Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- A local Laotian family welcomes you into their home for dinner.
- Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking during an interactive class.
- Sample several famous Vietnamese dishes on a walking food tour.
- Explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter on an exciting walking tour.
- See the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong.
- Visit with a Vietnam war veteran and learn about the war from his perspective.
- Cruise along the famous Mekong Delta, rich with natural wonders.
- Explore incredible Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure.
- Overnight on a junk boat and cruise the waters of Ha Long Bay.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Set out on a journey that reveals the best of Southeast Asia. From the villages of Vietnam and the temples of Cambodia to the friendly locals of Laos and the lively energy of Thailand, embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure. Start your journey in Vietnam – where lush valleys and verdant fields create a beautiful country with a long and rich history.
Arrive today in Hanoi. Layers of the city’s complex past can be found interwoven into its modern culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and vibrant street food scene, Hanoi is Vietnam’s dynamic capital and second most populous city.
Start your morning with a city tour of Hanoi and the Old Quarter. Visit Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature. Follow the meandering streets, decorated with temples and pagodas, and feast on the history before you. After working up an appetite, enjoy a walking f...
Today you may choose to start your day early by joining your Tour Manager and locals as they practice tai chi at a local park. After, visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison. This historic site, dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, is now a museum that tells the story...
Journey to Ha Long Bay and board a charming junk boat for an overnight cruise - the perfect vantage point for soaking up the landscape. Once on board, enjoy fresh seafood as you sail past vistas of low green mountains, small villages, hundreds of islands, and limeston...
Your day begins with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck at sunrise. After a light breakfast we head off to visit Sung Sot cave, one of the many limestone grottos accessible by boat in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage that is Halong Bay. It is time to say farewell to this stunning natural wonder and cruise back to the mainland. Fly to Da Nang and travel to Hoi An (UNESCO), an ancient trading port.
Start your day with a walking tour of the old town, stroll by the ornate Chinese-style temple Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the famous 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the vibrant market on the banks of the Thu Bon. Finish with an introduction to the local tailori...
Explore the flavors of Hoi An. Board a basket boat and journey along the Co Co River for an immersive cooking class. Learn how to catch seafood in the river and grind rice into flour. Use your ingredients to cook four classic local dishes which you’ll enjoy for lunch. Soak up the local atmosphere with a free afternoon and evening.
Leave Hoi An and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic urban capital formerly known as Saigon. On an eye-opening city tour, you’ll see the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral,* and the Reunification Palace. Head over to explore treasures from local vendors on display at the Old Market in District 1.
Take to the waters of the famous Mekong Delta. As you sail along, your guide will delve into the history and culture of the region. Discover the region’s cottage industry with a visit to a coconut candy factory and learn how this confection is made. Enjoy lunch featuring southern Vietnamese cuisine before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Spend your morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City before your dinner at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, board your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s gateway to the wonders of Angkor. In this ancient city, you’ll discover a world where colonial and Chinese architecture melds into a sophisticated urban and culinary scene. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a traditional Khmer dance performance.
Depart for a sunrise at Angkor Wat, a perfect example of classic Khmer architecture. Enter its eastern gate and exit to the west, watching the sunlight dance along stones. Later, visit Ta Prohm, a sprawling monastic complex that is overgrown with jungle. At Angkor Tho...
Start your day with an Impact Moment experience at the Visitor Center of APOPO, where “hero rats” are trained to navigate minefields and save lives. Learn about the country’s history with war and meet the professional rats at a demonstration. Then travel to the villag...
Board a flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos. Get acquainted with the city with your guide. Then, it’s your choice! Venture into the lively outdoor markets at night -OR- return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Hop into a tuk tuk with a guide and make your way to the city center, including a visit to the National Museum – the former Royal Palace. Continue to Wat Xieng Thong monastery, decorated in eye-catching gold. Meander along the Nam Khan River to Wat Khili, highlighting...
You may choose to rise early and begin your day with a traditional alms offering to local monks. After breakfast back at the hotel, journey to a traditional Hmong hill tribe village in Ban Long Lao and learn about this ethnic group and their way of life. Set out on an...
Board your flight to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. A feast for the senses, this bustling city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River blends cosmopolitan sophistication with a strong sense of history and tradition. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and toast to the end of your adventure on a Klong dinner cruise.
Return home with memories of your travels through the kingdoms of Southeast Asia.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
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Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
Saigon after Dark by Vintage Vespa - $100
Ho Chi Minh City At night, step into the past and explore Saigon, a cultural hub known today as Ho Chi Minh City. Travel the streets by vintage Vespa, coasting into another time as the lights and energy transform the city. See how the traces of historical Saigon have become interwoven into modern life, with heritage shining through traditional flavors and recipes. Get a taste of the culture as you sample a variety of food and drinks, perusing the local restaurants for authentic flavors and Saigon favorites. Get an intimate perspective on the area as you zoom through the city at night, passing by must-see sights that the city is known for. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. All food and drinks are included, and guests will ride as a passenger with a skilled driver.Traditional Water Puppet Show & Dinner - $60
Hanoi Be captivated by a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi, with its incredible display of artistry and folklore. Long ago, these water puppet shows were performed in flooded rice patties, but today this tradition continues on in a modern theater. Lacquered wooden puppets seemingly skim and dance across the water as the instrumental sounds of traditional Vietnamese music plays. Puppets of people, animals, and even dragons splash across the stage, telling ancient tales of wonder and whimsy. After the magic of the water puppet show, enjoy dinner at a local Hanoi restaurant. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Siem Reap by Gondola - $45
Siem Reap Embark on a gondola ride to Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire known as the “Great City.” Your gondola is a traditional Khmer boat – a Cambodian vessel made of wood and decorated with regal designs. This relaxing ride will take you across the calm waters of the moat where you’ll pass by lush jungles and Angkor Thom’s imposing wall. Soak in the atmosphere and bask in the ancient beauty that surrounds you. Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Siem Reap by Gondola - $45
Siem Reap Embark on a gondola ride to Angkor Thom, the former capital of the Khmer Empire known as the “Great City.” Your gondola is a traditional Khmer boat – a Cambodian vessel made of wood and decorated with regal designs. This relaxing ride will take you across the calm waters of the moat where you’ll pass by lush jungles and Angkor Thom’s imposing wall. Soak in the atmosphere and bask in the ancient beauty that surrounds you. Duration approximately 2 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Phare: the Cambodian Circus - $40
Siem Reap More than just a circus, Phare is Siem Reap’s most unique and authentic evening entertainment. Phare performers use theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell the story of Cambodia, from a modern and historical perspective. The young artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm and talent. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Village Artisan Workshop Explore Lao Culture - $70
Luang Prabang Learn about Laos and some of its ethnic groups through their artisan traditions. During this short workshop participants will learn about 3 distinct ethnic groups who participate in the Village Weaver Projects - the distinctive textile traditions, motifs and folktales of Tai Lue, Tai Dang and Akha communities. Discover more about their diverse cultures as you create 3 small crafts (a dream catcher, a bracelet and a keyring) to take home. Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 7 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. copied from 58294 - 112723rkBecome a member
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