Experience the Cultures of Southeast Asia | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Experience the Cultures of Southeast Asia

PRIVATE TOUR - 13 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 7488

Private Tour Highlights

  • Experience the monks' morning chanting ritual at Wat Pho Temple
  • Visit the house of Jim Thompson, the American business man who rediscovered the silk industry
  • See the colorful fruits and veggies of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Be entertained by several traditional Thai performances like fingernail dancing or Thai boxing
  • See the archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur at the Elephant Terrace
  • Visit Banteay Srei, "The Women's Citadel", built out of beautiful red sandstone
  • Hike through the jungle of the Valley of a Thousand Lingas to reach the river
  • Take a cruise to see the floating village on Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake
  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country"
  • Feast on fresh seafood served on a cruise around Halong Bay
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Bangkok, “the City of Angels” and the capital of Thailand, was established over 200 years ago and has proved irresistibly intriguing to traders and travelers ever since. Some of the finest examples of traditional Thai architecture can be found here; in the magnificent complex of the Grand Palace, and its main artery, the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), which supports a waterway lifestyle that has remained unchanged for decades. Besides, Bangkok offers superb cuisine and an exciting deluge of shopping and entertainment options.

With its many tree lined streets, the charming atmosphere of Hanoi will introduce you to the pride and heritage of Vietnam, as it is a microcosm in itself. With colonial French influences, numerous museums, monuments to Ho Chi Minh, and an Ancient Quarter that maintains its traditional atmosphere – Hanoi provides a great entry point to Vietnam for travelers.

With an unimaginable amount of ancient stonework, equaling the volume of the Pyramids in Egypt, Angkor Wat will leave you in awe. An enormous complex of temples that are slowly becoming encroached by the surrounding jungle, it is sure to be an eye opening experience with great photographic opportunities. Besides hosting one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive sites, Siem Reap is also situated near the calm Tonle Sap Lake, which will allow you to get away from the crowds to see a bit of the local life.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Domestic airfare from Bangkok to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Hanoi, hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified (food only), Bottled water and cool towels provided for transfers and sightseeing, Vietnam government tax and service charge, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Siem Reap Optional Excursions
Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles Tour
Travel to the 'Wisdom from the Forest' project, 35 kilometers north of Siem Reap. Here, the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) focuses on the restoration of the natural environment to produce materials for making traditional textiles. IKTT also cultivates a vegetable garden to feed the 30-40 families working on its 22 hectares of land. Here you will see all the trees that are needed to produce the natural dyes for silk, as well as the Mulberry trees that are vital in the production of silk. You can see silk worms munching on the Mulberry leaves and forming the all-important cocoons. As you wander around the site, you will discover the entire silk process from boiling the cocoons, to pulling out the silk thread, dying the silk and finally weaving it into beautiful designs. At the end of the tour, you can browse through the workshop to see a variety of silk products.

Siem Reap School Tour
Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to a local village school. During your visit, you will have time to interact with students, teach a short English lesson and learn how the education system in Cambodia works. Due to a lack of resources and minimum government funding for schools in Cambodia, there is a shortage of teaching material and school facilities. Donations of books, study materials and sports equipment are welcomed.

Cooking Class and Visit to Local Home
Khmer cuisine is one of the major national identities that reflect the ways of life, thought and mind of the Cambodian people which are hidden in the taste of consumption of meat dishes and sweet food. Start the day enjoying tea and coffee with the Chef before heading to the Siem Reap morning market (Old Market). The Chef will guide you through the market and introduce you to the Cambodian fruits, vegetables, fish, multi-color spices and herbs that are used in traditional Khmer cooking. After picking up fresh ingredients at the market, you’ll head to the restaurant where refreshing drinks and cold towels are waiting for you. Next, head to the kitchen and begin cooking! You will create a full, three courses Khmer menu, all under professional guidance by skilled Cambodian Chefs. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor! Afterward, transfer to a local home to learn more about Cambodian daily life.

Notes:
* Due to the low water levels at Tonle Sap Lake between March and June, an alternate excursion will be provided for Day 8.

* Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 8 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 25 December. Special conditions apply between 28 – 31 December.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 7488

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day
2

Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Bangkok and airport reception, transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

Temples of Wat Pho & the Thompson Silk Museum

After breakfast, drive to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. One of the oldest and most extensive temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the famous 45m Reclining Buddha. It is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. Next, visit the Grand Palace, the most important and spectacular royal palace in Thailand. The palace is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of the Kings of Thailand, there are multiple palaces within the complex which were used for different occasions; including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the most revered Buddha image in Thailand: the Emerald Buddha. Continue with a walk to the public ferry pier for a short boat ride to Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. After exploring, eat lunch (not included).

Then proceed with a visit to Vimanmek Mansion, the largest teakwood mansion in the world. Also referred to as Teakwood Palace, it was built in 1900 by King Rama V as part of the Dusit Palace Complex. In 1982, Queen Sirikit was granted permission from King Rama IX to renovate the building for use as a museum. Today, the museum holds an impressive collection of photographs, personal art, and handicrafts that were all personally collected by King Rama V.

Continue with a visit to the Thai-style house of Jim Thompson, the legendary American businessman who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and rediscovered the Thai silk industry. His house is now a museum filled with fascinating Asian antiques and historical memorabilia. The house consists of six separate Thai teakwood houses from the Ayutthaya period put together as one. Jim Thompson's mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia remains a mystery to this day. After the tour, return to the hotel for the evening.

Note: Wat Arun Temple will be under renovation until further notice. Then visit the temple and walk around it, but the constructions are ongoing and it is prohibited to climb the stupa. Ladies should wear a short-sleeved top with full-length pants or a knee-length skirt and gentlemen should wear pants and a short-sleeved shirt for religious reasons. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed. If this tour falls on a Monday, the Vimanmek Mansion part of the tour will be replaced with a tour of Suan Pakkad Palace Museum.
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Day
4

Visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Journey down the Chao Phyra

Depart early morning for the two-hour drive to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats. Almost always crowded with hundreds of vendors, purchasers and tourists, the best way to experience the atmosphere of the market is to board a rowing boat and journey through the small canals to buy fresh produce from the vendors. This is the only place to see the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand.

Afterwards, visit the Nakorn Pathom; the site of the highest Chedi in Thailand called "Phra Pathom Chedi", which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Enjoy an excellent buffet lunch at the picturesque Samphran Riverside. After lunch, there will be Thai cultural performances, including the colorful Buddhist ordination procession, an elegant fingernail dance, a Thai boxing demonstration, Hill Tribe dance performances, sword fighting, elephants, charming folk dances, a traditional Thai wedding ceremony and more.

This evening, pick up the at the hotel and transfer to Manohra Pier (or Saphan Taksin Pier), to board a boat for an evening cruise. Learn more about Bangkok and the Chao Phrya River, a truly magnificent waterway and one of the great rivers in Asia. The river has been a principal factor in the development of Thai heritage, culture, and economy, and is considered the nation's life and soul.

While cruising down the Chao Phrya River, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner and watch the panorama change to reveal fantastic treasures from the country's rich past, as well as fascinating modern architectural creations. The Manohra Luxury Cruise will travel past the King Rama VIII Bridge, where the boat will turn around and head back to the pier. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
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Day
5

Bangkok – Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

siem-reap-banteay-srei-cambodia
Day
6

Exploring Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom

Enjoy a half day tour of Angkor Thom with a private guide. Visit the sprawling Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the enchanting Bayon. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very center of Angkor Thom City and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs, but the main features are the towers each with 3 or 4 gently smiling faces, over 200 in total. Afterwards, continue to Pre Rup Temple. Built in 961, the boldness of the architectural design is superb and gives the temple fine balance, scale and proportion. The temple is close in style to the East Mabon, although it was built several years later.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch (not included) and a half day tour of Angkor Wat. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides, each telling a story, but the most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Sea Milk, located on the east wing. The guide will explain the fascinating mystical tale behind it.
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Day
7

Visit to Banteay Srei & Preah Khan

This morning, visit Banteay Srei, "The Women's Citadel", a tiny, enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable city. Built of red sandstone in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, "a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest." Continue to Banteay Samre, another Hindu temple.

This afternoon, enjoy lunch and transfer by Tuk Tuk to Preah Khan. This extensive monastic complex, which covers over 130 acres, was built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its re-discovery by the French. Surrounded by jungle, it remains a labyrinth of stone hallways that have become overgrown with roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelope the stone like tentacles.
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Day
8

Hiking the Valley of a Thousand Lingas & Tonle Sap

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Commonly known as the Valley of a Thousand Lingas, Kbal Spean is set deep in the jungle, northeast of Angkor. Hike through the jungle to reach the River of a Thousand Lingas. Historically, the ancient civilization of Angkor used this waterway for irrigation purposes. Numerous bas-reliefs remain, as do the thousand lingas that were embedded in the river to bless the water before it ran downhill to the royal city. This Hindu Pilgrimage site predates the Angkor Temples by some 200 years, thus making it the most ancient site in the region.

After lunch (not included), transfer to the famous Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia, for a memorable cruise to a nearby floating village. For most of the year the lake is fairly small, approximately only one meter deep with an area of 2,700 square km. However, during the monsoon season, the water is pushed up from the Mekong River into the lake, resulting in an increased area of 16,000 square km and a depth of up to nine meters, ultimately flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish. The livelihood of most of the local community depends largely on fishing and Tonle Sap accounts for 75 percent of Cambodia's annual inland fish catch. Return to the hotel after the tour.
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Day
9

Siem Reap – Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

hanoi-city
Day
10

Hanoi City Highlights

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Morning tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex with a private guide. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum - an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country." Carry on to the Governor's Residence, a fine example of Hanoi's French architecture, followed by a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda to hear the legend of its construction.


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a private afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Marvel at the tree lined streets on the way to the Opera House and pass by Hoan Kiem Lake en route to one of the city's fascinating museums of choice: the Museum of History of Vietnamese Military, Vietnam History Museum, or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District, where a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops will all be found.


Note: The Ho Chi Minh Museum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays from September to November annually.
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Day
11

Pagodas of Hanoi

Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colorful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda) is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi. While a temple is a place to worship the dead, a pagoda is a place to worship the Lord Buddha. Thay Pagoda is widely known for its finely carved lacquer and gold statues of Buddha in his past and present form, as well as the colorful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.


Only 6 kilometers (4 miles) away lies Tay Phuong Pagoda, situated at the top of a small hillock. Built in 1794, the pagoda is famous for its vast display of finely carved wooden statues of former monks from the 18th Century. Afterwards, return to Hanoi to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch is included today.
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Day
12

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5 hour direct drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, get on a boat to begin a cruise. While the junk is passing many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches on Halong Bay, a lunch of fresh seafood will be served on board. Then visit the Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves, the most beautiful among the thousands in the bay. Return to land for a late afternoon hotel check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.


Note: If staying overnight on a boat is preferred, please contact a travel consultant. This option comes highly recommended.
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Hanoi-Halong-Bay
Day
13

International Flight Home

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for a flight home or an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for a flight home or an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Bangkok Thailand

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ha Long Natural heritage

Places You'll See

  • Bangkok_Temple

    Bangkok

    Dubbed the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure, Bangkok is home to a plethora of attractions, and activities. Enjoy a variety of shopping and dining experiences, or the city’s bustling night life. Or immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture by visiting the Grand Palace, any of the several Buddhist temples, or the Bangkok National Museum.

  • Cambodia_Angkor_Wat

    Siem Reap

    Showcasing colonial Chinese-style architecture, Siem Reap is a cultural and historical gold mine. There are several Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city, including the Wat Preah Prom Rath showcasing its 500-year history. Take a ceramic class at the Angkor Pottery Center, or catch a traditional performance at the Aspara Theater.

  • Hanoi_City_View_Vietnam

    Hanoi

    Meaning “embraced by the river”, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Visit the many temples and parks of this beautiful city, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake Park. Visit the Army Museum and hear retellings of many battles fought throughout the country’s history. Take the little ones to the Ha Noi circus for some family fun.

  • halong-bay-vietnam284606

    Halong Bay

    Halong Bay is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. With roughly 1,600 limestone islands, each covered in thick vegetation, it has extreme aesthetic value. Home to a small fishing community of people living on floating houses. Enjoy “junk boat” tours, or a rent a kayak and explore.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Bangkok : Adelphi Suites

Bangkok : Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok

Bangkok : Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

Bangkok : U Sathorn Bangkok

Siem Reap : Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa

Siem Reap : La Maison d’Angkor

Siem Reap : Tara Angkor

Hanoi : Church Boutique Hotel Hang Gai

Hanoi : La Belle Vie Hotel

Hanoi : Golden Silk Boutique Hotel

Hanoi : Skylark Hotel

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Halong Plaza Hotel

4 Star Properties

Bangkok : Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

Bangkok : Ariyasomvilla

Bangkok : Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Bangkok : Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Siem Reap : Angkor Palace Resort & Spa

Siem Reap : Borei Angkor Resort & Spa

Siem Reap : Sokha Angkor Resort

Siem Reap : Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa

Hanoi : Silk Path Hotel

Hanoi : Sunway Hotel

Hanoi : Mercure Hanoi La Gare

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong (Junior Suite)

5 Star Properties

Bangkok : The Okura Prestige

Bangkok : Shangri-La Hotel

Bangkok : Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok : Sofitel So Bangkok

Siem Reap : Heritage Suites Hotel

Siem Reap : Le Meridien Angkor

Siem Reap : Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Hanoi : Hotel De L’Opera

Hanoi : Melia Hotel

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong (Executive Room)

Luxury Properties

Bangkok : Mandarin Oriental

Bangkok : The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Bangkok : The Siam Hotel

Siem Reap : Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor

Siem Reap : Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Siem Reap : Belmond La Residence D’Angkor

Hanoi : Sofitel Legend Metropole

Testimonials

Eric and Karen W. Canada

Traveled March, 2013

Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special

I want to send the attached to you with our heartfelt thanks for all you both did to make our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia the incredible adventure that it was. We have dealt with Yampu (Kontiki) since 2005 and in three trips have not had a moment that has not been wonderful. Jose you have built a company that is second to none in travel and that now appears to be just about anywhere in the world. Your coordination and expertise is unrivaled. The letter I have attached is a quick overview of our thoughts on our Vietnam trip. Feel free to use any or all of it on your website. I have also included a few photos. You continue to amaze and please me. If we can swing anyone your way, we certainly will. Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special. Vermont is not that far from Ontario. Karen and I may take a road trip there sometime. If we do we’ll let you know. We’d love to visit you. Warmest Wishes

Traveled To


Client

Traveled May, 2012

Our SE Asia trip was awesome.

Our SE Asia trip was awesome. It would take too long to go into even the highlights of the trip, because there were so many. Your people on the ground in Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong were terrific but the Kuala Lampur guy not so much. Best/highest kudos go to Sylvie in Bangkok who we feel went the extra mile to not only host us and show us around, but to take care of us like a mum on tours and events and even on our days of leisure. Our guy in Singapore and Christina in Hong Kong were merely excellent. The hotels were wonderful but we would stay at the Marina Bay Hotel in Singapore next time. What an awesome place that is. We have over 700 photos and a hundred stories about our experiences in these exotic lands.Thank you so much and your people and your colleagues for making this such a memorable trip for us.

Traveled To


Pamela

Traveled March, 2014

The outstanding service that we received during our trip to Thailand is the reason I chose you

It is the professionalism and understanding of Yampu that keeps me coming to your company for all my Southeast Asia travel. The outstanding service that we received during our trip to Thailand is the reason I chose you and your company for my daughters’ memorable trip.

Traveled To

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