Prepare to be awed by the glimmering Grand Palace of Bangkok and the ruins of Angkor in Siem Reap on this eighteen-day journey among the marvels of Southeast Asia. Travel through dense jungle, towering limestone peaks, and emerald rice paddies, as you take in ancient world heritage sights and natural wonders as you enjoy the best that Indochina has to offer.

You'll start off in Bangkok, where amongst polished skyscrapers you will admire historic temples and regal palace grounds. Next, fly to Sukhothai to admire the magnificently preserved structures of the ancient capital of Siam. A drive north through the countryside will transport you to Chiang Mai, where you will stroll to hilltop shrines and cruise on the Ping River.

A short plane trip brings you to Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos, and a town of charming French colonial architecture and atmospheric temples. You'll fall into the rhythm of life in rural Laos as you explore the rural countryside, and participate in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a traditional baci ceremony.

From here we fly to Hanoi, cultured capital of Vietnam. As we travel from north to south through this fascination country, you will view the splendor of the thousands of karst islands at Halong Bay, admire the stunning architecture of the Imperial Citadel in Hue, and unwind among the serene winding lanes of Hoi An. Next we're off to Saigon, the frenetic economic capital of the country, home to impressive gems of French colonial architectural, tree-lined boulevards and pulsating markets.

Our last destination is the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia, gateway to the ruins of Angkor. Marvel at how these incredible stone structures have managed to survive centuries of jungle encroachment as you explore one of the most important religious monuments in the world.

Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, enjoy your first day in the thrilling Thai Capital at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Set out to The Royal Grand Palace, a majestic complex of palaces, temples, and halls. Remember to dress appropriately, because today you'll be visiting two of the most important Buddhist images in Thailand: the mysterious Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Later, cross the Chao Phraya River to Koh Kret, an historic Mon settlement, where you will have the chance to visit a local temple and admire Mon pottery.

Overnight in Bangkok.

A morning flight takes us to Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. There, you will be taken on a guided tour of Sukhothai Historical Park to see important historical monuments like Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum and Wat Sri Sawai. The almost 200 ruined chedis date back to the 13th Century, an era known as the golden age in Thai history, and are still in a remarkable condition.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Today we will be driving north towards Chiang Mai, stopping along the way at several sites of interest. Explore the remains of several wats built during the reign of Phra Ruang at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, then learn more about Thai pottery at a Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center. Our last stop before Chiang Mai is the traditional ancient temple complex of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, outside the town of Lampang.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy this morning cruising on long-tail boats down the Ping River, observing river side lifestyles and modern residences of the Northern Thais. Spend the afternoon exploring Chiang Mai's old city, which is still surrounded by a moat and crumbling walls. Next, ascend winding mountain roads up to Doi Suthep, where you'll enjoy splendid panoramic views from one of the most sacred stupas in the country.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy the morning at your leisure until transferring to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Luang Phabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around the former Lao capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight of gracious temples and French Colonial architecture.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Your day begins with a tour of the former Royal Palace, where the venerated Phabang Buddha is housed for most of the year. Continue on to visit some of the town's stunning wats, where you'll admire intricate bas-reliefs, gold façades and striking stupas before commencing a tour of the local museums by electric bike!  Hit the local market to stock up on local ingredients which will be used in your afternoon cooking class with one of Luang Prabang's top chefs. 

Overnight in  Luang Prabang. 

Today a boat journey up the Mekong River brings us to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of lacquered Buddha relics are kept inside the towering limestone caverns. This afternoon you'll get to attend a very unique baci ceremony. Blending Animist and Buddhist beliefs, it is performed before important events to call escaped spirits back to the body. Then, climb the 328 steps to the top of Phousi Hill where you'll gaze over the town and surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Spend the morning visiting a weaving village and discovering how Sa paper is made. Transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your flight Vietnam's capital of the North, Hanoi.  Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to your hotel.

 Overnight in Hanoi. 

We depart early from Hanoi and drive through the fertile Red River Delta towards Halong Bay. Keep an eye out for farmers working the rice fields aided by water buffaloes, or live pigs carried on the backs of motorbikes on their way to the market. At Halong Bay you will board the Emeraude, a luxurious colonial-era styled steamship where you will be spending the night in style, cruising among limestone peaks on the emerald green waters of the bay.

Overnight on board.

Awaken to scenes of everyday life for the people living on boats in the bay, before heading back to Halong City where your guide will meet you for your return trip to Hanoi. Tour Hanoi's old city on a cyclo, taking in unique architecture, the Temple of Literature, and romantic Hoan Kiem Lake. Finally, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Hue, the Imperial Capital of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hue.

Start your day with a visit the regal Imperial Citadel, seat of power of the Nguyen Dynasty and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before spending the rest of the day weaving between the legendary pagodas, tombs and temples of this gentle town.  Bring the afternoon to a close with a wander through Dong Ba Market to see the abundance of fresh produce on display.

Overnight in Hue. 

Pass through a scenic fishing village and the breathtaking Ocean of Clouds Pass as you drive to the tranquil port city of Hoi An. Stop on the way in Danang to visit a museum containing the finest collection of Cham Sculpture in the world. After transferring to the hotel in Hoi An, stroll through the historic town center on a walking tour, stopping at the Japanese Covered Bridge and a colorful market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy the day at your leisure, wandering the atmospheric old streets of Hoi An and spending time at attractive riverside cafes.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh, the dynamic economical capital still known by its old name, Saigon. A walking tour takes you on a visit to the Reunification Palace and the city's major sights.  Take in Saigon's impressive French Colonial Architecture during the afternoon, before paying a visit to the moving War Remnants Museum displaying imagery of both the French and 'American' wars. 

Overnight in Saigon. 

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway for your explorations of the ancient ruins of Angkor. Begin with an afternoon visit to Angkor Thom, an old city housing stunning ruins, most notably the Bayon with its mysterious Lokesvara faces and magnificent bas reliefs.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today, say goodbye to the temples for a morning as we head to Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, the Tonle Sap.  Board a local boat and visit floating villages and flooded forests, before heading back to Siem Reap for a rest.   This afternoon hop on a local tuk-tuk and prepare to be awed by the magnificent Angkor Wat. This temple complex is considered the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and contains numerous bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

For your final day, choose between a final visit to several temples within Angkor, including Preah Khan and Ta Som, or drive to the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest body of freshwater, to visit a floating village. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your final departure flight, where we will bid you farewell.

Sibylle Rotzler
Exotissimo Travel Cambodia Product & Internet Sales Manager

The Southeast Asia Discovery Tour is my favorite package. It shows the best the region has to offer with visits to some of the most striking sights along with the more unusual ones and a chance to experience the colorful cultures and traditions of the area.

I have experienced this tour myself when I went travelling through Southeast Asia last year. Even though I started this trip on my own, I kept meeting interesting people who joined me for a couple of days. That was the highlight of the trip. I never felt alone and I could always share my Indochina experience with my friends, old and new.

I just loved Halong Bay and seeing the Temples of Angkor for the first time!
The best way to enjoy the tour or any similar trip is to take your time with each destination. You never want to rush through anything. The feeling of being in a hurry just complicates things and you may never know what you could miss if you just take your time.

My next holiday trip could be to Myanmar. I have never been there before and every visitor to the country was just captivated by its beauty and the kind-hearted people. I really do hope to make it there soon!