zAlong the Mekong from Thailand to Laos

A scenic overland journey with your private car, driver and guide takes you from Luang Prabang through rarely-visited regions of the Laotian countryside into a captivating landscape of lush mountains and isolated tribal villages. Your destination is Xieng Khuang Province close to the Vietnamese border. Upon arrival in the provincial capital of Phonsavan, you’ll check in to the Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel. Meals B,L

After breakfast, your private sightseeing tour begins at the bustling local market, where tribal villagers from the surrounding countryside come to sell, buy and barter. Next you’ll explore the astounding Plain of Jars, one of Asia’s most enduring mysteries. Here, scattered across three principle sites, you’ll be able to marvel at hundreds of jars, some more than 9 feet tall, which were carved from solid rock nearly 3,000 years ago. After lunch, you’ll continue your private touring of the region, an opportunity to learn more about Laos’ turbulent 20th-century history, when the so-called Secret War of the 1960’s and 1970’s devastated the region and its inhabitants.

An unplanned morning allows you to explore more of Phonsavan at your own pace… It’s a fascinating experience of daily life in provincial Laos. After an early lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Vientiane where you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to the Settha Palace Hotel. Meals B,L,D

Founded in the 10th century, this handsome city has been the capital of Laos for nearly 400 years. Set on the majestic Mekong River, it’s a charming city filled with tree-lined boulevards, ancient Buddhist temples and fine French Colonial architecture.

Your tour of the city’s highlights includes Wat Si Saket, renowned for its Laotian-style Buddha images, and Phra That Luang, a sacred Stupa revered as the country’s most important national monument. You’ll also see Patousay, inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, and visit Talaat Sao, one of the city’s most popular markets. It’s an excellent place to sample local delicacies and to shop for finely-woven Laotian textiles. After lunch, your sightseeing continues at the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, Friendship Bridge and National Cultural Park.  Meals B,L

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted by private car to the airport for your onward journey. Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your included international flight from Laos to Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Later this afternoon, begin your exploration of Hanoi with our Cyclo Adventure. Traveling along the narrow streets and tree-lined boulevards in a traditional pedi-cab is delightful way to experience the city’s charming Colonial-era architecture. Your touring takes you past Hoan Kiem Lake and through some of Hanoi’s oldest and most historic districts.  Meals B

Today’s private sightseeing tour begins at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an impressive monument of marble, granite and precious woods. Nearby, in contrast, is the simple wooden house where he lived and worked. Admire the famous One Pillar Pagoda and visit the Temple of Literature, founded nearly 1,000 years ago. In the afternoon, your exploration resumes with a walking tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and continues to Hoan Kiem Lake where your guide will share the legend of the Restored Sword. This evening, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a Water Puppet performance, a traditional and uniquely Vietnamese art form which started nearly 1,000 years ago, possibly in the nation’s flooded rice fields!  Meals B

Our private car and driver will be waiting this morning to transport you from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. The scenic drive is just a few hours, but the magnificent scenery that greets you upon arrival will feel worlds away from the city… Ha Long Bay is filled with thousands of limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves, mysterious caves and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these waters and here awaits your Paradise cruiser. Your elegant cruise vessel was styled after the grand junks once reserved exclusively for the Emperor.

You’ll board around Noon and have plenty of time to settle-in to your superior, air-conditioned outside stateroom before enjoying a welcome drink as you set sail. After a buffet lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy as you cruise through the magnificent scenery exploring along tranquil coves and past limestone caves to visit a selection of islands. As weather and sea conditions permit, you might swim, snorkel or kayak during the afternoon. Of course, there’s plenty of time to just relax onboard, enjoying the vistas, and socializing with fellow passengers. Dinner is served onboard. Meals L,D

Early risers can invigorate with Tai Chi on deck as the sun casts its first light across the peaks and coves of this magnificent bay. After a leisurely buffet breakfast and time to take-in the scenery, step off ship in the late morning and return to Hanoi with your private car and driver. Our services end at the airport for your onward journey.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your included international flight from Laos to Cambodia. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the beautiful Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. This afternoon, join your private guide to discover the imposing majesty of Angkor Wat - the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricately carved bas-reliefs which adorn all four sides of the temple.

Late in the day, your guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. Meals B

This morning, you’ll discover the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. Continue on with your private guide to visit Preah Khan, an extensive monastic complex built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII.

In the afternoon, your unhurried private sightseeing focuses on the less-visited but equally impressive sites of Angkor, including Chau Say Tevoda, Prasat Kravan, and Ta Keo. You’ll also tour the oft-photographed Ta Prohm; dedicated in 1186, this vast temple complex has been largely left in its natural state, surrounded by the massive roots and limbs of the encroaching jungle. Meals B

Check out from your hotel after breakfast and travel with your private car, driver and guide to Ton Le Sap Lake. A morning excursion aboard a shaded boat transports you across the tranquil waters to see traditional floating homes and small fish farms. It’s fascinating up-close look at a unique way of life here in rural Cambodia. In the afternoon, you’ll be driven back to the airport in Siem Reap for your onward flight. Meals B