Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Meet & transfer with your guide to hotel. Bangkok with endless high rise buildings, busy expressway flyovers, colorful advertising billboards and heavy traffic might be all to describe Bangkok city. Yet in between the skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping centers, there are still remarkable temples, pagodas, spirit houses and historic sites. In the evening, enjoy a dinner aboard The Manohra, a traditional barge converted into a floating restaurant serving fine royal Thai cuisine.

Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Day 2: Experience Bangkok as a local (B,L)
This morning, meet your guide at the hotel reception at 8:00am, then head to Tha Thien Pier starting with a visit of Wat Pho, one of the biggest reclining Buddhas in Thailand. You will likely hear the monk's morning chanting ritual emanating from the main hall during your visit. Then continue walking to Wat Phra Keo, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and one of the most respected temples in Thailand. Next stop is the Grand Palace, home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty, originally built by King Rama I. For a bit of adventure, ride a Thai tuk-tuk to visit Wat Saket and climb the Golden Mountain, which offers an incredible view over Bangkok. Travel aboard a "Sam Saeb" taxi boat to discover the Jim Thompson house, home of the famous founder of Jim Thompson Thai Silk. One last ride by BTS (Sky Train) or taxi to return to the hotel.
 
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok – Fly to Luang Prabang (B,L)
This morning, bid farewell to Bangkok, take the onward flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the centre. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Morning Alms Giving – City tour (B,L)
Note: With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulder, chest and legs should be covered.

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight for many travelers. Please tell your guide if you wish to make an offer so he/she can prepare some food for you. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast we will visit this sacred city of temples with a visit to the National Museum (closed on Tue), the former Royal Palace housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other must-see places include Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Late afternoon, visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill which dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang providing the finest panoramic view in the whole city.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves and traditional village Ban Xangkhong (B,L)
After breakfast, then travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimetres to two metres in height. En route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat; continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, a village well-known for its wood paper making and also Laotian silk weavings with natural dyes. Transfer back to town. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 6: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (Cambodia) (B,L)
After breakfast, free at leisure. 12.00PM check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival be welcomed by our guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free to wander around the bustling pub street and vibrant night market of Siem Reap.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 7: Siem Reap – Sunrise at Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom (B,L)
Depart in the early morning, when it’s still dark, hop on a tuk tuk to catch the magnificent Angkor Wat in sunrise. Then explore further inside, the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
Afternoon, moving on to the Southgate of Angkor Thom to Bayon and explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom’s 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Enjoy sunset at one of the less touristy temples. Return to your hotel later this afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 8: Siem Reap – The Citadel of Women Banteay Srei – Ta Prohm temple (B,L)
After breakfast, visit the smallest, but magnificent temple, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. Then pay a visit to Les Artisans D’Angkor workshops - the world of traditional Khmer handicraft. You will be introduced the great story of Artisans Angkor, from its origins as an educational project to today’s thriving social business. Then, walking peacefully from one workshop to another, you will have the opportunity to admire the knowledge and techniques of the artisans in stone and wood carving, lacquering, silver plating and silk painting.

Continue our sightseeing today to visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 9: Siem Reap – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
This morning, take your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon by many locals. Arrival, our guide and driver will welcome you and take you to the hotel in city centre. The balance of the day is free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Story of Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (B,L)
Today, meet up with our guide at your hotel’s lobby, set out for a half day city tour around Ho Chi Minh City - the former capital of French Indochina. Historic landmarks include the Old Saigon post office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House. Continue your tour by visiting the Reunification Palace which was used as the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war in the 60s. After that visit the ethnic Chinese district of Cholon with Binh Tay market.

This afternoon, set out to the countryside to visit the amazing tunnel network of Cu Chi (60km - 1.5 hours driving). This incredible system, covering almost 250km in length was shelter to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. Initially started in 1948 to provide shelter against the French air and ground sweeps, the network went on to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the American war.  If you are interested (and game) you can even descend into the tunnels to learn more about the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived there. Return to your hotel later this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B,L)
Transfer to the Saigon airport for your flight to Danang. Our guide and driver will welcome you upon your arrival. Then drive to Hoi An, stop en-route at Marble Mountains for a photo stop, continue to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia en-route to Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the completely traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. And don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors; so if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have some traditional Vietnamese dresses made—this is the spot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An sightseeing - Tra Que Eco-vegetable village (B,L)
In the morning, you will hop on your bike for a cycling tour through the countryside to Tra Que village (about 20 minutes cycling time) If you prefer, traveling by cyclo or private vehicle are also options. This village has been known for its special aromatic herbs, mint and basil; leaves of the plants at the village are smaller than usual, however they have a very particular aroma. Together with local people going about their daily work, you will learn how to plant and water vegetables. Then learn to cook some local specialties, for example “Tam Huu” – made up of shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs. Of course you will get the opportunity to enjoy your culinary creations after cooking them. To relax, enjoy a local foot massage. 

In the afternoon, take a stroll to visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone thoroughfares of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house. After the visit, free to wander around, our guide is happy to suggest some best tailor shops in town for you. Or if you are looking for a relaxing end, try out a cup of tea or coffee at "Reaching Out Tea House" - a very special and unique ancient house that offers fabulous drinks served by impaired staff. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 13: Hoi An - Hue – The Imperial City (B,L)
Say good-bye to Hoi An, we take a driving towards Hue over the mighty Hai Van Pass, take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village. Arrive in Hue, take a tour to visit the Imperial city, continue to Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda, and then cruising along the beautiful Perfume River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 14: Hue – Royal Tombs –  Fly to Hanoi (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. After that we will tour around Hue through shady, scenic landscape to arrive at the majestic, serene tomb of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, set amid frangipani trees and a grove of gaudy mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. Catch your flight to the capital city of Hanoi. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 15: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight cruise (B,L,D)
This morning, depart Hanoi through the Red River Delta for Halong Bay (3.5 hours driving). Upon arrival, embark on the cruise then start cruising among the limestone islands. Keep cruising to the quiet area while enjoy breath-taking seascape along the way, until enjoy sunset party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner is served around 19.00 then it’s time for you to socialize with other guests, to take part in board games, fishing for squid or just to laze around.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight cruise

Day 16: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Early this morning, start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt. Then, breakfast will be served on board while you immerse into the peaceful morning of Halong Bay. After check out of your cabin, continue your cruise exploring the Bay. While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the cooking class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Disembark around 12.00 then your driver will wait for you to take you back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 17: Story of Hanoi (B,L)
Full day tour of Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Vietnam’s first university, the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. Have lunch with Pho bo Hanoi or Hanoi Noodle soup with beef and served with Hanoi flavorful spring roll. 
In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum where you can learn about the customs and culture of Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups.

Finish your day with a walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.  This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits! Return to your hotel later this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 18: Depart Hanoi (B)
You will be collected from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport for your flight back home. 

Meal: Breakfast

Tour ends.