South East Asia Discovery - Gems of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a private chauffeur will take you to your hotel in the city center. Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a city that never ceases to captivate travelers. Renowned for its electrifying blend of tradition and modernity, Bangkok offers a feast for the senses.

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore one of Thailand's most iconic landmarks, the Royal Grand Palace with your private driver and guide. This revered monument boasts a collection of palaces, each with its own unique purpose. Marvel at the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most venerated Buddha image. Next, visit Wat Pho, the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and home to the impressive Reclining Buddha. This serene temple offers a deep dive into Thailand's spiritual and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown. Here, you will explore vibrant shops, traditional tea houses, bustling markets, and historic temples, offering a glimpse into old Bangkok. Continue to the Bangkok Folk Museum, a charming seventy-year-old Thai house turned museum, providing a fascinating look into the city's past. Cap off your day with an exhilarating long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and the tranquil klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Observe the traditional waterside lifestyle that has endured for centuries. Your final stop is the stunning Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, renowned for its majestic riverside presence and intricate architecture. After your day of sightseeing you will return to the hotel with your private driver.

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a private transfer to the airport where you will catch a flight to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, is a city rich in history and culture. Known as the "Rose of the North," it offers a serene contrast to bustling Bangkok. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport your private chauffeur will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

After breakfast, meet your private drive and guide. Begin your day with a short 30-minute drive north of Chiang Mai to a charming long-tail boat dock. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque grounds, featuring a lush herbal garden. Then, board a long-tail boat for a serene 30-minute cruise along the scenic Mae Ping River. As you glide along the riverbanks, admire the mix of traditional wooden houses and modern residences. Disembark at a riverside landing and enjoy a brief 10-minute walk to the bustling Waroros fresh food market. From the market, embark on a delightful trishaw ride along Tapae Road, passing the historic City Walls, and continue along Ratchadamnoen Road to the revered Wat Phra Singh. In the afternoon, delve into the rich history of ancient Chiang Mai. Explore the remnants of the old city walls, gates, and moat, and wander through lively markets. Visit Wat Suan Dok, where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred, offering a glimpse into the city’s regal past. Continue your journey to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, majestically perched on a mountain and considered the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Participate in a private blessing ceremony and witness the enchanting evening chanting of the monks. Conclude your visit with a breathtakingly romantic view over Chiang Mai, illuminated by millions of glittering lights before returning to your hotel.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

This morning check out from your hotel and embark on a scenic journey northeast towards Chiang Rai with your private driver. Chiang Rai is celebrated for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Known as the Golden Triangle, this beautiful region borders the Mekong, Myanmar and Laos. Upon arrival enjoy a captivating half-day sightseeing tour. Begin with a transfer to the Hilltribe Education Center and Museum, where you'll gain deep insights into the rich history and culture of the hilltribe people who have inhabited the region for centuries. Next, hop on a samlor (rickshaw) for a scenic ride to the main market area, immersing yourself in the vibrant local life of Chiang Rai. Continue your journey to Wat Phra Kaew, renowned for its brass and copper Buddha image. Conclude your tour with a visit to t Wat Rong Khun, admired for its unique kanok-style architecture. You will then continue to your hotel, a luxury tented camp in the jungles of the Golden Triangle with an on site Elephant Sanctuary.

Hotel: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand

Begin your day with breakfast at the camp’s restaurant, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the jungle. You will then be able to partake in an unforgettable elephant experience. Meet the gentle giants at the camp’s elephant sanctuary. Learn about their care and conservation efforts, followed by an opportunity to feed and interact with them. You can also join the mahouts in their daily routine, walking with the elephants through the jungle and even participate in a traditional mud bath with the elephants should you so choose. After a light lunch return to the camp for a rejuvenating spa treatment and evening at leisure.

Hotel: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand

This morning, check out of your hotel and embark on a private transfer to the dock. Here, board the exquisite riverboat, Gypsy. As you set sail along the Mekong River from Thailand to Laos, indulge in welcome cocktails and canapés. Settle in for a night aboard this elegant two-cabin vessel, where you’ll be treated to five-star amenities and exceptional service.

Hotel: Mekong Gypsy

Start your day with a meditation session on deck before exploring some local villages. Venture into local villages, starting with Ban Houy Phalam, a Kamu village celebrated for its traditional weaving and scarf production. Continue to Pak Beng, where you’ll visit its temple, Hmong hill tribe village, and a nearby elephant camp. Return to the boat in the evening to enjoy a gourmet dinner on board, followed by a delightful tasting of local spirits.

Hotel: Mekong Gypsy

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session and a delicious breakfast as you approach Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Laos. Before arrival you may choose to explore the renowned Pak Ou Caves, home to a myriad of Buddha statues. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer from the boat to your hotel for check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Hotel: Rosewood Luang Prabang

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel to commence your city tour. Begin with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you’ll delve into the history of Laos. Stroll to Wat Mai, famous for its intricate golden bas-relief, and then to Wat Sensoukarahm, known for its striking golden façade. Conclude the morning with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos' most significant temples. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or a nearby restaurant for lunch at your convenience. This afternoon your guide will meet you at your hotel with adapted bikes for an afternoon ride. Your first stop will be the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to the diverse ethnic minorities of Laos. Discover traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts, and gain valuable insights into Lao culture. Next, cycle to the Phousi Market, where you can mingle with locals and sample fresh produce and exotic fruits. Return to your hotel by bike, and prepare for a culinary adventure. At the renowned 'Tamarind' restaurant, participate in a cooking class that begins with an introduction to key ingredients in Lao cuisine. Under the guidance of a friendly chef, learn traditional cooking techniques and prepare a variety of Lao dishes. If you prefer a more active day then we can suggest a beautiful hike and picnic lunch where you will be able to swim in the cool waters of the Kuang Si waterfall.

Hotel: Rosewood Luang Prabang

Check out of your hotel this morning and meet your private driver for a transfer to the airport. Today you will fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide and driver and travel to your hotel for check-in. Hanoi, a city of striking contrasts, seamlessly blends the modern with the traditional, the chaotic with the serene, offering a sensory experience like no other. Enjoy an afternoon of independent sightseeing or relax at your hotel.

Hotel: Capella Hanoi

Embark on a half-day guided tour of Hanoi’s diverse highlights with a private driver and guide. Begin your exploration at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in 1076, also known as Van Mieu. This historic temple complex was dedicated to educating the country’s elite, including royalty and mandarins, for nearly 800 years. Continue your journey with a stroll through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter. Navigate the maze of bustling alleyways and uncover hidden gems while learning about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the lively streets on foot. After your immersive introduction to Hanoi’s treasures, return to your hotel.

Hotel: Capella Hanoi

Check out of your hotel and enjoy a transfer to the airport where you will board your domestic flight bound for Danang. Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. This luxury resort will be the perfect spot to unwind while immersing yourself in the cultural treasures of Hoi An.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Enjoy the morning at leisure relaxing by the pool or on the beach at the hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Hoi An’s ancient town center with a private driver and local guide. Explore historic merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the vibrant local market. After this enriching exploration, return to your hotel ahead of a special sunset experience. Enjoy a ride in a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, where you will enjoy refreshment while watching the traditional ritual of local fisherman at dusk.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Today you may either choose to enjoy a day of leisure relaxing at the resort or embark on a full day adventure to the city of Hue with a private driver and guide. While it’s impossible to explore every facet of this historic city in a single day, this tour provides a superb overview of its culture and history. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel. Wander through its grand grounds, marveling at the structures that once epitomized the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. Listen to fascinating tales of the majestic buildings and their former emperors, and see areas scarred by both ancient and modern conflicts, gaining insight into Hue’s significant military history. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive through Hue’s picturesque countryside to Khai Dinh’s tomb. This striking complex, a fusion of traditional Vietnamese and European design elements, offers a unique perspective on the Nguyen Dynasty’s legacy. After this final visit, return to your hotel in Hoi An.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Check out of your hotel this morning and enjoy a private transfer to Danang ahead of your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon and once hailed as the ‘Pearl of Indochina,’ the city is renowned for its impressive architectural diversity and colorful history. From its ornate pagodas and colonial-era buildings to modern skyscrapers, the city offers a fascinating journey through time. Upon arrival at the airport meet your private driver and guide to embark on a walking tour of the historic city center and central business district. Admire the architectural grandeur of the City Hall, stroll along Dong Khoi Street, and view the iconic Continental Hotel and Saigon Opera House. Continue on foot to the Central Post Office, where you can also spot the former CIA building, notable for its role in one of the final helicopter evacuations of 1975. Take a leisurely stroll to visit the Reunification Palace. Preserved in its 1970s splendor, the palace features intriguing ‘war rooms’ and opulent displays that offer a fascinating look into Vietnam’s history. Conclude your tour at Ben Thanh Market, a bustling local market that has been a central fixture for both residents and travelers. With its array of stalls and lively atmosphere, it provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant market culture before returning to the tranquility of a luxury hotel for the evening.

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon

This morning, after breakfast head out with your private driver and guide for a half day tour where you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and if time permits the War Remnants Museum. The afternoon will be free for independent sightseeing and shopping at your leisure.

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon

Today you will travel to the airport ahead of your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the legendary temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Arrive in Siem Reap on a morning flight and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the final capital of the Great Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman VII. Surrounded by an 8-meter high wall, the city is a perfectly square fortress. Enter through the grand South Gate, adorned with carvings of three-headed elephants and topped by four colossal faces. Continue to Bayon Temple, located at the heart of the city. This 12th-century marvel is celebrated for its imposing towers, each featuring enigmatic faces of Buddha that gaze across the former empire, and its murals depicting daily life in Angkor. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, known for their intricate relief carvings, are also essential stops. As the sun begins to set, unwind with a serene gondola paddle boat cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom, taking in the breathtaking sunset over the Prasat Chrung temple before returning to your hotel.

Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

This morning, take a respite from temple exploration to immerse yourself in authentic rural life. Journey to the outskirts of Siem Reap with a private driver and guide where you will board a private wooden boat for a trip to Tonle Sap Lake. As you cruise, observe the houses lining the canal, which may be either directly on the water or elevated on stilts, depending on the season. Glide past boats and fishing nets as local fishermen ply their trade, and witness floating houses that shift location with the changing water levels. Enjoy a special lunch in a family home, offering an intimate glimpse into local life as you sit in a stilted house and watch boats navigate the canal. Later, embark on a distinctive tour of Angkor Wat by Remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk). While sunrise visits are popular, Angkor Wat is particularly spectacular in the afternoon light. Ascend to the upper platform before 5:00 PM to avoid the crowds and marvel at the Vishnu image in the central sanctuary, illuminated by the setting sun. This evening you will attend the Phare Cambodian Circus Show. Founded by Khmer Rouge refugees, Phare uses performing arts to address trauma and preserve traditional Khmer culture. The hour-long performance, featuring a blend of song, dance, and acrobatics, portrays modern Cambodian life through a captivating display of both traditional and contemporary influences. Following the show, there will be an opportunity for photos with the performers, and afterward, you can choose to visit the night market, or return to your hotel for dinner.

Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your chauffeur for a transfer to the airport ahead of your flight home.