Southeast Asia 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 makes the table reservation only, extra cost paid directly by guest).

Overnight in Bangkok at the Tower Club at Lebua

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

You will be picked up from your Bangkok hotel at approx. 08:30. Explore Thailand's ancient capital and cultural heritage, with this absorbing day trip to Ayutthaya. The day begins with a drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The drive ventures through Bangkok’s sprawling suburbs and into the vibrant countryside and lush paddy fields. 

After approx. 1.5 hours, arrive at Ayutthaya and start exploring. Learn about the rich history of the site, from its founding as the capital in the 14th century to its demise at the hands of Burmese invaders in the 1700s. Venture through the temple-studded landscape, stopping to visit the venerated Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat to snap a photo of its iconic Buddha image surrounded by a tree.  

After exploring the ruins of the ancient kingdom you’ll be in the mood to taste some of the dishes made famous by this period, stop by a local, very unique restaurant for an elevated Thai lunch in stunning surroundings. The staff, the service, the food, the atmosphere and the location all have historical relevance to the Ayutthaya period.

The final stop on this relaxed paced tour is a visit to a museum called “Arts of the Kingdom”. This museum will give you a deep insight into the world of Royal Thai art, from handcrafted golden thrones to massive wooden sculptures and even hand woven fabric pictures. It is a treasure trove of delectable pieces. Take some time to explore the museum with the assistance of your guide and the museum’s audio guide, learning about the history of the region and the significance of the pieces within Thai culture to this very day. Some of the pieces are fairly modern and have relevance to today’s Thai royal family; some are centuries old. If time permits, you may like to visit the Khon museum. Khon is one of Thailand’s oldest narrative dance forms, telling historical stories through the medium of dance. Through the SUPPORT foundation, the famous Queen Sirikit commissioned a new theatrical interpretation of the ancient Khon performance. The costumes and apparatus used in this performance are on display in this museum, along with the stories and traditions of Kohn performances throughout history. 

After exploring the impressive artifacts in these museums, head back to Bangkok having built a much better understanding of this period of Thai history.  

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 Angkor Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 60 mins Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 mins

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English-speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in.

In case you cannot find your guide, please call our 24 Hrs Customer Care number +855 81 907 097 (Available on WhatsApp). 

This evening the tour begins 16:00, begin the introduction at the Shrine to Yay Tep: Beneath a tree on an island in the middle of the road leading into Siem Reap sits a sandstone image believed by locals to contain the spirit of Yay Tep, a Neak Ta (ancestral spirit) that is believed by locals to protect the town of Siem Reap. Just beside Ya Tep lies Preak Ang Chek and Preak Angchom, a popular Buddhist shrine surrounded by stories of power and indestructibility. Preak Ang Chek and Preak Angchom have also come to fame because of the fortune-teller at the shrine. 

Continue onwards and learn about Spirit Houses. The Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens are beautiful to walk through, and host a colony of giant fruit bats. Finish the walking tour along the riverside opposite Psar Chas, the Old Market. While the south side of the market has largely been given over to stalls selling souvenirs to tourists, much of the market still caters to a local clientele who shop here for everything from fresh produce and household supplies to motorbike parts. Along the riverside are a number of stalls selling various street foods. Grab a snack if you wish, enjoy a stroll around the market, or ask the guide to hail a Remork to return to the hotel. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 mins

Beginning from 07:30, this is the best time to experience Ta Prohm temple. The temple was made famous by the Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider. The temple is best known for the trees and vines growing atop the temple walls. Enter from the east, to avoid the crowds. Then continue to Angkor Thom, visit The Terrace of The Elephants and the Royal Palace enclosure. Next, take a stroll around the lower galleries of carvings of Bayon, which depict fascinating scenes of life from the late 11th century, then find a quiet spot on the exterior of the temple to appreciate the 54 towers featuring faces of the Buddha looking out into the jungle around you.

Return to your hotel. Lunch on your own account. 

Afternoon visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, a 12th-century temple built by King Suryavarman II. This architectural marvel reflects Mount Meru, the abode of Hindu gods. Inside, intricate carvings and reliefs showcase Hindu myths with over 2,000 Apsara dancers grace the walls. Angkor Wat remains a powerful symbol of Cambodia, even gracing the national flag.

Then continue to the moat of Angkor Thom, where a private gondola paddle boat will be waiting for a relaxing cruise in the afternoon sunlight. Enjoy Champagne, soft drinks, and canapés on the 20-minute paddle out to the southwest corner of the wall, where you can ascend the rampart to the ruins of the small Prasat Chrung temple overlooking the moat to the south and west. Enjoy the setting sun for a while before reboarding the gondola boat for the paddle back to the South Gate of the city. 

(Note: The boat is available without food and drinks, or with red/white wine or local beer and soft drinks instead of Champagne.)

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Kampong Khleang (51 km): 60 mins

This morning, hop on a local wooden boat for a private journey through a canal, all the way to Tonle Sap Lake. As you cruise along the canal you will see houses on either side: depending on the time of the visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground. A phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake. Along the way, gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with lunch in a family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people- sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside.

Return to the hotel. 

In the late afternoon, embark on a journey through the beautiful Cambodian countryside and across the West Baray by boat to a charming local village for dinner at Villa Chandara, a wonderful venue to enjoy a romantic dinner surrounded by rice paddies.
Note: 
Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time. As it’s a local community experience, the boats are older wooden boats

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap - Siem Reap Angkor Airport (52 km): 60 min Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang Hotel (4 km): 15 min

This morning, free time at leisure.

In the afternoon, transfer to Siem Reap airport.
Flight:  Suggested flight VN 930 SAI-LPQ at 17:05 - 18:30

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, meet the guide and transfer to the hotel.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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

Start the morning with a visit to one of Laos' most picturesque temples, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, near the Mekong River, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is highly revered by the Lao people.

Walk to the nearby boat pier to board the Nava Mekong, a beautiful wooden riverboat, for a cruise up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves (departure around 10:30). The journey lasts about 2 hours, offering spectacular views along the way, passing small villages on the riverbanks and witnessing local fishermen on their daily catch.

Upon reaching Pak Ou, disembark to explore the caves, where thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are packed into two caves carved into a towering limestone cliff. The statues range in size from just a few centimeters to the size of a human. From the mouth of the cave, enjoy sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The caves are also a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the Lao New Year period of Pii Mai.

Afterward, return to the Nava Mekong for a cruise to a quiet location among limestone cliffs where the boat will moor for lunch. A selection of freshly prepared Lao dishes will be served before cruising back downstream to Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, gain deeper insight into the cultural and historical richness of the city with a guided tour. The city tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where the history of Laos can be explored. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple famous for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a stunning golden façade.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Evening performance at the Royal Ballet Theater
Founded in 2002 in collaboration with the Institute of Cultural Research, the Ballet was established to preserve this important aspect of Lao cultural heritage. Watching the spectacular performances of the Royal Ballet, which include scenes from the Lao-Ramayana, traditional Lao folk dances, and tribal dances, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The show starts at 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Please note that the Royal Ballet Theater is typically closed from June to September.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

Today, gain a historical and cultural insight into the rich architectural heritage of the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang, guided by an expert who has lived in Laos for over 20 years.

The morning city tour with Francis Engelmann will introduce the four distinct architectural styles categorized by UNESCO. The first is the traditional Lao house, made from tropical hardwood or bamboo and built on stilts. The second is a blend of wood and cement houses, which appeared after the arrival of the French. The third style is the French colonial buildings, similar to those found in Vietnam and Cambodia. The final architectural form is the old Chinese shop houses, designed for both commercial and residential use.

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

Afterward, drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way, enjoy stunning landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages, with occasional viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River. Stop en route to visit a small village inhabited by one of the area's ethnic minorities, offering a chance to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and immerse in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The jungle and dense woods around the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. For those seeking adventure, a steep track leads to the top of the falls, where breathtaking views await.

The waterfalls cascade down multilevel limestone formations, creating a series of turquoise blue pools ideal for swimming on a hot day (Note: please be respectful while bathing, wear a sarong, and avoid revealing too much skin).

Before leaving, consider visiting the bear sanctuary next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. The sanctuary is home to 23 Asiatic Black Bears, rescued from poaching, with many saved from the illegal trade of bile used in Chinese medicine. Learn about the bears' habits and observe their playful nature while gaining awareness of the threats they face.

On the return journey to Luang Prabang, stop at the Kuang Si Butterfly Park to explore the beautiful garden, home to hundreds of Laos’s butterflies.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Alms Giving
For early risers, a special dawn visit offers the opportunity to observe the monks collecting alms. As the sun rises, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot through the streets, gathering offerings from the residents of Luang Prabang. This serene and beautiful ceremony highlights the spiritualism of the Lao people. Afterward, 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. 

Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 50-mins (35 km) from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Tonight’s experience starts at 18:00. Once acquainted with the driver and motorbike, heading to a local café in the Old Quarter. A cocktail and local snack from nearby night vendors will be enjoyed, followed by a visit to one of Hanoi’s oldest churches.

The 2-wheeled adventure then continues through the eclectic, bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter. The vespa whizzes through lively alleyways leading to a street restaurant known for its must-try dish in Hanoi: the renowned Bun Cha, featuring rice noodles, grilled pork, meatballs, fresh herbs, and spring rolls.

Departing from the Old Quarter, the tour passes the illuminated Hanoi Flag Tower and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, heading towards the West Lake and Truc Bach area. Here, the local specialty of Pho Cuon is samples, with the art of Vietnamese-style wrap 'n' roll demonstrated using fresh, aromatic ingredients and pho noodles.

The final ride leads to a live music venue, immersing in the rhythms of passionate music lovers with a drink. The evening concludes by returning to the hotel.

Notes: 
- If you’re unable to find the guide in the arrivals area, call the 24-hrs customer care number +84 917332246
- The standard check-in time at hotels is 14:00.
- The itinerary can be flexible based on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites the next day (with small surcharge).     
- The experience offered while vetted as visiting popular and well-frequented local establishments, either street stalls or local family run establishments, standards might not be comparable with international standards. While we check the standards of these local vendors, please be aware that consuming street food involves some risk.
- The order of the visits may be slightly changed at the discretion of the guide. 
- We suggest comfortable clothing (trousers, leggins, shorts or long skirts) in order to hop on and off the motorbike easily.
- Vespa tours are not recommended for young children and only suitable for children 6-years+ (seating pillion alone with the driver). - Helmets for kids are available.

Overnight in Hanoi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 2.5hrs

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 wondrous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast, leave Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours 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

Notes: 
- The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Over the past years Halong Bay has been experiencing increasing environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and impairment of its natural habitats. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay, but also to help protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience its beauty with responsible tourism behaviour which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
-  To ensure we can effectively manage guest dietary needs during the cruise, please provide a list of any specific food restrictions or preferences at least 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that accommodating last-minute dietary changes may not be feasible and could incur additional costs.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Halong Bay - Noi Bai Airport (190 km): 3.5 hours

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, transfer approx. 3.5hrs (190 km) from Halong to Noi Bai airport in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast