25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok – Siem Reap | Flight to Siem Reap

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Southeast Asia! Take a late morning/afternoon flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will get a brief of 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure with your guide.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Accommodation: Sokkhak Boutique Resort

Day 2: Siem Reap | Ancient Stone City of Angkor Thom | Water Blessing Ceremony | Hot Air Balloon at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

Ta Prohm Temple – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Angkor Thom Discovery

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under the canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei Citadel of Chambers. Visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon, and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy. Stop for a visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Then take part in a Water Blessing Ceremony. We will provide a change of clothes for you – a traditional Sarong which you will wear during the ceremony.

As dusk approaches, transfer to the hot air balloon launch site. From the air, you’ll watch a beautiful sunset over the Cambodian countryside and jungles with Angkor Wat Temple in the distance.

Accommodation: Sokkhak Boutique Resort

Day 3: Siem Reap | Banteay Srei & Beng Melea Temples | Apsara Dinner Performance

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, our guide will greet you at the hotel and then transfer to Banteay Srei Temple. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still observable today. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a precious gem or the jewel of Khmer art.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Beng Mealea. Beng Mealea Temple was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as Hindu temple, but there are some carvings depicting Buddhist motifs. Its primary material is sandstone and is largely unrestored, with trees and thick brush thriving amidst its towers and courtyards and many of its stones lying in great heaps. This temple has been abandoned for ages due to its remote location. Return back to the hotel in the late afternoon for leisure time.

Apsara Dinner Show

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dinner experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Sokkhak Boutique Resort

Day 4: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Flight to Phnom Penh

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Before the light of the day, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Angkor Wat Temple – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Check out at noon and transfer by afternoon flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport, then transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, is seated on the junction of the mighty Mekong and Tonle Rivers. Known as the “Pearl of Asia” in the early 20th century, it was completely abandoned during the civil strife of the mid-1970s. This now vibrant city teems with the many delights Cambodia offers. From vibrate bars and restaurants along the waterways to the National Museum, Royal Palace, and large art deco Central Market or Phsar Themi, with its hundreds of stallholders selling their wares inside. It is home also to the historic reminder of the years of troubles, the Tuol Slang Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields a short distance from the city center.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 5: Phnom Penh | Killings Fields, Genocide Museum and Khmer Royal Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover the highlights of Phnom Penh and iconic landmarks.

After breakfast, our guide will greet you at the lobby and then transfer you to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. The Killing Fields were a place of execution and burial of people considered a threat or enemy of the Khmer Rouge regime(1975-1979). Walk near the fields which have been excavated, and see the monument which now houses the skulls of the victims. You’ll also see an old tree which is notable for it’s eerie and death-like appearance. Watch a video where you’ll learn about the tragedies that happened at this site.

Continue to Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Prior to 1975 Toul Sleng was a high school. When Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975 they converted it into the S-21 prison.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the National Museum where you will see the largest collection in the world of Khmer history, arts, and architecture on display.

Visit the Silver Pagoda, which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor, and then you’ll visit the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. Finally, visit Wat Phnom.

When the tour is finished, transfer back to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Beginning as a small trading village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has expanded to be both Thailand’s largest city and serves as its booming and cosmopolitan capital. As a gateway to South East Asia, Bangkok has grown in international business significance and yet still maintains its grandeur, mystery, and tropical beauty. With its many markets, world-class restaurants and street food, extraordinary Royal Palace, and a myriad of pagodas, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year and is consistently rated as one of the world’s foremost Destination Cities.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 7: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, take a traditional long-tail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Wat Arun Temple – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Praya Palazzo Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | Thai Culinary Class

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a morning flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

The old city walls still stand verdantly against the course of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their hand made tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

Join a culinary experience with a Thai chef. The school is run by Sompon Nabnian, a Chiang Mai culinary legend who has been featured on National Geographic and the Travel Channel. Start the class with a visit to the local market where Thai people buy groceries. The chef will be keen to teach you how to identify various products and what to pick. You’ll learn about many new vegetables and spices. Then, with the ingredients you’ll need in hand, continue to a Thai pavilion where the class will commence. You’ll have your own station and cooking utensils. The chef will show you how to prepare several dishes and oversee your work providing tips along the way. Then it’s time to enjoy your creation! After saying goodbyes, return back to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 9: Chiang Mai | Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will visit an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. You will have an elephant just under both of your care for the day-with the mahout (elephant guide) to help you learn about your elephant and get acclimated with their behavior and personality. Learn how she became free from abuse and misuse. You’ll be shown how to approach your elephant, what spoken commands she respond to, how to read her body language, and how to check her health. Then have an opportunity to feed her.

Elephant Sanctuary – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Continue to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff. The sanctuary has a photographer who will capture these moments in high quality for you throughout the day and provide you a CD of the experience. Next, enjoy a picnic spread.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Note: Please note not to wear any perfume or strong fragrances as elephants are sensitive to smell. Also, bring a change of clothes for swimming, odorless sunscreen, and a towel.

Accommodation: Rimping Village Hotel

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai | Road Trip to Chiang Rai | The White Temple | Golden Triangle Excursion

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer in the morning to Chiang Rai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with very contemporary and peculiar art and sculptures. You’ll continue to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai is a quiet city nestled between two mountain ranges in the valley along the Mae Kok River. It has a colorful history, is the birthplace of the Lanna Kingdom, and was once home to the Emerald Buddha – during a short time when the priceless Buddhist relic was brought for hiding. The friendly town makes a great base camp for visiting the Golden Triangle, Ancient City of Chiang Saen, Mae Salong Mountain, and the “Island on the Clouds” (Phu Chi Fah viewpoint). Aspiring local artists have produced world-acclaimed pieces of architecture and art such as “The White Temple” and “The Black House”.

In the afternoon, visit the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak River and the Mekong river meet forming the borders of three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – the area is known for its stunning views. Visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the history of the Opium War. Then return to town for some leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 11: Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to Mae Salong mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First, stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao, and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.

Northern Thai Tea Plantation – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort and Spa

Day 12: Chiang Rai – Pakbeng | The Gateway to Laos: Laos Villages

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the early morning, check out the hotel for a transfer to the border to embark on a cruise to Luang Prabang. Our guide will help you get to border customs where you will go through on your own. Then take the shuttle across friendship bridge (you will need to pay for the ticket on your own which is around $1-2 per person). On the other side, you’ll go through Laos border customs to get your visa. A representative of the cruise will be waiting in the welcome area to greet you.

Then embark on the cruise upstream. Tranquil river scenery along this untouched part of the Mekong will make this an interesting day. On the way, stop to visit a local hill tribe and learn about their culture and life in this remote part of the world. Continue onto Pakbeng where beautiful views of the Mekong await. Enjoy dinner from a terrace lookout as the sunsets. Overnight in Pakbeng.

Accommodation: The Luang Say Lodge

Day 13: Luang Prabang | The Gateway to Laos: Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Heading out of the town, we take a cruise downstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

We then continue our boat trip to the atmospheric riverside town of Pakbeng. This scenic and authentic river cruise has been described as a once in a lifetime experience. Continue on to Luang Prabang Town on the fork of the Mekong and the Khan rivers. Check-in at the hotel.

Small taverns, cafes, old temples, and wooden buildings pepper the narrow allies and streets. Feel free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang on your own to discover night markets selling local tapestries and souvenirs.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 14: Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang Heritage

Meals: Breakfast

The morning is at your leisure to explore on your own or visit a spa for a massage.

Xieng Thong Temple – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

In the afternoon, begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Late afternoon, transfer to the forest temple of Wat Phon Phao for watching a stunning sunset over the Laos countryside.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 15: Luang Prabang | Jungle Trek to Turquoise Kuang Si Waterfalls | Private Dinner from a Mekong River Tree House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer in the morning to Ban Long Lao village – a Hmong and Khmu ethnic village who live simple lives off the land in a self-sustained community. After exploring the village and mingling with the locals, you’ll begin the hike to Kuang Si Falls. Along the way are lush green forests and clear streams. Visit a cave along the way that once acted as a bomb shelter. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall – one of the most turquoise waterfalls in the world. The afternoon can be spent swimming in the waterfall and visiting the Bear Rescue Center where several Sun Bears and Malayan Black Bears are being cared for after being rescued from bile farms and wildlife traffickers.

As dusk is setting, transfer to a secluded restaurant with a treehouse along the Mekong River. Enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner at the treehouse villa. Delicious Laos dishes will be brought to you as the sun is setting along the horizon. Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure. Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 16: Luang Prabang – Hanoi | Flight to Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Water Puppet Show and Dinner

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a morning flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

See the highlights of Hanoi today and enjoy a visit to cultural, historical and iconic landmarks.

Half-Day Hanoi Highlights

In the afternoon, go with our guide to visit unique sites in the Millennium Old Capital if Vietnam. Start with the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision. You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’s teachings.

Hoan Kiem Lake – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the late afternoon, transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda set on West Lake. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat.

Water Puppet Show

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 17: Hanoi | Streetfood Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning is at your leisure. Start the afternoon with the latest craze in Hanoi: Egg Coffee at the original cafe where it began – Cafe Giang(for the less adventurous, other drink options are available). Soak up the AM local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant morning chat. After your cups are dry, begin your walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will entertain you with a commentary about the history of the “36 Old Streets and Guilds”. Throughout the morning, you’ll stop to try some excellent Vietnamese street food which may include Pho Cuon(grilled beef and fresh herbs wrapped in rice noodles), Ngo Chien(crispy sweet corn), Bun Cha(BBQ pork in fish sauce with rice noodles, fresh herbs and spring rolls), Nem Cuon(fresh spring rolls) or some other popular Vietnamese dishes.

You will also visit a local market to see how vendors display their produce, meat, and foodstuffs. Finish the walking tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm lagoon with an old stone tower on an island in the center.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 18: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Haiphong with our guide (3 hours) to the La Regina Private Lounge. Then board La Regina Legend Cruise.

Start with a welcome drink and a cold hand towel while the Cruise Manager gives the safety briefing. The boat starts to cruise to Lan Ha bay. A delicious set menu lunch is served in La Corona restaurant.

Lan Ha Bay – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

In the afternoon, take an excursion to discover Trung Trang cave, one of the iconic and historic caves in Cat Ba island.

As dusk approaches, welcome the beautiful sunset. Join a Cooking Class on the sundeck with the Chef to learn how to prepare an iconic dish. Then dinner is served on the sundeck, weather permitting.

In the evening, you can try Squid Fishing or watch a movie in the La Magia Restaurant on the third floor. Or perhaps some private time in your room. I do suggest keeping your eyes to the water for catching an iridescent light show from plankton and sea life if conditions are right.

Accommodation: La Regina Legend Cruise

Day 19: Lan Ha Bay | Emerald Isles of Lan Ha Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Breakfast is served in La Corona on the second floor. Move to the Day Cruise for some free time and exploring Lan Ha Bay. Then continue to Viet Hai village in the midst of jungles, surrounded by the mountain range of the Cat Ba Island.

Back to the main boat for relaxing and to enjoy the lunch. After lunch, enjoy kayaking at Ao Ech area which is one of the most beautiful areas in Lan Ha Bay.

Back to the La Regina Legend Cruise. Enjoy watching the beautiful sunset on the bay as the lights last rays cast streaks across the sky. Join a Cooking & Fruit Carving Class on the sundeck with the Chef. As dusk is setting in, Dinner is served on the sundeck, weather permitting.

Accommodation: La Regina Legend Cruise

Day 20: Lan Ha Bay – Ninh Binh | Sunrise in Lan Ha Bay | Bai Dinh Temple at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise over the bay followed by a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. A light breakfast is served in La Corona on the second floor. The boat anchors at Tra Bau area, where you’ll enjoy kayaking or swimming.

Return back to the boat for relaxing, packing up, and settling any bills. Brunch is served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.

Bid the crew farewell and then transfer Ninh Binh.

Check-in at the Emeralda Resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 21: Ninh Binh – Hue | Bicycling Ninh Binh Countryside and Grottoes | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Karst Hills at Ninh Binh – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Transfer by car with our guide along with rice fields and grottoes line your path with towering karsts in the distance. An occasional local farmer and small communities with friendly welcoming smiles. You’ll have a photo stop at Ba Chon Mountain viewpoint. Enjoy the clean fresh air of this region far away from any major cities. Continue South on the country road alongside Van Nature Reserve. You’ll stop at Van Long Marina to board a traditional local boat. Explore some of the streams and grottoes of Van Long Nature Reserve. You might spot some flocks of the rare black-faced spoonbill, cotton pygmy geese, or white-browed crakes.

Return back to the resort to relax and freshen up. Check out at noon and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Transfer to Hanoi airport to catch your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Hue for check-in.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 22: Hue | Hue Tombs and City

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take a journey by car through the romantic city of Hue and surrounds. Our guide will bring you to Khai Dinh’s Tomb. When reaching Khai Dinh Tomb, start exploring the structure. It is notable for its elaborate decorative work and unique architecture, being a mix of a number of architectural styles. The tomb is of a rectangular structure leaning against Chau Chu Mountain in the outskirts of Hue. The side walls are formed by large dragon sculptures. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court, featuring a reinforced concrete steel monument, as well as twelve stone statues representing bodyguards.

Close to the top floor is the Khai Thanh Palace, featuring intricately designed glass and porcelain decorations on the walls. The ceiling of the palace is decorated with nine intricate dragons. The rear room of the palace is home to a temple containing Khai Dinh’s grave, an altar to him as well as a statue of his likeness.

Tu Duc Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb

After visiting Khai Dinh tomb, continue to Tu Duc Tomb. While Khai Dinh’s Tomb is noteworthy for its ornate extravagance, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb showcases a traditional elegance and many views it to be the most beautiful of Hue’s royal tombs. Designed by Tu Duc himself, it is said he preferred spending time in these serene grounds than at the palace.

Enjoy a Hue styled Vietnamese lunch a at local restaurant before venturing to the last famous imperial tomb today – Minh Mang Tomb. Minh Mang tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 structures (palaces, temples, and pavilions) designed on a symmetrical axis running from Dai Hong Gate to the foot of La Thanh (The Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. Local rumor has it that the emperor buried a splendid treasure of gold and priceless valuables somewhere on the large compound. But the secret of its whereabouts followed him to his grave.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 23: Hue – Hoi An | Hue Imperial Citadel | Road Trip to Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll go to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 6 miles long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Hue Imperial Citadel – 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

Mountain Coasts Road Trip to Hoi An

During the afternoon, take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your guide to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As you reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Continue with our guide to the hotel for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wood and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.

Accommodation: Little Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 24: Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore on your own.

In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel for leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Little Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 25: Flight to Singapore | Farewell!

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide will transfer you to Hanoi airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us and choosing our 25 Days Southeast Asia Adventure!

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