Southeast Asia Encompassed 18 Days

Morning

Meet our tour guide at the hotel for an exciting day of sightseeing that starts at Angkor Wat, a Hindu and Buddhist temple complex that is famous for its old beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur.  When you visit this ancient site, you should see the beautiful Angkor Thom and the South Gate, which is one of the best-preserved entrances to the complex and has huge statues that show the ocean of milk churning.

Then, go to Bayon Temple, which is one of a kind in Cambodia. It has 54 huge towers with more than 200 happy Avolokitesvara faces painted on them.  Some other great sights you will see are the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

At noon, have lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Afternoon

The next exciting part of your adventure is a trip to Ta Prohm, an old Buddhist temple dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother.  A lot of people are amazed by the temple’s jungle-like atmosphere. Huge tree roots have grown through cracked stone and passageways, creating a jungle-like feel that makes the temple a great spot for photographers.

After going to a place in town on your own for dinner, you will fly to Phnom Penh.  When you get to Phnom Penh, you’ll be taken to the hotel to check in and rest.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Set out for the picturesque rural hinterlands of Siem Reap to see the stunning islands of Koh Ker and Beng Mealea for a full day of exploration. Koh Ker, the capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 A.D., is 2.5 hours away from the main road. The architectural style of the Koh Ker temple is unlike any other Cambodian temple; it more closely resembles the ancient Egyptian pyramids. An extraordinary experience awaits you at this temple and its environs, which are partially covered by forest and home solely to birds.

Take a break for lunch near the temple before seeing the tranquil area’s other old sites. Stop by the breathtaking Beng Mealea ruins on your way back to Siem Reap. King Suryavarman II built them between 1113 and 1150. It came before Angkor Wat and might have been its model. There are far fewer carvings and bas-reliefs than at Angkor. The collapsing stone walls and abundant greenery that now surround the temple give it an air of rustic beauty. Return to your hotel by driving 1.5 hours after your visit.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning

Take a bus to the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in South-east Asia, you will have the opportunity to obtain a fascinating insight into the way of life in Cambodia.

The dock will be brought to you after you have been picked up from a hotel in Siem Reap. To go to the floating hamlet, which is located outside of Siem Reap, you can take a private boat.

The tall, stilted buildings, the floating hospital, the fisheries, the traditional way of life in the nation, and the natural environment of the flooded mangrove forest are all things that you should explore.

You can take a break on your way to Tonle Sap by participating in an optional tour that takes you through the flooded mangrove forest on a small boat. This tour is a terrific opportunity to explore the local flora and animals.

Afternoon

Take a flight to Luang Prabang. The driver will come and pick you up for the airport transfer. Another one will pick you up at the Luang Prabang airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Spend three nights in the peaceful and picturesque city of Luang Prabang, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city’s spiritual core is on full display in the early morning ritual of giving alms to monks dressed in saffron robes.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Morning

Visit the National Museum, located in what was formerly the Royal Palace and now serves as the starting point for your city tour of Laos. We next continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple famous for its golden bas-relief, and then to Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most sacred temple. This magnificent temple, constructed in 1560 by King Setthathirat and adorned with intricate mosaics and carvings, stands at the tip of the peninsula, not far from the Mekong.

Afternoon

We stop at several ethnic minority settlements on our way to Khouangsi Waterfall to get a feel for the colorful culture of these people. After you reach the falls, you have the option to swim in the blue pools or take a stroll in the forest. By late afternoon, we’ll be back in Luang Prabang, and from there, we’ll keep climbing to the peak of Phousi Mountain, where we can marvel at the sunset over the city and the Mekong River while exploring the sacred, gilded stupa. We next head to the night markets in nearby towns to peruse the wares of local and hill tribespeople, who make a diverse array of textiles. After that, we’ll take you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will have the wonderful opportunity to take part in the daily morning alms-giving ceremony that is performed for monks who are dressed in saffron if you choose to start your day early. Due to the fact that Laos is the only Buddhist nation that continues to observe this procession, this ritual is exclusive to Laos.

Following that, we embark on a cruise that makes our way upstream along the Mekong River, which affords us a breathtaking view of the peaceful landscape. We are going to make it a point to visit the Pak Ou Caves, which are sanctuaries that comprise two big caverns, both of which are storage areas for thousands of Buddha statues. Throughout the day, we will also make stops at a few villages, one of which is Ban Xanghai, which is the location where the local rice wine is produced.  We make our way back to Luang Prabang and proceed to Ban Xang Khong, a town that is famous for its silk hand weaving and the production of traditional Saa Paper. Make your way back to the hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You can do what you want in the morning. After check out, you will be taken to the airport in Luang Prabang for a Flight to Hanoi. When you get there, our local guide will meet you and give you a warm welcome. Then we’ll go to the hotel and check in. Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam. The city’s picturesque lakes, tree-lined boulevards, and ochre-colored buildings make it an attractive destination. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

We will begin our Hanoi city tour after breakfast when our tour guide comes to pick you up from your hotel. Our first stop will be at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. It is here at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum that Uncle Ho’s body is laid to rest. The Presidential Palace, with its lovely lawn and French style, and the Ho Chi Minh House, which is built on stilts, will be your next stops. Stopping by the house will give you a glimpse into Ho Chi Minh’s humble life—the president who will always hold a special place in Vietnamese hearts. As we wrap up this section, we will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural wonder and one of Hanoi’s must-see landmarks.

The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, will be your next stop after lunch. To delve deeper into Vietnamese culture, our next stop will be at the Museum of Ethnology. Our next stop will be a classic cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is home to 36 winding historic lanes. Enjoy the best of both the old and new parts of the capital on this leisurely trip. Before the end of the great day, enjoy a water puppet show at a local theater; it’s a special kind of art from northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Halong Bay, a UNESCO–recognized World Natural Heritage site, in about 3 hours.

Board your typical junk-style vessel and set sail for an overnight trip in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Sit back in your deck chair and sail over emerald waters while seeing the towering limestone karst islands.

Enjoy a seafood lunch, then participate in some afternoon activities such as swimming, relaxing on a remote beach, climbing to the top of a lookout for an amazing panoramic view, or enjoying a ride on a rowing boat into a secluded bay. Sail further into the bay to a pearl farm. Watch a cooking demonstration of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and have dinner on board. Set anchor late in the evening for an overnight stay amid the stunning limestone peaks.

Note: We recommend that you bring an overnight bag for your cruise. The rest of your luggage will be safely stored, or you can bring all your possessions with you if you like.

Overnight on the boat in Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck, breathing in the crisp sea air as the sun rises over the karsts. Enjoy a short cooking class where you will learn to prepare local delicacies such as spring rolls. Enjoy a light brunch on board, followed by a relaxing trip back into port, then transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

It would be great if we could get a close-up and personal look at the local fishing and cooking groups. As soon as you are picked up from your hotel in Hoi An, you will begin your journey to the neighborhood market, where you will shop for the ingredients you will need for the day. In order to prepare for the culinary lesson that will take place later, you need follow the guide and head to the village of Cam Thanh to purchase organic veggies. On the other hand, before we start this session, let’s go on our boat and go on a river tour. During this trip, we will get the opportunity to interact with local fishermen and have a firsthand experience of traditional net fishing. As you navigate the canals of the coconut palm paradise, you will also have the opportunity to paddle the one-of-a-kind bamboo basket boat that is traditional to Vietnam.  By taking this tour, you will have the opportunity to gain a cultural perspective on the ways of life of both our farming and fishing communities.

You will then be able to enroll in a cooking lesson, during which you will learn how to prepare dishes such as deep-fried spring rolls, papaya salad with shrimp crackers, pork or fish cooked in a clay pot with steamed rice, and Banh Xeo, which is a rice pancake topped with fresh salad combined with seasonal fruit for dessert.  It is now time for lunch.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Today is free to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Explore tailoring shops, pedal to An Bang Beach, or unwind at a riverfront café. Those interested in learning more about the region’s culture and cuisine can take advantage of optional tours.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

This morning is your time to enjoy the last day in Hoi An

After check out the hotel, a private car to head to Hue.  You can enjoy wide views of the coast and mountains as you drive along the lovely Hai Van Pass.  Take a short break at the beautiful Lang Co Beach along the way.

Hue is a lovely city in the middle of Vietnam that is famous for its long history, beautiful scenery, and imperial architecture.  During the Nguyen Dynasty, it was the capital of Vietnam. The many palaces, churches, and tombs that are spread out across the city show how important it was historically. When you get to Hue this afternoon, check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, go on a tour of Hue.  To get to the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, take a boat ride on the calm Perfume River in the morning.  The pagoda is an important sign of Vietnam and Hue. It was built on a hill with a view of the Song Huong (Perfume River), 4 km southwest of the Citadel.  It is called Thap Phuoc Duyen and is 21 meters tall. It was built in 1844 during the rule of Emperor Thieu Tri.  Each of the building’s seven floors is named after a manushi-buddha, which means a Buddha who took on human form.  After that, take a car to the beautiful tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. He was the fourth emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyễn dynasty and ruled from 1847 to 1883. After that, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Go see the Imperial Citadel in the afternoon.  There are palaces, ornate rooms, libraries, residences, and colleges inside the beautiful Citadel, which was built according to strict geomancy rules.  After seeing the citadel, keep going to Dong Ba Market, which is the oldest market of its kind in Hue. It has hundreds of shops selling cheap clothes, household items, crafts, and fresh food.  The tour will end at your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day however you want.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Morning

You will be collected after breakfast and transferred to Hue Airport for a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the people. It is the biggest city in Vietnam. It sits near the Mekong Delta.

Arrive and check into your accommodation in the city centre.

Afternoon

We go to the Reunification Palace. This is where, on 30th April 1975, the war came to an end, as tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the mansion of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

You will then continue to visit outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French colonists during their settlement. Across the street lies the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural landmark that is regarded as one of the primary tourist attractions in the city.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a healthy breakfast, and then go on a trip to the Mekong Delta.  Around 7:15–7:30 am, the guide will meet you in the hallway of your hotel. You will then be taken to My Tho, which is on the left bank of the Mekong River.

When you get there, get on the sampan and take a ride down the river between the four beautiful islands, which are called Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.  Take a break at Unicorn Island, stroll through the country roads, and check out the flower farms.  View fruit farms and enjoy tropical foods and music played by locals in the form of folk songs.

Then, take a sampan that you row by hand through Thoi Son canal and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.  You can try honey tea and coconut candies at the honey-bee farm and family workshops.

After a traditional Vietnamese lunch to get some energy, you can ride your bike around the Tan Thach town and meet the people who live there to learn about their daily lives in the Mekong Delta.  Feel free to spend some time in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze if you don’t want to go on a bike trip.  After that, you’ll go back to where you are staying.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave for the Cu Chi caves. It will take about an hour and a half to drive there. When you get there, there will be a short introduction and then a movie about how the tunnels were built and how the people who lived there during the war did it.

Then, take your time visiting the rest of the area and tunnel systems. These included the bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and storage areas, as well as military facilities such as weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and storage areas. All of this was done to help the people who lived in the caves meet their basic needs. Also, for safety reasons during the war, there are a lot of secret trap doors and dangerous traps in the maze-like tunnels. After that, there will be special tea and cassava, which was used as a wartime food by guerillas.

Then you’ll go back to your Ho Chi Minh hotel.

Afternoon

A half-day guided trip provides an excellent introduction to living in Saigon.  Zip through traffic on the back of a motorcycle in groups of no more than 10.  Explore the bustling streets, vibrant marketplaces, must-see attractions, hidden lanes, and ancient residences.  Explore the picturesque alleyways where Vietnamese folks work, live, and socialize.  Visit the famed Chinatown, the world’s largest and oldest, to learn more about Saigon’s traditional values and mixed-culture lifestyles.

Discover city landmarks like the French Quarter’s Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.  Admire the architecture of the Saigon Opera House, the city hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and take a wonderful photo with the magnificent apartment cafes.

Discover hidden beauties in the city, such as the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument.  Explore the Cambodian Market with a cool drink and food

Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda (Mother of the Sea), which was established by the Chinese in 1760 to introduce their religious ideas to Vietnam.  On your walk back to your hotel, pass Nguyen Trai Street in District 5, which is known for its hundreds of designer shops.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, street food

Today is the last day in Vietnam! You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight to your home or next place.

Please note: Standard checkout time is 10:00 and luggage storage will be available at reception for travellers with later flights.