Bali, Hanoi, Sapa & Bangkok – 13 Days Across Three Countries

Start early with a shared transfer to the harbour and a speedboat across to Nusa Penida, a rugged island of tall cliffs and clear blue water. This guided group tour takes you to its best-known coastal sights: Kelingking Beach, where a headland shaped like a T-Rex runs down into turquoise water; Broken Beach, a round bay with a natural stone arch; and Angel's Billabong, a rock pool on the cliff edge that looks like an infinity pool on calm days.

Between the big three there are viewpoints and photo stops, and the day is well paced, with the guide handling the boat timings and the rough island roads. You return to Bali by evening, tired, sun-kissed and with a phone full of photographs.

At a glance: Time needed: ~10 hrs tour · Travel: ~1.5 hrs by boat, ~2.5 hrs by road on the island · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Early morning (around 6:30 AM): Shared pickup and transfer to the harbour, about 30–40 min.

• Morning: Speedboat to Nusa Penida, about 45 min. Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, about 1.5 hrs for both.

• Noon: Lunch break at a local restaurant (own cost), about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Kelingking Beach viewpoint, about 1–1.5 hrs, with photo stops on the way.

• Evening: Speedboat back to Bali and shared transfer to your hotel in Legian.

• Night: Free. Dinner (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Legian → harbour ~30–40 min by shared transfer, harbour → Nusa Penida ~45 min by speedboat, and the same back.

• Island roads are narrow and bumpy; drives between stops take 30–60 min.

Tips & what to carry

• The trail down to Kelingking Beach is very steep. Most visitors stay at the top viewpoint.

• Swim at Angel's Billabong only if the guide confirms the sea is calm.

• Carry swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a cap and a dry bag for your phone.

• Take a seasickness tablet before the speedboat if you need one.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Speedboat tickets, Guided tour, Entry tickets

Overnight: Legian, Bali

An adrenaline day inland. Your guided ATV ride runs through Bali's rugged terrain: jungle trails, muddy tracks, rice fields and traditional villages where children wave from the roadside. It is designed for beginners as well as adventure lovers, and the instructors brief you before you set off. Expect to come back properly muddy.

After a wash and change you head to the Ayung River for white-water rafting, paddling past rainforest, small waterfalls and long river bends with experienced instructors in every raft. Lunch is included after the activities, and then you are driven back to your hotel in Legian for a quiet evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~5 hrs of activities · Travel: ~3 hrs driving in total · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Shared pickup after breakfast and drive to the activity centre near Ubud, about 1.5 hrs.

• Late morning: ATV ride with safety briefing, about 1–1.5 hrs, then shower and change.

• Afternoon: Ayung River rafting, about 2 hrs on the water, followed by lunch (included).

• Late afternoon: Shared transfer back to Legian, about 1.5 hrs.

• Night: Free. Dinner (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Legian → activity centre near Ubud ~1.5 hrs by shared transfer, and the same back.

Tips & what to carry

• Wear quick-dry clothes and strap-on sandals or old sports shoes; carry a full change of clothes and a towel.

• Leave your phone in the vehicle or a locker unless you have a waterproof pouch.

• There are many steps down to the river and back up at the end; take them slowly.

• Operators set age and health limits. Tell us in advance about children, pregnancy or back problems.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, ATV ride, Rafting, Safety equipment, Lunch

Overnight: Legian, Bali

A guided day in Ubud, the cultural and green heart of Bali. You start at Tegenungan Waterfall, a wide fall in a jungle gorge, then drive north to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where the paddy fields step down the valley in neat green curves. Nearby, the Aloha Swing sends you out over the landscape for the photos Bali is famous for.

In the afternoon you reach the centre of Ubud for Ubud Palace, the old royal residence with its carved gates and courtyards, and the local markets across the road, full of woodcarvings, sarongs, baskets and silver. It is a good day to pick up gifts for home before you head back to Legian in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~3 hrs driving in total · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:30 AM): Shared pickup after breakfast and drive to Tegenungan Waterfall, about 1–1.5 hrs. Allow about 1 hr there.

• Late morning: Tegallalang Rice Terraces, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Aloha Swing near Tegallalang, about 1–1.5 hrs. Lunch nearby (own cost).

• Afternoon: Ubud Palace, about 30 min, and Ubud's local markets, about 1 hr.

• Evening: Shared transfer back to Legian, about 1.5 hrs. Free for dinner (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Legian → Tegenungan ~1–1.5 hrs, Tegenungan → Tegallalang ~40 min, Tegallalang → Ubud centre ~30 min, Ubud → Legian ~1.5 hrs, by shared transfer.

Tips & what to carry

• Tegenungan has around 150–200 steps down to the falls and back. Wear shoes with grip.

• For swing photos, bright or flowing clothes work best; dress rentals are usually available for a fee.

• Bargain politely at Ubud's markets; the first price is rarely the final one.

• Cover shoulders and knees at Ubud Palace.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Entry tickets, Guided sightseeing

Overnight: Legian, Bali

A relaxed last day in Bali to spend as you like: shopping in Seminyak, an afternoon at a beach club, a long Balinese massage or simply trying the local food you have not had yet. Most hotels allow you to store luggage if your check-out is before your flight.

Later you are transferred privately to the airport for your evening flight to Hanoi. You land at around 9:45 PM, where you are greeted and taken to your hotel to check in and rest. Vietnam is an hour behind Bali, so set your watch back.

At a glance: Time needed: Free day · Travel: ~1.5 hrs to the airport, flight to Hanoi · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and free time: shopping, a spa or the beach (own cost).

• Noon: Check out (usually by 12:00 noon) and store bags at the hotel if needed.

• Afternoon: Free. Beach club or café time in Seminyak or Legian (own cost).

• Evening: Private transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport, reaching 3 hrs before your international flight. Evening flight to Hanoi.

• Night (around 9:45 PM): Arrive in Hanoi, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Travel for the day

• Legian → Ngurah Rai Airport ~30 min–1.5 hrs by private car depending on traffic (allow plenty of time in the evening).

• Flight Bali → Hanoi (flights not included); Noi Bai Airport → Hanoi hotel ~40 min.

Tips & what to carry

• Your Vietnam visa is included. Keep a printed copy with your passport for immigration in Hanoi.

• Spend or change your remaining rupiah before you leave Bali.

• Keep a light jacket in your hand luggage; northern Vietnam can be cool, especially from November to March.

Included today

• Inclusions: Private airport drop (Bali), Airport pickup in Hanoi

Overnight: Hanoi

A full-day guided tour south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, often called Halong Bay on land for its limestone peaks rising straight out of rice fields and rivers. You begin at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, with temples to its first kings set against the cliffs, and the guide explains how the country's early dynasties began here.

After lunch, which is included, you take a small rowing boat through Trang An or Tam Coc, gliding along quiet waterways, under low cave ceilings and past rice paddies. The day ends at Hang Mua, a climb of about 500 stone steps to a dragon statue on the peak and a wide view over the river and the fields. It is a tiring climb, but the view is one of the best in northern Vietnam.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~4 hrs return by shared transfer · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 7:30–8:00 AM): Shared pickup and drive to Ninh Binh, about 2 hrs.

• Late morning: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital temples, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant (included), about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, about 2 hrs.

• Late afternoon: Hang Mua viewpoint climb, about 1–1.5 hrs.

• Evening: Drive back to Hanoi, arriving around 7:00 PM. Dinner in the Old Quarter (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Hanoi → Ninh Binh ~2 hrs by shared transfer, and the same back.

Tips & what to carry

• Hang Mua's steps are steep and get hot in the afternoon. Carry water and wear proper shoes.

• The boats have no shade. Carry a hat and sunscreen; conical hats are often handed out at the pier.

• Temples ask for covered shoulders and knees.

• Tipping the boat rower is customary but up to you.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Boat ride, Entry tickets, Guide, Lunch

Overnight: Hanoi

A guided morning tour of Hanoi takes in the city's main landmarks and cultural highlights, from historic sites and pagodas to the narrow trade streets of the Old Quarter, where motorbikes, street food stalls and old shophouses share every lane. Afterwards, you can visit the famous Train Street on your own, where the railway runs just a metre or two from people's front doors.

In the afternoon you board a shared sleeper or semi-sleeper bus at around 3 PM for the drive north to Sapa. The road climbs from the plains into the mountains of the far north, with views of the countryside along the way. You arrive in Sapa in the evening and check in at your hotel.

At a glance: Time needed: ~3 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~5–6 hrs by bus to Sapa · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:30 AM): Check out after breakfast. Guided Hanoi city tour with the Old Quarter, about 3 hrs.

• Noon: Lunch in the Old Quarter (own cost).

• Early afternoon: Train Street on your own, about 45 min (access depends on local rules on the day).

• Afternoon (around 3:00 PM): Shared sleeper or semi-sleeper bus to Sapa, about 5–6 hrs.

• Night: Arrive in Sapa and check in at your hotel.

Travel for the day

• Hanoi city tour by shared transfer.

• Hanoi → Sapa ~5–6 hrs by shared sleeper or semi-sleeper bus.

Tips & what to carry

• Pagodas and historic sites ask for covered shoulders and knees.

• Train Street access is sometimes closed by the authorities. If it is open, stay well back from the tracks when a train comes.

• Keep snacks, water, a neck pillow and a warm layer for the bus; it is air-conditioned and Sapa is much cooler than Hanoi.

• Shoes are usually removed on sleeper buses. Carry a plastic bag for them.

Included today

• Inclusions: Guided city tour, Shared transfers, Bus to Sapa

Overnight: Sapa

Wake up in the mountains. Today's guided tour starts at Cat Cat Village, a short walk below Sapa town, home to the Black Hmong people. The trail winds down past wooden houses, indigo-dyed cloth hanging out to dry, a waterfall and rice terraces cut into the valley sides, giving you a real look at village life in the hills.

Later you visit Moana, a viewpoint with gardens and photo frames looking out over the mountains, and ride the Alpine Coaster, a single-rail toboggan that runs down the slope through the forest. It is a gentle mix of culture and light adventure, and the cool mountain air makes it an easy day to enjoy.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs sightseeing · Travel: Short drives around Sapa · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:30 AM): Shared pickup after breakfast. Cat Cat Village walk, about 2–2.5 hrs.

• Noon: Lunch in Sapa town (own cost), about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Moana viewpoint, about 1 hr, and the Alpine Coaster ride, about 1 hr.

• Evening: Free. Walk around Sapa Lake and the town square.

• Night: Dinner in Sapa town (own cost); try thang co or grilled street skewers.

Travel for the day

• Short shared transfers around Sapa, about 15–30 min each.

Tips & what to carry

• The Cat Cat trail has many steps down and back up. Wear walking shoes.

• Sapa can be cold, misty and wet, especially from November to February. Carry a warm jacket and a rain layer.

• Local women may walk alongside and offer handicrafts. A polite no is fine; buy only if you want to.

• The Alpine Coaster has height and age rules; check them at the counter.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Entry tickets, Guided tour

Overnight: Sapa

The highlight of Sapa. You take the Muong Hoa monorail from town to the cable car station, then ride one of the world's longest cable cars across the valley towards Fansipan, at 3,143 metres the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Below you the terraced valleys drop away, and above you the peak is often in and out of the clouds.

From the top station a short tram ride and a climb of steps take you to the summit marker, past temples and pagodas built on the mountain. Enjoy the quiet and the panoramic views before coming down. In the evening, check out and get ready for the overnight sleeper bus at 10 PM, which goes directly to Hanoi Airport for tomorrow's flight.

At a glance: Time needed: ~5 hrs on Fansipan · Travel: ~6 hrs overnight bus · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:30 AM): Breakfast, check out and store luggage. Muong Hoa monorail to the Fansipan cable car station.

• Late morning: Cable car to the top station, about 15–20 min, then the tram and steps to the summit.

• Noon: Time at the summit, temples and viewpoints, about 2 hrs. Lunch on the mountain or in town (own cost).

• Afternoon: Return by cable car and monorail to Sapa. Free time in town.

• Evening: Dinner in Sapa (own cost) and collect your luggage.

• Night (10:00 PM): Overnight sleeper bus directly to Hanoi Airport.

Travel for the day

• Sapa town → cable car station by Muong Hoa monorail, cable car and tram to the summit area (tickets included).

• Sapa → Hanoi Airport ~6 hrs by overnight sleeper bus.

Tips & what to carry

• It can be close to freezing at the summit in winter and windy all year. Carry a warm jacket, gloves and a cap.

• The final climb has around 600 steps at high altitude. Go slowly; there is an optional funicular to cut the walk (paid locally if available).

• Clouds can cover the view. Mornings are often clearer.

• Keep your passport, flight ticket and a warm layer in your hand bag on the night bus.

Included today

• Inclusions: Cable car, Monorail, Tram tickets, Shared transfers, Sleeper bus

Overnight: Overnight sleeper bus

The sleeper bus reaches Hanoi Airport early in the morning, between 4 and 5 AM. Freshen up at the terminal and check in for your flight to Bangkok, which departs at 8:55 AM and lands at 10:15 AM.

In Bangkok you are met and transferred privately to your hotel to check in. After a short night on the bus, take it easy: rest, have a long lunch, and in the evening explore a nearby market or café at your own pace. The guided tours begin tomorrow.

At a glance: Time needed: Travel day, free afternoon · Travel: ~2 hrs flight, ~45 min airport transfer · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Early morning (4:00–5:00 AM): Arrive at Hanoi Airport by sleeper bus. Freshen up and check in for your flight.

• Morning (8:55 AM): Flight Hanoi → Bangkok, arriving at 10:15 AM.

• Late morning: Private transfer to your hotel and check in (early check-in depends on availability).

• Afternoon: Rest at the hotel.

• Evening: Free. A nearby night market or shopping mall at your own pace (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Flight Hanoi → Bangkok (flights not included).

• Bangkok airport → hotel ~45 min by private car.

Tips & what to carry

• Indian passport holders should check Thailand's current entry rules before travel; please confirm with your TourOn consultant.

• Hotel check-in is usually in the afternoon. Ask to store luggage if your room is not ready.

• Bangkok is hot and humid. Drink plenty of water and plan outdoor time for the evening.

• Use metered taxis or ride apps, and avoid tuk-tuk drivers offering very cheap tours.

Included today

• Inclusions: Private airport transfer (Bangkok)

Overnight: Bangkok

A guided tour of Bangkok's great temples. You begin at the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and Thailand's best-known landmark, a walled complex of gilded spires and painted halls. Inside the grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddhist site in the country.

Next is Wat Pho, home to the huge Reclining Buddha, 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf, with mother-of-pearl inlay on its feet. You then cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, decorated with pieces of coloured porcelain. The guide explains the traditions and history behind each site.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs tour · Travel: Short drives and a river crossing · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Shared pickup after breakfast. Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, about 2 hrs.

• Late morning: Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Lunch near the river (own cost), about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: River crossing to Wat Arun, about 1 hr, then return to your hotel.

• Evening: Free. Chinatown's Yaowarat Road for street food (own cost).

Travel for the day

• 6-hour guided city tour by shared transfer, with a short boat crossing to Wat Arun.

Tips & what to carry

• The Grand Palace has a strict dress code: long trousers or skirts below the knee, covered shoulders and no see-through clothing.

• Ignore anyone outside the palace who says it is closed; it is a common scam.

• Shoes come off inside temple halls. Slip-on shoes save time.

• Go early; by noon the courtyards are hot and very crowded.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Entry tickets, Guided tour

Overnight: Bangkok

A guided half-day out of the city to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, about two hours from Bangkok. You explore the canals in a traditional boat, with vendors paddling alongside selling fruit, noodles, coconut pancakes and souvenirs straight from their boats. It is busy and colourful and best in the morning.

On the way back you stop at the Maeklong Railway Market, where stalls are set up right on the railway tracks. When the train approaches, vendors fold back their awnings and pull their goods aside in seconds, and the train rolls through just inches away. Back in Bangkok, the afternoon and evening are free.

At a glance: Time needed: ~6 hrs tour · Travel: ~4 hrs return by shared transfer · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Early morning (around 6:30–7:00 AM): Shared pickup and drive to Damnoen Saduak, about 2 hrs.

• Morning: Boat ride through the floating market, about 1–1.5 hrs.

• Late morning: Maeklong Railway Market, timed with a train passing, about 1 hr.

• Afternoon: Return to Bangkok, about 1.5 hrs. Lunch (own cost) and rest.

• Evening: Free. A rooftop bar, a night market or a river cruise (own cost).

Travel for the day

• Bangkok → Damnoen Saduak ~2 hrs, Damnoen Saduak → Maeklong ~20 min, Maeklong → Bangkok ~1.5 hrs, by shared transfer.

Tips & what to carry

• Prices at the floating market are high for visitors. Agree the price before a vendor hands anything into your boat.

• Keep your hands and camera inside the boat when passing other boats in the narrow canals.

• At Maeklong, step well back when the train approaches and follow the vendors' lead.

• Carry a cap, sunscreen and water.

Included today

• Inclusions: Shared transfers, Boat ride, Guided tour

Overnight: Bangkok

Your final day is at leisure in Bangkok. Spend it in the big malls around Siam, at the street markets, or on a last round of Thai food. If you still have energy, a traditional Thai massage is the best way to prepare for a long flight.

In the evening you are transferred privately to the airport for your flight home, ending a trip that has taken you from Bali's cliffs to Vietnam's mountains and Bangkok's temples.

At a glance: Time needed: Free day · Travel: ~45 min airport transfer · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and free time.

• Noon: Check out (usually by 12:00 noon) and store bags at the hotel if needed.

• Afternoon: Free for shopping at Siam Paragon, MBK or Platinum, or a Thai massage (own cost).

• Evening: Private transfer to Bangkok airport, reaching at least 3 hrs before your international flight.

Travel for the day

• Bangkok hotel → airport ~45 min–1 hr by private car (allow more in evening traffic).

Tips & what to carry

• Bangkok traffic is heavy from around 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Leave early for the airport.

• If you shop a lot, ask for VAT refund forms at the store and claim them at the airport before check-in.

• Spend or change your remaining baht before you fly.

Included today

• Inclusions: Private airport drop