Southeast Asia Odyssey

Discover the beauty, history, and culture of Southeast Asia on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, where French colonial landmarks and bustling markets blend with ancient temples. Cruise among the limestone peaks of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, then continue south to Ninh Binh for a sampan ride through rice paddies and grottoes, and explore the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. In to Siem Reap, marvel at the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the banyan-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm. Fly to Chiang Mai, where you enjoy a cooking class at an organic farm and visit Doi Suthep temple. A highlight of our stay here is a visit to an elephant sanctuary, where you have the opportunity to don the traditional garb of the mahout, prepare food for the elephants, and accompany the to a pond for bath time. Your adventure concludes in Bangkok, Thailand, where highlights include the magnificent Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s golden Reclining Buddha, the Jim Thompson House, and a farewell dinner.

Event Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi

• Visit the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university
• Tour Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton”
• Explore Hanoi’s vibrant Ancient Quarter

Day 4: Hanoi | Ha Long Bay

• Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay
• Sail among dramatic limestone islands, hidden caves, and emerald waters

Day 5: Hanoi | Ninh Binh

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the political and historic heart of Vietnam
• See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda
• Travel to UNESCO-listed Ninh Binh, known for its spectacular karst landscapes

Day 6: Ninh Binh

• Enjoy a traditional sampan ride through the waterways of Tam Coc
• Pass limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and hidden grottoes
• Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital

Day 7: Hanoi | Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Travel to Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor

Day 8: Siem Reap

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat complex
• Visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument
• Discover Preah Khan, Angkor Thom, and the iconic Bayon Temple with its giant stone faces

Day 9: Siem Reap

• Visit Banteay Srei, famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings
• Explore the atmospheric ruins of Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient temples
• Travel through the region by traditional tuk-tuk

Day 10: Siem Reap | Luang Prabang, Laos

• Visit Satcha Handicrafts, supporting traditional Cambodian arts and crafts
• Fly to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang

Day 11: Luang Prabang

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City
• Visit the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong temple complex
• Tour the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum
• Cruise the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Buddha Caves

Day 12: Luang Prabang

• Experience life on a traditional Laotian rice farm
• Learn about rice cultivation and local crafts including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing

Day 13: Luang Prabang | Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Witness the traditional morning alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings from local residents
• Fly to Chiang Mai

Day 14: Chiang Mai

• Participate in a Thai cooking class at an organic farm
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views over Chiang Mai
• Explore Chiang Mai’s lively night market

Day 15: Chiang Mai

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary
• Observe elephants in their natural habitat and assist with feeding them
• Learn about elephant conservation and care

Day 16: Chiang Mai | Bangkok

• Visit the Jim Thompson House, showcasing Southeast Asian art and Thai silk traditions
• Arrive in Bangkok

Day 17: Bangkok

• Explore Wat Pho and its famous Reclining Buddha
• Visit Bangkok’s colorful flower market
• Experience the energy of Thailand’s capital city

Day 18: Bangkok

• Tour the magnificent Grand Palace
• Visit the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• Explore the historic Talat Noi district, one of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods

Day 19: Depart Bangkok for the U.S.