Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

Start your Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos tour with two of Bangkok’s most extraordinary Buddhist temples: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5½ tons of solid gold) and Wat Po, the largest temple in Bangkok, featuring its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. Afterwards, you will visit the Grand Palace, one of the finest examples of an ancient Siamese court. It served as the residence of Thailand’s Kings, where you will see palaces used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple.

Stay overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: Full day (8:00-17:00)
• Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open daily from 08:30 to 15:30, except when there are special royal ceremonies or when it is used for state functions. Wat Arun is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30
• For religious reasons, women should wear short-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts and men should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts. No shorts or flip- flops allowed.
  

Let’s explore the Bangkok of old, when daily life took place along rivers and waterways. We will travel about 100 km outside Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. An exciting and scenic long-tail speedboat ride takes us past riverside villages and fruit plantations before reaching the lively market. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way and at the colorful market itself. Vendors sell tropical fruits, exotic vegetables, and fragrant snacks from small wooden sampans on the water, while dockside stalls display local handicrafts, wood carvings, assorted silks, and other souvenirs. It is a perfect place to shop for souvenirs and experience Thailand’s rural culture. After the visit, transfer to the airport for a flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to the hotel and enjoy time at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: 5-6 hours (07.00-13.00)

Chiang Mai offers a wide range of activities and entertainment, with endless possibilities to enjoy your stay, including trekking through beautiful mountain scenery, visiting hill tribes, elephant training centers, temples and cultural shows, as well as excellent opportunities for handicraft shopping and delicious cuisine.

The city is home to many beautiful and historic Buddhist temples, and this tour visits the most remarkable ones, such as the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep near the summit of Doi Suthep. After driving along the winding mountain road, the final ascent is made via a stunning Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. At the top, you will find an impressive copper-plated chedi crowned with a five-tier gold umbrella, which houses partial relics of Lord Buddha. Other temple visits 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; and Wat Phra Singh, home to a highly sacred 1,500-year-old Buddha image. In the evening, visit the colorful Chiang Mai market and try local food on your own.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: Full day (8.00-17.00)
  

A pleasant morning is spent in the company of these magnificent gentle giants, which in earlier times were an essential part of the King’s army and played a significant role in Thai history. On this trip, you will witness the traditional techniques still used in their training process. The delicacy and precision of such massive creatures is truly impressive. The adventurous can also enjoy a short but unforgettable elephant ride. On the way back to the hotel, a stop is made at one of the region’s orchid farms, showcasing a wide variety of Thailand’s exquisite blooms. Return to the hotel in the early afternoon and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: Full day (8.00-17.00)

We take a morning flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will tour Hanoi, where the history and culture of Vietnam are clearly on display. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. This beautiful temple is a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

A cyclo (rickshaw) ride is an excellent way to experience Hanoi up close, as the atmosphere is lively, hectic, and sociable. Your local driver will pedal you, following your guide, through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’. Explore the fascinating maze of backstreets, discover your bargaining skills, and pick up unique items that will always remind you of this memorable afternoon. End your trip with a stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, the “Lake of the Returned Sword,” named after a magical sword once used by revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty before being returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Duration: Half day (14.00-17.00)
  

This full day is dedicated to exploring Hanoi’s most famous landmarks: the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Uncle Ho; his simple stilt house, offering insight into his pure and noble lifestyle; and the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 from wood atop a stone pillar and designed to resemble a lotus blossom.

Continue retracing the city’s history with a short visit to a nearby historic lake featuring a B-52 relic, followed by an untold story shared at a local witness’s home, revealing how the community recovered after the war. Then continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, home to an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, offering an engaging insight into Vietnam’s multi-ethnic identity and promoting socio-cultural diversity.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: 4 hours (8.30-12.00)

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoons.

Known as one of the must-visit destinations in Asia, Hanoi features a unique blend of the vibrant energy of youth and the slow-paced lifestyle of the older generation. Today, you will have a great opportunity to experience Hanoi from a different perspective on the back of a motorbike with a professional driver.

Your guide will offer a brief overview of French architecture, reflected in the many colonial monuments scattered throughout the city center. Walk through the small yet lively streets of the Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, and continue to the historic Long Bien Bridge, famous for its unique historical, architectural, and cultural significance. Have your camera ready to capture panoramic views and memorable moments of locals and street vendors crossing the bridge on traditional transport.

Notes:

• Tour duration: 4 hours (13.30-17.30)
• You will sit behind experienced drivers who understand their motorbikes and the traffic like the back of their hands

Pick up by your local guide and depart from your hotel for a two and a half hour transfer to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, where thousands of spectacular limestone islets and grottoes rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink on board before check-in. Lunch with fresh seafood will be served while the boat cruises through numerous stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Visit a floating fishing village, meet and interact with local villagers before enjoying swimming or free time at leisure on the sundeck. Dinner will be served on board.

Stay overnight on board in HaLong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note:

• The Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice in case of adverse weather alerts or any emergency situation.
• Use in-house English speaking tour guide on boat, include private tour guide on bus
  

Early risers can join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, followed by breakfast as the boat continues cruising through Ha Long Bay. The journey takes you past numerous islets named after their distinctive shapes, such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger, and others. Accompanied by the boat staff, explore one of the bay’s most magnificent caves before returning to the vessel and cruising back toward the wharf. Upon disembarkation at approximately 10:30, your vehicle will be waiting for a direct transfer from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi Airport for a domestic flight to Da Nang City, followed by a 45-minute drive to the charming town of Hoi An.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, we will travel about 1.5 hours from downtown Hoi An to Ba Na Hills, a picturesque mountain retreat offering breathtaking panoramic views. Rising more than 1,400 meters (4,878 feet) above sea level, this destination enjoys cool temperatures throughout most of the year. Upon arrival at the Ba Na Hills cable car station, board a modern cable car system and admire a bird’s-eye view of the stunning natural scenery while enjoying the sensation of gliding through the blue sky among the clouds and breeze. Experience the feeling of walking above the clouds as you stroll across the Golden Bridge, seemingly held aloft by a pair of giant hands emerging from the mountainside.

Overnight stay in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (7.30-13.00)

The Ancient Town of Hoi An, which flourished as a trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, is remarkably well preserved, making it a must-visit destination. This historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its old tile-roofed houses, shaded pagodas, and colorful community halls.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, famous for its preserved architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and local cuisine. Stroll past historic merchant houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures while observing daily local life. This morning, visit a tea house that supports people with disabilities (PWDs) by helping them develop employment opportunities and social skills to become active members of society.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.30-12.30 or 13.30-17.30)
• Walking distance: 2-3 km, easy on the flat terrain
• The Hoi An entrance ticket allows 24-hour access to 5 sightseeing spots, including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas, and assembly halls.
• It also grants you access to Hoi An Ancient Town for the duration of your stay in Hoi An.
• Please keep the ticket with you at all times if you visit Hoi An independently later in the evening or on another day
  

After breakfast, your Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos tour continues with a transfer to Da Nang Airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Formerly known as the “Pearl of Indochina,” Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is home to several historic landmarks with fascinating stories behind them. Begin your exploration with a visit to the CIA Building, where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975, and where you can choose to ride one of the oldest elevators dating back to the French colonial era.

Continue to the Reunification Palace, once the residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later the President of the Republic of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Stop at the Thich Quang Duc Monument, dedicated to the monk who famously self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the persecution of Buddhists. Conclude the morning with a simple lunch of “Pho” (noodle soup) at Pho Binh Restaurant, the former headquarters of Viet Cong commanders who gathered there to plan the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-12.30 or 13.00-17.00) but preferred morning tour
• Capacity: 20 Pax

The fertile Mekong Delta, often called the rice bowl of Vietnam, is renowned for its network of canals, lush rice paddies, tropical fruit orchards, and fish farms. Life in this region continues to reflect the traditions and lifestyle of the past. This full-day excursion takes you to Ben Tre, considered one of the main gateways to the Mekong Delta. Leaving behind the busy city center, enjoy views of rice fields and fruit plantations stretching along the route. Embark on a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River aboard the elegant Apricot boat, a newly designed river barge inspired by local heritage.

Admire the scenic countryside and riverside villages as you cruise. Shore visits include a stop at a tropical fruit farmer’s home to sample local specialties, as well as a family-run workshop where you will learn about coconut processing while experiencing genuine country hospitality.

Be sure to enjoy a tuk-tuk or bicycle ride through a peaceful village, followed by a sampan journey through a maze of narrow canals shaded by water coconut palms. Complete this memorable experience with a tranquil lunch at Apricot Riverside Restaurant, featuring authentic dishes from the Mekong Delta.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Notes:

• Tour duration: 7-8 hours (08:00-17:00)
• The cycling distance can be 3, 5, or 7 km, depending on your physical ability and length you desire
• The exploration can be done on foot, horse cart or tri-motorcycle instead of the cycling
  

We will take a morning flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent ancient temples of Angkor. The charming town of Siem Reap is best known for the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park and Tonle Sap Lake, where life remains simple and unhurried, with communities living on the water in close harmony with nature.

Today, travel approximately 20–25 minutes south of Siem Reap along picturesque roads to Chong Kneas Floating Village on Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Board a traditional wooden boat and enjoy a relaxing and informative cruise through the floating communities, home to more than a thousand families who live and work on the water. Observe floating schools, markets, police stations, and the unique traditional lifestyle of the residents. For the people of the village, life on the water represents a cherished cultural heritage that continues to be preserved despite the rapid growth of modern society.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.00-13.00) including 1 hour-boat trip
• The best time to visit Tonle Sap Lake is between August to March, outside of this period the level of water can be low
• Accessibility: all vehicle type

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Angkor complex is one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological treasures, preserving the remarkable remains of the Khmer Empire’s capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

Today, you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. Transfer from your hotel to Ta Prohm, famously known as the Tomb Raider Temple. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII, it is renowned for its atmospheric setting, where giant trees grow through the ancient ruins.

Continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city founded by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. Visit the mysterious Bayon Temple, famous for its many serene stone faces, and discover the intricate carvings of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Your journey continues to Angkor Wat, the vast temple complex built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Originally dedicated to Vishnu as a Hindu temple, it was later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary. End the day with sunset views over the rice fields from Pre Rup, the royal crematorium, offering a classic scene of the Cambodian countryside.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.30)
• Accessibility: 4 seats, 7 seats. 16 seats, 25 seats vehicle only
  

Join us this morning as we discover the world of traditional Cambodian art at Artisan d’Angkor, a social enterprise that trains young people from rural communities in Cambodian arts and crafts. Experience a special blessing ceremony with monks at a peaceful riverside pagoda, where you will sit on carpets as they chant prayers and sprinkle holy water and flowers upon you. A sacred thread will then be tied around your wrist as a symbol of protection from evil spirits and accidents.

Afterward, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you will wake up before dawn to witness the sacred tradition of offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light, a Buddhist practice of making merit for future good fortune.

Later, explore the highlights of this magnificent town starting with the Royal Palace, a blend of French beaux-arts and traditional Lao architecture, now a National Museum housing precious royal artifacts. Continue along peaceful, tree-lined streets to visit Luang Prabang’s famous temples.

Wat Xieng Thong is a masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood in classic Lao style. Wat Aham, known as the “Monastery of the Blossoming Heart,” is nicknamed the “watermelon stupa” for its rounded shape. Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, once housed ancient Buddha statues and steles. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) showcases Laos’s rich cultural diversity through its exhibits.

Visit displays of textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and ritual artifacts, then continue to a social enterprise by the Mekong River to learn about Lao textiles. Walk through the garden workshop, observe artisans at work, and learn about silkworms and natural dyeing methods before meeting local weavers dedicated to preserving this craft.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (8.30-17.30)
• The National Museum closes on every Tuesday
• Please dress appropriately for visits to religious sites. Shoulders, chest and legs should be covered

Optional: Private Baci Ceremony and Home-Hosted Dinner

Known as an important part of Lao culture, the Baci ceremony is a traditional ritual widely practiced across the country. Held to mark special occasions such as weddings, births, homecomings, or farewells, it is based on an ancient belief that it brings good luck and health. During the ceremony, a village elder will tie a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting blessings to enhance its protective power. You are warmly welcomed into a local family home in Luang Prabang to experience this ancient tradition.

Afterward, spend time sharing cultures, taking part in family activities, and enjoying a meal with your hosts. Savor a simple yet delicious dinner of Lao specialties prepared by the family.

Notes:

• Tour duration: 2.5-3 hours (18.00-21.00), including 45-60 minutes for the Baci ceremony and 1.5 hours for home-hosted dinner
• Capacity: 25 Pax

Set off on a relaxed boat trip to discover the famous Pak Ou Caves, located beneath a dramatic karst formation about 25 kilometers from downtown Luang Prabang. Board a traditional long-tail boat and cruise gently along the Mekong River to reach the caves. Upon arrival, explore the mystical cave system: the lower cave contains a photogenic collection of Buddha statues set against a striking river backdrop, while the upper cave is reached by a 7-minute climb through lush greenery. Inside, Buddhas of every size, pose, and era line the cave walls, reflecting a sacred tradition that highlights the devotion of Laotians to Buddhism.

Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive south of Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall, with stops at a hill tribe village to observe local life along the way. Kuang Si is one of the area’s most beautiful natural attractions, featuring multi-tiered cascades of turquoise water flowing from dense jungle into limestone pools below. Swimming is possible, though the water is very cold between November and January. Continue with a leisurely walk through the park, passing the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to more than 20 rescued Asiatic black bears.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (8.30-17.30)
  

You will be free today until it’s time for your driver to transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast