Visions of Vietnam + Laos + Cambodia + Thailand

On arrival, our VIP Fast Track Immigration Service expedites your arrival formalities. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to the Sofitel Legend Metropole, the finest luxury hotel in the city. 

An enriching day of sightseeing begins this morning Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an impressive monument constructed of marble, granite and precious woods. Nearby, you’ll see the unusual One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace, an elegant ocher-hued landmark built at the beginning of the 20th century. A tour of the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, ironically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by American POW’s during the war, offers a thought-provoking and sobering look into history. End your morning at the home of a water puppet artist, the descendent of a long-line of performers. Gain insight into his craft, learn how these unusual puppets are made – and enjoy a private performance of this ancient art form that traces its roots to the 10th century.   After lunch, you’ll visit the Temple of Literature, founded nearly 1,000 years ago and dedicated to the famous Chinese scholar and philosopher Confucius. At Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 18th century on a tiny island in picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll hear a colorful legend about an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle! End your day with our Cyclo adventure through Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter, where ancient byways like Tin Street and Bamboo Street are named for the goods that have long been sold there.   This evening, our in-the-know native guide will take you our exclusive culinary adventure. Bustling by day, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is equally lively come nightfall as city residents head out to enjoy the many food vendors and cafes that line these historic streets and alleyways. Begin with a bowl of Pho, Vietnam’s famed beef noodle soup, and then refresh with some locally brewed draft beer. Continuing along the quarter’s colorful streets, you guide will answer questions and share insight into the exotic foods being offered. Take in the tempting aromas arising from the sizzling woks and steaming pots and decide which dishes you’d like to sample – grilled meats, vegetable skewers, and classic banh mi sandwiches are just some of the many options. End the night with a traditional Vietnamese dessert – fresh tropical fruits served over shaved ice and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk.  Meals B+L+D  

This morning’s drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay #WHS# takes just a few hours, but the amazing scenery that greet you on arrival will feel worlds away from the city! Ha Long Bay is filled with thousands of limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves, mysterious caves and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these waters and here awaits the deluxe Paradise Elegance cruise vessel. Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch onboard as you navigate through these breathtaking landscapes with their pristine beaches, tiny fishing villages and uninhabited islands. Later this afternoon, you can visit Cua Van, a timeless floating village. The more adventurous might explore nearby caves by kayak or bamboo boat. Back onboard, an afternoon cooking demonstration with our shipboard chef is a chance to learn more about traditional Vietnamese cuisine. As the sun sets, enjoy happy hour and canapés before sitting down to a congenial meal accompanied by complimentary Vietnamese beer and house wines.  Meals B+L+D

Arise early this morning to the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in the dining room. Then tailor your exploration with the excursion of your choice: Discover the lovely white sand beaches of Ti Top Island, venture on a guided walking tour of Sung Sot Cave, or join a kayaking adventure to Luon Cave.   Return to the Paradise Elegance for a hearty brunch and enjoy a few hours of scenic cruising back to the marina. Upon disembarkation, we’ll take you to the airport for your included flight to Hoi An. On arrival in this historic port city, you’ll be met and escorted to the luxurious Allegro Hoi An. A+R guests enjoy Junior Suite accommodations here at this sophisticated hotel, ideally situated in the heart of town.  Meals B+D

Our exclusive culinary tour begins this morning with traditional Vietnamese iced coffee at a popular local café. Then explore a local market to learn about the fresh produce and herbs used in Vietnamese cuisine. A short boat ride brings you to the famous Rêu Restaurant where you will join the chef for a cooking class, followed by a congenial lunch.   After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Hoi An #WHS#. Known as Faifo to early western traders, this was one of the region’s major trading ports during the 17th to 19th centuries. Today, this historic town is still graced with finely-preserved homes built by Japanese, Indian, Dutch and Portuguese merchants of old. As you explore through the charming cobblestone streets of this ancient port, it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century when it was one of the busiest and wealthiest ports in all of Asia. Your guided sightseeing also showcases ancient Chinese temples, art galleries and colorful local markets. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore more of Hoi An at your own pace. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants – set in tropical gardens along the river.  Meals B+L+D  

We’ll take you to the airport today for your included flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be greeted and escorted to the Park Hyatt Hotel. Ideally situated on Lam Son Square in the heart of the city, our luxury hotel is the best in town.  Meals B+D

This morning we take you outside of the city to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels, the incredible underground network that was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and expanded throughout the Vietnam War. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters and even conference rooms. You’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above; the more adventurous can explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to the city for sightseeing - starting with Reunification Hall. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. Nearby, the War Remnants Museum offers a penetrating look into the ravages of the war as seen through the eyes of the Vietnamese people. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Hotel de Ville, two iconic city landmarks. Strolling along Le Cong Kieu Street, you’ll discover colorful shops offering Colonial memorabilia, old coins, art, fine antiques and moderately priced souvenirs. This evening, you’ll dine at Hoa Tuc, famed for its fine presentation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.  Meals B+L+D

This morning’s journey takes you to the rural district of Cai Be where you’ll board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional Vietnamese riverboat made from native hardwoods and bamboo. Enjoy a refreshing beverage as you venture onto the timeless waterways of the Mekong Delta. Take in the bustling river traffic, witness timeless scenes of daily life along the shores and waterways and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the attentive crew serves tea and fruits to you and your fellow passengers. Visit a finely-preserved, 19th-century home to learn more about the Delta’s history, and then continue your cruise - visiting a number of small communities to learn about some of the cottage industries that sustain many Delta families. For lunch, we’ve made reservations at Le Longanier, an inviting restaurant set in a Colonial-style villa surrounded by riverside gardens and fruit trees. Enjoy a post-luncheon stroll with your guide along a quiet Mekong canal before returning to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.  Meals B+L+D

Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Cambodia. On arrival in Siem Reap, our VIP Fast Track Immigration service expedites your arrival formalities. Ahead of other airline passengers, you’ll soon be on your way to the luxurious Park Hyatt Hotel.  Meals B+D

Your full-day guided tour of the sprawling Angkor complex begins this morning with the impressive South Gate of Angkor Thom, where ancient statues of the Gods of Good and Evil line the entrance. Nearby, Bayon Temple* is renowned for its magnificent carvings – hundreds of smiling faces that adorn its ancient towers and detailed bas reliefs that tell stories of daily life during the Khmer Empire and the battles they waged. From the top of Phimeanakas, you’ll have impressive views of two ancient pools that were once used for religious rituals. This morning, you’ll also visit the Terrace of the Elephants and Ta Prohm; dedicated in 1186, this last temple complex has been largely left in its natural state – surrounded by the massive roots and limbs of the encroaching jungle.   After lunch, you’ll explore the imposing majesty of Angkor Wat - the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th-century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricate bas-relief carvings which adorn all four sides of the temple. Late in the day, your guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle.  Meals B+L+D

Check out after breakfast and travel to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake, an impressive body of water that dominates the landscape in this timeless part of the country. A morning excursion aboard a shaded boat transports you across the tranquil lake waters to see traditional floating villages and small fish farms. It’s a fascinating up-close look at the enduring traditions and daily rhythms of life in rural Cambodia. Then continue to the airport in Siem Reap for your included flight to Laos. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be met and escorted to the elegant Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel.  Meals B+D

Your exploration of Luang Prabang #WHS# begins this morning at Wat Xieng Thong, a splendid Buddhist temple with intricate carvings, rare Buddhist deities and the revered Tree of Life mosaic. Next is a tour of the Royal Palace, built in the early 1900’s in classic French Beaux-Arts style with traditional Laotian motifs. Today, it’s one of the city’s finest museums with extensive exhibits including the nation’s crown jewels, ancient art and artifacts and even several royal apartments that have been preserved to show the mid-20th century life of the king and his family. Then take in the views from atop Mt. Phousi before sitting down to lunch.   In the afternoon, you’ll spend time at the Living Lands Farm, a community project designed to develop sustainable farming techniques. Joining Laotian farmers for a hands-on experience in the labor-intensive process of rice cultivation, you’ll learn how to plant rice and even try your hand at guiding a water buffalo to plow the field. If all that sounds too adventurous, you might help with the harvesting of other organic vegetables and herbs or learn how to husk rice. There’s also an expansive verandah if you just prefer to sit back and watch. Faced with other destructive farming methods that persist elsewhere in Laos and the rest of Asia, Living Lands has successfully demonstrated the potential of sustainable organic farming methods. They even sell their produce to some of the finest restaurants in Luang Prabang.  Meals B+L+D  

Arise early this morning to the sound of reverberating temple gongs.  As hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets, you’ll join local residents for their daily alms ritual. Collecting sticky rice and other foods in their bronze bowls is a way for the monks to demonstrate their humility; and giving alms is an important religious action, one that is respectfully carried out by Buddhists here in Laos and across Southeast Asia.   After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a fascinating excursion into the mountains. Take in the spectacular views and visit a family farm to learn about some of their local crops and daily life here in the Laotian countryside. At a Hmong village, you’ll gain insight into tribal culture and traditions. Be sure to bring a swimsuit today as you’ll also visit Kuang Si Waterfall; with tranquil terraced pools and beautiful cascades, this is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing.   After lunch, return to the city and visit a local art gallery to see how mulberry paper is made. Enjoy a hands-on experience with a local artist before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.  Meals B+L+D

We include your airport transfer and international flight to Thailand. On arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Anantara Riverside Resort. There is time to relax before this evening’s dinner cruise on the fabled Chao Phraya River.  Meals B+D

Join your expert guide this morning to tour the spectacular Grand Palace. Built in 1782, this was the fabulous royal residence for the powerful Kings of Siam for more than 150 years. Today, it’s a major historical landmark filled with more than 100 royal halls, pavilions and buildings – many of them graced with golden spires and glittering mosaics that attest to the artistry and skill that thrived in the ancient Kingdom of Siam. Your guided sightseeing continues with the city’s most significant temples including Wat Phra Kaew. Popularly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, this revered site houses a 2-foot tall image of the Buddha that sits atop a golden alter. Often adorned in a seasonal costume, this culturally priceless statue of the Buddha is made of green jasper or jadeite – and not emerald. After sightseeing, the rest of your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy as you wish. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner overlooking the river here at the Anantara Riverside Resort.  Meals B+L+D

We’ll take you to the airport today for your onward flight.  Meals B