Grand Tour of Southeast Asia — 21 Days

This full day immerses you in the captivating history of the Vietnamese capital. Visit the venerable Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), founded in 1070 to honor Confucius and train imperial scholars within Vietnam's first royal university. Continue to historic Ba Dinh Square, viewing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum exterior, the former French Governor General's Palace, and the modest stilt house surrounded by fruit trees.

In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering a fascinating look at the costumes, customs, and traditional dwellings of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. In the early evening, attend a performance of traditional water puppetry, an ancestral folk art created in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.

Full day of private guided touring. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Depart early heading south by private vehicle to Ninh Binh province, enchanted under the title 'Halong Bay on land'. Begin by ascending Mount Mua: climb the stone staircase carved into the cliffside to reach the summit for a stunning panoramic view over karst sugarloaves and lush rice fields.

After a flavorful lunch of regional specialties, board a traditional wooden rowboat in Tam Coc to glide peacefully along the Ngo Dong River, drifting beneath three natural caverns hollowed through the karst cliffs. In late afternoon, visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's 10th-century feudal capital, exploring shrines dedicated to the founding Dinh and Le emperors.

Driving time: approximately 2 hours (100 km). Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.

Travel across the Red River Delta towards legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Around midday, board an elegant traditional wooden junk and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Cast off into a dreamlike seascape of thousands of jungle-capped limestone islets rising from emerald waters.

While a fresh seafood lunch is served on board, the junk navigates into the pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore the fairy-tale cave of Thien Canh Son and enjoy time for sea kayaking or swimming in the sheltered cove of Cap La. At dusk, relax on the upper sundeck to watch the sunset before a candlelit gourmet dinner.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours (180 km). Full board and overnight on board the junk in private cabin.

Wake at dawn to watch the first rays of sunlight pierce the morning mist over the karst peaks. Join a gentle tai chi session on the open sundeck before taking a traditional rowboat to visit the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, discovering pearl farming and local maritime life.

After a panoramic brunch served on board while sailing back to port, disembark in late morning. Your private driver transfers you to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen emperors. Warm welcome upon landing and transfer to your charming hotel.

Travel time: 2.5 hours drive plus domestic flight (1 hr 15 min). Overnight at hotel in Hue.

A royal day dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces. Pass through the monumental gates of the majestic Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City, exploring royal courtyards, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and ceremonial pavilions that formed the heart of Vietnamese dynastic power.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent royal tombs of Emperor Tu Duc, designed as a poetic pastoral retreat, and Emperor Minh Mang, celebrated for classical symmetry amidst flowering ponds. Conclude along the banks of the Perfume River with the iconic octagonal Thien Mu Pagoda and a visit to lively Dong Ba Market.

Full day of private guided touring. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Drive south along the celebrated coastal route of the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), taking in dramatic panoramas over Lang Co Lagoon and the beaches stretching toward Da Nang.

Arrive in early afternoon in the charming historic port of Hoi An, an ancient Asian trading hub recognized by UNESCO. Set out on a guided walking tour through pedestrian lanes lined with yellow colonial merchant homes: see the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, an antique timber home, and the Fujian Assembly Hall. As night falls, Hoi An illuminates with thousands of glowing silk lanterns.

Driving time: approximately 3.5 hours (140 km). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

A bucolic morning bicycle ride follows shaded country paths to the organic herb farming village of Tra Que. Welcomed by local growers, learn traditional methods of cultivating aromatic herbs with river algae, with the opportunity to try ancestral farming techniques.

As dusk falls, Hoi An turns into an enchanting fairy tale illuminated by hundreds of colorful silk lanterns reflecting on the Thu Bon River. Take time to sip artisan tea in an antique merchant mansion or head to An Bang beach for seaside relaxation.

Throughout this memorable day, you enjoy authentic human connections and serene pauses in preserved settings, discovering the poetic beauty and generous spirit of Vietnam.

Your driver escorts you to Da Nang Airport for your regional flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia's provincial gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. After completing immigration formalities, your Cambodian French-speaking guide welcomes you warmly and transfers you to your hotel.

As dusk falls, the town comes alive with night markets and welcoming cafes. Take time to stroll through the French colonial quarter, browse local silk workshops, or relax poolside at your hotel.

Throughout this memorable day, you enjoy authentic human connections and serene pauses in preserved settings, discovering the poetic beauty and generous spirit of Indochina.

An unforgettable day exploring the greatest masterworks of the Khmer Empire. Enter the fortified city of Angkor Thom through its South Gate flanked by imposing statues of gods and demons. At its center stands the mystical Bayon Temple, its 54 stone towers bearing over two hundred smiling faces gazing with compassion. Explore the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, explore legendary Ta Prohm, preserved as early explorers found it: stone galleries are entwined by the gigantic roots of silk-cotton trees and strangler figs in an awe-inspiring union of jungle and architecture.

Full day of private archaeological touring with guide. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Your morning is dedicated to the absolute marvel of the Khmer kingdom: colossal Angkor Wat, the largest religious building on Earth. Walk through extensive galleries of bas-reliefs depicting sacred Hindu epics, admiring its five iconic lotus towers rising into the sky.

