Ancient Kingdoms of South East Asia
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, via Taipei.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel before a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Our city tour includes a walk in historic central Saigon, followed by a visit to the Reunification Palace, stormed by tanks in 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Continue to the War Remnants Museum showcasing Vietnam War history. In the afternoon, explore Chinatown and Ben Thanh Market.
Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels—the incredible underground military base hand-dug by the Viet Cong. Later, fly to Hanoi.
We explore the narrow lanes and traditional shops of Vietnam’s charming capital. We’ll see the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the Stilt House, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. We’ll also attend a traditional Water Puppet Show. Tonight, we’ll enjoy an exciting Street Food Tour in the historic streets of Old Hanoi—including a visit to the renowned Bun Cha restaurant, where Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain famously dined!
Travel by coach to Halong Bay. Board a traditional wooden junk and cruise through beautiful islands, granite towers and rock formations. Many islets have wonderful caves and grottos.
Return to Hanoi and visit the Ethnology Museum before flying to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Experience the relaxed charm of Vientiane’s beautiful temples, tree-lined boulevards and colourful markets. Tour That Luang—Laos’ most important national monument— and the Royal Temple, a museum with fine Buddhist sculptures. Lastly, shop for expertly made Lao fabrics at the morning market.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Vang Vieng. Enroute, explore Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave), known for its imposing limestone formations. Next, we'll head to the Blue Lagoon, offering a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the picturesque surroundings. Finally, we'll embark on a relaxed boat ride along the Namsong River, soaking in the breathtaking sunset scenery against the spectacular backdrop of the Laotian mountains.
Continue to Luang Prabang, stopping enroute at a local village and Elephant Cave with Buddha images and elephant-shaped stalactites.
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage town brimming with historic temples and colonial buildings. Visit key monasteries and temples, including the oldest from 1513, and the National Museum, once a Royal Residence. After, discover Wat Mai, a group of hilltop temples with stunning views.
Traverse the Mekong River by boat until you reach the steep limestone cliffs and Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style. On the return journey, stop at a local village for a glimpse of daily life.
Journey through Laos’ vibrant countryside to Kuang Si Falls. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls flowing into turquoise pools, and enjoy lunch. On the return to Luang Prabang, visit a paper-making village to discover this ancient artistry.
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and proceed to Ton Le Sap Lake for a cruise among the floating homes and small fish farms. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance show.
Discover Angkor Thom’s fortified city, featuring famous landmarks like the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper Kings, and the mysterious Bayon Temple. Visit Ta Prohm, a jungle-entwined favourite, and conclude at magnificent Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s sensational national symbol.
Take a scenic drive across ancient laterite bridges to visit incredible pre-Angkorian monuments enroute to Phnom Penh.
Explore Cambodia’s fascinating capital. Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, then the National Museum. Optionally, visit the Museum of Genocide—an interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge—and the Killing Fields, a now-peaceful historical site where thousands of people were killed and buried in mass graves.
Fly home via Taipei.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
