Overview

Discover the vibrant contrasts of Thailand as you explore the cultural landmarks and canal life of Bangkok before heading to the relaxed charm of Chiang Mai. Along the way, enjoy a balanced mix of iconic sights, local experiences, and flexible time to explore, highlighted by an unforgettable visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary. Start your seamless and value-filled journey today with Vietnamtour.co.za.

Highlights

  • Discover Bangkok’s cultural highlights with visits to the Grand Palace, the sacred Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho’s impressive Reclining Buddha, and the beautifully decorated Wat Arun.
  • Enjoy a scenic long-tail boat ride along Bangkok’s canals, offering a unique glimpse into local life and a more relaxed side of the city.
  • Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you can observe, feed, and walk alongside elephants while learning about their care and conservation.
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per person

Tour Code

Tour Code

Duration

Duration
7 Days

Departure Dates

Departure Dates

Accommodation

Accommodation

Transports

Transports

Special Offers

Special Offers

Full Itinerary Expand All

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and comfortably transferred to your hotel for check-in, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your trip.

The rest of the day is free at leisure, giving you time to relax after your journey or begin discovering the vibrant energy of Bangkok, a dynamic metropolis where modern city life blends seamlessly with traditional culture. You may choose to explore nearby streets, sample local food, visit lively night markets, or simply settle in and recharge before the adventure ahead.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, you will explore the cultural highlights of Bangkok, combining iconic landmarks with local experiences.

Begin your visit at the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most important royal landmarks, originally built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I. Known for its magnificent architecture and intricate details, the complex once served as the official residence of the Thai monarchy. Within the palace grounds, you will visit Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), home to the revered Emerald Buddha, also known as Phra Kaeo Morakot.

Continue to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, renowned for its giant Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. Measuring 46 meters long and 15 meters high, the statue symbolizes the Buddha entering Nirvana and remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural treasures. Wat Pho is also widely recognized as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and continues to serve as an important center of Thai medicine and spiritual heritage.

In the afternoon, cross the river to visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, beautifully decorated with colorful porcelain details.

Later, enjoy a long-tail boat ride along Bangkok’s canals, where you can observe local life along the waterways and experience a more authentic and relaxed side of the city.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Today is free for you to explore Bangkok at your own pace, allowing you to shape your day based on your interests and budget.

You may wish to visit local markets, enjoy Thai street food, or experience the city’s lively shopping malls and vibrant street life. Whether you prefer a relaxed day or a more active outing, Bangkok offers a wide range of options.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, often referred to as the “Rose of the North” thanks to its cooler climate, rich Lanna heritage, peaceful atmosphere, and more than 300 beautiful temples spread across the city and surrounding mountains.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure, giving you time to relax or begin exploring the charming old town, known for its laid-back atmosphere and cultural character.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today, you will enjoy a memorable and meaningful experience with elephants in Chiang Mai.

Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you can observe and interact with these gentle animals in a natural and responsible environment. Local caretakers will introduce you to the elephants’ behavior, daily life, and conservation efforts.

During your visit, you may have the opportunity to feed the elephants and walk alongside them, creating a fun and engaging highlight of your journey. A local lunch will be served at the sanctuary.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace.

You can visit local temples, discover handicraft villages, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this northern city. This flexible day allows you to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and personal interests.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Your journey concludes with a well-balanced mix of cultural highlights, enjoyable experiences, and flexible time to explore at your own pace.

Useful Information

Inclusions

  • Accommodation based on twin/double sharing.
  • Tours and transfer as private air-con vehicle
  • Entrance fee as mentioned.
  • Meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Drinking water
  • Local English Speaking Guide
  • Service charge & Government tax

Exclusions

  • Air ticket (Both international and domestic)
  • Personal expense
  • Gratuities: tips to guides, drivers, our representatives, bellboys, etc.
  • We recommend USD 5 – 10 per traveler per day as tips for the guide driver. However you might pay more or less depending on their services.
  • Travel insurance. Please kindly note that the full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin should be purchased in advance on your own.
  • Visa
  • Option, additional, person activates during free time.
  • Meal or drink not mention
  • Excess luggage charges

Meals

  • Breakfast: 6
  • Lunch: 1

Customer Reviews

Reviews from actual Seni travelers. We publish all reviews.

Excellent
5 out of 5

Based on 117 reviews. See some of the reviews here.

Lourenza

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: November 2025

Traveled To: Vietnam

Thanks to Mandy from Seni World Travel we had a wonderful trip to Vietnam.

Everything was so organised, communication was excellent and we got to see the best of everything that Vietnam has to offer.

Airport pick-ups and drop-offs were a breeze and meeting Mandy in person was an absolute delight.

She really did make us feel that she had our best interests at heart.

For a stress free, tailor made holiday, Seni World Travel is definitely the way to go.

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Trip Rating:

Mr. Roy & Mrs. Suzette

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: November 2025

Traveled To: Vietnam

Vietnam was a wonderful experience for both of us. Vietnamtour.co.za, and especially our travel expert Vanessa Dao, took care of the arrangements in a calm and professional way, which made the journey feel very manageable from the start. We liked how clear the communication was and how smoothly everything fell into place once we arrived.

The guides were pleasant, the pace suited us well and we always felt comfortable. It was the kind of holiday where we could simply enjoy ourselves without worrying about what came next. A memorable and very enjoyable trip.

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Trip Rating:

Mr. Drik

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: November 2025

Traveled To: Vietnam

We recently returned from our holiday in Vietnam and we are still talking about it every day. What stood out the most for us was how calm and effortless the entire trip felt. We are not fast travellers, so we really appreciated the clear schedules and the guidance we received at each stop.

One of the moments we enjoyed most was sitting at a small café in Hoi An, watching the lanterns come on while our guide showed us photos of his family. It was small things like that that made the whole trip feel warm and genuine. The accommodations were comfortable, the tours were organised with care and we always felt safe and relaxed.

The team at vietnamtour.co.za checked in now and then just to make sure we were happy, which we found very thoughtful. Vietnam surprised us in many wonderful ways and we left feeling rested and inspired. Thank you for a memorable experience.

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Trip Rating:

Mr. Peter & Mrs. Sandra

Guest Country: South Africa

Travel Dates: October 2025

Traveled To: Vietnam

My wife and I had a 12 day tour of Vietnam starting in Hanoi then flying to Hoi an and finally to Ho Chi Minh city. Vanessa Dao helped us choose the itinerary. and ensured that everything went smoothly. We usually plan our own trips but being in such a foreign environment decided to go with a tour operator and found it to be a more relaxed experience having free days interspersed between organised excursions. Vanessa was always available for good advice should we need this.

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Trip Rating:

Q&A’s

What information would you like to know? View more...
A Response from Seni World 14/10/2025

Bring USD for exchange or withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND) from ATMs on arrival. Credit cards are accepted in cities, but cash is preferred at markets and local shops. We advise avoiding South African Rand as banks in Vietnam do not exchange ZAR.

A Response from Seni World 17/10/2025

We use carefully selected 3 - 4 - 5 star hotels depending on your package. All hotels are centrally located and traveller-friendly. Upgrades and special requests (sea-view rooms, connecting rooms) are available.

A Response from Seni World 18/11/2025

Yes. Most travellers choose tailor-made tours. We design customised itineraries based on travel style, interests, pace, age group, dietary needs, and budget.

A Response from Seni World 21/10/2025

Yes. Vietnam is one of the safest destinations in Asia with very low violent crime. Our tours use licensed guides, private transfers and trusted drivers to ensure safety and comfort.

A Response from Seni World 12/10/2025

Yes. Vietnamtour.co.za is a trusted operator with 10+ years serving South African travellers to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

We maintain strong 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor. We also have a local representative in Cape Town:

Mrs. Katrine Puttick – Bay Farm, Main Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town.

Phone: +27 (83) 261 1693

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