Southeast Asia Discovery

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Airport (approx. 40 km): approx. 40 min – 1 hr

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to hotel. Then free at leisure. 

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

After breakfast at the hotel, The Royal Grand Palace is the nation’s landmark and the most revered royal monument. You will see palaces that were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the mysterious Emerald Buddha which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Appropriate dress is required. (Note: Grand Palace is one of the most popular destinations and is usually a number one must-see place in Bangkok. Not surprisingly, it receives millions of tourists annually. To get the best of your visit and avoid crowds on spot we will allow your guide flexibility to visit the temple either early morning or late afternoon if possible in your itinerary. If you by any means decide that there are too many people for your liking, the guide can bring you to an alternative temple in the area such as Wat Saket or Wat Suthat, this decision needs to be made before entering the Grand Palace.) Continue your visit to Wat Pho, the home of Thai massage and the Reclining Buddha.

This afternoon stroll through Chinatown where you visit interesting shops, tea shop, markets and temples to get a first-hand feel for old Bangkok. Continue to The Bangkok Folk Museum**, a seventy-year-old Thai house converted into a small but fascinating museum. Then hop on a long tail boat for a ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet klongs (canals) of Thonburi where you see how Thai people have lived next to the water for centuries. Last stop is the magnificent Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. (**Note: Bangkok Folk Museum is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.)

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Sukhothai. 

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to Sukhothai Historical Park which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. Lunch possible in supplement if morning arrival. Sukhothai, a name meaning dawn of happiness, was founded in the 13th century and became the kingdom's first capital, overseeing a period known as the golden age of Thai history. The park contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. See the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, Wat Sri Sawai and War Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen and Ramkamhaeng Museum before checking into your hotel. Bike ride is possible in supplement in the historical park. A nice and easy way to stroll around the ruins!

Overnight in Sukhothai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Sukhothai – Lampang (211 km): 3.00 hr Lampang – Chiang Mai (93.2 km): 1.27 hr

After breakfast, drive north to Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the bank of the Yom River north of Sukhothai. The ancient town, formerly called ''Muang Chaliang,'' was named ''Si Satchanalai'' during the reign of Phra Ruang and 134 ruined monuments have been discovered within the park. Vist the main sites of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi and Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center at Ban Ko Noi, some 4 kilometres to the north of Si Satchanalai. Drive to Chiang Mai via Lampang, with a stop to visit Phra That Lampang Luang, and arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. 

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Travel thirty minutes by vehicle north of Chiang Mai city to a long-tail boat dock, where you will take a leisurely stroll around the grounds with a herbal garden. Then board a long-tail boat and enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the rural Mae Ping River. Along the river banks, you will see traditional wooden houses and modern residences. Arrive at a boat landing and walk for about 10 minutes from the landing to Waroros fresh food market for a visit, experiencing the Northern Thai way of life.  From the market, you take a trishaw ride along Tapae Road past City Walls and along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Singh.

In the afternoon, explore ancient Chiang Mai, including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. After visiting Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred, you continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain, and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your experienced guide will explain the story of the temple, the white elephant and lead you around its impressive chedi and show its beautiful murals. In the late afternoon, the tourist masses have already left the temple grounds and dusk will give a very special atmosphere. After your private blessing ceremony, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks. End with the spectacularly romantic evening view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Chiang Mai Hotel – Chiang Mai Airport (4.7 km): 11 min Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.  

On arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer to a hotel.

Free time this afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After your breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel.

Your 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. Finish this morning with a visit to the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important temples in Laos.

Then transfer back to your hotel/restaurant (lunch at your convenience).

Your guide will pick you up again at your hotel in Luang Prabang at 14:00 with your adapted bikes.

The first stop of your afternoon bike ride is the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insight in to the Lao people (Note: closed on Mondays).

Continue riding to the Phousi Market, where you can join the locals and support vendors by buying fresh products or fruits. Your guide will be here to encourage you to taste some of the exotic flavors of the local fruits, help to identify new items not found in your grocery store back home!
 
Return to your hotel by bike.  

Lao cuisine relies heavily on the freshest produce and incorporates a range of intriguing flavors, many unfamiliar to the western palate. A cooking class at ‘Tamarind’ restaurant starts with an introduction to these main ingredients and how they are used in Lao cuisine. Then you will start preparing and cooking an assortment of dishes under supervision- a cheerful chef who will teach you the traditional techniques as well as information about Lao culture. A cooking class is an ideal way to experience a culture from inside as Lao people take pride in sharing their love for their cuisine with some introduction to distinctive Lao dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Recipes are provided for you to take back home.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou (30 km): 1.30 hr

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.

You will then board a traditional wooden boat, Nava Mekong, for a relaxing cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles which rely on the river as you make your way upstream for 1.5 – 2 hours. You will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. The boat then keeps cruising in the vicinity of the caves and will moor during lunchtime at the foot of beautiful limestone cliffs. A selection of typical Lao dishes will be served onboard. Cruise back to Luang Prabang and return in the early afternoon. 

This afternoon, you will have a chance to participate in a unique, traditional Lao ceremony.  The Baci is performed in celebration of an important event such as weddings, births, or for welcoming guests and is a means of expressing good will and good luck to others. During the Baci, special flower trays and food treats are prepared, which are then touched by the participants while a Buddhist mantra is chanted.  After the chanting is completed, cotton threads are tied around the participants’ wrist whilst they receive an individual blessing.  
Continue to climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.  Stop at the evening hill tribe market.

Enjoy a delicious Lao set menu at the 3 Nagas Hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (32 km): 50 min

After breakfast, free time at leisure before transferring to the airport. 

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.

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).

Overnight in Hanoi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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. 

Travel to a residential neighborhood in the southwest of the city for a memorable night with a local family.

Tucked inside a maze of narrow laneways, arrive at a local house and be greeted by the friendly hosts. Over a cup of Vietnamese tea, chat with the family and hear about their lives both past and present. 

The family worked for the Vietnamese army during the Vietnam-America war and have fascinating stories to tell about that era. Hear about B-52 bombs dropped on their neighborhood during the war and how they persevered during the challenging years that followed. 

Then sit down for lunch/dinner. Enjoy a variety of home-cooked, local specialities while sitting at a modern style table. Unlike Hanoi’s tourist restaurants, the food served here explodes with flavor thanks to the traditional techniques used to prepare the dishes. 

After the meal, relaxing and chatting over a cup of tea.

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

Notes: Specialty Vietnamese dishes will be cooked by the family, however vegetarian/non seafood requests must be communicated in advance, pre arrival to Vietnam

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hanoi to Haloing Bay (180 km): 2.5 hrs

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 fauna is truly breathtaking.

Following breakfast, leave Hanoi for the 2.5 hours 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 retiring for the evening.

Please note: Subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Overnight on Halong / 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 City - Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (190 km): approx. 3,5hrs Hue Airport to your chosen hotel in Hue (18 km): 25 mins

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the islands of the bay for breakfast (brunch on some boats) while enjoying the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. 

Mid-morning, proceed to checkout as the cruise towards port. Disembark and transfer to Noi Bai Airport to take the flight to Hue. 

Overnight in Hue

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Hue - Hoi An (100 km): 3hrs

This morning after breakfast, depart from your hotel to Noi Bai Airport for your Hue bound flight. Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 30 mins (17km) from Phu Bai Airport to Hue Hotel in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

In the afternoon, start your Hue discovery tour. Take a short, but insightful, tour through historic Hue. With hundreds of years of history, it would be impossible to see everything in a day, but this tour gives a fabulous overview of the city’s culture and history.

Kick off this half-day tour in Hue with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, admiring buildings that reflect the pomp and ceremony of the once-mighty Nguyen Dynasty. Hear the stories of the majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors. Take a look at areas damaged by conflicts, both ancient and modern, and learn of Hue’s role in Vietnam’s military history. 

Continue by cyclo to get a closer look at the tranquil gardens and traditional buildings of the areas. Arrive at Tinh Tam Lake, a lake filled with lotus flowers (season dependent). Meaning ‘Peace of Mind’ the emperors used to relax along the water's edge and is still a popular place for Hue residents to wind down.  

Then leave the city centre and travel through Hue’s beautiful countryside. Arrive at Khai Dinh’s tomb for a stroll. One of the Nguyen Dynasty’s former emperors, this remarkable complex blends traditional Vietnamese in design with European touches, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. 

In the afternoon at 14:00, leave Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. 

Overnight in Hoi An

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Central Hoi An - Da Nang Airport (30 km): 50 minutes Saigon’s airport – City (8 km): 30 minutes

Departure at 08:30, for a half day discovery with a local guide, exploring the ancient town. Explore former merchant homes, colourful communal halls, narrow lanes lined, traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Also visit charming backstreets and tiny alleys to discover lesser known gems. 

Meander down a small alley to a traditional style house where the art of healing through martial arts has been practised by a local family for generations. This healing method is the master’s invention, combined between Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts called Vo. Have a chance to learn some basic steps under the guidance of the master. 

To conclude the cultural exploration, visit a cosy local home to taste a typical dessert before heading to Da Nang airport. 

Transfer approx. 50 mins (30 km) from Central Hoi An to Da Nang Airport in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, be met by the guide and driver and transfer to the hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Today begins at 08:00. Depart early this morning to avoid the crowds at Cu Chi. Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, through urban areas.

Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the country’s recent wars. Crawl underground (optional) and have a look at the tiny chambers, imagining what life was like for those who lived there. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. 

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole. Following this insightful visit, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

After lunch, visit perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.  

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel or your next destination. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 60 min Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 15 mins

This morning is free at leisure for last minute shopping or sightseeing before transferring to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap.

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). 

Arriving in a new city is exciting, start walking tour at 16:00  this introductory walking tour. From spirit shrines to Angkor sculpture, royal gardens to historic temples, get an interesting overview of Cambodian culture and history, which provides valuable insight before going out on other tours around Siem Reap and the Angkor Temple complex.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 15 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.

In the evening, be enchanted by a different side of Cambodian culture. Attend an evening at Phare, a circus-like show combining modern and traditional Khmer theatre. Learn about daily life and customs through the graceful movements of the performers and chat with them afterwards.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Siem Reap International Airport (52 km): 60 min

Check-out from the hotel. 

You will be transferred to Siem Reap Angkor Airport. 

Flight: Suggest late afternoon flight

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast