Essential Southeast Asia

Sawasdee and welcome to the land of smiles. Your tour begins in Bangkok, the center of Thailand and known worldwide for its abundance of sensational foods, glamorous shopping malls, historic sights and sizzling nightlife.

Upon arrival to the airport, our representative will take you to the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok in downtown Sathorn for check-in and refreshment.

Soak up the sun and bask in the breathtaking views from the sundeck, or cool-down with a swim in the stunning 32-metre long infinity pool overlooking the city’s skyline during your day at leisure.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

Explore Bangkok’s famed cultural and historical attractions with a private tour through the city utilizing the iconic tuk-tuk, long tail boat, and by foot. Visit the Phra Nakorn area of Rattanakosin Island along the Bangkok Noi and Bang Luang Canals. Wander through Bangkok’s impressive golden Grand Palace before stopping at Wat Pho to see the immense reclining Buddha. Shop for exotic flowers in the local markets before perusing the finest Thai art collections in the National Museum.

After lunch, journey to Bangkok’s shopping and business center, Ratchaprasong, to discover glistening skyscrapers, massive shopping malls, and a cosmopolitan buzz.

A shopper’s paradise, any manner of item can be bought for a great price. The afternoon is free for you to discover at your leisure, whether you would like to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, the picturesque Lumpini Park, the impressive Hindu Erawan Shrine, or simply to shop until you drop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

Journey 2.5 hours north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350-1767. Although most of the city was destroyed when it was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, there are still nearly 100 ruins left to admire and visit throughout the island at your leisure. Make sure to see the Bodhi Tree at Wat Phra Mahathat and the marvelous Wat Chaiwatthanaram. 

Depart Ayutthaya in the early afternoon and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Meet Cambodia’s epic past with a tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park. One of the most important historical sites in the entire region of Southeast Asia, the City of Temples will surely amaze and astound even the most experienced traveller.

Built between the 9^th-15^th centuries, each complex was at one point the capital of the Khmer empire. Your tour will begin with sunrise at Angkor Wat, the masterpiece of Angkor Park, often considered one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Carry on by bicycle to Angkor Thom, famous for its carved faces pointing out in either direction on top of massive 75 ft. (23 m) towers. Within is the mysterious Bayon Temple, the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia, located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, with a total of 216 carved faces.

Stops will also include the Elephant Terrace, the Leper Terrace, before moving on to the popular Ta Prohm, recognizable from the film Tomb Raider.

Return to the magnificent Angkor Wat. In the afternoon sun, it seems as if the entire complex is sparkling. Depart from the park in the early afternoon or stay to see the beautiful sunset and return to your hotel in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Enjoy your last morning in Cambodia at leisure to explore this small, quaint town’s markets, pub street, and museums. Siem Reap is home to many great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and spa treatments to indulge in.

An early afternoon flight jets you across the border to Vietnam and its modern, cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City, fondly known by its more evocative name, Saigon. Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the city with visits to the iconic Ben Thanh Market and other pretty sights of colonial Saigon such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), the Continental House, City Hall, and Opera House.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

After breakfast, journey 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Squeeze through this extensive network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong to combat the better-supplied American and South Vietnamese forces, remembering the recent tragedy of war in Vietnam and the hardships many locals faced in this time period.

Visit the War Remnants Museum with a quick stop at the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only.

A late afternoon flight from Ho Chi Minh City will land in the famous beachside destination of Da Nang in the early evening. Transfer to the charming town of Hoi An and enjoy your evening at leisure to explore Hoi An independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is a very cute and well-preserved town, known for its importance in Vietnam’s history as a major port city from the 15^th to 19^th century. Take a walking tour through the ancient town, admiring the diverse architecture styles, ranging from wooden Chinese shops to grand French colonial houses, traditional Vietnamese “tube” houses and the iconic Japanese covered bridge. The city is also famous for its many brightly colored and delicately painted lanterns which hang in droves on many different shop walls and doors.

The afternoon is free for you to explore. Check out the wide variety of tailors available throughout the city, shop for ready-made clothing, shoes, bags, quilts, accessories and souvenirs, or sip tea in charming tea houses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Drive up the sun-drenched coastline of Vietnam along one of the country’s most famous roads, the Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass to the ancient imperial capital of Hue,

Delve further into the history of the country by visiting the ancient citadel and the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang, Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover.

Once the visit is finished, leave sleepy Hue and fly to the traditional and cultural heart of the country, Hanoi, in the evening. Transfer to your boutique hotel and catch up on some much needed rest.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Start your morning by diving into the history of Hanoi by visiting Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. Afterwards, visit the iconic one pillar pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam, as well as his preserved stilt house and a small museum dedicated to his life. The mausoleum is closed every October and November, as well as every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

Join a cooking class at Koto Training Restaurant, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty faced by many youths in the city, empowering them by training them in the culinary arts and hospitality training.

Then, explore around Hoan Kiem Lake by visiting Ngọc Sơn Temple and viewing the “Turtle Tower”.

Finish the tour in the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its propensity for its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Following breakfast, head 2.5 hours east to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations, a visit to a floating fishing village, kayaking and swimming, depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather.

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner. Watch a film or stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bhaya Premium Cruises

What better way to spend your last day in Vietnam than by waking up in the middle of Halong Bay? Start the morning with some tai chi on the sundeck as the sun rises, and munch on a light breakfast before participating in a cave visit.

Brunch will be served after the cave tour, which gives you time to savor the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock.

Return to Hanoi for a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for those who want to hear more in-depth information.  (Closed on Mondays)

After the museum visit, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for an evening flight to the charming Luang Prabang, located in the land of a million elephants, Laos. Transfer to your gorgeous boutique hotel in the city center and have your evening free for leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Start the morning with a visit to some of the most important temples in Luang Prabang, most notably Wat Xieng Thong, a black and red temple with lavish gold stenciling dating back to the 16th century, Wat Visoun, the Melon Stupa and Wat Aham.

After the temple visits, take a scenic 1-hour drive south through dense forest to visit the magical Kuang Si Waterfalls and the Kuang Si Bear Sanctuary. Have a swim in the turquoise waters and snack on a delicious packed picnic lunch before returning to Luang Prabang.

Enroute, stop at a colourful ethnic Hmong Village to learn about one of the 49 recognized ethnic groups in the area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Learn why Laos is called the land of a million elephants with a trip to the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center just outside of Luang Prabang. Throughout the day, get up close with the elephants as you feed, bathe, and play with them after a short training course from a Mahout. Enjoy a lunch at the camp before visiting Pak Ou Caves, a spiritual site with over 1000 Buddha images are kept.

Return to Luang Prabang by slow boat, stopping along the way to visit the Lao Whisky Village to see the process of how villagers make the potent Lau Lao, a special type of whiskey made from rice.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Rise before the sun and take part in the iconic tradition of Luang Prabang, offering alms to a long line of monks in dusky saffron robes at Ban Vat Sean. Typical alms givings are usually of simple food such as rice or fruit so that the monks can have their one meal per day.

After the ceremony, return to the hotel to have your own breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Stop by the Royal Palace, nowadays a museum, with a wonderful collection of crown jewels, antique cars, royal objects and weapons, artwork and more. Enjoy the well-tended gardens before transferring to Luang Prabang airport for your onward booked travel.

Meals: Breakfast