Remarkable Journey: Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Let this trip inspire you, so together we can design your own Remarkable Journey.

Indochina is a reverent nod to the past, a shy soul with breathtaking beauty, full of grace, resilience, determination and serenity. One moment you will find yourself within the grasp of the bustling cities of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Chiang Mai, and in another moment you will be engulfed by the temples of Angkor Wat or the valleys of the Mekong Delta or River Kwai. And then there’s the sea…

 

  • Tour Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha Temple, the splendid Grand Palace of the Royal Temple of Emerald Buddha.
  • Cruise the colorful floating market in Damnoen Saduak and witness the day-to-day activities of the Thai people who live on the canals.
  • Ride elephant-back through the forests and across the streams outside the mountain town of Chiang Mai passing by rice fields and traditional farms.
  • Relax along the warm blue sea and exotic beaches of Phi Phi.
  • Discover Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta to capture both the past and present of Vietnam.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Bangkok, Thailand

Arrive in the morning and make your way along the shady side streets of Bangkok to your hotel. After you’ve settled, use the day to explore. Visit the temple of the Reclining Buddha or go to the Grand Palace and awe at the stunning architecture and intricate detail of the home that not long ago housed the Thai King and the Royal Court. If you aren’t too jetlagged, stop in the Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the most revered Emerald Buddha.

Day 2

Bangkok, Thailand

This morning, take a private tour of Bangkok’s fabled waterways. Cruise along in a narrow, long-tailed motorized boat towards the Damnoen Saduak floating market, where you will visit local vendors in their Thai style canoes, laden with colorful fruits and vegetables. Sip on cocktails while you enjoy your newly-purchased tropical fruits, all while viewing the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn from the river.

Day 3

Phi Phi, Thailand

A quick flight from Bangkok lands you in Phi Phi, an island with breathtaking beaches and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Walk along Ao Lo Dalam at sunset and relax on the quiet and tranquil bay with lovely curves of white sand.

Day 4

Phi Phi, Thailand

Rise early and take a boat ride north to enjoy the sun. Spend the rest of the day island jumping, rock climbing, diving and snorkeling around Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island.

Day 5

Siem Reap, Cambodia

After connecting flights through Bangkok, land in Siem Reap, Cambodia—the resort town and gateway to Angkor Wat. In the afternoon explore the spectacular Angkor Wat, considered to be the largest single religious monument in the world. Conclude the day with a panoramic sunset view from the summit of Phnom Bakheng, a Hindu and Buddhist temple dedicated to Shiva.

Day 6

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Set off with your guide this morning to explore Bayon Temple and the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. Take an elephant ride from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon Temple. Also visit the recently opened Baphuon sanctuary temple mountain.

Day 7

Siem Reap, Cambodia

This morning visit other prominent temples in Sim Reap: Ta Prohm, Takeo, Pre Rup, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. Grab a traditional “fish amok” for lunch in the Old Market area, then enjoy a boat excursion to Tonle Sap Lake and see the the floating villages and local markets. If you have time, ride a tuk-tuk to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Wander among hundreds of colossal stone faces at the Boyon Temple and visit the Terrace of Elephants.

Day 8

Hanoi, Vietnam

Today fly to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. With your private guide, enjoy a morning walking the tree-lined streets of the city. Enjoy the French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House.  Make sure to wander by Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Lake of the Restored Sword) and Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum. If time remains, discover another side of Hanoi on a cyclo-tour of the Ancient Quarter or “36 Streets” District.  Spend the evening enjoying a performance of Vietnamese Water Puppets at the Thang Long Theatre.

Day 9

Hanoi, Vietnam

Use the day at your leisure discovering the One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa lo Prison, and the Temple of Literature. In the evening, participate in a Vietnamese cooking class and be trained in their unique vegetables, herbs and spices.

Days 10 & 11

HaLong Bay, Vietnam

Depart Hanoi for HaLong Bay on a two-day cruise through the mist-covered limestone islands. Often called Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world, HaLong Bay holds 3,000 spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves and is without doubt the most outstanding coastal scenery in the country. During your cruise you will stop at the area whose name translates as ‘Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea’. Here you can climb through a series of breath-taking caves and grottoes, marvelling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations anywhere in the world.

Day 12

Hoi An, Vietnam

Disembark your cruise at Hoi An, which lies on Vietnam’s central coast. Hoi An is southeast Asia’s best preserved trading port. As a result, the city has a unique mix of architectural styles influenced from Japan, China, India, and Holland. Be sure to sample Hoi An’s signature “White Rose” shrimp dumplings from a reputable street vendor or from a stall at the Central Market.

Day 13

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Continue south today to Vietnam’s bustling commercial capital—Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Visit the former Presidential Palace and see the underground communications bunkers and headquarters used by the Saigon Government during the Vietnam War. If time allows, visit Dong Khoi Street, formerly the center of haute couture in Saigon when it was known as Rue Catinat.

Day 14

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Your final day of vacation is at your leisure. We recommend you take a day-trip outside of the city to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels, the remarkable tunnel network used during the Vietnam War. Upon your return, visit a couple of popular foodie stops. Hot culinary spots such as Nha Nang Ngon and Ben Thanh Market are a must.

Day 15

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your final flight back to your home city.

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