Southeast Asia Luxury Tour: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand

When landing in Vietnam's compelling capital, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred via private vehicle to your accommodation - the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. Superbly situated on the edge of Hanoi's biggest freshwater lake, this resort-like IHG hotel makes for a peaceful escape away from the bustle.

For the rest of today, check into your spacious room with a private balcony and relax in great views across the lake.

The introductory city tour will enable you through several key sights of Hanoi, including Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. The guide will be by your side to explain the historical and cultural importance of each site.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel, from the lavish pool to the over-the-water pavilion and the ultra-trendy Sunset Bar. Optionally, you may like to further explore the city on your own. Within easy reach, Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, and Hoan Kiem Lake are nice choices.

Today, make a morning drive (around 2.5 hours) to the UNESCO-recognised Halong Bay for an overnight cruise. The sleek, modern Paradise Elegance, completed with 31 stylishly designed cabins and perfect facilities, is like a world-class resort floating on the sea. Looking out of the floor-to-ceiling window or sitting back on your private balcony or terrace, immerse yourself in the stunning limestone karst scenery moving at a leisurely pace. Besides, there are varied activities to enrich your stay, such as sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, squid fishing, and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.

Arise early to admire the magical sunrise over the bay and refresh yourself with morning Tai Chi exercise. After a light breakfast, continue sailing amongst towering limestone islets and get ashore to visit a grotesque cave. As the cruise concludes, check out, enjoy your brunch, and disembark at the pier. A private transfer afterward will take you back to Hanoi airport for the southbound flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the country's most cosmopolitan city.

As you touch down, meet your new guide at the airport for a private transfer to your downtown hotel - Intercontinental Saigon. Beautifully furnished guest rooms, along with top-notch amenities and warm hospitality, will ensure you a pleasant stay.

This morning, journey to the past on a history-based tour of Old Saigon tucked away in the city's modern skyline. You'll be shown around the French colonial-style Old Post Office and City Hall, the Reunification Palace, as well as the War Remnants Museum for a true insight into Vietnam's most recent history. Before retiring to your hotel, absorb the energy, sounds, and odors of the lively Ben Thanh Market.

At noon, you may want to enjoy lunch at one of your hotel's three signature restaurants, from sumptuous buffet spreads to Chinese delicacies and Italian desserts. This afternoon is yours for relaxation, perhaps lounging by the rooftop pool with sweeping city views.

After breakfast, hit the road for a 2-hour scenic drive to Ben Tre, a gateway to the fertile Mekong Delta region. A leisurely cruise through the bustling major waterway and into the quieter backwaters will enable you to fully enjoy the bucolic scenery and observe the riverine life from the comfort of your sampan. Then at a rustic village, take the local Tuk Tuk to visit farmers' houses, taste seasonal fruit and coconut candy, and learn how traditional handicrafts are made. As you like, go to the kitchen to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with the host. The excursion culminates with a freshly prepared lunch.

After the tour, return to your hotel with the remainder of today at leisure.

The next leg of your journey sees you flying into Siem Reap, home to the UNESCO-inscribed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia.

Upon arriving, be met by your local guide at the airport and taken into the city center to FCC Angkor by Avani. Housed in the former French Governor's residence, this upscale property offers a peaceful sanctuary with modern comforts and thoughtful Khmer touches. Make yourself at home in one of the 80 well-appointed rooms.

As you like, awake pre-dawn to take in the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat - the crown jewel of Angkor Archaeological Park. After a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, spend the day further exploring this early 12th-century architectural masterpiece. Your private guide is on hand to offer his expert knowledge. Listen to the interesting facts and legends behind the temple's elaborate bas-relief stone carvings.

Next on the itinerary will be another part of the Angkor complex, visit remarkable temples including the mystical "Tomb Raider Temple" - Ta Prohm, the 22-meters-high, five-layered mountain temple of Ta Keo, and Banteay Srei dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

Journey back to the past at Angkor Thom previously served as the Khmer Empire's ancient royal capital. Within, stand in awe when facing 216 giant smiling faces carved into stone towers of Bayon Temple and discover the Elephant Terrace, an ancient royal viewing platform.

To close the day, board your private paddle boat for a leisurely cruise along the moat of Angkor Thom to take in sunset views across this magnificent complex.

Say goodbye to Cambodia as you depart by an international flight to Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles". Arriving in Bangkok, enjoy VIP fast-track service after exiting the plane and meet your local guide in the arrivals hall. A private transfer will soon have you relaxing in Banyan Tree Bangkok. The city's only 5-star all-suite hotel offers luxurious rooms, exceptional restaurants, and leisure facilities. Later this evening, perhaps treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at the hotel's rooftop restaurant overlooking the glittering cityscape of Bangkok.

Today, experience the best of Bangkok on a privately guided tour. Starting at the city's historic center, you will check out the sprawling royal complex of Grand Palace, the impressive 46-meter-long golden reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the brightly-hued flower market. Next, board a longtail boat down the tributary canals or "khlongs" of the Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings, for a quieter side of local life on the water.

After a leisurely morning, board a flight at Bangkok airport with direct service to Phuket. A one-hour private transfer afterward will whisk you from the airport to the sleepy town of Khao Lak, where you have the next few days luxuriating in the award-winning boutique resort - the Sarojin. All 56 luxury guest residences are set in lush tropical gardens, fringed by a secluded white sand beach and backed by ancient rainforests. You can expect to experience the luxe, intimacy, and relaxation of this serene beach hideaway.

A day at leisure that you are free to enjoy as you wish, whether lounging on the white, sandy beach beneath swaying palm trees, cooling down in the swimming pool, or indulging in a rejuvenating spa massage.

If you fancy getting more active, venture into the five surrounding national parks like Khao Sok to spot a wide array of wildlife. The evening promises the chance to enjoy a private candlelit dinner next to the beach or jungle waterfall.

The world's top dive sites of Similan Islands and Surin Islands are just an hour's speedboat ride off the Saronjin's beach. On this free day, there are optional island tours available for you to go diving or snorkeling into the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. With great visibility, you will be able to see a variety of fish species.

After a final morning of relaxing at your resort, your guide and driver are on hand to take you to the airport for your departure flight. Return home with some fond memories acquired during your lavish vacation in Thailand.