Engaging, diverse, intriguing…This just begins to describe Southeast Asia and our small group odyssey. We cruise the Mekong through Laos; explore the spectacular – Angkor Wat – and the sublime – Ha Long Bay; and engage with local farmers and hill tribespeople on this comprehensive, well-paced adventure.
From $7,097
Engaging, diverse, intriguing…This just begins to describe Southeast Asia and our small group odyssey. We cruise the Mekong through Laos; explore the spectacular – Angkor Wat – and the sublime – Ha Long Bay; and engage with local farmers and hill tribespeople on this comprehensive, well-paced adventure.
| 1 | Depart U.S. for Hanoi, Vietnam Depart U.S. for Hanoi, Vietnam |
| 2 | Arrive Hanoi Arrive Hanoi Read More We arrive in the Vietnamese capital late this evening, then transfer to our hotel. We arrive in the Vietnamese capital late this evening, then transfer to our hotel. |
| 3 | Hanoi B D B D Hanoi Read More Our tour of this French-accented city begins in Ba Dinh Square at the revered mausoleum and home of Ho Chi Minh. Next: historic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist retreat; the serene Temple of Literature (c. 1070); Hoa Lo Prison, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” of the Vietnam War; and Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter, dense with street vendors, where we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Our tour of this French-accented city begins in Ba Dinh Square at the revered mausoleum and home of Ho Chi Minh. Next: historic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist retreat; the serene Temple of Literature (c. 1070); Hoa Lo Prison, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” of the Vietnam War; and Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter, dense with street vendors, where we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening. |
| 4 | Hanoi/Ha Long Bay B L B L Hanoi/Ha Long Bay Read More We depart this morning on a full-day excursion to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking waterway in the Gulf of Tonkin dotted with 2,000 islands and islets and surrounded by limestone cliffs and hidden caves. Here we board a traditional “junk” for lunch and an afternoon cruise through this fairytale seascape of an UNESCO site. We depart this morning on a full-day excursion to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking waterway in the Gulf of Tonkin dotted with 2,000 islands and islets and surrounded by limestone cliffs and hidden caves. Here we board a traditional “junk” for lunch and an afternoon cruise through this fairytale seascape of an UNESCO site. |
| 5 | Hanoi/Da Nang/Hoi An B D B D Hanoi/Da Nang/Hoi An Read More We fly this afternoon to Da Nang, then continue on to Hoi An and our riverside hotel. We get our first glimpse of the Old Town and its colorful lanterns as we dine together this evening. We fly this afternoon to Da Nang, then continue on to Hoi An and our riverside hotel. We get our first glimpse of the Old Town and its colorful lanterns as we dine together this evening. |
| 6 | Hoi An B D B D Hoi An Read More An easy boat ride on the Thu Bon River brings us to the colorful ancient port of Hoi An. We tour the lively daily market and stroll the shop- and gallery-lined back streets and alleyways of Old Town, now a UNESCO site. Tonight’s small group highlight: an interactive Vietnamese cooking class, followed by dinner. An easy boat ride on the Thu Bon River brings us to the colorful ancient port of Hoi An. We tour the lively daily market and stroll the shop- and gallery-lined back streets and alleyways of Old Town, now a UNESCO site. Tonight’s small group highlight: an interactive Vietnamese cooking class, followed by dinner. |
| 7 | Hoi An/Da Nang/Siem Reap, Cambodia B L B L Hoi An/Da Nang/Siem Reap, Cambodia Read More We see local life up close this morning as we take a walking tour of a nearby farming settlement. Later we visit the acclaimed Cham Museum, then transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, arriving this evening. We see local life up close this morning as we take a walking tour of a nearby farming settlement. Later we visit the acclaimed Cham Museum, then transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, arriving this evening. |
| 8 | Siem Reap B L D B L D Siem Reap Read More We make our first visit to the temples at the Angkor Wat complex, a small-scale city built between the 9th and 13th centuries and now a UNESCO site. We travel via tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) to Angkor Thom, the last Khmer capital, and Bayon Temple, an imposing stone edifice of 54 towers each carved with four enigmatic faces. We also explore 12th-century Ta Prohm, the mystical, decaying Buddhist shrine where the giant roots and limbs of banyan trees have overtaken the labyrinth of stone rooms and hallways. Later we tour stunning 12th-century Angkor Wat itself, the world’s largest temple. We make our first visit to the temples at the Angkor Wat complex, a small-scale city built between the 9th and 13th centuries and now a UNESCO site. We travel via tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) to Angkor Thom, the last Khmer capital, and Bayon Temple, an imposing stone edifice of 54 towers each carved with four enigmatic faces. We also explore 12th-century Ta Prohm, the mystical, decaying Buddhist shrine where the giant roots and limbs of banyan trees have overtaken the labyrinth of stone rooms and hallways. Later we tour stunning 12th-century Angkor Wat itself, the world’s largest temple. |
| 9 | Siem Reap B L D B L D Siem Reap Read More Today’s highlights include the restored 12th-century temple complex at Preah Khan; and 10th-century Banteay Srei, the “citadel of women” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and known for its delicately carved pink sandstone. Today’s highlights include the restored 12th-century temple complex at Preah Khan; and 10th-century Banteay Srei, the “citadel of women” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and known for its delicately carved pink sandstone. |
| 10 | Siem Reap/Luang Prabang, Laos B D B D Siem Reap/Luang Prabang, Laos Read More This morning we visit Les Artisans d’Angkor, a development project for young adults to learn traditional crafts. Late this afternoon, we fly to Luang Prabang. This morning we visit Les Artisans d’Angkor, a development project for young adults to learn traditional crafts. Late this afternoon, we fly to Luang Prabang. |
| 11 | Luang Prabang B D B D Luang Prabang Read More Our introduction to Laos begins early today with a time-honored tradition: the “tak-bat,” where hundreds of saffron-robed monks collect alms from their fellow Buddhists. Later we set out to explore this ancient royal city; our walking tour features the Old City, a UNESCO site, where we tour the beautiful 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong temple complex; and the National Museum, formerly the royal palace. We return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure then enjoy dinner in a family restaurant set in a village outside the town and styled like a traditional Laotian stilted bamboo house. Our introduction to Laos begins early today with a time-honored tradition: the “tak-bat,” where hundreds of saffron-robed monks collect alms from their fellow Buddhists. Later we set out to explore this ancient royal city; our walking tour features the Old City, a UNESCO site, where we tour the beautiful 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong temple complex; and the National Museum, formerly the royal palace. We return to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure then enjoy dinner in a family restaurant set in a village outside the town and styled like a traditional Laotian stilted bamboo house. |
| 12 | Luang Prabang B L B L Luang Prabang Read More This morning we visit an elephant sanctuary – a community-based eco-project – in the scenic Nam Khan River valley. Then we learn about the lives of local farmers firsthand as we travel to a communal rice farm, where we enjoy lunch before joining in such farm-based activities as bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. This morning we visit an elephant sanctuary – a community-based eco-project – in the scenic Nam Khan River valley. Then we learn about the lives of local farmers firsthand as we travel to a communal rice farm, where we enjoy lunch before joining in such farm-based activities as bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. |
| 13 | Luang Prabang/Mekong River Cruise/Pakbeng B L D B L D Luang Prabang/Mekong River Cruise/Pakbeng Read More We begin a tour highlight today as we board a private riverboat for an upstream voyage on this remote stretch of the Mekong. Along the way, we stop to visit villages of ethnic hill tribes, and the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, housing hundreds of Buddha icons. We enjoy lunch on board our boat, a traditional wooden river cruiser with unobstructed views of the Mekong’s lush banks. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we check in at our hotel, where we dine tonight. We begin a tour highlight today as we board a private riverboat for an upstream voyage on this remote stretch of the Mekong. Along the way, we stop to visit villages of ethnic hill tribes, and the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, housing hundreds of Buddha icons. We enjoy lunch on board our boat, a traditional wooden river cruiser with unobstructed views of the Mekong’s lush banks. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we check in at our hotel, where we dine tonight. |
| 14 | Pakbeng/Mekong River Cruise/Chiang Rai, Thailand B L D B L D Pakbeng/Mekong River Cruise/Chiang Rai, Thailand Read More Back on board our riverboat today, we cruise past wild and diverse mountain scenery, stopping to visit a small village. After crossing the border into Thailand, we transfer to our hotel in Chiang Rai. Back on board our riverboat today, we cruise past wild and diverse mountain scenery, stopping to visit a small village. After crossing the border into Thailand, we transfer to our hotel in Chiang Rai. |
| 15 | Chiang Rai B L B L Chiang Rai Read More At this morning’s Thai cooking class, we prepare the feast that we’ll enjoy for lunch today. Then we pay an afternoon visit to Wat Rong Khun, the unusual “White Temple” celebrating Lord Buddha’s purity. Tonight: Chiang Rai’s lively night market, where we can select dinner on our own from the many food stalls. At this morning’s Thai cooking class, we prepare the feast that we’ll enjoy for lunch today. Then we pay an afternoon visit to Wat Rong Khun, the unusual “White Temple” celebrating Lord Buddha’s purity. Tonight: Chiang Rai’s lively night market, where we can select dinner on our own from the many food stalls. |
| 16 | Chiang Rai/Bangkok B L D B L D Chiang Rai/Bangkok Read More Today we visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens, the former home of the king’s mother who led efforts against the heroin trade. Late today we fly to Bangkok. Today we visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens, the former home of the king’s mother who led efforts against the heroin trade. Late today we fly to Bangkok. |
| 17 | Bangkok B L B L Bangkok Read More We discover the Thai capital at the colorful Flower Market; Wat Pho Temple, home of the gold-leafed Reclining Buddha; and the splendid Grand Palace complex, where we visit the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We discover the Thai capital at the colorful Flower Market; Wat Pho Temple, home of the gold-leafed Reclining Buddha; and the splendid Grand Palace complex, where we visit the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. |
| 18 | Bangkok B D B D Bangkok Read More This morning’s visit to the Jim Thompson House reveals the prized Southeast Asian art collection of the American who revived the Thai silk industry. Tonight we celebrate our southeast Asia odyssey at a farewell dinner. This morning’s visit to the Jim Thompson House reveals the prized Southeast Asian art collection of the American who revived the Thai silk industry. Tonight we celebrate our southeast Asia odyssey at a farewell dinner. |
| 19 | Depart for U.S. B B Depart for U.S. Read More Today we transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. Today we transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Hanoi | 68 | 69 | 74 | 84 | 78 | 72 |
| Luang Prabang | 81 | 87 | 92 | 87 | 83 | 79 |
| Bangkok | 89 | 89 | 91 | 89 | 88 | 87 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Hanoi | 68 | 69 | 74 | 84 | 78 | 72 |
| Luang Prabang | 81 | 87 | 92 | 87 | 83 | 79 |
| Bangkok | 89 | 89 | 91 | 89 | 88 | 87 |
Encounter this multicultural city-state, at once exotic and sophisticated.
Pricing: $1,495 Feb-Mar 2024; $1,695 all other dates. Single Supplement: $395 Feb-Mar 2024; $445 all other dates.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide than Tuyen: always smiling, full of information, always willing to share ‘ideas’ for our free time – all were excellent!”
Linda Duncan
Dahlonega, GA
"Tuan was excellent from the very first meeting with the group. He was upbeat, informative, and intuitive. I was very pleased with his leadership for our group."
Kathy Spicer
Fort Worth, TX
“His constant smile and upbeat mood, and his knowledge of the tour logistics, made for a truly wonderful and carefree trip… He is a real asset to Odysseys.”
Paige Morrison
Annapolis, MD
“Phong was outstanding in every way possible… We found him to be great fun to travel with, while being on top of everything needed to make our trip the most enjoyable.”
John W. & Patricia Dorward
Burlington, NC
“Yang was wonderful – well organized, interesting, enthusiastic, thoughtful, and fun. Ten stars!”
Daniel & Terri Potter
Lexington, KY
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“We travel a lot and I can recommend Hung among the best tour directors we have ever used. A man of great knowledge, organization and seemingly endless patience.”
Dr. David Warth
Seattle, WA
“Excellent guide! He was extremely organized and attentive to each guest's needs. Highly recommend him as he enhanced the enjoyment and satisfaction of each aspect of the trip.”
Elaine Heffernan
Winchester, CA
“His constant smile and upbeat mood, and his knowledge of the tour logistics, made for a truly wonderful and carefree trip… He is a real asset to Odysseys.”
Paige Morrison
Annapolis, MD
“Phong was outstanding in every way possible… We found him to be great fun to travel with, while being on top of everything needed to make our trip the most enjoyable.”
John W. & Patricia Dorward
Burlington, NC
Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
“Excellent guide! He was extremely organized and attentive to each guest's needs. Highly recommend him as he enhanced the enjoyment and satisfaction of each aspect of the trip.”
Elaine Heffernan
Winchester, CA
"Tuan was excellent from the very first meeting with the group. He was upbeat, informative, and intuitive. I was very pleased with his leadership for our group."
Kathy Spicer
Fort Worth, TX
“Yang was wonderful – well organized, interesting, enthusiastic, thoughtful, and fun. Ten stars!”
Daniel & Terri Potter
Lexington, KY
“We travel a lot and I can recommend Hung among the best tour directors we have ever used. A man of great knowledge, organization and seemingly endless patience.”
Dr. David Warth
Seattle, WA
“We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide than Tuyen: always smiling, full of information, always willing to share ‘ideas’ for our free time – all were excellent!”
Linda Duncan
Dahlonega, GA
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