16 Days Vietnam & Thailand: Self-Launched Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket
16 days · Vietnam & Thailand
UME Travel Co. Ltd charges £3,540
No-markup version: ~£810 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of UME Travel's 16-day private-guide-and-driver circuit from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket — same sights, same route, booked yourself. You'll do Saigon and the Cu Chi Tunnels, a Mekong Delta day trip, fly north to Hanoi and overnight on a Halong Bay junk, then jump to Chiang Mai for temples and an ethical elephant sanctuary, take the train south to Bangkok for railway and floating markets plus Ayutthaya, and finish with beach days in Phuket. All internal transport is on local flights, sleeper/reclining trains, buses and long-tail boats, activities are booked direct or via GetYourGuide/Klook, and you stay in hostels and guesthouses. Costs are approximate backpacker/mid-range estimates and exclude international flights.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Land at Tan Son Nhat (SGN). Take the public bus 109 or a Grab bike/car into District 1 (Grab ~£3, bus ~£0.50). Check into a hostel or budget hotel around Pham Ngu Lao or District 1, get a local SIM (Viettel/Vietnamobile, ~£5 for 30 days data), then ease in with a walk past the Opera House and Nguyen Hue walking street. Evening: street food crawl — banh mi (~£1), bun thit nuong, and a bia hoi on Bui Vien.
🚌Airport bus 109 / Grab (~£1–3); walkable city centre
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, District 1 (~£10–14)
- →Nguyen Hue walking street
- →Bui Vien street food and bia hoi
Cu Chi Tunnels + Saigon city sights
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Morning group tour to Cu Chi Tunnels (book via GetYourGuide/Klook or your hostel, ~£12–18 including transport, or go DIY by bus 13 to Cu Chi town for ~£1 plus ~£4 entry). Afternoon back in the city: War Remnants Museum (~£2), Reunification Palace (~£3), Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office (free, exterior viewing — cathedral under restoration). Finish with a stroll down Dong Khoi Street and a cheap com tam dinner.
🚌Shared minibus to Cu Chi; Grab/walk in the city
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, District 1 (~£10–14)
- →Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour
- →War Remnants Museum
- →Reunification Palace
- →Notre Dame Cathedral & Old Saigon Post Office
- →Dong Khoi Street stroll
Mekong Delta day trip (Ben Tre / My Tho)
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Book a small-group Mekong Delta day tour (~£20–28 via GetYourGuide/Klook) or DIY: bus from Mien Tay station to My Tho (~£1.50) then hire a local boatman for a couple of hours. Expect the classic itinerary — boat through coconut canals, Unicorn Island village walk, fruit orchard, bee farm with honey tea, coconut candy workshop, southern folk music, cyclo or motorbike transfer on Dragon Island, and a homemade lunch with a local family where you roll your own banh xeo and spring rolls. Back in Saigon by early evening.
🚌Shared minibus/boat tour transport or public bus to My Tho
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, District 1 (~£10–14)
- →Mekong River boat cruise
- →Unicorn Island village walk
- →Bee farm & honey tea
- →Coconut candy workshop
- →Southern folk music performance
- →Cooking demo lunch with a local family
Fly to Hanoi; old quarter evening
Hanoi, Vietnam
Morning flight Saigon–Hanoi (~£35–55 with VietJet/Bamboo on a booked-ahead fare, 2h05). Grab from Noi Bai airport to the Old Quarter (~£4–6) or bus 86 (~£1.20). Afternoon wander: Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter's 36 streets, and a bia hoi corner. Book your Halong Bay overnight cruise tonight for tomorrow (hostel or Klook, ~£55–80 for a 2D/1N junk including meals).
🚌Domestic flight SGN–HAN (~£40); airport bus 86 or Grab
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Old Quarter (~£9–13)
- →Hoan Kiem Lake
- →Old Quarter wander
- →Bia hoi corner
Halong Bay overnight junk cruise
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Early shared shuttle pick-up from the Old Quarter to Halong/Tuan Chau port (~3.5h, usually included in the cruise price). Board a traditional-style junk, cruise among the limestone karsts, and stop for kayaking or a swim in the afternoon. Sunset from the sundeck, then dinner on board and squid fishing or stargazing. Overnight on the boat in a twin/double cabin with private bathroom.
