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Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos

The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

Program No. 24159RJ
Discover the people, places and cultures that make Southeast Asia one of the most fascinating places in the world on this exploration of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
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  • The Best of Southeast Asia
  • The Best of Southeast Asia
Country StudiesSmall GroupMost PopularHistory
Length
21 days
Rating (4.94)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,099
Flights start at
1,150
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
21 days
20 nights
What's Included
38 meals ( 18B, 1BR, 11L, 8D )
7 expert-led lectures
28 expert-led field trips
8 flights during the program
5 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
18 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note that if you arrive late and miss the Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the next day.
Afternoon:
Check in to the hotel, unpack, freshen up and relax. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and go through any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in and out of river boats and tuk tuks. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day at the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha temple, then to Wat Pho. Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha are sacred sites. Conservative dress (no shorts); shoes must be removed to enter the temple, socks permitted; photography not allowed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We take public transportation to the Grand Palace area. The Grand Palace with its surrounding complex is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the extraordinary architecture, artistic detail, and amazing history have made it a cultural icon. The Palace is no longer the royal residence but is used for important ceremonial occasions. In addition to the Palace itself, there are more than 100 structures, many beautifully designed and decorated, including Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. The Wat Phra Kaew temple houses the so-called Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of green jade. The Emerald Buddha was discovered in a stupa in Chiang Rai in 1434, covered in plaster. Legend says its history goes back to India in the year 43 BCE. It now sits in splendor on a golden throne and watches over the Thai nation. We continue by public transit to Wat Po, close to the Palace. The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it has more than 1,000 images of the Buddha including one of the most famous, the Reclining Buddha, which is nearly 150 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) high. Wat Pho was also the country’s earliest center of public education. It is the national headquarters for preserving and teaching traditional Thai medicine, including Thai massage, which is still practised there.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
After lunch we take private vans back to the hotel for some time to rest.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with complimentary glass of wine or local beer. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile at airport and at the home hosted dinner.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
This morning we are joined by a local expert for a presentation on Thailand’s political economy - the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines - to understand the impact and influence of political factors in economic outcomes. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand has been a unified kingdom since the mid-14th century. The national government is in transition. Following the lecture, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the Bangkok Airport for our flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we transfer to our hotel and check in. We then visit a local Lanna family’s home to learn about Thai traditions and customs from them. We also learn about the architecture of the traditional Lanna house, the family’s gardens, and Northern Thai cuisine.
Dinner:
At the family's home. Experience a traditional Northern Thai Kantoke dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up 306 steps to the top of Doi Suthep. Transfer is approximately 12 miles/45 minutes each way by private van.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We travel to Doi Suthep by private vans to experience a Buddhist tradition. Here we view the procession of the monks before they ascend the 306 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the glittering, golden pagodas at the sacred Doi Suthep Mountain. We continue with our Group Leader to Wat Suan Dok, the Buddhist University, where we take a short walk around the temple to learn about its history and understand why it is revered as one of the city's most sacred sites. We learn more about Buddhism from the monks as we stop and take some time to chat with them.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Experience the traditional Northern Thai dish of Khao Soy. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Free time. This afternoon is available for you to explore on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Drive to encounter the Thai elephants is approximately 34 miles/1 hour each way. Walking up to 2 miles on unpaved, dirt roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We travel by vans to the Mae Taeng district to visit an elephant sanctuary. Here we learn from local experts about the plight of the Asian elephant and what this organization is doing to help save these majestic animals. We have the opportunity to meet and interact with a few elephants.
Lunch:
At the elephant sanctuary. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We visit the workshop at the elephant sanctuary to see how elephant dung is used to make paper. We have the chance to participate in the paper-making process. We return to Chiang Mai and have the late afternoon and evening free. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.
Activity Note
The flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes. The flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel we have an early breakfast.
Morning:
We check out of the hotel early this morning for our flight to Luang Prabang via Bangkok. We check in and fly to Bangkok's second airport - Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
Lunch:
At own arrangements at the airport in Bangkok.
Afternoon:
We fly from Bangkok to Luang Prabang in the early afternoon. Upon our arrival in Luang Prabang, we transfer by motorcoach to our program hotel and check in. After some time settling into the hotel, we transfer to a local restaurant. Here we enjoy a Baci Blessing Ceremony - a traditional Lao welcome (or farewell) ceremony wishing us good luck.
Dinner:
At the restaurant, we have a traditional Lan Xang-style meal. Coffee, tea and water included. During dinner, we witness Lan Xang traditional dance.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Coaching approximately 2 miles around the city. Walking approximately 1 mile through at the temple.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
After breakfast, we are joined by a local expert for a lecture on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang. After the lecture, our local expert leads us on a walking discovery of Luang Prabang. We visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built in 1559/1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was used as a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975 when the Lao monarchy was dissolved. After our visit, we transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
After lunch we visit the National Museum. Formerly the Royal Palace, it is now home to a fascinating collection of artifacts giving insight to the history of Laos. We return to the hotel and are joined by a local expert for a presentation on the different ethnic groups that make up Laos and the current conflicts that they face. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Your Group Leader and local expert will be glad to provide suggestions.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Early morning wake up for alms giving. Walking approximately 1 mile through the market. Getting on and off small boats. Walking up riverbanks to explore local villages. There are around 220 steps at Pak Ou Caves to see all the Buddha images in the first and second set of caves.
Breakfast:
Before breakfast, we travel by minivans into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture - Tak Baht. We witness devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession. Hundreds of monks from different temples will walk through the city in their traditional ritual of collecting alms for their daily meals. We then walk through the morning market to see all the items on sale for the day. We join the locals in having a traditional breakfast with included Laotian coffee or tea alongside the Khanh River.
Morning:
We take a private boat up the Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves with a local guide. These caves house thousands of votive Buddha statues left by pilgrims.
Lunch:
On board. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We stop by a local village along the river. The location of the village visit can change depending on the time of year. We meet with the local villagers and learn about their daily lives and what they do to sustain themselves in this remote region. We cruise back to Luang Prabang for some free time this afternoon.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.
Activity Note
Driving approximately 8 miles/20 minutes in Luang Prabang. The flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse is approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes. The flight from Pakse to Siem Reap is approximately 40 minutes. The drive from Siem Reap airport to our hotel is approximately 6 miles/30 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arriving in Siem Reap, we will transfer to our hotel and drop off our bags.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
We will have an orientation walk in the environs of the hotel and have some down time to relax. After settling in, we watch a documentary introducing us to the Angkor Temples.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles at Ta Prohm, along dirt and wooden paths through the temple. Walking for approximately 1/2 mile at Banteay Srei, without a lot of shade in hot and humid conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We depart by motorcoach at around 7am to reach Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple, before the crowds. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many. Some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed there) as they pick through the rubble. We continue by motorcoach to Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This pink sandstone temple was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V and is located approximately 45 minutes from Siem Reap town.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We board our motorcoach and return to Siem Reap town. Along the way, we stop by a local school to gain an understanding of the Khmer educational system. We will meet with the school director and learn about the school and its history. We may have an opportunity to view some classes in action.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
We enjoy a private traditional Khmer dance show. This art, once nearly lost for good, is now being revived in Cambodia with young students learning this traditional dance.
Activity Note
Walking in Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom will be physically straining today. We will spend the whole morning at these ruins, which have uneven steps and stairways. Please remember to bring a flashlight for the early morning visit. You will need to be able to get in and out of small boats and climb up ladders to see a traditional stilt house on the Tonle Sap Lake.
Breakfast:
We have an early start this morning to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise. After a light snack we transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple at the site, is also the only temple to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. It was built to embody the Hindu tradition – specifically dedicated to the god Vishnu – but gradually shifted to become a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. After our sunrise viewing, we return to our hotel for our breakfast buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
After breakfast we explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
We transfer by motorcoach to a jetty on Tonle Sap Lake. From here we board small boats to explore the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. We visit a local home to learn about life on the water and stop at a pagoda to receive a monk's blessing. This is a very old Buddhist tradition.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles / 2 hours along the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap International Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, we transfer to our program hotel in the city center.
Lunch:
We experience the traditional dish of pho and fresh spring rolls.
Afternoon:
We embark on a walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City and learn some more about Vietnamese history. We take in sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. We also walk via City Hall and the Opera House.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The Cu Chi tunnels are located outside the city, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours travel by motorcoach each way (depending on traffic). Walking up to 2 miles at the Cu Chi Tunnels on dirt paths.
Breakfast:
For early risers, there is the opportunity to join locals for morning exercise. At Tao Dan Park the local city people practice tai chi, aerobics and badminton. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach to visit a local university. Here a professor gives us a presentation on the history and culture of Vietnam. Afterwards, we may have a chance to chat with some of the university students and learn about higher education in Vietnam.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We depart by motorcoach to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels - an immense network of interconnecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped achieve ultimate military success.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and a boat; driving approximately 75 miles/2.5 hours each way. Walking approximately 2 miles/2 hours around a village in the Delta.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We set out early for the Mekong Delta. Here we board a boat to explore a region of Vietnam that few visitors get to experience. We make a number of stops, disembarking the boat and walking to encounter the local people as we visit pagodas, a riverside market, workshops, and historical sites. Further upriver, we visit a local family who makes handicrafts from native water hyacinths.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We continue exploring the local area before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City by motorcoach.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving time. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; paved walkway at Ba Dinh Square. Shorts, tank tops and hats are not permitted at Ba Dinh Square.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
We transfer by motorcoach to Ho Chi Minh City airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we transfer to our program hotel.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
We board our motorcoach to visit Ba Dinh Square. This is where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Across the street, we find the One Pillar Pagoda, constructed to celebrate the heiress Emperor Ly Thai Tong who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. Our exploration continues at the Temple of Literature, only a few years younger than Hanoi itself. This, the country’s oldest monument to education, is one of the world’s earliest universities. Dedicated to Confucius in 1070, it initially accepted only children of the nobility, but by 1442 it embraced gifted students from throughout the country. The preserved and reconstructed buildings are a rare example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Its lovely courtyards, trees, gardens and paths provide a tranquil glimpse into the past. Next, we explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter by electric car. Remnant of a bygone era, the Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original area of commerce.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving approximately 113 miles/3.5 hours with a stop along the way. Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk boat. We will anchor and spend the night aboard the junk. Land excursions require getting in/out of rowboats, which comfortably sit 4 people.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and board a traditional Vietnamese junk for one night. "Ha Long", which means "Bay of Descending Dragons", is a stunning site famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon. Along the way, we learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader.
Lunch:
On board the boat. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
As we cruise Ha Long Bay, we learn about the geology and ecology of the area. Our local expert will lead us as we explore Luon Cave.
Dinner:
On board the boat. Plated meals. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the sunset view in Ha Long Bay. Be sure to prepare for check-out in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk. Land excursions require getting in/out of rowboats, which comfortably sit 4 people.
Breakfast:
On board the boat. Watch the sun rising over the bay with coffee, tea and pastries. Those who wish may participate in a tai chi session.
Morning:
This morning we visit Vung Vieng fishing village. We transfer from the junk to the smaller rowboats. We get back on our junk and prepare for check-out.
Brunch:
Mid-morning, we have brunch in the boat's dining room.
Afternoon:
After brunch, we disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. We will have a snack pack to munch en route. On our way back to Hanoi, we stop at a local village to learn about the traditional water puppet art. We meet the artist and discuss the art form, Mua Roi Nuoc. We then enjoy a private performance. Water puppetry is performed in a pool, depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form is a centuries old variation on ancient Asian puppet traditions. Puppets would be put out to watch over crops. When fields flooded, villagers would entertain themselves with the puppets. We continue to our hotel in Hanoi and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Dinner:
At own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer by motorcoach is approximately 5 miles/1 hour round trip.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
This morning we travel by motorcoach to a local village to learn about traditional life in Vietnam. We explore a farmer’s home, take a bicycle or tuk tuk ride around the village and the rice paddy field, and participate in a cooking demonstration.
Lunch:
At the village. Coffee, tea and water included.
Afternoon:
We return to Hanoi and explore the Hoi La Prison ("Hanoi Hilton") where John McCain was imprisoned during the Vietnam War. The remainder of the afternoon is free time. Take this opportunity to further explore Hanoi on your own, or simply relax.
Dinner:
Farewell Dinner with complimentary glass of wine or local beer. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.
Morning:
Prepare for check-out. Program concludes. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram Feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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