Classic Asia Discovery 20 Nights / 21 Days
Extremely focuses on Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai for cultural attractions, elephant sanctuary plus Chiang Rai’s famous golden triangle. Followed by Bangkok Capital, visit the notable Grand Palace, impressive old Buddhist temples and a nice long-tail boat excursion on river cannels to see local life of people living at the outskirt of the city. Continue to Laos’s Luang Prabang to observe its respectful Wat Xiengthong, picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls, mountainous Pak Ou Caves, witness Alms Giving searching by saffron monks and feeding buffaloes while in Cambodia, discover amazing Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat temple along with incredible complex & architectural masterpieces and visit Tonle Sap Lake admired by daily life of people who live in tall stilt houses atop water surfaces and enjoy a canoe pedal to a peaceful flooded forest before flying out to see the vibes of Vietnam from the must-see Mekong Delta, Saigon’s French architectures, the thrilling historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels to the coastal cities along with Da Nang’s Golden Bridge atop Ba Na Hills, the heritage site of Old Hoi An and ancient city of Hue Imperial Citadel, witness the best of Hanoi’s main attractions, and pleasantly relax in Halong Cruise admired by beautiful Halong Bay, limestone formation and natural beauty.
Destinations
Bangkok → Chiang Mai (+Chiang Rai) → Luang Prabang → Siem Reap → Saigon → Hoi An → Da Nang → Hue → Hanoi → Halong Bay
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Bangkok – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: Best Bangkok City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin at 8.00am for the amazing day to explore significant tourist attraction in central Bangkok City, visit Wat Traimit which houses the largest Golden Buddha statue in the world and catch the highlights of bustling China and Indian towns animated by interesting daily activities or you can stop by for a short visit when we drive pass to observe the Temple of the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho. Continue for a guided strolling at The Grand Palace which is popularly known as “The City Landmark” admired by the most impressive Emerald Buddha and other building complex that features unique architectural designs and cultural arts. Enjoy delicious Thai lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, enjoy a long-tail boat excursion across Chao Phraya River to pay attention at the remarkable Wat Arun which means Temple of Dawn which dates back to Ayutthaya Kingdom and take beautiful photos of Bangkok Skylines. Resume our exciting journey on boat through small canals of Thonburi to see Bangkok’s real local lives, wooden houses on the water, temples and other interesting things along the canals before we make our way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Bangkok - Flight to Chiang Mai & Chiang Mai Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our team transfers you to airport for morning flight to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
Upon arrival, our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcomes you at the arrival gate then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in.
After check in, we start our wonderful Chiang Mai tour, drive up on Doi Suthep Mountain to visit the famous golden temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep standing 3500 feet above the sea level and it religiously houses Buddha relics then enjoy breathtaking the panoramic view over Chiang Mai City from the summit of Doi Suthep. Resume our journey to Black Hmong Village locates at the hillside, observe daily life of Hmong villagers admired by their interesting routine activities.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 4: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Tour & Golden Triangle
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off early at 7.00am in the morning from Chiang Mai and drive to explore Chiang Rai’s significant attractions included the well-known Wat Rong Khun (popularly known as White Temple) admired by its stunning Thai art styles and unique temple architecture where many tourists always take fabulous photos of its reflection. Continue our adventure to interact diverse Akha hill tribal village and Long Neck Karen where we witness their daily life of living in exotic clothes/handicrafts while observing their interesting activities and the surrounding before having lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch break, we’re heading to Golden Triangle point where the parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Ruak River and Mekong River meet at the confluence, the region was largely famed for opium production and cultivation in the world. The best part of the trip is not to miss out Opium House Museum which gives you best interesting history about Opium plantation, production and cultivation, and there are numerous exhibits of opium artifacts as well as houses of opium collection which can tell you that the Golden Triangle is one of most impressive opium cultivation in the world. If time permits, we will visit the oldest city of Chiang Saen which is popularly called The Peaceful River Town that houses many ruined ancient temples. Finally, we drive with 4 ½ hours back to our hotel in Chiang Mai in the late evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Elephant Care, Orchid Farm & Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave hotel at 8.00am for wonderful morning of elephant care at Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary where we will spend a few hours to walk the lovely elephants, bathing and brushing them. Learn from the local tour guide to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam as well as knowing how they are being well taken care mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. Enjoy happy time of feeding elephants and take memorable photos with them. Next, we journey to visit Orchid farm and try your best to spot some special butterfly species before returning hotel for refreshment and check out.
*Note: We don’t promote any elephant rides and there is actually NO elephant ride on this day.
Our team transfers you to airport for flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in and simply have yourselves free time.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 6: Buffalo Dairy, Kuang Si Waterfalls & Pak Ou Caves
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.45am and journey passing rural Lao countryside and Hmong tribe villages then we stop for a short visit Ban Na Ouane Hmong minority village where you witness their basic living and daily activities before going for a worth visit at Buffalo Dairy that you’re gonna observe how they feed, milk buffaloes and get to know how some kinds of cheeses are produced from buffalo dairy in the region. Continue our journey to visit the fascinating Kuang Si Waterfalls where we have a walking up to wander on the top of the waterfalls, enjoy the tranquil surrounding and beautiful views. Return to the major area then spend times to observe its natural beauty with take nice photos, get refreshed and cooled off, and swim in crystal blue water pools. We’ll then visit the Black Bear Rescue Centre before having lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we process to take a long tail boat which sails on the mighty Mekong River admired by beautiful scenery of river, mountain and forest then our boat slowly moves close the mountain cave mouth where we walk along the stairs up into limestone caves which house hundreds of Buddha images as it has come a sacred place for worship for many centuries. Unlock interesting legends and story about the caves from your tour guide as if we enjoy the spectacular view of Mekong River. Near the end of the trip, we will visit and see the process of Lao rice whiskey at Ban Xang Hai which is popularly known as the rice whiskey village in Luang Prabang, and it’s a nice time to take a sip before returning hotel in the evening.
Evening, our team takes you to have delicious Lao set menu dinner at Bamboo Tree Lao (or similar).
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Alms Giving & Luang Prabang City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We rise a bit early in the morning to observe Buddhist saffron monks in progress searching for alms offers from locals which it is religiously known as traditional alms giving ceremony that all tourists can’t definitely ignore when visit Luang Prabang.
Return hotel for breakfast before heading out again to stroll at Phosy market to observe bustling trades between locals and vendors. Continue to challenge 328 steps up to the top of Phousi Hill to catch the spectacular views of Luang Prabang city, Mekong & Nam Khan Rivers, forests and mountains. Afterwards, visit Royal Palace which is one of national museums in Laos that was built by French during French colonial period, see Heuan Chan Heritage – the 19th century and well reserved wooden house in Luang Prabang then we’ll wander to observe the finest artistic styles of Buddhist monasteries included Wat Sensoukharam, important Wat Xiengthong and Wat Wisunarat at the end of the trip.
The rest of the afternoon is reserved as free and easy.
Our team will pick you up at 4.30pm then transfer to boat pier for sunset departure at 5.00pm, the boat cruise slowly glides you on the mighty Mekong River admired by forested mountains while sipping a cocktail and watching beautiful sun fading at red pink horizon before set dinner is served and followed by traditional Lao dance performance. Disembark the boat cruise around 7.30pm and get our awaiting vehicle back to hotel
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 8: Luang Prabang - Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Luang Prabang before transferring to airport for flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in and simply have yourselves free time.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
You may opt to visit Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated entertainment! – Phare Cambodian Circus that won the Guinness World Record and it is the only unique Phare Circus performance (no animals) which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts, and impressively inspires Cambodia culture and arts etc.
Day 9: Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 8.00am to the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy tasty Khmer set lunch at a selected local restaurant near temples.
Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset (free of charge) is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 25 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Kampong Phluk Village, City Tour & Apsara Performance
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off hotel at 8.30am for countryside sightseeing along with a visit at local market to see interesting trades before resuming our journey to Kompong Phluk village of Tonle Sap Lake. We process to take a boat trip along canal toward the centre of Kompong Phluk then the boat slows down to let you enjoy the surrounding admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats, you sometimes see kids in their student uniforms coming back from their classes. Witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home then we embark on a canoe to explore the pleasant mangroves, enjoy the serenity while taking picturesque photos and you may see a few waterbirds. Continue by our main boat to see the great lake of Tonle Sap, learn from your tour guide about Tonle Sap ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
Afternoon, we go for guided orientation at the finest Artisan Angkor wood/stone carving center which displays various defined handicrafts and silk products, continue to stroll around old market to see interesting daily trade as well as bargaining for local handmade products, paintings, lacquers, carvings, clothes, traditional crafts and so on, and resume going to Royal Residence Garden where we enjoy the walking for breathtaking and take nice photos as well as observing the sacred shrine of Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm.
Evening, transfer to have yummy buffet dinner followed by traditional Apsara dance performance at a selected local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Show
Day 11: Siem Reap - Flight to Saigon, Vietnam & Cu Chi Tunnels
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Siem Reap before transferring to airport for flight to Saigon, Vietnam.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Afternoon, we set off out of the bustling Saigon City, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 12: My Tho - Mekong Delta Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off 8.00am out of the bustling Saigon straight to My Tho boat pier where we process to embark a local motorboat which slides on Mekong Delta overlooking islets, fish farms and floating houses admired by fishing and trading activities on boats. In Unicorn Island, we will be pampered by Vietnamese traditional music depicting a folk art rooted from South Vietnam and get refreshed by tropical fruit tasting. Continue by canoe, we explore the natural beauty of Mekong canals with lush beautiful coconut trees stretching at both sides until we enjoy the walking tour to observe bee keeping farm and sample honey tea before having lunch. After lunch break, we catch our regular boat to coconut candy workshop to learn the processing of how coconut candies are made, along with a chance to taste and chew sweet candies or purchase a few packs before we get in our awaiting car/minivan and drive back to Saigon City in the evening.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Saigon City Tour, Flight to Da Nang & Drive to Hoi An
Breakfast is served at hotel. We head out of hotel at 8.00am for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Return hotel for refreshment before our team transfers you to airport for domestic flight to Da Nang City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Hoi An and simply have free time.
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 14: Hoi An – Heritage of Hoi An, Marble Mountain & Da Nang
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we’ll discover the well-preserved old town of Hoi An which is known as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site because of its unique architecture that reflects both indigenous and foreign cultures. Start with the most remarkable Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the 16th century, traditional Fujian Assembly Hall which gives a worth visit, continue to observe the exotic architecture of Tan Ky Old House, have an exciting walking in the colorful lantern street and take beautiful photos before visiting Hoi An central market where you can go shopping around. Enjoy delicate lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, drive to Da Nang with spending a great sight to Marble Mountains which represent to five elements: water, fire, earth, wood and metal, also a home to religious pagodas, shrines and hidden caves. Enjoy climbing up with 108 steps to the top and tranquilly take a wonderful breathtaking with the spectacular views of Da Nang City, and we will go to explore a few hidden caves (or skip caves) and Tam Thai pagoda. If you’re font of handicraft works, Tien Hieu Marble Handicraft Sculptures is an ideal for observation then we drive straight to a booked hotel in Da Nang.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge & My Khe Beach
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave at 8.00am to Ba Na Hills where we discover the fascinating beauty of Da Nang City from the summit of popular Ba Na Hills. Once we arrived, we process to take cable car to observe variety of exciting places included Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda, Buddhist statue and walk inside the tunnel to visit wine cellar with a chance to taste a glass of wine. Continue to stroll at the must-see Golden Bridge where you capture the beauty of the sky, nature and enjoy the breathtaking while Golden Bridge is extremely considered as one of the most pleasant places to take romantic photos.
Enjoy lunch at one of restaurants in Ba Na.
Note: If you’re really font of the recreation of French architectures and want to have some funs with exciting time in Ba Na, there Fantasy Park and French Village are the ideals for you to enjoy variety of games and activities: Alpine coaster, wall climbing, racing simulators, dance performances etc. To do this, you have to skip My Khe Beach and spend the entrance tickets at your own account.