🚌Shared shuttle Hanoi–Halong return (included in cruise)
🛏Overnight on a mid-range Halong Bay junk, twin cabin (part of ~£55–80 cruise package)
- →Halong Bay junk cruise
- →Kayaking and swimming
- →Sunset on the sundeck
- →Squid fishing
Tai Chi at dawn, back to Hanoi, water puppets
Hanoi, Vietnam
Sunrise tai chi on the sundeck, breakfast, then a rowing-boat or kayak explore before the boat docks late morning. Shared shuttle back to Hanoi (~3.5h). Evening: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre show (~£4–6 — book at the box office the day before or via Klook) near Hoan Kiem Lake, then bun cha dinner.
🚌Shared shuttle Halong–Hanoi (included); walking in the Old Quarter
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Old Quarter (~£9–13)
- →Sunrise tai chi on deck
- →Rowing boat / kayak exploration
- →Thang Long Water Puppet Show
- →Bun cha dinner
Hanoi history day, then fly to Chiang Mai
Hanoi → Chiang Mai, Thailand
Morning on foot: Temple of Literature (~£1.50), Hoa Lo Prison museum (~£1.50), a traditional tea house near Hoan Kiem, and a last egg coffee. Mid-afternoon flight Hanoi–Chiang Mai (direct AirAsia/Thai Vietjet ~£70–100, or via Bangkok ~£60). Grab from CNX airport to the Old City (~£2.50). Drop bags and walk to the Night Bazaar — open every night — for khao soi (~£2).
🚌Domestic flight HAN–CNX (~£75); songthaew/Grab from airport
🛏Hostel dorm or guesthouse inside/next to the Old City (~£8–12)
- →Temple of Literature
- →Hoa Lo Prison museum
- →Hoan Kiem Lake
- →Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai temples & Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Walk the Old City: Wat Phra Singh (~£1.20), Wat Chedi Luang (~£1.20), and Warorot Market for northern snacks. Afternoon songthaew up to Doi Suthep (~£2 shared, ~£1.50 entry) — either climb the 306 naga steps or take the tram (~£1 extra) — and see Wat Phra That. Sunset back in town; if it's Sunday, the Walking Street market along Ratchadamnoen Road is unmissable.
🚌Songthaew up Doi Suthep (~£2), walk/songthaew in town
🛏Hostel dorm or guesthouse in the Old City (~£8–12)
- →Wat Phra Singh
- →Wat Chedi Luang
- →Warorot Market
- →Doi Suthep & Wat Phra That
- →Sunday Walking Street (if Sunday)
Ethical elephant sanctuary day
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Book a no-riding sanctuary direct or via GetYourGuide/Klook (~£55–70 for a full day with pick-up, lunch and a mahout shirt). Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park and similar projects focus on feeding, walking with and bathing rescued elephants, with Karen mahouts explaining their care. You'll get traditional Karen clothing to wear. Afternoon transfer back to town; easy evening and a massage (~£5/hour).
🚌Sanctuary pick-up and drop-off (included in tour)
🛏Hostel dorm or guesthouse in the Old City (~£8–12)
- →Ethical elephant sanctuary day
- →Elephant feeding and mud bathing
- →Karen mahout cultural talk
- →Thai massage
Train to Bangkok
Chiang Mai → Bangkok, Thailand
Options: overnight sleeper train #10 departing Chiang Mai ~17:00 arriving Bangkok ~07:00 (2nd-class sleeper ~£18–26, book on the Thai Railways site or at the station 30+ days out), the daytime #8 (~£12–18, 10h), or a 1h10 budget flight (~£25–40). Take the sleeper to save a hotel night and arrive rested in Krung Thep. Khao San or Silom are good bases — check in, then walk the riverfront at sunset.
🚌2nd-class sleeper train Chiang Mai–Bangkok (~£22); MRT/BTS or Grab in Bangkok
🛏Sleeper train berth, or hostel near Khao San/Silom (~£10–14)
- →Overnight sleeper train
- →Chao Phraya riverside sunset walk
Maeklong railway market, floating market & Grand Palace
Bangkok & Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Independent version of the tour's big day: take the BTS to Bang Wa, then a local bus/songthaew to Wongwian Yai and the Mae Klong line train from Ban Laem to Maeklong (~£1 total) — time it so you're on the platform when the market awnings fold back for the train. Then a local songthaew to Damnoen Saduak floating market (~£1.50) for a long-tail boat ride (~£6–10). Snack on seasonal fruit and roti sai mai. Return to Bangkok for the Grand Palace (~£12, dress code: shoulders and knees covered), then a rooftop bar near Wat Arun for sunset (~£5 drink).
