Written by Matt Browne
Posted, 21st August 2022
With so many benefits to both Thailand and Vietnam, it’s difficult trying to decide between the two. If you have the time and budget then why choose at all? Do both! Give yourself the best month of your life and see all that Southeast Asia has to offer 🙌🏼
Where To Start?
The best starting point is what feels like the centre of the universe in this part of the world… Bangkok! That’s where the adventure of a lifetime begins. Spend time soaking up the culture, seeing the marvellous temples, eating the most delicious street food and tearing it up on Koh San Road 💃🕺. It’s the perfect start!
Top Tip: Arrive a day or 2 early and stop by the famous floating markets to see something really out of the ordinary. Not only can you get top food at crazy cheap prices… it’s just wild to see 👀
South Thailand
On my first trip to Thailand I went north first. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every second of it… but I also ended up with the worst t-shirt tan I’ve ever had in my life! 😂 I suggest making your way south to the beautiful islands and beaches first. Soak up all that sun and then explore the mountains and jungle in the north.
Spend the best part of a week visiting Khao Sok National Park, Krabi and the EPIC Phi Phi Islands. It’s all boat trips, island hopping, beach parties and pure paradise in the south. There is a lot to see but some of the top highlights are Railay Beach, Maya Bay and tiger cave temple. They’re all incredible places to visit in their own right, and ones you cannot skip by 👀.
Now you’ve got a solid base tan, chilled out on the best white sandy beaches in the world and explored some of the wonders Thailand has to offer… let’s head north!
Sunset beers with friends, and buckets filled with your favourite cocktail, are both a must to get a real sense of island life 😎
North Thailand
Glorious greenery awaits you here… and plenty of it! Wildlife, temples, canyons and cooking classes are what you’ll find. Chang Mai and Pai are your two main spots to finish off your time in Thailand. Pai is a vibrant hippie paradise located in the mountains. You will see natural views that will be etched into your memory forever, and get to spend some time bathing in the incredible hot springs. Chang Mai is where your heart will melt meeting elephants for the 1st time! 🐘
Spend some time meeting and getting to know these elephants at a local sanctuary! These gentle giants are a real sight to behold… if that isn’t ticking something off the old bucket list then I don’t know what is 🙌🏼
Vietnam
Usually leaving a country comes with holiday blues, but not this time. You’ll be sad to leave Thailand, but believe me, you are in for a treat! Heading straight to Hanoi is the best way to continue your trip 🇻🇳. There is so much to look forward to in this beautiful country. Breathtaking scenery, more beautiful beaches, mouthwatering food and Ha Long Bay…easily one of the best sights I’ve ever seen in my life!
North Vietnam
Hanoi will remind you of Bangkok, which will seem a lifetime ago after all the amazing experiences since then. It’s a big city full of incredible food, and an even better party. After hitting “beer street” it’s time to head out and see that magical place… Ha Long Bay is waiting for you 🏝.
I’m already jealous that you’ll be visiting here because this multitude of islands is easily one of my favourite places in the world. Take a tour around the beautiful uninhabited islands, through coves and explore until your heart’s content!
Hop on a longtail boat with a tour guide to get an upclose and personal view of one of the best natural wonders of the world. The only way to top it is cocktails at sunset!🍹
Hit up Hoi An
The Hai Van pass on the way to Hoi An perfectly sets up an unbelievable experience. It’s a beautiful piece of road which curves through the mountain with constant epic views all along the way. Sit back and let the guides take you around the hairpin turns as you lap up the scenery… it’s such a great experience you’ll want to turn right back around when you get to the end! Don’t worry, because the Golden city of Hoi An awaits though!
Hoi An, the city of lanterns🏮, is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site with some parts dating back 2000 years! You can do it all here. Take in the culture, get some custom garments and join a cooking class to see how your new favourite dishes are put together. Even a simple stroll through this beautiful city is a delight for the eyes as you take in all the colours.
The night is best when matched up with a cold beer outside any one of the excellent bars that line the river. This is where things come alive! With all the lights and lanterns lit you just have to sit back and take it all in.
South Vietnam
As you arrive in the south the end of your trip will be looming on you, and fair warning… you won’t want to go home! The incredible beaches and activities on this side of the country will help distract you from that impending flight home though.
There are mud baths, sand boarding, quad biking around some awesome dunes and the must-see Cu Chi Tunnels. Get a first-hand glimpse into the past and see how the Vietnamese lived during the war and even crawl through tunnels yourself! It’s incredible to see how they lived, fought and the traps they came up with. That can be found just outside Ho Chi Minh City, which is where the trip of a lifetime ends 😭.
There is only one way to end a trip like this… a wild night out with all your new best friends! It doesn’t have to be goodbye, it could be “see you later”. After all, who knows where you could end up in the future 😉.
Make sure you exchange details with people you meet along your epic journey. Not only is it good to see how people get on over the years, but you might just end up with a couch to sleep on in a bunch of awesome places all around the world!
How To Make Your Dream Trip A Reality?
There are two options for you. You can spend the time organising everything, booking the accommodation, activities and researching everything to make it happen… or jump on one of our trips where we do all the hard work for you! The team work their socks off to give you the best possible time and our reviews really do speak for themselves. With all your awesome accommodation, activities, local experiences, secret stops, guides and a bunch of meals included you’d be crazy not to join us at Feel Free Travel.
Check out our 1 Month Best Of South East Asia Tour now! 😃
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long to book your spot, we have tours in 6 months that are already full 🙈
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in both Australia & South East Asia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure & party nights out. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends. There really is no better way to travel than with Feel Free Travel 🤙🏻
Here are a few useful links to help with that planning;
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