Temples, Treasures & Taste: 12 Days In Thailand and Vietnam

About the destination: Bangkok, a city renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe in Asia, serves as the capital of Thailand. Despite its hot and crowded nature, Bangkok maintains a relative cleanliness and offers a plethora of enjoyable activities. The city boasts excellent shopping opportunities, a rich cultural scene, stunning temples, delectable cuisine, and a respectable art scene. The majority of Bangkok's attractions are located on the island of Rattanakosin, commonly known as the Old City. The Grand Palace is an absolute must-visit location. The Grand Palace complex is also home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keow, which is the most revered Buddhist temple. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. Bangkok is a shopper's paradise, with a multitude of shops, shopping centers, and markets to cater to every desire. The nightlife in Bangkok is as diverse as the city itself, ranging from beer bars and exclusive clubs to night shopping markets, discos, and bohemian parties. Bangkok, a vast, bustling metropolis, manages to maintain a sense of tranquility and elegance amidst the noise and crowds. It is one of the world's premier destinations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

About the destination: Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of its top tourist spots. There are numerous activities to enjoy in Phuket, particularly if you're a fan of beaches and islands. Phuket is an excellent location to explore and experience. It offers everything, from pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters to lush green countryside, stunning temples, and breathtaking views. Add to that the shopping, nightlife, and scrumptious seafood, and you have everything you could possibly desire for a vacation. Island hopping is the ideal way to see and discover some of Phuket's gorgeous islands. You'll encounter numerous large rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The Phi Phi and Khai Islands are the most popular islands in the archipelago. The Phi Phi View Point offers a fantastic view of the Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam Bay. Patong Beach is the most frequented beach and can sometimes be crowded, but it offers the best nightlife in the area. For more relaxed beaches, visit the beautiful Kamala, Surin, Laem Singh, Karon, and Kata Beaches. Phuket is truly a fantastic destination for a relaxing trip. It boasts a plethora of incredible resorts, delicious restaurants, white sandy beaches, amazing surrounding islands, and vibrant nightlife. It has everything you need for a perfect holiday.

About the destination: Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. It's a contemporary, vibrant, and bustling city. It's economically dynamic, teeming with lively markets, and is undeniably the country's commercial hub. Despite being the most modern city in the country, it maintains a distinct Vietnamese essence and remnants of its illustrious Colonial past as the former "pearl of the orient" are still visible. In the heart of the city, which locals still fondly call Saigon, you'll find some of the city's main attractions such as the Opera house, railway station, Notre Dame cathedral, Reunification Palace, the Saigon river, and the Markets. If you need a break from the city, you can take a tour to the Mekong Delta or to Da Lat, if you have more time. Da Lat, situated in the highlands about 300km from the city, is worth the journey as there's plenty to see and do including waterfalls, gardens, the old French Quarter, and local restaurants serving fantastic local cuisine. Vietnam's commercial and financial center is an exhilarating and fascinating sprawling metropolis that strives to preserve the lifestyle and culture of this magnificent country.

About the destination: Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and its second largest city, is one of the most enchanting cities in Asia with a unique personality. Years of foreign occupation have left an imprint on this city, as evidenced by the intriguing museums, historical buildings, pagodas, mausoleum, and its own French quarter, all of which contribute to the city's distinctive ambiance. The best way to familiarize yourself with Hanoi is by foot. The historical center isn't very large, and many attractions are located there or in the immediate vicinity. Walking is the best way to interact with the friendly locals. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes due to the numerous lakes and trees scattered throughout the city. The largest lake is the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center is the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. What's beautiful about Hanoi is the interesting architectural contrasts, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the grand European-style buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas. Not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples, such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a city of both peace and hustle, bustling with street life and exotic markets, yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is a must-visit destination in Vietnam.