Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

Your remarkable vacation through Southeast Asia begins today as you arrive in the Thai capital of Bangkok. As your plane touches down, transfer independently to our five-star riverside hotel with the remainder of the day to acclimate to your new surroundings.

Perched on the banks of the broad Chao Phraya River, the hotel has a waterfront garden and an outdoor pool that is perfect for relaxing by. Alternatively, you could venture out to begin your explorations, perhaps enjoying a ride in a tuk tuk. Near our hotel, you can find the historic Wat Ratcha Singkhon temple - built during the Ayutthaya period - or you could board one of the ferries to sail along Thailand's main river and see Bangkok's impressive skyline of golden stupas and shimmering skyscrapers.

This evening, we gather at our hotel for our first dinner together as a group. Overnight Bangkok.

• Dinner

Our discovery of Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles," begins after breakfast today.

With an English-speaking guide, we set out on a tour of Bangkok's most revered sites, beginning near the buzzing Chinatown district. Here, we visit Wat Traimit temple, home to a vast golden buddha that weighs 5.5 tons. Afterward, we explore Wat Pho, the largest temple complex in Bangkok. Laid out with tranquil gardens, ornate stupas and curved finials, the focal point is a stunning, 150-foot-long reclining golden buddha. We continue to the Grand Palace, an expansive array of breathtaking pavilions, palaces and temples. At its heart is the tranquil Emerald Buddha temple, and although the buddha is diminutive, the sense of serenity is incredibly soothing.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we board traditional long-tailed wooden boats to glide along narrow canals called klongs, immersing ourselves in the "Venice of the East." Viewing traditional houses by the waterways, we can even feed the catfish as we sail. We return to our hotel with a free evening to dine independently. Overnight Bangkok.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we leave Bangkok on a coach journey into Thailand's tropical interior. With palm-lined waterways and jungle-draped mountains providing the backdrop, we head to Kanchanaburi.

This forest-covered province borders Myanmar, formerly called Burma, and is known for its wartime history. As prisoners of war, captured Allied troops were forced to undertake the task of building a 258-mile railway connecting Ban Pong in Thailand to Thanbyuzayat in Burma. We learn more about this time at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre before visiting the neighboring Allied War Cemetery.

Continuing along the route of the River Kwai, we arrive at our resort hotel, nestled under the jungle coverings along the banks of the river, in time for lunch. Boarding long-tail boats, we then sail up the River Kwai to visit an ethnic Mon Tribal Village to learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous people who have lived in this area for more than 1,200 years. After meeting our hosts and enjoying a cultural show, we return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight Kanchanaburi.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Under Viscount Slim, forces from the U.K., India and Africa battled Japanese invaders during World War II in inhospitable conditions and became known as the Forgotten Army. The railway built by captured troops has been remembered, though, including in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

We learn about the Burma Railway after breakfast by visiting the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Located near one of the harshest sections of rock to cut through, the center is a memorial to the Allied POWs and Asian laborers and has many exhibits detailing the hardships they experienced. Later, we walk through the cutting to see it for ourselves before embarking on a journey along the Burma Railway. This trip takes us over the actual bridge on the River Kwai into Kanchanaburi, which still stands as a testament to their work more than 80 years ago.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Bangkok for a short flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Arriving this evening, we check into our five-star hotel near the Mekong River. Overnight Vientiane.

• Breakfast, Lunch

As a French protectorate from 1893, landlocked Laos became unified, with Vientiane installed as its capital. As such, this city now boasts many French colonial-inspired buildings, which we view on this morning's sightseeing tour.

Heading out after breakfast, we visit Patuxai, the Victory Gate. Built to commemorate those who fought in World War II and the battle for independence from France, it resembles the Arc de Triomphe, but with Laotian flourishes. From here, we continue to Pha That Luang, one of the most revered shrines in Laos. This golden stupa in the shape of a banana flower rises nearly 150 feet high and is believed to contain a breastbone of the Buddha.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant before we head further into Laos by train. Boarding the Laos-China Railway, we embark on a journey on one of Southeast Asia's most modern and fastest railways that links Vientiane with China's Yunnan province. Traveling to Luang Prabang in two hours at speeds of around 100 mph, we then transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight Luang Prabang.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Rising early today, we embrace the spiritual charm of Luang Prabang by experiencing the Tak Bat ritual. Each day, Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes receive alms in return for blessings. A visit to a fresh fruit market and admiring the city in the glow of a freshly risen sun from Phousi Hill conclude a memorable morning before we head back to the hotel for breakfast.

Afterward, we head to the pier and embark on a cruise along the mighty Mekong. Sailing through peaceful and beautiful landscapes, we can take some time to admire the authentic scenes passing by. Our destination is Pak Ou and the sacred caves that house hundreds of buddha statues in spectacular limestone surroundings on the bank of the river.

Returning to Luang Prabang, there is time to relax at our five-star hotel before attending the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre to view traditional crafts, including weaving. As the sun begins to set, we gather at the riverside to enjoy drinks and soak up this breathtaking atmosphere before an evening at leisure. Overnight Luang Prabang.

• Breakfast

Unassuming yet increasingly popular, the food of Laos blends many familiar aspects of Southeast Asian cuisine but is also distinctive in its own way.

We delve into this exciting culture after an early breakfast as we are driven in tuk tuks to a farm-to-table restaurant to meet one of the region's best chefs. Together, we then visit a traditional market to learn about the fresh produce and buy ingredients for our cookery class. Known for its vibrant colors and flavorful herbs, the market offers insight into Lao cuisine and its traditions as we explore under the guidance of the chef. After, we have the opportunity to enjoy our creations over lunch.

Having experienced the delicious cuisine and magical landscapes of Laos, we head to Luang Prabang airport for a flight to our third country, Vietnam, later today. Arriving in its capital, Hanoi, we check into our five-star hotel in the center of the city, where we dine in the on-site restaurant this evening. Overnight Hanoi.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day in the Vietnamese capital begins with a visit to Ba Dinh Square after breakfast. The centerpiece of this grand square is the granite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the body of the famous Vietnamese revolutionary who declared independence for North Vietnam in 1945.

Lunch is at a local restaurant where we enjoy Vietnamese cuisine before embarking on a three-hour city tour. We visit the Confucian Temple of Literature, originally constructed in the 10th century and altered by later dynasties to honor the nation's finest scholars. A well-preserved example of ancient architecture, landscaped courtyards lead to an ornate altar beneath a redwood pagoda.

Our tour concludes with refreshments at a local coffee shop, and the evening is free for you to continue exploring on your own. One of Hanoi's most curious sights is "Train Street," where you can view a train squeezing through a narrow street, almost touching the shops - but note that trains are more regular on weekends. Later, you can seek out authentic flavors at one of Hanoi's restaurants. Overnight Hanoi.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at our hotel, we leave Hanoi and transfer by coach to Ha Long Bay for a highlight of the vacation.

Translating as "descending dragon," the landscapes of Ha Long Bay are extraordinary and fitting of that name. With jungle-topped islands jutting out of the emerald waters like a partially submerged serpent, this UNESCO-listed collection of towering limestone karst rock formations and isolated sandy beaches is understandably popular. Many day boats just transport tourists around the nearest islands; however, our overnight cruise allows us to travel to quieter, iconic sights. After lunch on board our luxury junk boat, we arrive at Cat Ba Island, where you have the choice of a stroll around the beautiful bay or a gentle bike ride to Viet Hai - a small village nestled in the heart of a national park.

Our boat has many great places from which to relax ahead of dinner on board. As the sun dips below the horizon, absorb the views of a breathtaking sunset before spending the night in your cabin. Overnight boat.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaking in Ha Long Bay, early risers can enjoy sunrise and a tranquil tai chi session amidst this astonishing landscape, with breakfast served later as we cruise to the center of the bay. One of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Ha Long Bay is Trinh Nu, spanning over 25,000 square feet. You can walk amongst the ethereal stalactites and stalagmites or join an included, organized kayak trip into the cave and around the lagoon.

Disembarking back on shore later, a coach transfer takes us back to Hanoi, where we observe a traditional water puppet show. Strongly influenced by Vietnamese folklore, this art form dates to the 11th century and has a symbolic link to the rice harvest, as these tales were originally performed in flooded rice fields.

Tonight, we leave the capital aboard the Reunification Express on an overnight journey to Hue in private-use cabins. As the name suggests, this route honors the unification of Vietnam in 1976, and this train is a chance to experience local travel as we journey down the coast to Hue. Overnight train.

• Breakfast, Brunch

Watching the scenery pass by our windows as we enjoy a picnic breakfast on board, the Reunification Express rolls into Hue this morning. This historic city is smaller and calmer than Hanoi, and with an early check-in at our grand five-star hotel, there is time to relax before lunch is served.

This afternoon, we embark on a sightseeing tour, uncovering Hue's main attraction: the impressive Imperial Citadel that was the Nguyen Dynasty's capital from 1802 to 1945. Modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City and often called the Purple Forbidden City, the expansive palace complex is surrounded by a series of moats fed by the Perfume River. So-called because of the orchard leaves that fall into it upstream during autumn, the broad Perfume River flows in front of the palace grounds. Lavish pagodas, temple roofs decorated with dragon motifs and attractive gardens are guarded by towering walls dotted with ten ornate gates.

Later, we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal Buddhist temple built in 1601 that has become a symbol of Vietnam, before an evening at leisure. Overnight Hue.

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we soak up the atmosphere at the Dong Ba market, the oldest in Hue, where we see stalls selling everything from fresh produce and street food to conical hats with poems woven into them.

Afterward, we hop back on the Reunification Express for a journey down the verdant coast in Soft Seat class. On arrival in Da Nang, we explore the Cham Museum, learning about the art and sculptures of the Champa civilization that flourished along the coast from the 2nd century to 1832. We then transfer to the beautiful town of Hoi An, renowned for its monthly lantern festivals, night markets and bespoke tailors who make suits in just a few hours.

We check into our five-star hotel on the riverbank. Art Nouveau in style, our elegant and refined hotel has a pool in the central courtyard and the town's highest rooftop bar, providing spectacular views across Hoi An. With three nights in this enchanting city, our first evening is free to begin leisurely explorations and dine independently. Overnight Hoi An.

• Breakfast

A guided walking tour after breakfast reveals one of the most charming and attractive towns in Vietnam, Hoi An. Tan Ky Old house reflects Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese influences and was constructed in 1741 by merchants, the descendants of whom still live on the top floor. Here, we admire the dark wood interiors, lacquered panels and jackfruit wood ceilings.

This picturesque town was historically a melting pot of cultures, and we experience this at the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains an ornately decorated temple with porcelain-capped roof ties, and statues of a monkey and a dog. In Japanese folklore, these gods control Namazu, an underground catfish believed to cause earthquakes.

After a traditional lunch at a restaurant, we take part in a hands-on craft experience at a lantern-making workshop. The Old Quarter still lights up with rainbow-hued lanterns at night, which you can witness on a free evening as you wander among the picture-perfect pastel-yellow façades. For dinner tonight, you might be inspired to try some delicious Vietnamese cuisine or eat at our hotel. Overnight Hoi An.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Today brings an excellent opportunity to explore on your own or spend the day unwinding in this picture-perfect city after breakfast.

You may wish to wander through Hoi An's picturesque streets, delve into the scents and sights of the Cantonese Assembly Hall and its pretty gardens as incense wafts gently by the elaborate dragon statue, or perhaps head out to Trang Coconut Village for a slice of rural life. Here, you can book an enjoyable basket boat trip through the tropical waterways. Embrace the laid-back lifestyle of Hoi An by watching the world go by from a charming coffee shop. For lunch, you might like to enter the Central Market to sample some of the flavors of the street-food stalls, including the French-influenced banh mi, delicious pho soup and many other interesting local specialties.

Hoi An also excels at seafood, which you can find in the Night Market or at one of the many restaurants serving crab, lobster, shrimp and fish. Overnight Hoi An.

• Breakfast

Following our final breakfast in Hoi An, you have a leisurely morning, during which you can take the time to shop for souvenirs at the markets or relax at our hotel.

This afternoon, we transfer back to Da Nang by coach for a short flight to our fourth and final country on this grand tour. Cambodia has an intriguing history dating back centuries, and arriving in Siem Reap, we check into our luxurious five-star hotel for a free evening during which you can begin to explore it.

This town has become popular due to the remarkable temples nearby, yet it still manages to evoke an authentic, laid-back atmosphere while appealing to tourists. If you want to begin your explorations today, you could delve into the markets near the river or stop off at a traditional restaurant to try Cambodian cuisine, including fish amok - a mild but delicious curry-style dish. Alternatively, enjoy the hotel's facilities, including the pool or lounge in the tropical garden area. Overnight Siem Reap.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, tuk tuks take us into the stunning lost city of Angkor Thom, the "Great City" and the last capital of the Khmer Empire.

Crossing the causeway lined by 12th-century sculptures to the spectacular South Gate is the ideal way to enter this site. The centerpiece is the jaw-dropping Bayon Temple that, although now partly in ruins, casts visitors back to a mystical time while wandering through timeless halls and past crumbling statues carved with faces, encountering the occasional monkey. We also view the Terrace of the Elephants and the pyramidal Phimeanakas Temple before continuing through the jungle to Ta Prohm Temple. Trees have started to reclaim this 12th-century Buddhist temple, creating an otherworldly landscape of roots intertwined with crumbling mortar.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Siem Reap, you have a free afternoon and evening to enjoy this town at your own pace. Tonight, you could opt to book an Apsara dance show with dinner (payable locally). This graceful art form features dancers in traditional dress and ornate headdresses narrating classical myths. Overnight Siem Reap.

• Breakfast, Lunch

The last morning of our tour is an unforgettable one as we delve back into the jungles surrounding Siem Reap to visit one of the world's most iconic locations, Angkor Wat.

As the world's largest religious structure - covering more than 400 acres - there are few places as enchanting as this once-lost city, built more than 800 years ago. Angkor Wat's temples originally exhibited an extravagant display of golden roofs and whitewashed walls before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Appearing above the dense jungle canopy, the weathered stupas welcome us to this world-famous site. Wandering among the ornate halls filled with intricate carvings is spellbinding, and we can enjoy an unforgettable view from the Bakan Tower - but please note, the steps are steep.

Afterward, we attend a pagoda where we receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk before lunch at our hotel. This afternoon, your Southeast Asian expedition comes to a close. An afternoon airport transfer is available; however, you are also free to make your own way to the airport for later departures.

• Breakfast, Lunch