42 days in Thailand & Vietnam Itinerary

Discover the diverse history and culture of northern Thailand during a holiday in Chiang Mai, the largest and most significant city in the region.

Take a break from Chiang Mai with a short trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Doi Suthep, about 36 minutes away. Spend the 11th (Sun) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: take in nature's colorful creations at Siam Rice Thai Cookery School, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wat Phra Singh, and stop by Metal Studio Jewelry Chaing Mai.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Chiang Mai day trip planning tool.

Montreal, Canada to Chiang Mai is an approximately 25.5-hour flight. You'll lose 12 hours traveling from Montreal to Chiang Mai due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Montreal in December, expect Chiang Mai to be much hotter, temps between 34°C and 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to travel to Ko Lanta.

Ko Lanta remains an ideal place for relaxing holidays off the west coast of mainland Thailand.

Ko Lanta is known for wildlife, beaches, and nature. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, kick back and relax at Khlong Dao Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Nui Beach, and look for gifts at The Boss Collection.

To see ratings, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Ko Lanta itinerary planning site.

You can do a combination of flight, bus, car, and ferry from Chiang Mai to Ko Lanta in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, car, and ferry; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Ko Lanta when traveling from Chiang Mai in December, with lows around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Patong.

Take advantage of nighttime entertainment and daytime relaxation on a Patong vacation.

Get out of town with these interesting Patong side-trips: Chalong (Big Buddha Phuket & Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong)) and Green Elephant Sanctuary Park (in Choeng Thale). And it doesn't end there: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, stop by Suit Master, get a dose of the wild on Patong Elephant Care, and discover the deep blue sea with The Junk Liveaboards.

To see maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Patong tour planner.

Traveling by ferry from Ko Lanta to Patong takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. December in Patong sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) to allow time to take a shuttle to Krabi Town.

Krabi Town takes you away from the bustle of coastal beach resorts in this region.

Change things up with a short trip to Phang Nga Bay. in Ao Phang Nga National Park (about 1h 20 min away). There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Railay Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), tour the pleasant surroundings at Ao Nang Beach, and take a memorable tour with Aonang Elephant Sanctuary.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Krabi Town driving holiday planner.

You can take a shuttle from Patong to Krabi Town in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in December, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Koh Tao.

A holiday in Ko Tao ensures a mix of adventure and relaxation on a fast-developing island in the Gulf of Thailand.

On the 26th (Mon), see the sights as you ascend with a climbing tour and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Koh Tao travel route planner.

Getting from Krabi Town to Koh Tao by combination of flight and ferry takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Koh Tao are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can travel to Bangkok.

Enjoy cultural, historical, and culinary exploration during your holiday in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and the most populous city in the country.

Bangkok is known for shopping, historic sites, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at The Grand Palace, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, take in the spiritual surroundings of Wat Saket, and don't miss a visit to Wat Pho.

For more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Bangkok trip planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Koh Tao to Bangkok takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and train; or ride a ferry. Traveling from Koh Tao in December, Bangkok is a bit cooler at night with lows of 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Khao Yai National Park.

The oldest national park in Thailand--and a World Heritage Site to boot--Khao Yai National Park impresses visitors with its waterfalls, mountainous terrain, and abundant monsoon forest.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Khao Yai National Park. On the 1st (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Primo Piazza Khao Yai and then surround yourself with nature on Khao Yai Bird Watching Day Trip by Thailand Bird Watching.

To find ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Khao Yai National Park trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in December, and nighttime lows around 26°C. On the 1st (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Duong Dong.

A holiday in Duong Dong offers cultural diversity, great nature experiences, and a variety of educational and kid-friendly attractions.

Change things up with a short trip to Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc in Ganh Dau (about 36 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: relax in the rural setting at Phu Quoc Countryside, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau, see some colorful creatures with Bee Bee Travel, and get in on the family fun at Happy Farm PQ.

To see maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Duong Dong trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Khao Yai National Park to Duong Dong. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

On the 9th (Mon), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, browse the eclectic array of goods at Ben Thanh Market, get a sense of history and politics at The Independence Palace, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Ho Chi Minh City online itinerary builder.

Getting from Duong Dong to Ho Chi Minh City by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In January, daytime highs in Ho Chi Minh City are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Hoi An.

Indisputably one of Vietnam's most atmospheric destinations, Hoi An contains a World Heritage-listed old town boasting over 2,000 years of culture and history.

Take a break from Hoi An with a short trip to Dacotours - Da Nang Travel Agency in Da Nang, about 38 minutes away. There's still lots to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, make a trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, take in the dramatic natural features at The Marble Mountains, and snap pictures at Japanese Covered Bridge.

To find maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hoi An trip maker app.

Traveling by flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Ho Chi Minh City in January, with highs in Hoi An at 29°C and lows at 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay encompasses a cluster of verdant limestone islets that jut out from the sea and make up an enchanting setting recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Fri): explore the activities along Hạ Long Bay and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To see reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Halong Bay online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by combination of flight, bus, car, and ferry from Hoi An to Halong Bay takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight, bus, and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

On the 15th (Sun), spend a fun day on foot with Walking tours. The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, and contemplate the long history of Hoa Lo Prison.

To see more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Hanoi trip planning site.

Traveling by combination of ferry and bus from Halong Bay to Hanoi takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, car, and train; or do a combination of ferry, flight, and bus. On the 17th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.