18 Days Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, we were welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in. You will be free for the remainder of the day.

Overnight in Bangkok

This tour includes two of the most extraordinary Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold) and the Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. Afterwards, we will visit the Grand Palace that is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It was used
as the residence of the Kings of Thailand and you will be able to see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple.

Stay overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: Full day (8:00-17:00)
• Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open daily from 08:30 to 15:30, except when there are special royal ceremonies or when it is used for state functions. Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30
• For religious reasons, women should wear short-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts and men should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts. No shorts or flip- flops allowed.
  

Let’s discover the Bangkok of old, when life took place on the rivers and waterways. We’ll travel approximately 100 km outside Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. An exhilarating and scenic ride on a long tail speed boat will take us past riverside villages and fruit plantations, before entering the vibrant market. There are many photo opportunities along the way and at the colorful market. Vendors sell tropical fruits, exotic vegetables and aromatic snacks from small wooden sampans on the water, while stalls on the dockside are laden with local handicrafts, wood carvings, assorted silks and other trinkets. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs and get an insight into
Thailand’s rural culture. Transfer to the airport after the visit to take a flight to Chiang Mai.

On arrival, transfer from airport to hotel. Time at leisure

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Duration: 5-6 hours (07.00-13.00)

Chiang Mai offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment and there are countless
possibilities to enjoy your stay, including trekking amid wonderful mountain scenery, visiting hill tribes, elephant training centers, temples and cultural shows and fantastic opportunities for handicraft shopping and delicious food.

The city of Chiang Mai has many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and this tour visits the most interesting, such as, the 600 years old temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. Other temple visits on this tour include Wat Suan Dok whose large central stupa contains a Buddha relic and where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Family are interred; Wat Chedi Luang where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined; Wat Phra Singh, housing a very sacred 1,500 years old Buddha image. Evening, visit the colorful Chiang Mai marke, try local food on your own.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Duration: Full day (8.00-17.00)

A pleasant morning spent in the company of these magnificent gentle giants which in earlier times, were a vital part of the King’s army and played a very important role in Thai history. On this trip, you will be witness to the traditional techniques still used in the training process. The delicacy and precision of such gigantic creatures is amazing. The adventurous can also enjoy a short but unforgettable elephant ride! On the return journey to the hotel a stop is made at one of the region's orchid farms displaying a full variety of some of Thailand’s exquisite blooms. Return to the hotel in the early afternoon and rest for the remaining afternoon at your leisure. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Duration: Full day (8.00-17.00)

We take a morning flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon, we will tour the city of HaNoi where the history and culture of Vietnam are clearly on display. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. This stunning temple constitutes a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

The cyclo (rickshaw) ride is an excellent way to experience Ha Noi at close hand as the atmosphere is lively, hectic, and sociable. Your local driver will pedal you off, behind your guide, into narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, discover your bargaining power, and come away with unusual items that will always remind you of this memorable afternoon. Cap off your trip by wandering around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake “Lake of the Returned Sword”, named after a magical sword once used by the most revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and then returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Duration: Half day (14.00-17.00)

This entire day is devoted to visiting Hanoi’s most famous landmarks: the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Uncle Ho’s final resting place, his simple stilt house to gain insight into his pure and noble way of life, and the One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in 1049 out of wood on top of a stone pillar and resembles a lotus blossom. Retrace the city’s history by paying a quick visit to a nearby historical lake with a B-52 relic and listening to an untold story at a witness’s home to learn how the locals recovered from the war. Wind your way to The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Home to an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, the museum offers an engaging exploration of Vietnam’s multi-ethnic character and promotes socio-cultural diversity.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Tour duration: 4 hours (8.30-12.00)

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is CLOSED on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoons.

Known as one of the must-visit destinations in Asia, Ha Noi has a unique fusion between the dynamic vibe of the youth and the slow-pace lifestyle of the older generation. Today, you will have a great opportunity to see Ha Noi from a different perspective on the back of a motorbike with a professional driver.

Your guide will provide a quick glance of the French architecture, visible by the many colonial monuments scattered throughout the downtown. Take a stroll pass tiny yet bustling streets of the Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ and reach the historic Long Bien Bridge, famed with its unique historic, architectural, and cultural value, gets your camera ready to capture picturesque panoramic views or memorable moments of local people or street vendors crossing the bridge on their traditional transportation.

Notes:

Tour duration: 4 hours (13.30-17.30)
You will sit behind experienced drivers who understand their motorbikes and the traffic like the back of their hands

Pick up by your local guide, depart from your Hotel for two hour and a half transfer to
HaLong Bay – UNESCO World Natural Heritage – where thousands of spectacular limestone islets and grottoes rise from the clear emerald Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, welcome drink on board prior to your check-in. Lunch with fresh seafood will be served while the boat is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village, talk and meet with local villagers prior to your swimming or free time on your own on the sundeck. Dinner served on board. Stay overnight on board in HaLong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note:

The Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice in case of adverse weather alerts or any emergency situation.
Use in-house English speaking tour guide on boat, include private tour guide on bus

Tai Chi class is available on the sundeck for early risers, then your breakfast is served while the boat continues cruising around Ha Long Bay. She would lead you through many islets named by its shapes such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger and so on. Follow your boat staff to explore one of the most magnificent caves, then return to your boat to cruise towards the wharf. Your vehicle is ready awaiting your disembarkation at approximately 1030 for direct transfer from HaLong to Airport in HaNoi for a domestic flight to Danang City, from where we drive 45 minutes further to the little charming city of Hoian.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, we will drive about 1.5-hour from downtown Hoi An to Ba Na Hill, a scenic mountainous area with panoramic vistas. Standing more than 1,400 meters (4,878 feet) above sea level, the temperature of this place is mostly cool year-round. Arrive at Ba Na Hills cable car station, ride on a modern system of cable cars and Get a bird’s-eye view of nature which is strikingly beautiful, while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky among the clouds and wind. Experience the feeling of walking in the clouds when you walk on the Golden Bridge which seems to be supported by a pair of giant hands jutting out of the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Tour duration: Half day (7.30-13.00)

The Ancient Town of Hoi An, which flourished as a port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, is remarkably preserved, making the city a must-visit. This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its old tile-roofed shops, shady pagodas, and colorful community halls.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and local cuisine. Making your way through historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese culture, you will hear the clattering of sewing machines and observe the day-to-day activities that are taking place. Visit a tea house this morning that specializes in helping people with disabilities (PWDs) to gain employment and social skills, allowing them to become contributing members of society.

Overnight stay in Hoi An

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.30-12.30 or 13.30-17.30)
• Walking distance: 2-3 km, easy on the flat terrain
• The Hoi An entrance ticket allows 24-hour access to 5 sightseeing spots, including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas, and assembly halls.
• It also grants you access to Hoi An Ancient Town for the duration of your stay in Hoi An.
• Please keep the ticket with you at all times if you visit Hoi An independently later in the evening or on another day
  

After breakfast, we leave for Danang airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Once known as the “Pearl Of Indochina”, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) has several historical sites with untold stories behind them. Commence the journey with the visit to CIA building where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975, you can choose to experience the most ancient elevator, built in the French colonial period. Continue to Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Stop at Thich Quang Duc monument, dedicated to the monk who famously committed self-immolation in 1963 to protest against the persecution of Buddhists.
I Ended up this morning with a simple lunch with “Pho” (noodle soup) at Pho Binh restaurant, this place used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.30 or 13.00-17.00) but preferred morning tour
• Capacity: 20 Pax

The fertile Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, has many canals, beautiful paddy fields, tropical fruit plantations, and fish farms. Rural life here reflects the lifestyle of the past. This day trip takes you to Ben Tre, which is considered to be one of the gateways to the Mekong Delta. As you make your way out of the bustling central business district, take in the rice paddies and fruit farms that are located along the route. Join us on a relaxing cruise down the Mekong River aboard the lovely Apricot boat, which is a newly-designed river barge inspired by local traditions.

Observe the landscapes of the countryside and the riverside communities. Shore excursions include visiting a tropical fruit farmer’s home and tasting special rural flavors, along with a family-run business to learn how coconuts are processed and to enjoy country hospitality.

Don’t miss a tuk tuk or bicycle ride through the sleeping village, as well as a sampan ride through the maze of small canals lined with water coconut trees. Enjoy a peaceful lunch featuring authentic dishes from the Mekong Delta at the tranquil Apricot Riverside restaurant to round out your unforgettable trip.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Notes:

Tour duration: 7-8 hours (08:00-17:00)
The cycling distance can be 3, 5, or 7 km, depending on your physical ability and length you desire
The exploration can be done on foot, horse cart or tri-motorcycle instead of the cycling

We will take a morning flight to Siem Reap, a city of great ancient Angkor temples.
The charming town of Siem Reap is defined by the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO listed site and Tonle Sap Lake where life is simple and slow with people living on the water, close to nature.

Today, drive 20-25 minutes toward South of Siem Reap along scenic roads to the floating village of Chong Kneas on the great Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Embark on a local wooden boat and set out on a relaxing and insightful cruise exploring the floating villages where more than a thousand families live and make their living. Observe the floating schools,markets, police stations, and the traditional way of living. For the resident of the village, life on the water is the greatest traditional culture that should be preserved before the rapid development of modern society.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-13.00) including 1 hour-boat trip
• The best time to visit Tonle Sap Lake is between August to March, outside of this period the level of water can be low
• Accessibility: all vehicle type

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor complex is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia as it contains the outstanding remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th Century.
Today, You will encounter the beautiful temples which are considered Angkor's jewel. Transfer from your hotel to Ta Prohm, perhaps most popularly known as The Tomb Raider temple. Built in the late 12th and early 13th Centuries as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, this beautiful temple is the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings.

Explore the ancient Angkor Thom, founded by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th Century. Get inside the reinforced city of Angkor Thom to admire the mysterious Bayon temple, crowned with the large number of serene faces sculpted on its towers. Also, take this chance to learn more about the intricate carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Your temple exploration continues as you enter the gate of Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex originally constructed in the early 12th Century by King Suryavarman II. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. We finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.30)
• Accessibility: 4 seats, 7 seats. 16 seats, 25 seats vehicle only
  

Join us this morning as we explore the world of traditional Cambodian art at Artisan d'Angkor, a social enterprise that provides training in Cambodian arts and crafts to young people from rural areas. Receive a blessing from the monks at a peaceful riverside pagoda by sitting on carpets while they chant blessings and sprinkle holy water and flowers on you. A sacred thread will be tied around your wrist, allowing you to be safe from evil spirits and accidents.

Afterward, we will go to Siem Reap airport to board a flight to Luang Prabang City, Laos. Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will wake up before dawn to witness and take in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light. This is also one of the ways that Buddhists can make merit, helping contribute to good circumstances for the future.

Today, get ready for touring some of the highlights of this incredibly magnificent town. Start the exploration with a visit to the Royal Palace featuring the combination of the French beaux-arts styles and traditional Laos architecture. The palace is now turned to a National Museum boating the precious collections of the Royal artifacts. Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk on through the peaceful tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples.

Considered as a significant religious symbol of the Buddhist architecture, Wat Xieng Thong is a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style. Wat Aham signifies The Monastery of the Blossoming Heart and is widely known as the “watermelon stupa” because of its distinctive rounded shape. Wat Visoun, the most ancient temple of Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the Prabang Buddha's ancient statues and steeles. There is a wide range of ethnic cultures in Laos, and the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (TAEC) showcases this diversity through a fascinating array of exhibits.

Tour the museum, through the exhibits showcasing traditional handmade clothing and textiles, jewelry, handicraft, and household tools, as well as ritual and religious artifacts. Continue to a Laos-based social enterprise situated by Mekong River for an insight into Lao textiles and handicrafts. Stroll around the workshop, surrounded by a lush and beautiful garden to observe the artisans at work, learn about silkworms and receive a brief introduction to the different natural dyeing methods using the natural plants from the home-grown garden. Have a chat with local dedicated weavers who will share with you their passion to honor this traditional craft.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (8.30-17.30)
• The National Museum closes on every Tuesday
• Please dress appropriately for visits to religious sites. Shoulders, chest and legs should be covered

OPTIONAL: Private Baci Ceremony and Home-Hosted Dinner

Known as an integral part of Lao culture, the Baci ceremony is a common ritual, widely practiced throughout the country. Held to celebrate a special event like weddings, births, homecoming, or departure, it is based on an ancient belief to wish people good luck and health. At the ceremony, a village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. You are invited and welcomed to a local family home in Luang Prabang to take part in this ancient practice. Then, spend some time sharing cultures, join family activities, and have a meal with the host. Savor a simple yet tasty dinner of Lao specialties prepared by the family members.

Notes:

Tour duration: 2.5-3 hours (18.00-21.00), including 45-60 minutes for the Baci ceremony and 1.5 hours for home-hosted dinner
Capacity: 25 Pax

Set off for a leisure boat trip to discover the famous Pak Ou Caves, that sits beneath a dramatic karst formation about 25 kilometers away from downtown Luang Prabang. Get onboard a traditional long-tail boat for cruising gently on Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Upon arrival, start exploring the magical cave systems: the lower cave houses a photogenic group of Buddha statues, silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop, the upper cave is a 7-minute climb up steps surrounded by lush trees. You will find Buddhas in every position, every era of life, and every size line the cave walls and understand a sacred religious practice that speaks to the devotion and commitment of Laotians to Buddhism.

Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive south of Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall, with some stops at a hill tribe village to take in the sights and sounds of the local life. The Kuang Si waterfall is one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights with a multi-tiered cascade of pale turquoise blue water flowing from the thick jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools below. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible, although between November and January the water temperature is very cold. Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from dire circumstances.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

Tour duration: Full day (8.30-17.30)

You will be free today until it’s time for the driver to transfer you to the Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast