Home 5 Itineraries 5 Highlights of Southeast Asia

Highlights of Southeast Asia

34 Days

6 Countries

21 Experiences

Type:

Cultural | Multi-Country

Travel Itinerary

Day 1
Bangkok in Thailand



Transfer from airport to hotel



The St Regis Bangkok ★★★★★ (3 nights)

Day 2

Bangkok city highlights Temple and Market Walking tour

Explore the heart of Bangkok’s culture with a day trip starting at River City Bangkok. Visit the historic amulet market Wat Phra Kaew, the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Discover the Grand Palace, consider a side trip to Wat Pho, the birthplace of Thai massage, and end your journey at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, known for its iconic 70-meter tower adorned in colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Immerse yourself in the essence of Bangkok’s temples in just one day.

Day 3

Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market

Embark on a day tour from Bangkok, exploring the unique Maeklong Railway Market and the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Witness the vibrant Maeklong Railway Market in action, where stalls are pulled back for passing trains. Then, navigate the colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by paddleboat, enjoying local specialties. Your guide ensures a seamless experience. Return to Bangkok after immersing yourself in the charm of these two distinctive markets.

Day 4
Chang Mai



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai


Transfer from airport to hotel



Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai ★★★★★ (3 nights)

Day 5

Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit

Experience a hands-on Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai. Begin with a market visit and an organic farm to select fresh ingredients harvest vegetables and collect eggs. Return to the classroom, follow your English-speaking instructor’s guidance, and cook three to four authentic Thai dishes, including making curry paste. Share a meal with your group and exchange stories before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 6

Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

Experience the best of Doi Inthanon National Park with this tour from Chiang Mai. Enjoy the scenic drive to Wachirathan Waterfall, then visit the Twin Royal Pagodas for breathtaking views. Have a delicious lunch and head to the Elephant Village for an immersive jungle adventure. Learn about and feed elephants, hike with them, and even swim at a hidden waterfall. Wrap up the day with a refreshing shower before the return to Chiang Mai City.

Day 7
Luang Prabang in Laos



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang


Transfer from airport to hotel



Hotel Amantaka ★★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 8

Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Waterfalls tour

Start your day in Luang Prabang with the mesmerizing almsgiving ceremony at 5:15 am (or 5:45 am from November to February). After a visit to the morning market and breakfast, resume the tour around 8:30 am. Explore the city’s charm at a park, visit Wat Xieng Thong, and learn about Luang Prabang-style temples. Discover neighboring temples, including Wat Sene and the Royal Palace Museum, for insights into Lao history. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice. In the afternoon, visit Ban Xang Khong, the UXO Lao Visitor Center, and Wat Wisunarat. Conclude the day with a climb up Phousi Hill for a breathtaking sunset view over the city and its temples.

Day 9
Vang Vieng



Transfer from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng



Riverside Boutique Resort ★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 10

Hot Air Balloon in Vang Vieng

Embark on an exhilarating hot air balloon adventure in Vang Vieng, in the tranquility of the Lao countryside. Soar above the breathtaking Nathong valley and marvel at the dramatic karst cliffs surrounding this picturesque destination. With a friendly crew, experience the thrill of drifting in a medium-sized balloon (max 8 Pax) for an unforgettable journey. Enjoy awe-inspiring views and the unique perspective hot air ballooning offers, where each flight is an adventure dictated by the wind. Whether floating above the village rice fields or reaching heights to glimpse Nam Ngum Lake, this experience promises moments of wonder and discovery.

Day 11
Vientiane



Private transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane




Settha Palace ★★★★★ (1 night)

Day 12
Hanoi in Vietnam



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Vientiane to Hanoi


Transfer from airport to hotel



Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel ★★★★★ (3 nights)

Day 13

Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit

Discover Hanoi’s culinary delights on a journey starting at No.47 Hàng Bông Street. Enjoy Vietnamese favorites like pillowcakes and shrimp cakes at traditional restaurants. Witness the creation of banh cuon at a local eatery and savor a unique dry mixed Pho. Indulge in the traditional dessert chè and catch a taxi to the train street for a unique train-watching experience. Relish egg coffees at a trackside shop before concluding the tour back at the meeting point.

Day 14

1-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise w/ Titop Island & Luon Cave

Embark on a full-day journey to Halong Bay starting with a shuttle bus pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter. Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau Harbour, where you’ll board a cruise to explore the turquoise waters, stunning rock formations, and beautiful Sung Sot cave. Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board and take a kayak or bamboo boat to Luon Cave. Pass by Titop Island for a refreshing dip or a trek to Titop Peak. Wind down with a sunset party featuring red wine, french fries, cakes, and fruits. Return to Hanoi Old Quarter around 21:00, concluding a memorable day in Halong Bay.

Day 15
Ho Chi Minh City



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City


Transfer from airport to hotel



Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel ★★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 16

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta on a full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City. Begin with a hotel pickup and travel to Cu Chi Tunnels for a historical journey. Afterward, indulge in local Vietnamese cuisine before heading to My Tho for a Mekong River boat ride. Experience a sampan ride, visit a bee house, and enjoy local fruits. Conclude with a live local music performance before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. This tour offers a condensed yet comprehensive experience of Southern Vietnam.

Day 17
Siem Reap in Cambodia



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap


Transfer from airport to hotel



Hotel Amansara ★★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 18

Full Day Angkor Wat Temple Experience with Sunset

Embark on a full-day tour of Cambodia’s iconic sites. Start by obtaining the Angkor pass, then explore Angkor Thom’s highlights, including the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of Elephants. Visit the overgrown Ta Prohm temple and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Discover palm cake making in the village of “Phum Preah Dak.” In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Angkor Wat with its intricate decorations and longest bas-relief. Conclude the day with a climb up Phnom Bakheng for sunset before returning to your hotel.

Day 19


Transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh



Raffles Hotel Le Royal ★★★★★ (1 night)

Day 20

Phnom Penh City Tour

See the highlights of Phnom Penh and learn more about the history of Cambodia, starting with the Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong. Explore the palace complex to admire the Khmer architecture on the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. See the magnificent Silver Pagoda made of 5,329 silver tiles, and hear about different Khmer kings, resident at all times, except during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Gaze in awe at the jeweled Buddha statues and the Angkor Wat-style Bell Tower. Learn about the turbulent years of the Khmer Rouge at the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum, located in a former high school that was used as the notorious Security Prison 21. See exhibits that tell the stories of some of the estimated 20,000 prisoners murdered and dumped in the notorious Killing Fields.



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Phnom Penh to Seoul

Day 21
Seoul in South Korea



Transfer from airport to hotel



Hotel Four Seasons Seoul ★★★★★ (2 nights)

Day at leisure to rest and explore the city

Day 22

Seoul Royal Palaces Tour

Spend a morning in Seoul visiting highlights including Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the National Folk Museum. You’ll also stop for photo ops outside the Presidential Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) and Gwanghwamun Gate during the changing of the guards. You will be dropped off at either City Hall or Insadong.

Day 23
Busan



Take a taxi from hotel to train station


Train from Seoul to Busan


Transfer from train station to hotel



Park Hyatt Busan ★★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 24

Traditional Korean Food Cooking Class in Busan

Join a Korean cooking class near Busan’s Haeundae beach. Experience hands-on cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and savor your creations on a traditional personal dining table, Bapsang. The class includes a welcome drink, a tasting of Korean sauces, and a tea and dessert session. Suitable for all levels, with certificates and surprise gifts provided.

Day 25
Tokyo in Japan



Transfer from hotel to airport


Flight from Gimhae to Tokyo


Transfer from airport to hotel



Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo Hotel ★★★★★ (3 nights)

Day 26

Explore Otaku Culture Akihabara Anime Tour

Akihabara is a major hub for a wide range of Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, games, and J-pop. As you leave the station, you’ll immediately be immersed in a heavenly world of anime, with neon signs and captivating advertisements decorating the flashy town. Start off your tour by exploring the hidden electronic shops under the train tracks, where businesses have been thriving since post-World War II. Then head over to Akihabara Radio Kaikan, an 11-story building filled with popular anime merchandise and games. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable local guide will take you to all the best stores and gaming arcades so you can really experience the town like a local. Gain valuable insight into the buzzing Electric Town that you would never get going on your own.

Day 27

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Highlights

Make the most of cherry blossom season in Tokyo with a private tour of some of the best places across the city to admire the flowers. The exact itinerary varies depending on timing and seasonal factors but may include Ueno Park, the Imperial Palace Gardens, and Senso-ji Temple. Also, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market for a meal of tasty sushi.

Day 28
Hakone



Take a taxi from hotel to train station



Train from Tokyo to Hakone



Kinnotake Tonosawa Hotel ★★★★ (2 nights)

Day 29

Hike the Hakone Hachiri

Embark on an 8km historical hike through the Hakone Mountains, exploring the Old Tokaido Highway’s highlights like Amasake Tea House, Lake Ashi, and Mishima Shrine. Transportation includes walking, buses, and shared taxis, suitable for beginners. Learn about Japan’s Edo period history, traverse scenic paths, and see Mt. Fuji from different angles. The tour starts at Hakone Yumoto, with the endpoint at Mishima or Odawara Station. Ideal for history enthusiasts.

Day 30
Kyoto




Train from Hakone to Kyoto



Transfer from train station to hotel



Ace Hotel Kyoto ★★★★ (4 nights)

Gion District Guided Walking Tour at Night with Snack

Enjoy the enchanting nightlife of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. As the sun sets, the streets come to life with beautifully illuminated lanterns, elegant restaurants, charming bars, and traditional teahouses. Wander around the traditional backstreets, visit offbeat temples and shrines, and may even get to catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko on their way to entertain guests (not guaranteed). Go on this guided walking tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide who will help you explore Hanamikoji Street (one of the best-preserved historic streets), Yasaka Shrine (also known as Gion Shrine), and more. Learn about the rich history, architecture, and customs of the area, and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s culture and traditions.

Day 31

Sakura & Kiyomizu-dera

Discover the charming neighborhood of Higashiyama during the cherry blossom (sakura) season by traditional Rickshaw on a private tour. You will see the the Sakura (cherry blossoms) at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, followed by a tour through the Gion area on a rickshaw (admission fees are included).

Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Start your tea ceremony experience by entering through the main gates of the Jotoku-ji Temple. Whilst walking through the temple you are free to admire the architecture and stand by the purification fountain. You will then realize a traditional purification ritual, a completely unique and insightful experience for Western visitors. Afterward, you will remove your shoes at the entrance of the Grand Tearoom, and in your group, proceed inside to take your seat. Get the chance to sample matcha tea at its best. The Tea Master will guide you throughout, showing and explaining every step of the way. Throughout the ceremony, you will be taught the fine art of drinking matcha tea and learn about the importance of the ceremony.

Day 32

Day tour to Nara

Explore Nara on a day trip from Kyoto. Begin at Nara Park, home to 1,200 tame deer. Visit Todaiji Temple with Japan’s largest Great Buddha statue and stroll to Nigatsu-do for city views. Enjoy local specialty Kakinohazushi for lunch. Explore Kasugataisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and the Kokuhokan Museum. Conclude with a stroll through Nara-machi, the oldest town, and optional traditional activities.

Day 33

Private Arashiyama Half-Day Trip from Kyoto

The Heian period is for the Japanese as the Ancient Greek and Roman eras are for Europeans. Many of the foundational ideas, beliefs, and customs, as well as defining paintings, poetry, and works of literature were developed during that period, leading some to consider the Heian period as the primary period of development for Japanese culture. Not coincidentally, Heian-Kyo is also the former name of Kyoto, which was at the center of this profound period of development. On your Arashiyama Tour, you will travel back in time to this integral period of growth on an excursion to the quiet enclave of Arashiyama on the outskirts of Kyoto, visiting villas, temples, and unspoiled forests to unearth how Japanese identity came about during this fertile period.

Day 34


Transfer from hotel to airport


Fly home