1 Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Criss-crossed by mopeds, shaded by banyan trees and centered around its tranquil lakes, Hanoi is an immersive introduction to Vietnam. Its vintage neighborhoods are threaded with boulevards lined by colonial villas, temples and local shops, while a contemporary energy emerges through its dining and design scene. Beneath it all, the city’s history remains ever present, best experienced at street level among bustling markets, food stalls and pavement bars.
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2 Hanoi – City & Street Life
Discover Hanoi’s history with a guided tour of its key landmarks. Learn about the life of Ho Chi Minh with visits to his mausoleum and stilt house, then continue to the One Pillar Pagoda and Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Later, set out on a culinary and cultural tour, visiting Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and exploring local markets. Sample iconic dishes such as pho, banh cuon and bun cha, ending the evening among the lively crowds enjoying bia hoi.
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3 Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Landscapes
Travel to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters. Board your cruise and begin exploring Lan Ha Bay, taking in the scenery as you sail past jungle-covered islets. Spend the afternoon exploring the bay, with opportunities to swim or kayak, or enjoy the ship’s facilities.
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4 Ha Long Bay – Caves & CoastlinesBegin the day with an optional tai chi session on deck before heading out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave by traditional rowing boat. Glide through a low passage into a quiet lagoon surrounded by lush trees and limestone cliffs. Later, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
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5 Da Nang – Son Tra Peninsula WildlifeSet out into the jungle of Son Tra Peninsula in search of the red-shanked douc langur, often called the “Queen of Primates.” Accompanied by an expert guide, walk through forest trails while learning about the region’s biodiversity. While sightings are not guaranteed, the experience offers remarkable insight into this protected habitat. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at your resort or enjoy the coastal setting.
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6 Da Nang – Hoi An TraditionsTravel to the outskirts of Hoi An for a hands-on introduction to traditional farming and fishing practices. Join local farmers in the fields to learn techniques such as plowing, planting and preparing rice, then continue to the river to try fishing from a traditional basket boat. Continue into Hoi An’s Old Town, sampling local specialties such as black sesame soup, learning about the ancient art of calligraphy and visiting landmarks including the Fukien Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
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7 Siem Reap, Cambodia – Gateway To The Angkor TemplesAcross the border in Siem Reap, dynamic markets pulse with energy as smoky outdoor grills infuse the air with tantalizing aromas. Chic modern restaurants and stylish coffee shops offer a contemporary twist, blending seamlessly with the city’s old-world charm. At Angkor Wat, just three miles beyond the city limits, the awe of Cambodia’s architectural masterpiece awaits.
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8 Siem Reap – Angkor Wat At SunriseUnlock the secrets of Angkor with curated, crowd-beating experiences designed for the whole family. Witness sunrise over the iconic spires of Angkor Wat; breakfast amid the evocative royal baths of Srah Srang on a private, Khmer-style picnic; explore the root-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm, brought to the big screen in Tomb Raider; and cycle onwards through the Gate of the Dead towards the fascinating complex of Bayon. Cap off this epic day of adventure with a sunset quad bike excursion.
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9 Siem Reap – Kayaking Tonle SapAfter a traditional monks’ blessing, kayak through the floating villages of Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here, visit the floating fishing village of Mechrey and explore the native mangroves.
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10 Luang Prabang – Heritage & ExpressionBegin the day with a hands-on workshop alongside performers from Phare, the Cambodian Circus, where you learn basic acrobatics and performance techniques while gaining insight into the organization’s work supporting local youth. Continue to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed site where temples, colonial architecture and riverside life define the city. On arrival, take in the atmosphere of this former royal capital, where Buddhist traditions and daily life remain closely connected.
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11 Luang Prabang – Elephant EncounterExplore the exhibits of the Royal Palace Museum; evocative Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest operating temple; Wat Xieng Thong, with its impressive Tree of Life mosaic; and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, devoted to Laos’ ethnic diversity. Then, venture into the remote jungle of northern Laos, where you visit an elephant sanctuary.
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12 Luang Prabang – Hidden WondersRise early to participate in the daily ceremonial offering of food to local monks. Then, take a dip amid the three-tiered cascades of Kuang Si Waterfall or explore the forest trails. Next, encounter the rare Asiatic black bear at the Bear Rescue Center; see how families make artisanal cheese, yogurt and ice cream at the Laos Buffalo Dairy; and explore Laos’ silk weaving tradition at Ock Pop Tock. Later, partake in an evening Baci ceremony, a Laotian ritual of welcome and blessing dating back to the eighth century. Finally, embark on a sunset cruise of the Mekong River.
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13 Depart Luang PrabangMeals: