Experience Travel Group
1-888-577-8452 020 7924 7133
Call

Northern Loops of Thailand and Vietnam

An idea for your holiday

Download Guide Get in Touch
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Travel Blog
    • Our brochure
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by Month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
Northern Loops of Thailand and Vietnam
  • Holidays in Vietnam
    • Essential Holidays
    • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
    • Vietnam Family Holidays
    • Vietnam With A Difference
    • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
    • Mekong River Journeys
  • Guide to Vietnam
    • Vietnam Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Vietnam Travel Blog
  • Places in Vietnam
    • Northern Vietnam
        Overview
      • Hanoi
      • Halong Bay
      • Bai Tu Long National Park
      • Cat Ba Island
      • Sapa
      • Ha Giang Province
      • Mai Chau
      • Pu Luong
      • Ninh Binh
    • Central Vietnam
        Overview
      • Hue
      • Hoi An
      • Danang
      • Hoi An Beaches
      • My Son
      • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
      • Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
    • Southern Vietnam
        Overview
      • Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
      • Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
      • Mekong Delta
      • Dalat
      • Nha Trang
      • Cat Tien National Park
      • Con Dao Islands
      • Phu Quoc Island
Experience Travel Group

Northern Loops of Thailand and Vietnam

  • Info
  • ItineraryDays
  • Hotels
  • Price
  • Map

Loop through the north of both Vietnam and Thailand, steering away from the typical route. Unlike many Vietnam and Thailand holidays, this is about much more than ticking off the main sights. It's about discovering extraordinary scenery, genuine interactions with locals, and some of the best food in Asia. It's also a great way to see the marked contrasts between these two near neighbouring countries. 

This holiday has an element of adventure, but you’ll always return to a very comfortable bed. Accommodation ranges from beautiful, hidden boutique hotels to local homestays. Activities are, as always, very carefully planned and tailored to you. Plus, with just one domestic flight, this is a beautiful option for those who prefer to soak up the atmosphere by traveling overland.

Either loop can be reduced in length if you are short on time, and it's possible to tag on a beach stay at the end of the holiday in either country.

Highlights include:

  • Tasting the contrasting but equally delicious, fresh, spicy, and aromatic flavours of Northern Thailand and Northern Vietnam. Each cuisine is very different but equally renowned

  • Immerse yourself in each region's way of life. Your guides will help you connect with people in a way that's authentic and respectful as you get to know the local culture and customs

  • Discover some of the most beautiful scenery of Southeast Asia. From walking or cycling through paddy fields and exploring limestone caves in Vietnam to waterfalls and birdlife in the bamboo forests of Thailand

  • Get swept up in Chiang Mai and Hanoi. Explore the two cities on insider's tours of the backstreets, temples, and traditional, lesser-explored districts

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace, and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own holiday, call us today.

DAY 1  DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Thailand.

DAYS 2 & 3  CHIANG RAI (Thailand)

On arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel. The sleepy city of Chiang Rai lies on the banks of the Kok River, and here you can visit one of the most extraordinary temples in Thailand, adorned with gleaming white sculptures. In the evening, your guide will take you to eat, drink and haggle your way through the night market, which is less busy than but equally atmospheric as those in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

You’ll also explore the countryside surrounding the city. Take in dramatic hills, unusual cave temples and fields of pineapple, stopping for a slice of the freshly-picked fruit along your way. By night, you’ll stay at a boutique resort in the countryside which has an infinity pool and mountain views.

DAYS 4 - 6  PHAYAO ADVENTURE (Thailand)

Depart Chiang Rai, travelling south by road with your guide and spend the next three days discovering the beauty of the Phayao province. This area is untouched by mass tourism, and a stay here will reveal a side of Thailand you didn’t know existed.

The town of Phayao, centred around an expansive lake, is lovely and here you’ll be taken to a local restaurant to enjoy a tasty Northern Thai speciality, Khao Soi, before a Thai-style punt on the lake and visit to a little-known temple. The surrounding countryside is, in a word, blissful. Here you’ll meet local people and discover the rural ways of life before your guide takes you to a fascinating hidden mountain spot.

During your travels through the province, you’ll stay as a guest of the welcoming communities in their homestays, eating authentic, mouth-watering meals (topped with Thai basil you can even pick yourself from their garden). If you wish, you can help out your hosts in making a famous local dessert, Khao Khuob, consisting of sticky rice with coconut wrapped in bananas leaves.

During your time in this region, you’ll also have the chance to discover the waterfalls and birdlife residing in the bamboo forests of Doi Luang National Park.

DAYS 7 - 9  CHIANG MAI (Thailand)

You're firmly back on the tourist route in Chiang Mai, but the historic city is not to be missed, and you'll stay in a beautiful boutique hotel within the old city walls. Explore the area on our signature tour, observing Buddhist monks collecting their alms at dawn and tasting the local street food to get a real feel of the Thai traditions and culture. Another highlight is paying a visit to a sanctuary for rescued elephants, a truly memorable and educational experience.

DAYS 10 & 11 BA VI MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK (Vietnam)

Board a midday flight from Chiang Mai to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, where on arrival your local guide and driver will meet you and transfer you into Ba Vi Mountain National Park. The forested area is just a 55km drive, but feels like a world away from the bustling city, offering a tranquil gateway to the country’s mountainous, scenic north.

DAYS 12 & 13 PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE (Vietnam)

Drive past breathtaking mountain scenery, into the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, lying along two mountain ridges. During your two-night stay at the Pu Luong Retreat, picnic lunches and dinners are included, while you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a range of activities.

