Saigon and Bangkok Explorer
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 | Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023 | Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023 | Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023 | Thursday, Jan 04, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Promotion Details
Group benefits and applicable discounts apply to Scheduled Departure and Exclusive Departure groups only, booked on the same booking number. Group benefits and discounts do not apply to Custom Groups, flight segments, train vacations, cruises, extensions or any pre/post-trip additions. Group Benefits are not available on all trips and/or departure dates and are not combinable with Limited Time Offers. Please refer to your group’s contract for further details. Other conditions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
Glimpse past and present on this in-depth encounter with the glittering cityscapes, youthful verve, and centuries-old culture, heritage and traditions of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
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Day 1
Say Hello to Ho Chi Minh CityThe 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 travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
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Day 2
Explore Ho Chi Minh CityHo 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 joining an Optional Experience to delve into Saigon's art scene, learning from a museum curator and a local artist.Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Connect with Locals Make Travel MatterStart 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 centres to the green paddy fields and tiny villages that skirt the river banks. 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. 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 favourite family dishes, exchange stories and gain insights into how their business is providing a livelihood for many local farmers. Next, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit to the HCMC Blind Centre where children gather together to learn how to play music and use the computer under the guidance of volunteers. The Centre 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.Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
A Day to Discover Ho Chi Minh City Dive Into CultureA 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 honour 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 travellers for a memorable dinner of traditional Vietnamese specialties in a local restaurant.Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Journey to BangkokLeave 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 favourite delicacies.Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
See the Sights of Bangkok Dive Into CultureWe 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. Our 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 colourful 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 colour 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 our recommended Optional Experience.Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 7
Thai Cuisine and Cooking Experience Dive Into CultureWe 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 favourite 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.Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 8
Marvel at the Mae Klong Railway Market Dive Into CultureAn early start this morning sees us Dive Into Culture during a scenic journey by train, past salt and rice paddies, right into the Mae Klong railway market. Colourful 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 lightning 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.Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Farewell BangkokTransfer to Bangkok International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit an organic farm, where you'll join a local family for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch and learn about the benefits of natural medicine.
Dive Into Culture
- Ho Chi Minh City: Make a wish the traditional way at the Thien Hau Pagoda.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Embark on a walking tour of Chinatown and learn how herbs are combined for traditional therapies.
- Bangkok: Visit a local community which produces Thai silk for Jim Thompson's factory.
- Bangkok: Visit a food market with your culinary host and shop for local produce, which you will use to prepare some authentic Thai dishes.
- Bangkok: Visit the Mae Klong railway market to see how the stalls are removed and replaced at lightning speed to make way for passing trains.
Iconic Experience
- Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Gain insight into a difficult period of Vietnam's history as you join a Vet Cong veteran for a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, developped to protect Viet Cong guerillas.
- Bangkok: Begin your city tour by visiting Bangkok's Grand Palace, home to the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew. Continue your exploration of the city and its renowned landmarks.
- : Leave the city behind as you venture into the Thai countryside. Meet a Local Specialist and delve into the daily customs and local culture of rural Thailand.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Visit the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak and paddle along the canals laden with fresh produce to sell.
Must-see Highlights
- : Explore Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok
- : Visit the War Remnants Museum, Chinatown and the Cu Chi Tunnels in and around Ho Chi Minh City and the Grand Palace, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Jim Thompson's House, Mae Klong Railway Market, and 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
Whats Included
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
- : On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- : Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok.
Health and Safety Protocols for Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar has introduced these enhanced hygiene protocols – for you and team members.
You can travel with Trafalgar and be assured that their team has put numerous new measures in place to elevate their hygiene standards and protocols. The well-being of guests and team has always been, and always will be, their primary concern.
In this new, fast changing Covid-19 era, Trafalgar is doing all they can to adapt to new requirements and expectations. Here are some important new steps and procedures that they have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you the peace of mind when you are traveling during these new times.
Expertly Trained Travel DirectorsTravel Director training equips them with enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures. During your trip, they will operate with a duty of care and monitor the hygiene etiquette of the guests, reacting and advising as needed, to ensure high standards are maintained. Before you travel, Trafalgar will also keep you well informed about new protocols required in these areas, and ask that you cooperate with and heed the advice and direction of Travel Directors while on your trip. The Travel Directors have preventative measures in place to try and ensure your well-being and in the event that any unexpected issues arise on trip, they will activate additional protocols.
Stringent On-the-Road ProtocolsThe customized luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your trip and have always been kept to very high standards. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Trafalgar have taken additional measures to elevate hygiene and sanitary practices in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as required, applicable government regulations. The Driver training provides them with the latest hygiene protocols. They will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis. All the guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation including the thorough and regular washing of hands and sanitising when required. Hand sanitiser is freely available on board for your use throughout the day. Please bring your own washable face mask and gloves with you, and additional hand sanitiser to make you feel comfortable, as these will be required to be worn in public in some countries. Should an unexpected situation arise, additional face masks, rubber gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes will be available for guest distribution on all trips.
A Full Team of Support 24/7It’s not just your Travel Director and Driver who will be taking care of you. Behind the scenes, the operations and guest support teams are in contact with them and on call 24/7, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Physical DistancingAdapting to the right size groups, based on government distancing requirements, you can rest assured that you will travel with the comfort of your own personal space. Have peace of mind that all of the experiences, hotels and restaurants you’ll enjoy on your trip have been vetted to ensure they adhere to physical distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Trusted Partners, Exceptional StandardsTrafalgar is very selective in who they work with and choose to only use hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that take the well-being of the guests as seriously as Trafalgar does and agrees to meet expected guidelines and specifications. Trafalgar only works with establishments that they are confident will consistently adhere to their high standards.
Always in the KnowAs part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) , Trafalgar is kept up to date with all government advisories and travel alerts on a daily basis and is continually in touch with all of the partners on the ground in each destination. Also, rest assured that during your trip, the teams work to ensure the supplier partners (hotels, restaurants, museums and other venues) are also applying the same standard to these new hygiene and distancing protocols, to the extent possible.
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This package was really what I expected. Trafalgar gives the best experience for customers
I have done several tours with Trafalgar and I have been please with them all. That is why I continue to choose them.
We had a great experience traveling with Trafalgar. Beginning with the booking agent to the tour director, everyone was excellent. Thank you everyone!
We had a great trip with Trafalgar. Everything was top notch, the tours, the accomodations, the local guides, the bus driver, and the head guide were superior. I will use Trafalgar again.
Services provided by the company and guide are truly exemplary. A very professional staff and excellent accommodation. Highly recommended for future travelers and friends.
Our Travel Director was very nice, learned a lot from her about Japan culture and the places we visited. Will definitely travel again with Trafalgar.
Our tour director was totally amazing!!! She was highly knowledgable about all the cities, sights and history of the UK. Her personality was delightful, with a wonderful sense of humor!! She made the trip amazing!!! Our driver was exceptional as well!!! He was great and went above and beyond helping everyone in and out of the coach along with all the luggage. He was always the perfect gentleman and his personality matched that of our director making the tour more fun than I could have ever imagined!!!
Trafalgar is a terrific company, with great guides and bus drivers.
Dana was great, very responsive to our questions and very helpful. Thanks Dana!
My 5th trip with Trafalgar tours . A good tour company. Affordable Tours does a great job . Im very pleased with Lihn she's on top of everything. Answers all why promptly. My 2nd booking with her
Spring is the best time to go! Breathtakingly beautiful!
Trafalgar makes the parks come to life. Be my guest dinner is always a truly memorable experience.
Fine job by all, enjoyed the trip
Excellent experience all the way around!
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