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Day | Date | Location | Hotel | Meals | Description | Optional Excursion | |
Day 1 | 2/20/2025 | Overnight Flight | Set out on a journey that reveals the best of Southeast Asia. From the villages of Vietnam and the temples of Cambodia to the friendly locals of Laos and the lively energy of Thailand, embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure. Start your journey in Vietnam – where lush valleys and verdant fields create a beautiful country with a long and rich history. | ||||
Day 2 | 2/21/2025 | Hanoi | Mercure La Gare Hanoi | Arrive today in Hanoi. Layers of the city’s complex past can be found interwoven into its modern culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and vibrant street food scene, Hanoi is Vietnam’s dynamic capital and second most populous city. | |||
Day 3 | 2/22/2025 | Hanoi | Mercure La Gare Hanoi | Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Start your morning with a city tour of Hanoi and the Old Quarter. Visit Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature. Follow the meandering streets, decorated with temples and pagodas, and feast on the history before you. After working up an appetite, enjoy a walking food tour featuring some of Vietnam’s most famous dishes such as banh mi and pho. Enjoy coffee and views of Hoan Kiem Lake – the “Lake of the Restored Sword” – at a rooftop café. Later this evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. | ||
Day 4 | 2/23/2025 | Hanoi | Mercure La Gare Hanoi | Breakfast | Today you may choose to start your day early by joining your Tour Manager and locals as they practice tai chi at a local park. After, visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison. This historic site, dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, is now a museum that tells the story of colonial history from the Vietnamese perspective. Following your visit, sit down with a local veteran from the Vietnam War to chat and connect with him as he recounts his history. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit. You may choose to join an optional tour to see the famous water puppets of Hanoi followed by dinner. | Traditional
Water Puppet Show & Dinner Hanoi - $60.00 pp Be captivated by a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi, with its incredible display of artistry and folklore. Long ago, these water puppet shows were performed in flooded rice patties, but today this tradition continues on in a modern theater. Lacquered wooden puppets seemingly skim and dance across the water as the instrumental sounds of traditional Vietnamese music plays. Puppets of people, animals, and even dragons splash across the stage, telling ancient tales of wonder and whimsy. After the magic of the water puppet show, enjoy dinner at a local Hanoi restaurant. |
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Day 5 | 2/24/2025 | Hanoi - Ha Long Bay | Bhaya Classic | Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Journey to Ha Long Bay and board a charming junk boat for an overnight cruise - the perfect vantage point for soaking up the landscape. Once on board, enjoy fresh seafood as you sail past vistas of low green mountains, small villages, hundreds of islands, and limestone peaks jutting out from the sea. Disembark to discover the wonders of nature, history, and archaeology. Back on board, sit back and relax as the sounds and peaceful sway of the boat lull you to sleep. | ||
Day 6 | 2/25/2025 | Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An | Little Oasis Hotel & Spa | Breakfast | Your day begins with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck at sunrise. After a light breakfast we head off to visit Sung Sot cave, one of the many limestone grottos accessible by boat in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage that is Halong Bay. It is time to say farewell to this stunning natural wonder and cruise back to the mainland. Fly to Da Nang and travel to Hoi An (UNESCO), an ancient trading port. | ||
Day 7 | 2/26/2025 | Hoi An | Little Oasis Hotel & Spa | Breakfast & Dinner | Start your day with a walking tour of the old town, stroll by the ornate Chinese-style temple Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the famous 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the vibrant market on the banks of the Thu Bon. Finish with an introduction to the local tailoring culture in Hoi An, a tradition dating back to the days of the silk route. See the process of making cotton and silk cloth, and you may even choose to have some tailor-made clothes made. Enjoy a free afternoon to walk along the canals that cut through Ancient Town on your own, uncovering a preserved history interwoven into the modern way of life. Perhaps you’ll visit an art gallery, wander through a cultural museum, or go shopping for the perfect souvenir, before joining the group for a local dinner. | ||
Day 8 | 2/27/2025 | Hoi An | Little Oasis Hotel & Spa | Breakfast & Lunch | Explore the flavors of Hoi An. Board a basket boat and journey along the Co Co River for an immersive cooking class. Learn how to catch seafood in the river and grind rice into flour. Use your ingredients to cook four classic local dishes which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Soak up the local atmosphere with a free afternoon and evening. | ||
Day 9 | 2/28/2025 | Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City | Novotel Saigon Centre | Breakfast | Leave Hoi An and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic urban capital formerly known as Saigon. On an eye-opening city tour, you’ll see the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral,* and the Reunification Palace. Head over to explore treasures from local vendors on display at the Old Market in District 1. | ||
Day 10 | 3/1/2025 | Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City | Novotel Saigon Centre | Breakfast & Lunch | Take to the waters of the famous Mekong Delta. As you sail along, your guide will delve into the history and culture of the region. Discover the region’s cottage industry with a visit to a coconut candy factory and learn how this confection is made. Enjoy lunch featuring southern Vietnamese cuisine before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City. | Saigon
after Dark by Vintage Vespa Ho Chi Minh City - $100.00 pp At night, step into the past and explore Saigon, a cultural hub known today as Ho Chi Minh City. Travel the streets by vintage Vespa, coasting into another time as the lights and energy transform the city. See how the traces of historical Saigon have become interwoven into modern life, with heritage shining through traditional flavors and recipes. Get a taste of the culture as you sample a variety of food and drinks, perusing the local restaurants for authentic flavors and Saigon favorites. Get an intimate perspective on the area as you zoom through the city at night, passing by must-see sights that the city is known for. |
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Day 11 | 3/2/2025 | Ho Chi Minh City | Novotel Saigon Centre | Breakfast & Dinner | Spend your morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City before your dinner at a local restaurant. | ||
Day 12 | 3/3/2025 | Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, Cambodia | Tara Angkor Hotel | Breakfast & Dinner | This afternoon, board your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s gateway to the wonders of Angkor. In this ancient city, you’ll discover a world where colonial and Chinese architecture melds into a sophisticated urban and culinary scene. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a traditional Khmer dance performance. | Siem
Reap by Gondola Siem Reap - $45.00 pp Embark on a gondola ride to Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire known as the “Great City.” Your gondola is a traditional Khmer boat – a Cambodian vessel made of wood and decorated with regal designs. This relaxing ride will take you across the calm waters of the moat where you’ll pass by lush jungles and Angkor Thom’s imposing wall. Soak in the atmosphere and bask in the ancient beauty that surrounds you. |
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Day 13 | 3/4/2025 | Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Siem Reap | Tara Angkor Hotel | Breakfast | Depart for a sunrise at Angkor Wat, a perfect example of classic Khmer architecture. Enter its eastern gate and exit to the west, watching the sunlight dance along stones. Later, visit Ta Prohm, a sprawling monastic complex that is overgrown with jungle. At Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmers, visit the Terrace of the Leper King and the temples of Baphuon and Bayon, 11th- and 12th-century masterpieces at the center of the city. | ||
Day 14 | 3/5/2025 | Siem Reap - Preah Dak - Siem Reap | Tara Angkor Hotel | Breakfast & Lunch | Start your day with an impact moment experience at the Visitor Center of APOPO, where “hero rats” are trained to navigate minefields and save lives. Learn about the country’s history with war and meet the professional rats at a demonstration. Then travel to the village of Preah Dak to learn about daily life and see how Nom Banh Jok (rice noodles) are created. Get a peek into the local culture at the palm sugar market, where tree sap is gathered and cooked for sugar. Make your way to Les Chantiers Ecoles, where local apprentices are trained in fine arts, and peruse the different workshops of sculpture, carving, and more. You may choose to end your day with a visit to Phare, the Cambodian Circus. | Phare:
the Cambodian Circus Siem Reap - $40.00 pp More than just a circus, Phare is Siem Reap’s most unique and authentic evening entertainment. Phare performers use theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell the story of Cambodia, from a modern and historical perspective. The young artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. |
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Day 15 | 3/6/2025 | Siem Reap - Luang Prabang, Laos | Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang | Breakfast | Board a flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos. Get acquainted with the city with your guide. Then, it’s your choice! Venture into the lively outdoor markets at night -OR- return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. | ||
Day 16 | 3/7/2025 | Luang Prabang | Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang | Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner | Hop into a tuk tuk with a guide and make your way to the city center, including a visit to the National Museum – the former Royal Palace. Continue to Wat Xieng Thong monastery, decorated in eye-catching gold. Meander along the Nam Khan River to Wat Khili, highlighting the local culture and history. After lunch, cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, shrouded in mystery and home to thousands of Buddha statues. End your day with a home-hosted dinner and traditional Baci ceremony – celebrating a significant event in someone’s life. | ||
Day 17 | 3/8/2025 | Luang Prabang - Ban Long Lao - Luang Prabang | Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang | Breakfast & Lunch | You may choose to rise early and begin your day with a traditional alms offering to local monks. After breakfast back at the hotel, journey to a traditional Hmong hill tribe village in Ban Long Lao and learn about this ethnic group and their way of life. Set out on an easy hike** through lush jungle and panoramic mountain scenery to the incredible Kuang Si Waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang and lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon you may choose to join an optional tour to visit with Laotian weavers. | An
Afternoon with Laotian Weavers Luang Prabang - $70.00 pp Visit the textile weavers of Ock Pop Tok (Laotian for “East Meets West”). Peek into the daily lives of these workers, who turn simple strands into beautiful masterpieces. These Laotian-style fabrics are created on traditional looms, and you’ll learn about the design process from the Head of Production and Design. These pieces fit seamlessly into modern society, yet pay tribute to the culture and the pass by utilizing age-old methods. Browse the facility’s gallery, housed in a 2-story building surround by an inspiring tropical garden. |
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Day 18 | 3/9/2025 | Luang Prabang - Bangkok, Thailand | Pullman Bangkok Hotel G | Breakfast & Dinner | Board your flight to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. A feast for the senses, this bustling city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River blends cosmopolitan sophistication with a strong sense of history and tradition. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and toast to the end of your adventure on a Klong dinner cruise. | ||
Day 19 Day 1 |
3/10/2025 | Bangkok | Pullman Bangkok Hotel G | Breakfast & Dinner | Set out on a journey that introduces you to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Marvel at ancient monuments, explore local culinary treasures, shop for unique souvenirs or just soak in the energy of the city — there is a reason Bangkok has always been one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Visit the Jim Thompson House and Museum. This architectural gem, hidden away on a quiet street in the city center, was once the home of the man who took the production of Thai silk onto the international stage before disappearing in Malaysia in 1967. The house features an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art, an open air café surrounded by peaceful gardens, and a shop where you can purchase fine silk and household items. | Post
Tour Extension Extension-Bangkok Post Extension $699.00 pp A feast for the senses, this bustling city blends cosmopolitan sophistication with a strong sense of history and tradition. Board a long-tail boat and explore Bangkok’s network of canals, learning about daily life along the waterways. Stop at the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Visit the Jim Thompson House, home of the American entrepreneur who revitalized the Thai silk industry before his mysterious disappearance. Visit the Golden Buddha, one of the world’s largest solid gold statues. Explore the grounds of the Grand Palace. Stop at Wat Phra Kaew, home of Thailand’s most sacred temple. Visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market fpr a glimpse into a disappearing tradition. Join us as we explore ancient monuments, savor culinary treasures and soak in the energy of the city. |
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Day 20 Day 2 |
3/11/2025 | Bangkok | Pullman Bangkok Hotel G | Breakfast & Lunch | Today, explore some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. Start with a stroll through the 24-hour flower market and take in the blaze of color and heavenly scents. Take a short tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho, Bangkok’s most extensive temple where you will see the reclining Buddha. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew - the home of the emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the complex network of canals on a typical Thai long-tailed boat. Enjoy picturesque scenes of traditional Thai life, hidden temples and floating markets. Continue with a stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. | ||
Day 21 Day 3 |
3/12/2025 | Bangkok | Pullman Bangkok Hotel G | Breakfast & Lunch | Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Your paddle boat takes you through a winding array of colors, noises, and vendors, captivating your senses as you glide through water canals. Visit the riverside province of Samut Sakhon, pausing to taste Thai flavors with lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of your day is at leisure. | ||
Day 22 Day 4 |
3/13/2025 | Bangkok - Tour Ends | Breakfast | Bid farewell to Asia as you head home with memories and photos to last a lifetime. |