10-Days in Bangkok, Thailand & HCMC-Saigon, Vietnam

Exploring Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City in 10 Days: An Honest Review of This Dynamic Tour

Traveling through Southeast Asia is an adventure filled with vibrant markets, fascinating history, and lively street scenes. This 10-day experience, offered by Roads2 Travel Company, promises a balanced mix of guided excursions and free time, focusing on the highlights of Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the major sights but also enjoy some spontaneous exploration on their own.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the thoughtful combination of transportation methods – from long-tail boats on the Chao Phraya River to tuk-tuks and the BTS skytrain. These transportation options not only make the journey more authentic but also add a touch of local flavor. However, the itinerary is quite packed, so those seeking a relaxed pace might want to consider how much time they prefer at each stop.

This experience best suits travelers who enjoy culture, lively city scenes, and a mix of guided and independent exploration. If you’re after a comprehensive look at Bangkok and Saigon with some adventure along the way, this tour could be a great fit. Just keep in mind that the group size is limited to six to ten travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Key Points

• Authentic transportation like long-tail boats and tuk-tuks make the experience more immersive.
• Balanced itinerary with guided tours and ample free time for personal exploration.
• Includes major attractions such as the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, CuChi Tunnels, and CaoDai Temple.
• Cultural insights are enhanced with visits to local markets, temples, and museums.
• Accommodation in boutique hotels offers comfort without luxury overstatement.
• Cost-effectiveness when you consider entrance fees, guided tours, and transport included in the price.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting in Bangkok: The Gateway to Thailand’s Vibrant Capital

Your journey kicks off with a pickup at Bangkok International Airport, where you’ll meet your Roads2 experience leader. From there, a private van whisks you to the boutique DaVinci Hotel near Sukhumvit, setting the tone for a comfortable stay in the city’s lively district. The first day is mainly about settling in and adjusting to the hustle and bustle of this energetic metropolis.

Day 2 is a highlight: a ride on the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station followed by a long-tail boat trip on the Chao Phraya River. This boat ride offers a fantastic perspective of Bangkok’s riverside life, with views of iconic sights like the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The guide will share stories about the temple’s significance, including its location where the King’s elephants refused to proceed — a quirky but memorable fact. Afterward, you’ll visit the Grand Palace, one of the city’s most renowned landmarks. We loved the way the guide explained the history and symbolism behind the intricate architecture.

In the afternoon, a stop on Yaowarat Road in Chinatown introduces you to Bangkok’s bustling Chinese district. The streets are alive with vendors, fragrant food stalls, and shops selling everything from herbs to gold jewelry. Returning via tuk-tuk adds excitement and a chance to experience Bangkok’s street chaos firsthand.

Exploring Bangkok’s Cultural and Market Scene

Day 3 takes you deeper into Bangkok’s cultural fabric, with visits to the Reclining Buddha and Giant Swing, both awe-inspiring symbols of Thai religious culture. Later, we strolled along Khao San Road, which is a hub of backpacker activity and vibrant street life. The guide emphasized the area’s history as a hub for travelers, which added context to the lively scene.

By Day 4, the tour shifts gear with an early start to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you’ll glide through vibrant canals lined with vendors selling tropical fruit, traditional foods, and souvenirs. The floating market experience is quintessential Thailand, and the boat ride provides a close-up look at local commerce. On the way back, a visit to a Gem Factory offers insight into Thailand’s renowned jewelry craftsmanship, though this is more about shopping than sightseeing.

Transition to Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City Awaits

Day 5 marks the transition to Vietnam. After an early breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The flight is included, and upon arrival, you’ll check into the Huong Sen Hotel in District 1, perfect for exploring the city’s main attractions. In the evening, a casual stroll around the lively streets will give you a first taste of how energetic Saigon is — motorbikes everywhere and neon signs lighting up the night.

Dive into Saigon’s Cultural and Historical Heart

Day 6 is dedicated to a full-day guided city tour, starting with the Cholon District — Saigon’s Chinatown. Walking through bustling markets and temples, you’ll see a different side of the city’s cultural mosaic. The guide described Cholon as “a fascinating mix of tradition and chaos,” which perfectly captures the vibe.

Next, on Day 7, a full-day excursion takes you to the CuChi Tunnels and CaoDai Temple. The tunnels are a remarkable feat of Vietnamese resilience, and the guide explained that walking through them offers a tangible sense of history. The hosted dinner on the river adds a relaxed, communal touch to the experience, with views of Saigon’s illuminated skyline.

