Southeast Asia In-depth

Welcome to colorful Southeast Asia. Upon arrival in Bangkok, your private tour guide will pick you up to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from the jetlag.

Today, start your tour with a visit to the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. Next stop is Wat Phra Kaew, which consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Head for Wat Traimit before a short boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, the principal river of Thailand. Later, end today's tour with a stroll in China Town.

Enjoy a tour of the historical city of Ayutthaya to visit temples, ancient ruins, Buddha images, and the surrounding historical park. Drive along Chao Phraya River you will arrive at Bang Pa-In Summer Palace situated on the bank. After that, move toward Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, a magnificent ancient royal monastery, more than a mere place of worship.

Later, take a pleasant boat trip sailing down the Chao Phraya River back to Bangkok, during which you can enjoy a buffet lunch. Recharge yourself after reaching your hotel around 4:00 p.m.

Take a flight to Chiang Mai after breakfast. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and have a short rest.

In the afternoon, go to explore the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep whose stairs are marked by seven-head serpent statues lining the stairs to the temple noted for its Chiang Saen architectural style golden pagoda.

This evening, feast on the authentic flavor and culture of Northern Thailand while enjoying a Khantoke Dinner with Cultural Show.

Today, spend the day caring for elephants in Baan Chang Elephant Park. At 8:30 to 9:00, leave by shuttle bus for the 50-minute drive to this elephant refuge for an Elephant's Day Care experience. Touch, play with and bathe the well-cared-for animals and even prepare their lunch and serve it to them! After your own lunch, visit the baby elephants in their special nursery area, before returning to Chiang Mai.

Take part in a cooking class instructed by an experienced chef who will teach you how to cook, from selecting ingredients in the local market to finishing the dish. You can easily figure out the secret behind delicious Thai food. Enjoy your lunch made by yourself. The afternoon is free on your own arrangement.

Drive to Chiang Rai with scenic paddy fields and mountains along the way. Visit Wat Phra Sing, a Buddhist temple before an exploration to Mae Sai Border, the most northerly point in Thailand where most Thais and foreigners come here in order to cross over to Myanmar. Later, stop at Golden Triangle of Chiang Saen District, where the three borders of Myanmar-Laos-Thailand are met. After that, check in to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

Early in the morning, your guide will take you to the pier of Houi Xay for Luang Say Cruise down the scenic Mekong River to Pakbeng. Make a stopover at Kamu Village to observe the rural life and have a buffet lunch on board. Find yourself passing the beautiful landscape and ongoing life on the two sides of the river. Enjoy your dinner while overlooking the Mekong River at sunset before arriving in Pakbeng.

Today, have a morning walk to a local market, where people from the surrounding village of minorities sell their goods. After that, continue the cruise to Luang Prabang. A stop at Ban Baw Village en route, a traditional Lao Loum village where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.

A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat stops again to visit Pak Ou Caves which are famous for housing over 2,500 Buddha statues of all sizes and for being a place of pilgrimage for locals. Arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset for an overnight stay at your hotel.

It is really worth getting up early to observe the morning alms giving ritual which usually begins around 5:30 a.m. After that, stroll through Phousi Market where lots of exotic goods from the surrounding villages are for sale. Later, tour the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

After that, climb up to the top of Mount Phousi where you can enjoy a panorama of the town at a peaceful sunset. The following night market exploration will be also an enjoyable experience.

Discover the stunning Khouang Si Waterfall in the forest and take a swim in the nature formed turquoise color water pool. You will then visit Ban Na Ouan Village and Hmong Village. Hill tribe people live in the two villages and maintain their original life style.

Drive along one of the most scenic roads to Vang Vieng with stunning view of mountains. Lunch is served at local restaurant on the way. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, embark on a well-paced boat trip along the Nam Song River famous for its breathtaking karstic mountain landscape.

Take an exploration to the most famous cave around Vang Vieng, Tham Jang Cave. A spring is located about 50 meters inside the cave which is a nice spot to enjoy a swim. And then walk to Tai Deang and Souayhill tribe villages, soaking up their distinctive cultures. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration in the town or relaxation.

On the way of the transfer to Vientiane, make a stopover at the archaeological site at Vang Xang, built in the 11th century when Buddhist Mon and Hindu Khmer ruled Southeast Asia. It is also known as "pond of elephants". Hotel check-in upon arrival, and free for the rest of the day.

Tour the oldest temple of the town, Wat Sisaket, which is still in its original form and houses almost 7000 Buddha statues in its interior. Move to That Luang Stupa and Buddha Park. The former is known as the Lao national icon and the latter is a famous sculpture park. Admire the Patuxay Monument of Vietnam that is similar to Arc de Triumph and you can take some photos. Have a good rest in the rest of the day.

Enjoy some free time after breakfast, and then depart for the airport to catch your flight to Hanoi. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, transfer to the hotel with your local guide. This evening is leisure for you.

Explore the city of Hanoi with a series of tours to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays), Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Later, experience a rickshaw tour along narrow streets to Old Quarter where commerce started hundreds of years ago and mostly consisted of family businesses. Lastly, head for Hoan Kiem Lake, where the famous water puppet show will be a perfect performance.

Start a 3-hour drive to Halong Bay to embark on a Halong Bay cruise. The area includes over 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. It will be a real ocean adventure. A variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving offered will definitely add more fun to this trip.

Get up in the early morning to join in a Tai Chi class on the sundeck, and then you will reach Surprise Cave situated on Bo Hon Island, which is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. It originates from very interesting stories and Surprise. Later, enjoy a big brunch before checking out before noon. Drive back to Hanoi.

It takes 5 hours' driving from Hanoi to Sapa. Any stop for a break or taking photos en route is up to you. After check-in and a short rest, set off to the Silver Waterfall which looks like a white dragon looking down from the sky. After getting to the highest point of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, enjoy the breathtaking view at the "Heaven Gate" of Sapa, where you can also see majestic Lai Chau Valley and imposing Fansipan Mountain.

Take a morning walking tour to a local market where Red Dao, Black, Flower H'Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people come from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions.

After that, start a trekking tour to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village. The scenery along the way and the surrounding region is stunning, so make sure your camera is fully charged. Drive back to Sapa for overnight.

Discover the home to the H'mong and Red Zao at Ma Tra Village. And then walk through the rice terraces to Ta Phin Village of the Red Dao minority. Immerse yourself into the charming and quiet valley with peaceful life without any effect of modern life and tourism. After lunch in the village, drive back to Hanoi.

Fly to Hue, the national capital from 1802-1945. Transfer to your hotel after arrival and enjoy the rest time of the day by yourself.

Visiting Tomb of King Minh Mang is the first stop of city sightseeing. Sail the Perfume River by a royal dragon boat to the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda whose iconic seven-storey pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city.

Later, transfer to the Imperial Citadel and stroll around the Forbidden Purple City built for Nguyen Dynasty and the entire city is surrounded by a 10-kilometers moat and 10 gates. End today's tour at the bustling Dong Ba Market where you can find typical local specialties such as Non La- palm-leaf conical hat, sauce of macerated shrimp and lanterns.

Drive to Hoi An in the morning, stop by the Hai Van Pass for a spectacular view of the twisting road on the pass, which has long been a challenge for drivers traveling between the cities of Hue and Da Nang.

After reaching Da Nang, pay a visit to Nuoc Beach, Cham Museum and Marble Mountain. Arrive in Hoi An in late afternoon, the rest of the day for relaxation.

Take part in a half-day join-in Eco Tour. You will get the opportunity to join in some hands-on activities, use bamboo basket to boat and learn traditional fishing technique. After that, you may have a basic understanding of the life of local Vietnamese.

In the afternoon, continue a visit to a Chinese temple and the Vietnamese former merchants' house. Your guide will tell you all the stories behind these historical relics.

Drive back to Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After arrival, check in before setting off to the former Presidential Palace, the Tan Dinh Church, Saigon Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. All of the sites are within walking distance. Today's last stop is Binh Tay Market, a perfect place to get close to local life and souvenir shopping.

Discover the historic site Cu Chi Tunnels and challenge yourself by crawling through small tunnels. The immense network of connecting underground tunnels is absolutely an important part of Vietnam's long independence struggle. You will explore the tunnel system, walk around the forest and watch a war documentary.

Later, marvel at a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions at Cao Dai Temple. After that, drive back to your hotel and relax with a nice sunset.

Drive to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along Tien River to My Tho Fish Market and Four Islands. Continue to Ben Tre and observe the original craftsmanship to produce coconut candy and rice paper there.

Ride a horse cart toward Mr. Muoi Hai's house to enjoy honey tea and traditional music of "Tai Tu". Continue the drive to Can Tho. After arrival, recharge yourself at the hotel or discover nearby areas on your own.

A cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market about six kilometers from Can Tho. While floating down the river, you can get a glimpse of the life along its shores. The market is the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta where hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish gather together.

After that, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City to catch your flight ongoing to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxing.

Pay a visit to the world-famous Angkor Thom. It is home to the famous Bayon Temple, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace and other exquisite relics.

Spend the afternoon with a tour to the spectacular Angkor Wat, known as the world's biggest religious monument. It is an architectural masterpiece whose perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. Later, enjoy a stunning sunset view over Angkor Wat at Bakheng Temple.

It is recommended to take an early morning trip to Angkor Wat for the sunrise, and you will have the chance to talk with the monks and nuns at a nearby pagoda.

This morning, move toward Bantey Srei Temple with a stop en route for a visit to some local villages to discover the joy of village life. Bantey Srei Temple is away from the main monuments and contains the finest, most intricate carvings.

Have lunch at a local restaurant for exotic cuisine. After that, go to the mind-blowing Ta Prohm Temple and Ta Keo Temple before returning to your hotel and enjoying some leisure time in the late afternoon.

Discover a Khmer village and enjoy view of the rice field and a lots of palm trees with great fresh air. Board on a boat to tour the Tonle Sap Lake which is one of the most unique ecological water wonders in the world. Visit Artisans D'Angkor created to teach young people traditional Khmer craftsmanship and help them find work in their home villages. Take an exploration to Old Market before flying to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda compounds sit together behind the crenellated yellow walls of the royal compound on the riverfront, and are usually seen in a combined visit. And then visit National Museum and Wat Phnom.

In the afternoon, head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 and now serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge. The following Killing Fields of Choeung EK is actually a mass grave where almost 17,000 innocents were slaughtered mercilessly for no fault of theirs.

After breakfast, fly to Bangkok to catch the flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and recharge yourself after a long journey.

Enjoy the white beaches, crystalline seawater, exotic foods and more activities in the next two days in Phuket.

Feel free to continue your beach holidays.

Enjoy some leisure time before leaving for Bangkok by airplane. After arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Make the most of your last Bangkok stay on your own.

After breakfast, have some free time at your hotel before transferring to the airport with your guide who will see you off. Wish you a nice trip to you next destination.