The Best of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos – 16 Days

After breakfast, visit the Grand Royal Palace, a ceremonial complex housing Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Explore Wat Pho, featuring the 45-meter Reclining Buddha, and Wat Traimit, known for its 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue. Lunch is at your own expense. In the afternoon, board a long-tail boat for a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River and its bustling canals, stopping at Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn with its 79-meter spire. Return to your hotel for relaxation. Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast

Depart early (6:00–7:15 AM) from your hotel to the River City Shopping Complex. Travel by air-conditioned coach to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, blending Thai, Chinese, and Gothic architecture. In Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit Wat Mahathat, a royal monastery, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the grandest temple, and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, housing a large bronze Buddha. After a buffet lunch aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner, sail back to Bangkok, passing the Royal Barges House, Thammasat University, and Wat Arun. Arrive at River City by 4:00 PM and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time in Bangkok until your transfer to the airport for a flight to Danang, Vietnam. Upon arrival, visit Marble Mountains, symbolizing the five elements. Transfer to Hoi An and head to Bay Mau Coconut Forest for a rustic basket boat ride through lush waterways, followed by a local lunch. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town on a walking tour, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Congregation, and Chinese-style pagodas. Check into your hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend a full day at leisure in Hoi An, strolling its lantern-lit streets, shopping for tailored clothing, or relaxing by the beach. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Danang International Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Join a half-day group tour (4–12 people, morning 7:30–12:00 or afternoon 12:30–18:00) visiting the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark designed by Ngo Viet Thu. Explore French-colonial gems like Notre-Dame Basilica and the Central Post Office, followed by the War Remnants Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Indochina wars. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

Depart at 7:00–7:30 AM (group of up to 25) for Cai Be via Trung Luong Expressway. Board a boat to explore the historic Tien River floating market site, learning about evolving local trade. Wander small villages, visit an ancient house, and see artisans crafting coconut fudges and rice popcorn. Enjoy Southern Vietnamese folk music and fresh fruit. Paddle through serene canals and visit Tan Phong Island for a cooking experience, preparing and savoring a local lunch. Cycle through orchards, visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house, and meet islanders. Return to Cai Be by boat and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City by 6:30 PM. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, transfer to Tonle Sap Lake and cruise to Kompong Phluk Village, a stilted “floating village” with schools and a police station that shifts with water levels. Explore this vibrant community by boat, marveling at its unique ecosystem. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Begin at 9:00 AM with a visit to Angkor Thom, the 12th-century Khmer capital, entering via the South Gate with its churning ocean statues. Explore the Bayon Temple, famed for 54 towers with over 200 Avalokitesvara faces, and see Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit Ta Prohm, a mystical jungle-entwined temple, and Angkor Wat, a 12th-century masterpiece spanning 81 hectares. End with a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng Hill. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” renowned for its intricate pink sandstone carvings, and Banteay Samre. In the afternoon, explore Prasat Kravan’s unique brick sculptures, Srah Srang (Royal Baths), Banteay Kdei with its concentric walls, Neak Pean, a fountain symbolizing a Himalayan lake, and Preah Khan, a well-preserved temple built by King Jayavarman VII. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast

Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to Siem Reap Airport for a flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends tranquil scenery with rich cultural heritage. In the evening, explore the vibrant Night Market, offering handmade textiles from hill tribes and local artisans. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, enjoying panoramic countryside views. Visit the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phoum), housing thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, known for rice wine distillation. After lunch (own expense), drive to Kuang Si Waterfall, visiting Ban Na Ouane H’Mong Village en route. Hike through the national park, passing the Asian Bear Rescue Center, and swim in the turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast

Visit the bustling Morning Market, showcasing local produce and hill-tribe weavings. Explore Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Laotian architecture, and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, displaying Lao artifacts. Enjoy free time to stroll Luang Prabang’s shopping areas before transferring to the airport for a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for relaxation. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast

Depart between 8:00–8:30 AM for a full-day group tour. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest, on West Lake, blending majestic architecture with serene landscapes. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (exterior on Mondays/Fridays), Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda. Tour the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (or Vietnamese Women’s Museum on Mondays), showcasing Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. After lunch in the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and Hoa Lo Prison, the “Hanoi Hilton” where John McCain was held. Return to your hotel by 4:00 PM. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Hanoi by shuttle bus (7:45–8:30 AM) for Halong Bay. At Tuan Chau Marina, check into the La Regina Royal lounge, enjoy a welcome drink, and board the cruise. Savor a lunch set menu while cruising past limestone karsts. Visit Luon Cave for kayaking or rowing, then explore Titov Island for swimming or hiking to panoramic views. Enjoy a sunset “Happy Hour” and a spring roll cooking class. Dine in the restaurant or on the sundeck (weather permitting), followed by squid fishing or relaxation. Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Greet the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck and a light breakfast. Visit Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest, with stunning views. Enjoy a Vietnamese cuisine buffet brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Disembark at 11:00 AM and return to Hanoi by shuttle bus (2.5–3 hours). Relax at an hour hotel before your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight, concluding this Southeast Asian odyssey.
Meals: Breakfast