A Private Tour of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand | HCM City, Siem Reap, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Luang Prabang, Bangkok

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in HCM City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels)
This morning, travel outside the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories that were never discovered until after the war.

Return to the city for lunch followed by a tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Affectionately known as Saigon and the “Paris of the East”, this dynamic metropolis has emerged as a thriving hotspot in Asia, boasting Vietnam’s finest cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and top-notch accommodations. We'll tour the historic former Presidential Palace, walk pass some of the most impressive French-colonial architectures around town including Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Visit the Fine Arts Museum before heading to Ben Thanh market for some souvenir hunting. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 3 HCM City (Mekong Delta)
Travel south to the Upper Mekong Delta, a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes traveling by car, bicycle, motorized boat and a hand rowed sampan into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. A 2-hour scenic drive takes you to Ben Tre’s lush countryside of tranquil rivers and warm friendly people. We’ll hop on a bike for a leisurely 5-7km ride (otherwise motor-tricycle) through quiet village lanes surrounded by vegetable gardens, coconut trees and rivers. You might want to challenge yourself to cross over the monkey bridge, which is a handmade bamboo walkway built across canals and gullies. Ride further to the village communal house originally built in the 19th century where the farmers usually come to pray for their wishes. Wind your way to the only standing brick kiln factory in the area where the baking methods have not changed for centuries. As Ben Tre owns the largest coconut-growing area in the country, you’ll see how products are made from virtually every part of the fruit. Get on a motorized boat for a cruise along the main river for an insight into agriculture-river life; then on a motor-tricycle ride to a rustic local restaurant for lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties (such as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp). Later, enjoy a tranquil ride on a sampan through picturesque canals amid shady water coconut groves. Return to the city by car in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 4 HCM City / Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, commence a tour of Angkor Thom, a fortified city that covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Continue to Ta Prohm, famously featured in the Tomb Raider film. Left to the clutches of the jungle, the limestone walls of the temple have been bound by the roots of massive trees. The jungle around the temple has not been cleared and it looks very much as it would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across it. Check-in at your hotel in Siem Reap. (B) 

Day 5 Siem Reap (Tonle Sap Lake)
This morning, travel outside Siem Reap to the Cambodian countryside for a culturally-inspiring boat trip of Tonle Sap Lake. Located in the heart of Cambodia, this extraordinary lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip will explore the primitive floating fishing villages that live at the edges of the lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. In the afternoon, continue to BANTEAY SREI. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art built in pink sandstone. Overnight in Siem Reap. Includes lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L)

Day 6 Siem Reap / Hoi An 
Saving the best for last, your morning is greeted by the magnificent Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. Afterwards, transfer for your flight to Danang. Continue by road to Hoi An and check-in at your hotel for your next 3 nights' accommodations. (B) 

Day 7 Hoi An
Enjoy a morning tour of Hoi An’s beautiful Old Town. Located 30 km south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. After a stroll around town, it's time to roll up your sleeves for some fun starting at a mask painting workshop. Here, you'll be making your own masterpiece under the guidance of an artisan who has dedicated his life to painting masks that characterize Tuong singing (classical Vietnamese opera). Afterwards, we'll wrap up the morning making traditional White Rose Hoi An Dumplings where you'll enjoy your very own simple but delicious culinary creation. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 8 Hoi An 
Full day free at leisure to enjoy the beach, eat, shop and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own. Optional excursions (My Son Ruins, River Cruise, Round of Golf, Cooking Lesson, etc.) are available upon request. (B)

Day 9 Hoi An / Hanoi 
Fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, be met and check-in to your hotel. Enjoy time  to relax or explore the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding your hotel before heading out for a night around town. 

This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We'll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city's famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try  some Vietnamese snacks starting with the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals. Then, it's time for dessert. Venture down a small alley and try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Stop a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) before ending your foodies adventure of Hanoi. (B,D)

Day 10 Hanoi 
Today's tour hits the highlights of the Vietnamese capital. A city of lakes, parks and colonial mansions, Hanoi retains much of its historical charm and, with an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, tantalizing foods and a great place to observe typical Vietnamese life. Our visits today include the 11th century Temple of Literature Vietnam’s first university; One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple known for its unique architectural design featuring a single pillar rising from a lotus pond; Visit Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. ‘Hanoi Hilton’), where the late John McCain spent 5 years in captivity during the Vietnam War, followed by a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the city’s Old Quarter that boats a labyrinth of quaint streets and alleyways lined with shops of all trades. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local hole-in-the-wall joint made famous by President Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s dinner outing in 2016. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 11 Hanoi (Ninh Binh)
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh. Often referred to as "Dry Halong Bay", this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride between 10-15km (can be adjusted based on your preference/energy level) to appreciate the immersed rice fields and agriculture life. Then roll up your sleeves, put in your boots, and take part in the fun daily life activities with local fishermen and farmers. Here, you'll have a chance to catch crab and mudfish using traditional rattan tools, or try your hand at planting rice in the fields. Engage in a casual talk with the local farmer to get an insight into his family and lifestyle. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demo with the chef before enjoying some Ninh Binh specialties.

Later, get on a row boat and glide along the tranquil river to Galaxy Cave. Recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size and hidden location, the cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors. Continue by riverboat along the tranquil river beautifully complemented with stunning views to die for. Return to Hanoi for overnight. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approximately on flat terrain and does not require technical abilities. This portion of the trip is optional for those who prefer to tour by foot/car or if conditions do not permit. 

Day 12 Hanoi / Halong Bay 
This morning, embark on a 3.5 hour scenic drive to Halong Bay, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands in mesmerizing seascape. Here, we'll enjoy a day of bliss aboard a small luxury ship for a tantalizing cruise around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (depending on cruise itinerary). Highlights include shore excursions to several islands, cave exploration, kayaking and swimming. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)

**Note: cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by cruise company though experiences will be similar. 

Day 13 Halong Bay / Luang Prabang 
For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise. Enjoy a brief tour of Halong City or Hai Phong (depending on port of disembarkation) before transfer to Hanoi Airport for your late afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your resort for your next 3 nights' accommodations. (B) 

Day 14 Luang Prabang
This morning, enjoy a tour of beautiful Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today and is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia.

For those up for an early morning start (i.e. 05:30am), relish the opportunity to one of the most memorable sights this heritage town – The ‚Tak Bat’. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). Take a stroll with your local guide through the colorful, open-air Morning Market where local make their daily meal runs. Enjoy a cup of Lao Coffee at a local coffee shop before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later in the morning, we’ll hit some of the “must-sees” around town. Visit Wat Phonxay where you will have opportunity to meet senior monk for a Monk Blessing Ceremony that is believed to cleanse bad spirits from the past and bring good luck to you. Afterwards, visit the National Museum (formerly the Royal Palace) that boasts a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Next up is Wat Xieng Thong. Often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful, this temple is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive "tree of life" mosaic. If you’re up for some morning exercise, climb the 350 steps of Phou Sii Hill that stands right in the center of this small city to enjoy commanding views of the area. The balance of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax and soak up Luang Prabang tranquil atmosphere and spirituality. (B)

Day 12 Luang Prabang (Pak Ou Caves & Mekong River Cruise)
This morning,  take a scenic drive to the north of Luang Prabang along the Mekong River with a stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, famed for its Lao-Lao Whisky. Take a short ferry across the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Buhha Caves. These caves have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 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 these caves, enjoy a 1.5 hour cruise on the Mekong River on a private boat. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B) 

**Note: for the more active traveler, a soft trek at Kuangsi Waterfalls OR an Elephant Experience at a vetted venue may be arranged instead Pak Ou Caves. 

Day 16 Luang Prabang / Bangkok
Transfer for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon to relax, eat or shop amongst the cities plethora of restaurants, night markets and shopping centers. 

This evening, embark on a foodies adventure around town. Traveling by Tuk Tuk, we'll visit famous eateries around the city sample local street foods such as Khao Man Gai (Chicken & Rice), Pad Thai or Guay Tiew Kua Gai (Chicken Noodle Soup). Explore the Flower Market followed by a local temple before returning to your hotel by midnight. (B,D)

Day 17 Bangkok
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Royal Palace to see Dusit Hall (Funeral Hall) and the holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), followed by the capital’s most revered temples including Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Trimit (Golden Buddha). Afternoon free at leisure. (B)

Day 18 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• For Air & Land Option:
  • When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Friday-Sunday), add $50 per person each direction.
  • *Jun-Aug rates apply for departures between May 24-31 due to peak season airfares
  • **Airfare supplement of $500 (West Coast) | $600 (East Coast) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
  • U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $250 – subject to change).
• Land only cost includes intra-Asia flights per itinerary
• Visas are required for Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation