DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

Welcome to Thailand and the start of your Grand Southeast Asia Adventure! 

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight we will enjoy our welcome dinner and group orientation. 
Overnight in Bangkok.

 

DAY 2: BANGKOK - GRAND PALACE, RECLINING BUDDHA, CANAL JOURNEY

Visit the Grand Palace and the ancient temple Wat Pho, "Temple of the Reclining Buddha". After lunch, we visit the King's Royal Barges and Wat Arun, before boarding our long-tail boats.

We travel along the Chao Phraya River and observe Thai life on the water. In this river community, restaurants, fruit sellers, laundry facilities and even temples are all accessible by boat! We will enjoy dinner tonight at a riverside restaurant. 
Overnight in Bangkok.

 

DAY 3: FLY TO SIEM REAP, ANCIENT TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Early this morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever built, covering an area of 200 acres with its towers, terraces and causeways. The Khmer Empire reached its zenith of artistic expression and architecture with the building of Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century and abandoned in 1431, Angkor Wat was swallowed up by the encroaching jungle until the great temple complex was rediscovered in 1860 by French botanist Henri Mouhot.

Today, we visit Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Eastern Mebon and Pre Rup temples. Later this afternoon, we explore Ta Prohm, Takeo and Preah Khan temples. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

 

DAY 4: ANGKOR WAT (UNESCO)

Today, we continue our exploration of the magnificent temple complex of Angkor. Following breakfast, we will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, and of course, Angkor Wat. 

Tonight, we have dinner with a performance of classical Cambodian dances. 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

 

DAY 5: ANGKOR - BANTEAY SREI, FLY TO PHNOM PENH

This morning, we visit Banteay Srei, "The Citadel of Women". Tucked away in the countryside, the sandstone carvings are better preserved here than at most temples of Angkor. Banteay Srei may be one of the smaller temples, but also one of the more impressive ones. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh, where we will be met upon arrival and transferred to our hotel. 
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

 

DAY 6: PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and the Tonle Sap Rivers. Once considered the most beautiful of the French-built cities of Indochina, its charm and character is still evident despite its turbulent past. Today's highlights include visits to the stunning Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. After seeing the most beautiful sites, we also reflect and touch on a sad and dark side of Cambodia's recent past under the Khmer Rouge as we visit the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng. After lunch, we visit the National Museum.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

 

DAY 7: BOAT JOURNEY TO CAN THO, VIETNAM

We have the morning at leisure before we leave Phnom Penh by boat and travel along the Mekong River for our late afternoon arrival into Chau Doc, Vietnam. We will have dinner after disembarking and afterwards drive to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.

 

DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA BOAT JOURNEY, FLOATING MARKET, HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast we will take a leisurely boat trip to explore the Lower Mekong Delta (Bassac River). Deposits of sediment from the Mekong River formed this rich verdant region. We journey to Cai Rang floating markets, which are the liveliest in the region. We have lunch in Can Tho at a local restaurant before departing for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). 
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

DAY 9: CU CHI TUNNELS, HO CHI MINH CITY, FLY TO DA NANG

Following breakfast, we set out to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels - the Vietnamese soldier's underground tunnel system, that at one time stretched as far as the Cambodian border. The network consists of over 130 miles of tunnels in the Cu Chi district alone, parts of which are several stories deep.

There are trapdoors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens - all underground! Parts of this remarkable tunnel network have been enlarged and upgraded and are now open to the public.

After lunch we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City where we visit the Reunification Palace, which was the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975. We then visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Da Nang. A short drive will take us to Hoi An. 
Overnight in Hoi An.

 

DAY 10: HOI AN (UNESCO)

This morning, we have a walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quaint pastel buildings line the streets, interspersed with colorful temples, small art galleries and meandering canals. We visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and an ancient Japanese bridge. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine during your cooking session at a culinary school. Learn from your hands-on experience of Vietnamese food, culture, nutrition, herbal remedies and cooking techniques. 
Overnight in Hoi An.

 

DAY 11: HOI AN - LIFE ON THE RIVER

After breakfast we enjoy a morning boat trip on the river to observe local life. Then we will try our hand at making lanterns, followed by a visit to Tra Que, a herb and vegetable village. Upon arrival, take a short stroll around the vegetable garden and listen to the history of the village. 

We have lunch in a local restaurant in town. 

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 
Overnight Hoi An.

 

DAY 12: TO HUE (UNESCO) VIA CHINA BEACH, IMPERIAL FORBIDDEN CITY

Today, we drive to Hue. Serving as Vietnam's capital from 1802 - 1945, Hue has traditionally been one of the country's cultural, religious and educational centers. We stop enroute in Da Nang to visit the Cham Museum.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Hue and visit the Imperial City, also known as the Forbidden Purple City, which was based on Chinese designs in Beijing. Locally known as Dai Noi citadel, this impressive structure or enclosure was reserved for the Nguyen imperial family. The entire city is surrounded by a 10km moat and 10 gates. Afterwards we will enjoy a cyclo ride through the city streets of Hue. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hue.

 

DAY 13: PERFUME RIVER BOAT TRIP, ROYAL TOMBS, FLY TO HANOI

Today's adventure begins as we board our boat for a trip on the Perfume River. We will visit the Tien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. We will enjoy a special lunch arranged by the nuns of Dong Thuyen before we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Hanoi.
Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 14: HANOI TO HALONG BAY (UNESCO)

After breakfast we drive to Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone karst landscape. Halong Bay has thousands of weathered limestone islands that rise from the warm turquoise waters of the bay. Visually, Halong Bay is just spectacular! On arrival you will board your boat, a wooden junk, built modelling the old Vietnamese court vessels. This typical boat, with sails, wide stern and a rectangular superstructure will take you to the World Heritage Area, where you can enjoy some activities if weather permits. All meals will be provided on board.
Overnight on the boat in Halong Bay.

 

DAY 15: TO HANOI, WATER PUPPET PERFORMANCE

Today we continue to explore Halong Bay by boat. For early risers, the sunrise from the upper deck is a lovely way to greet the day from the water. Disembark at noon and journey back to Hanoi for lunch. This afternoon, we will enjoy a performance of the famous Vietnamese traditional water puppet show, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. 
Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 16: SITES OF HANOI, OLD QUARTER

Today we explore Hanoi with its tree-lined streets and wide boulevards. We visit Ho Chi Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Fine Arts Museum & Tran Quoc Pagoda.

We then travel by streetcar through the Old Quarter. This area has been the manufacturing and trading center for silk, rice, paper, fish and jewelry since the 15th century. Today, the area houses a number of small shops. 

Afterwards, you will have some free to time to relax, go shopping or explore on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 17: FLY TO LUANG PRABANG

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before our early afternoon flight to Luang Prabang in Northern Laos. Luang Prabang is a city consisting of 58 villages, of which 33 comprise the UNESCO Town Of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site. Upon arrival you will have some time to enjoy the surroundings or perhaps take a short stroll to the shores of the Mekong River.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 18: LUANG PRABANG WALKING TOUR (UNESCO)

Luang Prabang is known as a mecca for Theravada Buddhism and has about 80 monasteries with approximately 1200 monks. For those who would like to experience the monks going on a 6am alms-round, your tour leader will be more than happy to organize this with offerings of rice for you to give to the monks as they walk by in a straight line. 

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, and surrounded by mountains, Luang Prabang is one of the most romantic cities in Southeast Asia. We have a walking tour of this beautiful old capital city which includes a visit to the National Museum, formerly a Royal Palace. We see a number of historic temples including Wat Sen, Wat Xieng Thang and Wat Mak Mo. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beautiful French mansions that grace the city are a historical reminder of its colonial past.  We will also visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center to learn about the many ethnic groups that make up the people of Laos. We return by tuk tuk to our hotel where we will have time to rest. In the early evening, we will have time to join a Baci ceremony at a local house before dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

DAY 19: LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SY WATERFALL, K'HMU VILLAGES

After breakfast, we travel south of town to the famous of Kuangsi waterfall. Upon arrival, we take a short walking through the beautiful forest to the waterfalls where we can enjoy swimming in the clear pools. We will also have opportunity to visit the Asian Black Bear Rescue Center -a conservation centre that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. Meet the cute furry residents and learn about the efforts to protect Sun Bears in the wild. 

 

Upon our return, we stop to visit local ethnic villages of Kamu and Hmong people to learn more about their daily life. En-route, we visit the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre, run by an organization that offers local weavers the chance to earn a decent income with their weaving skills. 

Dinner is served at local restaurant

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

DAY 20: MEKONG RIVER JOURNEY, 'CAVES OF A THOUSAND BUDDHAS'

Early this morning we embark for our two-day voyage on the Mekong River to Pak Beng and Houay Xai. We will make a short stop at riverside villages to see the local people who work on the Lao-Lao whiskey produce, followed by a visit to Pak Ou Caves. Enjoy splendid natural scenery along the way, observing local fishermen and daily activities along the river. Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of wooden Buddhist figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain and reclining. 

 

Continue our cruise upstream on the Mekong river to Pakbeng, lunch is served on boat as local Lao cuisine. We will explore another local hill tribe village on the riverbank if time permits.

Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy some leisure time before dinner at our hotel. 

Overnight in Pak Beng.

 

DAY 21: MEKONG RIVER JOURNEY TO THAILAND

Embrace the sunrise over the Mekong River as we start our day towards Chiang Khong. Our journey continues through remote regions of northern Laos. We will make one stop enroute in a rural village to observe local daily life. After completing the immigration formalities, we cross the Laos/Thailand border and make our way for a relaxing evening in Thailand. 
Overnight in Chiang Saen.

 

DAY 22: GOLDEN TRIANGLE TO CHIANG MAI

Today, we explore Chiang Saen before driving to Chiang Mai in the afternoon. Chiang Saen is the official center of the "Golden Triangle", where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet, at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. Historically, the "Golden Triangle" refers to a large geographic area, stretching thousands of square kilometers, within which opium trade is prevalent and vast fortunes were made. Enroute to Chiang Mai, we visit the "White Temple", a new take on traditional Buddhist temples.

With over 300 temples, set against a backdrop of rolling green hills, Chiang Mai is a visually striking city. The old city of Chiang Mai is a neat square bounded by moats and partial walls.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

 

DAY 23: WAT DOI SUTHEP & THAI COOKING LESSONS

Visit Doi Suthep sitting at an elevation of 1,073m. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temple's site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountainside, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died. In the afternoon, visit the local botanical gardens followed by a local market with your Thai cooking instructor to purchase fresh ingredients, before preparing your evening meal at a cooking school.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

 

DAY 24: CHIANG MAI TO BANGKOK

We have the morning to relax before our noon time flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival we will visit Chatuchak Market for some last minute souvenirs to take home. 

Overnight in Bangkok.

 

DAY 25: DEPART BANGKOK

We say a fond farewell to Southeast Asia with a transfer to the airport for our departure flights.