Final Days: Return to Bangkok and Additional Sightseeing

On Day 8, you fly back to Bangkok, returning to your original hotel. The following day, Day 9, is packed with visits to several temples such as Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanaddaram, and Wat Bowon Niwest, along with the Jim Thompson House, giving you a glimpse into Thai silk industry and architecture. The free evening allows for last-minute shopping or wandering through Bangkok’s vibrant streets.

Finally, Day 10 offers a relaxed farewell with some last-minute shopping before you check out. The tour ends around midday, leaving plenty of time for onward travel or additional exploration.

Transportation and Logistics: Why They Matter

Throughout the tour, transportation like guided van excursions, pre-loaded BTS and MRT cards, and domestic flights streamline your experience. These inclusions mean less time stressing over tickets or navigating unfamiliar transit systems, allowing you to focus on sightseeing. The group size, limited to 6-10 participants, ensures a more intimate experience — no crowded buses or large groups to contend with.

The entrance fees to major sites are included, so you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs. Plus, the free-style evenings provide flexibility to explore local night markets, try street food, or relax at your hotel.

Practical considerations:

• The itinerary is quite packed, so expect full days.
• The flights between Bangkok and Saigon are included, which is a big convenience.
• Group size is limited for a more personalized experience.
• The cost covers essential entrance fees, transport, and some meals, making it a good value given the comprehensive nature of the trip.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

From the long-tail boat rides to tuk-tuk adventures, travelers get a taste of how locals move around the city — bustling, vibrant, and sometimes chaotic. The guide, Sathien, who speaks multiple languages including Thai, Mandarin, and Techew, adds richness with his local insights, making the experience more meaningful.

The hosted dinner on the river showcases Vietnam’s riverine culture, and the visit to the CaoDai Temple reveals a unique Vietnamese religious tradition that most travelers don’t see. One traveler noted that the Jim Thompson House provided fascinating insights into Thai silk production, highlighting the craftsmanship and history behind one of Thailand’s most famous exports.

Cost and Value Analysis

Priced at $2,195 per person, this tour offers a solid package that covers flights, accommodations, guided excursions, entrance fees, and some meals. This level of convenience and guided expertise is especially valuable for travelers who prefer a structured itinerary but still want free time to explore independently.

Considering the included attractions — the Grand Palace, CuChi Tunnels, floating markets, and temples — the value is clear. The cost also covers transportation logistics, which can be complicated if done independently, especially with language barriers or unfamiliar transit systems.

However, note that local visas for Thailand and Vietnam are not included**, which is an important consideration depending on your nationality.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This 10-day experience is ideal for cultural explorers who want a well-organized introduction to Bangkok and Saigon. It suits travelers who enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time, as well as those intrigued by the history, markets, and street scenes of Southeast Asia. The small group setting appeals to those who prefer a more personalized approach rather than large tour buses.

It may not be perfect for leisure travelers seeking relaxation over sightseeing, as the days are busy. Similarly, if you prefer to tailor your itinerary or dislike flying between destinations, this might not be the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered from Bangkok airport?
Yes, the tour starts with a pickup at Bangkok International Airport, at the 4th Floor Reception Area after Baggage Claim.

How do I get around Bangkok during the tour?
Transportation includes MRT and BTS Skytrain cards pre-loaded with $10 USD, tuk-tuks, van excursions, and long-tail boats, ensuring convenient and authentic travel modes.

What major attractions are included in the tour?
You’ll visit the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Reclining Buddha, Jim Thompson House, and more.

Is there free time each day?
Yes, the itinerary includes “Free-Style Free-Time” each evening, giving you a chance to explore independently or relax.

Are flights between Bangkok and Saigon included?
Yes, internal flights are part of the package, simplifying logistics and saving travel time.

What’s the group size?
The tour operates with groups of 6 to 10 travelers, providing an intimate experience.

Are entrance fees included?
Most major sites like the Grand Palace, Jim Thompson House, CuChi Tunnels, and CaoDai Temple include entrance fees in the price.

What should I bring for the boat rides and market visits?
Comfortable, waterproof shoes, sunscreen, hats, and a camera are recommended for daytime excursions.

Are meals included?
Some meals are included, such as the hosted dinner in Saigon, but most days offer free evenings for you to explore and dine on your own.

What about visas?
Thai and Vietnamese tourist visas are not included; travelers are responsible for securing their own visas prior to travel.

This 10-day tour offers a lively, well-rounded introduction to two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities. Combining guided explorations, local transportation, and free time, it provides both structure and flexibility. Whether you’re into temples, markets, history, or street food, this experience delivers a taste of authentic Bangkok and Saigon, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or those looking for a convenient, value-packed adventure.