American breakfast daily, 8 lunches, 4 dinners including a welcome dinner in Ho Chi Minh City and a farewell dinner show in Siem Reap
Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 HO CHI MINH CITY
Sightseeing starts with a WALKING TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The route will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, followed by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the city. After some free time, join your traveling companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 3 HO CHI MINH CITY. CU CHI EXCURSION
This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and great views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.
Breakfast
Day 4 HO CHI MINH CITY–DANANG–HOI AN
After a short flight to Danang, visit CHINA BEACH, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue on to Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved. Architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5 HOI AN
Today starts with a CRUISE on the Thu Bon River. Along the way, meet with a local fisherman who will teach you about their fishing methods and give you a 
FISHING LESSON, where you will learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch! Later, continue with a WALKING TOUR of Hoi An, visiting an old MERCHANT HOUSE, the HOI AN MUSEUM, a CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, take free time to enjoy this quaint town further.
Breakfast
Day 6 HOI AN–DANANG–HUE
Stop in Danang to visit the CHAM MUSEUM, then continue north over spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), considered to be one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. Upon arrival, visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL and the THIEN MU PAGODA, the unofficial symbol of the city.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 7 HUE–HANOI
This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the TOMBS of the NGUYEN EMPERORS: the KHAI DINH MAUSOLEUM and the ROYAL TOMB of TU DUC. Later, fly to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities.
Breakfast
Day 9 HANOI–HA LONG BAY
Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Board a CRUISE that takes you to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 10 HA LONG BAY–HANOI–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight 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!
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 11 SIEM REAP
Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, ANGKOR WAT, honoring 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 some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 12 SIEM REAP
This morning, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Unlike the other temples, TA PROHM has been left relatively untouched and surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruin walls. You’ll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. This afternoon, enjoy a bit of time at your leisure. This evening, enjoy a traditional APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 13 SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND
Today, fly to exciting Bangkok. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast
Day 14 BANGKOK
Today’s PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR starts with a BOAT RIDE through the klongs, Bangkok’s canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Stop at Wat Arun, the TEMPLE OF THE DAWN, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue on to the GRAND PALACE, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA. Also, visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 15 BANGKOK
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore on your own. Your Local Host can help with suggestions to help maximize your time. Perhaps consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the colorful floating market at Damnoen Saduak.
Breakfast
Day 16 BANGKOK–CHIANG MAI
Fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city.
Breakfast
Day 17 CHIANG MAI
Today, your PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR begins with a visit to WAT PHRA SINGH with its famous Buddha image, 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. On a clear day, you will enjoy spectacular views of Chiang Mai. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast
Day 18 CHIANG MAI
Today, take a PRIVATE GUIDED EXCURSION outside the city to BAAN TONG LUANG to visit several hill tribe groups, including the AKHA, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins; and the KAREN, home to the PADAUNG LONG-NECKED WOMEN. Early in life, brass rings are placed on the necks of the village girls and as they mature, additional rings are added. This pushes the collarbone down and compresses the rib cage, creating the illusion of stretching their necks. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Breakfast
Day 19 CHIANG MAI–LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang.
Breakfast
Day 20 LUANG PRABANG
Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your morning by ascending MOUNT PHOUSI for beautiful views over the city and Mekong River. Then, walk through the historic town center stopping at WAT MAI, famous for its 5-tiered roof built in the traditional style of Luang Prabang. You will also visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM and WAT XIENG THONG, often thought to be the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore further.
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 21 LUANG PRABANG
A full day at your leisure. Perhaps consider an excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls or a cruise on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. Your Local Host can help with suggestions.
Breakfast
Day 22 LUANG PRABANG
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning.
Breakfast