Markets and temples of Southeast Asia

Who it is for

For anyone with two weeks who wants two Southeast Asian countries without rushing.

Not for anyone who wants a beach at every stop.

The strategy

Thailand comes first, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north. Vietnam follows, from Hanoi to Saigon, travelling north to south. Check flights between bases and set aside part of each moving day for airports and reaching your accommodation.

What you will see

• Grande Palácio, Bangkok. A 218,000 m² complex built starting in 1782, a royal residence until 1925 and the venue for state ceremonies.
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai. A reliquary temple founded in 1383 under King Kue Na, at about 1,070 m on the mountain to the west, 15 km from the city and 30 to 40 minutes by car.
• Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ngọc Sơn Temple, Hanoi. A 12-hectare lake in the center, with the Turtle Tower on a small island and the 19th-century Ngọc Sơn Temple, reached by the red Thê Húc bridge.
• Dinh Độc Lập, Ho Chi Minh City. Seat of the South Vietnamese government, designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ and completed in 1966 over the ruins of the Norodom Palace.

Day by day

Bangkok

1. 1
   Day 1: Rattanakosin and the river

   1. 2Wat PhoUp to half an hourEssential
   2. 3Wat ArunUp to half an hourEssential
2. 2
   Day 2: Jim Thompson, the Saen Saep canal and Siam

   1. 6Jim Thompson HouseUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   2. 9Erawan ShrineUp to half an hourIf there is time
   3. 8Lumphini ParkWorth a visit
3. 3
   Day 3: The west bank and markets

   
4. 4
   Day 4: Ayutthaya (day trip) · if you have more time

   

Chiang Mai

1. 5
   Day 5: Inside the moat

   1. 4Wat Chiang ManWorth a visit
   2. 2Wat Chedi LuangUp to half an hourEssential
   3. 3Wat Phra SinghUp to half an hourEssential
2. 6
   Day 6: The mountain and the river

   1. 1Wat Phra That Doi SuthepEssential
   2. 6Wat UmongUp to half an hourWorth a visit
   3. 7Warorot Market (Kad Luang)Worth a visit
3. 7
   Day 7: Workshops, cuisine and fair · if you have more time

Hanoi

1. 8
   Day 8: The lake, the Old Quarter and the bia hơi corner

   
2. 9
   Day 9: Ba Đình, the citadel and official history

   1. 4Imperial Citadel of Thăng LongWorth a visit
   2. 3Temple of LiteratureEssential
   3. 6Hỏa Lò PrisonUp to half an hourWorth a visit
3. 10
   Day 10: West Lake, the river and a slower day · if you have more time

   1. 9Vietnam Museum of EthnologyOne to two hoursIf there is time
   2. 8Long Biên BridgeUp to half an hourIf there is time

Ho Chi Minh City

1. 11
   Day 11: The colonial center and the war
2. 12
   Day 12: Chợ Lớn and the river

   1. 9Landmark 81 and BitexcoIf there is time
3. 13
   Day 13: Tunnels, market, and farewell · if you have more time