12 Days Southeast Asia Express Tour

Welcome to Hanoi, the gorgeous capital of Vietnam. Begin your journey with a smooth private transfer from Hanoi airport to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, acclimatizing to the humid climate, relaxing after a long flight, or getting a first taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Hanoi Brilliant Hotel & Spa (Executive City View Room) or similar
4-Star: The Lapis Hotel (Standard Room) or similar

After breakfast, follow your guide to discover key historic landmarks around Ba Dinh Square in the heart of the city, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts. Nearby, behold the unique sight of the graceful One Pillar Pagoda in a lotus pond and wander the scholarly halls of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's ancient seat of learning.

This afternoon brings an informative visit to the fascinating Museum of Ethnology, where diverse ethnic traditions are vividly displayed. Next, ride an old-style cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) through the lively, winding lanes of the c, filled with narrow streets and local charm. As the day winds down, stroll along the shaded pathways of the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Hanoi Brilliant Hotel & Spa (Executive City View Room) or similar
4-Star: The Lapis Hotel (Standard Room) or similar

Today, the UNESCO-inscribed Halong Bay, about a 3-hour drive from Hanoi, invites you to fully enjoy its spectacular seascape of emerald waters and dramatic karst islands on an overnight cruise. Once embarking, choose from a variety of experiences - venture into a limestone cave, join squid fishing with the crew at night, and unwind with sunbathing on the deck. Plus, learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls, using the fresh ingredients in a fun cooking demonstration. After dinner, sleep in the comfort of your cabin, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the bay.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Signature Royal Cruise
4-Star: Athena Luxury Cruise

As the bay awakens around you, partake in an invigorating Tai Chi session on deck. Following a light breakfast, head out to paddle a kayak into a hidden lagoon. Once back on the cruise, freshen up, pack your luggage, and enjoy brunch while cruising toward the port. After disembarking, transfer to Hanoi Airport for your onward flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Parasol Blanc (Deluxe Balcony Room) or similar
4-Star: Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang (Garnier Room) or similar

After breakfast, start on a captivating journey through Luang Prabang's cultural treasures, including the elegant Wat Mai, the Royal Palace Museum, the brightly painted Wat Sene, and the exquisite Wat Xieng Thong.

Continues with a scenic cruise along the Mekong River - soaking in views of lush hills and quiet villages. The small, riverine Ban Xanghai Village makes a brief stop to sample locally distilled rice wine before finally arriving at Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in myriad poses fill the limestone grottoes.

Return toward town with a visit to Ban Xang Khong, famed for traditional weaving and handmade Saa paper. End the day with visits to the ancient stupa of Wat Visoun and nearby Wat Aham.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Parasol Blanc (Deluxe Balcony Room) or similar
4-Star: Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang (Garnier Room) or similar

Rise early to witness one of Laos's most sacred traditions - the alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings from local devotees. There goes a stroll through the vibrant, aromatic Morning Market before returning to your hotel for breakfast and some leisure time to relax or explore independently.

Reconvene in the afternoon for a journey into the countryside to Ban Na Ouane, home to Lao minority communities, for a fascinating glimpse into their daily life and traditions. Next, the enchanting Kuang Si Falls invite you to swim in the cascading turquoise pools or wander along shaded forest trails. Return to the city in time for a magic sunset from the sacred grounds of Wat Phabath.

For a cultural way to unwind after your day, consider the Baci Ceremony with Lao Music and Dance. This dinner show offers a taste of Laos's rich traditions, with a local meal and a ritual of blessings and unity, accompanied by live music and vibrant dance.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Parasol Blanc (Deluxe Balcony Room) or similar
4-Star: Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang (Garnier Room) or similar

Enjoy this morning at leisure before heading to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the wonders of Angkor in Cambodia.

As you touch down, your local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel on a smooth transfer. Once settled in, feel free to discover the appealing city on your own.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior Room) or similar
4-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar

An exciting day unfolds as you explore Angkor Thom, once the powerful capital of the Khmer Empire. Wander through its monumental South Gate to discover the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famed for its giant smiling stone faces, and admire the historic Elephant Terrace, once the stage for grand royal ceremonies.

This afternoon, prepare to be humbled by the majestic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. Take time to marvel at its intricate bas-reliefs and soaring towers, which reflect the pinnacle of Khmer artistry. As the day softens, ascend Bakheng Hill for sweeping sunset views over the temple landscape or choose the serene Pre Rup Temple for a more tranquil end to your exploration.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior Room) or similar
4-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar

Rise early, weather permitting, for a magical sunrise over the iconic spires of Angkor Wat. Breakfast can be served at your hotel or prepared as a takeaway for convenience. Continue your journey through the countryside to the exquisite Banteay Srei Temple, also known as the "Citadel of Women", renowned for its delicate pink sandstone carvings.

Next on the itinerary are the atmospheric jungle temple of Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots weave dramatically through ancient stone walls, and the imposing, fortress-like steps of Ta Keo. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior Room) or similar
4-Star: Tara Angkor Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar

After breakfast and check-out, head for the airport for your flight to Thailand's throbbing capital, Bangkok.

Upon landing, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Travelodge Sukhumvit 11 (Superior Room B Building) or similar
4-Star: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 (Studio Superior) or similar

Morning brings an insightful visit to the majestic Grand Palace, once home to Thai royalty and still the country's most treasured landmark. Wander through its glittering halls and courtyards before entering Wat Phra Kaew, where the revered Emerald Buddha is enshrined. Then, dive into local life at a nearby flower and vegetable market, alive with color and fragrance.

Afterwards, hop aboard a long-tail boat ride through Bangkok's winding canals, glimpsing a world of stilted houses and waterside temples. Before disembarkation, pause to admire the elegant spires of Wat Arun from the water. Today's trip culminates at Wat Po, which houses the giant 46-metre-long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf.

Accommodation:
3-Star: Travelodge Sukhumvit 11 (Superior Room B Building) or similar
4-Star: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 (Studio Superior) or similar