BEST OF SOUTHEAST ASIA  

A Private Journey through
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

 
                   
  Duration:   27 Days     Style:   First-Class Escorted  
  Start in:   Bangkok on January 8, 2013 Maximum:   16 Guests  
  Finish in:   Bangkok on February 3, 2013 Status:   Space is available  
  Visiting:  

Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle, Mae Sai

UNESCO:   4 Sites  
      Laos: Houeisay, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang        
      Vietnam: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An        
      Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor)        
             

   HOME

TRIP DESCRIPTION FULL ITINERARY OUR HOTELS PRICES BOOKING

FAQ

 


Please examine all pages of this website which describe this journey by
 clicking on each of the tabs above.

 

While wandering through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia we discover ancient palaces, historic temples, archaeological sites, captivating museums, Thai, Lao and Vietnamese indigenous groups and so much more. We navigate some of Asia's most interesting rivers and lakes, we explore her cities, towns and villages, we cross her plains and mountains and learn more about the American war, Ho Chi Minh, the Pathet Lao, the Khmer Rouge and the great kings of Angkor.

Travel with us as part of our small group as we wander through these four unique countries half a world away and study their cultural wonders, their unusual tribal peoples and their peaceful way of life. Add delicious food, happy hours at sunset, comfortable accommodation, good travelling companions and a photograph around every corner and you’ve created a journey which our clients continually tell us is the best trip they have ever taken.

We meet with local people and experience their lifestyles. We travel on modern aircraft, private mini-buses, boats of all kinds and even on elephants, rickshaws and other extraordinary craft. We sample dragon fruit, sticky rice and Tom Yum. We share stories at happy hour. We watch the sunset over the Mae Khong River. We do hundreds of things you've never even thought of.

On each of our journeys, one or more of our experienced staff rides along with you as tour leader to offer advice, to smooth any bumps in the road and to make sure your experience is the best it can possibly be. Southeast Asia has been a part of us for over 30 years and we can never get enough of it.

Discover Southeast Asia with us soon. You won't be disappointed!



click for a large map

 
   

Itinerary Summary

   
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok (or come in a few days early).
Day 2 Bangkok orientation. Visit the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, walk through the amazing Maeklong railway market and enjoy a mouth-watering Thai lunch along the riverside. Enjoy happy hour and canapes overlooking the River of Kings.
Days 3-7 Northern Thailand, city of Chiang Mai, Asia's largest Night Bazaar, elephant camp, Lisu Tribal village, Thai cooking, Orchid farm, Hmong village, Kok river trip, Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai resort stay, a chance to try traditional Thai massage and more.
Days 8-9 Cross into Laos at Houeixay village, two-day cruise down the Mekong River on our private boat, Teakwood lodge stay, Lao tribal village visits, Pakbeng village market, Tam Ting cave visit then arrive at UNESCO World Heritage protected city of Luang Prabang.
Days 10-11 Stay in magnificent Luang Prabang - examine ancient temples, watch the sunset at Mount Phousi, visit the Royal Palace and Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang night market, sidewalk cafes, French restaurants, evening cocktails and more.
Days 12-14 Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho's house on stilts, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Hanoi Hilton prison and the Ethnology Museum. See a performance of the Water Puppets, ride a rickshaw through the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, bargain for bargains, sip French coffee in sidewalk cafes, stuff yourself with sumptuous Vietnamese food. Consider an optional trip to Halong Bay.
Days 15-16 Travel to the World Heritage city of Hue and enjoy an afternoon boat trip on the Perfume river visiting the Thien Mu pagoda and the tomb of emperor Minh Mang. The next morning visit the Imperial City before driving over the Hai Van pass to Danang and Hoi An.
Days 17-18 Stay in the World Heritage city of Hoi An, examine the ancient buildings of the Old Quarter, visit the famous Japanese Bridge, the guild halls, the Chinese temples, head out to the beach, sip cocktails,  enjoy happy hour, relax over dinner at local restaurants and sidewalk cafes, pamper yourself at the Life Heritage Resort.
Days 19-21 In Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh, visit the King's Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the Khmer Rouge's Tuol Sleng prison, the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, the fabulous National Museum, the dazzling Central market and the eclectic Russian market. Enjoy the sites of downtown Phnom Penh in a rickshaw, sip a cool beverage at the FCCC overlooking the river and eat some magnificent tapas at Friend's restaurant.
Days 22-24 Siem Reap - the dusty, frontier Northern Cambodian town serving the Angkor Temple Complex. An exceptional 3-day stay in Angkor visiting the 11th century temple city of Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, Leper King terrace, the jungle temple of Ta Phrom, the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, beautiful pink and green Banteay Srei, the unique floating village of Mechrey and the local silk farm. Sip a beverage at Siem Reap's Red Piano bar, the Dead Fish or dozens of other local watering holes. 
Days 25-26 Bangkok - Welcome back to the the City of Angels. Two days to enjoy additional parts of the city and surroundings. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Shop for silk, try out a few of Bangkok's best restaurants and trendy bars and enjoy our farewell happy hour and dinner at two of Bangkok's most unusual bars & restaurants.
Day 27 Depart Bangkok for your flight home or extend your stay in Asia.

 

Advice and Assistance

For more information on any Southeast Asia items shown on our website or any other aspects of this trip, please call us. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

If you have already decided to join us please complete the Booking Form and send it to us as soon as possible. You can access the Booking Form by clicking on the "Booking" tab at the top of the page.

As always, our Private Journeys are each limited to a maximum of 16 guests. First come, first served. These journeys are popular and fill up quickly. Booking forms are always processed in the order which they are received in our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions by clicking on the FAQ link at the top of the page.

Pre-tour and post-tour arrangements

For those who wish to arrive at the starting point a day or more ahead of the tour, we can offer pre-packaged options including extra hotel nights. For those who wish to extend their time in Southeast Asia after the tour we can offer many different options including, but not limited to Thailand beaches such as Hua Hin, Phuket or Koh Samui, cruises on the River Kwai, overnight visits to Ayutthaya or many other possibilities in the surrounding countries of Malaysia, Burma, Indonesia or Singapore.

Looking for different dates?

If you are unable to travel with us on any of the scheduled dates for any of our Private Journeys, we can create a custom-designed independent departure just for you according to your own schedule. We can also add or subtract days and events as required to meet your needs exactly. Please call for more information.

 

Toll-free:  (888) 765-7662                        In Ottawa: (613) 789-1900

©2012  1633966 Ontario Inc. - All Rights Reserved                    TMTrailFinders            Suite 1, 21 Concourse Gate Ottawa ON K2E 7S4