Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Airport (approx. 40 km): approx. 40 min – 1 hr

Upon arrival to Bangkok, transfer to the hotel with the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast at the hotel, pay a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, Thailand’s national landmark and the country’s most revered royal monument. The site is home to a wide range of architecture from the the Funerary and Reception Palaces to the Throne Hall and the mysterious Wat Phra Kaew, housing the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. To visit the site, appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on site). Continue to Wat Pho, home of Thai massage and the Reclining Buddha.

In this afternoon, take a stroll through Chinatown, visiting interesting shops, markets and temples, getting a first-hand feel for old Bangkok. Continue to the Bangkok Folk Museum, a seventy-year-old Thai house converted into a small but fascinating museum. Afterwards, hop on a long tail boat for a ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet klongs (canals) of Thonburi to see how Thai people have lived next to the water for centuries. Last stop is the magnificent Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. Please Note: Bangkok Folk Museum is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Overnight in Bangkok

Bangkok Hotel – Bangkok Airport (approx. 40 km): approx. 40 min – 1 hr Sukhothai Airport – Sukhothai Hotel (32.1 km): 37 min

After breakfast, transport to the airport for the flight to Sukhothai. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Sukhothai Historical Park, which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. Sukhothai, a name meaning dawn of happiness, was founded in the 13th century and became the kingdom's first capital, overseeing a period known as the golden age of Thai history. The park contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. See the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, Wat Sri Sawai and Wat Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen and Ramkamhaeng Museum before checking into the hotel. Alternatively, it is possible to do a bike ride through the historical park.

Overnight in Sukhothai

Sukhothai – Lampang (211 km): 3.00 hr Lampang – Chiang Mai (93.2 km): 1.27 hr

After breakfast, drive north to Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the bank of the Yom River north of Sukhothai. The ancient town, formerly called ''Muang Chaliang,'' was named ''Si Satchanalai'' during the reign of Phra Ruang and 134 ruined monuments have been discovered within the park. Visit the main sites of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi and Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center at Ban Ko Noi, some 4 kilometres to the north of Si Satchanalai. Drive to Chiang Mai via Lampang, with a stop to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, and arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Travel thirty minutes by vehicle north of Chiang Mai city to a long-tail boat dock, for a leisurely stroll around the grounds with a herbal garden. Afterwards, board a longtail boat and enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the rural Mae Ping River. Along the river banks, take note of the traditional wooden houses and modern residences. Arrive at a boat landing and walk for about 10 minutes from the landing to Waroros fresh food market for a visit. From the market, take a trishaw ride along Thapae Road past the city walls along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Singh. 

In the afternoon, explore ancient Chiang Mai, including its old city walls, gates, moat and markets. After visiting Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred, continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain, and the most sacred in Northern Thailand. The guide will explain the story of the temple while providing a tour around its main chedi. In the late afternoon, when the tourist masses have left the temple grounds, dusk will give a very special atmosphere. After a private blessing ceremony, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks. End with the spectacularly romantic evening view over Chiang Mai with its millions of glittering lights.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Hotel – Chiang Mai Airport (4.7 km): 11 min Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 min

After breakfast, enjoy the morning free at leisure until transfer to Chiang Mai airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. 

On arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer to hotel.

Free time this afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, our guide will provide pickup from the hotel for the morning’s city tour.

The tour begins with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, for an interactive walk through the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish the morning with a visit to the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important temples in Laos.

After the tour, transport will be provided back to the hotel or a chosen restaurant .

After lunch, a pick up will be provided again (14:00) alongside the guide and adapted bikes for the afternoon cycling tour.

The first stop of the afternoon bike ride is the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities- a great opportunity to gain insight into the Lao people (Note: closed on Mondays).

Continue the ride to the Phousi Market, to both witness and sample some local produce. After the market visit, cycle back to the hotel for a rest.

This evening, take part in a cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant, learning first hand how to produce some of the country's signature flavours. Under the supervision of a local chef, learn traditional techniques and recipes to prepare some truly delicious dishes. After cooking and sampling the evening’s creations, a recipe book will be given as a souvenir.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou (30 km): 1.30 hr

For early risers, transport will be provided downtown to watch the morning ritual of monks gathering their daily alms. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, board a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing cruise along the Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles which rely on the river while cruising upstream for 1.5 – 2 hours. The end destination is the Pak Ou Caves, sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. Inside these 2 caves are hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images. A local Lao lunch will be served on board after the cave visit. Cruise back to Luang Prabang and return in the early afternoon.

This afternoon, participate in a unique, traditional Lao ceremony known as the Baci. A means of expressing good will and good luck, the ceremony is usually held for weddings, births or for welcoming guests. During the Baci, special flower trays and food treats are prepared which are then touch by the participants while a Buddhist mantra is chanted. After the chanting is completed, cotton threads are tied around the participants’ wrists whilst they receive an individual blessing. 

After the Baci, head to the centre of town and climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi just in time for sunset. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside and, afterwards, pay a visit to the evening market at the foot of the hill.

Dinner this evening will be a set menu at the delicious 3 Nagas Hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min Hanoi Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (32 km): 50 min

After breakfast, enjoy free time at leisure before transferring to the airport.

Upon arrival to Hanoi, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Hanoi to Haloing Bay (180 km): 3.50 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for the 3hr 30mins drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival to the jetty, proceed with check in formalities and board the vessel. Lunch will be served on board while cruising into the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some local visits and/or activities (depending on the boat’s itinerary) or spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on Halong Bay

Halong Bay to Hanoi (180 km): 3.50 hr

Enjoy a quiet morning on board the boat. Breakfast will be served while the vessels cruises back towards port, passing a number of the bay’s iconic limestone formations. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

Upon arrival to Hanoi in the late afternoon, enjoy a half-day city tour to discover the charming and historic capital city of Vietnam. The city tour includes a visit to the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Finish the day with a Water Puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. 

Overnight in Hanoi

Your chosen hotel in Hanoi to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (32 km): 50 min Hue Airport to your chosen hotel in Hue (18 km): 25 min

This morning after breakfast, depart from the hotel to Noi Bai Airport for the flight south to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our guide and driver will be waiting to lead the day’s discovery tour of Hue city. Start at the Imperial Citadel, learning all about the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled Vietnam between 1802 and 1945.

From here, take a cyclo ride through the ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where Vietnam’s emperors once came to relax. Continue onwards to Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.   Constructed in 1601, the 21-meter-tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous in 1963 when a resident monk drove it to Saigon and set himself alight to protest the war.

In the afternoon, witness the tomb of former emperor Minh Mang located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. From here, journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which stands out from the rest with its unique European touches. End the day with a visit to the city’s vibrant Dong Ba Market to see the abundance of fresh produce.

For a unique visit at the end of the day (at an additional cost), discover the Garden Houses of Hue. Also known as nha vuon, these traditional homes are famous for their expansive private gardens and elaborate architecture employing the fundamental basics of feng shui.

Overnight in Hue

From Hue to Hoi An (100km): 3.00 hr

In the morning, depart from Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route to Hoi An passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds.

After scaling the infamous Hai Van Pass, continue the drive through Danang city, stopping for a visit at its Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. After arriving in Hoi An, there will be time to rest at the hotel before embarking on a walking tour of the ancient town’s centre.

Overnight in Hoi An

Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Enjoy the day free at leisure. For those who are keen on a bit of sun and sand, head to one of the town’s two beaches, either Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach, for some tropical rest and relaxation.

Alternatively, take  the below excursion to Tra Que Organic Herb Village (at an additional cost):

The herb village tour will start with a hotel pick up and a cycle out to the herb village. Take a trip around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilising it with seaweed. Continue gardening activities such as raking, sowing, watering greens, picking greens etc. After the farming activities, learn how to prepare tam huu, a local delicacy, before sitting down for a home cooked meal. After the meal, transport will be provided back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An

Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

After breakfast at the hotel, transport will be provided to Danang Airport for the short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport into the city for the day’s tour. The program includes a visit to the Reunification Hall, a number of the city’s colonial attractions (Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Opera House and City Hall.) Afterwards, pay a visit to the poignant War Remnants Museum. Continue onwards to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of District 1. After the tour, transport will be provided back to the hotel.

OPTIONAL TOUR (added expense): Late in the afternoon, travel to visit Truc Mai House. Meet the resident family of artists and hear a traditional musical performance. Learn about traditional Vietnamese instruments through conversations with the artists with a chance to learn how to play the instruments.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Siem Reap Airport - Siem Reap (8 km): 15 min Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 min

This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival to Siem Reap, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel. After freshening up, there will be an afternoon tour of the ancient temples of Angkor.

Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The city is marked by a grand 8-meter-high wall drawing a square around its perimeter. Enter through the impressive South Gate, continuing onwards to Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 54 face-carved towers. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Siem Reap – Tonle Sap (20 km): 30 min Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 min

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an interesting boat trip on Tonlé Sap, with the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap is famous for swelling to four times it size during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where stilted houses become submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends.

Take a break by disembarking for a tasty picnic lunch served in a floating house, watching as life along the lake unfolds.

Please Note: Due to low water levels during the dry season, the boat trip is only possible from June to March. However an alternative floating village at Chong Kneas can be arranged instead.

Return to Siem Reap for some time at leisure during the hottest time of the day.

Later in the day, board a local tuk tuk for a visit to the famous Angkor Wat. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was constructed to symbolise Mount Meru, the Hindu/Buddhist home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs, as well as more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the interior.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Siem Reap – Temples (06 km): 10 min Siem Reap - Siem Reap Airport (8 km): 15 min

After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a visit to Siem Reap’s Small Circuit. The most illustrious of these temples is Ta Prohm, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. There will also be a visit made to Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery from the late 12th Century, and Srah Srang, also known as the “pool of ablutions”.

After the temple visits, enjoy some more down time until transport is provided to the airport for the departing flight.