Explore the beautiful retreat that provides captivating panoramic views in a tranquil setting. Head out on a bamboo river raft, cruising along the Cham river, or descend into the beautiful valley for a walk around tumbling rice terraces. Interact with the villagers living in the hills above the retreat, getting a glimpse into daily life and textile crafts as you explore the working farmland and rice fields.

DAYS 14 & 15 NINH BINH & TRANG AN ECOSYSTEM (Vietnam)

Departing Pu Luong, you’ll travel east through the beautiful countryside to Trang An Ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Ninh Binh province. Here you’ll board a small sampan (rowing boat), travelling along the river flanked by dramatic limestone mountains and green fields. During your two night stay in the region, you’ll stay in a boutique retreat amidst paddy fields with a swimming pool to relax by.

Head out on a cycling tour through the quiet and peaceful trails, soak in the magnificent beauty amongst the mountains or take a short hike to the top of Hang Mua for a spectacular aerial view of the region. Stop at a local house in a peaceful village before a chance to visit Bai Dinh Temple, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple complex and an important pilgrimage site.

DAYS 16 & 17 HANOI (Vietnam)

Spend the last two days of your holiday in Hanoi, enjoying a range of exclusive and unique experiences accompanied by your private guide. Get out early to explore the colourful markets, quiet streets and stroll around the lake. Along the way you may catch the Hanoians practising badminton, t’ai chi and open-air aerobics. Immerse yourself in the old town with its railway line running through the streets as residents go about their daily lives almost oblivious to the slow-moving trains!

Sip on Vietnamese coffee or a cold local beer and discover the city’s distinctive and lively street food culture. Marvel at the French colonial architecture and weave through the labyrinthine of alleyways in the old quarter. There are many museums to visit as well depending on your interests, covering the ancient history, military history, fine arts or the serene Temple of Literature.

DAY 18 FLY HOME

Fly home from Hanoi or extend your trip to visit one of the beautiful beach areas.

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aira Boutique

Aira Boutique , Hanoi

Excellent boutique hotel, close to the action on the edge of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.

Ban Dok Bua Homestay

Ban Dok Bua Homestay, Phayao

An authentic homestay with a lovely Thai family set amidst the beautiful countryside with comfortable rooms and delicious food.

Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat

Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat, Hanoi

A relaxing retreat set on a forested mountain range with spectacular views and cool temperatures.

Phu-Chaisai

Phu-Chaisai, Chiang Rai

A colourful, comfortable, occasionally eccentric hilltop hideaway resort. Great panoramic views of the northern mountains.

Pu Luong Retreat

Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong

Retreat in the countryside surrounded by mountains, rice terraces, rivers and waterfalls.

Rachamankha

Rachamankha, Chiang Mai

Delightful boutique hotel in the centre of Chiang Mai, within the walls of the old city.

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Tam Coc Garden Resort , Ninh Binh

Tangles of lush greenery, calm waters, rice paddy fields, bamboo groves, orchards and tropical flowers - just 100km from Hanoi.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Northern Loops of Thailand and Vietnam'

More Holiday Suggestions

Adventure & Comfort in Bhutan & Thailand

Adventure & Comfort in Bhutan & Thailand

Two countries - one faith. From the Himalayas to the Andaman Sea, two beautiful countries linked by deep yet contrasting Buddhist traditions.

Cambodia & Thailand In Style

Cambodia & Thailand In Style

Cambodia to Thailand overland. On the road, off the beaten track. Cross your fingers, cross your heart, cross the border - in style.

Laos to Thailand via The Mekong

Laos to Thailand via The Mekong

The beauty of Laos and Thailand. Journey by river from Luang Prabang to Thailand before discovering a gorgeous Thai beach.


~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

How it works
  • Get in touch
  • Booking with confidence
  • How much does it cost?
  • Financial protection
  • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
  • Working with in-country partners
  • My Booking
  • Come and see us
About Us
  • Why choose ETG?
  • Our Story
  • Meet the Team
  • Reviews
  • Our Promise
  • In the Press
  • Our Offices
  • Jobs
Information
  • Immersive Escapes
  • The Revitalise Collection
  • Our Rating System
  • Exclusive Signature Experiences
  • Your Protection
  • Travel Insurance
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Package Travel Regulations
  • Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Travel Advice
Get Social

facebook.com/experiencetravel twitter.com/ExpTrav instagram.com/experiencetravelgroup

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • View @ExpTrav Twitter Feed
  • Visit our Travel Blog
  • Follow our Instagram page
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Book Club

© Experience Travel Group Ltd
Registered in England, Company No. 5071391 | ABTA Member | 9324 ATOL Protected
Site by Livingstone Creative

Website Terms of Use | Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy

Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Vietnam
    • Essential Holidays
    • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
    • Vietnam Family Holidays
    • Vietnam With A Difference
    • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
    • Mekong River Journeys
    • Indochina & Beyond
  • Guide to Vietnam
    • Vietnam Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Vietnam Travel Blog
  • Places in Vietnam
    • Northern Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Hanoi
      • Halong Bay
      • Bai Tu Long National Park
      • Cat Ba Island
      • Sapa
      • Ha Giang Province
      • Mai Chau
      • Pu Luong
      • Ninh Binh
    • Central Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Hue
      • Hoi An
      • Danang
      • Hoi An Beaches
      • My Son
      • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
      • Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
    • Southern Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
      • Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
      • Mekong Delta
      • Dalat
      • Nha Trang
      • Cat Tien National Park
      • Con Dao Islands
      • Phu Quoc Island
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog