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Cosmos
OFFER ID 1551570
With their long histories, interesting cultures, and sprawling landscape, the exciting cities of Southeast Asia offer something for everyone.
Sightseeing tours in Vietnam feature the must-see sites, including Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, and a cruise on the Thu Bon River, where you’ll pass unspoiled countryside. A highlight of the trip is your cruise on Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the world's most amazing limestone formations. You'll sail by islets, caves, beaches, and floating villages.
Continue to Siem Reap to explore the rich history of the Khmer Empire. Explore the spectacular ruins of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Angkor Thom; 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, known for its intricate decorations; and more. You’ll also interact with children at a local school and enjoy authentic local cuisine.
Then it’s onwards to Laos for the old-world charm of beautiful Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi, and Kuang Si Waterfalls. Sail the Mekong by riverboat, and journey to the Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images.
But that’s not all! Fly to Thailand, the land of smiles. In Chiang Mai, explore two famous temples, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Doi Suthep, and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. You’ll then fly to Bangkok to explore Thailand’s capital city. Cruise through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok to see its homes, temples, and the way of life here. Be amazed at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with its signature spire reaching 260 feet in the air. Explore the Grand Palace and Bangkok’s incredible temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha-the oldest and largest in the city.
The perfect conclusion to your southeast Asia experience is the paradise of Phuket. Relax with 3 days of aquamarine water, pristine beaches, and pampering services available if you choose. From the historic sites to the stunning scenery, this tour designed for savvy, value-minded travel lovers is a vacation of a lifetime!
19 nights from $5,421 per person
Highlights Of Southeast Asia With Phuket
Day 1 HANOI, VIETNAM Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 HANOI Today’s included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city’s highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. No strings attached, but we recommend this evening’s optional performance of Hanoi’s famed water puppets. (B,L)
Day 3 HANOI-HA LONG BAY Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island. (B,L)
Day 4 HA LONG BAY–HOI AN Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. (B)
Day 5 HOI AN Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. For lunch, sample Cao Lao noodles, Hoi An’s most famous dish. The smoked, chewy noodles have a distinctive taste and are unique to Hoi An. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 6 HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Today, fly to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! (B)
Day 7 SIEM REAP Today, visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features more than 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 SIEM REAP This morning, visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Unlike the other temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched and is surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruin walls. Experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Visit a local school to interact with the children and help them practice their English. This afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Ever wanted to run off and join the circus? Here’s your chance with an optional performance of Phare Cambodian circus. (B)
Day 9 SIEM REAP-LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 10 LUANG PRABANG Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin your morning by ascending Mount Phousi for beautiful views over the city and Mekong River. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, often thought to be the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. Journey through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools. Return to your hotel where your evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 11 LUANG PRABANG Visit Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed by local residents since the 16th century. Cruise the Mekong through stunning mountainous scenery and float past traditional villages lining the riverbanks. A small fishing village welcomes you with a special Baci ceremony, aiming to bring you good luck. (B,L)
Day 12 LUANG PRABANG–CHIANG MAI, THAILAND Today, fly to the Thai mountain town of Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” (B)
Day 13 CHIANG MAI This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers. (B)
Day 14 CHIANG MAI–ELEPHANT SANCTUARY EXCURSION This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park. (B,L)
Day 15 CHIANG MAI-BANGKOK Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. (B)
Day 16 BANGKOK An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on the return journey. (B,L)
Day 17 BANGKOK–PHUKET Today, fly to Phuket, one of the most popular beach areas in southeast Asia. On arrival, you will be met by a local host and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 18 PHUKET Enjoy your day doing as little or as much as you wish. Visit fabulous beaches, explore Phuket Town for shopping and local specialties, treat yourself to a Thai massage, or simply relax by the pool.
Day 19 PHUKET Another full day at leisure. (B)
Day 20 PHUKET Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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