Southeast Asia Grand Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  Arrive in historic Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital! Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, where you will undoubtedly want to rest after your long flight. Alternatively, feel free to venture out on your own.

  • Hanoi

• Day 2: Hanoi

  After breakfast, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam's famous revolutionary leader's final resting place. Then go to the Temple of Literature, a Temple of Confucius built in 1070 and hosts Vietnam's first university.

  Depending on your preferences, you have two options in the afternoon. You can take a tour of historical sites that document Vietnam's fascinating but often troubled past, such as the Hanoi Hilton Prison, the Army Museum, and the History Museum or Fine Art Museum. Alternatively, you can pay a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and learn about the culture of its 54 distinct ethnic groups.

  The lovely Hoan Kiem Lake is a great place to unwind in the evening, and you can watch a traditional Water Puppet Show, which has become an important part of Vietnamese culture. You can also explore the Old Quarter at your leisure.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  Today, you will begin a 2-day Halong Bay cruise. Halong Bay, one of the world's best ecosystems, is famous for its clear blue water and breathtaking karst landscapes. Over 1,600 limestone islands dot the maritime wonderland. Your tour guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the dock for boarding. You can have some leisurely time on board or participate in activities.

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  • Halong Bay

• Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

  Continue your cruise adventure today. You can wake up early to see the spectacular sunrise and take part in the Tai Chi Class on board. Relax and enjoy your brunch until noon, when you will disembark. After that, you'll be picked up at the pier and taken to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. After checking into your hotel in Hue, you will have free time.

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  • Hue

• Day 5: Hue

  Though not as large as some of the cities on your tour, Hue is rightly regarded as one of Vietnam's most significant landmarks. You will visit the Tomb of King Minh Mang, a vital emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, which is set within a tranquil forest. Next, you will take a dragon boat down the peaceful Perfume River (named after the perfume-like aroma emitted by the blossoms that fall here) to the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda, which dates back to 1601 is the unofficial symbol of Hue.

  With a visit to the magnificent Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City complex in the afternoon, you will gain an understanding of Hue's historical significance as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Visit Dong Ba Market at the end of the day for a taste of local life.

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  • Hue

• Day 6: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

  Following breakfast, you will travel to the historic town of Hoi An. The Hai Van Pass is located between Hue and Da Nang and is an excellent spot for you to appreciate Vietnam's long coastline and breathtaking scenery. Make a pit stop in Da Nang. You could go to the Cham Museum, which has an extensive collection of Champa civilization sculptures and relics. Also, before departing for Hoi An, spend some time at Non Nuoc Beach. Enjoy the remainder of your time when checking into your hotel in Hoi An.

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  • Hoi An

• Day 7: Hoi An

  Today, you'll first visit three important Hoi An landmarks: the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and the former Vietnamese Merchants' House. The different cultures of the three countries have influenced the styles of these buildings. You can learn more about their history by asking your tour guide. Take a boat ride down the Hoai River to Thanh Ha Pottery Village later in the day to learn about this important local industry. Hoi An is beautiful at night, and you can unwind by strolling through the alleys.

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  • Hoi An

• Day 8: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

  After breakfast, you will depart for Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. The former Presidential Palace, now known as Independence Palace, is a significant landmark to begin your tour. Then, proceed to the Tan Dinh Church, which dates from the 1880s and has an eye-catching pink exterior!

  The Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, the Opera House, and City Hall are also notable landmarks that you will visit. Many buildings retain their exquisite French-influenced decor as an echo of the colonial era. To round out your day, stroll through the bustling Binh Tay Market, the largest market in Ho Chi Minh City and a great place to sample the local street food.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

  Today's itinerary will be relatively light. After breakfast, you'll go underground to see the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels, which were built by Viet Cong forces during the Indochina Wars. Following that, you will visit a large Cao Dai Temple, a sacred site for Caodaism, a monotheistic religion founded in Vietnam in 1926. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

  After breakfast, take a relaxing boat ride down the Tien River to four islands, passing by the bustling My Tho Fish Market. You will visit a coconut candy and rice paper factory and take a horse cart ride to Mr. Muoi Hai's house, where you can sample honey tea, listen to traditional 'Tai Tu' music, and enjoy fresh seasonal fruits.

  The Mekong Delta is one of the world's great ecosystems, and a Mekong River sampan cruise is highly recommended. After that, you will be driven to Can Tho, where you will check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

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  • Can Tho

• Day 11: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

  The Cai Rang Floating Market, in the heart of the Mekong River, is the largest in the basin. After breakfast, you will travel there by boat. Return to Ho Chi Minh City at noon to catch a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After you've checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 12: Siem Reap

  After breakfast, you will travel to Angkor Thom, the world-renowned temple complex that served as the Khmer Empire's final capital. The massive complex contains intriguing landmarks such as the Bayon Temple, the elaborate South Gate, and the Terrace of Elephants, most of which date from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. After lunch, you will appreciate the majesty of Angkor Wat by watching the sunset over the ancient monument from the vantage point of Bakheng Temple. In the evening, take in a traditional Apsara Dinner Show, complete with delicious food and folk dancing performance. 

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 13: Siem Reap

  Walk up early to take in the stunning view of Angkor Wat at sunrise. You will see local monks and nuns at the nearby pagoda along the way. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, visit the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On the way to the Temple, you will stop by some local villages to visit. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the ancient Ta Keo Temple and the Ta Prohm Temple.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 14: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang

  In the morning, you will embark to visit Khmer Village, then board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Later in the day, you'll bid farewell to Cambodia and board your connecting flight to Luang Prabang, the capital of Laos. Your local guide will meet and accompany you to the hotel in Luang Prabang to check in.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 15: Luang Prabang

  Luang Prabang, an ancient city, was the royal capital of Laos until 1975. Begin your tour by watching the morning alms-giving ceremony and visiting the Phousi Market. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, visit the Wat Xieng Thong Temple, the Wat Visoun Temple and the Royal Palace Museum. In the afternoon, take a trip to Kuang Si Falls and enjoy some free time. On your way back to Luang Prabang, you will stop at Ban Ouay Village for a rest and learn about the traditions of rural life. At sunset, you can climb Mount Phousi for a breathtaking view of the entire city.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 16: Luang Prabang

  Take a relaxing morning cruise down the Mekong River. This tour will include a visit to the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, which have long been revered as a sacred site by Buddhists. You will travel upriver to Ban Xang Hai to witness the process of making rice whiskey, a local delicacy. On your way back to Luang Prabang, you will be taken to Ban Xang Khong, a traditional weaving village known for its Sa paper industry.

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  • Luang Prabang

• Day 17: Luang Prabang - Chiang Mai

  In the morning, head to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Feel free to relax or go exploring on your own for the rest of the day.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 18: Chiang Mai

  Baan Chang Elephant Park is a sustainable, ethical elephant refuge located in the north of Chiang Mai. Today you will participate in a tour of an elephant daycare. Leave your hotel at 8:30 to 9:00 to take a shuttle bus to the park, and it will take about 50 minutes to drive. Walk with the elephants, touch them, help to bathe them, and play with them. In the afternoon, help prepare lunch for them and feed them. Then, visit the baby elephants in their nursery area. Return to Chang Mai for overnight.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 19: Chiang Mai - Bangkok

  The ancient and unique Wat Umong temple, located in the Doi Suthep mountains, includes tunnels ("umong" in Thai) and 700-year-old wall paintings. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is not far away. The Temple, which overlooks Chiang Mai, is revered by many Thais and is notable for its magnificent gold stupa exterior. You'll then proceed to Mount Doi Suthep.

  Later, you will depart Chiang Mai for Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Your local guide will assist you in checking into your hotel. The evening is yours to spend as you please.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 20: Bangkok

  After breakfast, you will first visit the vibrant flower and vegetable market to get a taste of local life. And next is the renowned Grand Palace, one of the must-sees that adjoin Wat Phra Kaew. Lunch at a local restaurant near the Grand Palace.

  In the afternoon, take a long-tail boat ride along the canal to explore a greener and more peaceful part of Bangkok. Today's final stop is Wat Arun, which has been featured in numerous photographs of Bangkok.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 21: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

  Today, you will go on an excursion to Ayutthaya, an ancient city that was the former Thai capital for 400 years and still has traces of its former glory and beauty. First, pay a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which combines Thai and Chinese architecture. Later, visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, where you can see the Buddha's head in a tree at Wat Mahathat, learn about the history of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and see the massive bronze Buddha inside Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Return to your Bangkok hotel after the tour.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 22: Bangkok, Departure

  Feel free to explore Bangkok on your final day or simply relax in the morning before departure. Your guide will accompany you to Bangkok Airport for your flight. We hope you had a wonderful time and wish you safe travels!

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