boutique resorts and hotels, travel agents and a vast number of tailor shops are very much part of the scene here. And yet, down by the market and over on Cam Nam Island, you’ll find life has changed little.

Travel a few kilometres further – you’ll find some superb bicycle, motorbike and boat trips – and some of central Vietnam’s most enticingly laid-back scenery and beaches are within easy reach. There are several daily flights from nearby Danang to Bangkok makes it easier to plan an itinerary within Vietnam and Thailand.

Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, is Vietnam at its most dizzying. A vast number of flights connect it to many cities in Thailand making it easier, cheaper and most important, more comfy to plan any trip between Vietnam and Thailand. Wander through timeless alleys to incense-infused temples before negotiating chic designer malls beneath sleek 21st-century skyscrapers. The ghosts of the past live on in buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil, but now the real beauty of the former Saigon’s urban collage is the seamless blending of these two worlds into one exciting mass. Must see sights including war remnants, reunification palace and the Saigon central post office

Saigon is a base to so many day trips including those to Mekong, Vung Tau and more.

Check out best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong River Delta

The Mekong Delta is located within few hours driving from Ho Chi Minh City. The mighty waterway crossing few countries including Vietnam and Thailand. Life in the Mekong Delta can be summed up with the image of the floating markets. Touriss take a journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals, getting a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta.

Best Recommended: Thailand & Vietnam Itinerary for 12 Days to 2 weeks

Vietnam and Thailand in 12 to 14 days (2 weeks). The two countries offer unlimited activities that caters anyone. Thailand is full to bursting with breathtaking temples, gorgeous world-class beaches and a fascinating heritage. Vietnam is a laid-back and enticing destination, the real pleasure comes while traveling length of county from seeing gorgeous landscapes to the beaches and delta.

Suggested Itinerary: Start from Bangkok & end in Saigon

Day 1: Arrival to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 2: Bangkok makes your senses come alive; its a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and wonderful sights. A city of many faces, go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Explore Wat Pho and the dazzling Grand Palace. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat for an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Khlong Talaat Flower Market before strolling through Chinatown.

Day 3: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market before flying to northern city of Chiang Mai. Time to relax and explore the area on a bicycle. Late tonight visit the dazzling night market for some souvenir shopping and try some of the Thailand’s best street foods.

Day 4: Visit the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam and spend the afternoon visiting Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. There’ll also be time to examine the wares at a handicraft village

Day 5: Spend the day at the Chiang Dao Elephant Park. While here you’ll also be able to take a relaxing cruise down the Ping River on a bamboo raft.

Day 6: Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a morning cookery class. Ascend Wat Doi Suthep, perched on top of Doi Suthep. Tonight flight to Hanoi.

There are direct flights from Chiang Mai to Hanoi / 4 days a week: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun.

Day 7: The second leg of the 12 days Vietnam Thailand itinerary starts in Hanoi where you’ll spend the morning explore the Museum of Ethnology and Temple of Literature, later after lunch, take an exciting cyclo tour of the Old Quarter before enjoying a performance of the traditional Water Puppets.

Day 8 & 9: Join along the top of the all activities in Vietnam. Cruise amongst karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty. Spend the evening aboard the cruise.

Next day after brunch, said back to the port, drive back to Hanoi and take an evening flight to Saigon.

Day 10: Contemplate the horrors of guerrilla fighters at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office – legacies of a colonial past and the War Remnants Museum.

Day 11: Travel to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Called the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta and lunch on delicious, typical Mekong dishes. Return to Saigon and spend the evening party at Saigon’s pub street.

Day 12: Departure, transfer to the airport to tae an exit flight home – End of 12 days trip Vietnam and Thailand.

Suggestion: Vietnam Thailand Itinerary : Start in Hanoi and Ends in Bangkok

Day 1-4: Hanoi: Arrive, stay in Old Quarter for the centrally located hotels, noisy but close to the center and walking streets. Choose to stay in Hai Ba Trung area, Ho Tay (west lake), for less noisy but more wester society.

Tour Hanoi must see sights – join an evening foodie tour on the back of scooter. Party in local pubs and sign up for a cooking class to learn the secrets of those Pho noodle soups.

On day 3, join along the Halong cruising, activities to expect including caving, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing and watching the sunset on the cruise’s upper deck.

On day 4, back to Hanoi and take an evening flight to Danang (1.45 minutes flight), arrive and transfer to Hoi An.

Day 5 – 6: Spend the next 2 days explore Hoi An and surrounding including a relaxing day at An Bang beach, explore the historic old town of Hoi An and opt for a local experience and join a farming day witness the locals working on their field producing veggies and other herbs right at Tra Que village.

Other activities including coconut basket tour off Hoi An.

The more touristy activity including A full day tour to Golden bridge at Ba Na Hill off the coasts and mountains of Danang. The alternative is to have a few hours cycling the local villages around Hoi An.

Day 7-8: Fly to Saigon, arrive and go for a full day exploring Ho Chi Minh City. Must see sights including the Notre Dame & Post office, the war remnant museum and the reunification palace.

These all would brings Saigon alive and helps you understand the contemporary status of Vietnam way better. The next day, opt for a Mekong tour, see the floating markets, boat through the lush coconut islands and more.

Day 9-12: Bangkok: Take an early fly to Thailand’s mega capital. Activities vary depending on the type of places you’d like to visit and the range of them. Some of the unique things to do including; A visit to Safari world Bangkok suitable for families with kids.

Other activities including Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Visit Grand Palace (Dress modest), Visit Go Go street and have fun with locals.

Recommended: 12 days itinerary Hanoi Sapa Halong Bay + Bangkok & Pattaya

This suggested itinerary would give you a chance to explore northern Vietnam’s top sites and cities in one action packed tour plan. The mods of transportation including car, cruise stay, overnight train and flight from Hanoi to Bangkok. Let’s dig into the suggested day-by-day tour plan:

Day 1 & 2: Hanoi, a great old dame of Asia with all its noises, colors and street foods, will bring you the authentic local experience like no other place in the region could. Get up early in the morning and join the locals Aerobic dance around the attractive Hoan Kiem Lake, then, get a bowl of freshly herbed Pho Noodle Soup (Chicken, Fish, or Beef).

Later rent a scooter and tour city’s highlights your way. This would take 5-6 hours. Get a local lunch “Bún chả – a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodles with origin in Hanoi”.

Day 3 -4: Halong is awaits. Choose a cruise of your budget and join along the 2 days / 1 night discovery amidst the astonishingly beauty of the limestone karst. activities may vary, check the cruise program before yo book.

On day 4, back to Hanoi, get an overnight train journey through Sapa.

Day 5-6 & 7: Sapa worth every moment… So, arrive early in the morning on day 5, get a hotel and check in, start a fresh day with a light trek through the local tribal hamlets, local life goes on very differently, see the rice paddies, water buffaloes and amazing vistas of mountains as you go by.

There are 100’s of things to do, we suggest you to speak to us to learn more and or check the full guide on Best Things to Do In Sapa, Vietnam

Day 8 & 9: Welcome to Bangkok. You’ll take a boring flight from Hanoi to Bangkok on day 8.

on this 12 days Thailand and Vietnam tout recommendation – Bangkok makes your senses come alive; its a whirlwind of chaos, refinement and wonderful sights.

A city of many faces, go from tranquil golden temples to forests of gleaming skyscrapers before experiencing authentic Asia on bustling streets. Explore Wat Pho and the dazzling Grand Palace. Take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat for an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Khlong Talaat Flower Market before strolling through Chinatown.

Day 10 – 12: Pattaya is a beach town with a few cool water activities to choose from. End your last days with relaxing at a beach, stay in a lux resort and enjoy the night life in one of Thailand’s best places for that.

Travel Tips: Expert Advice for an Amazing Trip

How to Travel from Vietnam to Thailand

Traveling between Vietnam and Thailand in 12 days using variety of transportation mods depending on your budget and traveling style. As you may aware, 2 countries are unique, each with their own culture, lifestyle and places of interests. So, basically, 12 days only caters to those traveling to see the best of Vietnam & Thailand at a glance.

The 1200km (750 miles) distance between Vietnam and Thailand based on the most common route, would be flights from Hanoi in Northern Vietnam or Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam to Bangkok, capital of Thailand. There are daily flights from Danang (central Vietnam) as well.

Vietnam Airline, Vietjet, Thai Airways, Singapore Air & Malaysia Airline have daily flights to Thailand and vice versa.

Flying is the only best mods of transportation between Vietnam and Thailand, thanks to the frequent flights connecting major cities from the airports including Tan Son Nhat International and Noi Bai International in Vietnam, to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International in Bangkok.

There is NO direct bus from anywhere in Vietnam to Thailand. The best and more time-consuming way is to travel on a bus or Van, from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia, then toward the border with Thailand with the frequent public transportation options.

Visa Requirements for traveling 12 Days in Vietnam and Thailand

Vietnam Visa

Here’s what you need to know about visa requirements for Vietnam in 2025 – many nationalities can apply for an E-Visa online, saving time and money and easier than ever. Entry requirements for Vietnam vary depending on your nationality and how long you plan to stay.

Citizens of Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos, can visit for 30 days without a visa. Citizens of the Philippines can stay for 21 days visa-free, citizens of South Korea and Japan can enter with a visa for 15 days and citizens of Brunei and Myanmar can stay visa-free for 14 days.

European passport  holders from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland can enter visa-free for 15 days. British, German, French, Spanish & Russian nationals can also visit without a visa for 45 days.

If you’re country isn’t listed above, then, you’re advised to apply for an e-visa. Vietnam Visa is a time-consuming process, so apply it well in a head of time. Or, contact us and we will apply it in a day or two (agents could apply faster than if you apply if on your own)

Check out Vietnam Visa requirements and apply for a visa

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Look over the visa options for Thailand – citizens of pretty much all countries (except some), are eligible to get a visa up to 90 days on arrival.

Thailand visa is one of the easiest in Asia making it a very easy and straightforward destination.

Citizens of Europe, America, Canada, Australia & New Zealand as well as South-east Asia, Japan & Korea would get a visa on arrival.

Some countries in Middle East plus North African citizens are required to apply for a Thai visa before hand through the Thai consulate and embassies ONLY in their own country.

Vietnam & Thailand: Frequently Asked Questions