Southeast Asia Immersion
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Highlights:
If you have limited time but an unlimited interest in exploring lesser known areas, this suggested program may be a good place to start.
See the best of Southeast Asia in a compact yet insightful experience. See modern capitals like Bangkok and Saigon as well as historic royal capitals like Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang and all the quiet places in between.
​Private guides and superb hotels enhance this luxury adventure experience.
If you have limited time but an unlimited interest in exploring lesser known areas, this suggested program may be a good place to start.
See the best of Southeast Asia in a compact yet insightful experience. See modern capitals like Bangkok and Saigon as well as historic royal capitals like Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang and all the quiet places in between.
​Private guides and superb hotels enhance this luxury adventure experience.
SKU:
Explore: Southeast Asia
Customizable Itinerary - 19 Days (from $5,277 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
You board your aircraft for the flight to Bangkok, capital of Thailand and the starting point for your immersion in Southeast Asia.
Day 2: Welcome to Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met at the airport and taken to your car for the ride to your hotel where you have the chance to relax.
Day 3: Introduction to Bangkok
Today you will get a privately guided exposure to some of the city’s highlights starting with the Royal Grand Palace, the country’s most revered royal monument. You will see the Emerald Buddha and continue to Wat Pho the home of Thai massage and the Reclining Buddha. In the afternoon you will stroll through Chinatown and visit the Than Bangkok Folk Museum. You then board a long tail boat for a ride along the Chao Phraya River and the quiet canals of Thonburi where you see how Thai people have lived next to the water for centuries. Complete you tour at the Temple of Dawn. In the evening a guide will take you through some of the best street food vendors for an interesting dining experience.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Sukhothai, the Ancient Capital
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Sukhothai, a name meaning “dawn of happiness”. The city was founded in the 13th Century and became the kingdom’s first capital. You will be met by your guide who will take you To the Historical Park which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. Today it contains almost 200 chedis in remarkable condition. At you option you can explore some of the sites by bicycle. Check into your hotel where you will also have dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Lampang and Chiang Mai
Today you will drive through northern Thailand to Chiang Mai. You will visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the banks of the Yom River before stopping for lunch. You then visit Lampang to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang before arriving in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Chiang Mai and the Temple on the Mountain
In the morning, a car will take you north of the city where you board a longtail boat for a cruise along the Mae Ping River. Along the river banks you will see traditional wooden houses before arriving at a boat landing. You walk from the landing to Waroros fresh food market to experience the Northern Thai way of like. You then board a trishaw to ride along Tapae Road before driving back to Chiang Mai where you have lunch. In the afternoon you explore ancient Chiang Mai including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. You will then continue to Eat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your experienced guide will explain the story of the temple and, in the late afternoon, after the tourist masses have left you will participate in a private blessing ceremony and witness the evening chanting of the monks, Finish with a romantic view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: A Flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
You have some free time in the morning to do some shopping or just relax at the hotel. You will then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. Upon arrival you are met and driven to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 8: An introduction to Laos
In the morning your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the National Museum which was the former royal palace. Here, your guide will give you an overview of the history of the country. This will be followed by visits to several significant temples. You will then be transferred back to your hotel where you can have lunch. In the afternoon your guide will return to the hotel along with bicycles which is a relaxing and environmentally friendly way to get around. Stop at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ ethnic minorities. Continue to Phousi Market where you can join the locals in buying fresh produce and fruits. We encourage you to try some of the local fruits not available back home. In the evening you will be transferred to Tamarind Restaurant for a cooking class in Lao cuisine which you get to enjoy as dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Traditional and Scenic Laos
While not obligatory, we strongly recommend that you rise early to allow us to take you to see the long line or orange-robed monks as they walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. You would then return to the hotel for breakfast. You then board a traditional wooden boat for a cruise on the Mekong River. Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Caves with hundreds of centuries-old Buddha images. Anchor for lunch at the base of limestone cliffs and return to Luang Prabang. In the afternoon you participate in the Baci a traditional Lao Ceremony to celebrate weddings, births and for welcoming guests. Special flower trays and treats are prepared as Buddhist mantras are chanted. After the ceremony you climb to the top of Mount Phousi to view the city at dusk. You then visit the evening hill tribe market before enjoying a Lao dinner. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Your driver will be waiting to drive you to the airport. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport you are met by your guide and transferred by private car to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 11: Halong Bay
After breakfast, your driver will meet you and take you on a ride through the Vietnam countryside to the Jetty in Halong City where you embark on your ship. Lunch will be served as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay. There are some optional activities such as kayaking that are available or you can just relax on the boat. Toward the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Cocktails and Dinner are served on board.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Halong Bay and Highlights of Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast as the sun rises on Halong Bay while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. You disembark and meet your driver and transfer back to Hanoi where you enjoy a tour of this charming and historic capital with more than 1,000 years of unique history.
Breakfast
Day 13: Hue, the Imperial City
Transfer in the morning to the airport for a flight to Hue. You are met by your guide and tour the Imperial citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The citadel reflects the scars of many conflicts including those inflicted during the Tet offensive during the Vietnam War. You will then take a bike to explore the old city including Tinh Tam Lake surrounded by coffee shops. End the day with a visit to the City’s Dong Ba market and then dine at a local restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: Hue to Hoi An
Leave Hue for Hoi an, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the hears. The scenic route passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge and the colorful market. In the evening we recommend the Mango rooms for a fun evening with fusion cuisine.
Breakfast
Day 15: Hoi An options
Today is left open since you have visited many places you might just want to relax either and Hoi An’s Cua Dai Beach or by the pool of your hotel. Your hotel sits on the river across from old town so you can spend part of the day in old town and part by the pool. As an additional option we can take you to Tra que Village where you can help gardeners in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed. You can also try your hand at sowing, raking, watering greens etc. after your exertions you will enjoy a meal featuring banh xeo a specialty savory pancake wrapped in rice paper.
Breakfast
Day 16: Hue, Danang and Saigon
In the morning your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport at Danang where you catch a flight to Saigon. Upon arrival you are met and taken on a tour of the city highlights. You will visit Reunification Hall which was the Presidential Palace that fell, along with the city in April, 1975. From there you see the highlights of colonial Saigon including the Old Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. In the evening you will be picked up by a local guide along with authentic Vespa’s complete with drivers. Climb on board and stop at a roof top bar for some evening views of the city. Explore various parts of the city from street food to restaurants as you dine your way through Saigon before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17: Saigon to Siem Reap
You are transferred to the airport for the flight to Cambodia and the city of Siem reap, famous as the location of Angkor Wat, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel. This afternoon you visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by a 24 foot wall built in a perfect square. Entry is through the ancient south gate and impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. You will also visit Bayon Temple before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast
Day 18: Tonle Sap and Angkor Wat
Today you board a boat for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. You will visit the village of Kampong Phluck, a village built on stilts. You will also see floating houses and stop at one for a picnic lunch before returning to Siem Reap to rest during the hottest part of the day. In the afternoon, hop a local “remok” (much like a motorized rickshaw) and make your way to Angkor Wat. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings including 2,000 Apsara dancers. You will be there during sunset for an incredible experience.
Breakfast
Day 19: The “Tomb Raider’s Temple” and Return to USA
Today you will explore the temples of the small circuit. The most noted is Ta Prohm, built in the 12th and early 13th Centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found; overgrown with jungle trees and vines with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the “Tomb Raider’s Temple” one of the most picturesque and memorable of the temples. After your visit you will be transferred to the airport to begin the journey home.
Breakfast
You board your aircraft for the flight to Bangkok, capital of Thailand and the starting point for your immersion in Southeast Asia.
Day 2: Welcome to Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met at the airport and taken to your car for the ride to your hotel where you have the chance to relax.
Day 3: Introduction to Bangkok
Today you will get a privately guided exposure to some of the city’s highlights starting with the Royal Grand Palace, the country’s most revered royal monument. You will see the Emerald Buddha and continue to Wat Pho the home of Thai massage and the Reclining Buddha. In the afternoon you will stroll through Chinatown and visit the Than Bangkok Folk Museum. You then board a long tail boat for a ride along the Chao Phraya River and the quiet canals of Thonburi where you see how Thai people have lived next to the water for centuries. Complete you tour at the Temple of Dawn. In the evening a guide will take you through some of the best street food vendors for an interesting dining experience.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Sukhothai, the Ancient Capital
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Sukhothai, a name meaning “dawn of happiness”. The city was founded in the 13th Century and became the kingdom’s first capital. You will be met by your guide who will take you To the Historical Park which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. Today it contains almost 200 chedis in remarkable condition. At you option you can explore some of the sites by bicycle. Check into your hotel where you will also have dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Lampang and Chiang Mai
Today you will drive through northern Thailand to Chiang Mai. You will visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the banks of the Yom River before stopping for lunch. You then visit Lampang to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang before arriving in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Chiang Mai and the Temple on the Mountain
In the morning, a car will take you north of the city where you board a longtail boat for a cruise along the Mae Ping River. Along the river banks you will see traditional wooden houses before arriving at a boat landing. You walk from the landing to Waroros fresh food market to experience the Northern Thai way of like. You then board a trishaw to ride along Tapae Road before driving back to Chiang Mai where you have lunch. In the afternoon you explore ancient Chiang Mai including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. You will then continue to Eat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. Your experienced guide will explain the story of the temple and, in the late afternoon, after the tourist masses have left you will participate in a private blessing ceremony and witness the evening chanting of the monks, Finish with a romantic view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: A Flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
You have some free time in the morning to do some shopping or just relax at the hotel. You will then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. Upon arrival you are met and driven to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 8: An introduction to Laos
In the morning your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the National Museum which was the former royal palace. Here, your guide will give you an overview of the history of the country. This will be followed by visits to several significant temples. You will then be transferred back to your hotel where you can have lunch. In the afternoon your guide will return to the hotel along with bicycles which is a relaxing and environmentally friendly way to get around. Stop at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ ethnic minorities. Continue to Phousi Market where you can join the locals in buying fresh produce and fruits. We encourage you to try some of the local fruits not available back home. In the evening you will be transferred to Tamarind Restaurant for a cooking class in Lao cuisine which you get to enjoy as dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Traditional and Scenic Laos
While not obligatory, we strongly recommend that you rise early to allow us to take you to see the long line or orange-robed monks as they walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. You would then return to the hotel for breakfast. You then board a traditional wooden boat for a cruise on the Mekong River. Cruise upstream to Pak Ou Caves with hundreds of centuries-old Buddha images. Anchor for lunch at the base of limestone cliffs and return to Luang Prabang. In the afternoon you participate in the Baci a traditional Lao Ceremony to celebrate weddings, births and for welcoming guests. Special flower trays and treats are prepared as Buddhist mantras are chanted. After the ceremony you climb to the top of Mount Phousi to view the city at dusk. You then visit the evening hill tribe market before enjoying a Lao dinner. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Your driver will be waiting to drive you to the airport. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport you are met by your guide and transferred by private car to your hotel.
Breakfast
Day 11: Halong Bay
After breakfast, your driver will meet you and take you on a ride through the Vietnam countryside to the Jetty in Halong City where you embark on your ship. Lunch will be served as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay. There are some optional activities such as kayaking that are available or you can just relax on the boat. Toward the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Cocktails and Dinner are served on board.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Halong Bay and Highlights of Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast as the sun rises on Halong Bay while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. You disembark and meet your driver and transfer back to Hanoi where you enjoy a tour of this charming and historic capital with more than 1,000 years of unique history.
Breakfast
Day 13: Hue, the Imperial City
Transfer in the morning to the airport for a flight to Hue. You are met by your guide and tour the Imperial citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The citadel reflects the scars of many conflicts including those inflicted during the Tet offensive during the Vietnam War. You will then take a bike to explore the old city including Tinh Tam Lake surrounded by coffee shops. End the day with a visit to the City’s Dong Ba market and then dine at a local restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14: Hue to Hoi An
Leave Hue for Hoi an, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the hears. The scenic route passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge and the colorful market. In the evening we recommend the Mango rooms for a fun evening with fusion cuisine.
Breakfast
Day 15: Hoi An options
Today is left open since you have visited many places you might just want to relax either and Hoi An’s Cua Dai Beach or by the pool of your hotel. Your hotel sits on the river across from old town so you can spend part of the day in old town and part by the pool. As an additional option we can take you to Tra que Village where you can help gardeners in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed. You can also try your hand at sowing, raking, watering greens etc. after your exertions you will enjoy a meal featuring banh xeo a specialty savory pancake wrapped in rice paper.
Breakfast
Day 16: Hue, Danang and Saigon
In the morning your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport at Danang where you catch a flight to Saigon. Upon arrival you are met and taken on a tour of the city highlights. You will visit Reunification Hall which was the Presidential Palace that fell, along with the city in April, 1975. From there you see the highlights of colonial Saigon including the Old Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. In the evening you will be picked up by a local guide along with authentic Vespa’s complete with drivers. Climb on board and stop at a roof top bar for some evening views of the city. Explore various parts of the city from street food to restaurants as you dine your way through Saigon before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17: Saigon to Siem Reap
You are transferred to the airport for the flight to Cambodia and the city of Siem reap, famous as the location of Angkor Wat, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel. This afternoon you visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. The city is surrounded by a 24 foot wall built in a perfect square. Entry is through the ancient south gate and impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. You will also visit Bayon Temple before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast
Day 18: Tonle Sap and Angkor Wat
Today you board a boat for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. You will visit the village of Kampong Phluck, a village built on stilts. You will also see floating houses and stop at one for a picnic lunch before returning to Siem Reap to rest during the hottest part of the day. In the afternoon, hop a local “remok” (much like a motorized rickshaw) and make your way to Angkor Wat. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings including 2,000 Apsara dancers. You will be there during sunset for an incredible experience.
Breakfast
Day 19: The “Tomb Raider’s Temple” and Return to USA
Today you will explore the temples of the small circuit. The most noted is Ta Prohm, built in the 12th and early 13th Centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found; overgrown with jungle trees and vines with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the “Tomb Raider’s Temple” one of the most picturesque and memorable of the temples. After your visit you will be transferred to the airport to begin the journey home.
Breakfast
