Southeast Asia Discovery 18 Days

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Upon arrival, meet your tour guide who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy your free time to relax or explore Bangkok at your own pace. You might stroll through the colorful night markets, try local street food, or take a sunset drink by the Chao Phraya River. Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your day with a visit to the dazzling Grand Palace, once home to the Thai monarchy. Explore its rich halls and the revered Wat Phra Kaew, housing the Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Pho, famed for the massive Reclining Buddha, then visit Wat Traimit to admire the Golden Buddha. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and canals of Thonburi, offering a glimpse of daily life by the water. Stop by Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok.

Head out early to visit the thrilling Maeklong Railway Market, where trains pass through a narrow market space. Continue to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, gliding through canals by boat as you shop for tropical fruit and local snacks. On weekends, visit Patom Organic Village, where you’ll learn about sustainable Thai farming and see workshops making natural body care and food products. It’s a meaningful stop that supports local communities. Return to Bangkok by late afternoon. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the tranquil vibe of this UNESCO-listed city. The rest of your day is free to relax or wander along the Mekong River promenade, explore the vibrant night market, or sip a Lao coffee at a riverside café. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin your day at dawn by witnessing the traditional alms giving ceremony, where monks silently collect food offerings. After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, explore Wat Mai, and admire the ornate beauty of Wat Xieng Thong. Continue your city tour with a walk through the morning market, bustling with locals selling fresh produce and handmade goods. After lunch at a local restaurant, climb Mount Phousi for breathtaking panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Embark on a scenic Mekong River cruise to visit the mystical Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues placed over centuries. Along the way, stop in a local village known for making traditional rice wine. In the afternoon, journey to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, where cascading turquoise pools invite you for a swim. Also visit the Bear Rescue Center, dedicated to protecting endangered Asiatic black bears. Return to Luang Prabang by early evening. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi, the historic capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, known for its vibrant street life, colonial architecture, and local delicacies. Optionally, enjoy a bowl of authentic pho and a Vietnamese coffee while soaking up the city’s atmosphere. Overnight in Hanoi.

Explore the cultural heart of Hanoi, beginning with Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and his humble stilt house. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Visit the Ethnology Museum to learn about the country’s ethnic diversity. End your day with a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form. Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Board your overnight cruise through a wonderland of limestone islands. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as you glide past floating villages and jungle-clad cliffs. In the afternoon, go kayaking, swim in emerald waters, or explore a hidden lagoon. Join a cooking demonstration on board before a sunset dinner. Overnight on board.

Wake up early for a Tai Chi session on deck or a sunrise coffee. Continue cruising through the bay as you enjoy a hearty brunch. After disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi for your evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin your day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex underground network used during the Vietnam War. Crawl through narrow passageways and learn about guerrilla warfare and resilience. Return to the city, then visit major landmarks including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the powerful War Remnants Museum. Finish at Ben Thanh Market to experience the local bustle. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Journey to the fertile Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl. Cruise along narrow canals lined with coconut palms, visit a local family’s orchard, and watch traditional coconut candy making. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Take a short flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Temples. After hotel check-in, the day is yours to relax, swim, or explore the local night market. For those interested, optional activities like a traditional Apsara dance dinner or street food tour are available. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Visit Angkor Thom, the ancient capital featuring the Bayon Temple and Terrace of the Elephants. Continue to Ta Prohm, famous for its overgrown tree roots and mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon, marvel at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, best viewed at sunset. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Visit Tonle Sap Lake and take a boat ride to see life in a floating village. Learn about the unique challenges and traditions of the people who live entirely on water. Return to town and visit local artisan workshops. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, check in, and take a walk by yourself along the Mekong River or enjoy a sunset drink with city views. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Discover the history and resilience of Cambodia. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, then continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, powerful reminders of the Khmer Rouge era. The rest of the day is free for shopping at the Russian Market or relaxing at a riverside café. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, enjoy free time until your airport transfer. Your unforgettable Southeast Asia journey ends here with beautiful memories and lasting impressions.