2 flights, 2 countries, 4 nights, 23–27 Oct
Chiang MaiHanoi4nVientiane
Four nights in Hanoi, ending in Vientiane with no flight back. Both places are capitals. About 1,200 km of flying in all as the crow flies. Typical October highs are 30–32°C everywhere. Hanoi averages about 5 mm of rain a day in October. Flights work out at about €67 a night, with a cabin bag usually included.
Chiang Mai
Thailand, Start, Fri 23 Oct
Hanoi
Vietnam, 4 nights, 23–27 Oct
Vietnam's capital, with the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem and West lakes, the Imperial Citadel, street food on plastic stools and French-era boulevards.
Typical October: highs of 30°C, 5 mm of rain a dayNo other city has fares in and out on these days.
Vientiane
Laos, Last stop, Tue 27 Oct
The low-key Lao capital on the Mekong, with the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, the Patuxai arch, riverside night markets and the sculpture-filled Buddha Park.
Typical October: highs of 32°C, 3 mm of rain a dayRe-roll this stopSwap Vientiane for…
Same days, the rest of the trip kept, only cities close in price. A swapped-in country may need a visa: check before you go.