World Heritage in Style

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Tower Club at lebua (36.6 km): 40 min – 1 hr

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, be met and greeted by the guide for a transfer to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, explore this impressive complex of temples, palaces, pavilions and museums. One must-see attraction is the enchanting Emerald Buddha, which, according to legend, is almost 2000 years old.

After the Grand Palace, the tour continues to nearby Wat Pho - Bangkok’s oldest temple and arguably it’s most impressive. Home to the magnificent 45-meter-long reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also a place of learning, having served as Thailand's first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Drink at Sirocco Sky Bar, Lebua State Tower. Sirocco Sky Bar Lebua has several reasons to turn minutes into timeless moments. Suspended in the sky on the 63rd floor of The Dome at State Tower, the sky bat is one of the world’s highest open air bars, overlooking a panoramic view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. With such an enthralling ambience coupled with a seductive selection of the finest vintages, beverages, cocktails and appetizers in Bangkok, the Sirocco Sky Bar soars as one of the prized destination in the city. Note: Smart Casual code required. (Exo Travel make the table reservation only, extra cost paid directly by guest).

Overnight in Bangkok at Tower Club at Lebua.

Inclusions:

Depart from the hotel in Bangkok and drive directly to Bang Pa-In, the summer palace built by Rama IV. There, see the contrasting palace buildings and surrounding temples inspired by European, Chinese and Thai designs. Also visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, the gothic inspired temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After the visit, board the Thanatharee rice barge at Wat Kasatra pier, and enjoy a private lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya River. En route, enjoy beautiful views of Wat Phanan Choeng, the Elephant Kraal Pavilion and local lifestyle on the riverside. Ayutthaya, surrounded by river and canal, flourished as the capital of Siam from 1350 until it was attacked by the Burmese in 1767. The remains of the temples and ruins of this great city have now been declared a World Heritage Site. Disembark at Wat Kasatra pier and visit the most important of the ruined temples in Ayutthaya historical park: Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chai Wattanaram. Return to Bangkok by car. 

Overnight in Bangkok at the Tower Club at Lebua. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Tower Club at lebua – Talad Noi (2 km): 7 min Bangkok City - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (36.6 km): 40 min – 1 hr Siem Reap Airport – Siem Reap (8 km): 15 mins Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

This morning after breakfast meet with Exo Travel guide and walk to Talad Noi is a great little neighborhood that’s been doing its thing on the riverside for a few hundred years. The place is very lived-in, with a cool mix of old family houses, leftover buildings from glory days past, markets, churches and enough engine grease to fix a fleet of cars. Visit the art street as well as the culture street to get a real feel for this hidden treasure of Bangkok, getting immersed in the daily goings on of some of the locals living and working in this area.

In the afternoon, transfer to Bangkok Airport to take an afternoon flight to Siem Reap. 

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local English speaking guide and be accompanied to the hotel for check-in. Settle in and enjoy some time at leisure to refresh. 

This afternoon, begin the exploration of the Angkorian ruins by visiting the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods or demons is holding the sacred Naga snake. Continue to the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. 

In the late afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise in a gondola paddle boat at the moat of Angkor Thom compound while hopefully watching a spectacular sunset at Prasat Chroung temple. Cocktails, champagne, canapés and a soft drink will be available on the boat, while paddling slowly along the ancient moat.

Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight at the incredible Chanrey Tree. One of the best fine dining restaurants in town, Chanrey Tree offers traditional Khmer cuisine in a lush contemporary setting. Located on the riverside in heart of Siem Reap, the Chanrey Tree combines the amazing taste of only seasonal traditional Khmer ingredients, with a relaxed but lavish environment to provide a unique Cambodian dining experience.

Overnight in Siem Reap at the The Heritage Suites.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Take a drive through the countryside to the Rolous Group on this half day Siem Reap temple tour. Located amid rice paddy fields and sugar palm tree plantations, the setting is quintessentially Cambodian. 

Upon reaching the entrance, leave the car behind and travel on foot to appreciate the beauty of the land and the pagodas. Admire the three monuments of the Rolous Group from afar while the guide provides a brief introduction of their history. Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries these are the oldest ruins in the region and, yet, are still remarkably well preserved. 

Take a closer look at the temples, named Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko, with a three-kilometre walking tour. Step inside one of these ancient monuments for a special blessing ceremony. Seated in front of a Buddhist monk, receive wishes of good luck and good health while gaining a deeper understanding of Khmer culture and customs. 

Following this special ceremony, climb into an ox cart for a short ride around the area. Soak up the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside as the cart slowly makes its way through the fields. See typical scenes of rural farming life set amid Cambodia’s iconic sugar palm trees. 

Savour one last look at the remarkable Rolous group and scenic countryside before returning to Siem Reap at the end of the tour.

After returning back to Siem Reap to escape the midday heat, have a little time at leisure.

Afternoon – by Remork (Khmer Tuk Tuk) continue exploring Angkorian temples. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolising the Mount Meru, home of the gods. The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to reside here after his death. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. Today’s visit will coincide with the golden hour of sunset ensuring scenes of the Apsaras gleaming in their best light.

Overnight in Siem Reap at the The Heritage Suites.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (37 km): 45 mins Kbal Spean – Siem Reap (50 km): 1hr 20 mins Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 mins

Early morning wake up, driver further away from Siem Reap, passing local villages and farms, to Kbal Spean. This is one of Cambodia’s earliest Hindu sites and refreshingly different from the other Khmer monuments. Take a 3-kilometre trek through the jungle to appreciate the scope and beauty of Kbal Spean. The trek ends at the ‘River of 1000 Lingas’, a riverbed featuring stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals and phallic symbols. Learn about the history of Hinduism in Cambodia while exploring this unique river. (Please note the trek is fairly easy going but as the walk is uphill and on uneven ground it is most suitable for clients with an average level of fitness and not suitable for clients with mobility problems.)

Then visit Banteay Srei, due to his remote location, this pink sandstone temple is often passed over by visitors but is probably the best preserved monument of the entire Angkor complex. With few other visitors there just as the tiny temple opens you will have a great opportunity to enjoy the intricate bas reliefs up close and in the soft early morning light.   

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. 

After lunch stop at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder, was trained as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner. The museum also serves as a rescue center for a number of landmine amputee children that Aki Ra has brought off Phnom Penh’s streets or from impoverished rural communities.

On arrival back in Siem Reap, visit Ta Prohm. The temple made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, which is otherwise best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls. The temple is a perfect example of how nature has crept in and reclaimed its land after the fall of the Angkorian empire. Enter from the east, just as the temple opens, to avoid the crowds.

Finally, the night ends with an incredible performance of ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. Starting at 8pm, professional artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) will perform an inspiring show suitable for people of all ages. Set up in Battambang in 1994 by young returnee Cambodians from the refugee camps who learned about using art as a means of coping with trauma, PPS has played an influential role in promoting and developing Khmer culture over the years after the Khmer Rouge genocide. The hour long show mixes traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society. Student performances can still be seen twice weekly in Battambang but now the circus has arrived in Siem Reap!

Overnight in Siem Reap at the The Heritage Suites.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Hotel (4 km): 15 min

This morning embark on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where there is an opportunity to learn about life on the lake. The Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and officially designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of around 250,000 hectares in the dry season. Due to a unique phenomenon, when the monsoon begins, the swollen waters of the Mekong River force the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow northwards, feeding the Great Lake and spreading over the surrounding floodplain.

Board a local boat and visit the village of Kompong Khleang, where only few tourists venture. Embark on a boat ride through the village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses among the petrified mangrove forests and waterways. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. (Note: during the months Apr-Sep the water level may be too low for a visit by boat. However the village is still fascinating and can be visited by car. Quite dramatic to see how the stilted houses are exposed from lake when water levels are low!)

Return back to Siem Reap for an early afternoon at leisure to explore some of Siem Reap’s colourful markets before transferring to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. 

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang at the Villa Maly.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves by boat: 1, 5 hours

Start this morning with a visit to one of Lao’s most picturesque temples, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong River, this temple was erected in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is deeply revered by the Lao people.

Walk to the boat pier, near the temple, to board the Nava Mekong, a beautiful wooden river boat for a cruise up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves(depart around 10.30). The journey takes around 2 hours and along the way you will be surrounded by spectacular views, pass by small villages on the river banks and witness fishermen out for their daily catch. 

Upon reaching Pak Ou, disembark to explore the caves. Here you will see thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff.

The statues range in size from a few centimeters tall to the size of a human, and the view from the mouth of the cave provides sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The caves are as well a destination for local pilgrimages, especially during the Lao New Year period of Pii Mai.  

Back onboard the Nava Mekong, you will cruise around the waters to a quiet location set amid limestone cliffs where the boat will moor for lunch. A selection of freshly prepared Lao dishes will be served before returning downstream to Luang Prabang. 

This afternoon, you will have a chance to learn more about this culturally rich and history city with a guided tour. The city tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Evening performance at the Royal Ballet Theater
Founded in 2002 in cooperation with the Institute of Cultural Research, the Ballet aims to preserve this important aspect of Lao cultural heritage. Watching the spectacular performances of the Royal Ballet, including scenes from the Lao-Ramayana, Lao folk dances and tribal dances will provide a unique experience that you will never forget. Show starts at 6:00pm (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday). Please note that the Royal Ballet Theater is normally closed from June to September.

Overnight in Luang Prabang at the Villa Maly.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si (32 km): 1 hour

Today, enjoy a historical and cultural insight into the rich architectural history of the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang with an expert who lives in Laos for more than 20 years.

Your morning city tour with Francis Engelmann will include the four different types of buildings categorized by UNESCO. The first one is the traditional Lao house which is made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a half wood and half cement house built after the arrival of the French. The third is the traditional French colonial building that are similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The last form of architecture you will see is the old Chinese shop houses that were built to be used for both commercial and residential purposes.

Enjoy a selection of local favourites at one of the best Lao restaurants in town, Tamarind (Note: closed on Sundays).

Then you will be driven through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way you will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River.
Stop en-route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top.

These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day (Note: when bathing please be respectful, wear a sarong and be careful not to show too much skin).

Before you leave you might like to visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing. 

On the way back to Luang Prabang, you will stop at the Kuang Si Butterfly Park to visit the beautiful garden filled of hundreds of Laos’s butterflies!

Overnight in Luang Prabang at the Villa Maly.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min From Noi Bai Airport to your hotel in Hanoi city center (35km): 50mins

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Alms Giving
For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents.  It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After your breakfast, free time at leisure. Your guide and private car will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

Suggested flight:
Luang Prabang – Hanoi QV 313, 1710-1830, subject to change without prior notice from the airline.

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to the hotel in town (note that hotel check-in time is 2pm). 
Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Hanoi at the Tam Coc Garden.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Today’s full day discovery of Hanoi starts at 08:30.  Begin with a visit to the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, on the shores of serene West Lake.

Next, take a short drive to visit the famed Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years.  

Following, chose a museum option (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour):  
Option 1: Vietnam Women’s Museum.  Highly acclaimed, the museum displays highlights of Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and the significant role women play in Vietnamese society.  

Option 2: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays) is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits that showcase the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. 
Following the visit of the museum, rest over a well deserved lunch. 
Once sated, visit Hanoi’s iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.  The site is fascinating yet expect long walking distances (Note the Mausoleum is closed Monday and Fridays, each afternoon as well as annually from June 12th to Aug 14th).  

Continuing on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Continue to the ‘house on stilts’ where ‘Bac Ho’ resided from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Monday and Friday). Stroll around the tranquil grounds before completing the circuit at the One Pillar pagoda; built in 1049, the symbol of Hanoi is a unique representation of the city. 

Mid-late afternoon, continue the exploration with a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A maze of alleyways and hidden treasures, learn about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the frenetic streets on foot. 

To conclude the day, step back in time to the 11th century and experience the ancient art of water puppetry at the famed Water Puppet Theater. 

Following the introduction to Hanoi’s highlights transfer back to your hotel.  

Overnight in Hanoi at the Tam Coc Garden.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hanoi to Hoa Lu (100km): 2.5hrs.

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Today’s tour will begin at 08:30. Escape from Hanoi this morning after breakfast, leaving the busy streets of the capital behind and entering the quieter countryside.  

After around 2 hours of driving, reach Tam Coc River. Tam Coc means ‘three caves’’ in Vietnamese. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, here board a private sampan through ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Admire the views of enormous limestone karsts jutting out of fields while the boat cruises along the calm waters, through the ‘three river caves’ 

Enjoy a lunch of Vietnamese dishes before continuing to Hoa Lu. Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

If feeling fit, there is an option to climb into the limestone karst hills. The half-hour walk is rewarded with spectacular views over Hoa Lu and its surroundings.  

Option: For an alternative experience to visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital, an optional tour involves a scenic bike ride around the village, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh at the Nostalgia.  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (200km): 4hrs

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wonderous shapes covered in lush fauna is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Ninh Binh at 07:30 for a drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities. 

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations. 
 
Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening. 

Overnight on Halong or Lan Ha Bay.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Halong Bay to Hanoi departure (180km): 4hours

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. 

Proceed to checkout as the cruise arrives towards port. Upon disembarkation, be met by the driver for the transfer back to Hanoi.  

Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast