Immerse yourself in Southeast Asia's rich cultural heritage and explore its natural wonders in 15 days. Cover the highlights of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Experience the essence of Vietnam by making your way from the northern to the southern part of the country. Explore the spirituality of Cambodia by concluding your trip at Siem Reap, the home of the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.
Over this journey, you will discover delicious cuisines, diverse cultures, and stunning natural splendor. We are devoted to making your lifelong Southeast Asia dream come true: capture breathtaking photos, walk alongside elephants in their natural home, and learn about daily life in the region by connecting with locals, and more.
Highlights
- Soak up the exotic charm of Thailand's capital city - Bangkok.
- Trek up the sacred mountain, Doi Suthep, and interact with the amazing elephants in Chiang Mai.
- Indulge in the extraordinary seascape of Ha Long Bay.
- Learn about the turbulent history of Ho Chi Minh City and experience its vitality on a rickshaw ride.
- Travel to 'the golden rice bowl' of Vietnam, Mekong Delta, and learn about its farming and fishing traditions.
- Venture into the heart of Siem Reap and explore the soul of Cambodia ' Angkor Wat.
Journey Route
Itinerary in Detail
This sample itinerary provides inspiration, yet your preferences design the real journey. Following our Tailor-made Guidelines to create a wonderful India holiday in your way.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Take the rest of the day off to recover from jetlag or wander around your hotel.
The charming capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is an exotic destination for every traveler.
The Wat Pho temple complex is home of the most revered reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, in honor of which Buddhist monks perform rituals daily. When the morning sunlight touches the orange robes of monks and the hall echoes with pious chanting, you will feel lucky to be part of this holy ceremony.
After a visit to the landmark of Bangkok, Grand Palace, you can take a relaxing ride on a long-tail boat though the ancient canals of Thonburi to a royal temple ' Wat Arun.
Enjoy your delicious lunch, and then head to China Town. Wander through the old but bustling market at your own pace, and experience a different side of Bangkok.
Make your way north to Chiang Mai, and be dazzled by its beauty. Private airport transfers are provided in both cities.
Pay a visit to the vibrant food and flower market in the morning, and delight in various fresh fruits and fragrant flowers. Continue to Wat Suan Dok, the final resting place of the ashes of the former kings of Chiang Mai and the Thai royal family.
Discover the iconic mountain, Doi Suthep, a sacred place where locals still offer worship. The stunning scenery on the way will slow your steps ' just set your own pace and breathe in the fresh air. Then, stop by at the sacred Wat Phra That. On reaching the summit, you will behold a superb panoramic view of the city.
Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy a 20-minute rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of the old town before returning to your hotel.
Depart from Chiang Mai and drive through the idyllic countryside for 1? hours to a Karen village, where you will meet with giant elephants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
You can spend the day feeding, bathing, washing, and accompanying the elephants as they roam around. Take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch on a raised platform overlooking the picturesque river and jungle.
Before changing from your temporary overalls to your own clothes, you can swim in the river and wash away the tiredness and mud in fresh, clear water.
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.
Take the rest of the day off to explore the city on your own.
The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, is rich in culture and history. Learn about this interesting place by visiting its top attractions, including the memorable Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, historic Temple of Literature, unique One Pillar Pagoda, and informative Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Take a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter to experience the daily life of Hanoians.
Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.
Depart Hanoi to picturesque Halong Bay, which is a World Natural Heritage Area.
Climb aboard and start your journey through this spectacular place. Rowing through hidden channels, venture into the mythical Trinh Nu Cave. Lay back, enjoy a relaxing sunbath, and feast your eyes on the everchanging scenery of this extraordinary landscape. Or you can entertain yourself with fun activities: swimming, fishing, participating in cooking competitions, and more.
Have a relaxed morning with tasty coffee and leisurely activities on the sundeck. If you want to try some new activities in the morning, you could kayak in the scenic Ha Long Bay or practice your Tai Chi on the sundeck.
Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport and catch your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast and take in Ho Chi Minh City's highlights at a slow and easy pace.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office,and Reunification Palace are must-sees, if you want to have an overview of this dynamic city. Hop on a local cyclo (rickshaw) and catch a glimpse of city life by roaming around bustling streets and quiet alleys.
Visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels. The massive, old military equipment in the museum remind us of the cruelties of war. The hidden and winding Cu Chi Tunnels stand testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese during hardship.
Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and go on a 1? hours' drive to Ben Tre, 'the golden rice bowl' of Vietnam. You will be greeted by lush paddy fields, fresh tropical fruits, stilt houses, and fish farms.
Take a motorboat ride though waterways to Turtle Island, where you can have a close look at the delta's farming and fishing lifestyles and coconut industry. Row a sampan boat to meet friendly locals in a village, savor the handmade honey tea, and enjoy the fascinating folk song performance.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City after enjoying your lunch at My Tho.
Your exciting Vietnam journey ends and mythical Cambodia awaits you. Private transfers between hotels and airports are provided in both cities.
Cross the ancient moat and venture into the heart of Angkor Wat, an unparalleled temple complex blended with towering trees. It is a truly breathtaking sight!
Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, look back on the illustrious achievements of the Khmer Empire while strolling through Angkor Thom. Uncover the story of Bayon and greet its smiling faces, guarding the imperial city in the long river of history. Wander around Ta Prohm in the shadow of towering trees, and witness their giant roots devouring the ruins. Cross the extraordinary Preah Khan and immerse yourself in its grandeur.
Continue your journey discovering Cambodia's cultural treasures by visiting Banteay Srei, which is the jewel of Khmer art. Stop by at the Land Mine Museum, where you will be touched by the persistence of Cambodian efforts to clear life-threatening land mines.
Take an ox cart ride through a country road lined with palm trees and surrounded by rice fields.Move on to visit Tonle Sap Lake, and take a boat ride to Kampong Phlukk, also named Harbor of the Tusks, as it was a major harbor for elephant trade in the past.
Continue your visit to a mangrove forest nearby and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the lake before returning to your hotel.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-mtc-2
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR
Why Travel with Asia Highlights
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Every step of your trip, you will be looked after by your 1:1 travel consultant based in Asia.
- No-risk booking: We refund as much as we can and adapt flexibly to unexpected changes.
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