The afternoon turns riverine with an excursion on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a traditional boat to cruise through the stilt village of Kompong Phluk, observing wooden houses standing eight meters above the water and gaining insight into the daily lives of local fishing families.

Archaeological tour in morning; lake cruise in afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your scheduled flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Warmly welcomed by your local Lao guide, transfer to your hotel.

After settling in, climb the 328 steps of sacred Mount Phousi, crowned by a golden stupa, to take in a spectacular sunset over temple roofs and the winding Mekong River. In the evening, browse the quiet handicraft stalls of the Night Market.

Regional flight time: approximately 1.5 hours. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Dedicate the morning to Luang Prabang's finest architectural treasures: magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the iconic 16th-century monastery with sweeping curved roofs and a glittering glass-mosaic Tree of Life, and Wat Mai, renowned for golden bas-reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha.

Next, board a traditional motorized longboat for a scenic cruise up the Mekong River. Arrive at the sacred limestone cliffs of Pak Ou, exploring two cliffside caverns where devout pilgrims have placed thousands of Buddha statues over centuries. Cruise back to Luang Prabang in late afternoon.

Full day of guided sightseeing and Mekong boat journey. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Early risers can witness the sacred dawn ritual of Tak Bat: in reverent silence, a long procession of saffron-clad monks walks through the streets to collect morning alms of sticky rice from kneeling devotees. Visit the morning market overflowing with forest herbs and fresh produce.

After breakfast, drive through rural scenery to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. In the heart of lush jungle, turquoise waters cascade through multi-tiered limestone pools ideal for a refreshing swim. Visit the Asian black bear rescue center near the park entrance before returning to town.

Guided nature excursion. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy a free morning soaking in the tranquility of Luang Prabang, strolling along the Nam Khan River or visiting the former Royal Palace Museum.

This exceptional journey blends the discovery of majestic landscapes with warm and authentic human connections, crafting an unforgettable tailor-made travel experience close to the country's soul.

Your French-speaking guide attentively watches over every detail of your itinerary, sharing insider insights and cultural heritage to ensure a harmonious, seamless, and memorable stay. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with an evening visit to the Night Bazaar.

Spend the day exploring Chiang Mai's artistic heritage. Begin at Wat Phra Singh, the city's most revered temple housing the Phra Singh Buddha and magnificent carved teak roofs. Visit Wat Chedi Luang, an imposing 15th-century stupa ruin in the historic center.

In the afternoon, travel to the craft villages of San Kamphaeng, watching master artisans hand-paint Bo Sang mulberry paper parasols, weave Thai silk, create celadon ceramics, and fashion fine silver jewelry.

Full day of private guided touring. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.

Ascend the forested slopes of the sacred mountain in the morning to the golden sanctuary of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched over 1,000 meters high. Climb the grand staircase guarded by colorful nagas to admire the gleaming golden chedi and sweeping panoramic views across the Chiang Mai valley.

In the afternoon, visit an orchid greenhouse filled with rare tropical varieties before enjoying leisure time in a tranquil setting. Evening free to dine in traditional riverside restaurants along the Ping River.

Morning guided tour; afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.

Morning transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your short flight to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital. Welcomed upon arrival by your private guide, transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, board a traditional longtail boat to cruise along the Chao Phraya River and into the quiet klongs of Thonburi. This boat ride reveals wooden stilt homes and riverine community life, concluding with a stop at iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), its porcelain-encrusted prang rising majestically by the water.

Flight time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

A magnificent day dedicated to Thailand's most sacred and royal landmarks. Begin at the dazzling Grand Palace, former residence of Siamese monarchs, entering the holy precinct of Wat Phra Kaew to view the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of green jasper.

Continue to neighboring Wat Pho, home to the colossal 45-meter gold-leaf Reclining Buddha and historical birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Conclude at Wat Traimit to marvel at the world's largest solid gold Buddha, weighing five and a half tons. Evening free to enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop lounge overlooking city lights.

Full day of private guided visits. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Morning excursion outside the capital to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Board a wooden rowboat to glide among vendor boats brimming with tropical fruit, aromatic noodle soups, and local handicrafts in a joyful scene of river trade.

Next, witness the extraordinary spectacle of the Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors swiftly pull back awnings and produce baskets each time a train inches through the crowded market stalls. Return to Bangkok in the afternoon, with free time to visit Jim Thompson's historic teak house or do some shopping.

Morning guided excursion; afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Enjoy a final morning at leisure to stroll through the Thai capital at your own pace, sip an iced tea, or enjoy a relaxing traditional massage at a wellness spa.

This exceptional journey blends the discovery of majestic landscapes with warm and authentic human connections, crafting an unforgettable tailor-made travel experience close to the country's soul.

Your French-speaking guide attentively watches over every detail of your itinerary, sharing insider insights and cultural heritage to ensure a harmonious, seamless, and memorable stay. Transfer privately to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for your return flight.