5 Country Southeast Asian Discovery

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an action-packed city tour of Hanoi. Stop at Huu Tiep Lake, home to the famous downed US B-52 bomber and wander through the lively local market. Next, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from the outside on Monday & Friday due to closure), and the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of the city. Continue to Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s first university, dating from the 11^th century. Explore, on foot, Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets to see local people trading and going about their daily lives. Take a relaxing seat at a local café for a refreshing cup of coffee or green tea. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Hanoi today, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's busiest and most vibrant city! We recommend an optional excursion to the beautiful natural area of Ninh Binh* or a half-day jeep ride to the countryside with a visit to an ancient ceramic village**. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

 *Optional excursion to Ninh Binh (full-day with lunch): Begin in the morning and along the way take the time to enjoy discovering the unusual landscapes you will encounter on route. Arrive in the province of Ninh Binh at your first destination, Tam Coc, and embark on a small rowboat to journey through unforgettable scenery. Come across local villages, spectacular caves and endless panoramas that you will remember forever. Next, visit the Bich Dong pagoda, just 2 km from Tam Coc, a place that received the nickname of "The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam" by an ancient king.  Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, head by road to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam until 1010, when it was transferred to Thang Long-Hanoi, leaving in their past the temples to the kings Dinh & Le. 

*Optional Jeep ride to the countryside & 1000-year-old ceramic village (half-day with lunch): Meet your knowledgeable guide prior to your departure, who will provide you with a brief overview of the day ahead to ensure you get the most out of this excursion. Begin your adventure today driving along the Red River dyke, passing through guava and vegetable gardens, which are one of Hanoi's main sources of food, to the ceramic village of Bat Trang. Stop at the village, where your guide will lead you through the zigzagging maze of alleyways to learn about villagers' daily lives. Spend some time away from Hanoi's hustle and bustle while learning about Vietnamese agriculture and farming, how rural life has changed as a result of the urbanization and modernization process, local life and the history of Bat Trang Ceramic Village, which dates back thousands of years.  Your guide will stop at a ceramic workshop during the walking tour to explain the process of manufacturing ceramics and give you the chance to design your own ceramic bowl or teacup. Lunch included in the countryside before your return to Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to begin your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board.

* There will be no guide on board.

** Halong Bay Cruise: Each cruise is only allowed to choose ONE itinerary to either Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations.

Early risers are invited to participate in a Tai Chi demonstration on the upper bridge. Afterwards a light breakfast will be served, and later, a splendid brunch aboard the boat as you continue to navigate through the myriad of islands and islets, paying a visit to the most notable of them. By midday, we bid farewell to the fascinating panorama of Halong Bay and head back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere, do some souvenir shopping or continue discovering the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, say goodbye to Hanoi as you transfer to the airport to take your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This vibrant city is described as the ‘Pearl of the Far East’, because of the beautiful heritage buildings, friendly locals and exciting atmosphere! Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International airport where the tour guide & driver will be waiting for you. The rest of the day is your leisure time to discover this fascinating city at your own pace, or, why not take part in our optional half-day excursion to the underground city of Cu Chi* perfect, for history enthusiasts. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

*Optional excursion to Cu Chi (half-day, without lunch): This memorable half-day excursion will give another insight into the history of the country. During the visit, explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels, located 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (an hour and a half by car). This is an underground city, built in 1948 by the Viet Minh to fight the French, you will find living rooms, kitchen, warehouses, armories, hospitals, command centers. During the War against the United States, the entire Cu Chi area was declared one of the battlefields and heavily bombed. It is such an interesting place and a must visit for those who are interested in learning about the history of the Vietnamese during such difficult times.

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a Full-Day Tour to soak up the rich tapestry of history and culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Visits Dong Khoi Street, home to many of the city's most important sites from the French colonial period, when the city became known as the 'Paris of the Orient'. Appreciate the restored Opera House, based on the Petit Palace in Paris and visit the Grand Hotel de Ville, now formally re-branded as the People's Committee Hall. Be amazed by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the impressive Central Post Office, designed by the architect Gustav Eiffel. In District 5 visit China Town and the iconic Thien Hau Temple, built in honour of the goddess of the sea. Conclude your day discovery at the bustling Ben Thanh market. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the day to explore at your leisure, or, why not take part in our optional excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta.* Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

* Optional Mekong Delta Excursion: Depart to Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu bridge. On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier, hop on a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributes of Mekong River while witnessing the lively activities of local life along the way. Stop at a brick kiln and visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Take a motorized cart or bicycle along the shady paths and pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to discover everyday life on the river. Take a rowing-boat along a beautiful water palm creek before you return to the pier. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you say goodbye to Vietnam and head by road to Cambodia! After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh on the Mekong Express and Giant Ibis bus. The journey takes you through the country, so sit back and enjoy the ride. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening, transfer to your hotel for check-in and take the rest of the evening to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

* Alternatively, you can take an optional flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh with Cambodia Angkor Air. This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a poignant excursion to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, for a moving insight into the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. Understand the tragedy of this period in Cambodian history at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and visit the notorious Killing Fields. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue discovering at your own pace. We recommend an optional city tour to get to know Phnom Penh's most emblematic sights*. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

*Optional Phnom Penh City Tour: Explore Cambodia’s capital and its major landmarks including the fascinating Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda. We then will take one hour boat cruise on the Mekong River.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, catch the Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus* from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap for check-in. Enjoy exploring this vibrant city at your own pace as the rest of the day is your free time at leisure. We recommend heading out to discover the well-known night market and Pub Street. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is 320 km long and will take approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time). This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, depart on a discovery of temples, toward Angkor Thom. The Bayon temple is unique for its 54 towers decorated with 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Baphuon temple was built under the mandate of Jayavarman I, the Phimeanakas and the terraces of the leper king and the elephants, as well as the royal chambers. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the most spectacular temples in the area, which has remained relatively the same as when it was discovered and still retains much of its mystery. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat – established as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To bring this day of discover to a close, contemplate the sunset over Angkor Wat. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the ambience of Siem Reap, or perhaps exploring the sights at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to Phnom Kulen Mountain, a sacred pilgrimage site home to remote temples.* Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Optional Half-Day Phnom Kulen Mountain Excursion: Phnom Kulen National Park or Kulen Mountain is considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Located 25 miles northeast of Siem Reap City, Phnom Kulen is a holy mountain which serves as a place of pilgrimage on weekends and special occasions. It stretches over a vast area covered by a chain of small mountain plateaus. Reach the mountain top and visit a modern style pagoda that offers stunning views over the Angkor area. Visit the 26-foot statue of a reclining Buddha and wash your hands at the Linga statue to purify your mind and body. Continue to visit the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall close to it. Take a refreshing swim in the stream and pool of the waterfall. Return to Siem Reap at noon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the lively city center. We recommend enjoying an optional excursion to a Blessing Ceremony at the pagoda and visit to Tonle Sap Lake* and an optional Tuk-Tuk Street Food tour**. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the Old Market (at the time those who took the first excursion return from the Lake). Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

*Optional Excursion to a Blessing Ceremony at the pagoda and visit to Tonle Sap Lake: Located in the heart of the city of Siem Reap, Wat Damnak is one of the most beautiful pagodas with French colonial architecture and a garden full of large statues. Bring candles and incense sticks to the pagoda to participate in a private blessing ceremony, conducted by the local monks living in the pagoda. Sit on the mat while the monks sing the blessings and pour holy water on you – a traditional practice by which the gods are believed to bring you good luck. Then, the monks will put a sacred thread around your wrist to protect you from evil spirits. Before continuing your journey, you will receive a small souvenir from the monks to remember this special moment. Next, journey to the outskirts of Siem Reap where you will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, that can grow by ten fold during the rainy season. Sail along the lake until you reach the floating village, witness floating pig farms, schools, gardens and spirit houses.