Afternoon, we return to our awaiting car/minivan then drive directly to My Khe beach – one of the most beautiful, natural coastal cities in Vietnam. It is a white sand coast with clear water and a pleasant beach for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and unwind yourselves at your own free time before returning hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Da Nang to Hue, Hue City Tour & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out, we leave at 8.30am from Da Nang via Hai Van Pass to Hue, en-route at beautiful Hai Van Pass admired by natural beauty of mountain range and the blue coast where it’s a good morning to take a wonderful breathtaking and capture picturesque photos. Arrived, checked in and have rest of free time.
Afternoon, we set off to explore the three significant mausoleum emperors of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, those tombs have unique blend French & Royal architectures along with interesting history that you can learn from your tour guide about Nguyen Dynast dates back to 12th century. We continue our adventure to Kim Long Village to observe local people making conical hats and colorful joss sticks.
Evening, we get on board for sunset cruise with a welcome cocktail, the boat cruise slowly slides along the Perfume River admired by soft evening at Hue imperial city before enjoying special dinner followed by Vietnamese traditional music performance on boat. Disembark and get our car/minivan back to the hotel around 8.45pm.
Overnight in Hue
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 17: Hue Imperial Citadel & Flight to Hanoi
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out at 8.00am to Dong Ba market where we stroll to observe citizen daily life with interesting local trades then continue to visit the world heritage site “Hue Imperial Citadel” which is considered as the most famous attraction along with unique architectures, detailed arts and works on walls, and a rich history which dates back to hundreds of years ago. The impressive structures, cultural decorates, Purple Forbidden City and the history definitely give your day a pretty worth visit. Next, we drive along The Perfume River to the attractive, religious Thien Mu Pagoda where you will have a pleasant walking to see beautiful surrounding and learn from your guide about its mystery legend.
Enjoy delicious Vietnamese lunch at a selected local restaurant.
The rest of the day is reserved as free and easy before transferring to airport for flight to Hanoi Capital.
Upon your arrival, our experienced team (with welcome signage) will greet you at the arrival gate then transfers to a booked hotel for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Fully Guided Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.00am for a fully guided tour within Ba Dinh Square, visit the main attractions included the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda with most interesting architecture and 10th century Temple of Literature – the first national university of Vietnam along with rich history. Enjoy delicious lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant (or similar).
Afternoon, we observe Hoa Lo Prison which tells you an interesting war from French colonial time to Vietnam and American War. Continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the significant place to witness the best collection, documentation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic patrimony of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, we take rickshaw (cyclo) explore the popular Old Quarter admired by attractive daily life and bustling local activities. Ending the cyclo ride at Thang Long Opera Theatre, we then enjoy a traditional, unique water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Prepare yourselves with light packing ready to be picked up by shuttle bus between 8.00-8.30am at your hotel and start your trip to explore the most amazing Halong Bay in the North of Vietnam.
Note: Private car/minivan round trip transfers Halong Bay is available upon request.
On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest. We will reach Halong cruise port around 12.30pm then process the registration and get transferred by tender to Swan Cruise. After safety brief, a welcome drink and checking in, delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing before getting back to the cruise for sunset party.
Evening, have sumptuous set dinner on board and it’s your free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.
Overnight in Cruise Halong Bay
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note:
There are many cruise companies operate from standard to luxury cruises to Halong Bay and every cruise companies have their similar cruise itineraries. The above cruise itinerary is detailed according to Swan Cruise’s standard itinerary. If you chose to stay at another cruise, cruise itinerary will then be provided at the time you confirmed. If you really love Halong Bay and want to stay a night longer, 2nights/3days cruise is available, so feel free to speak about this with our sale team.
Day 20: Halong Bay Cruise, Back to Hanoi
Rise a bit early in the morning for Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength and ready for another exploring day to the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave for an hour then return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.
Around 10.00, attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish or challenge yourself in fruit and vegetable carving. Next, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat while the cruise is heading back to the harbor and disembark at Halong cruise port. At 12.30pm: our shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi and arrive in the evening around 16.00-17.00pm.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 21: Hanoi - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Vietnam then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
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