Wonders Of The Orient

Arrive in sophisticated Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Begin your day at the busy Sheung Wan Market, which provides you an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the average Hong Kong resident, as well as some excellent shopping choices, with everything from local foods to tasteful trinkets to elegant furnishings. Afterward, take a tram ride to Victoria Peak for spectacular views of the city. Continue to the floating fishing community in Aberdeen on a motorized sampan cruise, where you once again have the opportunity to see local Chinese life up-close. After a traditional dim sum lunch, your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travellers over cocktails and a welcome dinner. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong B L D

The morning is at leisure to enjoy Hong Kong. After lunch you fly to Hanoi, capital and political heart of Vietnam. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi B L D

Today's sightseeing reflects the cultural link between China and Vietnam. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has a sophisticated, European flare to it. Spend the day visiting the essential sights of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh's house and One-Pillar Pagoda, which was built in 1049 in the shape of the symbolic lotus flower. After lunch, visit the Fine Arts Museum, which is housed in a building that once served as the French Ministry of Information, and includes both ancient and modern works of art. Stroll the halls and gardens of the Confucian Temple of Literature. This afternoon's sightseeing includes a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter and an evening performance of a traditional water puppet show. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi B L D

Choose your DESIGN YOUR DAY Hanoi option: Journey to scenic Ha Long, the "Bay of the Descending Dragon," for a private cruise among its scenic grottoes and islands or relax at your hotel's world-renowned spa. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi B L D

Fly this morning to the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam, formerly known to the world as Saigon. Visit the 19th-century Thien Hau Pagoda, the most important pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City which serves as a site for prayers to the Buddha as well as to the Chinese deity Thien Hau Thanh Mau. Explore the surrounding neighborhood of Cholon, the city's colorful Chinatown and the largest such Chinese district in all of Vietnam. Park Hyatt Saigon B L D

Travel to the tunnel network at Cu Chi, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels that provided Vietcong soldiers with a key tactical advantage during the Vietnam War. After lunch, return to the city to tour the Presidential Palace with a stop at Notre Dame Cathedral, a huge architectural monument with beautiful twin spires, which was built between 1877 and 1883 and lies at the heart of the city. Park Hyatt Saigon B L D

Fly to Siem Reap, a province located in the Northwest of Cambodia. Capture your first glimpse of the fabled Angkor complex, one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Asia, known for its remarkable remnants of the different periods of the Khmer Empire. Your in-depth tour starts with the well-known temple of Angkor Wat, which you will explore until sunset. La Residence d'Angkor B L D

A full day of sightseeing at the Angkor complex begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom and continues to Bayon Temple, which is known for its numerous impressive sculptures, and the unforgettable spectacle of Ta Prohm, a temple complex in the process of being swallowed up by the surrounding jungle, its stonework grown over with creeping strangler figs. After lunch, travel to the isolated monument of Banteay Srei, renowned for its pink sandstone carvings. La Residence d'Angkor B L D

This morning fly to charming Luang Prabang, watching from the plane as the dense, lush rainforest below suddenly opens into a cluster of several colorful, gently sloping temple roofs - your first peek at one of the most beautiful cities in all of Indochina. Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city, which has recently been enjoying a face-lift to its colonial buildings, ancient temples and cobblestone streets. A deeply spiritual city, the beautiful temples are a must-see, including the magnificent Phoussy Temple located on Phoussy Hill, which presents a panoramic vista of the city. La R?sidence Phou Vao B L D

Wake at dawn and watch the procession of saffron-robed Buddhist monks quietly walk down the streets of the city, accepting the offerings from local people, who then receive blessings of good karma by the holy men. If you are so inclined, feel free to take part in this ritual. Afterward, enjoy breakfast, followed by a visit to the Pak Ou caves (only accessible by boat), which are known for their Lao style sculptures of Buddha that were bestowed over the centuries by pilgrims and local residents. Visit Thamting and Thamphoum caves, followed by the beautiful Wat Longkhome and the village of Ban Xanghai, known for its production of Lao liquor (rice wine). La R?sidence Phou Vao B L D

After a morning at leisure, fly to Bangkok, one of the most modern and vibrant cities in Southeast Asia. Bangkok was once called the "Venice of the East" for its famous canals, or klongs. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B L

Select from your Design Your Day Bangkok options: Choose from an indulgent spa treatment at the world famous Oriental Spa or enjoy a round of golf at the fabulous Thai Country Club. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Grand Palace, a complex of brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Nearby is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. It houses the small but revered Emerald Buddha, made not of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a private cocktail cruise reception on the Chao Phraya River, followed by a farewell dinner. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok B D

Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B