Two weeks in Thailand and Vietnam is the sweet spot: enough time to savor the contrasts—gold-leaf temples and neon markets, jade-green bays dotted with karst towers, and capital cities where history brushes shoulders with cutting-edge cuisine. This itinerary focuses on three incredible hubs—Bangkok, Phuket, and Hanoi—keeping travel smooth while packing in the greatest hits and insider-only favorites.

Thailand’s story stretches from ancient Ayutthaya to the canals of the “Venice of the East.” You’ll sip boat noodles near gilded stupas, ride a tuk-tuk past midnight food stalls, and hop a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands. Vietnam counterbalances with Hanoi’s mossy colonial facades, smoky bun cha grills, and a night afloat on the mirror-still waters of Ha Long Bay.

Practical notes: dress modestly for temples (shoulders/knees covered), carry small cash for markets, and consider an eSIM. Thailand is visa-friendly for many nationalities; Vietnam usually requires an e-visa—check current rules before you fly. Monsoon patterns vary by region: Phuket is driest roughly Nov–Apr, while Hanoi is crisp and cool Oct–Mar.

Bangkok

Bangkok hums—saffron-robed monks at dawn, canal-side wooden houses in Thonburi, and a culinary scene that leaps from street carts to Michelin-starred kitchens. The city’s heart beats along the Chao Phraya River, with longtail boats whisking you to temples, markets, and hidden neighborhoods.

Start with the trio: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun glowing at sunset. At night, Chinatown (Yaowarat) becomes a ribbon of sizzles and steam, and rooftops frame the river in silver.

Days 1–4: Temples, canals, markets, and night eats

• Old City and river day: Grand Palace, Wat Pho Thai massage, ferry to Wat Arun, then cocktails by the water. For a classic dinner with river views, try deep-fried pomfret and crab curry at Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien branch).
• Chinatown after dark: Slurp oyster omelets at Nai Mong Hoi Thod, Michelin Bib Gourmand pad thai at Thipsamai (charcoal wok theater), and late-night tom yum instant noodle hotpot at Jeh O Chula.
• Canals and markets: Cruise Bangkok’s quieter klongs and watch daily life along stilted homes.
• Day trip to Ayutthaya: Brick prangs and headless Buddhas tell of Siam’s golden age; pair ruins with boat noodles on U-Thong Road.

Handpicked activities (Viator):

• Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

  

• Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

  

• The Newest 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

  

• Small Group Tour to Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok with Lunch

  

Where to stay (Bangkok): For riverside legend and service, book Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Design-forward serenity awaits at The Siam Hotel. Resort vibes on the water at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. Great-value hostels: Lub d Bangkok Siam and Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. Or browse more stays on Hotels.com Bangkok or apartments on VRBO Bangkok.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner: Start at On Lok Yun (1930s diner-style Thai breakfast) or Gallery Drip Coffee for pour-overs. Midday, try crab meat omelet at Jay Fai if you snag a spot, or green curry and stir-fried soft-shell crab at Krua Apsorn (Dinso branch). For dinner with a view, Supanniga Eating Room by the river. Dessert and photos at Blue Whale Cafe (butterfly pea latte) or specialty beans at Roots Coffee.

Getting in and around: Search flights to Bangkok on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link + BTS (45–60 min) beats traffic; taxis to riverside hotels run ~45–90 minutes depending on rush hour. For trains in Asia (e.g., independent Ayutthaya outing), check Trip.com Trains.

Travel to Phuket (Morning of Day 5)

Fly Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Phuket (HKT): ~1h25 nonstop; fares often $30–90 if booked early. Compare times and prices on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Patong/Karon/Kata: 50–80 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

Phuket

Phuket is more than beaches: think Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Old Town, night markets perfumed with pandan crepes, and day trips to cinematic bays. Use it as a launchpad for Phi Phi and Phang Nga—then wind down with a sunset on Kata Noi.

Plan one island-hopping day, one Phang Nga Bay cruise, and one ethical elephant experience, with time left to explore Old Town’s murals and cafes.

Days 5–8: Islands, elephants, and Old Town evenings

• Phi Phi Islands day: Snorkel over electric-blue reefs, visit Maya Bay (protected—no swimming on the beach), and lunch with a sea view.
• Phang Nga Bay “James Bond Island”: Limestone towers and sea caves; kayaking at Hong Island and golden-hour sailing are highlights.
• Ethical elephant morning: Observe rescued elephants roaming and bathing—no riding—then enjoy beach time or the Phuket Sunday Walking Street market (if timing fits).
• Old Town stroll: Soi Romanee for pastel facades, then bar-hop along Thalang Road. Try campus-roasted espressos and Thai desserts between stops.

Handpicked activities (Viator):

• Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

  

• Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

  

• A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

  

Where to stay (Phuket): For a refined resort base: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao) or The Shore at Katathani (romantic pool villas). Beachfront family fun: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket or Sunwing Kamala Beach. Design-forward splurge: Trisara Phuket. Social budget stay: Lub d Phuket Patong. More options on Hotels.com Phuket or VRBO Phuket.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner: In Old Town, fuel up at Campus Coffee Roasters (house-roasted beans) or The Feelsion Cafe (playful Thai desserts). For lunch, Go Benz (legendary pork stew noodles and rice) or crab curry at One Chun Phuket. Dinner spreads: Raya Restaurant (blue crab curry with rice vermicelli) or Mor Mu Dong (thatched huts over a mangrove—grilled fish in turmeric, Phuket-style).

Travel to Hanoi (Morning of Day 9)

Fly Phuket (HKT) to Hanoi (HAN). Seasonal nonstop options take ~3h; otherwise connect via Bangkok for a 5–6h journey. Typical fares range ~$80–200. Compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Taxi or ride-hail from HAN to the Old Quarter: 35–50 minutes.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a city of layers: Confucian courtyards at the Temple of Literature, yellow-walled villas from the French era, and alleys where woks hiss and coffee foams into creamy egg-custard caps. It’s also the gateway to Ha Long Bay and the limestone valleys of Ninh Binh.

Settle into the Old Quarter, ride a vintage Jeep to neighborhoods tourists rarely see, then trade the city for an overnight bay cruise. Wrap with a countryside day of sampan rowing and cycling among rice fields.

Days 9–14: Hanoi icons, Ha Long overnight, and Ninh Binh

• Hanoi city & food by Jeep: Glide past the Long Bien Bridge, West Lake pagodas, the French Quarter, and hidden markets with tastings en route.
• Ha Long Bay 2D1N cruise: Sail among limestone karsts, kayak lagoons, visit caves, and wake to sunrise tai chi on deck.
• Ninh Binh day trip: Boat between rice paddies and caves at Tam Coc or Trang An, cycle village lanes, and climb Mua Cave steps for a dragon’s-eye view of the valley.
• Hanoi at leisure: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, and an egg coffee at Café Giang. Evening water puppet show if you’re curious about folk arts.

Handpicked activities (Viator):

• Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep

  

• Top Tier: Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise 5-Star, Balcony Cabin (2D1N)

  

• Ninh Binh Full-Day: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave, Bike Ride

  

Where to stay (Hanoi): Heritage grandeur near the Opera House: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Beloved boutique with a spa: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa. Modern skyline views: Lotte Hotel Hanoi. Spacious suites for longer stays: Somerset Grand Hanoi. Or browse Hotels.com Hanoi or VRBO Hanoi.

Coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner: Begin with pho at Pho Gia Truyen (Bat Dan) or the smoky, beefy broth at Pho Thin (Lo Duc). Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (grilled pork and herbs in dipping broth—yes, the “Obama” spot). Evening specialties: cha ca (turmeric-dill fish) at Cha Ca Thang Long, or crisp banh cuon at Hang Ga. Snack on banh mi at Banh Mi 25. For coffee, try egg coffee at Café Giang and coconut coffee at Cong Caphe. Treat yourself to ice cream at Kem Trang Tien near the opera district.

Logistics for side trips: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by shuttle: ~2.5–3.5 hours each way (often included with cruise). For Ninh Binh, trains take ~2 hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh—check times on Trip.com Trains—or go by tour/driver in ~2 hours.

How your 14 days flow

• Days 1–4 (Bangkok): Temples, canal cruise, markets, tuk-tuk night eats, Ayutthaya day trip.
• Days 5–8 (Phuket): Phi Phi day trip, Phang Nga Bay cruise at sunset, elephant sanctuary, Phuket Old Town.
• Days 9–14 (Hanoi base): City & food by Jeep, Ha Long Bay 2D1N cruise, Ninh Binh boat and bike day, plus time for museums and lakeside strolls.

Between-city travel (estimates): Bangkok→Phuket flight ~1h25 ($30–90). Phuket→Hanoi nonstop ~3h or via Bangkok 5–6h ($80–200). Search and book on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Local tip: In both countries, cash is king at small shops, but QR payments are spreading. When crossing Hanoi’s streets, walk steadily—drivers flow around you. In Bangkok, use the BTS/MRT during rush hour, and pack a light scarf for temple shoulders and overzealous A/C alike.

Summary

Across 14 days you’ll taste Bangkok’s street food, sail Phuket’s emerald bays, and sip egg coffee after drifting through Ha Long’s dreamscape. It’s a pace that lets the flavors linger and the scenery sink in—an itinerary you’ll share with friends and return to for your next Southeast Asia adventure.