Southeast Asia Adventure: Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Arrival Flight: TBA

Welcome to Bangkok – the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city.

Meeting point: GATE 6, Arrival hall 2nd floor

Upon arrival to the airport, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport by your private English speaking tour guide who will take care of the transfer to your hotel.

Known in Thai as the city of angels, Bangkok is a city of mind-boggling history and spirituality, where you can expect ancient Thai temples that rise magnificently from the riverbanks, colorful palaces that glisten spectacularly in the sunlight, and a snaking river that audaciously wind its way through the heart of the city. Fabulous shopping awaits you, whether you’re after high quality artisanal handicrafts or excellent bargains in Asia’s most stylish shopping centers. If you’re a food lover, you will delight at the exceptionally delicious meals that can be enjoyed at every corner of the city. You will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide who will take care of the transfer to your hotel. Prepare to be left mesmerized by this urban wonderland.

Check in at your hotel and free time at leisure.

In the evening, have welcome dinner (set menu) at your hotel. 

Meals included: dinner at hotel
Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok 

Note: Check-in at the hotel from 14:00

Don Wai Market and private cooking class along the river (07:30 – 14:00)

Only one hour’s drive from Bangkok and surprisingly far from the hustle and bustle of the city lies the century-old market of Don Wai. It used to be floating a long time ago, but is now unfairly neglected by the tourists in favor of other more mainstream floating markets. It still retains its charm of yesteryear with its bucolic temple, and remains a meeting place for locals. Today your host, a native of the area, will offer to tell you the story of Don Wai; its temple and Buddhism, but above about the market and the best goods to buy or taste here!

You will then embark on her small boat for a short cruise on the Tha Chin River to reach her house which she decided to turn into a restaurant. It is in this peaceful tropical atmosphere, in her garden, that your host will share with you her passion for cooking and beautiful things. A cooking class just for you, to discover unknown flavors and recipes, to slice, cut and prepare, before tasting your homemade dishes. A real moment of cultural interchange awaits you with flavors and the simple joys of life to boot.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok 

Khlong Local Discovery with Artist’s House (09:00 – 12:00)

Meet you guide at the hotel lobby.

You will discover the canals, or khlongs in Thai, an absolute must-visit when exploring what was once referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Take a boat tour on the khlongs in Thonburi, the old Bangkok capital to unveil yet another face of the many faces of Bangkok. Far away from the skyscrapers and dense traffic jams of the new part of the city, Thonburi reveals a more traditional side of Bangkok with old canal wooden townhouses, improbable floating kitchens, charming and glittering temples and an altogether simpler way of life. This private boat ride is punctuated by a stop at the Baan Silapin Artist’s House, a charming traditional house on the canal’s edge in a very quiet area  and a visit to the famous Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun.

Free afternoon at leisure. 

Meals included: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Overnight in Bangkok 

After checking out you will meet your guide and driver, then travel to Bangkok airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Hotel Pickup time: 09:30

Suggested flight: PG225 BKK-CNX 12:25 13:45

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will meet your private guide at the welcome hall, then meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel.

Check in and free time.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai 

Free morning at leisure.

Chiang Mai at night by tuk-tuk tour (17:30 – 20:30)

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and travel to the city center.

This tuk-tuk trip, a very popular means of transport in Thailand, is the opportunity to discover Chiang Mai by night and to mix with the locals who, after their work day, like to walk in town, enjoy the freshness of the early evening and stroll the markets to make their purchases.

One of the four corners of the old town wall called Jaeng Sri Bhume; the temple Wat Lok Moli, perfect example of the architecture of the ancient Kingdom Lanna; Warorot Market, the biggest market in the city, known locally as Kaad Luang, where the nightly atmosphere and excitement of the place are the opportunity to taste some local dishes such as seasonal Thai fruits, fried insects and sticky rice; a walk in the flower market before continuing in tuk-tuk to the Chiang Mai Gate market where there are many street food vendors. Thai people love to dine there and have the best specialties of authentic dishes like Pad Thai and Tom Yam Kung.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner (Street food sample tasting)
Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai

Sharing special moments with elephants in the jungle (08:00 – 14:00)

(Join-in activity with private round trip transfer)

An excursion that will give new meaning to your trip!

In the early morning, head for the lush countryside surrounding Chiang Mai and the Elephant Rescue Park. This institution collects elephants in distress, exploited or injured, to provide them with the shelter, attention and respect they deserve.

After putting on your Mahout outfit, you meet your hosts for the day. Here, forget about climbing on their backs: this practice has been intentionally prohibited by the camp. Instead, you can enjoy a proper meeting with the pachyderms. You’ll learn to feed them, observe and interact with them. You can then escort them into the green hills before going down for their favorite game: a bath in the river. After such exciting activities with your new friends, it’s your turn for a good shower and a well-deserved home-cooked meal.

Some unique moments to help you really understand the issues of elephant conservation.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (Simple & basis at Elephant camp)
Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai 

A relaxing day on the water surrounded by nature (09:00 – 17:00)

After breakfast you will leave Chiang Mai and head out to the lush green countryside located north of the city. Hidden among the densely wooded hills you will find the Bua Tong Waterfalls, also known by their nickname “Sticky Waterfalls”. These waterfalls are famous because you can actually climb up them. This is possible thanks to a mineral deposit which gives them a very good grip, hence the name Sticky Waterfalls. You can spend some time walking and enjoying the green surroundings, and of course have a go at climbing the waterfalls. While the place is very popular with Thai families at the weekend, it remains relatively unknown among tourists.

After some fun at the waterfalls, you will continue to the Mae Ngad Dam where a longtail boat will take you to one of the floating bungalows in the middle of the beautiful lake. Amidst these tranquil surroundings you will taste some delicious local dishes for lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax, swim, or paddle around with a kayak before returning to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Chiang Mai 

After checking out you will meet your driver and travel to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Hanoi

Hotel Pickup time:10:30

Suggested Flight: FD 870 CNX – HAN 13:20 – 14:50

Arrival at Hanoi Airport and transfer to the hotel to check in. The room is at your disposal from 14:00.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Note: Check-out at the hotel will be 12:00 at latest

In the morning, you will begin your full day discovery of the capital with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute to the architecture of Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow, his traditional stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda – built in the 11th century. Later on, you will visit the Ethnology Museum. Created in November 1997 at the Francophonie Summit, it is both a research center and a public museum featuring the 54 ethnic groups found across Vietnam.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu in Vietnamese), situated in the place once known as the first university of Vietnam. Built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the university was first opened for princes and mandarins exclusively. With its ancient courtyards, altars and roofs, Van Mieu is a very fine example of Vietnamese architecture. Then, continue your way to the Old Quarter and the surroundings of the Sword Lake.

In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an art form which was invented a thousand years ago by the farmers of the Red River Delta area and then elevated to royal entertainment under the Ly and Tran dynasties. This typical and enchanting art form often portrays scenes of everyday life and legends to a backdrop of traditional music.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Notes: To be allowed to enter the mausoleum, you must cover your legs, stand in pairs in silence without crossing your arms, or putting your hands in your pockets

You will head off today in the direction of Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you will travel by tender boat to the Orchid Cruise to enjoy welcome drinks and be informed of safety instructions.

At lunch time, the cruise boat will set off to Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

In the afternoon, by taking a bus from Cat Ba Island, you will visit the Trung Trang cave covered in wonderfully shaped stalactites and stone formation and one of the largest valleys on Cat Ba Island covering an area of approximately 300 hectares.

You will then visit Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay for a nice swim in the green, emerald water. You will have time to enjoy the sunset as well as the chance to join a cooking demonstration class with the chef and Happy Hour before your dinner on board.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on board

Distance: 155 kilometers – 2h30min

You can begin the day with an early morning Tai Chi class before enjoying your breakfast. After that, you will explore the Ao Ech area by kayaking. Then, back at the cruise boat, it will be time to enjoy a tasteful brunch while cruising back to the pier. You will disembark at the end of the morning and head back to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Danang. Arrival at Danang Airport and transfer to the hotel in Hoi An to check in.

Meals included: Breakfast, brunch

Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Distance: 155 kilometers – 2h30min

You spend your day freely at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Option: Visit and dinner at Quan Thang ancient house

With a unique ancient Chinese architectural style, Quan Thang ancient house is one of the most beautiful ancient houses in Hoi An town. More than 300 years old it is home to three generations living together with that continue the tradition of making White Rose (dumplings stuffed with shrimp or pork), well-known specialties in Hoi An. When visiting the house in the evening, you will be warmly welcomed by the host, listen to a story of his ancestors who were Chinese merchants, as well as learn about the history and architecture of the house. Then you will enjoy a dinner of Hoi An specialties served by the host in a cozy space.

Meal included: Dinner

Duration: 2h 30min

Note: The dinner should start from 19:00

At good time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City Airport and transfer to the hotel to check in.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

You will leave early in the morning for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally dug by hand by the Viet Minh (Resistance Force) during the French-Indochina War, this network of underground tunnels was expanded during the Vietnam War. At its peak, it was 200 kilometers long, 3-to-4-meters deep, and was very well-equipped with meeting rooms, medical, and sanitary posts.

Today, it is one of the most important historical sites of the Vietnam War. You will begin the visit by watching a documentary on the tunnels and the war in the 60s-70s, and then you can pass through various narrow underground passages in order to discover the many rooms: offices, kitchens, bunk rooms, weapons stores, and even hospitals. At the end of the tour, you will have the chance to taste a culinary specialty of Cu Chi, khoai my luoc (boiled cassava), a Vietnamese dish eaten daily during the war. After your visit, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City.

As you embark on the tour this afternoon, very soon you will notice that the architecture in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City is still representative of the colonial era and Chinese influence. Your discovery of the capital of the South would not be complete without a visit to the city’s main historical sites: the central post office, whose metal structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel; Notre-Dame Cathedral, constructed from red bricks and resembling Notre-Dame in Paris; the Reunification Palace and Dong Khoi Street.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Note: – Cu Chi is not recommended for people with claustrophobia

– Notre-Dame Cathedral is closed for renovations until early 2027 – Exterior only

In the morning, you will depart from Ho Chi Minh City to explore Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Upon arriving at Ben Tre, you will embark on a boat and start cruising on one of the arms of the Mekong river. You will make a quick stop in a local coconut candy factory before walking through a brick factory and a local coconut factory, where the coconuts are opened by hand. You will continue to cruise on the river and on a smaller canal surrounded by coconut trees. Then, you will make a stop to visit the coconut gardens of a local house, where you will be able to taste some tropical fruits. You will continue on a smaller boat through the canal rowed by a local oarsman. After disembarking, you will hop on a bicycle to discover the countryside, before stopping for lunch in a beautiful local restaurant to taste some traditional dishes of the Mekong region.

In the afternoon, you will walk on a small path to a small jetty where your boat is waiting, and then cruise back to Ben Tre. At the end of the tour, you will travel back to Ho Chi Minh City by car.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Level: 0

Distance & duration of the cycling tour: 6 kilometers – 30 minutes

Terrain: good road, easy to ride

Transportation: Transfer by car – 100 kilometers – 2 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 100 kilometers – 2 hours 30 minutes

At good time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Arrival at Siem Reap Airport and transfer to the hotel to check in.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Siam Reap

This morning, you will travel on a road flanked by huge century-old trees before all of a sudden, a majestic stone doorway will appear as you enter Angkor Thom, “the big city”. Magically emerging from within, admire the massive smiling faces of the Bayon temple carved in stone. Built around the 12^th and 13^th centuries, this amazing edifice is surrounded by 54 towers, each of them adorned with 4 faces. After visiting Bayon you will travel to the Baphuon, a temple mountain built in the 11^th century, whose restoration, led by French architects ended not so long ago. Then, walk along the Terrace of the Elephants, which with its length of 350 meters was used for royal audiences and public ceremonies. Continue your visit at the Terrace of the Leper King, built in the 12^th century and adorned with magnificent Apsara sculptures.

In the afternoon, visit the most famous temple: Angkor Wat. Starting at the central avenue, you will soon realize just how huge it is. This wonderous architectural achievement, will impress you not just by its structural elements but also by its artistic detail. Finish the day by visiting Ta Prohm, a temple which seems almost consumed by the tropical nature that surrounds it.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Siam Reap

Distance: 36 kilometers – 45 minutes

From Kompong Kleang you will board a local boat led by a captain from the village. The craft will criss-cross Tonlé Sap at a leisurely pace, giving you the opportunity to observe some of the small floating villages.

The small local boat is equipped with an engine, which allows you to move easily from the village and along the various canals leading to the Great Lake. Once you reach the end of the canal, you will realize the immensity of this lake, where the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see. During the dry season, a walk to meet the locals is offered before you set out for the cruise.

You will have the unique opportunity of visiting one of the most beautiful houses in the village for lunchtime. Here you will enjoy a scrumptious picnic while taking in the exceptional scenery and atmosphere. Traditional Cambodian high-stilted houses are quite common all over the country, but the floating village and the high-stilted house village in Kompong Kleang are particularly special places to visit. Here travellers can witness the daily life of the fishermen who have been living there, untouched by modernization, for generations. 

Return to Siem Reap and the rest of day is free at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Overnight in Siam Reap

Distance: Siem Reap / Kompong Khleang – 52 kilometers (1 hour 30 minute drive), each way

Note: From the 15th of February, due to low water levels, the boat trip cannot be operated with big boats from 10 pax up, only small boats are available (1-9 pax). From April to June, they may be unable to take a boat trip. However, they can still have a tour around the village to observe the lifestyle of the villagers during the dry season.

At good time, transfer to the airport for the departure flight. The room is at your disposal until noon time only.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: None