🚌BTS + local train + songthaew (~£5 total); public bus back
🛏Hostel/guesthouse near Khao San or Silom (~£10–14)
- →Maeklong Railway Market train arrival
- →Damnoen Saduak floating market with long-tail boat
- →Grand Palace
- →Wat Arun sunset from a rooftop café
Ayutthaya by train with river cruise lunch
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Third-class train from Hua Lamphong/Bang Sue to Ayutthaya (~£1, 1h15). Rent a bicycle at the station (~£2) and cycle the ruins: Wat Mahathat (the Buddha head in the tree roots), Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon with its reclining Buddha, and the historical park (~£5 combined ticket). Book a Chao Phraya river lunch cruise in advance (~£15–20 with buffet) or eat riverside roti sai mai and boat noodles for ~£3 instead. Train back to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
🚌Third-class train Bangkok–Ayutthaya return (~£2); bicycle hire
🛏Hostel/guesthouse near Khao San or Silom (~£10–14)
- →Ayutthaya Historical Park
- →Wat Mahathat
- →Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
- →Roti sai mai tasting
- →Chao Phraya river lunch cruise (optional)
Fly to Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Morning flight Bangkok (DMK/BKK) to Phuket (HKT) (~£25–45 with AirAsia/Thai Lion, 1h30). Airport smart bus to Patong/Kata/Karon (~£1.50) or Grab (~£8–10). Check into a guesthouse or hostel near Kata or Karon for cheaper, quieter beaches than Patong. Afternoon swim, sunset on the beach, seafood at a night market (~£5).
🚌Domestic flight BKK–HKT (~£35); airport smart bus (~£1.50)
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Kata or Karon (~£12–18)
- →Beach swim
- →Sunset on Kata/Karon beach
- →Night market seafood
Phuket island hopping
Phuket, Thailand
Join a Phi Phi or Racha/Khai island-hopping speedboat day (~£30–40 via GetYourGuide/Klook, includes snorkelling gear, lunch and hotel pick-up). Alternatively hire a scooter (~£6/day) and beach-hop the west coast — Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Freedom Beach (short hike or long-tail from Patong). Evening: cheap eats in Phuket Town's Sunday Lard Yai market if it's Sunday.
🚌Tour speedboat, or scooter hire (~£6/day)
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Kata or Karon (~£12–18)
- →Phi Phi / Racha island-hopping speedboat tour
- →Snorkelling
- →Beach hopping
Phuket free day — Big Buddha and old town
Phuket, Thailand
Scooter or songthaew to the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong (~£1.50 entry donation), then spend the afternoon in Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese old quarter — Thalang Road cafés, local museums and a cheap massage. Last beach sunset, then a final dinner at a Thai barbecue or roti stall.
🚌Scooter hire (~£6) or songthaew/Grab
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Kata or Karon (~£12–18)
- →Big Buddha
- →Wat Chalong
- →Phuket Old Town Sino-Portuguese quarter
- →Beach sunset
Depart Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
Smart bus or Grab to Phuket International Airport for your onward/return flight. If you're heading to Krabi or Koh Lanta next, the local bus or ferry is cheap and easy to arrange at any travel agent in town.
🚌Airport smart bus (~£1.50) or Grab (~£9)
🛏—
- →Departure
Self-launched vs. UME Travel Co. Ltd
| This itinerary (self-launched) | UME Travel Co. Ltd | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£810 | £3,540 |
| Duration | 16 days | 16 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £2,730 per person (77%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more UME Travel Co. Ltd-style trips? Check them out here.~£810
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does 16 Days Vietnam & Thailand: Self-Launched Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £810 per person for 16 days in Vietnam & Thailand. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with UME Travel Co. Ltd?+
Yes — UME Travel Co. Ltd charges around £3,540 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £810 — a saving of roughly £2,730 (77%) per person.
How long is the Vietnam & Thailand trip?+
This itinerary runs 16 days, covering 16 day-by-day stops through Vietnam & Thailand.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, beaches trip through Vietnam & Thailand, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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