Ancient Capitals of Indochina

Sights, history & culture of three incredible countries: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam plus deluxe overnight Halong Bay cruise; optional Bangkok extension

Overview

from$5699Tour + Flights from$4899Tour Only 16days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Feb 25, 2025 departure from LAX

$500 Instant Savings. Expires May 2, 2024.* All prices reflect savings.

$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.^††

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	November 2024 – March 2025	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture, Grand Tours
Activity Level	Advanced
What to Expect	This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Imagine a setting of verdant rice paddies washed in shades of orange and pink as the glowing sun dips below the horizon. Picture the gentle lap of turquoise waters as they serenely surround towering karst islands. Or, think of the quiet moments—spiritual monks walking barefoot through streets, the feeling of looking out from a mountains summit at the landscapes below, or the taste of a new food you’ve never before tried and just fall in love with. A panoply of experiences awaits on our fully-guided small group tour that takes you on an epic journey through the jewels of Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Start in Cambodia where you’ll find yourself exploring the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh by Cyclo one day and wandering the ancient and expansive ruins of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the next. Then travel to Laos where you’ll ride the mighty Mekong River, witness caves full of gold-lacquered Buddhas and even partake in a spiritual Baci Ceremony (a blessing of goodwill and good luck). Finally, end in Vietnam where you’ll sail the unforgettable Halong Bay, eat your way through a Hanoi foodie tour, and dive deep into the French influence and history of this amazing region as you visit colonial buildings, historical sights, and must-see landmarks.

You’ll enjoy all of this amazing touring plus the comforts and inclusions our travelers have come to expect: international round trip airfare, high-quality accommodations, bountiful meals, and more. If you’re looking to extend your stay in Southeast Asia, take advantage of your already-included airfare and join our optional Bangkok post-tour extension!

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from Los Angeles including taxes & fees
All intra-Asia flights and ground transportation
12 nights superior & deluxe hotel accommodations
1 night aboard the deluxe Azalea Cruise Ship on Halong Bay
26 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, including welcome & farewell dinners
Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
Professional English-speaking tour director and local guides

Optional add-ons

Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Optional Bangkok post-tour Extension

Why you'll love it

Enjoy the sights, history & culture of three incredible countries: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam.
For each traveler visiting, Friendly Planet contributes to a carbon-neutral program which supports reforestation, clean water, replenishing mangroves, and seeding coral reefs.
Tour colonial Phnom Penh by cylco, including Wat Phnom, the National Museum and more.
Marvel at the ruins of Angkor Archaeological Park.
Cruise the Mekong River and visit the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of gold Buddha statues.
Participate in a Laos Baci Ceremony and express goodwill and luck to others.
Embark on a city tour of Hanoi, including historical Ba Dinh Square, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature and the “Hanoi Hilton”.
Savor a dinner at Spoons Cafe, a restaurant that aims to provide hospitality training to Cambodian youth.
Awaken your taste buds with a foodie tour of Hanoi, hosted by a local chef.
Experience the near-magical health and relaxation benefits as you join an early morning Tai Chi lesson.
Set sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with thousands of limestone karsts and isles.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, and Gia Long Palace.
Pay a visit to a local home factory where you'll see the production of rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candies, followed by visiting a rooftop workshop that specializes in leaf-sewing.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA
2 En route
3 Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia
4 Phnom Penh
5 Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
6 Siem Reap
7 Siem Reap & Luang Prabang, Laos
8 Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves
9 Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Waterfalls
10 Luang Prabang & Hanoi
11 Hanoi
12 Hanoi & Halong Bay
13 Halong Bay, Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City
14 Ho Chi Minh City
15 Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta
16 Depart Ho Chi Minh City/Arrive USA

Bangkok Independent Optional Extension

16 Depart Ho Chi Minh City/Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
17 Bangkok
18 Bangkok
Optional Excursion: Ancient City of Ayutthaya (purchased locally), $135
19 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $500 off if you book by May 2, 2024!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Wed, Apr 10, 2024 Finishes: Thu, Apr 25, 2024 Apr 10 – Apr 25	$5899	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 22, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Nov 6, 2024 Oct 22 – Nov 6	$6249	–	–	Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 19, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 4, 2024 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 19 – Dec 4	$6249	–$500	$5749	Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 18, 2024 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 3 – Dec 18	$6599	–$500	$6099	Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Tue, Jan 7, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 7 – Jan 22	$6249	–$500	$5749	Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 25, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 12, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 25 – Mar 12	$6199	–$500	$5699	Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 11, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 26, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 11 – Mar 26	$6199	–$500	$5699	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Fri, Apr 12, 2024 Finishes: Thu, Apr 25, 2024 Apr 12 – Apr 25	$5099	–	–	Departed
Starts: Thu, Oct 24, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Nov 6, 2024 Oct 24 – Nov 6	$5449	–	–	Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Nov 21, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 4, 2024 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 21 – Dec 4	$5449	–$500	$4949	Select
Starts: Thu, Dec 5, 2024 Finishes: Wed, Dec 18, 2024 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Dec 5 – Dec 18	$5799	–$500	$5299	Select
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Thu, Jan 9, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Jan 22, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 9 – Jan 22	$5449	–$500	$4949	Select
Starts: Thu, Feb 27, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 12, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 27 – Mar 12	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select
Starts: Thu, Mar 13, 2025 Finishes: Wed, Mar 26, 2025 Book by Thu, May 2, 2024 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 13 – Mar 26	$5399	–$500	$4899	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Ancient Capitals of Indochina
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
Oct 22, 2024; Nov 19, 2024; Dec 3, 2024; Jan 7, 2025; Feb 25, 2025; Mar 11, 2025	$1799
All other dates	$1699

Separately Paid Fees
Cambodia Visa Fee¹ (paid separately)	$66
Cambodia Departure Tax² (paid separately)	$25
Laos Visa Fee³ (paid separately)	$36
Vietnam Visa Fee⁴ (paid separately)	$65

1. All visitors to Cambodia must obtain their own visa. This price is approximate, based on a single-entry visa from Sherpa. Price includes $36 Government fee + $30 Convenience fee. Actual price may vary. Visa is also available for purchase upon arrival for $30.

2. Paid locally.

3. Paid locally. Price subject to change.

4. All visitors to Vietnam must obtain their own visa before departure. This price is approximate, based on a single-entry visa from Sherpa. Price includes $25 Government fee + $40.00 Convenience fee. Actual price varies depending on the type of service you request.

Bangkok Post Tour Extension¹
Bangkok Extension
Oct 22, 2024; Nov 19, 2024; Dec 3, 2024; Jan 7, 2025; Feb 25, 2025; Mar 11, 2025	$649
All other dates	$549
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy	$249

1. Requires a minimum of two passengers to operate. You will return to the US three days later than the tour return date shown.

Transfers for Passengers Booking Land Only
Optional Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfer: Phnom Penh airport to Hotel¹	$25
Departure Transfer: Ho Chi Minh hotel to airport²	$35

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

2. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Los Angeles (LAX)¹	included
San Francisco (SFO)	$75
New York City (NYC)	$100

1. Upgrades may be available to Premium Economy or Business Class. Request this upgrade during the booking process in the Special Requests section, and we will check the availability and provide you with a price.

This package offers round-trip flights from the cities listed above, subject to availability. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

Your journey to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam begins as you check in for your flight bound for Phnom Penh, Cambodia via Taipei, Taiwan

Day 2 En route

Cross the International Dateline and lose a day. (You'll recover this day on your return trip.)

Day 3 Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in
Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive today in Phnom Penh, the bustling capital city of Cambodia. The city sits on the banks of three rivers, the Mekong, the Tonle Sap, and the Tonle Bassac. Meet your guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 4 Phnom Penh

Tour the remarkable sights of Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore the Khmer architecture and statues of Wat Phnom
Explore the National Museum containing over 5000 statues and others artifacts
Pay a respectful visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Stop by a non-profit that teaches Cambodian traditional arts

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, take a tour of the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh by Cyclo, a local means of transportation and an exciting way to explore this lively city. First, stop by Wat Phnom to explore the Khmer-style statues and architecture. Continue to the National Museum, built in 1917. There are over 5000 statues, lingas, and other artifacts arranged according to pre-Angkor and post-Angkor periods of Cambodia's history. This afternoon, pay a respectful visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a Khmer Rouge prison and torture chamber from which only seven out of more than 30,000 inmates survived. Afterward, visit the Champey Academy of Arts (CAA), a non-profit offering the youth of Phnom Penh training in Cambodian traditional arts, including music, dance, drawing, and painting.

Day 5 Phnom Penh & Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport to board for your flight to Siem Reap
Meet your guide and transfer to hotel for check-in
This afternoon visit Lake Tonle Sap where you will learn about life on the lake

FCC Angkor by Avani or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Later this afternoon, visit Lake Tonle Sap, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, whose size varies greatly depending on the season. Embark on a boat ride to visit the village of Kampong Kleang, where local families live in stilted houses. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 6 Siem Reap

Set off for the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the intricately carved ruins at Angkor Wat
Explore the temples of the Small Circuit
Discover the mysterious royal walled city of Angkor Thom
See the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city
Enjoy dinner with an Apsara dance performance

FCC Angkor by Avani or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Set off for the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the ruins of more than a thousand stone temples. The temples are the remnants of a grand religious, social, and administrative metropolis whose other buildings were built of wood and are long since decayed and gone. Built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the great city and the temples surrounding them are one of mankind's most astonishing architectural achievements.

Satellite photographs reveal Angkor to have been the largest preindustrial city in the world, with an urban sprawl of 3000 square kilometers and supporting a population of up to one million people. Mysteriously abandoned in the 15th century, the site remained largely cloaked by the forest until the late 19th century, when archaeologists began clearing the forest away and embarked on a lengthy restoration process.

Visit the intricately carved ruins at Angkor Wat, built by Suryavarman II during the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. Consisting of an enormous temple symbolizing the mythic Mt. Meru, its rectangular walls and moats represent chains of mountains and the cosmic ocean. Hundreds of delicate carvings and scenes from Hindu mythology can still be viewed here.

Explore the temples of the Small Circuit. The Ta Prohm temple is most famous, shrouded in jungle and left untouched among twisted banyan trees and stone pillars. It has the most mysterious atmosphere of the temples in the Angkor area.

Continue to the mysterious royal walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Its temple is a fantastic and surreal sight that most visitors never forget. Be enraptured by the enigmatic gaze of four giant and barely-smiling faces of Khmer royal rulers as Buddhist deities. See the Bayon Temple, located in the center of the city of Angkor Thom. This monument includes dozens of towers featuring faces that some believe depict King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist deity.

This evening, join fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and watch a classical Apsara dance performance.

Day 7 Siem Reap & Luang Prabang, Laos

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before dinner with fellow travelers

AVANI+ Luang Prabang or similar Breakfast & dinner

Day 8 Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves

Take a guided city tour of Luang Prabang, including the National Museum and Wat Mai
Visit Wat Xieng Thong
Cruise up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves
Time permitting, stop at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine
Partake in Laos' special Baci Ceremony

AVANI+ Luang Prabang or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, set off on a guided tour of Luang Prabang. View the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Stop for a brief visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of the country's oldest and most prominent temples. Then enjoy a selection of favorites at a local restaurant.

Continue to the pier for a boat ride on the Mekong River. Cruise up the river to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, these caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes. While departing from the caves, notice the local villages along the Mekong, which play a crucial role in daily life as one of the only means of transport and commerce. Time permitting, stop at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine.

This evening, take part in a Laos special Baci Ceremony. This ceremony expresses goodwill and good luck to others and is performed to celebrate an important event, such as a wedding, birth, or welcoming guests. The Lao believe that each person has 32 spirits, constituting their spiritual essence, and the Baci is the ritual used to call back any escaped spirits into the body.

Day 9 Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Waterfalls

Early morning alms giving
Discover the natural views around the Kuang Si Waterfalls
Climb the 328 stairs to the summit of Mt. Phousi

AVANI+ Luang Prabang or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

If interested, rise early this morning at dawn to enjoy a special visit to watch a procession of monks garbed in orange walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. Through this serene ceremony, viewers can see the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, seeing panoramic images of the rice fields, hills, and small villages along the way. Enjoy the natural surroundings, where visitors can walk to the top of the falls for stunning views or swim in the pools at the base of the falls.

After returning to Luang Prabang, climb the 328 stairs to the summit of Mt. Phousi for a lovely panoramic sunset. Continue to the nearby evening hill tribe market before returning to the hotel.

Note: If swimming at the Kuang Si Waterfalls, it is suggested to wear a modest bathing suit and/or covering.

Day 10 Luang Prabang & Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in

Pan Pacific Hanoi or similar Breakfast

Day 11 Hanoi

City tour of Hanoi
See the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university
Have lunch at Know One Teach One "KOTO", a non-profit restaurant that trains young people
Visit the highly-acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum
Learn more about Hanoi’s gastronomy through a foodie tour

Pan Pacific Hanoi or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, begin your city tour with a drive past the historic Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Next, visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 11th century. Venture inside and explore the underground war bunker. Continue through the streets past sewing shops that have been in family hands for generations. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, constructed in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong to pay tribute to education and those of high academic achievement. Today, art students sit on the grass and try to reproduce traditional Vietnamese architecture on paper while enjoying the beautiful and well-preserved gardens of this quiet retreat into Vietnamese educational history. Afterward, have lunch at Know One Teach One "KOTO" restaurant, a non-profit restaurant and vocational training program for young people in Vietnam.

This afternoon, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women's Museum, offering insight into the lives of Vietnamese women throughout history. Learn about historic and modern-day traditions around spirituality, motherhood, weddings, and more. Afterward, embark on a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as the "36 streets." This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.

Take your taste buds on a foodie tour to sample the best food Hanoi has to offer. Begin at a "wet market" to peruse aisles of fresh produce. Outside of the market, wander the narrow streets for some local snacks, such as a fresh spring roll or crispy pancake. Savor fresh rice noodles in grilled pork, called bun cha. Continue on your foodie tour to try traditional sweet cakes or fresh fruit in coconut milk. Walk through the bustling Old Quarter and sip a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at a side street café.

Day 12 Hanoi & Halong Bay

After breakfast, drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Board the Orchid Trendy Cruise and enjoy a welcome drink and orientation
Cruise through Halong Bay, passing by beautiful limestone karst formations
Join a traditional cooking class with the ship’s chef
Enjoy a happy hour with shipmates before a sumptuous Vietnamese dinner

Orchid Trendy Cruise or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This amazing bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with thousands of limestone karsts and isles.

Local legend states that long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent dragons to help defend the land. The dragons spit out jewels and jade, which turned into the islands and islets of Halong, forming a great wall against the invaders.

Board your cruise ship and enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a comprehensive safety and boat orientation. Cruise through the most beautiful and quiet areas around Halong Bay. Proceed to see unique limestone karst formations that rise out of the sea. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach, known for its pristine beaches. Here, try kayaking or enjoy a swim in the clear water. Return to the ship and enjoy a cooking class held by the ship’s chef, who will show you how to prepare traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Later, join your fellow shipmates for happy hour before your sumptuous Vietnamese dinner. After dinner, relax on the top deck, viewing the evening landscape. Guests can even try their luck at squid fishing from the boat!

Day 13 Halong Bay, Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy an early morning Tai Chi lesson
Explore the bay by canoe near the Sang Toi cave, followed by an early lunch
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in

Pullman Saigon Centre or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Rise early for a Thai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. Afterward, head out on canoes to explore the bay near the Sang Toi cave. Return to the ship and enjoy an early lunch. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi to take your evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Once in Ho Chi Minh City, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City

Depart this morning for a tour of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
Sunset cruise along the Saigon River

Pullman Saigon Centre or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning take a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. Start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, considered a symbol of the city and one of its most famous landmarks. Stroll along Dong Khoi street, formerly Rue Catinat, and visit the Gia Long Palace (Ho Chi Minh City Museum). Continue to “Le Loi Street” and visit a local artisan specializing in traditional engravings. Walk through the old central market and get a chance to interact with a resident. Following this meeting, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Later this afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise along the Saigon River. View the modern skyline behind you while traveling through quiet canals dispersed with traditional wooden houses perched on the waters’ edge.

Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

Depart this morning for Cai Be, deep in the heart of the Mekong Delta
Visit to a local home factory which produces rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candies
Enjoy lunch at Ut Kiet Mandarin Home before slowly cruising back Cai Be
On your return, stop at Cao Dai Temple then continue back to Ho Chi Minh City

Pullman Saigon Centre or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Depart this morning for Cai Be, deep in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Embark on a private cruise to the colorful Cai Be floating market. Your tour continues with a visit to a local home factory that produces rice paste, rice popcorn, and coconut candies, followed by a walk to a roof leaf-sewing workshop. Then, enjoy lunch at Ut Kiet Mandarin Home before boarding the junk again and slowly cruise back from Cai Be as you take in the beautiful landscapes and observe typical rural life on the Mekong Delta. On your return, stop at Cao Dai Temple to witness a fascinating fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, native Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and Islam. After returning to Ho Chi Minh City this evening, join your group for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 16 Depart Ho Chi Minh City/Arrive USA

Today, transfer to the airport to check-in for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Bangkok Independent Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and add three days in exotic Bangkok, bustling capital of Thailand? Your extension includes airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, three nights at a deluxe hotel, half day city tour, breakfast daily, and all group transfers.

Day 16 Depart Ho Chi Minh City/Arrive Bangkok, Thailand

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, bustling capital of Thailand
Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel upon arrival. Your hotel boasts a prime location within walking distance of many attractions.

Day 17 Bangkok

Enjoy an included half day sightseeing tour of Bangkok

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a half day sightseeing the major landmarks of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace, which for 150 years functioned as the home of the King and his court and the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadeite (jasper). Continue to Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, home to the magnificent reclining Buddha and the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage, also regarded as Thailand's first University.

Day 18 Bangkok

Full day at leisure in Bangkok or take an optional excursion to Ayutthaya

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Ancient City of Ayutthaya (purchased locally), $135

This morning, drive to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King U-Thong founded the city of Ayutthaya in 1350 as the capital of his kingdom of Siam. By 1700, Ayutthaya had as many as a million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. But in 1767, the city was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army. Nevertheless, magnificent ruins of the old city remain, some having been restored. Exciting archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area.

Upon arrival, visit some of Ayutthaya's historical sites. Among the ruins, you will see the most significant monument, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat to discover a Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol to view the reclining Buddha statue. Continue to a vibrant market to sample Roti Sai Mai, a Thai dessert similar to cotton candy and sometimes served in a sweet, colorful crepe.

After an included lunch of local Thai dishes, continue exploring with a leisurely one-hour long-tail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River. See riverside villages and Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a Gothic-style Buddhist temple on a small river island. Continue to Bang Pa to view King Rama IV's summer palace, used occasionally by the king and queen to host receptions and banquets. The palace and surrounding temples represent an appealing fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles. Return to Bangkok this evening.

Note: This optional excursion is sold locally at approximately 4,270 THB

Day 19 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

Today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA via Taipei, Taiwan

Breakfast

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Deluxe

Sofitel Phnom Penh is located in Old Quarter, featured in a 12-story colonial-style architecture hotel steps from Aeon shopping center and Riverside.

More information

FCC Angkor by Avani

Deluxe

Surrounded by the nature of Siem Reap, the FCC Angkor by Avani is conveniently located within walking distance of shops and restaurants and only a 10-minute drive to the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat.

More information

AVANI+ Luang Prabang

Deluxe

AVANI+ Luang Prabang is a modern boutique hotel, surrounded by dozens of temples and located between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a short walk to the night market, cafes and restaurants and 15 minutes from the Luang Prabang International Airport.

More information

Pan Pacific Hanoi

Deluxe

Pan Pacific Hanoi offers breathtaking views of West Lake, Truc Bach Lake and the Red River and a refreshing new experience in the capital of Vietnam. The hotel is complete with an indoor pool with natural skylight. There is a well-equipped fitness center with a range of state-of-the-art equipment as well as Jacuzzi, sauna and various scheduled sessions of Yoga, Pilates and Aerobics led by professional instructors. Unwind with a soothing massage at the in-house spa, with a range of spa treatments to choose from, performed by skilled therapists who will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Pullman Saigon Centre

Deluxe

The 5-star Pullman Saigon Centre is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, close to Ben Thanh market and other major tourist attractions. Pullman Saigon Centre offers multiple options to relax and recharge from a long day of sightseeing. There is a swimming pool as well as a fitness center that has state-of-the-art cardio and weight-lifting equipment. Pamper yourself with massages and beauty treatments at the spa.

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COMO Metropolitan Bangkok

Deluxe

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a contemporary and stylish hotel located in the central district of Sathorn. The hotel is located 10 minutes away from Silom’s vibrant nightlife scene with close access to train stations, including the Skytrain Station. COMO Metropolitan is a mixture of relaxation and excitement, quietly removed from Bangkok’s traffic, yet steps away from the areas nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

Orchid Trendy Cruise

When it comes to 5-star cruising in Halong Bay, Orchid Trendy Cruises are at the top with a high level of customer service and an unbeatable relaxing environment. Their ship houses 24 luxury cabins with an elite, professional crew, and incredible views of the natural seascape.

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Cambodia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Vietnam? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Laos? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.