Southeast Asia Discovery - 18 Days / 17 Nights

Day 1 - Bangkok - Arrival (B)

Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, enjoy your first day in the thrilling Thai Capital at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2 - Bangkok - Sightseeing (B)

Set out to The Royal Grand Palace, a majestic complex of palaces, temples, and halls. Remember to dress appropriately, because today you'll be visiting two of the most important Buddhist images in Thailand: the mysterious Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Later, cross the Chao Phraya River to Koh Kret, an historic Mon settlement, where you will have the chance to visit a local temple and admire Mon pottery.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3 - Bangkok- Sukhothai (B)

A morning flight takes us to Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. There, you will be taken on a guided tour of Sukhothai Historical Park to see important historical monuments like Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum and Wat Sri Sawai. The almost 200 ruined chedis date back to the 13th Century, an era known as the golden age in Thai history, and are still in a remarkable condition.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Day 4 - Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai (B)

Today we will be driving north towards Chiang Mai, stopping along the way at several sites of interest. Explore the remains of several wats built during the reign of Phra Ruang at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, then learn more about Thai pottery at a Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center. Our last stop before Chiang Mai is the traditional ancient temple complex of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, outside the town of Lampang.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 5 - Chiang Mai - Sightseeing (B)

Spend the morning exploring Chiang Mai's old city, which is still surrounded by a moat and crumbling walls. Next, ascend winding mountain roads up to Doi Suthep, where you'll enjoy splendid panoramic views from one of the most sacred stupas in the country. In the afternoon, cruise on long-tail boats down the Ping River, disembarking at an old trading community whose buildings reflect Portuguese, Indian and Chinese influences.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 6 - Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang (B)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure until transferring to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Luang Phabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around the former Lao capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight of gracious temples and French Colonial architecture.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 7 - Luang Prabang (B,D)

Your day begins with a tour of the former Royal Palace, where the venerated Phabang Buddha is housed for most of the year. Continue on to visit some of the town's stunning wats, where you'll admire intricate bas-reliefs, gold façades and striking stupas. Cruise through the city by electric bike and visit the Ethnology Museum and Elephant Asia show to discover a different side of Lao culture followed by a chance to try your hand a creating local cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 8 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang (B,L,D)

Today a boat journey up the Mekong River brings us to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of lacquered Buddha relics are kept inside the towering limestone caverns. This afternoon you'll get to attend a very unique baci ceremony. Blending Animist and Buddhist beliefs, it is performed before important events to call escaped spirits back to the body. Then, climb the 328 steps to the top of Phousi Hill where you'll gaze over the town and surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 9 - Luang Prabang - Hanoi (B)

Spend the morning visiting a weaving village and discovering how Sa paper is made. Transfer to Luang Phabang airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10 - Hanoi - Halong (B,L,D)

We depart early from Hanoi and drive through the fertile Red River Delta towards Halong Bay. Keep an eye out for farmers working the rice fields aided by water buffaloes, or live pigs carried on the backs of motorbikes on their way to the market. At Halong Bay you will board the Emeraude, a luxurious colonial-era styled steamship where you will be spending the night in style, cruising among limestone peaks on the emerald green waters of the bay.

Overnight on board.

Day 11 - Halong - Hanoi - Hue (B)

Awaken to scenes of everyday life for the people living on boats in the bay, before heading back to Halong City where your guide will meet you for your return trip to Hanoi. Tour Hanoi's old city on a cyclo, taking in unique architecture, the Temple of Literature, and romantic Hoan Kiem Lake. Finally, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Hue, the Imperial Capital of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 12 - Hue (B)

Travel down the Perfume River by boat to Hue's most famous religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Next you'll stop at the mausoleum of emperor Minh Mang, which is set amongst tranquil lakes and gardens. In the afternoon you'll get to visit the regal Imperial Citadel, seat of power of the Nguyen Dynasty and now a UNESCO World Heritage Sight.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 13 - Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B)

Pass through a scenic fishing village and the breathtaking Ocean of Clouds Pass as you drive to the tranquil port city of Hoi An. Stop on the way in Danang to visit a museum containing the finest collection of Cham Sculpture in the world. After transferring to the hotel in Hoi An, stroll through the historic town center on a walking tour, stopping at the Japanese Covered Bridge and a colorful market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 14 - Hoi An (B)

Enjoy the day at your leisure, wandering the atmospheric old streets of Hoi An and spending time at attractive riverside cafes.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 15 - Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh, the dynamic economical capital still known by its old name, Saigon. A cyclo tour makes for a fun visit to the lively Binh Tay Market, then to a lacquerware factory. Take in Saigon's impressive French Colonial Architecture during the afternoon, before finally getting to explore some of the trendy boutiques on Ton That Thiep Street.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 16 - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (B)

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway for your explorations of the ancient ruins of Angkor. Begin with an afternoon visit to Angkor Thom, an old city housing stunning ruins, most notably the Bayon with its mysterious Lokesvara faces and magnificent bas reliefs.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 17 - Siem Reap (B)

Today, prepare to be awed by the magnificent Angkor Wat. This temple complex is considered the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and contains numerous bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. In the afternoon, discover the jungle-clad ruins of Ta Phrom, where massive Banyan trees grow and drape over the walls.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 18 - Siem Reap (B)

For your final day, choose between a final visit to several temples within Angkor, including Preah Khan and Ta Som, or drive to the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest body of freshwater, to visit a floating village. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your final departure flight, where we will bid you farewell.