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12 Day Cities of South East Asia
Highlights: Bangkok, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap
Price Range from $1,200,000pp *
* USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

A top luxury experience in the cities of S.E. Asia. See the variety of culture, history and landscape that make this region so unique. With 5 star hotels, and knowledgeable private guides.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Bangkok
  • Bangkok: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
The Peninsula (5*) (B)
Day 2
Bangkok
  • Private - 1/2 d am Grand Palace & Thonburi Canals - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
The Peninsula (5*) (B)
Day 3
Luang Prabang
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Bangkok - Luang Prabang [Direct (2 hr)] - Economy (QV)
  • Luang Prabang: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 day City Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
La Residence Phou Vao (B)
Day 4
Luang Prabang
  • Private - 1/2 day Pak Ou Cave - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
La Residence Phou Vao (B)
Day 5
Hanoi
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Luang Prabang - Hanoi [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
  • Hanoi: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d French Quarter Walking Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Sofitel Legend Metropole (B)
Day 6
Hanoi
  • Private - City tour (with lunch) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Sofitel Legend Metropole (B)
Day 7
Ho Chi Minh City
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City [Direct ] - Economy
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Cu Chi Tunnels - Vehicle/Driver
Park Hyatt (5*) (B)
Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City
  • Private - City tour (with lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Park Hyatt (5*) (B)
Day 9
Siem Reap
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap [Direct - VN Airline] - Economy
  • Siem Reap: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
Hotel de la Paix (5*) (B)
Day 10
Siem Reap
  • Hot Air Balloon over Angkor -
  • Private - Angkor Wat Temples with Elephant Ride (incl. lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Hotel de la Paix (5*) (B)
Day 11
Siem Reap
  • Private - Bang Mealea & Banteay Srei Lost Jungle Temples - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Hotel de la Paix (5*) (B)
Day 12
Siem Reap
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Air - Siem Reap - Bangkok [Direct - PG ] - Economy (PG)
  • Kensington Cares -
Depart (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The Peninsula, located on the west bank of Chao Phraya, is considered one of Bangkok’s finest hotels. Its 370 rooms and 65 suites appeal to business travelers and well-heeled tourists alike. Soak up the sun by the glorious pool, or indulge in a culinary trip around the world. The Peninsula not only offers every conceivable facility required for business or pleasure, but a wide variety of dining opportunities. If it’s shopping you crave most, take the free shuttle boat services to the Skytrain and head for the Siam Centre for bargain deals.

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.


Bangkok
Bangkok
The Peninsula Pool
The Peninsula Pool
Day 2 Bangkok

Enjoy a half day tour to the beautiful Grand Palace and the Thonburi canals. Thonburi is the western part of Bangkok, situated on the right side of the Chao Phya River. Passing by boat along the canals gives you a first hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok’s waterways. Visit the Royal Barges and the Temple of Dawn. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. The complex houses not only the Royal residence and throne halls, but also government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Overnight at The Peninsula (5*).


Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Day 3 Luang Prabang

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Fly from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle. Explore Luang Prabang by minivan. Visit the former royal temples, Wat Visun (where one can see the biggest statue), and Wat Xieng Thong (the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang with its mosaic decoration and former royal carriage). Visit the Museum (former king’s palace), then climb up Mt Phousi for a beautiful view overlooking the city of Luang Prabang.

As a luxury spa hotel with breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao offers a unique and peaceful atmosphere with a warm and hospitable staff. From the comfort of your private terrace, in your spacious and elegantly furnished room, take in the breathtaking views of the forest canopy and distant mountains dotted with pagodas and stupas. Experience delicious Laotian cuisine at the renowned Phou Vao Restaurant and sip on an exotic cocktail while enjoying the breathtaking mountain views. Amongst flourishing birds of paradise flowers, Bougainvillea, Papyrus and Frangipani trees, La Residence Phou Vao is an absolutely stunning place to stay when visiting this region.

Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal palace), easily recognizable by its golden-inspired stupa, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.


Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Wat Visun
Wat Visun
La Residence Phou Vao Pool
La Residence Phou Vao Pool
Day 4 Luang Prabang

Take a traditional wooden boat upstream to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou. The caves are perched on the sheer face of the cliff, offering impressive and stunning views of the Mekong and surrounding mountains. Inside the cave, there are more than one hundred Buddha images which have been attracting local people since the early 14th century when the cave was discovered. On the way, a short stop at Ban Xanghai, enjoy the taste of the local rice wine. Distilling rice wine and weaving are important economic activities for the majority of people in the village. Overnight at La Residence Phou Vao.


Pak Ou Buddha Cave
Pak Ou Buddha Cave
Day 5 Hanoi

Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle. Fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi. You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver. Almost unique amongst Asian capital cities, Hanoi's French quarter is now fully recognized as an important part of Vietnam's heritage. Yet much of the history behind it still remains a mystery to most. Today, you will take a tour exploring the French Quarter through the ideas of its architects and the shape of its stones. It sets about unraveling all threads of civilization, which have left their mark on the area, beginning with recent reminders in a Soviet style. Discover a different world altogether as will visit the Buddhist pagoda of Quan Su, the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and Tran Hung Dao streets. Learn about the French approach to justice and punishment and hear tales of daring Vietnamese resistance to the repressive regime. Finish your walking tour with a nice cup of Vietnamese coffee.

The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.


Hanoi
Hanoi
French Quarter
French Quarter
the structure of Sofitel Hanoi
the structure of Sofitel Hanoi
Day 6 Hanoi

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence ( Closed on Monday, Friday and the whole of Oct & Nov), One pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue city tour to one of the museums ( Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology Museum) of your choice ( closed on Monday), Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple and 01-hour cyclo. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Lunch is included. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole.


Dragon & Incense sticks in Temple of Literature
Dragon & Incense sticks in Temple of Literature
Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver. Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel. You will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver for a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh city ). Before entering the tunnels you will watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. You will then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels with your guide. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. You will arrive back into Ho Chi Minh City at about 2.00PM.

Centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon, The 252-room Park Hyatt Saigon hotel is within walking distance of business, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The colonial style rooms feature beautiful wooden floors, white marble baths with a luxurious walk-in rain shower and stunning pool view. Overlook Lam Son Square while dining at the casual yet contemporary Morocco Restaurant or at Square One, featuring simple and authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated next to the beautifully landscaped pool, The Xuan Spa is an oasis of tranquility within the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself in this luxurious and peaceful setting and allow the treatments to inspire your senses and renew your spirit.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is more modern than other Vietnamese cities, and has retained its French colonial influences. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. Highlights in the city include the colorful Emperor of Jade Pagoda, an excellent example of a Chinese temple. The Hôtel de Ville is a wonderful example of French colonial architecture. The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. The War Remnants Museum bears witness to the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. Other sites relevant to that era are Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. An interesting excursion from Saigon is a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in which the South Vietnamese Communists concealed themselves and from which they launched attacks on US soldiers.


Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Sticking Trap (Cu Chi Tunnels)
Sticking Trap (Cu Chi Tunnels)
Park Hyatt Saigon hotel
Park Hyatt Saigon hotel
Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver for a full day city tour taking you to visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Visit the remarkable site of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. After lunch (is in the price included), you will visit Giac Lam Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City's oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744. You will also see Cho Lon including the Thien Hau Pagoda. The district is home to the city's 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas. We also visit Ben Thanh market with its wide selection of goods ranging from shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais (Vietnamese dress). Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Overnight at Park Hyatt (5*).


Presidentia Palace
Presidentia Palace
Day 9 Siem Reap

Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel. Fly direct between HCMC - Siem Riep by VN Airline. (one way) Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. Note: departure tax leaving Siem Reap is not included in the tour price (USD$25 per person).

Set around a courtyard with gardens and water features, Hotel de la Paix offers superb dining and spa experiences as well as luxuriously spacious guest rooms. Its Art Deco design is blended with Khmer influences, a symbiotic harmony of past and present. The Arts Lounge has a display of Cambodian art, and some of this heritage is expressed in the international and seasonally inspired cuisine offered in the restaurant and café. Hôtel de la Paix offers a totally unique lifestyle experience. Surround yourself with exquisite designer taste, savour the finest of foods and wines and indulge yourself within the most sensual of customized spa treatments.

Siem Reap is famous for the magnificent temples at Angkor. This ancient and astounding temple complex is what remains of the capital of the once mighty Khmer civilization. Angkor Wat itself, built AD 879-1191 to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, is often hailed as one of the most extraordinary architectural creations ever built, with its intricate bas reliefs, strange acoustics and magnificent soaring towers.


Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk
Hotel de la Paix
Hotel de la Paix
Day 10 Siem Reap

Enjoy a 10 minute ride in a Hot Air Balloon to admire the stunning view of the hidden temples. This is not private and can happen only early in the morning (6AM) or between 3pm and 4pm. Meet at the hotel or at the airport and transfer for sightseeing. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple complex, as well as Takeo and Ta Prohm temples. Lunch at Lotus Blanc restaurant. Continue with a visit to Angkor Wat temple complex and enjoy watching Sun Set on Phnom Bakheng. From South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon temple travel by elephant. Transfer back to the hotel or to the airport.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Overnight at Hotel de la Paix (5*).


Elephant at Angkor Wat Temple
Elephant at Angkor Wat Temple
Day 11 Siem Reap

Lost in the jungle and almost forgotten by the local population, the little explored temple of Beng Mealea is waiting to be rediscovered by the adventurous travelers. Depart from Siem Reap by car to cover around 60 km in the Cambodian countryside, along the Kulen Mountains. Visit of the Beng Mealea and picnic lunch. On the way back, stop to visit Banteay Srei temple before continuing to Siem Reap. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Overnight at Hotel de la Paix (5*).


Bang Mealea
Bang Mealea
Day 12 Siem Reap

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. Note: departure tax leaving Siem Reap is not included in the tour price (USD$25 per person). Fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from Siem Reap International airport - end of itinerary.



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund less any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise, or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions