Ultimate Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand

Bangkok

Day 1: Touchdown in Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! The first leg of your exciting Southeast Asian adventure has begun. Arrive into Bangkok's international airport, where you will meet a representative for a private transfer to your accommodation. If you have some energy left following your travels, head out to explore your surroundings and soak up the magic of Thailand's capital by night. Overnight in Bangkok.

Bangkok

Day 2: The many delights of Bangkok

From its historic landmarks to its vibrant food scene, Bangkok has plenty to please. Today, set out on a tour of its Grand Palace and Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest wats in the city and home to the iconic Reclining Buddha statue. Take a leisurely boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to experience the city from a unique vantage point, before disembarking to satisfy your taste buds as you tuck into the local cuisine.

After lunch, pay a visit to the Jim Thompson House, a museum showcasing the works of the celebrated American businessman and architect. Then, as the day gives way to night, experience the bustle and buzz of Khao San Road - a popular and fun place for digging into Bangkok's amazing street food.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Day 3: Explore the charms of Chiang Mai

Today, leave Bangkok behind as you take a domestic flight to Chiang Mai, whose cultural and historic attractions are ready to charm you. Explore the old city's biggest landmarks, including the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Then, sit down for a traditional Lanna khantoke dinner and cultural show - two incredible experiences offering great insight into the local heritage. Retreat to your accommodation afterwards, for an overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai

Day 4: Immersive experiences in Chiang Mai

You've a wonderful array of activities to look forward to in Chiang Mai today! First, pay a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary, for a unique chance to see these gentle giants up close and interact with them as you help feed, walk and bathe them. You'll then join an expert chef, who'll teach you the secrets to Thai cuisine during an insightful cooking class, before having some time to relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage - heaven! You'll end the day by exploring the trendy Nimmanhaemin Road, or Nimman for short, lined with galleries, cafes and restaurants. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang

Day 5: Journey to Laos

Today, say goodbye to Thailand as you fly to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos. There, take some time to unwind as you explore the Royal Palace Museum, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, tour the buzzing night market, and sink your teeth into the local food scene. Settle down in your accommodation for an overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang

Day 6: Breathtaking heritage & nature

This morning, make an early start for a unique chance to experience an almsgiving ceremony, before setting out to explore the city some more. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist temple built in the mid-1500s by King Setthathirath, before trekking to the Kuang Si Waterfalls - a sublime display of nature's power, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply cool down in the nearby shade. End your day with a steep yet manageable climb to the top of Mount Phousi, to soak up sunset views over the city and Mekong River, before returning to your accommodation in Luang Prabang for an overnight stay.

Luang Prabang - Siem Reap

Day 7: Journey to Cambodia's Siem Reap

Today, you have the option of taking a scenic morning cruise along the banks of the Mekong River, before gathering your things and heading to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

Get ready to begin the next leg of your journey, with four fantastic nights in Cambodia! Upon your arrival here, transfer to the city centre to explore the vibrant Pub Street and enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance, before relaxing at your accommodation for the night.

Siem Reap

Day 8: Experience the iconic Angkor Wat

From Siem Reap, take the 15-minute drive out to explore the stunning and ever-iconic Angkor Wat complex, a spawling Buddhist temple and one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. Continue with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last capital city of the Khmer Empire, and Ta Prohm, a significant temple that dates back to the late 12th century.

Back in Siem Reap, sit down to experience the thrills of a Cambodian circus show, where performers use music, theater, compelling dance choreographies and modern circus arts to tell classic local stories. Spend some time afterwards, savoring the local street food and nightlife at your own pace, before heading back to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Day 9: Journey to Phnom Penh

Say farewell to Siem Reap as you take a private transfer by car to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital! The journey is approximately five hours, after which you'll have time to rest at your accommodation and seek out the city's draws at your own pace. You have the option of embarking a cruise ship, to sail down the Mekong River as you marvel at the cinematic sunset views.

Phnom Penh

Day 10: Historic sightseeing & sunset cruising

Spend the day exploring the many incredible attractions that Phnom Penh is known for, each one filled with culture and history! Start your tour with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, then continue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home of the stunning Emerald Buddha. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere and Art Deco-style architecture at the Central Market, and if you haven't already done so, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Welcome to Vietnam

After getting to know Cambodia, it's now time for the fourth and final part of your trip: a few ravishing days in Vietnam.

Take a private transfer by car from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, approximately five hours away. You'll arrive to check into your accommodation and rest up after the long journey, before heading back out to explore Ben Thanh Market. A year-round institution, it first opened in 1912 and to this day continues to sell fresh produce, handicrafts, textiles and street food.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Deep-dive into Ho Chi Minh City

On your second day in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll get to tick off a few must-visit sites: travel back in time as you explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, marvel up at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and take a historic tour of the War Remnants Museum. Then, you'll board a boat and sail onto the waters of the Saigon River, upon which you'll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner cruise with sparkling views of the city by night. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Into the heart of the Mekong Delta

From Ho Chi Minh City, you'll set out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta - a stunning land filled with maze-like rivers, swamps and islands, together forming a picturesque countryside escape away from the city crowds.

Explore local villages and floating markets, cruise along the tributaries at a leisurely pace, and observe local farmers at work on their fields or rice paddies. Then, return to Ho Chi Minh City for your onward trip to Da Nang, via an overnight train journey.

Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang - hoi an

Day 14: Explore charming Hoi An

Welcome to Da Nang! Pull into the train station, where you'll continue your journey with a transfer to Hoi An - a popular coastal Vietnamese city, lined with canals and loved for its charming and romantic atmosphere. Soak in the age-old beauty of its Ancient Town, feel serene as you cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, and dive into the Hoi An Night Market for your fill of fantastic street food and souvenir-shopping. Overnight in Hoi An.

hoi an

Day 15: Ancient temples & beach relaxation

Today, it's time to experience a true feat of Vietnamese architecture and history! Set out to visit the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Center containing abandoned Shaiva Hindu temples and statues, built as far back as the 4th century. Spend a while touring these humbling grounds, before continuing on to An Bang Beach for an afternoon of relaxation on soft white sands. Once you've had your dose of sun, sea and sand, you'll return to Hoi An for an overnight stay.

hoi an

Day 16: Crafts & cooking in Hoi An

Today, enjoy two unique opportunities to take a deeper dive into local culture and traditions, as you get hands-on with a lantern-making session and Vietnamese cooking class. Whether or not you're already a crafting enthusiast and seasoned chef, you're guaranteed a day of fun and immersive experiences! You'll then have a final overnight stay in Hoi An - now's your chance to make the most of the city, before venturing on to your next port of call tomorrow.

hoi an - Hue

Day 17: Journey to Hue

Today, leave Hoi An behind as you take a private three-hour transfer to Hue by car. Spend your time here unwinding after your travels, and end the day with a scenic and utterly relaxing sunset cruise on the Perfume River. Settle down at your accommodation in Hue for an overnight stay, filled with excitement to explore the city's heritage.

Hue

Day 18: Explore Hue's fascinating heritage

Hue is known as one of the best places in Vietnam for history-lovers. Today, you'll find out exactly why this is as you tour the Imperial City, including the Forbidden Purple City within its grounds. Constructed back in 1803 as a new capital under Emperor Gia Long, it's also a remarkable showcase of traditional architecture.

Next, take time to explore the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda and UNESCO-listed Tomb of Khai Dinh, before having the rest of the day free to explore Hue at your own pace, ahead of boarding an overnight train to Hanoi.

Hue - hanoi

Day 19: Welcome to Hanoi!

Hello, Hanoi! After your overnight journey, you'll arrive ready for an early check-in at your accommodation. Then, seize your chance to visit the city's famous Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can rest your legs for a while before continuing the day's adventures. Tour the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison, formerly used by French colonists as well as during the Vietnam War, then relax over an authentic cup of Vietnamese egg coffee at a local cafe. To end the day on a high note, you'll have time to explore the vibrant Ta Hien Street, filled with great vibes and the heady aromas of Vietnamese street food. Overnight in Hanoi.

hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Day 20: Cruise the waters of Ha Long Bay

From Hanoi, you'll take a private car transfer to Ha Long Bay, and embark a ship at the port for a one-of-a-kind, overnight cruise experience. While the hours away on board, partake in kayaking or enjoy a swim in the bay's waters - however you'd like to spend your time, full relaxation is guaranteed! You'll also have the chance to visit Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, before returning to your ship for a fabulous sunset party on the sundeck. Overnight on board.

Ha Long Bay - hanoi

Day 21: The sights & sounds of Hanoi

This morning, your ship will slowly make its way back to port, ending your Ha Long Bay cruise experience. From there, transfer back to Hanoi, where you'll have another exciting program to look forward to: tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, sit down to enjoy a traditional water puppet show, and shop for souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market in the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.

hanoi

Day 22: Deep-dive into Hanoi

There's still so much to uncover in Hanoi! Take an even deeper dive into this fascinating city today, as you visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Taoist temple, both nestled on the shores of the West Lake. Feel serene as you rest for a while on the water's edge, before venturing to the Vietnamese Women's Museum for amazing insight into the roles of local women in history.

End the day with a captivating cycle tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter and the chance to sample local street food at Long Bien Market, before returning to your accommodation for a final night.

hanoi

Day 23: Farewell, Vietnam!

Today, say your goodbyes to Vietnam as you transfer to Hanoi’s international airport, where your onward flight awaits. Your Southeast Asian exploration has come to an end, but make sure to visit again soon!