Across two countries and five unforgettable cities, this romantic Southeast Asia itinerary blends royal palaces and old towns with islands, jungles, and living street-food traditions. You’ll trace the former kingdom of Siam from Bangkok’s glittering stupas to Chiang Mai’s mountain pagodas and Ko Samui’s palm-fringed beaches before hopping to Vietnam’s soulful capitals—Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Expect candlelit river cruises on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya, barefoot walks on Samui’s powdery sand, serene hikes in Doi Inthanon, and a bucket-list boat through the karst peaks of Ha Long Bay. Between rides in vintage jeeps and longtail boats, you’ll savor khao soi in Chiang Mai, slurp pho in Hanoi, and chase night markets from Chatuchak to Saigon’s Ben Thanh.

Practical notes: Thailand is visa-free for many passports; Vietnam commonly uses e-visas (check your nationality in advance). Both countries are cash-and-card friendly; pick up an eSIM and use ride-hailing for easy transfers. Dress modestly for temples, never ride elephants (choose ethical sanctuaries), and pack light layers for cool mountain mornings in the north.

Bangkok

Days 1–3: Temples, canals, rooftop sunsets, and street food

Bangkok marries royal grandeur with river life: the Grand Palace glitters with stories of the Chakri dynasty, while Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha watches over a city obsessed with noodles, boats, and markets. At night, neon markets bloom and tuk-tuks weave between late-night curry shops and flower stalls.

• Arrival and getting around: Fly into BKK or DMK. For fares, search Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport Rail Link + BTS keeps traffic at bay; river ferries are scenic for temple days.
• Top sights: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (traditional massage school), and Wat Arun at golden hour. Cruise Thonburi’s khlongs to glimpse stilt houses and monk-lined piers.
• Romantic experiences: Sunset drinks at Octave Rooftop or Moon Bar, then a Chao Phraya dinner cruise with live music and city lights reflected on the water.

Featured activities (Viator):

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

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

Bangkok City Highlights Tour: Grand Palace & Three Iconic Temples

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

• Food & drink (romance + local favorites):
  • Breakfast/coffee: Gallery Drip Coffee (Thai beans done right) or On Lok Yun (heritage café with kaya toast and Thai tea).
  • Lunch: Thip Samai (charcoal-wok pad thai; go off-peak), Pe Aor (legendary tom yum with jumbo prawns).
  • Dinner: Supanniga Eating Room (Isan and eastern Thai recipes; superb river branch timing with sunset), Nahm (refined Thai tasting menus—reserve).
  • Nightlife: Tep Bar (herbal cocktails, live traditional music) or Chinatown’s Soi Nana craft bars; for a budget 50 vibe, try Beer Republic’s Thai craft pours.
• Spas: Health Land (great value Thai massage) or Divana Nurture (couples’ aromatherapy).

Where to stay: Browse Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (iconic riverside splurge), Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (romantic resort-in-the-city), or mid/budget like Lub d Bangkok Siam and Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel. Also search Hotels.com: Bangkok or VRBO: Bangkok.

Next leg (to Ko Samui): Fly BKK→USM ~1h15 (typically $120–$220 RT). Cheaper combo: BKK→Surat Thani flight (~1h10, $30–$60) + bus/ferry to Samui (2.5–3.5h, $15–$25). Search Trip.com flights.

Ko Samui (Surat Thani)

Days 4–6: Beach time, island boating, and Fisherman’s Village sunsets

Ko Samui is the Gulf of Thailand’s island sweetheart: coconut groves, warm lagoons, and longtail boats slipping between coral reefs. Evenings belong to Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village—lanterns, sea breezes, and grilled seafood steps from the surf.

• Beaches & ambience: Chaweng for buzz and nightlife, Lamai for laid-back swims, Bophut for couples’ strolls and sunset cocktails. Plan a day on the water for snorkeling and hidden coves.

Featured activities (Viator):

Full Day Ang Thong Islands Luxury Small Group Tour

Pig Island Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling

Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan with Lunch

• Food & drink:
  • Breakfast/coffee: The Greenlight Café (Bophut; fresh juices, smoothie bowls), The French Bakery (flaky croissants, strong espresso).
  • Lunch: Sabienglae (Lamai; spicy seafood, beach seating), Krua Bophut (classic southern Thai dishes with sea views).
  • Dinner: Tree Tops (romantic treetop tables; reserve), Coco Tam’s (pizza, seafood, and bean bags on the sand; fire show after dark).
  • Nightlife: Fisherman’s Village Walking Street (Fri nights), The Jungle Club (sunset terrace high above Chaweng).
• Spas: Eranda Herbal Spa (clifftop pavilions) or Anantara Bophut Spa for a couple’s treatment.

Where to stay: For couples, consider Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui (classic beachfront), wallet-friendly Samui Mermaid Resort or social-on-the-sand Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach. Splurge pick: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Or search Hotels.com: Ko Samui and VRBO: Ko Samui.

Next leg (to Chiang Mai): Fly USM→BKK→CNX ~3–4.5h total; fares $70–$150. Book via Kiwi.com or Trip.com.

Chiang Mai

Days 7–9: Mountain temples, ethical elephants, hiking, and a cooking class

Ringed by mountains and moats, Chiang Mai blends Lanna heritage with café culture and craft markets. Mornings are for saffron-robed alms and misty pagodas; afternoons for waterfalls and forest trails; nights for jazz bars and khao soi.

• Great day plan: Sunrise at Doi Suthep, wander Old City temples, then head into the countryside for waterfalls or an ethical elephant visit—no riding, just feeding and walking alongside.

Featured activities (Viator):

Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai

Bestseller! Doi Inthanon, Waterfall & Royal Project

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep spiritual Sunrise Tour with an Ex-monk

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary, Bamboo Rafting and Waterfall Tour

• Food & drink:
  • Breakfast/coffee: Ristr8to (award-winning latte art), Akha Ama (ethically sourced hill-tribe coffee).
  • Lunch: Khao Soi Khun Yai (creamy khao soi curry noodles) or SP Chicken (charcoal rotisserie gai yang).
  • Dinner: Huen Phen (Northern Thai staples), Ginger & Kafe (beautiful colonial house, creative Thai plates). Nightcap at North Gate Jazz Co-Op for live music.
• Spas & wellness: Fah Lanna Spa (Old City) offers popular couples packages; try a herbal compress after hiking.

Where to stay: Boutique lovers adore 137 Pillars House (romance, history), while Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai adds resort comforts. Eco/budget: Green Tiger House or Green Sleep Hostel. Browse more on Hotels.com: Chiang Mai or VRBO: Chiang Mai.

Next leg (to Hanoi): Fly CNX→HAN via BKK (~4–5.5h total, $90–$180). Search Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Hanoi

Days 10–11: Old Quarter, egg coffee, and Ha Long Bay

Hanoi feels cinematic: French-era boulevards, lakes ringed by banyans, and alleys perfumed by grilled pork and fresh herbs. It’s also the gateway to Ha Long Bay—jade waters punctured by limestone towers.

• City highlights: Hoan Kiem Lake at sunrise, the Old Quarter’s guild streets, Train Street (view from café courtyards), and a water puppet show for a slice of folklore.

Featured activities (Viator):

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

Top Tier: All-Inclusive OVERNIGHT Halong Cruises (many options)

Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie

Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets

• Food & drink:
  • Breakfast/coffee: Giang Café (original egg coffee) and Cong Caphe (coconut coffee, retro décor).
  • Lunch: Pho Gia Truyen (brothy perfection on Bat Dan) or Bun Cha Huong Lien (grilled pork with herbs and noodles).
  • Dinner: Cha Ca Thang Long (turmeric-dill fish, tableside sizzling) or Home Hanoi (romantic Vietnamese set menus in a villa).
  • Nightlife: Bia Hoi Corner (ice-cold draft with peanuts) and jazz at Binh Minh’s; couple’s stroll around Hoan Kiem under lanterns.
• Spas: La Siesta Spa (Old Quarter) is a reliable, serene pick for couples.

Where to stay: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (colonial romance), standout mid-range Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, or view-rich Lotte Hotel Hanoi. See more on Hotels.com: Hanoi or VRBO: Hanoi.

Next leg (to Ho Chi Minh City): HAN→SGN nonstops ~2h10, fares $50–$120. Check Trip.com flights.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Days 12–14: War history, craft cocktails, and the Mekong

Saigon thrums with scooters and ambition—glass towers and vintage apartments stacked with cafés. Between French basilicas and modern rooftops, you’ll taste the south’s sweeter herbs and river life on the Mekong.

• City highlights: Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral (facade viewing during periodic restorations), Central Post Office, Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night, and Ben Thanh Market for snacks and souvenirs.

Featured activities (Viator):

Ho Chi Minh Street Food & Sightseeing By Motorbike (Safe & Fun)

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Small-Group Tour

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

• Food & drink:
  • Breakfast/coffee: The Workshop (roastery in a lofty space) or L’Usine (brunch plates, boutiques).
  • Lunch: Pho Hoa Pasteur (old-school pho) or Com Nieu Saigon (cracked claypot rice theatrics).
  • Dinner: Secret Garden (rooftop home-cooking vibes) or Cuc Gach Quan (romantic converted villa serving southern classics).
  • Nightlife: Heart of Darkness (craft beer), Chill Skybar (city views), or a riverside sundowner by Thu Duc’s new waterfront).
• Spas: Miu Miu Spa for reasonably priced, professional treatments; book a 90-minute couple’s massage pre-flight.

Where to stay: Downtown elegance at The Reverie Saigon or Hotel Nikko Saigon; stylish mid-range Silverland Yen Hotel; apartment-style Sherwood Residence; social stay The Common Room Project. Explore Hotels.com: Ho Chi Minh City and VRBO: Ho Chi Minh City.

Logistics & Flow (14 Days, Multi-Day Blocks)

• Days 1–3: Bangkok – Temples and canals; tuk-tuk night food tour; river dinner cruise. Optional day trip to Ayutthaya if you’re history lovers.
• Day 4: Fly to Ko Samui (AM) – Beach afternoon and sunset in Fisherman’s Village.
• Days 5–6: Ko Samui – Ang Thong Marine Park kayaking and snorkeling; private longtail to Pig Island for photos and swims; massage by the sea.
• Day 7: Fly to Chiang Mai (AM via BKK) – Old City walk and spa.
• Days 8–9: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon hike and waterfalls; ethical elephant + bamboo rafting; evening cooking class or night market and jazz.
• Day 10: Fly to Hanoi (AM) – Old Quarter jeep food tour and water puppets.
• Day 11: Ha Long Bay – Day cruise if you prefer to return the same night, or upgrade to the overnight (2D1N) and shift Day 12 accordingly.
• Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (PM) – Nguyen Hue stroll and rooftop drink.
• Days 13–14: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta; scooter food tour; last-day spa and café time before departure.

Trains, Planes, and Budgets

• Bangkok ⇄ Chiang Mai train (alt.): Overnight sleeper 11–13h, $25–$45; book via Trip.com trains. Flying is 1h15 ($35–$80).
• Typical flight costs (as of 2025): BKK↔USM $120–$220 RT; CNX→HAN $90–$180; HAN→SGN $50–$120.
• Per-day spend (budget ~50/100): Thailand $45–$90 pp/day (not incl. flights), Vietnam $35–$75 pp/day, with occasional romantic splurges (dinner cruise, Ang Thong) balanced by street food and mid-range stays.

Back-up options: If weather clouds Koh Samui seas, swap boat days for spa + Fisherman’s Village cooking demos; if time-tight in Vietnam, choose a Ha Long luxury day cruise from Hanoi instead of overnight to maintain flow.

Two weeks, two nations, and one beautifully balanced rhythm of beaches, mountains, and luminous cities. You’ll leave with sandalwood-scented memories: lantern-lit dinners, jungle breezes, and the quiet joy of a great bowl of noodles shared at midnight.