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Trip Inspiration

Epic Southeast Asia

Vietnam + Laos + Cambodia + Thailand

Embark on an unforgettable 24-day journey through the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Asia! The adventure begins in Vietnam, where you’ll explore from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Continue to tranquil Luang Prabang in Laos, then mystical Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to the Angkor temples. Finally, Thailand awaits! Enjoy both the urban energy in Bangkok and the tranquil beaches of Koh Yao Noi Island. This journey promises a unique glimpse into Southeast Asian culture, crafting memories to cherish for a lifetime.

A map outline of Southeast Asia.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 10 nights in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and Halong Bay
  • 4 nights in Laos: Luang Prabang
  • 4 nights in Cambodia: Siem Reap
  • 5 nights in Thailand: Bangkok and Koh Yao Noi Island

Activities

  • Explore cities on foot, by tuk-tuk and on the back of a Vespa
  • Sample foods from street vendors, restaurants and local cafes
  • Visit museums, cultural sites and scenic spots across the region
  • Spend an overnight aboard a private boat on Halong Bay
  • Meet the monks of Laos for a blessing and meditation session
  • Visit local markets and neighborhood boutiques
  • Interact with locals to learn more about everyday life
  • Enjoy some R&R on the beaches of Koh Yao Noi Island
Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client,

offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. We are sharing this itinerary to inspire and provide an example of what a multi-country trip to Southeast Asia might look like.

Day 1

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam! You will meet your private guide for your transfer to Hotel Des Arts Saigon, where you will stay for three nights. Breakfast is included in your stay.

Hotel Des Arts Saigon Meals: N/A

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Day 2

 

Apartment Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, your private guide will meet you for your Saigon Unseen excursion, which includes breakfast and lunch.

Start early with an iced coffee at Bird Café in Tao Dan Park, a popular spot where locals showcase their birds and chat over Vietnamese coffee. After trying pho at a nearby restaurant, explore the back alleys and street vendors to Cho Lon, Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown. Visit a secret bunker and the former Revolutionary Headquarters.

For lunch, head to a rooftop restaurant in an obscure apartment block for a meal with city views. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, focusing on the American side of the Vietnam War.

End the day at The Café Apartment, a converted nine-story building with trendy coffee shops and boutiques. After, you’ll be returned to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Hotel Des Arts Saigon Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, meet your private guide for your Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat excursion, including breakfast and lunch.

Head to the pier and board a 5-star speedboat to Cu Chi, enjoying a light breakfast on the way. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used by the Viet Cong. A guide will narrate the journey along the Saigon River, offering insights into traditional Mekong life and pointing out photo opportunities. After viewing a short documentary, tour the tunnels and then savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch of lemongrass chicken and caramelized clay pot pork.

Return to Saigon by boat and transfer back to your hotel for leisure time. In the evening, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a Foodie Excursion by Vespa, including dinner.

Vespa scooters in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Start at Café Zoom for a cocktail and appetizer, then explore Saigon’s nightlife from the back of a vintage Vespa. Visit Chinatown, District 4 for street seafood, and District 3 for Banh Xeo. Enjoy local music at a hidden coffee shop and end the night at a lively bar with drinks and live music before returning to your hotel.

Hotel Des Arts Saigon Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met by your private guide and transferred to the Saigon Airport for your flight to Hoi An.

Welcome Hoi An! Upon arrival you will be met by your private guide and transferred to Four Seasons Nam Hai. Accommodations will be reserved for three nights, including breakfast. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Four Seasons Nam Hai Meals: Breakfast

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Day 5

Hoi An

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide for your Path Less Travelled excursion.

A person walking on a bridge in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Begin at Hoi An Central Market to see the best produce and avoid crowds. Explore the market’s alleyways, visit local workshops and cultural sites, and interact with friendly locals. Take a break for drinks on a riverfront veranda. Continue through the old town, hearing stories and fun facts from your guide. Cross the famous Japanese covered bridge and visit a local family to make your own handmade lantern. End the morning with a meal of cao lau, a local noodle specialty, at a charming restaurant.

After the excursion, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Four Seasons Nam Hai Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

Hoi An

Enjoy your day at leisure to explore Hoi An.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Four Seasons Nam Hai Meals: Breakfast

A statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Thien Hau, in front of a wall of chinese characters on vibrant red paper at Phuc Kien pagoda in Hoi An.

Day 7

Hoi An to Hue

Today your guide will meet you for your Lang Co Immersion Tour, enroute to Hue, including lunch.

Arrive at Lang Co Lagoon and board a local boat to enjoy the idyllic panorama and crystal-clear waters, nestled beneath the Annamite Cordillera mountains. The pristine lagoon, free from modern development, is rich with marine life such as snapper, red mullet, grouper, crab, shrimp, and squid. Observe local fishing techniques and visit an oyster farm. With your guide translating, learn about the lives of local farmers. Enjoy a home-cooked seafood lunch in a traditional stilt house, surrounded by the stunning landscape.

After the excursion, you will be transferred to Ancient Hue Garden House for a two-night stay with breakfast included.

Ancient Hue Garden House Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

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Day 8

Hue

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide for your Royal Legacy & Rustic Harmony excursion by bike and car, including lunch.

The Hue Central Market in hue, Vietnam

Explore Thuy Bieu, an ancient village symbolizing the unique blend of Hue’s Imperial City and rural Vietnam. Discover well-preserved communal houses, garden-houses, and wooden architecture reflecting both royal legacy and rustic life. Visit historical sites like the Roman amphitheater, the temple-cemetery for royal elephants, and a bronze casting village. Cruise down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, then visit the Purple Forbidden City, built by Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century. After the excursion, return to the hotel for leisure time.

In the evening, enjoy a Royal Dinner at your hotel! Experience authentic royal cuisine and entertainment from the Nguyen Dynasty at Ancient Hue restaurant, complete with traditional costumes, music, performances, and a sumptuous dinner fit for royalty.

Ancient Hue Garden House Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9

Hue to Hanoi

This morning after breakfast, you will meet your guide and transfer to the Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Welcome to Hanoi! You will meet your private guide for your transfer to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel. You’ll stay one night, with breakfast included.

You will then head out to enjoy a traditional Hanoi lunch of bun cha noodles with grilled pork and rice noodles. After, visit Hoa Lo Prison, Huu Tiep Lake (B-52 Lake) and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. You will return to the hotel for some leisure time.

This evening, meet a private guide for your Taste the Flavors of Hanoi excursion, including dinner.

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi Vietnam

You will ride vintage Vespas through Hanoi’s narrow streets, sampling local food and enjoying live music. Start at a rooftop bar near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, then navigate the Old Quarter, sampling infused rice wine and snacks. Taste Hanoi’s quintessential dish, explore West Lake’s specialties, and learn Vietnamese wrap ‘n’ roll. End the night at a Jazz Club by the Hanoi Opera House with a unique blend of jazz and traditional Vietnamese music.

Following your excursion, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 10

Hanoi to Halong Bay

This morning you will be met by your private guide and transferred to the Hanoi Airport for your scenic seaplane flight to Halong Bay.

About 105 miles away from Hanoi is Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful places on earth! With its picturesque blend of land and sea, this is one of the world’s most precious natural attractions. Halong Bay covers an area of over 933 miles, dotted with thousands of rocky islands—a natural sculpture on a gigantic scale.

Enjoy a 45-minute flight to Halong Bay and a 15-minute scenic flight over this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get a bird’s-eye view of the thousands of limestone karsts jutting up from the jade green waters and see remote fishing villages before you land at Tuan Chau Island Marina. This is an experience like no other!

You will land at Tuan Chau Harbor and be transferred by buggy to your Halong Bay Bhaya Cruise. Check out your private boat and cabin and enjoy a welcome drink while meeting the Cruise Manager and crew. Enjoy a fusion lunch as the boat cruises southeast.

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave. Named “the theater in the center of the sea,” you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mysterious beauty of gorgeous rosin systems hanging inside the cave. Thousands of glittering stalactites make the entire ceiling shine. The wavy dome creates unique images, including stone statues, dragons, and flowers.

Return to the boat and freshen up for the evening onboard. Join an exciting cooking or fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck. Don’t miss out on the stunning view of the sunset over the enchanting bay.

Savor the delicious dinner in the restaurant. After, enjoy a drink at the bar, stargaze on the deck, try your hand at squid fishing or retire to your cabin for the night.

Bhaya Legend Halong Bay Cruise Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The Bhaya Legend Boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

 

The Bhaya Legend Boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

 

The Bhaya Legend Boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Day 11

Halong Bay, Vietnam to Luang Prabang, Laos

Rejuvenate with a Tai Chi lesson at sunrise on the sundeck, accompanied by complimentary tea and coffee. A light breakfast follows as the boat cruises toward the center of Halong Bay.

The Bhaya Legend Boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Explore Vung Vieng Fishing Village by kayak or rowing boat, immersing yourself in the serene landscape and local fishing culture. Return to the boat for brunch before heading back to the pier and transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will meet your private guide for transfer to the Rosewood Hotel, where you’ll stay for four nights with breakfast included.

Rosewood Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast

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Day 12

Luang Prabang

After breakfast, meet your guide for a Kuang Si Explorer excursion, including lunch.

Drive through the countryside to explore Hmong, Khmu, and Lowland Lao villages, each featuring unique lifestyles, traditions, and religions. In Ban Pano, home to the Khmu people, learn about their animist beliefs and Austro-Asiatic language. In Ban Long Lao, see Hmong and Khmu people living side by side, practicing shifting cultivation.

The Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Continue to Kuang Si Waterfall, stopping for a picnic lunch at a secluded spot with a natural pool. On the way back, visit the Buffalo Dairy for a sustainable farming tour, including buffalo feeding, a milking demonstration, and bottle-feeding calves. Relax in the café with cake, ice cream, and coffee before returning to your hotel.

In the evening, meet your guide for a Spiritual Encounters excursion. Visit a local home for a private Baci ceremony, a traditional Lao blessing, then proceed to a hidden temple for a meditation session with monks, including daily chanting. Your guide will help translate any questions you may have for the monks.

Monks in Laos, exiting a building.

After the excursion, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Rosewood Luang PrabangMeals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 13

Luang Prabang

Early this morning, you will participate in almsgiving. Wake up early for tea and cookies, then witness the sacred ritual of monks receiving their morning rice from the townspeople in a traditional village with few tourists. You’ll be provided with alms to give to the monks and advised on respectful photo-taking.

Monks in Laos.

Afterward, visit the morning market to see local meats, vegetables, and spices. Climb the 328 steps of Phousi Mountain for remarkable views of the town.

Return to the hotel for breakfast, then meet your guide for the Pearl of the Mekong excursion. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and Wat Sene, exploring local streets and temples along the way. Ask locals questions through your guide and continue up the peninsula, stopping at temples and sites as you wish. Visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace.

After the excursion, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Rosewood Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast

Day 14

Luang Prabang

After breakfast, meet for a therapeutic trek at Mandalao Elephant Conservancy, including lunch.

You will be driven to Xieng Lom village for tea and an introduction to elephant behavior. A quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River brings you to the elephants. Feed them treats before starting a 2-hour trek through the Lao jungle, past farms and the Huay Nok stream, where you might see elephants playing in the water. Enjoy walking alongside these gentle giants. Bid farewell to the elephants with more treats, then have lunch before returning to your hotel for the afternoon at leisure.

Tonight you will attend a performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre. Enjoy traditional Lao culture with a Khon (mask) and a classical dance performance accompanied by a 10-piece Lao orchestra. The ballet is based on the Lao version of the Ramayana. After dinner at Manda De Lao, return to the hotel.

Rosewood Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

 

An elephant splashing itself with water.

Day 15

Luang Prabang, Laos to Siem Reap, Cambodia

This morning you will be transferred to the Luang Prabang Airport for your flights to Cambodia.

Welcome to Cambodia! You will meet your local private guide in the arrivals hall for your transfer to Jaya House River Park, where you will stay for four nights. Breakfast is included.

In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner show at Kannell Restaurant. After the show, you will be returned to the hotel.

Jaya House River Park Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Day 16

Siem Reap

After breakfast, meet your guide for your visit to the Roluos Group of temples, including lunch.

The ancient Roluos Group in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Explore the Roluos Group, the remains of the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Empire, including Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong. Lolei Temple, built on an islet by Yasovarman I, features notable sandstone carvings and Sanskrit inscriptions. Preah Ko, erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century, also has Sanskrit inscriptions. Bakong, the largest and most interesting temple of the group, was dedicated to Shiva by Indravarman I and still hosts an active Buddhist monastery.

A traditional settlement with wooden houses at the Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia.

After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake, with a stop at Ampil Peam to stroll through a traditional village and observe ox carts in the rice fields. Continue to Mechrey, a floating community on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a local-style boat to explore the area, including the flooded forest. Your guide will explain the biodiversity and the importance of the lake for the livelihood of locals. Learn about the unique flow of Tonle Sap, which changes direction twice a year, and its designation as a UNESCO biosphere.

Your guide will return you to the hotel where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.

Jaya House River Park Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 17

Siem Reap

Early this morning, enjoy a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, the largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor.

Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Built as the funeral temple for Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat impresses with its grand scale, bas reliefs, and attention to detail. Enter from the quiet east side to avoid crowds and spend the morning exploring this magnificent creation. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

After breakfast, you will begin your Grand Circuit excursion, including lunch. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom and the temples of Bayon, Baphuon, Phimean Akas, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy lunch at Malis Restaurant before exploring Ta Prohm, known for its overgrown trees and haunting atmosphere. End your visit with an unforgettable sunset at Pre Rup.

Tuk Tuks in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

In the evening, meet your guide for a Taste of Khmer Fine Dining excursion. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through Siem Reap, sampling the best food and cocktails at 3-4 top restaurants. Savor traditional Khmer dishes like Fish Amok, prepared by Cambodia’s renowned chefs.

After your foodie adventure, return to the hotel.

Jaya House River Park Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18

Siem Reap

After breakfast, meet your guide for a Banteay Srei and Countryside Ride excursion, including lunch.

Banteay Srei in Cambodia.

Visit Banteay Srei, renowned for its intricate pink limestone bas reliefs. Built in the late 10th century and dedicated to Shiva, it was once off-limits due to its remote location and Khmer Rouge activity.

The countryside of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an easy bike ride through the Siem Reap countryside. Ride along quiet trails through rice fields and villages, stopping to learn about daily life and enjoy local snacks. Experience palm wine and sugar production, basket weaving, and rice farming.

A tuk tuk in Southeast Asia

In the evening, meet your tuk-tuk driver in the hotel lobby for transfer to the Phare circus tent. Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning “Brightness of the Arts,” is a unique Cambodian circus founded in 1994 by young Cambodians from refugee camps. It aims to support community development through education and artistic training. The talented performers present shows that blend traditional and contemporary themes.

After the show, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Jaya House River Park Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 19

Siem Reap, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand

After breakfast and checkout, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met for your private transfer to The Siam Hotel, where you will stay for two nights, including breakfast. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

The Siam Hotel Meals: Breakfast

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Day 20

Bangkok

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a City Exploration tour, including lunch. Discover Bangkok’s diverse facets, from iconic landmarks to vibrant markets and historical sites.

Wat Pho in Thailand.

Experience early morning chanting by monks at Wat Pho, home to the country’s largest reclining Buddha statue. Visit the City Pillar Shrine for stories and traditions, then explore the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew, the spiritual center of Thai Buddhism.

Wat Arun in Thailand.

After a Thai lunch at a local restaurant, cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, a striking sight on the city skyline. Explore the Kudi Jeen neighborhood and visit the Roman Catholic Santa Cruz Church before discovering local treats and Bangkok’s lively flower market.

Return to the hotel after the excursion and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

The Siam Hotel Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 21

Bangkok to Koh Yao Noi Island

After breakfast and checkout, your local private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival in Phuket, proceed to the arrivals hall, where a hotel representative will greet you for your private transfer to the pier. From there, you will board a private speedboat to Six Senses Yao Noi. Accommodations will be reserved on the island for three nights, including breakfast.

Six Senses Yao Noi Meals: Breakfast

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Day 22-23

Koh Yao Noi

Enjoy your days at leisure to explore Koh Yao Noi. Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Six Senses Yao Noi Meals: Breakfast

The Six Senses Yao Noi Hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

Day 24

Depart Southeast Asia

After breakfast and checkout, you will board a private speedboat to return to Phuket. From there, a car will transfer you to Phuket Airport for your international flights home.

N/A Meals: Breakfast

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