Indochina Explorer

Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. Welcome to Thailand! Overnight in Bangkok

Hidden away in a quiet street in the center of the city is Jim Thompson’s house, once the home of the man regarded as the father of Thai silk. The building is one of the best examples of traditional Thai residential architecture and it houses an incredible collection of Southeast Asian art. Bangkok has many temples but Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is the most exquisite; famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha, its 10-foot-tall feet are decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations. Continue to Bangkok Royal Grand Palace with over 100 buildings that represent 200 years of history and architectural wonders. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha adjoins the Grand Palace and enshrines the most revered image of Buddha carved in Jade. Overnight in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a haven for foodies. With its endless rows of wooden shop-houses packed with market stalls, street-side restaurants, and a dense concentration of street vendors, Chinatown is an experience not to miss. After strolling around this fascinating neighborhood, it’s time for a traditional Yum Char: drinking Chinese tea and eating dim sum dishes. For a view of Bangkok from the river, travel by a long-tailed boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi. On the return journey, visit the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), whose towering spire has become an iconic symbol of Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok

Transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel, just in time to enjoy the sun setting over Angkor Wat. Overnight Siem Reap

Among the temples you will see today are the ineffable Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm, which was left just as it was discovered with giant tree roots hugging and climbing the walls of the temple. Experience the spectacular Angkor Wat, considered the world’s largest single religious monument with bas-reliefs on four sides, each telling a story. The day ends with a panoramic sunset view of the area from the summit of one of the temples. Overnight Siem Reap

Banteay Srei, The Citadel of Women, is a monument of artistic mastery, a small temple with elaborate, decorative wall carvings in fine detail. Continue to Tonle Sap Lake to the unique floating villages by boat. Cambodia’s Great Lake is one of the geographical wonders of the world. Its extraordinary biodiversity makes it an ecological marvel. Overnight Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hoi An, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own! Overnight Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This exceptionally well-preserved trading port, active between the 15th-19th centuries, contains colorful scenes of traditional merchant houses painted yellow and blanketed in purple bougainvillea and presents picture-perfect scenes. As night falls, delicate silk lanterns create a rainbow of hues against the darkening sky. In the evening, enjoy your beach-front hotel. Overnight Hoi An

The morning is at leisure to stroll through the back streets of Hoi An or just relax on the beach. Depart for Hue and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the South China Sea as you travel through the Hai Van Pass. Hue was the ancient royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is now a UNESCO site. Visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc overlooking tranquil lotus ponds and Khai Dinh’s Tomb, designed with colonial flair and a glass mosaic frieze that dominates the interior. Overnight in Hue

This morning, delight in a dreamy dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the majestic tomb of Minh Mang. This tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi

A city of lakes, parks, and colonial mansions, Hanoi retains much of its historical charm. With an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, Vietnam’s capital is a city to be savored. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s House, the Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison museum. Explore Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter on foot and by cyclo, a Vietnamese rickshaw. Overnight in Hanoi

This morning, transfer to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO sites and the world’s largest marine limestone “karst” landscape, to embark on an overnight cruise. Sail through the magnificent bay admiring the fascinating limestone towers. Stop at an islet and climb through a series of breath-taking caves and grottoes, marvelling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Swim or relax on a white sandy beach or go kayaking through the mysterious Karst Mountains. Overnight on cruise

Rise early for sunrise, when the bay is at its very best, and enjoy an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, if you wish. After a light breakfast, head out in canoes to explore the bay. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Overnight in Luang Prabang

At dawn, golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Rise early to witness this sacred ritual. Begin exploring this historic and charming World Heritage town with Wat Xieng Thong. This 500-year-old temple is exquisite and is the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Meandering through side streets, along back alleys, and through temples, this walking tour allows you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace, where relics from Laos’ royalist past are housed. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Depart through Laos’ scenic countryside to Pak Ou Caves, a mystical pilgrimage site perched high above the Mekong River. A boat will ferry you across the river to reach the caves. Peering into dark corners, your eyes gradually adjust to reveal the serene faces and figures of more than 3,000 Buddha images. Return by boat to Luang Prabang, enjoying lush river life along the Mekong while sipping a drink and tasting Lao snacks, stopping at two riverside villages along the way. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight – or extend your stay in Asia!