Icons of Southeast Asia: A Private Journey

The capital city of Vietnam, bustling Hanoi lies in the north of the country. With streets that reveal remnants of Chinese and French occupation now filled with scooters, stalls dishing up fragrant pho and farmers peddling their home-grown produce, Hanoi beckons.

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, once home to the revolutionary guerrilla leader. After lunch, visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, and then ride by cyclo through the city’s Old Quarter.

Travel to the shores of the Gulf of Tonkin, for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long and Lan Ha bays. Relax on deck as your ship snakes its way past countless islets, their striking karst outcrops rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Tonight, watch the sun set against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline.

Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi as you glide among the towering limestone pinnacles. Cruise home to port and fly from Hai Phong to Ho Chi Minh City.

Buzzing, high-energy Ho Chi Minh City resides in the heart of the country’s south, where the scent of incense from temples mingles with enticing food-stall aromas. Rise early for an A&K-exclusive cyclo ride through the streets as the city slowly comes to life. Sample some sensational pho at a popular restaurant. At lunch, participate in a chef-led experience, trying your hand at making banh xeo, a savory Vietnamese pancake. Later, view Reunification Palace and visit a Cao Dai temple.

This morning, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground paths used by the Vietcong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors, as well as local craft beer.

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s hip epicenter and gateway to the temples of Angkor. This evening savor a progressive dinner, with each course served in a different locale.

Visit Ta Prohm, where tree roots spill over the roof; Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer kingdom; and Bayon, with its carved stone faces bearing beguiling smiles.

Rise early to experience the incomparable serenity of watching the sun rise over mystical Angkor Wat before exploring the vast temple complex with a local expert. After lunch, visit a clean water project supported by A&K Philanthropy before flying to Luang Prabang.

Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang offers a window into Southeast Asia’s past. Begin the day with a visit to stunning Kuang Si Falls. Then explore the Royal Palace Museum, and then follow quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. After a tea in the gardens, proceed to enchanting Wat Xieng Thong to view its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic. Later, cruise Mekong at sunset.

Rise early to give alms to Buddhist monks, getting in touch with the local community. Later, join locals in their home for a baci ceremony before flying to Bangkok.

Bangkok is the nation’s bustling capital. Visit the Grand Palace, site of the historic Siamese court and home to the Emerald Buddha. Ride by tuk-tuk to the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.