

Saigon and Bangkok Explorer
Embark on a colorful adventure in culturally and historically rich regions on this 9-Day, Saigon and Bangkok Explorer tour. As you travel in these iconic destinations in Vietnam and Thailand explore floating markets, gorgeous temples,culinary delights, fascinating Vietnam War remnants, contrasting cultures and incredible scenery.
Some highlights on this captivating journey include a descent into the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, where the Vietcong guerilla fighters stayed. See where the remaining US citizens were evacuated in 1975, on the former CIA residential block. Take a guided tour of Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Admire Ho Chi Minh's French-Colonial architecture. Enjoy lunch at an organic farm. At Thien Hau Pagoda, write a card with your wishes and attach it to an incense coil. In Bangkok, see the breathtaking Grand Palace with its towering golden spires. UNESCO-listed royal temple, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan provides ideal views of the Golden Mount. Gain insight into the silk industry as you visit a village producing the delicate fabric. Pick up souvenirs at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market. Learn to cook traditional Thai food including the delicious sticky rice. You'll remember the vibrant markets, rich traditions, tumultuous history and resilient people of this region for a lifetime.
9 Days • fr. $2,895
Tour Highlights & Offers
Tour Includes
- CITY TOUR of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok
- VISIT the War Remnants Museum, Chinatown and the Cu Chi Tunnels in and around Ho Chi Minh City
- TOUR the Grand Palace, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Jim Thompson's House, Mae Klong Railway Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in and around Bangkok
- VIEW the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City
- LOCAL SPECIALIST in rural Bangkok
- VISIT the HCMC Blind Centre to learn about their work
- ENJOY a musical performance by the children who study music at HCMC Blind Centre
- JOIN a local family for lunch at their organic farm
- LEARN about the benefits of natural medicine
- MAKE A WISH the traditional way at Thien Hau Pagoda
- DESCEND into the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and learn their history throughout the war
- WALKING TOUR of Chinatown
- VISIT a local community producing Thai silk for Jim Thompson's factory
- JOIN culinary host at local market shop for local produce
- PREPARE authentic Thai dishes with culinary host
- MARVEL at Mae Klong railway market witnessing how the stalls are removed and replaced at lightning speed to make way for passing trains
- ENJOY the scent of jasmine wafting in air in Ho Chi Minh City
- ADMIRE French Colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh CIty
- VISIT Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum
- TRAVEL on a traditional Thai long-tail boat
- EXPLORE Damnoen Saduak floating market
- Handcrafted Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries
- All porterage and local charges included
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- VIP entry to many sights
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Not Included
- Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your vacation unless otherwise noted. This includes wait staff at included meals, and porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person. Gratuities for your tour director, local hosts, guides, and drivers are not included in the vacation price (unless otherwise noted in pricing details) and are discretionary.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
Hotel Details
- Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Saigon, Vietnam (4 nights)
- Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand (4 nights)
- The hotels listed are intended to be used on all departures however Trafalgar Tours reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent quality to those listed. No refunds are provided for hotel changes and full cancellation penalties apply.
Day 1
ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY Location Information Description
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The scents of jasmine and steady hoots from Ho Chi Minh's busy streets are never far as you embark on an intoxicating adventure incorporating two of South East Asia's most exciting cities.
Upon arrival in Vietnam's largest city, formerly known as Saigon, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day recovering from your journey, or get a small taste of what's in store on your own. Later this evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetizers.
Dinner
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Day 2
HO CHI MINH CITY SIGHTSEEING Location Information Description
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh's colonial past is revealed this morning during a leisurely walking tour through its grand boulevards. Admire the elegant French colonial-era buildings and high-end boutiques that dot Dong Khoi Street and see the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House. Your next stop is the former CIA residential block where helicopters frantically evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975 as tanks fast approached the city.
Continue your walk with views of Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France. Then, head across the square to visit the 19th century Central Post Office, an elegant French colonial structure transporting you back to a time when the city was a key player in Indochina.
Travel by coach to the Reunification Palace for a visit to the former headquarters of the Saigon Government and then on to the War Remnants Museum to gain a perspective of the war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or consider purchasing an Optional Experience to delve into Saigon's art scene, learning from a museum curator and a local artist.
Breakfast
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Day 3
HO CHI MINH CITY Location Information Description
Saigon River, Vietnam
Start your day with a journey by speedboat along the Saigon River to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. As you leave the city behind, glimpse the changing faces of Vietnam - from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centers to the green paddy fields and tiny villages that skirt the river banks.
Location Information Description
Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
Descend into an underground world of subterfuge and hardship, learning how the Vietcong guerrilla fighters used these impossibly narrow and dark tunnels as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches, as well as hospitals and living quarters throughout the war.
Location Information Description
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
'Connect With Locals' next, visiting an organic farm to learn about the benefits of natural medicine made from the local organic vegetables, herbs, spices and mushrooms. Wander through the lush green fields before joining the family in their home for an exclusive 'Be My Guest' lunch. Over some of their favorite family dishes, exchange stories and gain insights into how their business is providing a livelihood for many local farmers.
Next 'Make A Difference' with a visit to the HCMC Blind Centre where blind children gather together to learn how to play music and use the computer under the guidance of volunteers. The center was founded by blind musician Mr. Dao Khanh Truong who spent most of his life caring for and teaching the children life skills and music.
Later, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening and perhaps choose to see an optional show, or maybe visit one of the rooftop bars for which the city is famous, gaining a bird's eye view of the pulsating streets below.
Breakfast, Lunch
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Day 4
HO CHI MINH CITY Location Information Description
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A leisurely start to your day could see you linger over a cup of smoky oolong tea or make an early start with an optional walking tour through the city's lively outdoor markets to feel what life is like for the residents of Ho Chi Minh City.
This afternoon, you'll visit Chinatown and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea. 'Dive Into Culture' and make a wish, writing your deepest desires on a small card and attaching it to one of the incense coils like the locals do.
Visit Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s in the heart of Chinese community in Saigon, to rub shoulders with the locals who visit the market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Continuing to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, you'll gain an insightful glimpse into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life.
Afterwards, 'Dive Into Culture' during a walking tour of Chinatown with its many herbal medicine shops and learn how herbs are combined for traditional therapies. Later this evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner of traditional Vietnamese specialties in a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Day 5
HO CHI MINH CITY - BANGKOK Location Information Description
Bangkok, Thailand
Leave Vietnam behind for the bustling City of Angels. After your short flight to Bangkok, meet your Thai Travel Director, who you'll join for dinner at a local restaurant featuring some of the city's favorite delicacies.
Breakfast, Dinner
Shangri-La
Day 6
BANGKOK SIGHTSEEING Location Information Description
Bangkok, Thailand
Start the day with a visit to Bangkok's iconic Grand Palace. Its gilded spires served as a magnificent backdrop for the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century.
Your next stop is Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, a UNESCO-listed royal temple renowned for its pyramid-like structure and stunning views of the main temple area of Bangkok and the Golden Mount. Stroll along the open-air walkway and admire the city skyline before joining your travel companions for lunch in a traditional Royal Thai Cuisine restaurant with classic Thai décor and views of the Democracy Monument.
This afternoon, 'Dive Into Culture' during a visit to a local community which produces Thai silk for the famous Jim Thompson factory. As you stroll along a colorful canal through the community, you'll pass a tailor-made suit factory, open-air goldsmiths and man-made silver houses. Take a moment to observe how talented villagers color and weave the delicate silk used to create beautiful garments and accessories. Learn how the American businessman helped revive the Thai silk industry in the 1950s by supplying fine Thai silk to overseas fashion houses. His silk company and the once-dying cottage industry continue to flourish today.
Explore Jim Thompson House, tastefully decorated with Asian art and curios including Buddha images, ceramics and antique furniture. Then, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure or consider joining a recommended Optional Experience.
Breakfast, Lunch
Shangri-La
Day 7
BANGKOK Location Information Description
Bangkok, Thailand
Leave the high-rises behind this morning and venture beyond the city buzz for a tranquil encounter with rural Thailand. Meet our 'Local Specialist'. Explore local Thai culture, joining them for a visit to a Buddhist Temple, then continue to a nearby market, located on the banks of Tha Chin River and renowned for its extensive variety of vegetables, fruit and Thai snacks.
'Dive Into Culture' as you shop together learning about the local produce as your Thai host introduces you to their preferred vendors in the market. Continue down river, sailing past local homes and lush vegetation as you make your way to your host's riverside home and restaurant. Here you'll learn about Thai herbs and spices as you watch a cooking demonstration in the open air. Try your hand at making your own Thai dishes using their favorite recipes and afterwards sample the dishes you have helped to prepare.
After lunch, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
Shangri-La
Day 8
BANGKOK Location Information Description
Bangkok, Thailand
An early start this morning sees you 'Dive Into Culture' during a scenic journey by train, past salt and rice paddies, right into the Mae Klong railway market. Colorful stalls are laid out on both sides of the railway tracks. When the train comes through, the tents and goods are moved from the rails at lightening speed and returned just as quickly once the train has sped past, leaving astounded visitors doubting whether there was ever a train in the first place.
Disembark from the train and explore the market on your own before boarding a traditional Thai long-tail boat. Journey through small side canals, watching the locals go about their day-to-day, and into the Mae Klong River. On arrival at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, witness an astounding array of boats selling fresh produce, souvenirs and delicious Thai food.
There's more to see when you visit a local open-air Khao Lam producer (sticky rice cooked in a bamboo tube) where you'll learn how this tasty Thai sweet dish is made. Enticed by the aroma of coconut and sugar, you may wish to purchase some for yourself as an afternoon treat later. Arrive back at the hotel and enjoy a final free afternoon in Bangkok, exploring the sights on your terms.
As the sun begins to set over the enchanting Thai capital, head up river for a Farewell Dinner in an atmospheric Thai riverside restaurant with views of the magnificent Wat Arun.
Breakfast, Dinner
Shangri-La
Day 9
DEPART BANGKOK Location Information Description
Bangkok, Thailand
Transfer to Bangkok International Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Important information:
Important Information
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or more prior to departure the deposit is non-refundable
- 59-16 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
- 15-8 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
- 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 90% of total price*
- On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
- *Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
- Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
- In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
- All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
- The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
- All prices are in US Dollars.
- A $200 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted theseall Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
- Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
- Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation and/or for intra-vacation air, as specified in the itinerary (“air-inclusive vacations”). Air-inclusive vacation pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of full land plus air deposit or land deposit plus full airfare price, depending on type of airfare purchased (Flex-Air or Instant Purchase Air).
- For complete terms and conditions please visit the Trafalgar Terms & Conditions for more information.