Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your colonial-style hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi | Asian Grace and Pace
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison and the robust National Museum of Fine Arts. Later, travel by cyclo through the Old Quarter.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay | Among the Limestone Islands
Travel overland through the lush Vietnamese countryside to Ha Long Bay, observing a traditional way of life en route. Board a classic junk (wooden boat) and sail through a verdant setting where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the water. Later, visit a floating village in Ha Long Bay and observe life in this unique community. Spend the night at anchor, so you can witness both sunset and sunrise on this magical body of water.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay/Danang | Art by Nature
Greet the sunrise with a tai chi lesson on deck. Disembark for a trek to a nearby summit to take in the panoramic views or a swim at a secluded beach. Return overland to Hanoi with a stop at a local village en route. Fly to Danang, where you are welcomed at your beachfront resort on Son Tra Peninsula near China Beach.
Day 5: Hoi An | Silk Trade
Visit the lovely traditional town of Hoi An, including the Old House of Tan Ky, the Fujian Assembly Hall and the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. Enter a local shop to see how silkworms are raised, and then visit the workshop of a local lantern artist.
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City | Vibrant Saigon
After a morning at leisure, fly this afternoon to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Recently experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, this lively, evocative city is a hub of activity — a sharp contrast to the traditional ambience of Hanoi. Later, see the city’s Central Post Office, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Opera House.
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City | Cu Chi Tunnels
Travel to the countryside to explore the expansive Cu Chi Tunnel network, a key Vietcong resource during the Vietnam War. After lunch, visit the War Remnants Museum and explore the surrounding neighborhood of Cholon, the city’s Chinatown. Continue to Quan Am Pagoda and stop at Binh Thanh Market.
Days 8-10: Siem Reap, Cambodia | Ruins of Angkor
Fly to charming Siem Reap, the town nearest to the breathtaking ruins of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, and transfer to your hotel. Set off with your guide to explore Bayon Temple and the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. The next day, discover the less-visited Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre as well as treasures at the Angkor National Museum. On your last day here, watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of Ta Prohm Temple.
Days 11-12: Bangkok, Thailand | The Chao Phraya River
Fly to Bangkok and transfer to your riverside hotel. Get to know the city when you travel by boat through the klongs, a historic yet still-vital system of canals off the Chao Phraya River. The following day, take a tuk-tuk ride around the sprawling grounds of the Grand Palace. Next, visit Wat Pho Temple, with its gilded Reclining Buddha and enjoy the musical sound of coins dropping into brass offering bowls.
Day 13: Depart Bangkok
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.