Day 1 - Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and transfer to your
colonial-style hotel.
Day 2 - Hanoi
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of
centuries of changing dynasties. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house,
a simple structure that served as home to the revolutionary
guerrilla leader. After lunch, visit the infamous “Hanoi
Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once
confined, and perhaps hear from a war veteran about his
experiences. Ride Like a Local by cyclo through the city’s Old
Quarter. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a
welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Ha Long Bay
Travel to the shores of the Gulf of Tonkin, where you board
Heritage for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long and Lan Ha
bays. Relax on deck as Heritage snakes its way past countless
islets, their striking karst outcrops rising dramatically from
the emerald waters. Take in the beaches, caves and coves and
view the sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline,
followed by dinner aboard.
Day 4 - Ha Long Bay & Ho Chi Minh City
Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi overlooking the
bay. Set out for an early morning excursion among the
towering limestone pinnacles. Return for brunch on board
as Heritage sails home to port. Back on terra firma, proceed
to Hang Kenh Temple in Hai Phong and take in a local water
puppet show. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the former
Saigon, where you settle in at your hotel.
Day 5 - Ho Chi Minh City
Recently experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, Ho
Chi Minh City is a lively, evocative hub of activity. Rise
early for a carefully curated, A&K-exclusive experience that
starts with a cyclo ride through the streets as the city slowly
comes to life. Stroll through Tao Dan Park, a neighborhood
gathering place, and then enjoy specialty Vietnamese coffee
at a local shop. Round out your morning exploration of
local life by sampling some of the city’s most sensational
pho at one of its most popular restaurants. Return to your
hotel to enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. At lunch,
participate in a Chef ’s Table experience where you try your
hand at making banh xeo, a savory Vietnamese pancake.
This afternoon, view examples of the city’s colonial legacy,
including Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office,
and then explore a Cao Dai temple to get in touch with
southern Vietnam’s spiritual side. Enjoy your evening at
leisure.
Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today, venture outside of the city to explore the Cu Chi
Tunnels, learning how this vast subterranean network was used to conceal and support a stealthy underground fighting force. This
afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs
from Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist,
followed by a walking tour of a historic neighborhood.
Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling
traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors.
Cycle the Countryside around the Cu Chi Tunnels,
passing through local villages to observe daily life.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your
afternoon at leisure. Tonight, gather for dinner.
Day 7 - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap, the town nearest to Angkor Thom and
Angkor Wat. Check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner
at a local restaurant. Afterward, get a taste of Cambodia’s
performing arts scene at Phare Circus, a vibrant show that
explores Cambodia history and culture through theater,
music and dance.
Day 8 - Siem Reap
This morning, visit Ta Prohm, where the roots of great trees
have spilled over the roof of this iconic stone temple.
Afterward, return to the hotel for time at leisure, perhaps
taking a dip in the pool to escape the afternoon heat. Enjoy
a late lunch at a local restaurant. Then, visit Angkor Thom,
the last capital of the Khmer kingdom, and Bayon,
with its carved stone faces — bearing beguiling smiles — of
gods, goddesses and other beings from mythology. Toast this
grand adventure with a cruise by gondola on the tranquil
Angkor Thom moat while sipping a cool drink on a Scenic
Sundowner.
Day 9 - Siem Reap
Rise early to experience the incomparable serenity and
inspiration of watching the sun rise over mystical Angkor
Wat before exploring the vast temple complex with a local
expert. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time to relax.
After lunch at a local restaurant, fly to Luang Prabang.
Day 10 - Luang Prabang, Laos
Step back in time for a day as you explore charming Luang
Prabang and its tranquil streets. Begin with a visit to the
National Museum, once a royal palace. Then, follow quiet
back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House.
After a refreshing tea in the gardens, proceed to the
enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple noted
for its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic, and then visit Wat Khili.
Later, join your fellow guests for a relaxing sunset cruise
along the tranquil and iconic Mekong River before dinner.
Day 11 - Luang Prabang
Rise very early to give alms to Buddhist monks, putting
you in touch with the local culture and community. Return
to your hotel with some time to relax and pack. Then, join
locals in their home for a baci ceremony — a good-luck
ritual for a safe journey that is part of the local culture —
before flying to Bangkok.
Day 12 - Bangkok, Thailand
Visit the sprawling Grand Palace, a complex that is the historic
Siamese court and home to Thailand’s most important shrine,
the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Continue by tuk-tuk to the
150-foot-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Your afternoon
is at leisure. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a
farewell dinner.
Day 13 - Bangkok
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart for home.