A Private Luxury Tour of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Thailand – Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in HCM City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon)
This morning, travel out of the city to ¬the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the Vietnam war. The tunnel system was improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border that remained totally undetected until after the war! Here, You’ll have the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Return to city for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll visit some of the highlights of the city starting with the former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral (outside only) and the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Next, drive to the Fine Arts Museum boasts a beautiful collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures. Stop by the colorful Ben Thanh market for some street food sampling and souvenir hunting before heading back to your hotel. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the vibrant surrounding area. (B,L)

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City (Upper 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 morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, be met and commence a tour of one of the city’s unusual sights, APOPO Visitors Center. APOPO Rat is a special NGO who works with African Giant Pouched Rats (also known as Hero Rats) to detect landmines and tuberculosis using their extraordinary sense of smell.  The APOPO Center in Siem Reap gives you the opportunity to learn how the Hero Rats detect TNT using their remarkable sense of smell and the tireless efforts being made to clear rural areas of landmines after decades of conflict. Our special behind the scenes experience provides a chance to meet the MDRs (Mine Detection Rats) and their handlers to experience first-hand how they clear a mockup minefield. 

Afterwards, visit Banteay Kdei temple, the “Citadel of Chambers”. these ruins are a fascinating maze of chambers that are a delight to explore. Also serving as a Buddhist temple, these ruins have been home to an active monastery at multiple time periods since their construction in the 12th century, up until the 1960s. Afterwards, check-in at your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. (B)

Day 5 Siem Reap
We start the morning with a visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between 1131 and 1150, Angkor Wat was constructed over a period of 30 years and illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. Next, visit Ta Prohm, the site of the hit movie Tomb Raiders, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor. Much of the jungle here has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Last stop is the fortified city of ANGKOR THOM, which covers an area of 10 square km enclosed by a wall and wide moats and includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 6 Siem Reap (Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Kleang) / Luang Prabang
Travel to the Cambodian countryside by road to the Kampong Kleang of Tonle Sap Lake. The highlight of today features an inspiring boat trip to observe the primitive way of life of the Great Lake’s floating fishing communities. In the afternoon, return to Siem Reap and visit BANTEAY SREI. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is built in pink sandstone and is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Board your late afternoon flight for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

****Note: Access to the Kampong Kleang section of Tonle Sap Lake is subject to local conditions (usually not open between May – July). Alternative sights will be arranged in case of closure.****

Day 7 Luang Prabang
This morning, enjoy a tour of the ever-so-charming Luang Prabang Town starting with a visit to the bustling Morning Market, where locals hunt for the day’s fresh catch and local produce. Visit Wat Visoun, Wat Phu Sii, Wat Mai, and the National Museum (Royal Palace). Afternoon at leisure to relax and explore Luang Prabang Town on your own. (B)

Day 8 Luang Prabang (Pak Ou Caves or Kuangsi Waterfalls)
Today, you will take the Mekong Riverboat to visit the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. You’ll see Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route and visits to local villages along the Mekong before returning to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

*Note: An excursion to Kuangsi Waterfall for hiking and swimming may be substituted for Pak Ou Caves Tour. 

Day 9 Luang Prabang / Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. This evening, be sure to head out to the Night Bazaar (on your own arrangements) to shop and eat your way through this bustling world-famous night market. (B)

Day 10 Chiang Mai 
This morning, enjoy a tour of Chiang Mai city visiting a local market, the Old City and several of the city’s famous temples. Continue to the sacred mountain temple of Wa Phra Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in Northern Thailand. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the night market on your own. (B) 

Day 11 Chiang Mai (Elephant Experience)
Today is a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary featuring an elephant care program. Includes lunch. (B,L) ***Note: transfers and session operates on join basis (non-private) with other participants****

Day 12 Chiang Mai / Phuket
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to the tropical paradise of Phuket Island. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your resort for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 13 Phuket (Phang Nga Bay)
Enjoy a full-day boat trip to your choice of the following:

Option 1: Phang Nga Bay Cruise by Luxury Catamaran – Today, enjoy a spectacular day at sea with a cruise of Phang Nga Bay. James Bond Island is visited by many boat tours but ours let you experience it just like Bond: luxuriously. Experience the iconic Phang Nga Bay on a luxury cruise equipped with a full bar, day beds, DJ, and dance floor. As you set sail aboard a catamaran, enjoy a welcome drink and delicious buffet lunch. Visit James Bond Island and explore the sea caves of Hong Island by kayak. Enjoy a beautiful sunset ocean panorama while having dinner onboard. (L,D) ****Transfers and boat trip operated on join basis (non-private)****

Option 2: Phang Nga Bay by Sea Kayak – enjoy a fascinating excursion to beautiful Phang Nga Bay. Kayak through the “Hongs,” or tidal caves, and washouts that are part of the incredible limestone karst formations that have made the area a backdrop for countless international movies. Later, enjoy time to swim, relax, or even make a Loy Krathong (decorative float). Buffet lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D) ****Transfers and boat trip operated on join basis (non-private)****

Day 14 Phuket
Full day free at leisure in Paradise. (B)

Day 15 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific airfares, personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
• Hotel blackouts, holiday surcharges, and/or compulsory dinners apply for stays during Dec. 20 – Jan. 10. Contact us for details.
• Visas are required for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Not included in package. Contact us for details regarding visa applications. 
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation