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A Journey through Southeast Asia

From £4,749
Duration 22 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2026
Book now
From £4,749
Duration 22 Days
Departures from: Nov 2024 - Nov 2026

Tour Overview

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand – this epic journey through Southeast Asia will introduce you to these wonderful countries. We begin in history steeped Hanoi, seeing sites constructed in the 11th century, as well as watching a water puppet show, a tradition synonymous with Vietnam. UNESCO-listed Halong Bay is next, where we’ll spent the night cruising this spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. After further continuing through Vietnam, we’ll visit Siem Reap. The temples of Angkor, which are just outside of Siem Reap, are one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, with Angkor Wat being the largest religious temple in the world, are just some of the brilliant sites we’ll visit in Cambodia. The pace of life seems slower in Luang Prabang, Laos, our next stop. On our second morning, we will rise early to partake in a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony, watching the monks walking silently through the streets. We’ll cruise the Mekong into Thailand, where we’ll explore further before returning to the UK. This tour includes so much!
  • Classic Touring
  • Cruise
  • Flight Choices

Wow moment

Take an overnight cruise along Halong Bay. Admire the breath-taking scenery of the towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald green waters and watch the sunset from the deck before enjoying dinner on-board and a tranquil night on the water.

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 18 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, plus overnight cruise and 2 nights in flight
  • 43 meals: 19 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Local Guides
  • Overseas transfers and other transportation
  • Porterage
  • Audio Guide

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Tours of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
  • Bicycle rickshaw ride around Hanoi's Ancient Quarter
  • Vietnamese coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Traditional water puppet show with backstage visit
  • Overnight cruise on Halong Bay
  • Boat trip along the Perfume River
  • Travel the scenic Hai Van Pass
  • Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Dinner cruise on the Saigon River
  • Explore Cambodia's Angkor Temple complex
  • Chansar village
  • Receive a blessing from a monk
  • Visit a Khmer family
  • Visit a village built on stilts in Tonle Sap Lake
  • Luang Prabang tour
  • Cruise the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves
  • Kuang Si Waterfalls visit
  • Experience an alms-giving ceremony
  • Chiang Rai sightseeing tour followed by a visit to the hilltribe villages
  • Local Flavours - Welcome dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Itinerary

Day 1 UK/Hanoi

Today you will take an overnight flight to Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, we'll transfer you to your hotel. A two-night stay will give you plenty of time to get to know the city. Tonight you will experience a welcome dinner like no other at the Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged children. KOTO has trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 of them currently enrolled. Enjoy the aroma and flavours of Vietnamese and South-East Asian specialties, and try a selection of traditional dishes before sitting down for a three course meal.

Meals included: D

Day 3 Hanoi

We'll get to grips with Hanoi's many highlights on a full day of exploration, which starts at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, this imposing building is where the revered former president, known as Uncle Ho, lies in state. Next we'll head to the Temple of Literature, a collection of courtyards built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Here, we'll also see the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university.
We'll stop for a lunch of Vietnamese specialities including the fish dish cha ca and spring rolls, before continuing our sightseeing. Instead of discovering Hanoi by foot, we're going to board a bicycle rickshaw. Your driver will weave through the busy streets of the Ancient Quarter while you sit back and relax as you take in the incredible sights.


There's time to stop for a Vietnamese coffee and take in views of Hoan Kiem Lake, before we stroll to the ancient Kim Ngan Temple. The day concludes as we watch a water puppet show, a mesmerising Vietnamese tradition, and take a backstage tour before heading back to the hotel.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 4 Halong Bay

A wonderful treat is in store today as you not only admire the stunning beauty of Halong Bay but also spend the night cruising its waters. We reach this UNESCO-listed site on a lovely journey by road through a patchwork of green paddy fields.
On arrival you can join an optional seaplane flight for exceptional views, before we step aboard our ship. We then spend the rest of the day cruising through the dramatic limestone peaks that rise from the water. Head up on deck to watch the sun set before enjoying dinner in the onboard restaurant and a tranquil night in your comfortable cabin.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 5 Hue

Wake up to glorious views of Halong Bay as you enjoy tea, coffee and cookies. Weather conditions allowing, there will be numerous activities on offer this morning including kayaking and swimming or maybe you'd rather visit a market or peer into some of the nearby caves.
After disembarking we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue.

Meals included: B,L

Day 6 Hue

A full day in Hue means you'll get a real flavour of Vietnam's former capital. We'll start with a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River, which takes us to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, after a little time to look around, we'll continue to the citadel, the ancient seat of royal power. We'll explore the former Imperial Palace and learn more about the area's intriguing architecture, which was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. By now you'll probably be ready for some lunch, so we'll stop to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Later we'll visit the imposing tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, located in a beautiful setting surrounded by gardens and lakes. Meals included: B,L

Day 7 Hoi An

A scenic drive via the Hai Van Pass this morning takes us to Hoi An, an enchanting ancient riverside town. After checking into our hotel and enjoying lunch we'll head off on a tour of its highlights. These include the Chua Ong Pagoda, the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. We'll also take a cruise on the Thu Bon River.

Meals included: B,L

Day 8 Hoi An

Today you will visit STREETS International's Oodles of Noodles project, a scheme which supports street kids and disadvantaged young people by providing them with training for a career in the hospitality industry. You'll meet some of the students, learn about different types of noodles and then have a go at making some yourself. Afterwards, a delicious bowl of Mi Quang noodles will be served.

Meals included: B

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City

Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is our destination today. After our flight our discoveries begin on an afternoon tour. Highlights include the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel, and the elegant Saigon Opera House. We'll also see the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to an end, and enter the War Remnants Museum, which documents its history.

Meals included: B

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

You'll spend this morning discovering the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of underground passages was first constructed in the late 1940s by the peasant army fighting the French. They were later extended by the Viet Cong rebels, and you can explore them today and learn about what life was like for the soldiers who called them home.
The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. A wonderful way to end the day is with a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, with traditional dishes and live entertainment on the menu.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Siem Reap

We're flying to Siem Reap in neighbouring Cambodia today, where on arrival we'll begin our discovery of the iconic temples of Angkor. Considered the jewel in its crown, the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei is our first stop. After admiring its intricately carved walls we'll move on to the temple of Banteay Samre, and then the magnificent Angkor Wat. This huge three-tiered pyramid rises 65 metres from the ground and is topped by five lotus flower-shaped towers.
What better way to end the day than by enjoying spectacular views at sunset from the top of the Phnom Bakheng Temple.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 12 Siem Reap

An exciting day of experiences begins with a visit to the small village of Chansar, which is supported by our Travelsphere Cares project, you can see work taking place here, including the building of a kindergarten. After your mini education on village life, schooling, and the local economy, explore the crumbling ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the ancient Khmer Kingdom. Continue through the community to the home of a family who earn their income from making woven, reed brooms. Observe how the delicate brooms are made and try your hand at helping a villager out. You will have plenty more opportunities to try the local vocations as you take a guided walk around the village and meet the farmers and fisherman of the area. A simple Khmer lunch is followed by a visit to a Buddhist temple to receive a blessing from a monk. Meals included: B,L

Day 13 Siem Reap

Today's discoveries begin at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, whose entrance is lined by statues. We'll also uncover the Bayon, decorated by impressive bas reliefs depicting everyday life as well as great battles. We'll climb to the top of the Phimeanakas, a pyramidal temple, for fantastic views of the Angkor complex. We'll then view the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of Leper Kings before we take the short drive to Ta Prohm. This crumbling temple was abandoned and neglected for centuries and is enveloped by jungle – it's an incredible sight.

Meals included: B,L

Day 14 Luang Prabang

Our journey by road this morning takes us to Kompong Khleang, a village built on stilts whose residents earn a living by fishing on the Tonle Sap Lake. We'll gain a fascinating insight into life here before we transfer to the airport and fly to Luang Prabang in Laos.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 15 Luang Prabang

Today we'll discover the highlights of the former royal capital of Luang Prabang on a tour. Admire the ornate Wat Xieng Thong and the Wat Mai, with its beautiful gilded façade. Then we head to the former Royal Palace, now a museum housing many religious and cultural artefacts.
Next we'll see Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, and you'll have the chance to climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for incredible panoramic views. Meals included: B,L

Day 16 Luang Prabang

We start early today as we rise to the sound of the temple gong and witness a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony. A procession of about 300 young monks in saffron-coloured robes will walk by us silently collecting food in their bronze bowls. If you'd like to take part, your Local Guide will advise you.
Later, we head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, so grab your swimsuit and take a dip in the turquoise waters if you wish. Meals included: B,L

Day 17 Mekong River to Pakbeng

You'll spend the day cruising the Mekong River to Pakbeng, for an overnight stay at a riverside hotel. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the views of local life and lunch on board. En route we'll call at the Pak Ou Caves, a holy site packed with more than 4,000 images of Buddha.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 18 Mekong River to Chiang Rai

We'll set sail once more after breakfast, cruising the river to Huay Xai. Look out for wildlife along the way – if you're lucky you might spot elephants from a nearby sanctuary bathing in the waters. We'll stretch our legs in a traditional village, then cross the border into Thailand and make our way to Chiang Rai.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 19 Chiang Rai

Get picked up from your hotel to begin your tour at Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. Designed by one of Thailand's most famous artists - Chalermchai Kositpipat - this unique temple is white with small glass pieces that shimmer in the sun, representing the purity and wisdom of the Buddha. Next, learn about some of the surrounding areas at the Hill Tribe Museum, where you can explore exhibits touching on the area's long history of opium and the effect it has had on the lives of the mountain people and hill tribe villages.

Then head onward to nearby Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The Akha people are famous for their exotic and beautiful costumes, the Yao people for their peaceful and aristocratic demeanor. Both tribes are welcoming to visitors and eager to show people their day-to-day life. After meeting some of the tribe's people and exploring their villages, continue to Chiang Saen, a small town on the Mekong River. Known for its numerous ancient temples and ruins, this historical city is located at the convergence of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, and is overflowing with both beautiful scenery and incredible architecture.

Finally, head to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand and an important trading city on the border of Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Spend some time exploring the local market, which provides a glorious insight into the trading heritage of Mae Sai. Pick up some great jewels imported from Myanmar (Burma), a Chinese item or two or some delicious local food to enjoy on your ride back to Chiang Rai.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 20 Bangkok

Fly from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner.

Meals included: B,D

Day 21 Bangkok - UK

You can enjoy some time at leisure before we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK via Hanoi.

Meals included: B

Day 22 UK

You will arrive back in the UK today.

Additional Information

When you book this holiday, you are contributing to a number of initiatives in Chansar Village, which you will visit, and the Oodles of Noodles project.

  1. Favourite Moment

    Witness a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony - a procession of about 300 young monks in saffron-coloured robes silently collecting food in bronze bowls.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hanoi Cititel

Lily Cruise

Board your 4 star yacht to sail Ha Long Bay, on board the vessel is styled in a mix of European and Vietnamese traditional decor. You'll find a restaurant, bar and sun deck onboard. All guest cabins are well appointed with ocean views.

Board your 4 star yacht to sail Ha Long Bay, on board the vessel is styled in a mix of European and Vietnamese traditional decor. You'll find a restaurant, bar and sun deck onboard. All guest cabins are well appointed with ocean views.

Romance Hotel

This spectacular 4-star accommodation is located in the downtown of Hue City, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage area. It is just a short walk away from the charming Perfume River. All rooms are coming en-suite with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cable television. There are also coffee & tea making facilities, minibar, electronic safety box and many more facilities. Guests can enjoy beautiful views over the Hue in the rooftop pool, try international and local cuisines in 2 restaurants or simply spend time with their fellow travellers in one of 3 bars, located in the hotel.

This spectacular 4-star accommodation is located in the downtown of Hue City, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage area. It is just a short walk away from the charming Perfume River. All rooms are coming en-suite with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and cable television. There are also coffee & tea making facilities, minibar, electronic safety box and many more facilities. Guests can enjoy beautiful views over the Hue in the rooftop pool, try international and local cuisines in 2 restaurants or simply spend time with their fellow travellers in one of 3 bars, located in the hotel.

Hoi An Silk Village Resort & Spa

This beautiful and distinctive resort is styled on a historical silk village. The wonderful features of this property include a large outdoor pool, a sauna as well as in-house gift shop, library and salon. The air conditioned rooms are fitted with a safe, TV, tea/coffee facilities and a minibar. Guests can also take advantage of the free WiFi and 24 hour reception.

This beautiful and distinctive resort is styled on a historical silk village. The wonderful features of this property include a large outdoor pool, a sauna as well as in-house gift shop, library and salon. The air conditioned rooms are fitted with a safe, TV, tea/coffee facilities and a minibar. Guests can also take advantage of the free WiFi and 24 hour reception.

Happy Life Grand Hotel

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the Happy Life Grand Hotel has facilities including a swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, bar and fitness centre. All guestrooms have air-conditioning and kettle.

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the Happy Life Grand Hotel has facilities including a swimming pool, sun terrace, restaurant, bar and fitness centre. All guestrooms have air-conditioning and kettle.

Angkor Paradise Hotel

Situated in the centre of Siem Reap only a short distance from majestic Angkor Archaeological Park which include the famous temple of Angkor Wat and Bayon. Facilities include swimming pool, restaurant, health & fitness centre, lobby lounge and souvenir shop. Bedrooms have private facilities.

Situated in the centre of Siem Reap only a short distance from majestic Angkor Archaeological Park which include the famous temple of Angkor Wat and Bayon. Facilities include swimming pool, restaurant, health & fitness centre, lobby lounge and souvenir shop. Bedrooms have private facilities.

Meuang Luang Hotel

The hotel is set in gardens and has a small outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Guestrooms benefit from wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The hotel is set in gardens and has a small outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Guestrooms benefit from wi-fi and air-conditioning.

Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge

The traditionally styled Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge is situated right by the iconic Mekong River. The property offers a mixture of Laos/Thai dishes at their two in-house restaurants, and guests can truly relax by taking advantage of the massage services available. Rooms have private facilities and will be furnished either with a fan or air conditioning. In the communal areas of the lodge there is free WiFi available.

The traditionally styled Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge is situated right by the iconic Mekong River. The property offers a mixture of Laos/Thai dishes at their two in-house restaurants, and guests can truly relax by taking advantage of the massage services available. Rooms have private facilities and will be furnished either with a fan or air conditioning. In the communal areas of the lodge there is free WiFi available.

Laluna Hotel & Resort Chiang Rai

Situated in a picturesque flower garden of Chiang Rai is the beautiful Laluna Hotel & Resort. Guests can enjoy themselves in a large outdoor swimming pool, which is surrounded by stylish sunbeds and lush green trees. There are massage services available too, which can really enhance a guest’s stay here. The air conditioned rooms come furnished with private facilities, a minibar and TV. There is also complimentary WiFi at Laluna Hotel and Resort.

Situated in a picturesque flower garden of Chiang Rai is the beautiful Laluna Hotel & Resort. Guests can enjoy themselves in a large outdoor swimming pool, which is surrounded by stylish sunbeds and lush green trees. There are massage services available too, which can really enhance a guest’s stay here. The air conditioned rooms come furnished with private facilities, a minibar and TV. There is also complimentary WiFi at Laluna Hotel and Resort.

Rembrandt Bangkok

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok is conveniently located in the new, trendy Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, within walking distance of all major shopping and entertainment regions.

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok is conveniently located in the new, trendy Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, within walking distance of all major shopping and entertainment regions.
  1. Travelsphere Cares

    When you book this holiday, you are contributing towards a number of initiatives in Chansar Village. You'll also learn about the great work done by STREETS International's Oodles of Noodles project.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Halong Bay - Seaplane Experience

Halong Bay - Seaplane Experience

Upon arrival take a 25 minute scenic flight over Halong. Called “Bay of Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese, the archipelago of Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of almost 2,000 islands and jungle-clad limestone pillars.

From up high in the sky you will have amazing views over this magnificent landscape of limestone pillars pushing up out of the green waters. See the islands of Cong Do, Ba Ham with their
pretty lagoons and fly out to Dau Be on the edge of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Flight – Minimal walking - Breath-taking
Upon arrival take a 25 minute scenic flight over Halong. Called “Bay of Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese, the archipelago of Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of...

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Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Group sizes vary between tours - we have an average group size of 27. We endeavour to make sure the size of the group has a positive impact on each trip and our guests almost always say that the group was one of the highlights of the trip!

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

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All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.