Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

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

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. Visit the temple and walk around it, but the due to ongoing construction, guests cannot climb up 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.
...read less

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 go 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 (formerly known as the Rose Garden). 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 and transfer from hotel 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 take guests to the King Rama VIII Bridge, where the boat will turn around and head back to the pier. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
...read less

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, explore Khmer temples from the early Angkorian period. Visit the Roluos group of temples dating from the 9th and 10th centuries, including the Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei Temples. These temples are the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. After the tour, return to the hotel. Lunch at a nice local restaurant is included.

Rise early to make the most of this exciting day. The guide will take guests to visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the great Khmer Empire. Then 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. Continue to visit 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. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a nice local restaurant.


Then transfer by Tuk Tuk to Angkor Wat with a private guide. 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. At the end of the day, enjoy an hour long Kher massage.
...read less

In the 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, before visiting 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. 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. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward transfer to the famous Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. Then take a memorable boat cruise to a nearby floating village for a glimpse of the everyday life of the local people who dwell in floating shacks. 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.

Note: Depending on the time of year, the Tonle Sap boat ride might be unavailable. In that event choose from the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles Tour, Siem Reap School Tour, or Cooking Class and Visit to Local Home. Please contact a travel consultant for more information.
...read less

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, set out with a private guide to enjoy the sunset while relaxing with a drink overlooking the Mekong River. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at one of the city's highly regarded local restaurants, where guests can sample delicious Laotian cuisine while enjoying traditional music and dance. Finally, return to the hotel for the evening.

Depart with a private guide to begin exploring some of the highlights of the capital. First visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, and home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit Wat Phra Kaew, the former royal temple that housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, and Phra That Luang, the "Great Sacred Stupa," which is the most important national monument in Laos. On the way, there will be an opportunity to stop at Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisokthe before heading to Talad Sao (Vientiane's morning market), which despite the name is open all day! Take time to roam through the stalls displaying everything from Laotian woven textiles, souvenirs and fresh produce, to daily household items and imported goods from neighboring China and Thailand. Try some delicious local coffee and snacks while looking around. If textiles and their production are of interest, there is an opportunity to visit the weaving district of Ban Nong Buathong or pay a visit to Carol Cassidy's Textile Gallery and Weaving workshop, which is set in a traditional Lao home. Visitors can observe the silk weaving process and view the unique textiles produced. The remainder of the afternoon and this evening is at leisure to relax or continue exploring the city.
...read less

Morning transfer with a private guide and vehicle approximately 25 km (15 miles) from Vientiane city to the south to visit one of Laos's slightly stranger attractions - Xieng Khuan Buddha Park. Built in 1958, this park on the banks of the Mekong River is the site of a large collection of many kinds of Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures. En route, take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge and the National Cultural Park, also located on the banks of the Mekong. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. ...read less

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. After lunch take a tour around Luang Prabang with a private guide. First visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Continue to Luang Prabang's National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is an impressive collection of personal artifacts of the royal family.

Next, visit Wat Mai - built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden sim epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Afterwards, head to Phou Sii Hill, which stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction. The sunset can be enjoyed at Vat Siphouthabath or with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River. Enjoy the evening at leisure before returning to the hotel for the night.
...read less

Start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang; Tak Bat. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). The guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos and there will be a chance to make 'merit'. It's early but well worth the wake-up call!

After breakfast head off with a guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang's most beautiful temple. Then head to the river to begin a relaxing riverboat trip with a guide on the mighty Mekong to visit Pak Ou Buddha Caves. En route it is possible to stop at Ban Xanghai, where local people produce Lao rice wine. Pak Ou caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since the 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many people still pay respect to this tradition.

After exploring the caves and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, return to the boat and journey back to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to a private vehicle and drive to the nearby village of Ban Phanom, a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on ancient wooden looms. This village was once famed for producing silks for the Royal Palace. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
...read less

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

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, to find a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops.

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

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.
...read less

Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5 hour direct drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, get on a boat to begin the 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.

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 connect an optional Yampu Tours add-on.