Wonderful Southeast Asia

• Day 1:

  Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, your guide meets and transfers you to the hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. Accommodation in Hanoi: (5*) Pan Pacific Ha Noi (Superior Room) (two nights)

• Day 2:

  At 5:00 AM, you will depart from the hotel. First, you go to the morning colorful floral market in Tay Ho district where hundreds of different kinds of flowers are being sold in bulk to the flower shop keepers. Continue visiting the Long Bien night wholesale market to see how busy it is before dawn. People from every corner of the city come here to pick up boxes of fruit and vegetables that later on they sell at their own shop or at other local markets. Time for strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake to witness, and even take part in, people, young and old, exercising, dancing, doing tai chi, and jogging. As the sun rises and the light becomes perfect, take every second to snap the best photos of your day! Then, walk slowly through the Old Quarter to see how the city people begin their day. You will see street side markets preparing for the morning. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, you continue the day tour visiting the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the Nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. Visit Huu Tiep Lake (nicknamed B52 Lake), a small lake surrounded by houses that is home to a historic B52 that crashed into the lake in the December 1972. The B52 looks like an iron pile, but yet is the pride of the people of Hanoi. Next, visit Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century. The gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

• Day 3:

  After breakfast, depart from your hotel by road to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival at Hon Gai port, Ha Long, you are welcomed to La Regina Royal, an elegance and delightful blend of traditional Vietnamese design. It offers the most memorable cruising throughout Ha Long Bay. Let your vacation start with a delicious lunch set menu in restaurant. Then, visit Vung Vieng floating fishing village, one of the biggest villages in Ha Long Bay, for a chance to learn about the lives of fishermen and take part in some option activities - bamboo boat or kayaking (additional charge applies). Besides having experienced the daily life of fishermen, you will stop at Pearl Village where you will be amazed at the lovely jewelry made from pearl. Enjoy your time with the beautiful sunset on the bay and a deep-fried spring roll cooking class on sundeck. Dinner will be served on the sundeck. Accommodation on Ha Long Bay: Sealife Legend Cruise (ROH Cabin) (one night)

• Day 4:

  Watch the sunrise and Tai chi practice on the sundeck. Following is a light breakfast served in the dining room. Discover Thien Canh Son cave located on top of a mountain, which contains the long history of geological value and the natural beauty. It is recommended that you bring a camera and wear sport shoes for hiking. Return to the main boat to relax and check out at the reception. You will put all your luggage outside your cabin door, and a crew member will help to bring luggage on land. Brunch is served in the restaurant before disembarking at 11:00 AM. The driver will pick you up and transfer you to airport in Hai Phong city, a 40-minute drive. You will take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (additional charge applies). After collecting your luggage, your tour guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: (5*) Majestic Hotel (Colonial room) (three nights)

• Day 5:

  Set out on a Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing tour which offers a good mix of both famous attractions and lesser-known markets and sites of this vibrant and fast-paced city. Head out to visit The Central Post office, a well preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia. Located next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, the two cultural sites can be visited together and offer visitors a chance to imagine life in Vietnam during the times of the Indochinese Empire. Continue to the 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. The formal Secret CIA Building cannot be missed. The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. The pagoda is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshippers. In the evening, you will have free time to relax or explore the hustle and bustle of city’s nightlife.

• Day 6:

  The “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is carpeted with rice paddies, floating markets, crisscross rivers and canals. Leave bustling Ho Chi Minh behind and head out to untouched areas not well-known by tourists in Ben Tre. Board the Apricot Cruise, featuring a new boat design open on all sides to allow the river breezes to flow freely. From the comfort of your Apricot Cruise, meander downs the Mekong observing local life play out along the riverbanks. Stop at some local families and see how local traditional methods utilize every bit of the coconut. Learn how to make local cakes and have a chance to meet a veteran as he shares different perspectives of the American and Vietnam sides. It is a un experience with row-sampan through winding water-coconut canals and bike riding along lush rural roads. Enjoy lunch served with Mekong specialties at the Apricot Riverside Restaurant. Relax, enjoy the tour and have memorable experiences.

• Day 7:

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap (additional charge applies) – the gateway to the famous Angkor temples, the treasure of the Kingdom of Cambodia. You will be greeted by the local tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a ride on a tuk tuk to the local night market, where you will see a variety of local food, snacks, fruits, clothes on display for sale. Walking through the market, you may get Cambodian snacks with all fries including grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, crickets, baby frogs, and so on. These are all Cambodian favorites. Try it out and take a picture of it to show your friends back home. Afterward, you will be transferred to local restaurant to enjoy a dinner, cooked by and in the Cambodian way. The food can always be catered to your allergy restrictions, with advanced notice. Accommodation in: Siem Reap: (5*) Angkor Palace Resort and Spa (Deluxe Room) (two nights)

• Day 8:

  The ‘City of Kings’, boasting some of the largest religious monuments ever constructed, is a vast and mysterious complex of hulking lateritic and sandstone blocks. Spend today to exploring the most impress temples. You first come to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its centerpiece, the Bayon Temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. Continue to Ta Prohm, The Tomb Raider. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. Next, visit Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. End the day with a sunset view from Pre Rup Temple, a temple mountain of combined brick, lateritic and sandstone construction.

• Day 9:

  This morning, make a trip to Tonle Sap Lake. En route, stop for photos in the Cambodian countryside villages, interacting with locals and seeing pagodas. Take a boat cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake (great lake) and visit the floating village to see how people live and trade. Take a short flight to Luang Prabang city, Laos (additional charge applies). Obtain a visa stamp on arrival, clear Customs and collect your luggage. Your tour guide will meet you and transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. Accommodation in Luang Prabang: (4*+) Luang Prabang View Hotel (Superior Room) (three nights)

• Day 10:

  For early risers (5:45 AM), there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit lively Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast and relax. In the afternoon, you visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue on and visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. Later visit a mountain top temple to interact and chant with the monks. A meditation option is available for you if you want.

• Day 11:

  Today, you will take a boat cruise on Nam Khan River. Along the way, you will see gorgeous landscapes of the Green Mountain and see fishermen catch fish by using their traditional nets. Stop to visit a pottery village by the riverbank. The villagers still make ceramic village by traditional technique as rotation table and tray of clay and firewood oven. Interact with local villagers and experience making a product. Continue the boat trip and enjoy the scenery. Disembark and take a short drive to visit an authentic H’mong and Khmu tribe village. Visit a village’s shaman home. Later, you will drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax and enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings. Visit Bear Rescue Center. Afterwards you return to Luang Prabang city, hike up Mr. Phousi to view the sunset and enjoy a panoramic view over Luang Prabang city. The last stop is the night market.

• Day 12:

  Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some time at leisure until your driver transfers you to airport for an afternoon flight to Chiang Mai (additional charge applies). Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be greeted by the local guide and taken to the hotel. Check in at your hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure. Accommodation in Chiang Mai: (4*+) Rati Lanna Riverside Hotel (Deluxe Room) (two nights) Note: Laos Airlines operates four direct flights from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

• Day 13:

  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, visits to hill tribes, elephant training centers, temples and cultural shows and fantastic opportunities for handicraft shopping and delicious food. A pleasant morning is spent in the company of these magnificent gentle giants elephants 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 are amazing. The adventurous can also enjoy a short but unforgettable elephant ride! In the afternoon, the city of Chiang Mai has many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples and you will visit the most interesting, such as, the 600-year old temple of Wat Pra 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. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. 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 year-old Buddha image. This evening, visit the colorful Chiang Mai market and try local food on your own.

• Day 14:

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket (additional charge applies). On arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of day is your leisure time to relax and enjoy the beach. Accommodation in Phuket: (4*+) Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (Deluxe Room- Bhuri Wing) (three nights)

• Day 15:

  Today is free at leisure. OPTIONAL TOUR (additional charge applies): Sea Canoeing at Phang Nga bay (SIC tour pick up/drop up at Karon beach area) Hong by Starlight takes the day trip concept one step further. You kayak in the uncrowded afternoon, and then experience day’s transition to total darkness. Three natural light sources and one special feeling create this “Lifetime” experience. With no torches, no talking and “total” darkness, the serenity is as overwhelming as the natural light show. Can you guess the three light sources – maybe four? Hong by Starlight is better in the low season rain, when lightning and thunder echo off the darkened cliff walls. Rain or not, this is a very special experience. After your Starlight Hong and on the way back to Ao Por, you will be served your second meal of the day, the famous Thai seafood buffet. You won’t need another dinner. Finish off by comparing Western and Thai constellations on the “Moon” deck.

• Day 16:

  Second free day is in Phuket. OPTIONAL TOUR (additional charge applies): Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island by Speedboat (Lunch). SIC minimum two people Start this unique trip at 7:30 from the Phuket pier, and depart for Phi Phi Islands. Sightsee at Nui Bay (Camel Rock), visit Monkey Beach, relax or swim and snorkel. Sightseeing around Viking Cave, you will see the cave from a distance, where you could take some photos. Head to Pileh Cove lagoon for sightseeing or swimming in clam emerald water surrounded by the impressive cliffs - sightsee and swim around this very natural cove. Continue to Loh Samah Bay, snorkeling and discover what is the original color of the emerald. Lunch at Phi Phi Island (Phi Phi Don), enjoy and relax with Thai and international food. Visit Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef) for snorkeling and flirt with one of the greatest coral reefs in Asia. Enjoy free time at leisure on the beach of Bamboo Island where you can enjoy swimming, relaxing and sunbathing before the return transfer to your hotel.

• Day 17:

  This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, you head to airport for a flight to Bangkok (additional charge applies) – the capital city of Thailand. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The evening is your leisure time or explore a night market on your own. Accommodation in Bangkok: (5*) Anantara Riverside Hotel (Deluxe Room) (two nights)

• Day 18:

  Today's city 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. After, you 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.

• Day 19:

  After morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

May 01 – September 30, 2020 (Except for public holidays)

Per Person Sharing:      $2,799

Single Supplement:       $1,439

Inclusions:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast as mentioned or similar
• One night cruise to explore Ha Long Bay inclusive of accommodation, food and entrance fee
• Visa assistance service at the airport (upon arrival)
• Street food tour by tuk tuk in Siem Reap
• Chanting with the monks in Luang Prabang
• Shaman home visit in Luang Prabang
• Transfer services in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees and boat fees where applicable
• Meals listed in the itinerary (if any)
• English-speaking local guide in each city (in-house guide on cruise in Ha Long Bay)
• Bottled water on coach during transfer
• Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights, along with airport taxes (including airport departure tax), unless otherwise mentioned
• Hotel upgrades
• Optional activities
• Kayak equipment in Ha Long Bay
• Meals not mentioned
• Drinks and surcharge for special request on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time and other personal expenses
• Insurance
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Surcharge for public holidays and/or peak periods (if applicable)
• Any compulsory meal by the hotels (during Christmas and New Year)
• Any type of visa and fee
• All other services not stated in the program

PLEASE NOTE

Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00 (Early check-in time or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge.)