An introduction to Chiang Mai, Thailand . If you are planning a trip to Thailand and are considering Chiang Mai as a possible contender for your itinerary then this 2025 guide is perfect for you. This guide includes all the essential must knows + must do + must see's when it comes to Chiang Mai. Including basics about the city’s location, how to get there, and essential tips for your next trip to Chiang Mai and really great things to do in Chiang Ma that you can not miss. And we know because we lived there. If you are new to this blog, Hello & welcome (waves): We are a family that travels full time. Go check out our YouTube video here for more about us. And please subscribe to our YouTube Channel that we are trying to grow. In a nutshell our story: We ditched the rat race in June 2024 in the UK and bought one way tickets to Bali (where we are building a house) and whilst that is finished we slow travel the world full time with our kids. We spend a decent amount of time in each destination to find the best things that it has to offer and on an budget. Because we have kids and earn an average income online so must budget. And in 2025 we spent 2 months exploring the beautiful Thailand and re-kindled our love for the place that we last visited over 9 years ago with just our Daughter. Because we've only just visited again since then (but this time as a fam of 4!) we're sharing new up to date blogs and videos about this magical place to give you up to the minute travel content to help you plan your most memorable trip yet. So with that said, let's jump into this Chiang Mai Travel Guide. Contents: 📍 Where Is Chiang Mai? ✈️ How to Get to Chiang Mai 🚙 Getting Around in Chiang Mai ☀️ Weather in Chiang Mai + Smokey Season 💰 Currency 🗣 Language 📅 Major Festivals in Chiang Mai 🏨 Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?       🛍️ Best Markets in Chiang Mai?               🛕   Best Temples in Chiang Mai?      Things to Do in Chiang Mai?    This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Gateway to Culture, Mountains, and Mindful Travel Tucked away in the lush hills of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly experience the heart of Thai culture. Far removed from the buzz and chaos of Bangkok , Chiang Mai blends ancient history with a laid-back, creative energy that makes it one of the most beloved travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Whether you're here to explore centuries-old temples, wander through colourful street markets, or head into the mountains in search of waterfalls and hill tribe villages, Chiang Mai is your perfect northern escape. 📍 Where Is Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, located about 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok, nestled in a valley surrounded by forested mountains. It's the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and that heritage is still visible today in its moats, crumbling city walls, and beautifully preserved temples. Despite being a city, Chiang Mai feels more like a relaxed town—walkable, friendly, and infused with a sense of calm that sets it apart from other Thai destinations. ✈️ How to Get to Chiang Mai? You have several options to reach Chiang Mai. Be sure to use our price comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best available prices: By Air Chiang Mai has an International Airport (CNX) so is well-connected, with daily domestic flights from Bangkok (takes around 1 hour), Phuket, Krabi, and also direct international flights from many international cities like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The airport is located just a 10–15 minute drive from the city centre - The Old City. And taking a flight to Chiang Mai is therefore the fastest way to get there. Since we slow travel we took the scenic 10 hour bus journey from Bangkok tickets via 12Go By Train For a scenic (and budget-friendly) journey, consider the overnight train from Bangkok. It takes about 12–14 hours and is a favourite among backpackers for its comfort and charm—especially if you book a sleeper berth. Book trains via 12Go  for trains to Chiang Mai. By Bus Buses and VIP coaches also run daily from Bangkok and other cities, with a journey time of around 9–10 hours. This is a good option for travellers looking to save on accommodation with an overnight trip. We took this bus from Krabi in 2025 and used our favourite online booking service 12Go  for our bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. 🧳 Key Things to Know about Chiang Mai Before You Explore 🏯 Old City vs. Nimmanhaemin Chiang Mai has two main areas: - The Old City: A historic square filled with temples, guesthouses, and street markets—ideal for first-timers. Perfect for those seeking convenience and accessibility, the City Centre is an excellent choice with lot's of accommodation options including the Luxury 5* Shangri-La Hotel which is not far from the bustling Night Bazaar. - Nimmanhaemin (Nimman): A trendy district with cafés, co-working spaces, and boutique shops—popular with digital nomads and younger travellers. We lived in Nimman and share everything we know about this place on our blog. 🗣 Language Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Don’t be shy to try a few basic Thai phrases—locals do appreciate the effort even if you feel silly trying! 💰 Currency The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. ATMs are everywhere, and most places accept cash. Some upscale restaurants and hotels take credit cards. ☀️ Weather in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai has three main seasons: - Cool Season (Nov–Feb): The best time to visit—dry, sunny, and pleasant. However, the haze from nearby farms setting fires to clear the fields can affect the visibility. March is when the haze from Smokey Season is at its height so best to avoid (see more about this below). - Hot Season (Mar–May): Very warm, but still a good time for adventure. - Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Lush landscapes, but expect regular afternoon showers. Smokey season - From burning season - Whilst not a season in Thailand it is definitely something you'll want to consider on your next trip to Thailand and Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Family Guide offers the most comprehensive information on the topic especially helpful if you have kids and a family. 🚙 Getting Around Chiang Mai - Red Songthaews (shared taxis) are the most common way to get around. - Grab (ride-hailing app) works well and is affordable. - Scooter rentals are popular but not ideal for beginners due to local traffic quirks. Best Days to Visit Chiang Mai Weekdays are ideal for exploring Chiang Mai's cultural attractions and markets. Saturdays and Sundays are bustling with activity, especially at the weekend markets which can attract the crowds so if you can, weekdays are the best. 📅 Major Festivals in Chiang Mai April - Songkran (Thai New Year) April 13th to 15th - During major festivals like Songkran, Chiang Mai comes alive with celebrations and events. This is the time when you can see the iconic water fights in the streets that symbolise renewal and cleansing and if you can get involved is a memorable experience. May - Visakha Bucha Day (usually in May on the full moon of the 6th lunar month)  - A major Buddhist holiday in Thailand that celebrates three events in Gautama Buddha's life — his birth, enlightenment, and death —all of which occurred on the same date in the Buddhist calendar. Check with attractions as some will have altered opening times etc. Read about our Monks Trail Walk on Visakha Bucha Day 2025 here + our experience of a Monk Chat in Chiang Mai where we got to speak with practicing monks and ask questions to find out about their way of life (a must do in my experience if you enjoy learning about cultures and spirituality) + our 1 Day Buddhist Meditation Retreat (again an absolute must do when in Chiang Mai). November - Loy Krathong (usually in November) - Holidays such as Loy Krathong are great to experience. Celebrated annually on the night of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in November . “ Loy ” means “to float,” and “ Krathong ” refers to a small, decorated basket—often made of banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. People release these floating offerings into rivers, lakes, or ponds as a symbolic gesture. Cities like Chiang Mai  host lantern festivals (Yi Peng) at this time, where thousands of sky lanterns  are released. You'll get chance to make these baskets. You’ll see fireworks, traditional dance performances , and parades . It’s a magical, glowing night  filled with lights and reflection—literally and emotionally and may be something you want to book your next Chiang Mai trip around. 🏨 Where to Stay in Chiang Mai? There are 3 main areas in Chiang Mai all with a good choice of accommodation from hostel budget to luxury. The City Centre:  For those seeking convenience and accessibility. Here, you'll find luxurious 5* Luxury : 5* hotels like The Shangri-La Hotel ( 89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand) And Na Nirand Romantic Boutique ( 1/1 Soi 9 Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand) Nimmanhaeminda Road:  Known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, Nimmanhaeminda Road is popular among hip and creative travellers. 5* Luxury:  Art Mai Gallery ( 21 Soi 3, Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand) and Amanor Hotel Chaing Mai (22/2 Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 9, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand) The Old Town:  Steeped in history and charm, the Old Town is a favourite among travellers looking to immerse themselves in Chiang Mai's rich cultural heritage. 5* Luxury: The Chiang Mai Old Town ( 184 Ratchamanka Road Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand) and 137 Pillars House (2 Soi 1 Nawatgate Road Tambon Watgate, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand) 🏨 Where to Stay in Chiang Mai? Where to Stay?   Booking.com  is our fave for good options for Chiang Mai whether it comes to family accommodation, couples, budget or luxury. We sometimes use Agoda  (especially for our South East Asian Travel like our fave hotel in Ho Chi Minh  & our bargain Banyan Tree Bangkok bargain - but beware of the nightly rate prices, even if you put a longer duration, it only shows the nightly rate and you think you've got an absolute steal until you check out and that bargain price was actually just one night!) Also my backpackers and budgeters be sure to check out HostelWorld  for hostel focused accommodation. Here are my best stays for Chiang Mai. Best for Families   Chedi Home   Best for Couples   Bodhi Serene Boutique Hotel   + Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Hotel Best for Style Lovers   Arun Khiri Hotel  + Glory Wabi Sabi Hotel Stylish Decor at Glory Wabi Sabi Hotel in Chiang Mai In Nimman - Cherlock Hotel My Lust List Stay   PE-LA Thapae Boutique Hotel Dreamy Decor at Pe-La Thapae Hotel in Chiang Mai near to the Pae Gates (reminds me of Bali  to which I'm always drawn to this type of aesthetics 🛍️ Best Markets in Chiang Mai? I soon realised, when I started writing that this section absolutely needed it's own much larger dedicated section. And that's why I put together THIS GUIDE For our Best Markets in Chiang Mai . An ever growing super detailed guide to the absolute best markets that think you need to visit and crammed with as much info as I could possibly give you for each market based on our 2025 recent experience. Because basically Chiang Mai is the home for some of the worlds best markets as it is for temples. Chiang Mai’s markets are up there with some of the best. And visiting a market is an essential part of the local experience . It's one of the best ways to support local artisans and businesses while making beautiful memories in this culturally rich northern Thai city. So to which one should you visit? Check out our full list and pick which jumps out for you. We personally LOVE this market (take a look at the blog and video we put together but basically it's so beautiful, is great for kids, has the prettiest coffee shops, plus we quite like arty, crafty stuff and here you can do workshops and classes with local artists as well as the general market stuff). But if that's not your thing, there will definitely be something that appeals in this Chiang Mai market list. 🛕 Best Temples in Chiang Mai? With over 300 temples in Chiang Mai alone, you're going to be pretty hard pushed to visit them all. And if you don't have time to visit a temple in your Chiang Mai stay or holiday, then a quick walk inside the Old Town, you're sure to stumble upon a temple that you can take a quick look inside. There are so many temples in Chiang Mai, all very beautiful and each with their own unique charm and energy. TIP: Make sure you have something to cover your shoulders (a shirt, shawl, t-shirt is fine) and something that covers the knees (elephant pants, long skirt, maxi dress, sarong) in your bag so you can put on before entering a temple. We love a temple and so they do feature quite highly on our travel and exploration itinerary. And we've visited many. So many that we have our favourite temples that we share with you on the blog. THIS GUIDE shares the best temples to visit in Chiang Mai as well as some other temple based activities that you need to do when in Chiang Mai. Trust us when we say. We had a life changing and very spiritual meditation experience with monks in a temple visit and we think everybody should do this at least once in their lifetime. Go checkout the guide here. Things to Do in Chiang Mai? There's so much to do in Chiang Mai that it really comes down to how long you have? We've put together this ultimate list of things to do in Chiang Mai for you to be able to pick and choose from. But also check out our Chiang Mai Itineraries for 24 hours, 3 days in Chiang Mai, 5 Days in Chiang Mai, 2 weeks in Chiang Mai and you lucky thing... 1 month in Chiang Mai for our best things to cover whilst you're there. Why Visit Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai offers a different side of Thailand—slower, deeper, and more connected to nature and tradition. It’s a city where you can spend the morning meditating in a 700-year-old temple, the afternoon sipping coffee at a jungle café, and the evening browsing local art at a street market. And if you’re into cooking classes, ethical elephant encounters, or chasing waterfalls, you’re in the right place. We personally love Chiang Mai and feel like it's more like the Ubud (Bali) of Thailand. Chiang Mai isn't just a single destination—it's a feeling and a vibe. From its jungle-cloaked inland areas to island-dotted horizons, Chiang Mai offers something for every type of traveller. Next up: The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai - Now that you know how to get there and what to expect, let’s dive into what makes Chiang Mai truly unforgettable. Stay tuned for a roundup of the top things to do, from magical enchanted temples to markets that you will not be able to resist buying from. Coming Soon: The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai Ready to dive into temple-hopping, market strolling, and mountain trekking? In our next post, we’ll explore the top things to do in Chiang Mai—from iconic attractions to hidden local favourites. Want help planning your Chiang Mai adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - CHIANG MAI FLIGHTS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore to Krabi with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🚌🚆🚇 - CHIANG MAI TRAVEL -  We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go. 🏨   - CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATION -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Thailand trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - CHIANG MAI THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

A family review of Ikos Oceania Hotel in Halkidiki luxury all inclusive resort. Heads Up: If you click through + book anything through the links below, we receive a small commission from the sites which allows us to maintain this website. Thank you + happy planning. One note: we are not sponsored to write this - this is just our views of a very special stay to help others. And we plan to re-visit Ikos soon. Mum, Dad and 2 children review their 1 week stay at Ikos Oceania Hotel in the Halkidiki, Nea Moudania region, in the beautiful Greece. We love Greece as a country and had never visited Halkidiki so were looking forward to this visit to the luxury all inclusive Oceania Hotel. If you are new to this blog, Hello & welcome (waves): We are a family that travels full time. Go check out our YouTube video here  for more about us. And please subscribe because we're quite un-known and have a goal to one day reach 100k subscribers (lol we are very far away from this goal right now) and your sub really matters and helps! In a nutshell our story: We ditched the rat race in June 2024 in the UK and bought one way tickets to Bali (where we are building a house) and whilst that is finished we slow travel the world full time with our kids. We spend a decent amount of time in each destination to find the best things that it has to offer. So with that said let's jump into todays blog and our review of a pretty beautiful place. We booked our trip to Ikos through Booking.com and found the best prices on there at the time. But check out our hotel searcher for other prices. We are a full time travel family and don't normally book 'package' holidays but found the best price at booking.com where it was cheaper to book the package rather than separate parts BUT it's worth looking at Trip.com + Trip Advisor too to compare because sometimes they throw up some bargains. Plus you can see what others are saying about your particular property on trip advisor which is very helpful for us when booking our accommodation. In this review about Ikos Oceania we look at: Our experience as a family on our May visit to Ikos Oceania Hotel What was the weather like in May in Halkidiki Greece What the food was like at Ikos Oceania Hotel (our favourite bit) What the decor was like at Ikos Oceania We booked our luxury stay at The Ikos Oceania Hotel as a special birthday surprise for Si. Ikos is a luxury group of resorts offering all inclusive. The prompt was a special birthday. But the holiday marked the start of much more. Looking down on the pools at Ikos Oceania Hotel in Halkidiki. The Italian restaurant peaking in at the top left. After the birth of our second baby boy, I had suffered with Post Natal Depression. It came out of blue and hit me like a bolt of lightening. What should have been a lovely first few years, was like living in limbo between trying so hard to be better, wanting to be better, taking two steps forwards and three back into despair. Si had given up his DJ career, no questions, to scoop our family up and help me mend. But it wasn't quick, it held on, long after the baby blues, long after the time where 'she should be better by now' and life did not get back to normal quickly. The holiday to Ikos Oceania in Halkidiki marked the start of the beginning of us 'living' again. Cheers 'to living' at The Italian Restaurant 'Fresco'. We chose Ikos because of the food. We LOVE good food & eating out . As a couple before kids, it was 'our thing'. We've eaten at many fine dining & Michelin guide restaurants. And 'good' is our thing. We don't need a fancy label, we just need good quality. And many all inclusive resorts just don't hit the mark sadly where the food is concerned. Ikos is not like other all inclusive resorts. Choosing what to eat for evening meal at The French restaurant in Ikos Oceania - makes us this happy. Accompanied by a paired wine recommended by the Sommelier. Makes us THIS happy. As parents, we don't get to eat out near as much as we'd like to and as we don't have family close by, getting a babysitter is just not easy. Dining out stopped during the years prior to this holiday. And when you stop doing something that you truly love, a little piece of you dies with it. We're strong advocates that a happy Mum & Dad is the foundation for happy kids, so doing a little bit of what makes us happy is important in our family dynamics. At Ikos Halkidiki it was all about the food. And it did not disappoint. From breakfast to lunch to evening meal the food at Ikos Oceania is simply outstanding. And this set the tone for all other aspects of our holiday. If you've ever been to an all inclusive hotel before, you'll know that the meals are mostly buffet style, where you go get your own food. Food at the Ikos is like going to a beautiful restaurant very night, where they have delicious menus to choose from and your food arrives looking like this (below). The standard is like high end restaurant EVERY MEAL. We loved this. A few of our favourite dishes at Ikos Oceania. It was so hard to choose. Ikos Halkidiki Resorts is a luxury 5 star all inclusive hotel, with an Infinite Lifestyle Concept. This basically means that instead of your usual all inclusive style of food, you have Michelin-starred menus, 24-hour room service serving hotel standard room service, wines paired with each meal and so much more. And what makes it so very special, is that it’s all included as part of your stay. For us as a family, this meant that we could dine out and be a couple again (of course with kids) but this meant so much to us. our favourite - the open air Greek à la-carte menu treats guests serving delicious traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist Ikos Resorts have 4 destinations (Halkidiki, Corfu, Cos & Marbella) all offering the Ikos signature Infinite Lifestyle Concept. Each one unique in it's own way. We stayed at Ikos Oceania in Halkidiki in May with 2 children. Based on our experience at Oceania, we'd love to try every single one. Staying at Oceania changed our perceptions of all inclusive. And anywhere we've been since just hasn't lived up to this in terms of luxury and quality on offer. Even the drinks here are first rate. Cocktails expertly mixed as though you are paying in a top cocktail bar. Drinks are served in glasses which goes without saying here, but this isn't the case in most all inclusive. And the spirits are branded, and it just wouldn't be any other way. It feels very strange at first, walking away from the bar with drinks in hand, and not paying. They're too good to not pay! There are five a la carte restaurants (Greek, Italian, French & Asian) to choose from as well as a Mediterranean buffet (Flavors). The buffet is really top class by any all inclusive buffet standard I've ever eaten at. It is not your normal buffet and well worth a visit. We enjoyed it for breakfast, beautiful fresh juices, fruits, yoghurts, honey's, pastry's, cooked breakfast all to super high standard and all excellent quality ingredients. And there is also a Dine Out option where you can dine out in the local town at a restaurant and Ikos cover the cost of that. We felt so spoilt for choice in the resort that we didn't take advantage of the dine out and wished we had done now. But we had found our favourite places and had too many favourites dishes within each of those that we wanted to sample again. Feeling relaxed in our favourite Ouzo restaurant. Esteemed chef Lefteris Lazarou gained his first Michelin star in 2002 – the first one ever awarded to a chef serving Greek cuisine. Lazarou still holds his star. We enjoyed Ouzo restaurant so much that we started going for breakfast & lunch here too most days. We just loved the open air aspect and poolside vibe. The French restaurant (Provence) feels exactly like a French restaurant. It's classic, chic and runs like clockwork. It's the only restaurant where I didn't take many pictures. I was enjoying myself too much. Provence is headed up by Head Chef Anthony Jehanno who won his first Michelin star in 2017. He's worked under the famous Jean Luc-Larvoir at the award-winning L’Auberge in Brittany, next to the two times Michelin-star winner, Stephane Raimbault, to name a few. We know of Anthony from the Greenhouse Restaurant in London (which we love), and he won the Bib Gourmand award at his own restaurant. So it is no wonder. We loved eating at Provence restaurant during our stay at Ikos and it felt like somewhere to get dressed up for. Perfect for a romantic date night. I had a beautiful fillet steak with a crisp white wine paired specially. I love that each restaurant has a sommelier that selects the best wines for you to go with each dish. It feels special. I'm not a big wine drinker, but every selection made by the sommelier was paired beautifully. This is what I need for all my meals going forward ;-) Eating Alfresco at Fresco The Italian restauarnt at Ikos Oceania. With head chef Hector Botrini who served his apprenticeship under his father, the chef Etrusco Botrini, at Club Med facilities around the world and in the award-winning family restaurant Etrusco in Corfu, which he took on (ranked 68th on the list of the world’s best restaurants). He also worked alongside Alain Ducasse at the Louis XV restaurant in Monaco. And the Asian restaurant (Anaya) serves authentic Thai, Indian & Chinese food. Under Chef Thiou, famously known as the Master of Thai and Asian cuisine from Paris. Thiou is famed for her hand-made ravioli with crayfish and coconut milk and lime sauce - a must try The decor all over the hotel is simply beautiful. All rooms are stylish and spacious. The design of the whole resort has been tastefully and stylishly done. From the landscaped gardens and herbaceous planting through to the sun beds and umbrellas on the private beach. Everything is presented to leave a lasting impression on guests and it certainly does. Ikos Oceania Halkidiki is sat on it's own private beach that's a few steps from the pool. Here you can get very nice drinks brought to you whilst you relax the days away. The beach and pool bar staff are attentive and always on hand to ask if you would like a drink. During the day, they would hand out ice cold towels to refresh with. All the nice touches that made it feel luxurious. Smile for the camera. Never stays still for the camera. Pools for everyone – kids pools for toddlers and children and adults infinity pool, as well a s private pools around the resort Daddy & Lilly enjoying a swim in the infinity pool looking out to the Mediterranean Sea Kids can get delicious ice creams throughout the day And for the the children! Well, the children are very well catered for at Ikos Oceania with Kids Club* (ages 4 – 12 yrs) and Teenager Club* (13– 17 yrs/high season) where they play games and activities all day long. The Kids Club is operated by professional UK Ofsted childcare providers. Ikos Beach Life offers a beach-based child care service where parents can put children in the most capable hands while they take a moment to themselves, maybe lunch at the beach bar as a couple with kids, this was pure luxury. The level of service is impeccable, which gave us peace of mind to leave the kids at the Kids Club and visit the Spa, as a couple, which is something we never get to do. So good is the standard of care for the children, that we felt safe enough to do this. The spa uses Anne Semonin products that are available in the rooms also and have now become a range that we use at home which takes us right back to Ikos. Something we want to re-live time and time again. The spa at Ikos Oceania is just amazing. I'm going to leave it there. All in all Ikos Oceania feels like a very special place. I've recommended it to 3 sets of friends and they're all come back raving about how good it is. Ikos have got this thing spot on for parents who still want a little luxury & independence with kids. It's a place where Mum & Dad can come away and feel like they've actually had a holiday together. We felt 'together' for the first time in a long time. It's a place where kids are happy and fulfilled. For the foodies - it's got you. For the luxury hunters - it's got you. For the beach lovers - it's got you. For people that like nice things - It's 100% got you. And it's all parcelled in a beautiful unpretentious bow. We felt very relaxed at Ikos. We came to Ikos for a special birthday that was celebrated in the best way. We came to Ikos ready to start living again. And we left Ikos living life . The review of Ikos in short: We thoroughly recommend Ikos oceania for families but, although it's kid and family friendly, it's also suitable for couples too. We've also been as a couple since this trip (blog post to follow) and the experience was special. There are private adult only pool and the kids at the hotel each time we've been have been well behaved and looked after. Food is outstanding, the resort simply beautiful, stylish and tastefully done. The staff are attentive and genuine, without being overbearing. We've recommended Ikos to 3 sets of friends, who all returned with glowing reviews - more glowing than ours! We know you'll love it too. Just go on tripadvisor and read the reviews, we honestly don't know how anybody could complain about Ikos - it's out of this world. And we can not wait for our next visit. And look forward to staying at their other hotels. EASY LINKS TO BOOK Heads Up: If you click through + book anything through the links below, we receive a small commission from the sites which allows us to maintain this website. Thank you + happy planning. One note: we are not sponsored to write this - this is just our views of a very special stay to help others. Book your stay at Ikos Oceania with Booking.com Nearest Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel: From Manchester to Thessalonika Airport (SKG) Hotel offer transfers to and from. The Ikos Resorts Website The Ikos Oceania Website Let us know your thoughts if you do book Ikos Oceania, we'd love to hear how your experience went. We've recommended it to foodie friends and all come back absolutely raving about it. We should really work on commission from Ikos ;-) we don't we just love it there and return to the same high standards that we love. Ikos Oceania Ikos Oceania, Nea Moudania 632 00, Greece I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR GREEK TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets for all our flights. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We use 12Go for Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers + Trainline for live train times, book train tickets across UK and Europe   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  We use these hotels price checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our trip. Visit our Accommodation Planning Page for more We mostly find that Booking.com has the best offers but it's worth checking in with Agoda (especially for South East Asian Hotels) and always Trip Advisor too for up to the minute reviews on wherever you decide to book. 🧭🗺️👣   - TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Greece, Thessaloniki This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

A comprehensive and up-to-date 2025 Thailand Essential Travel Guide blog  designed to help you if you're a first-time (or returning) visitor plan an unforgettable trip to the Land of Smiles: Thailand . With Helpful Province information for Bangkok , Krabi , Koh Samui and Chiang Mai , and more from full time travel family from UK to Bali  that are currently building their home in Bali and whilst that's happening are slow travelling across South East Asia and beyond (including Bali , Vietnam , Thailand , Singapore ) worldschooling  and earning remotely online . Bringing the best of family travel in each guide on this blog  and YouTube  so you can have the best time ever on your next travel adventure. 🇹🇭 Travelling to Thailand with Kids? Check out this post This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! But otherwise let's jump in to the latest Essential Thailand Travel Guide for 2025 , designed to help anyone planning a trip to Thailand this year. But, Before we jump in to the guide check out these detailed guides from the blog: Renting a Motorbike in Thailand (everything you need to know) Do's + Dont's Social Etiquette in Thailand (politeness & a smile goes a long way) Visa's (and as we're adding all the time, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Thailand blogs for free when they get released) 🇹🇭 Essential Thailand Travel Guide for 2025 Everything You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Trip Planning a trip to Thailand in 2025? You’re in for a cultural feast of ancient temples, tropical beaches, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for a quick adventure or a longer escape, this ultimate travel guide to Thailand  covers everything you need to know before you go — updated for 2025. And we know we've spent 2 months exploring this amazing country in 2025. 📍 Quick Overview Language : Thai (English widely spoken in tourist areas) Currency : Thai Baht (THB) Time Zone : GMT+7 Electricity : Type A, B, and C plugs; 220V Best Time to Visit : November to February (cooler and dry season) Visa Requirement : Depends on nationality (details below) 🛃 Entry Requirements & Visas (2025) Thailand continues to update its entry policies to support tourism: Visa-Free Entry : Citizens of 60+ countries (including USA, UK, EU, Australia) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days . Visa on Arrival : Available for select nationalities for stays up to 15 days . Tourist Visa (TR) : Valid for 60 days , extendable once for 30 more. Thailand e-Visa : Apply online for a smoother experience. SG Arrival Card Equivalent : Thailand does not currently require a pre-arrival form, but always check Thai e-Visa Portal  for updates. 💉 Health, Vaccinations & Travel Insurance Routine vaccines  (MMR, Tetanus, Polio) should be up to date Recommended : Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and optional Japanese Encephalitis if traveling long-term or rurally Mosquito protection  is key (especially in rainy season) Travel insurance  is strongly advised — medical care is excellent but expensive for foreigners 📱 Staying Connected in Thailand SIM Card or eSIM : Available at airports and 7-Elevens Popular providers: AIS, TrueMove, DTAC eSIM options: Airalo , Holafly Free Wi-Fi is available in most cafes, hotels, and malls however so no need to buy everybody a sim. We mostly just get Dad on an E-sim then assess the situation for Wi-Fi before deciding whether to get Mum and the eldest kid a sim. Sometimes we can save by just jumping on Dad's Hotspot whenever we need it. 🚕 Getting Around Domestic Flights : Fast and affordable for long distances (AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Nok Air) Trains : Scenic and reliable (especially overnight trains to Chiang Mai) Buses & Minivans : Budget-friendly but can be slow Taxis & Grab App : Grab is widely used in Bangkok and other major cities Tuk-Tuks : Fun for short rides — always negotiate the price first Car Hire : Best for off-the-beaten-path regions, but traffic can be intense in cities 🏨 Where to Stay in Thailand Bangkok : Riverside or Sukhumvit for first-timers Chiang Mai : Old City or Nimmanhaemin for culture and cafés Krabi /Phuket : Ao Nang, Railay, or Kata for families and beaches Pai & Chiang Rai : Great for offbeat, slower travel Long-Term Options : Monthly condo rentals via Airbnb or local platforms (cheaper with kitchens & space) 🍜 What to Eat in Thailand Don’t miss these must-try Thai dishes: Pad Thai Tom Yum Goong  (spicy shrimp soup) Green Curry Mango Sticky Rice Som Tum  (papaya salad) 💡 Tip : Eat at busy street food stalls for quality and freshness. Hawker markets are very family-friendly and affordable (we often eat as a family for under $25!). 🎟 Top Places to Visit in Thailand (2025 Picks) 🏙 Bangkok Grand Palace Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Chatuchak Weekend Market Chinatown food tour IconSiam Mall with river views 🏞 Chiang Mai Ancient temples in the Old City Elephant sanctuaries (ethical only!) Doi Suthep mountain temple Sunday Walking Street Market 🏖 Krabi & Phuket Railay Bay or Phi Phi Island tours Beach time at Ao Nang or Kata Long-tail boat rides Snorkeling, kayaking, and cliffside hikes 🌿 Northern Thailand (Pai, Chiang Rai) The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) Slow living in Pai with hot springs and waterfalls Thai cooking classes and yoga retreats 🎊 Festivals to Know in 2025 Songkran (Thai New Year)  – April 13–15: Country-wide water fights! Loy Krathong  – November 6: Floating lantern festival Yi Peng  – Celebrated alongside Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai Vegetarian Festival  – October (mostly Phuket) 💡 Cultural Tips & Etiquette : Check out my detailed do's and don'ts Always remove shoes  when entering homes or temples Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites Show respect with a “wai” (palms together bow) Avoid public displays of anger Never touch someone’s head (even a child) The Royal Family is revered  — avoid criticism 🆘 Emergency Info Tourist Police : 1155 (English-speaking) Medical Emergencies : 1669 Pharmacies : Widely available, most staff speak basic English Hospitals in Bangkok and Chiang Mai are excellent (e.g., Bumrungrad , Bangkok Hospital ) 🌐 Useful Travel Apps for Thailand Grab  – Rideshare & food delivery. Tip: Download this before you arrive so you can add your payment details to be able to use as soon as you touch down. Google Translate  – Great for menus and signs Klook / GetYourGuide  – For booking tours HappyCow  – Vegetarian/vegan-friendly eateries XE Currency  – Up-to-date exchange rates ✅ Final Travel Hacks for 2025 Planning on renting a scooter or driving? Get your Thailand International Driving Permit (mandatory for all foreigners). Top Money Saving Tip : Get it before you travel to Thailand from your local PayPoint or Post Office (if in UK) for about £6 (much cheaper than doing it at the above link which costs about £50) Bring a reusable water bottle  (many refill stations available) Use ATMs or currency exchange kiosks  at malls (avoid airport rates). We have Monzo Bank (a very good online bank with a great app) and Revolut for Free International Withdrawals and also use Wise to do International Bank Transfer Payments fast (for our long term rental payments) Dress light but carry a rain poncho or umbrella  in wet season Bargaining is expected in markets — smile while you do it! ✈️ Ready for Thailand in 2025? Whether you're temple-hopping in Chiang Mai, beach lounging in Krabi, or street-food sampling in Bangkok, Thailand offers a rich and vibrant experience for travellers of all ages. With a bit of planning, some cultural awareness, and a lot of adventure spirit, your 2025 trip to Thailand will be unforgettable. --- You might also love: Why We are World school ing Busy in Bangkok with Kids Bangkok Ultimate Guide - Everything You Need To Know --- I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore  to Krabi   with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go.   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Thailand trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Driving in Thailand? Foreigners must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally. Learn everything you need to know, how to get one online easily and affordably, and avoid fines while exploring Thailand. This post contains affiliate links where if you click on we receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog) If you’re planning to rent a scooter or car during your Thai getaway—especially in places like Krabi , Phuket, Chiang Mai , or Koh Samui —you absolutely need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Thailand may feel like a laid-back paradise, but when it comes to driving, the rules are clear and enforcement is real. Here’s everything you need to know about driving legally (and safely!) as a foreigner in Thailand. And if you like this you might also like our guide on Renting a motorbike, scooter, moped in Thailand (everything you need to know! + video) 🛂 Is an International Driving Permit Required in Thailand? Yes. By Thai law, all foreign drivers must hold a valid International Driving Permit  along with their original driver’s license from their home country. Whether you plan to drive a scooter, car, or motorbike , having an IDP is essential for: Legal compliance Insurance validity Avoiding fines or police bribes Safety in case of accidents Important : Your home license alone is not enough—even if it’s in English. Read on to learn fully about the rules around International Driving Permit for Thailand (IDP's), what they are? Why you need an International Driving Permit for Thailand? How to get one? How long do they last? How much they cost? And if you've left it too late and are already in Thailand get one online here  (this takes you further down the page to the right section) If you haven't already, I did a quick video showing my process of obtaining my International Driving Licence for Bali . The 1949 International Driving Permit. The process is the same (even though this is for Bali). Go check it below to see just how EASY and quick it was to get My International Driving Permit in the UK for my next visit to Indonesia. Follow my below process BEFORE you leave for your next trip to save yourself money and hassle £5 instead of £40 (but if you have left it too late, don't worry there is an online instant option below: 💡 What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP in Thailand? You can be stopped by the police and fined , or worse, invalidated insurance coverage  in the event of an accident. Many travelers assume it's fine to rent a scooter and ride without an IDP—but more and more, police checkpoints are cracking down , especially in tourist areas like Krabi and Phuket. And even if the rental shop doesn’t ask for your IDP (they often don’t), that doesn’t make it legal . 🔍 Where to Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) ✅ Easiest Option: Get Your IDP Online in Minutes We recommend using a reputable, fast, and budget-friendly online service. It takes just a few minutes to apply, and you’ll get a digital version instantly , with a printed copy shipped to you. ➡️ Click here to apply for your IDP today – Fast, Cheap, Reliable  (Affiliate link) Bonus tip: Some online services offer multilingual translations and digital copies, perfect for showing on your phone if you’re stopped on the road. Left it late and already in Thailand? Apply for your International Drivers Permit Online You can apply for your IDP online at The International Drivers Association website . It takes around 8 mins to do at the Official IDA site here: 🛵 Renting a Scooter or Car in Thailand Thailand is scooter heaven, and Krabi in particular is perfect for exploring on two wheels. But if you're renting, play it safe : Always wear a helmet Check the brakes and tires before renting Never drink and drive Keep both your IDP and passport copy with you. Or we have photos on our phones of both so our documents can be kept safe at home. If the police need to see original docs, we can hand them in at a station. This stops our important docs getting wet, frayed, damaged as we travel. ⚠️ Tips for Driving in Thailand Drive on the left side of the road Roads can be chaotic— expect the unexpected (but not as chaotic as Bali... nowhere near, so we find driving in Thailand a breeze in comparison. Watch for animals, potholes, and aggressive drivers. But overall road rage is not on a level as UK roads Scooters are fun but take it slow if you’re new to riding 📍 Best Places in Thailand to Drive Thailand’s natural beauty is best seen on the road. An IDP lets you legally explore: Krabi : Quiet back roads, beach-hopping in Ao Nang and Klong Muang Chiang Mai to Pai : Oh my! Scenic mountain drive Phuket : Coastline drives and hidden beaches Koh Lanta : Peaceful island drives ideal for families 🧳 Final Word: Is the IDP Worth It? Absolutely. For the price of a few coffees, you’ll have the peace of mind  that you're covered legally and financially while exploring one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Don't risk your holiday— get your IDP before you ride .➡️ Grab your International Driving Permit online here  (Affiliate link) Drop a comment below or check out my Ultimate Krabi Travel Guide  for everything you need to know! I hope you found this post helpful. And Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS -  Check your dates and flight costs to on our Flight Planning Page fore more 🏨   - ACCOMMODATION -  We use this to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Moped in Thailand (and Southeast Asia) plus I made a quick video which you can check out here (note this takes you to our YouTube Channel - if you got something from the vid please give it a subscribe or a thumbs up (we're not precious around here - to show us that you see us) So, you're heading to Southeast Asia—maybe Thailand , Vietnam , or Bali —and you're thinking... “Should I rent a scooter?” The short answer is, Yes .The long answer is also Yes !—but there are a few things you need to know first . This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to rent a moped or scooter safely, legally, and smartly in Southeast Asia—especially in Thailand. Why We Think You Should you rent a Moped in Thailand? When you arrive in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia), one of the first things you'll notice is... mopeds. LITERALLY Everywhere.  On the road, off the road, up the pavement, across fields—literally anywhere and everywhere.  At first, the traffic might feel like chaos compared to what you're used to back home. Forget most of what you know about road rules. You’ll need to adjust fast, as most rules around the road simply don’t apply LOL. but the good news? You can learn. Once you're used to it, riding a moped is actually one of the best ways to get around: They're quick and practical. You can reach places buses and taxis don't go. They're cheap to rent and even cheaper to run. In fact, in Thailand alone, there are over 22 million registered motorcycles . They’re the everyday vehicle of choice for locals—and for good reason. So, just where do you go to Rent a Moped in Thailand? If you're in a tourist hotspot like Krabi , Koh Samui, or Phuket , you'll see rental shops every few doors. Just walk down a main street and you’ll have no trouble finding a moped to rent. They are literally everywhere. In less touristy areas  or bigger cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai , it may take a bit more hunting.  A little hack is to check Facebook groups and local forums, these can be goldmines—just ask for recommendations, and you’ll likely get flooded with replies. But just be prepared op read through and make sure they are legit. You can also book online via established rental businesses. This is ideal if you want: Transparent pricing Verified reviews Less pressure than walking into a shop cold and having to try and negotiate in a foreign language. Pro tip:  Before you go into any shop, browse online to understand moped types, prices, and what's considered fair. That way, you’re better prepared for negotiations. What are the types of Mopeds and Rental Prices You'll typically choose based on engine size, shown in cc (cubic centimeters) —which affects the moped’s power and speed. Basic Scooters (110–125cc) Perfect for city rides, beach towns, and errands 💰 Around 250–400 baht/day 🕒 Pro tip: Rent longer = cheaper rate Mid-Range Scooters (150–250cc) Better for hilly terrain and day trips 💰 Around 500–700 baht/day Big Bikes (300cc+) Great for longer road trips or mountains 💰 1000+ baht/day ⚠ You’ll need a proper motorcycle license Weekly rentals  often give a 25% discount , and monthly rentals  can offer up to 50% off . For example: 300 baht/day = ~1500 baht/week or ~4500 baht/month Prices vary, so shop around. You can also ask your hotel or accommodation—they often arrange rentals directly, but be sure to check the bike’s condition. Our experience of motorbike riding on Koh Lanta: We rented a moped through our accommodation for just 4000 baht/month —cheap, but it came with no helmets, you have to wear a helmet legally, but most locals don’t bother, for us it is just not worth the risk, both of crashing, but also of being stopped and fined.  ……. and it broke down, more on breakdown later..  Lesson learned: Inspect and ask questions and cheaper isn’t always better. So, when you go into the rental shop, quite often it’s as simple as choosing what you want, filling in the paperwork, sorting your deposit and simply choosing your bike and riding off. So here’s some tips on what to do. What to Check Before You Ride Before you take off, give your rental bike a quick once-over: Tires : Check tread and cracks. Bald = dangerous. Brakes : Test front and back. Lights : Headlights, taillights, indicators—all must work. Petrol : Take a photo of the fuel level. You’ll usually return it with the same amount. Oil : Not essential to check, but good to know. Helmet : It should fit snugly. Get a full-face or one with a clear visor to protect against bugs—especially at night. Bonus tip:  Scratched visors are a nightmare when riding at night. Ask for a clean one. As once you are in the glare of headlights and even worse……. You get caught in a tropical shower, you won’t be able to see a thing. Paperwork and Licenses: What You Need to Know about Renting a bike / moped / scoot in Thailand This is crucial. In Thailand and Southeast Asia, police checkpoints  are common. Here’s what you’ll need: ✅ A proper helmet  (wear it correctly, with the strap done up) ✅ Your passport or a copy  (some rental shops hold it) ✅ A valid motorcycle license from your home country ✅ An International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement Technically, if your moped is over 50cc , you must  have a motorcycle license and IDP. Most tourists don’t—and yes, the police know it. If you get stopped, you’ll likely just pay a fine . That’s a risk you'll have to decide on for yourself. We go into much more detail on this in another video/blog post about the International Driving Permit , so be sure to check that out. Because you DO need one for Thailand and not everybody knows this! The Rental Agreement Before you sign anything, ask the following: 🛠  Who covers breakdowns?  Most will fix it unless it’s a tire issue. 📞 Will they pick you up if the bike breaks down? Many will if you're within 20–50 km. 💸 What are you liable for? Ask before you sign. Pro tip:  Get the shop’s WhatsApp number  so you can reach them if something goes wrong. When our bike broke down on Koh Lanta, they came, picked it up, and returned it repaired within a few hours. Solid service. Document Everything Before driving away, do a walk-around video  on your phone. Film: Scratches Dents Any other damage Why? So they can’t blame you when you bring it back. It takes 30 seconds and could save you a lot of stress and money. Final Tips for Riding a Bike of the Motorised variety in Thailand A moped opens the door to adventure—think hidden beaches, jungle waterfalls, and mountain temples. But only if you stay safe. ✅ Always wear a helmet ❌ Never drink and ride 🚦 Respect traffic rules (as much as anyone does here) 🧠 Practice on quiet roads if you’re new Motorbike Hire Family Travel Tip: We’re a traveling family, and yes—we’ve had both kids on the moped. We always practiced on quiet roads and requested children’s helmets . Sometimes, we do shuttle runs where one parent drops off and comes back to get the others. It’s more effort but much safer. Our record sighting? Five people and a dog on one moped. Don’t be that family. Wrap-Up If you didn't already watch the Thailand scooter renting video here Renting a moped or scooter in Thailand is one of the best ways to explore, save money, and have unforgettable experiences. Just ride smart. Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’re happy to help fellow travelers. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our YouTube channel for more travel tips. Safe travels! I hope you found this post helpful. And Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS -  Check your dates and flight costs to on our Flight Planning Page fore more 🏨   - ACCOMMODATION -  We use this to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Here’s a detailed and well-paced Vietnam 2-week travel itinerary , which includes a mix of iconic cities, nature escapes, and cultural highlights — from south to north — with tips on how to get around. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 🇻🇳 Ultimate 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary From South to North: A Perfect Balance of Culture, Adventure & Relaxation Planning a 2-week adventure in Vietnam? This diverse and stunning country has so much to offer — from buzzing motorbike-filled cities to ancient temples, misty mountains, golden beaches, and UNESCO heritage sites. It's fair to say we left a little bit of our heart when last in Vietnam and share the best bits of it in the 2 week guide. Feel free to mix up the locations, for example you could head North first and work your way down country. Also there is so much to do In Vietnam check out our 30+ Vietnam best things to do guide and add / swap experiences from there to this 2 week itinerary. You won't be stuck for things to do when in Vietnam that is for sure! This 14-day itinerary takes you from Ho Chi Minh City  in the south to Hanoi  and Ha Long Bay  in the north, with unforgettable stops along the way. Ho Chi Minh City & the Cu Chi Tunnels to Da Nang, to Hoi An, To Hue, To Hanoi to Sapa and Ha Long Pheweee. Check out the 2 week itinerary immediately overview below before delving deeper further in the guide with clickable and bookable activities and experiences to make your planning swift and easy. 2 Wk Itinerary Overview Day 1–3:  Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Day 4–5:  Hoi An (via Da Nang) Day 6:  Da Nang Beaches & Marble Mountains Day 7–8:  Hue (Imperial City) Day 9–10:  Hanoi Old Quarter Day 11–12:  Sapa (rice terraces & hill tribes) Day 13–14:  Ha Long Bay Cruise Stretch to 3 Weeks? Add a week in Phu Quoc paradise at the end (but swap the itinerary around North to South) ending at Phu Quoc before flying from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh before flying home. Getting Around Viet Jet Domestic Flights:  For long-distance travel (e.g., HCMC → Da Nang or Hue → Hanoi) Trains/Buses:  Scenic but slower; use for short connections (e.g., Da Nang → Hue). We use 12Go for our bus / trains in Vietnam. Private Transfers or Taxis:  Affordable in cities using the Grab App Sleeper buses or trains:  Good for budget travellers but expect to take 10-14 hours of your time. BUT the sleeper bus can also act as a nights accommodation negating the need to find hotel for that travel night. We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang  check out our vid of that experience here before deciding if the sleeper train is for you. It's an experience for sure. Would we recommend it? Totally, but it might come down to time on a 2 week trip. Family tickets for a private cabin on the overnight sleeper train all Booked at 12Go  with best prices. Day-by-Day Breakdown Day 1–3: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Take the Hop on / Hop Off City Bus Tour   then get off at various stops. Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and visit the War Remnants Museum Walk down Bui Vien Street at night (stop off for a drink at one of the bars) BED SLEEP Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta boat ride Visit The Apartment Cafes for a lunch date (day) or evening drink (night time) free in check out my video here  of our night time visit and you'll be able to see why this place features on my itinerary Evening drinks had in The Letter inside The cool Apartment Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City - can you spot it? BED / SLEEP Visit the famous Post Office and post a postcard home | Take a Saigon Food Tour  sampling the cities best food on a bike with a local guide that knows! When in HCMC we always stay here   But check out Booking.com for great budget options and Agoda (but beware they only show the nightly price even if your dates are from and to) and Hostelworld for best of the cheaper hostel type accommodation. Luxury | Mid | Budget ✈️ Fly from HCMC to Da Nang (~1.5 hours) OR Take the overnight sleeper train through 12Go   MY TOP TIP: The Sleeper Train gets you in a Da Nang or if you fly in to Da Nang Airport and you'll need to get a taxi transfer to Hoi An. If you haven't got Grab you can book a private car that will take you from DaNang to Hoi An here and costs around £10 which is a good price. Or you can book from Hoi An to Da Nang ( a very helpful link to keep ). We took a taxi and this cost £14 so this is something we wish we'd know before hand. A small saving, but every saving helps. Day 4–5: Hoi An Discover the Ancient Town  with its lantern-lit streets. As day turns to night. Day: eat Banh Mi at Madam Kahns. Potter around and take in the sights. Grab a MOT traditional herbal drink. Night enjoy a rooftop cocktail. Try a Vietnamese Hoi An cooking class or a Hoi An Vietnamese Coffee Making Workshop Get custom clothes made in 24 hours Cycle through rice fields to An Bang Beach Taste the local specialty: Cao Lau noodles + White Rose Dumplings via a Walking Food Tour Where to stay in Hoi An: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other Hoi An accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   🚖 Private Transfer Hoi An to Da Nang (~45 minutes) Use Grab to book a private taxi or a private transfer that will take you from Hoi An to Da Nang here  which costs around £10 which is a good price. We took a Grab taxi and this cost £14 so this is something we wish we'd know before hand. A small saving, but every saving helps. Day 6: Da Nang Relax on My Khe Beach Visit the Marble Mountains  (but go early as it gets HOT + Busy) and take a walk near the Dragon Bridge free to do and if it's weekend his mouth breaths fire. Great spot for modern cafés and ocean views, walking up and down the sea front taking it all in. Walk the golden hands bridge at Ba Na Hills Where to stay in Da Nang: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other DaNang accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   🚆 Take a train to Hue   (2.5–3 hours via scenic Hai Van Pass) Day 7–8: Hue Visit the Imperial City (Citadel) Take a boat ride on the Perfume River Explore tombs of emperors like Khai Dinh  and Tu Duc Enjoy local dishes like Bun Bo Hue Where to stay in Hue: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other Hue accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   ✈️ Fly or take a sleeper train to Hanoi Day 9–10: Hanoi Wander the Old Quarter  and around Hoan Kiem Lake Visit the Temple of Literature  and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Try famous street food: pho , egg coffee , and bun cha Catch a water puppet show Where to stay in Hanoi: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other Hanoi accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   🚐 Travel overnight or early morning to Sapa Day 11–12: Sapa Trek through Muong Hoa Valley  and visit ethnic hill tribe villages Stay in a local homestay Visit the Fansipan cable car  (highest peak in Indochina) Enjoy misty mountain views and rice terraces Where to stay in Sapa: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other Sapa accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   🚐 Return to Hanoi for a Ha Long Bay trip Day 13–14: Ha Long Bay Take a 1-night cruise  through limestone karsts and emerald waters Kayak, swim, and visit caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) Enjoy fresh seafood on board Return to Hanoi for your flight home Day-by-Day Breakdown Where to stay in Ha Long Bay: Luxury | Mid | Budget For other Ha Long Bay accommodation check out Booking.com  | Agoda  and Hostelworld   Packing Tips for 2 Weeks in Vietnam Lightweight clothes, but a warm layer for Sapa (cooler in the mountains) Comfortable walking shoes (trainers) and sandals Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses Travel adapter (Vietnam uses 220V) Poncho or umbrella (especially May–October) Check out Everything You Must Know For Vietnam Guide Optional Add-Ons or Swaps Skip Sapa and spend more time in Ninh Binh  or Phong Nha caves Switch to a south-to-north train journey  for a slower-paced itinerary Extend in Phu Quoc  or Mui Ne  if you want more beach time Vietnam is packed with history, nature, and charm — and two weeks is just enough to get a taste of its diversity. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo adventurer, this 14-day itinerary strikes a perfect balance between sightseeing, culture, and downtime. I hope you found this Vietnam Itinerary helpful. Need a shorter or longer one? Drop me a comment. Also, Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below as we'll be back in Vietnam soon. Use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. Overall we love Skyscanner and cam't fault it for offering the cheapest options. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang  check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go .   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -   We Love to Stay at this hotel when in HCMC  but we also use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ho Chi Minh This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Walk the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills 🇻🇳 The Ultimate Must-Do List When You Visit Vibrant Vietnam A City-by-City Guide to the Best Experiences We found Across the Country From bustling cities and ancient towns to island escapes and mountain treks, Vietnam is one of our favourite countries to travel to and is packed with unforgettable experiences. A place you can never get bored of. It's so different to any other South east Asian Country. It's of it's own. Influenced by it's past, but very firmly knowing who it is and stoically not letting that go. What started out as a quick visa run for our Bali visa renewal turned into one of our favourite city breaks ( Ho Chi Minh City Break - where to stay ) in South East Asia and one where we're back at any opportunity. Cheap flights you say.... YES let's go to Vietnam! Whether you're planning your first trip to Vibrant Vietnam or returning for more, here are THE must-do things in Vietnam , broken down by region for easy travel planning. When starting writing a blog post like this, we kind of don't know where to start with a country like Vietnam. It's so diverse and completely different from location to location. So dazzling lights city bright built up (Ho Chi Minh), so green, a picture post card town (Hoi An) to the most insane hillside mountain views you've ever seen. The below places are the places we think you should try to see in a visit to Vietnam (depending on your itinerary length of course). I share on this blog A Things to Do for 24 hours in Vietnam | 3 Day Vietnam Itinerary | 5 Days in Vietnam | 2 weeks in Vietnam | or a slow month in Vietnam - all very different guides. Take what you need from the below to build your perfect trip and ask me anything in the comments. We are only in Bali and Vietnam is often a cheap flight away. And Vietnam IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA! So we are back often and add to this list as and when we find an absolute gem. Some places in Vietnam catch you by surprise too, like when we planned 3 days in Hoi An but completely fell in love and extended our stay to a whole month just exploring the streets of Hoi An and slow living with the kids. At every turn Vietnam surprises us and we hope tis list surprises you too! Some of these links are our affiliate links This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! Skip to the relevant section: HCMC Hoi An Da Nang Phu Quoc Hanoi Sapa Ho Chi Minh City (Former Name Saigon) Ho Chi Minh City from up high 1. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels Experience the underground world used during the Vietnam War. A guided tour like this one booked via GetYourGuide gives powerful insight into the country's history and combines the Cu Chi Tunnels with a a sampan boat ride on the Mekong Delta also. 2. Dive into a street food crawl in District 1 Sample southern Vietnamese flavours — think bánh mì, phá lấu, and sizzling bánh xèo from roadside vendors. Or take a walk and spot where's busy with locals and take a seat. Be prepared to have your knees up high as you perch on a little plastic stool and drink beer poured over ice (this is unique to Vietnam - all beer comes with ice, which I love, but Si doesn't). Beer is cheap, food is cheap and delicately balanced, fragrant, the perfect mix of everything. You can get freshly squeezed juices and sugar cane juices by the road side and this is all quite normal. Embrace it all, try it all and dig right in to Vietnams culinary delights. This food tour by bike is perfect if you are not with kids, jump on a bike with a local guide and go to literally the best spots and unseen parts of Saigon, quickly, saving those legs as HCMC is BIG! Book Now at Get Your Guide 3. Visit the War Remnants Museum A sobering yet essential stop to understand Vietnam’s modern history through photographs and preserved artifacts. We just bought tickets at the museum as we fancied taking the day at our own pace but if you prefer a guided tour. This tour combines a visit to the war museum and the Independence Palace as a walking tour . 4. Cruise the Mekong Delta Take this day trip to the Mekong for boat rides, coconut candy, and village life. Booked via Get Your Guide. Opt for a small-group tour for a more personal experience. 5. Visit The Apartment Cafes Spend time in the square outside or go inside these cafes and explore floor by floor. Grab an ice cream by the square and slurp away or actually go inside these amazing cool old apartments turned independent coffee houses, cafes and choose your favourite. You don't have to pay to go inside. Although if you want to take the lift inside, this is charged at the lift door. Just go and explore all floors for a fun cool activity. Check out our date night video here where we had a cocktail with a view at The Letter inside The Apartment Cafes (without the kids just us two), Can you spot it in the middle of the below picture? Also we have visited Apartment Cafes many times during the day for coffees, drinks and food with the kids. Please ask away if you have any q's about where to eat inside here. This is somewhere you must visit just purely for it's coolness and uniqueness. We Love it here! Evening drinks had in The Letter inside The cool Apartment Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City - can you spot it? Apartment Cafes Vietnam - old apartments turned indie cafes amongst the glitz and newness of the city. This all lights up an night and is worth a visit to the square if only to soak up the atmosphere of the evening. 6. From Vietnam with love - Visit The Iconic Post Office Building right in the centre and send a letter back home from this landmark (a fun activity with the kids). A magnificent building that awes and impresses. You can buy postcards inside and sit down to write your message home, then stamp with a Vietnam post stamp and send your love all the way back home either for you to keep as a memento of your time in Vietnam or to a loved one. TIP: It get's busy so expect queues but once done sit outside with cold mango bought from one of the street sellers. 7. Visit Ben Thanh Markets Meander through the busy stalls selling everything from local sweets, old remnants from the war to electronics. Busy, touristy but worth a visit. Don't forget to haggle! Bartering is expected in Vietnam  — especially in markets, small shops, and with street vendors. It's part of the culture, but there are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind. Check out our bartering / haggling tips inside our Vietnam Ultimate Guide here 8. Visit Notre Dam Cathedral 9. Take the Hop on / Hop Off City Bus Tour to get a feel for the city zones and districts. Free transport for the day too as you can get all around the city to explore. OR take it easy and just sit watching the streets of HCMC whizz by below. Personally a big hit with the kids who we'd walked their legs off (again) in this hot crazy city. So a very welcome break from all that walking, but still seeing the amazing sights. 10. Take The Overnight Sleeper Train from HCMC to Hoi An (pulls in to Da Nang actually, but a taxi can be taken cheaply and easily to Hoi An) An experience you won't forget. Saves money over flying and the views on the journey give you a taste of the real Vietnam. You will see locals exercising on the roadside, going about their daily business, men with their tops up over the bellies to cool down, 100's of bikes waiting at the train stop for your train to stop and stern train cabin crew asking you if you want a boiled egg or a sausage in a cup as a snack. All confusing and part of the Vietnam trip! We took the overnight sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang with kids  check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go . Do a Cooking class in the heart of Saigon with a local chef learn how to create 4 courses of amazing Vietnamese food, combined with a visit to the iconic Wet Market Cho Ben Thanh . Book here via GetYourGuide Learn how to make Vietnamese Coffee - Drink as many egg coffees as you can when in Vietnam. They are the creamiest, most delicious things in the world. And to think I put this delight off because egg + coffee sounded disgusting. Just try it! No scrap that Do this Egg Coffee making course then you won't have to cry when you get home because of egg coffee withdrawals. You can thank us later! Hoi An The prettiest town In Vietnam (maybe the world). Right out of a movie. Yellow buildings, crackled plaster, branches with pink flowers, lanterns and lanes that get seem endless. Oh a rooftops as far as the eye can see. Actually Hoi An is now a Protected Heritage Site. We ended up staying a month in this beautiful place and got to know the streets like the back of our hand. Although at first granted, you will get lost, the streets do move and you'll uncover something new even after 1 month. We will share a very detailed Hoi An guide here soon, but for now these are our highlights. Hoi An (our fave place in Vietnam). But even if you can just squeeze 24 hours in Hoi An (do!) and I include a 24hr itinerary on this blog of what to do in just 1 day of Hoi An. And from then you'll be re-booking that trip! 13. Wander the lantern-lit Ancient Town By day, explore temples and tailor shops; by night, the old town transforms into a magical lantern-lit wonderland. Hire a bike and pedal the streets. Watch out for the bikes too when walking. They won't stop for you and you must get out of their way! Short on time? Take a Hoi An Ancient Town Guided Walking Tour where you'll see the highlights or potter and amble yourself. But expect to get lost! 14. Take a Vietnamese Hoi An cooking class Join a class that includes a market tour and a bamboo boat ride before making classic dishes like cao lầu, spring rolls and Hoi An Dumplings (white rose dumplings). 15. Take a lantern making class With the kids this is a must do. You can release the lantern in the river or take it home. A class like this will be a treasured highlight of your Hoi An trip 16. Take a night time boat trip with all the lanterns (a must with kids) Relax at An Bang Beach Just minutes from town, this mellow beach is perfect for swimming, sipping cocktails, or enjoying fresh seafood by the shore. Next to An Bang is the much quieter beach where the Best Restaurant in Hoi An Serves The best Rose Dumplings. A dish that you must try when in Hoi An. 18. Grab a famous herbal drink MOT And feel pretty drinking it. Especially with pink hair. Pink hair optional. 19. Just potter the streets of Hoi An . No plans, just ramble through. The prettiest streets ever. Grab a cocktail on this rooftop terrace. 20. Get some perfectly fitting shoes made Visit one of the many leather stores to get some shoes specially made that fit like a glove. Choose from coloured leathers, fabrics and designs. You will be spoilt for choice. Or get a suit or dress made for a special occasion. I ended u buying 2 pairs of leather sandals that are now part of my 4 pairs of shoes that I won and travel with. Each costing £15 each and are blooming beautiful and the comfiest sandals I've ever had. 21. Take a ride in a Coconut Forest Basket Boat down the river and span round like crazy - or not - you can choose if you want to get span around. Overall it's a fun day, cheap as anything and you'll ride in a traditional boat through the most stunning rivers. And maybe get to see water buffalo. BOOK NOW AT GETYOURGUIDE 22. Visit Cham Islands  by speedboat to snorkel on this snorkelling trip and explore the very beautiful Cham 23. Try the Best Banh Mi from Madam Khans . In the Old Town, but it get's busy, but even better, you can order from Grab for delivery. These are the best you'll have. Please trust us on this one! And just try. 24. Hoi An food is of it's own and these are your MUST tries . White Rose Dumplings, Cau Loa. Or take an Old Town Food Tour and try everything (make sure you are hungry as you really do eat all of Hoi An)! 25. If you Didn't do it in HCMC Learn how to make Egg Coffees in the home of Egg Coffees at this Hoi An Coffee Making Class where you'll learn how to make the famous egg coffee, salt coffee and coconut coffee. We die! Coffees that make you gain weight but are an absolute treaty must to try and a not to be missed workshop if you have time. Da Nang Visit the Marble Mountains Explore marble-carved caves and pagodas with panoramic views over the coastline. You can do a trip that fits in Marble mountains, Lady Buddha and Am Phu Cave if you are short on time and want to fit as much as possible in. Walk the Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills) Famous for the giant hands holding a golden walkway, this mountaintop park is a photographer’s dream. Take this Ba Na Hills Day Trip to ride the cable cars there, walk this hand bridge and spend time at the Fantasy Amusement Park See the Dragon Bridge by Day If you're in town on a weekend, catch the yellow dragon-shaped bridge shoot flames and water — a quirky highlight of Da Nang. Da Nang Dragon Bridge by Day See the Dragon Bridge by Night Breath Fire If you're in town on a weekend, catch the yellow dragon-shaped bridge shoot flames and water — a quirky highlight of Da Nang. Plus a nigh time walk by the river always seems to bring fireworks somewhere in the skies of DaNang. A walk with the kids to get a nightime coffee at one of the many coffee shops of an ice cold kem is a nice low key evening. There is a very nice wide sandy beach in the city too so good for walking At night the Da Nang Dragon Bridge Lights up And at weekend breaths fire. A spectacular sight of the DaNang Skyline and something to see for sure! See Lady Buddha Pergoda with this trip which also takes you to marble mountain and Am Phu Caves Take a Night River Cruise Phu Quoc Island Go island hopping in the An Thoi Archipelago Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, lounge on remote beaches, and visit colourful coral reefs. Watch sunset at Long Beach Phu Quoc’s west-facing coast serves up some of the most breathtaking sunsets in Vietnam. Visit Grand World Theme Park for a surreal and strange day Hanoi Visit Train Street and sip coffee at one of the trackside cafes and watch how close the trains get. It's an experience. Or get a beer, then get the bottle top flattened on the tracks to make a souvenir to take home Eat bun cha where Obama did Try Hanoi’s smoky grilled pork and noodles at the same local spot Obama and Bourdain dined — Bún Chả Hương Liên. 36. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake Start your day with locals doing tai chi or end with a walk around the illuminated lake and Ngoc Son Temple. 37. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex Learn about Vietnam’s iconic leader and explore his stilt house and the surrounding museums and gardens. 38. Watch a traditional water puppet show This uniquely Vietnamese performance blends folklore, music, and puppetry — best seen at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. 39. Potter around Hanoi's Old Quarter Soaking in the atmosphere Sapa Trek through rice terraces and ethnic minority villages Hike to remote villages like Ta Van or Lao Chai, home to Hmong and Dao communities. A local guide adds depth to the experience. Spend a night in a hill tribe homestay Enjoy home-cooked meals, warm hospitality, and quiet evenings surrounded by mountains and mist. Visit Love Waterfall or take the cable car to Fansipan See stunning natural waterfalls or ride up Vietnam’s highest peak for views that stretch into China on clear days. Visit Cat cat village Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay Cruise through limestone karsts and floating villages Do a Ha Long Bay overnight cruise is a must — kayak into caves, swim in emerald waters, and sleep aboard a boat under the stars. Ha Long 2 Day Cruise Visit Titop Island Vist Luon Cave Other areas that we haven't covered here but are also very beautiful to visit in Vietnam include: Phong Nha, Hue, Da Lat, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Nha Trang and Ninh Binh. Take a look at the map to understand the geography of Vietnam better and see all the things to do in these areas too. Vietnam is more than just a checklist — it’s about the flavours , faces , and feelings  you carry with you. These must-do experiences offer a perfect balance of adventure, culture, food, and nature for travelers looking to truly connect with the country. And let me know if you would like a 3 day, 5 day itinerary for your next trip to Vietnam. LOVE THIS? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: I hope you found this post of everything that's good to do when visiting Vietnam helpful. Let me know in the comments when you next go to Vietnam and if i've missed anything off this list that you think is an absolute gem. Also, Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. Overall we love Skyscanner and cam't fault it for offering the cheapest options. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang  check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go .   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -   We Love to Stay at this hotel when in HCMC but we also use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ho Chi Minh This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Vietnam Visa Guide for UK Travellers (2025 Update) Everything You Need to Know About Visas, Entry Requirements & Stays If you're planning a trip to Vietnam from the UK, one of the first questions you'll ask is: Do I need a visa?  The good news? Vietnam has made travel much easier in recent years — especially for British passport holders. In this guide, we’ll cover everything UK travellers need to know about Vietnam’s visa policy, including the different visa types, stay duration, application methods, and updated travel rules for 2025. All about the visa-free entry, e-visa options, how long you can actually stay for, and what to do if you want to extend your time in this incredible country. Note: this information was accurate at the time of writing but please check with the Embassy to make sure you are up to date with your information for your Vietnam trip. Do UK Passport Holders Need a Visa for Vietnam? Yes — but with good flexibility . As of 2025 , UK passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free  for up to 45 days . This visa exemption applies to: British Citizens  with a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. The 45-day period includes your arrival and departure dates. You don’t need to apply for anything in advance if you're staying 45 days or less — just show up with your passport and proof of onward travel (sometimes requested at immigration). Want to Stay Longer Than 45 Days from the UK? Here’s How: If you plan to stay beyond 45 days , you have two main options : 1. Apply for a Vietnam e-Visa (Single or Multiple Entry) Vietnam offers an e-Visa  system that is: Easy to apply online Issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department Valid for up to 90 days  (single or multiple entry) 💻 How to Apply: Go to the official website : https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn Fill in personal details Upload a passport photo and image of your passport bio page Pay a fee (typically USD $25–50  depending on the entry type) Processing time: 3–5 working days Receive an email with your e-Visa approval letter — print this out for arrival Entry Requirements: Valid UK passport (minimum 6 months validity) Completed e-Visa printout Proof of onward travel (sometimes requested) Travel insurance (recommended, not always required) Visa Extension: Can I Extend My Stay in Vietnam? Currently, visa extensions within Vietnam are possible , but the process can be tricky and varies depending on your visa type. It’s often easier to: Exit and re-enter  Vietnam (e.g., take a quick trip to Thailand or Cambodia), then return under a new 45-day exemption  or e-Visa. Or apply for a new e-Visa  online while outside Vietnam. Travel agencies in Vietnam can sometimes assist with extensions, but fees and reliability vary — always use trusted agents . Re-Entry Rules for UK Travellers You can re-enter Vietnam  under the visa exemption after a quick exit, but it’s recommended to: Spend at least 30 days  outside the country before reusing the exemption. Alternatively, apply for a new e-Visa  if you plan to return sooner. Your Arrival Checklist for Vietnam Visa Here’s what to have ready when you land in Vietnam: ✅ A passport valid for at least 6 months ✅ A printed e-Visa (if staying over 45 days) ✅ Proof of onward travel or return flight ✅ Accommodation address (sometimes requested) ✅ Travel insurance (strongly recommended) Airports and Border Crossings That Accept e-Visas Vietnam e-Visas are accepted at 33 international entry points , including: Airports : Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) Land borders : Cambodia, Laos, and China Seaports : Da Nang Port, Ho Chi Minh City Port Vietnam Visa Tips for Families Traveling as a family? Here’s what to know: Each traveler (including children) must apply for a separate e-Visa . Children under 14 can be included on a parent’s e-Visa application if their details are in the same passport (rare for UK travelers). Carry printed copies of all documents — especially for younger travellers. Summary: Vietnam Visa for UK Travellers Visa Option Stay Duration Entry Type Cost Apply From Visa-Free 45 days Single Free On arrival e-Visa Up to 90 days Single or multiple $25–50 USD Online Extension Varies N/A Varies Inside Vietnam (not guaranteed) Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and rewarding destinations for UK travellers — and with generous visa-free access and easy online applications, there’s no reason not to make the most of your trip. Whether you're backpacking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, relaxing in Phu Quoc, or exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An, this visa guide will ensure your entry to Vietnam is as smooth as possible. LIKE THIS? THEN YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS: I hope you found this Vietnam Visa blog helpful. Let me know in the comments when you next go to Vietnam. Also, Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life where we'll be heading back to Vietnam soon. Check out our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. Overall we love Skyscanner and can't fault it for offering the cheapest options. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang  check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go .   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -   We Love to Stay at this hotel when in HCMC  but we also use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ho Chi Minh This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam? Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Weather by Month, Seasons & Travel Tips for 2025 A Month-by-Month Guide to Weather, Seasons & Travel Tips So, you're going to Vietnam? You're going to have a life changingly brilliant time! Vietnam is a country of rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and incredible food — and no matter what time of the year you visit, it's going to bring with it it's own unique magic at different times of the year. And we can say this with total conviction. We were there at the November Hoi An 2024 floodings and had a great time. But in order to answer this question, it really does depend on what you want. If you want the weather, you'll get the crowds. But to what extent and where's the balance? Well, hopefully this blog can give you all the information that you need to plan your Vietnam visit perfectly. In this guide, we’ll break down Vietnam’s weather by region , explain what to expect throughout the year, give you smart packing tips , and include a month-by-month travel chart  to help you plan your perfect Vietnamese adventure. And we share some packing tips on what to pack to make sure that you are all set no matter what time you visit Vietnam. Traveling to Vietnam for the first time? Check out My Ultimate Vietnam Guide . With its unique shape stretching over 1,000 miles from north to south, timing your trip can make a big difference actually. The best time to visit Vietnam depends on where you're going , what you want to do , and your tolerance for heat, rain, or humidity . Vietnam’s Three Climate Zones Vietnam has three distinct climate regions: 1. North Vietnam   (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) Seasons:  Four distinct seasons Winters (Dec–Feb):  Cool, misty, sometimes cold (especially in Sapa) Summers (May–Aug):  Hot and humid with heavy rain Best time:  March–April & October–November 2. Central Vietnam   (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) Seasons:  Dry and wet seasons Dry season (Feb–Aug):  Sunny, hot, beach-perfect Rainy season (Sep–Jan):  Flood risk, especially in Hoi An Best time:  February–May 3. South Vietnam   (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) Seasons:  Dry and wet Dry season (Nov–Apr):  Sunny and warm Wet season (May–Oct):  Short daily showers, still hot Best time:  December–March What to Pack Based on the Weather For the Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Lightweight clothing Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen Swimsuits and flip flops A light jacket or sweater for the north For the Rainy Season (May–Oct): Quick-dry clothing Umbrella or poncho Waterproof shoes or sandals Backpack rain cover For Winter in the North (Dec–Feb): Warm layers, especially for Sapa Closed shoes and socks A light puffer or fleece jacket Scarf and gloves if going into the mountains Month-by-Month Weather & Travel Guide Month North Vietnam Central Vietnam South Vietnam Notes & Events January Cool, dry, misty Cool, dry Warm, dry Great time for whole country; Tet prep begins February Warmer, dry Dry and sunny Hot, dry Tet Lunar New Year (travel delays possible) March Pleasant, sunny Ideal beach weather Hot, dry Excellent month to travel all over April Warm, dry Very hot, dry Very hot, dry Beach lovers’ dream month May Hot, start of rain Hot, occasional showers Rainy season begins Green landscapes begin to appear June Hot, humid, wet Hot, humid Wet season Good for fewer crowds, but hot & wet July Hot, heavy rains Rain increases Frequent rain Best for deals, pack waterproof gear August Storms possible Rainy, chance of flooding Wet but tropical Avoid central coast during typhoon season September Cooler, rainy Rainy and wet Less rain Northern rice terraces turn golden October Dry and cool Flood risk in Hoi An Transition to dry season Best for trekking in Sapa November Crisp, dry Rain easing Dry season begins Excellent for exploring all regions December Cold in north, dry Dry, mild Warm, dry Christmas travel boom; ideal for all-around trip So When Is the Best  Time Overall? If you're looking for a sweet spot that works for most destinations in Vietnam: March to April  and October to November  are your perfect times in our opinion. These months offer moderate temperatures , minimal rainfall , and lush scenery  — perfect for beach trips, hiking, sightseeing, and street food exploration. Bonus Tip for Family Travelers Since you're traveling as a family, keep in mind: Rainy season  doesn’t mean all-day rain — showers are often short and manageable. Off-peak months  (like May and September) offer lower prices and fewer crowds, which can make family travel more relaxed and budget-friendly. Always check local holidays  like Tet  (Vietnamese New Year), which affects transport and accommodation availability. Vietnam is a year-round destination — but choosing when and where to go can make your trip more comfortable and unforgettable. With this guide, you're all set to time your travels right, pack wisely, and make the most of Vietnam’s stunning diversity from north to south. LIKE THIS? THEN YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS: I hope you found this weather post helpful. Let me know in the comments when you next go to Vietnam. Also, Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life where we'll be heading back to Vietnam soon. Check out our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. Overall we love Skyscanner and cam't fault it for offering the cheapest options. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang  check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go .   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -   We Love to Stay at this hotel when in HCMC  but we also use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ho Chi Minh This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

15+ Surprising Things You Can't Do in Singapore (And Why It Matters!) On our first visit to Singapore, we were struck by how clean and organised the city felt. Poor planning on our part really, we arrived pretty unprepared and hadn't realised that Singapore has many rules. And rules that we'd broken. Ouch! all looks innocent ... nothing to see here ... until Si commits his 4th Singapore rule break (unkowingly your honour)...my bum just popped out by accident... It doesn't matter, public nudity is not allowed...send him down (& throw away the key) It's true that Singapore is referred to as the cleanest and most efficient city in the world — and it’s easy to see why. But that sparkling skyline and squeaky-clean streets come with some of the strictest laws you’ll find anywhere else . And it's citizens follow them. And hence the other stuff follows. There is little crime in Singapore and you can feel it. And (we)** ahem ** -mostly- Si - un-kowingly broke some of these rules when we spent 72 hours in Singapore . Not intentionally of course (sorry Singapore & Singaporeans for our amazing trip!), but purely bad planning & ignorance on our part. Actually we didn't know these before we visited and have put together a quick guide so you don't have to go on the naught step. Also there a cameras everywhere. Again we liked this and felt really safe but knowing these rules exist now makes us realise that these camera are there to enforce rule following which are intended to keep us safe/in line (which of course the two go hand in hand). If you're planning a visit to Singapore, here’s a handy list of things you definitely can’t do in Singapore  — plus a few bonus tips that could save you from an awkward (or expensive) moment. And as a tourist, that likes to respect the local culture, laws and people. It's something I wish we'd known before we came. 1. Chewing Gum (Unless It’s Prescribed) You can’t buy or bring in regular chewing gum. You wont find gum in the shops. Therapeutic gum like nicotine patches is okay with a prescription. You won't step in any used gum on the floor and chewing it will get you funny looks. It's not allowed. Erm... that is not my suermarket multi pack of chuds in my bag Sir. A bad man came, put them there and ran away. I think he went that way. 2. Littering Singapore takes cleanliness seriously. Even minor littering can lead to hefty fines or public cleaning penalties. And we love this about Singapore. Littering should be took this seriously. But honestly in the streets, there was not a single speck of litter. Not even a runaway wrapper. Not even in the shrubbery or the plants in the middle of the roads. Not a speck. I've never seen streets so clean. 3. Jaywalking Cross only at pedestrian crossings or risk a fine — it’s enforced, even if the street looks empty. We were so guilty of this. It's the Western way - you cross wherever and whenever you can. We did feel like rebels doing this because nobody followed and that should have made us realise but we're sorry Singapore - we'll not do this again now that we know. 4. Eating or Drinking on Public Transport Snacking on the MRT or bus can earn you a fine. Even water is off-limits. Oops guilty as charged officer, throw away the keys. We all drank our waters un-knowingly on the MRT but did see a sign when on there and swiftly put our bottles away. And a few locals looking at us... and then their shoes... and then back at us... like put the god damned water away. 5. Spitting in Public Public hygiene is a top priority. Spitting is considered an offence and is fined accordingly and rightly so. I mean come on it's gross. Not guilty your honour. 6. Vandalism or Graffiti Writing or scratching on public property is illegal. In severe cases, offenders may be caned. Now we love a graffiti street (hello Barcelona , hello Berlin, hello Ibiza ) and we actually appreciate the art. But this rule ensures you will see zero graffiti around Singapore. Not even a naughty willy on a motorway bridge (that makes me wonder how the hell they got up there to do that) anyway... mind wanders. NO GRAFFITi you heard me! 7. Smoking Outside Designated Areas Smoke only in marked smoking zones. Many outdoor spaces, Parks, bus stops, and walkways are smoke-free. We like this. Non - smokers that appreciate not having to breateh cigarette smoke in anywhere. Love this rule. 8. Vaping or Using E-Cigarettes All forms of vaping are illegal. Don’t bring your e-cig with you. We're not smokers anyway but yes you won't see anyone with a plastic puffer hanging out of there gob in a cloud of fake sticky sweet poison waft. And it's quite nice tbf. 9. Not Flushing Public Toilets It’s an offence not to flush after using a public toilet. Some even have sensors to detect this that shoot you in the bum! That last part is not true. But the sensors part is. 10. Singing Vulgar Songs in Public Loud, offensive music or singing can be seen as a public nuisance. 11. Using Unsecured Wi-Fi Accessing someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is considered illegal under cybercrime laws. It's a pretty strict thing in Singapore. 12. Disrespecting Religion Singapore is a multi-faith nation. Insulting or mocking any religion is taken very seriously. And this is how many faiths come together in one space, looking to live pretty harmoniously from our outside perspective. 13. Feeding Pigeons This might seem harmless, but it’s banned to prevent overpopulation and mess. 14. Fireworks Without a Permit Only government-approved fireworks are allowed. DIY celebrations = big trouble. 15. Dancing in Unlicensed Venues Bars and clubs need a special license to allow dancing. Otherwise, it’s a no-go. Mad eh!? Let us know if we've missed any and I can add them here. There's actually loads more. It's crazy really to think we felt so free and safe when we visited Singapore. But we didn't know these rules. Now we know them, I'm wondering how this makes the experience of Singapore feel on our next visit. I'll let you know.... Bonus Tips: There's No alcohol sales after 10:30 PM  in shops. WHAAAT NOOOO We'll Die. We've got kids! No durians on public transport  due to their extreme smell. Amen they stink. No skinny dipping  or nudity at beaches. Oops. No password sharing  for streaming accounts — it could count as cybercrime! So giving your mates the Netflix password. NO. Don’t publicly criticize the government  — defamation laws are strict. These rules are for our protection, not our enslavement you hear me. Anyway, we LOVED our time in Singapore and plan to return in 2025 and this time we come armed with our full list of rules and by golly we intend to adhere to them. I'll be getting Si a belt too. We hope you found this post helpful. Did you know some of these rules? Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments. LOVE THIS? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Want help planning your Singapore adventure ? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days in Singapore... they're all on this website. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below and use the affiliate tools at the bottom of this page to start planning your next Singapore trip to make it one to remember (hopefully not for getting locked up from breaking the rules): On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR SINGAPORE TRIP 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS -  We use this flight checker  to search cheap flight tickets for our Singapore trip and got flights from Bali to Singapore for just £33 each! Amazing. Use to check dates and flight costs to Changi Airport Singapore now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🏨   - ACCOMMODATION -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Singapore trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Singapore now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - SINGAPORE TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Singapore. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

This post is not sponsored but includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! We're adding all of our favourite hotels to the blog that we've been staying in during our world adventures and today we share our best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - La Memoria Hotel . Our fave hotel for budget travelers who also appreciate nice decor. We spent 2 months in Vietnam in 2024 and due to it's close proximity to Bali , we will always find a way to return to explore Vietnam whenever we can. We flew from Denpasar Bali to Tan Son Nhat International Airprot in HCMC via VietJet. This hotel is not actually far from the hotel and we got a Grab taxi from the airport to the hotel which cost . (My TOP Travel Tip : make sure you download the Grab app before leaving when in your home country if you don't have it already. Grab is like Uber for South East Asian countries and Vietnam doesn't use GoJek like Bali. Download the app and set up your banking details to link bank cards to the app without having to reply on WIFI etc when you arrive. Much easier to set up and get organised before before you need it (as the app does ask for verification codes to be sent to your mobile number etc). Grab will allow you to book taxis and order food via the app - which is amazing for ease and convenience for us. We love the green plants at this hotel amongst the concrete and grey of the city. Nature V man! Btw Don't forget to Check out our Ultimate Things to do In Vietnam for the best things to do in each place on your next Vietnam holiday. What started as a quick visa run from Bali to Vietnam has turned into a love affair with this beautiful country and this hotel is one that has us coming back time & time again when we're in the busy capital of Vietnam : Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). We're always pulled back to this hotel every time we're in Vietnams capital because booking accommodation can be pretty overwhelming there. A plethora of hotels but many don't have pools (which is a surprise for a South East Asian Country, we're used to Bangkok where many do) and as a family we really love to have a pool when in the city. Ho Chi Minh is baking hot with high humidity and it's simply beautiful to come back to this clean modern hotel for a cooling swim. Especially with kids. We actually found the best prices for La Memoria at Agoda  but it's always worth a check on booking.com  too as this isn't always the case, we found slightly cheaper there one time. I've included easy links above to La Memoria hotel Ho Chi Minh, for your ease and the date checker below. We find this hotel to be a good price with a little bit of style which you tend not to get at our budget level. You can use this handy price tool to check your dates for availability and prices at La Memoria Hotel below: We like the cool style. Kind of feels like a little slice of Tulum holiday fun in a city and it's within walking distance to many sights being in central zone 1. The decor is simple. The orange against the blue does something to the senses. With green cacti contrasting against it. The balconies are draped with hanging vines and greenery. A contrast to the city scape (but that's the one thing we love about Ho Chi Minh, it's residents fill every space with plant life). Oh and a chicken pho breakfast is included in the price and it's unexpectedly up there with one of the best Pho's in Vietnam. Other breakfast options available too, which is good with kids because you don't have to trudge out, hungry and hot and can start the day well all in the comfort of 'home' in Ho Chi Minh! It's clean, straight to the point and a place where we feel very at home. In the mornings you can get up early and head to the many coffee shops in the area - you'll see local life happen around you. But can return to the safe haven of this hotel. Which is something we value very much here. Ho Chi Minh is noisy, chaotic, sweaty and leaves me feeling dizzy. I love a calm sanctuary to return to and there's something about this hotel that keeps us coming back time and time again and that's enough for us. A great location: Great location in District 1 Near to: near Bui Vien walking street | A ATM machine next door | A juice seller outside on the corner (amazing to just nip out to with kids) | Local street restaurants a couple doors down - turn right at entrance for some easy authentic Vietnamese food if you can't be bothered trekking out & about | I recently looked in on some reviews to see what people were saying as we actually last stayed in November 2024 and I read reviews saying "it's noisy" (erm hello this is a city) some rooms are front road facing so noisier than those within. I've stayed in both and honestly with the air con on I didn't notice it. If noise is an issue for people ear plugs should be a travel staple for them. That said, we didn't actually find this hotel to be 'noisy' sure there's noise though - it's a hotel in one of the worlds busiest cities ;-) "it's decor isn't pretty" you can see from the pictures what the decor is and in Vietnam decor in hotels is pretty bad tbh if you're a style hunter like me. I love aesthetics and beautiful homes. In a former life I was a property developer, stager and flipper. I like nice things. I like interiors magazine. I have Pinterest boards for my Pinterest boards. Can you relate? I always try to book nice looking places because well basically I like things to look nice. Call me fickle. And so to say it's not pretty - I think you need to just look at the pictures (it is what it is) and then increase the budget. "location is far" it's a 5 min walk to Bui Vien walking street (take a left from the hotel and follow that road left. Walking street is literally 5 mins take a right). Then the major parts of the city are about 5 -10 mins from there. I'm not sure how central people want things other than on top of. And Bui Vien walking street is not a place I'd want to be sleeping on top of. We went on Halloween night and let me tell you there were many spooks out. We also walked through the next day during clean up and some spooks where still there! So a little walk from the hustle and bustle can be a good thing. If any place is too far you can take taxis anywhere to literally anywhere using Grab. We took a taxi from the hotel to the Apartment Cafes which is only around a 15 min walk. But we were so tired from some major walking the day before the Taxi took around 3 minutes but saved our tired feet from 15 mins walking. And cost next to nothing. Let me know if you have stayed here & how you like it? Let me know if you would like to see a video of this hotel as I have lot's of videos to share. Oh & Btw, This post is not sponsored just our honest review in our corner of the internet of the places we love along the way of our crazy adventure. La Memoria Hotel - City Centre 118 Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP WITH KIDS 💡 ✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Vietnam flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Bali to Ho Chi Minh and then internally from Ho Chi Minh (formally Saigon) to Danang. Then again from Da Nang to Phu Quoc with the best prices at the time. 🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS -  We took the overnight sleeper train from HCMC to Da Nang check out our vid of that experience here . Booked via 12Go .   🏨   - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Vietnam trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Vietnam now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - VIETNAM TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Vietnam. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. Trips in Ho Chi Minh This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!

Whether you're exploring historic old town alleyways, learning to cook Thai cuisine, or heading into the hills to visit elephant sanctuaries and hill tribe villages, Chiang Mai offers a unique experience at every turn. Here you'll find the best ways to explore this enchanting northern gem. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog! A list of Amazing Things to Do in Chiang Mai: A Mix of Iconic, Local, and Experiences based on our experience of living in Chiang Mai as digital nomads with kids who slow travel full time to find THE best things to do wherever we call home for that particular month! Whether you're here for a whirlwind weekend on the way to Chiang Rai or Pai, OR like us, spending a slow month soaking in its rhythm, pottering around the old town , stumbling on scared ceremonies, taking photo's of the mix of old and new. Every turn a photogenic must take photo. T he city offers something for every type of traveler. Perfect for foodies too. Food is next level in Chiang Mai. And of course the classic must do's and some magical encounters that left us breathless and a little bit changed for the better. H ere 's a curated list of the best things to do in Chiang Mai —perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to go beyond the obvious. This is our list of really good things to do in Chiang Mai , for those spending more time in the city, mixing daily life with sightseeing, and likely with kids in tow. This isn’t just a tourist checklist; it blends must-sees, slow moments, and local gems because with our guides we want to share with you all the things to do in Chiang Mai city  that allow you to experience the city rather than just see it . 27 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand Cultural Highlights Climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep This iconic temple perched on a mountain offers sweeping views over Chiang Mai. A must-see for first-timers! Old Town Ramble - Walk Inside the Old City of Chiang Mai’s Old Town - the heart and soul of northern Thailand — a charming 700 year old square-shaped historic district surrounded by ancient brick walls and a scenic moat. See the Tha Pae Gate Tha Pae Gate marks the entrance to the Old Town and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city walls. Having once acted as a fortress for the Old City, it faces the Ping River and is also close to many popular sights and shops. Markets, stalls etc. Get Your Guide has tons of Chiang Mai Old Town City walking tours . But within these centuries-old boundaries, you'll discover a world of serene Buddhist temples (over 300 for you to explore), vibrant street markets, cafés, and quiet lanes to get lost in. Whether you’re wandering through temples, trying delicious khao soi from a street stall, or stumbling upon a hidden café, Old Town is the ideal base for exploring Chiang Mai’s unique character at a slower, more authentic pace. We loved to just potter. No real plan just walk and walk and each time discover something new. 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to one of the entrances to the old town or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Explore the Old City Temples Chiang Mai’s Old Town is over 700 years old and home to over 300 temples. Take a simple walk through and around the streets within the Old Town and you can't help but stumble upon a temple. But just a simple unplanned Old Town Ramble will give you a handful on any walk through the town. Each beautiful, magnificent, awe inspiring and brimming with history. If you prefer something more structured, then Check out our temple guide here . Visit these centuries-old temples. Make sure you visit the bigger ones including Wat Phra Singh with the highly respected Phra Singh Buddha as well as a school for young monks. Experience a Traditional Monk Chat Learn about Buddhism and Thai culture directly from monks at select temples, like The Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok. If there's only one thing you do off this whole list in Chiang Mai it's this. Closely followed by Elely Cafe. But this was a wonderful experience for myself and Si and something we feel very lucky to have had the chance to do. https://www.monkchat.net/web2020/index.php 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to the University or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Visit Wat Umong Temple . A fairytale forest temple with tunnels. Close by to Baan Kang Art Market to combine a day trip. 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to Wat Umong Temple or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Take a Thai Cooking Class Learn to make khao soi, pad thai, and mango sticky rice in a hands-on experience often paired with a local market visit. Try the Best Khao Soi If there's one dish you have to try when in Chiang Mai it's Khao Soi. Khao soi  is Chiang Mai’s famous noodle soup, made with boiled and deep-fried egg noodles in a chicken or beef, coconut curry broth, served with lime, roasted chilli, mustard greens and shallots. I have not had a bad Khao Soi in all my time in Chiang Mai. But you should try this n orthern Thai cuisine from the best restaurant in town in Nimman here. Other dishes to try: Gaeng Hang Lay, Sai Oua, Nam Prik Ong. Nature & Adventure Go Ziplining in the Jungle Join a tree-top adventure with views of lush forest. Flight of the Gibbon is one of the most reputable operators. Visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai is famous for its elephants and it is a must to visit some of these majestic animals during your trip. Spend a day feeding, walking with, and learning about rescued elephants — look for no-riding, hands-off sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park. We didn't join an elephant tour but we plan to visit this one  on our return later in 2025. But if you don't get time to visit an elephant tour, but love animals, elephants and nature... oh and coffee ... then this is one coffee shop that you do.not.want.to.miss! (Elely Cafe) Visit Elely Cafe A hidden gem in Chiang Mai (20 miles from Chiang Mai off the 107 highway) that you MUST visit for your next Chiang Mai trip. Read all about our amazing coffee & elephants date at Elely Cafe here. Overlooking the Ping river and nestled right next door to an elephant sanctuary, this cafes amazing features is the ability to interact with the elephants from the neighbouring sanctuary. Each day a couple of elephants are selected and brought down to the river right next to the cafe where customers are allowed to feed and interact with them. Baskets of food consisting of bananas or sugar cane are available for a small fee (100 baht). This is an amazing experience which costs very little and will be one which will be remembered. 📍🗺️ Address:  Elely Cafe, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Hike the Monk’s Trail A rewarding hike from the base of Doi Suthep to Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful forest temple with serene surroundings. Cool Off at Bua Thong "Sticky" Waterfalls These unique limestone waterfalls let you climb up the cascading rocks thanks to their grippy surface. Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon National Park Visit Thailand’s highest peak, stunning twin pagodas, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages — all in one scenic trip. Wellness & Mindfulness Join a Meditation Retreat Many temples and centers offer short or multi-day retreats in peaceful surroundings — great for unwinding and self-reflection. Meditation Retreat https://www.monkchat.net/web2020/index.php 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to the University or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Get a Traditional Thai Massage Experience an authentic (and affordable) massage, or try a massage course to learn the techniques yourself. Relax at a Jungle Hot Spring Head to San Kamphaeng or Chiang Dao hot springs to soak in natural mineral-rich waters. Markets & Local Life Visit Baan Kang Wat Artist Village  - See our full blog  on our visit to Baan Kang Art Market . A small community of independent shops and businesses that focus on local, handmade sustainable and organic products. Includes a library, art and craft studios, art galleries, a homemade gelato and bakery, coffee shops restaurants and beautiful art deco shops. Be sure to check out the community village’s schedule to discover their workshops such as ceramics, jewellery, water colour drawing, woodcut printing, notebook making, indigo etc...  And also regular art & crafts exhibitions. During our visit, we enjoyed browsing the independent shops and Lil did a watercolour workshop to help with her art studies and Boo did a painting workshop to go alongside his world schooling learning. We ate one of the best Khao Soi ( a Northern Thai egg noodle soup in a curry broth, topped with crispy fried noodles) and drank delicious coffee at the coffee shop housed there. If you are arty or into your crafts, then this place really is a must when in Chiang Mai. 📍🗺️ Address:  Baan Kang Artist Village, 191 Soi Ban Ram Poang, Suthep, Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map   ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to Baan Kang Wat or take a guided tour trip like this one here  where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Shop at the Sunday Night Walking Street Chiang Mai’s most iconic market, full of handmade crafts, street food, and local performers. Or Anusarn Night Market Night Bazarr night food market, which even though this caters for Tourists the food here is very good and very cheap. And you can get unique gifts from the market. Check out our Full Chiang Mai Best Market Guide 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to Anusarn Market or take a guided tour trip like this one here where you can combine with some other fun things in the area to pack out your trip. Browse Warorot Market A bustling local market perfect for trying northern snacks, picking up souvenirs, and immersing in everyday Thai life. Visit a Local Coffee Farm Northern Thailand is known for its coffee — take a tour, learn about the beans, and taste fresh local brews. 🛵 Explore & Discover Take a Scooter Ride Through the Countryside Venture beyond the city into lush rice fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads. Discover the Hidden Alley Cafés Chiang Mai is famous for its café culture — find gems tucked inside old walls or surrounded by gardens. Visit the Art Galleries & Co-Working Spaces and coffee shops in Nimmanhaemin This trendy district is perfect for digital nomads, full of boutiques, concept cafés, and creative spaces. 🎉 Fun & Unique Experiences Join a Lantern Festival (Loy Krathong & Yi Peng) If you're lucky to visit in November, witness thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky in a breathtaking spectacle. Take a Muay Thai Class or Watch a Fight Learn Thailand’s national sport or see the pros in action at one of Chiang Mai’s stadiums. Michelin meal out at Rasik Local Kitchen to compare against all the street food that we'd been eating. Cocktails in Nimmanhaemin Check out Yayyee for very good cocktails that come highly recommended by us - with a view! 📍🗺️ Address:  Chiang Mai, Thailand | Google Map  ➡️ 🚗 How to get there:  Get a grab taxi or a songthaew  directly to Yayyee. For up to the minute 'Things to do in Chiang Mai' steal my go to place and visit Trip.com  (honestly the best place to find awesome things to do by fellow travellers) take a dig through to find some up to date and really cool spots. This is how we found out about Elely Cafe (link to blog post) and many other awesome spots on our travel journey. Also you can book trips over there too. Want help planning your Chiang Mai  adventure? Let me know in the comments & I can help you create the perfect itinerary for you. I hope you found this post helpful. In the meantime keep up with our daily updates below: On YouTube: 💡 HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR THAILAND TRIP 💡 ✈️ - CHIANG MAI FLIGHTS -  We use this flight checker  to search the best flight tickets fall or our Thailand flights. We used this flight checker to get flights from Singapore  to Krabi   with the best prices at the time. Then we took the bus from Krabi to Bangkok. Then onwards to Chiang Mai via the bus also. Use to check dates and flight costs to Bangkok Airport (International and Domestic) now or go to our Flight Planning Page fore more 🚌🚆🚇 - CHIANG MAI TRAVEL -  We took the overnight bus from Krabi to Bangkok that left Krabi at 3pm and arrived in Bangkok the following morning at 6am. Then onwards from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via the day time bus that set off from Bangkok at 10am and arrived in Chiang Mai at 8pm. Both booked via 12Go.   🏨   - CHIANG MAI ACCOMMODATION -  We use this hotels checker  to search hotels and accommodation for our Thailand trip. Use to check dates and costs to hotels and hostels in Thailand now or go to our Accommodation Planning Page for more 🧭🗺️👣   - CHIANG MAI THAILAND TOURS & GUIDES -  We use Get Your Guide  for all of the trips in Thailand. But we also love Klook  too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different. This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!