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.
We depart this evening for Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), via Bangkok
Arrive in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city at your own pace, before indulging in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
We begin our day in lively Ho Chi Minh City, strolling Dong Khoi Street and visiting colonial landmarks, the Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum. In Cholon, explore Binh Tay Market and experience the city’s dynamic mix of history, culture, and daily life.
This morning, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels—an ingenious 200 km underground network used by the Viet Cong. Later, fly to Hanoi.
Discover Hanoi’s cultural heritage, from the Temple of Literature to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Later, dive into Hanoi’s street food scene, including the famous Bun Cha restaurant visited by Barack Obama.
We depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay, where we board a charming wooden junk. As we cruise through the bay, we marvel at rock formations and visit the stunning Thien Cung and Dau Go caves.
We return to Hanoi to explore the fascinating Ethnology Museum before flying to Vientiane, the vibrant capital of Laos.
We explore Vientiane, Laos’ relaxed capital, with its golden stupas, tree-lined boulevards, and vibrant markets. Highlights include That Luang, Patuxai, Ho Pha Keo, and Talat Sao the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics.
Today we travel north through Vang Vieng, pausing for a peaceful boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake. Discover Angel Cave’s striking limestone formations, take a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon, and end the day with sunset views over the Nam Song River.
Our first stop is Tham Chang Cave, set high in the cliffs with spectacular panoramic views. We later board the new high-speed train to beautiful UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. Tonight, we experience traditional Lao Cultural dance performances with dinner.
Luang Prabang is a charming town where golden temples meet French colonial charm. Visit Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong, stroll temple-lined streets, and explore the Royal Palace Museum for insight into Laos’ royal heritage and rich cultural traditions.
This morning, we visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary for a meaningful half-day experience—feeding elephants, exploring the village grounds, and watching a Mahout demonstration. In the afternoon, cruise the Mekong River to the sacred Tham Pak Ou Caves and Ban Thing Hong Village for insight into rural life.
Today we travel to Kuang Si Waterfalls, passing rice paddies and small villages. Admire the cascading falls and turquoise pools, enjoy lunch nearby, and take a refreshing dip. Later, visit the Ock Pop Tok Craft Centre and a traditional Sa paper-making village.
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and embark on a scenic cruise across Ton Le Sap lake, where you will drift past floating homes, fish farms, and even a floating police station!
We explore Angkor Thom’s ancient city, including the Bayon Temple and Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. Visit jungle-covered Ta Prohm, then marvel at iconic Angkor Wat. This evening, enjoy a traditional Cambodian Cultural Dance performance.
We drive to Phnom Penh, crossing ancient laterite bridges and passing through Kampong K’dei, before visiting the remarkable pre-Angkorian monuments of Sambor Prei Kuk, with over 100 temple ruins.
Explore Phnom Penh, a city blending past and present. Visit Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. In the afternoon, reflect on Cambodia's history at Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Our farewell dinner is at a local restaurant.
We fly home to Canada, via Hong Kong.
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).
