Vietnam and Thailand

One of the newest vacation destination trends is South East Asia, specifically Vietnam and Thailand. A vacation in Southeast Asia can include visits to numerous countries; each one of those countries offers quite a bit of diversity when it comes to history, culture and religion. If you are struggling to decide which country to visit in Southeast Asia, the hottest destinations are Vietnam and Thailand. These neighboring countries offer breathtaking landscapes, soft sandy beaches, floating markets, silk markets, temples, and the opportunity to see elephants up close. I can help create the perfect vacation packed with adventures on your Vietnam and Thailand itinerary. Whether traveling in a guided land tour or a river cruise, South East Asia is a spectacular spot for a unique vacation.

Vietnam

Halong Bay is one of the most touristy destinations in Vietnam. More than fifteen hundred limestone towers loom above the sparkling water of the bay. You can see all those formations during a boat cruise on Halong Bay. Unfortunately, Halong Bay is quite crowded. If you want a similar experience without the crowds, I recommend visiting Bai Tu Long Bay instead. The limestone formations are not as tall in this bay. However, fewer crowds, and boats, will make the experience much more memorable.

Hoi An is one of the best places to celebrate Vietnamese New Year. This celebration includes the Lantern Festival, which is held for seven days. During this time, you can light a lantern and place it on the road between the Hoi An Bridge and Hoai River Square. Numerous workshops are held to help you create a colorful and traditional lantern. Once you have finished lighting your lantern, you can grab a bite to eat, or a drink, from one of the many vendors in the area. If you can’t schedule your vacation in Vietnam during Vietnamese New Year (which is Jan 29, 2025) you can still light a lantern. These festivals are held during every full moon.

As incredible as the cities are in Vietnam, there is something special about escaping them all to experience the tranquility of Phu Quoc Island. A visit to this island can include a hike through Phu Quoc National Park to see the Suoi Tranh Waterfall. However, if you want to see the island in a unique way, ride the cable car to Hon Thom Nature Park. Don’t miss the Vinpearl Safari Care and Conservation Park, where you can see white Bengal tigers, macaques, silver langurs, and elephants.

If you are active traveler that thrives on adventure, caves are everywhere in Phong Nha National Park and the surrounding area. However, if you want to see the largest cave in the world, you must visit the one called Hang Son Doong. A guide will assist you as you drop down into the massive cave to explore. And yes, the only way to get inside this cave is from above. Don’t worry, your guide will have all the proper gear for you to use.

Thailand

You cannot vacation in Thailand and not take the time to eat as much street food as possible. One of the best ways to try the most popular street foods is by taking a street food tour. Your guide will take you to the best vendors, while explaining everything you need to know about Thai food culture.

The best place to visit elephants in Thailand is Elephant Nature Park. This is an excellent place to watch elephants be rehabilitated so they can hopefully go back to the wild.

A vacation in Thailand is not complete until you have visited a floating market to do a little shopping. You will find quite a few floating markets in Bangkok. However, the best one is Damnoen Saduak Market. This market is packed with fresh produce, prepared foods, and local souvenirs. It is best to visit this floating market before you eat, because you will be tempted to try everything you see.

In Thailand, I recommend visiting temples including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew to your list. The Grand Palace is the most popular temple. It will take you at least two hours to see everything during your visit; I recommend allowing me to arrange for a guided tour.

If you are looking for hiking in Thailand, Erawan National Park is the place for you. There is a ton of stuff to see and do while hiking through Erawan National Park. Start by hiking to the Bridge Over the River Kwai. It is a popular destination, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. From there, take the time to see Erawan Falls. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch with you and eating it near the waterfall.

Schedule a consultation with me soon, so we can start planning this trip and future dream vacations! Sign up for my emails at lisa@customtravelbylisa.com , call me at 717-676-6419 or follow me on Facebook at Custom Travel by Lisa Rees. This way you can stay up to date with all the travel information I share.