Treasures of Southeast Asia

Journey into the heart of Southeast Asia for visits to enchanting gold-leafed pagodas shaded by frangipani trees and cultural encounters with the rich ethnic mosaic of its peoples. With veteran Asia Trip Leader Roger Williams, we set out for an in-depth look at the irresistible treasures of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In Laos, we explore exquisite settings like Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom on the Mekong River, as well as Vientiane, with its French-built Presidential Palace, and the mysterious Plain of Jars, where neolithic funerary urns are scattered across a remote plateau. In Vietnam, our north-to-south explorations include graceful Hanoi, breathtaking Halong Bay, where we enjoy an overnight stay on our own private junk, and Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 16th century trading port. Our grand finale is Cambodia, where we visit its tranquil capital, Phnom Penh, then head to the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, a surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples, with three unforgettable days to experience this lasting monument to the glory of a bygone Khmer civilization.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Luang Prabang, Laos

Elegant Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. We stroll the atmospheric streets, explore 15th century temples, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and meet Hmong and Khamu hilltribes in their villages.

Days 4-5
Vientiane / Plain of Jars

In Vientiane, set on the Mekong River, we visit the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, built by King Anouvong in 1818, roam the morning market, then fly to Phonsavan to visit the Plain of Jars, with its prehistoric stone funerary urns scattered across a remote plain by a little-known civilization.

Days 6-8
Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is a thousand-year-old city in the mighty Red River Delta. Among our visits to this ancient capital are the Confucian Temple of Literature, a university for Mandarins founded in 1070, and the 15th century Old Quarter, which we explore by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) and on foot.

Day 9
Private Junk on Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our cruise gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting. Overnight is in private cabins aboard our own traditional two-masted junk.

Days 10-11
Hue

In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, meet the monks of Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the Dong Ba Market.

Days 12-13
Danang / Hoi An

A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to Hoi An, an enchanting 17th century town with a real sense of history on its narrow streets. Hoi An was once a storied trading port in silk and porcelain.

Days 14-15
Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City, still known to the locals as Saigon, is a bustling hub. Our explorations include the famed Cu Chi Tunnels built by the Viet Cong, the French Notre Dame Cathedral, and Eiffel’s distinctive Art Deco Post Office.

Days 16-17
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia’s sleepy capital is graced with temples, French colonial architecture, and tree-lined boulevards. Among our visits is the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture.

Days 18-21
Angkor Wat

We enjoy an in-depth exploration of Angkor Wat, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. Depart from Siem Reap on the afternoon of Day 21.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1+, or Easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. Please note that you are visiting areas where tourism has been relatively limited. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.

Explanation of Trip Levels