Immerse yourself in the historical, cultural and culinary treasures of four countries — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand — on a single, comprehensive journey through Southeast Asia that includes watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat.
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11
DAY 12
DAY 13
DAY 1
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your colonial-style hotel.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
DAY 2
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple structure that served as home to the revolutionary guerrilla leader. Continue to the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, dating back to the first independent Vietnamese empire, and visit the Temple of Literature. After lunch at a local restaurant, set foot in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once confined. Later, Ride Like a Local by cyclo through the city’s Old Quarter stopping at a local coffee shop to speak with a war veteran.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
Travel to Hai Phong, where you board ‘Orchid’ for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Relax on deck as ‘Orchid’ snakes past the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan, their striking karsts (limestone formations) rising dramatically from the emerald waters. On a course less frequented by other cruises, wind past Thoi Quyt and Coc Ngoi islets. Disembark on Cat Ba Island and travel overland through a stunning karst landscape cloaked in verdant forests on your way to Trung Trang Cave. Admire the cave’s intricate features, formed over millennia. Back aboard ‘Orchid,’ cruise to Lan Ha Bay, a quiet corner of greater Ha Long Bay, where you view the sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline. Back on ‘Orchid,’ join a cooking demonstration led by a chef who prepares traditional Vietnamese cuisine, followed by dinner on board.
'Orchid'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Greet the sunrise with a tai chi lesson on deck, before enjoying a kayak excursion among the towering limestone pinnacles. Enjoy brunch back on board ‘Orchid,’ and then return to port to disembark. Set out on a city tour of Hai Phong, including Hang Kenh Temple, where you take in a water puppet show, before transferring to the airport and flying to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.
The Reverie Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
Recently experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, lively, evocative Ho Chi Minh City is a hub of activity — a sharp contrast to the traditional ambience of Hanoi. Rise early this morning for a cyclo ride to experience the vibrant Tao Dan Park, explore the city’s wet markets and admire a secret bunker. Sip local coffee and sample pho for breakfast, before returning to the hotel for your morning at leisure. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. At lunch, try your hand at making banh khot, a savory Vietnamese pancake. Then visit the city’s Reunification Palace and stop by a Cao Dai temple to learn about a unique religion in Southern Vietnam.
The Reverie Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6
This morning, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground paths used by the Vietcong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
Tour the War Remnants Museum to view photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist, followed by a walking tour of a historic neighborhood
Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors, as well as local craft beer.
Cycle the Countryside around the Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through local villages to observe daily life.
The Reverie Saigon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Fly to charming Siem Reap, the town nearest to the breathtaking ruins of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. In the afternoon, set out with your expert guide to explore the stunning ruins of Ta Prohm, where the roots of great trees seem to have spilled over the roof of this iconic stone temple. Later, check in to your hotel.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8
Rise early and proceed by tuk-tuk to witness sunrise over Angkor Wat. This afternoon, visit Bayon Temple and the South Gate of Angkor Thom.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
Today, explore a less-visited temple — Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Learn about the essential work of the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an A&K Philanthropy project that builds pumping wells in rural communities throughout the country. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before bidding farewell to Cambodia, as you fly to Luang Prabang, Laos.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10
Step back in time for a day. This morning, explore charming Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to the National Museum, which was once a royal palace, for an overview of the history and culture of Luang Prabang. Then, follow the quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. After a refreshing tea in the gardens, proceed to the enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple noted for its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic. Then, explore Wat Khili, the “Temple of the Golden Mountain.” Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. Early this evening, board a private sunset cruise on the iconic Mekong River.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11
Rise very early to give alms to Buddhist monks, an optional activity that puts you in touch with the local culture and community, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, set off for the cascading waters of Kuang Si Waterfall Park. Explore a path that runs alongside a wide multi-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations and take a moment to reflect on your journey. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and head to a nearby village to participate in a baci ceremony — a good luck ritual for a safe onward journey that is part of the local culture — before flying to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12
Depart the hotel by private boat, travelling along the Chao Phraya River, to explore the sprawling Grand Palace, site of the historic Siamese court and home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Continue by tuk-tuk to the 150-foot-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Return to your hotel by boat for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
3 days from $2,295 per person
Single Supplement from $1,595 per person
Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to spend two nights in Dubai before or after your journey.
Accommodations:
Taj Dubai from $2,295 | Single Supplement from $1,595
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai from $3,195 | Single Supplement from $2,495
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach from $3,295 | Single Supplement from $2,695
International air not included.
3 DAYS
Fly to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and check in to your luxury hotel. Discover the best of this dazzling city, viewing its remarkable architecture; visiting the Spice Market and the colorful shops at Deira Gold Souk; and ascending the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. On the last day, continue on to your journey or board your flight home.
Taj Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 2); Breakfast (Day 3)
3 days from $2,495 per person
Single Supplement from $1,395 per person
Take advantage of an incredible opportunity to spend two nights in Hong Kong before or after your journey.
International air not included.
3 DAYS
Experience Hong Kong Island by land, air and sea, beginning with a look at the city’s bustling market culture with stops at the Sheung Wan dried food and herbal market, street-side antique shops, and an open-air curio market. Ride the Peak Tram funicular up to Victoria Peak for a stunning view of Victoria Harbour, and finish with a traditional sampan (wooden boat) ride through the local floating villages.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 2); Breakfast (Day 3)
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
'Orchid'
The Reverie Saigon
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