**Optional Tuk-Tuk Street Food tour (night tour): Enjoy an exciting ride on a Tuk Tuk to a local night market and immerse yourself in local culture. Look out for all the different types of local street food, snacks, fruits, knickknacks and clothes. Stroll around the market, why not be brave and try some of the Cambodian-specialty fried snacks, like grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, crickets and baby frogs... These are all Cambodian favorites! To end this exciting excursion, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional dinner, cooked by locals in true Cambodian style. 

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to hotel. This federal capital and largest city in Malaysia embraces modernity with its skyscrapers whilst still retaining its most traditional customs and religions. It's known for its high-end restaurants, exquisite cuisine, British-colonial landmarks and charming urban environment. Spend the day discovering the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a half-day tour through the city of Kuala Lumpur. Discover the most emblematic symbols of the city such as the Petronas Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, the Royal Palace, the Lake Gardens, the National Mosque, the Independence Square and the National Museum which houses collections about the history and culture of Malaysia.* Finally, explore a Craft Centre and the Cocoa Boutique. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. We recommend heading to one of the many high-end shopping malls for a taste of Malaysian retail therapy. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur. 

* Entrance to National Museum not included and optional. The National Museum is closed during the Hari Raya Puasa festival (12 - 13 June 2021, dates subject to change).

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Jakarta. Arrive in the capital city of Jakarta on the island of Java and transfer to the hotel. Take the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the area. Jakarta is known for its historic mix of cultures such as Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arabic, Indian and European which has influenced the city's architecture, language and cuisine. Overnight stay in Jakarta.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a tour of Jakarta. Get to know the city and explore sights such as The Old Port of Sunda Kelapa, Batavia, and make a photo stop National Museum. Explore Glodok Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Jakarta, and admire the typical old Chinese architecture, tiny alleys and charming Vihara.* Overnight stay in Jakarta.

* Please note: On Sunday's the main street in Jakarta is car-free between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Monday all museums are CLOSED.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer back to the airport to catch a flight to your next destination, enchanting Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Yogyakarta is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage and has a very different atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. Overnight stay in Yogyakarta.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a Yogyakarta city tour. Visit the iconic Keraton and the Sultan’s Palace, an oasis of tranquillity and beauty.* Continue the tour with a visit to the enchanting Water Castle, home to beautiful swimming pools and pavilions. Explore the Museum Sonobudoyo, and be immersed in local culture at an impressive batik factory. End the tour with a visit to the world-famous Borobudur. This is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy the city at your leisure or take an optional village tour.* Overnight stay in Yogyakarta.

* Please note: the Keraton is closed on Mondays.

* Optional Candirejo Village Tour by 'Andong' Horse Cart: Enjoy a 30-minute tour of the village of Candirejo by 'Andong', a traditional horse cart. Ride through this peaceful and architecturally charming village and witness the daily lives of the locals.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the local markets for a spot of souvenir shopping. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to explore the area further.* Overnight stay in Yogyakarta.

* Optional Morning Cycling Tour: Starting from the Kali Opak Bridge, a guide will take you around Prambanan to see beautiful rice fields, plantations and to visit a village and a tobacco factory. Also explore the charming Plaosan temple, which is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, surrounded by paddy fields. 

* Optional Prambanan Temple Tour: Visit the Prambanan Temple site. The main site here is called 'Loro Jonggrang', considered Java’s most elegant and awe-inspiring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, the Prambanan temple site is an unmissable stop whilst visiting Yogyakarta.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yogyakarta airport to catch your flight to Ubud, on the paradise island of Bali. Arrive in Ubud, and transfer to the hotel. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, explore the artistic side of the city or simply kick back at the hotel. Overnight stay in Ubud. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a full day excursion in and around Ubud. The first stop is in the stone carver village of Batu Bulan to see the colorful and exciting Dance of Barong & Kris. After the performance, visit this famous village to see the artists making their designs. The carvers use many varieties of wood. Visit the 'elephant cave' called Goa Gajah. The next stop is at Kintamani to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Batur, with its black lava ribbons descending from the sacred crater to the valley, where Lake Batur sits serene and bright with the mountains as a backdrop. On the return trip admire the beautiful rice field terraces in Tegallalang. Return to Ubud for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, spend the day at your leisure. Why not explore the local markets or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage. We recommend an optional river rafting excursion if you are feeling adventurous.* Overnight stay in Ubud.

* Optional Ayung River Rafting Excursion: Take a rafting adventure on the Ayung River! An unforgettable journey through the tropical rainforest past beautiful waterfalls. Lunch included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the tranquil rainforests or visiting the local Hindu temples and shrines. Alternatively, we suggest taking an optional mountain biking excursion to enjoy the landscapes from a different perspective.* Overnight stay in Ubud.

* Optional Mountain Biking Excursion: From the mountainside, ride along quiet roads past various villages. Enjoy an impression of traditional Balinese life and the beautiful nature.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, journey through the hills of Bali’s southern peninsula. This area, known as Bukit, offers a landscape unequalled by any other regions of the island. Unlike the lush rainforests of the tropical central highlands, this arid terrain was formed by millennia of coral sedimentations and is filled with captivating scenery. Home to wild beaches, Bukit is a haven for surfers. In the corner of this peninsula, perched on a sheer cliff, is a highly venerated Uluwatu Temple. Visit the temple to enjoy a performance of the Ramayana epic-based Kecak Dance with the majestic temple and sunset in the background. Afterwards, transfer to beautiful Benoa, one of the most idyllic beach resorts on the island. Get settled at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Benoa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, basking in the Balinese sunshine or exploring at your own pace. We recommend an optional city tour of Denpasar to discover the unique and diverse atmosphere of the city, which fuses traditional Balinese culture and modernity.* Overnight stay in Benoa.

* Optional Denpasar City Tour: Explore Badung Traditional Market, for a taste of the local culture and delve into the spiritual side of the city at Jagatnatha Temple. Learn more about the island at the fascinating Bali Museum and admire the Bajra Shandi Monument, a monument dedicated to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. (Min. 2 pax)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore Bali at your leisure. Why not indulge in a lazy beach day or go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, why not consider one of our optional excursions.* Overnight stay in Benoa.

* Optional Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Excursion: Set off to Nusa Lembongan around 8:00 a.m. for an exciting day of snorkelling in the warm, abundant waters. Enjoy an included lunch on the boat and discover the rich marine life in the open waters. All snorkelling equipment is provided. (Min. 2 pax)

* Optional Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spend a tropical evening onboard a boat whilst taking in the spectacular sunset and enjoying a refreshing cocktail and international buffet. A live cabaret show on board will keep you entertained as you cruise away the evening. (Min. 2 pax)

Breakfast at the hotel. A day at your leisure to continue enjoying the idyllic white-sand beaches of Benoa, perfect for a walk along its extensive shoreline and a swim in its crystal clear warm waters. We recommend an optional tour to Besakih and Penglipuran to discover more of the local area.* Overnight stay in Benoa.

* Optional Besakih and Penglipuran Tour: On this day trip, discover the oldest temple in Bali, the Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung. Along the way, visit Kertagosa in Klungkung, dating back to pre-colonial times and the village of Penglipuran, home to an indigenous community. Also, discover the sacred bats of Goa Lawah Cave and the black beaches of Kusamba for a fantastic overview of the must-see sights in the region. Lunch included. (Min. 2 pax)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy this haven of peace and tranquility located in the southern region of Bali, famous for its extraordinary beaches and its unique sunsets. Overnight stay in Benoa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to the paradise shores of Bali today. At the indicated time, transfer to Denpasar airport for a flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and spend your final evening soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling night markets or simply unwinding at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur.