Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand

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January 16 — February 03, 2025 • 19 Days • 31 Meals

Highlights

Hanoi, Walking Food Tour, Discussion with Vietnam War Veteran, Ha Long Bay, Choice on Tour: Night Market Visit or Evening at Leisure, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Reunification Palace, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong, Monk Alms Offering, Pak Ou Buddha Cave, Bangkok

Essential Experiences

Day 1

Overnight Flight

Day 2 - 4

Mercure La Gare Hanoi, Hanoi

Day 5

Bhaya Classic Halong Bay , Halong

Day 6 - 8

Little Oasis Hotel & Spa , Hoi An

Day 9 - 11

Novotel Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh

Day 12 - 14

Tara Angkor Hotel , Siem Reap

Day 15 - 17

Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang

Day 18

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok, Bangkok

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Jan 16, 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

Jan 17, 2025: Hanoi, Vietnam - Tour Begins

Your tour opens 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

Jan 18, 2025: Hanoi

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4

Jan 19, 2025: Hanoi

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 5

Jan 20, 2025: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 6

Jan 21, 2025: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 7

Jan 22, 2025: Hoi An

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 dishes which you'll enjoy for lunch. Later, on a walking tour of the old town, stroll by the ornate Chinese-style temple Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. End at the vibrant market on the banks of the Thu Bon.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 8

Jan 23, 2025: Hoi An

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the magic of Hoi An. 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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 9

Jan 24, 2025: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 10

Jan 25, 2025: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 11

Jan 26, 2025: Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 12

Jan 27, 2025: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, Cambodia

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 13

Jan 28, 2025: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Siem Reap

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 14

Jan 29, 2025: Siem Reap - Preah Dak - Siem Reap

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 15

Jan 30, 2025: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang, Laos

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.

Included Meals

  • Breakfast
Day 16

Jan 31, 2025: Luang Prabang

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. Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 17

Feb 01, 2025: Luang Prabang - Ban Long Lao - Luang Prabang

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.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Day 18

Feb 02, 2025: Luang Prabang - Bangkok, Thailand

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.

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Day 19

Feb 03, 2025: Bangkok - Tour Ends

Return home with memories of your travels through the kingdoms of Southeast Asia.

  • Breakfast

Extend Your Vacation With

4 Days 3-Night Bangkok Post Tour Extension

Rate: $699.00 USD per person, double, land only
6 Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches

The overall activity level of this extension is a level 3. This means walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn't a big deal for you. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable as is climbing 3 flights of stairs. You can handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time. This level is not a fit for travelers that require mobility assistance devices.

Fully-guided extensions are perfect for travelers who want the complete experience of a new destination and local experiences. Travelers will have a dedicated guide throughout this entire extension.

We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 passengers is not met to operate.

Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Available Options

Hanoi

Traditional Water Puppet Show & Dinner - Rate: $60.00 USD per person

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. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 4 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon after Dark by Vintage Vespa - Rate: $100.00 USD per person

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. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Luang Prabang

Village Artisan Workshop Explore Lao Culture - Rate: $70.00 USD per person

Learn about Laos and some of its ethnic groups through their artisan traditions. During this short workshop participants will learn about 3 distinct ethnic groups who participate in the Village Weaver Projects - the distinctive textile traditions, motifs and folktales of Tai Lue, Tai Dang and Akha communities. Discover more about their diverse cultures as you create 3 small crafts (a dream catcher, a bracelet and a keyring) to take home. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 7 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Siem Reap

Phare: the Cambodian Circus - Rate: $40.00 USD per person

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. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Siem Reap by Gondola - Rate: $45.00 USD per person

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. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Cancellation Waiver

Pricing

Save $150 per person*

* Included in Price: Round Trip Group Transfers from Pacific Grove to San Francisco Intl Airport, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport, Inter-flights from Hanoi, Inter-flights from Ho Chi Minh, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person