Highlights of Southeast Asia with Phuket

Welcome to Vietnam's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.

Today's included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city's highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. No strings attached, but we recommend this evening's optional performance of Hanoi's famed water puppets.

Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam's most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island.

Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam's central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam's active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders.

Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. If you feel like going with the flow, consider an optional cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river.

Today, fly to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!

Today, visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features more than 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this treasure trove at your own pace. You may choose to venture a little further into the jungle with an optional excursion to see Ta Prohm, a unique temple that has been left relatively untouched, with tree roots growing over and through the ruin walls. Or, have you ever wanted to run off and join the circus? Here's your chance with an optional performance of Phare Cambodian circus.

Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang.

Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin your morning by ascending Mount Phousi for beautiful views over the city and Mekong River. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, often thought to be the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. Journey through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools for a picture-perfect view. Return to your hotel where your evening is at leisure.

Visit Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed by local residents since the 16th century. Cruise the Mekong through stunning mountainous scenery and float past traditional villages lining the riverbanks. A small fishing village welcomes you with a special Baci ceremony, aiming to bring you good luck.

Today, fly to the Thai mountain town of Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.”

This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore at your own pace or simply take it easy and soak in the surroundings. If you're feeling inspired to spend the day with some of Southeast Asia's gentlest giants, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Elephant Nature Park, where you'll learn about conservation efforts and observe these majestic creatures in a more natural, ethical setting. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park.

Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.

An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city's principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand's most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner tonight to toast your trip through Southeast Asia!

Today, fly to Phuket, one of the most popular beach areas in southeast Asia. On arrival, you will be met by a local host and transferred to your hotel.

Please Note:
Your Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. A hospitality desk will be available at your resort to answer questions and provide assistance.

Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.

Another full day at leisure.

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.