Southeast Asia Cultural Discovery Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Sylvain Curtil

Sylvain is a French national but lives in Thailand and has guided in Southeast Asia for over 30 years. His speciality is leading classic MT Sobek adventures in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and throughout the Himalayan countries (Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet). Along the way he has learned about Buddhism, Hinduism, Asian history and art, and brings significant insight to the adventures he leads. Sylvain speaks French, English, Thai, Lao, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Bangkok
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Welcome to Southeast Asia! Since most flights arrive in Bangkok in the evening, we encourage you fly in at least one day ahead of schedule to help overcome jet lag before the tour begins. You may even choose to fly in a few days early to explore this fascinating city, which has many sightseeing possibilities. From the airport, catch a complimentary hotel shuttle or take the five-minute walk via an air-conditioned underground walkway.
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                    [Headline] => Fly to UNESCO-Listed Luang Prabang
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Meet your MT Sobek representative this morning and transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, capital of the first Lao kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the Mekong River in a lovely mountain-encircled setting, Luang Prabang is renowned for its historic Buddhist temples, about 32 of which date from the 14th century. Luang Prabang is unhurried, relaxed, and perfect for strolling its ancient lanes and alleyways. Upon arrival, meet your local guide, transfer to the hotel, enjoy a city walking tour, then meet for a welcome dinner.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Luang Prabang\'s Temples & Cruise the Mekong 
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Begin today at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, with its unique five-tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs, and admire Wat Sene\'s beautiful golden facade. Venture to stunning Wat Xieng Thong, rich with golden gates, ornaments, and colorful murals. Then board a private longtail boat for a scenic two-hour ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Back in Luang Prabang, climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and countryside before visiting a hill-tribe market.
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                    [Headline] => Travel to Champasak & Visit Ancient Wat Phou
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse, in southern Laos. From there, drive to Champasak and check into the hotel before setting off on a visit to the ancient ruins of Wat Phou. This Khmer Hindu temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the most important economic and political center in the region when it was built more than a thousand years ago. Today its unique architecture makes it a fascinating place to explore. Have dinner at the resort.
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Drive to Khong Island and take a two-hour boat ride along the Mekong to the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khon, in the southern part of Laos near the Cambodian border. These laid-back islands are very quiet, thanks to the absence of cars and electricity, which is provided only in the evening. Stroll through palm-fringed villages and visit Tat Somphamit (aka Li Phi Waterfalls). Take a boat excursion and, if lucky, spot endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Continue to the southernmost part of Laos and the imposing Khong Phapheng Waterfalls.
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                    [Headline] => Fly to Siem Reap, Gateway to Angkor
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After a leisurely morning, fly to Siem Reap. This former Khmer Empire capital is now the gateway to Cambodia\'s most popular tourist attraction: the Angkor region and the Angkor temples complex, which you\'ll spend the next couple of days exploring. Today visit one of the area\'s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm, which has been relatively untouched since its discovery. Unlike the other Angkor monuments, it was swallowed by the jungle, so today looks very much as most Angkor temples did when European explorers first stumbled upon them.
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Nothing prepares you for your first view of Angkor Wat, the world\'s largest religious edifice, which you behold today in the morning light. Built in the 12th century, its labor-intensive construction is a magnificent achievement of architecture and artistry. The temple is decorated with more than 2,000 Apsara dancers, and its walls are covered with a stunning array of stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting mythological and historical events. After lunch, visit the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple, among other sights. Cruise on Angkor Thom moat at sunset. Dinner tonight is on your own.
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Visit the "precious gem" of the Angkor area: Banteay Srei, or Citadel of the Women. The best-preserved temple in Cambodia is built of pink sandstone seen nowhere else in Angkor and displays some stellar examples of classical Khmer art. Stop at a local pagoda for a private blessing ceremony with Buddhist monks, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, take a walking tour of the vibrant city, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the 19th-century post office, the opera house, and town hall. After dinner, take an exciting scooter ride around Saigon.
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Fly to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue is to Vietnam as Kyoto is to Japan. This intellectual and cultural center situated along the Perfume River has twelve educational academies and is home to fascinating, 19th-century Imperial ruins, many of which remain damaged and serve as reminders of the Tet Offensive of 1968. Today visit the unusual royal tombs of monarchs from the last dynasty of Vietnam. Then explore Thien Mu pagoda and, after lunch, cyclo (three-wheel bicycle taxi) through the old city to the Imperial Palace (Citadel).
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Depart Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route passes through the photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Stop at the Cham Museum in Danang before arriving in Hoi An. In the afternoon, set off on a walking tour of the old city. Visit the former merchants\' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a colorful local market.
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Start your day with a trip to the capital and religious center of the former Champa kingdom, My Son. Situated in a lush green valley, the red brick towers and sanctuaries date from the seventh to the 13th centuries. Return to Hoi An and enjoy a free afternoon to relax, shop, or explore on your own. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
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Fly to Hanoi, a governmental center of almost three million people. Founded in 1010 as Thang Long, Hanoi\'s narrow tree-shaded streets are filled with lovely examples of French colonial architecture. After lunch, see Ho Chi Minh\'s Mausoleum and the "Hanoi Hilton" Prison. Spend some time exploring the old town by cyclo, visiting streets that specialize in hardware, funerary items, carpentry, and textiles. Continue to Hang Be Market and Hoan Kiem Lake.
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Drive to Lan Ha/Halong Bay and board a boat for an overnight cruise on a junk, a wooden Chinese sailing ship. From the water, enjoy spectacular views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald-green waters and its mystical landscape of 3,000 towering limestone islands. We continue to Ba Trai Dao beach in Lan Ha Bay- a separate section of Halong Bay. This is a quiet paradise known for its pristine beaches. Here you can kayak or simply enjoy a swim. Later you can catch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin and then join a traditional cooking class on the junk.
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After awakening aboard the boat, greet the day with a morning tai chi exercise and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto, and then return to the boat for a final glimpse of Lan Ha/Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Head back to Hanoi and enjoy a farewell dinner with the group as well as a water puppet show.
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is ranked easy to moderate.  Although none of the walking on this trip is particularly difficult, you will be on your feet a significant part of most days while sightseeing and the trip packs in a lot of sights and activities.  
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Accommodations

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Elegant lodges and luxury resorts in scenic locales - all carefully selected by our Asia experts - plus an overnight stay on a classic junk.

Burasari Heritage-Luang Prabang, Laos

Luxury Hotel

Elegant rooms decorated with unique touches create a charming atmosphere that is at once modern and colonial. This traditional Laotian house brims with lovely details and the romance of adventure travel. Indulge in spa treatments, enjoy breakfast on the riverfront terrace, take a spin on a hotel bike, or just absorb the warm way of life in delightful Luang Prabang.

Pilgrimage Village-Hue, Vietnam

Comfortable Hotel

Pilgrimage Village is situated in the quiet countryside surrounded by lush tranquil gardens, yet near to famous historical landmarks and the city of Hue. Delicious meals and a peaceful atmosphere are the trademarks of Pilgrimage Village. The property features 139 rooms & villas, two pools, a relaxing spa and several restaurants and bars. Tai chi and yoga classes are offered.

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel-Bangkok, Thailand

This Novotel Bangkok property is a four-star hotel located a short walk from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers two bars and four restaurants, a beautiful pool, a fitness room, and a spa. With a 24-hour airport shuttle running every 10 minutes and plenty of parking available, accommodations here couldn't be more convenient.

Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Luxury Hotel

The Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon is located amidst the vibrant business and tourist hub of Ho Chi Minh City, boasting panoramic views of the Saigon River. The Marriott accommodation comprises 336 comfortable guest rooms, two dining venues that serve international and Cantonese cuisines, the Atrium Lounge, and the Liquid Sky Bar, which transforms into a trendy rooftop lounge at night.

Almanity-Hoi An, Vietnam

Comfortable Hotel

Set in the heart of Hoi An old town, within walking distance of old town sights, the Almanity is an oasis of calm. The resort prides itself on superior service and surroundings, including a beautiful outdoor pool, spa, gym and multiple dining options. The Almanity features Wi-Fi throughout the premises.

Hotel de L’Opera

Luxury Hotel

This boutique, luxury property is conveniently located in the center of Hanoi near the opera, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter. In addition, the Hotel de l'Opera boasts such amenities as a 4-season swimming pool, restaurants and bar and free wi-fi throughout the hotel, providing an environment appealing to both leisure and business travelers.

The River Resort-Champasak, Laos

Comfortable Hotel

This eco-friendly resort offers deluxe accommodations on an escarpment along the Mekong River. Spacious, modern rooms are stylishly and consciously decorated with bamboo furniture and silk tapestries. The open-air Main Sala features a restaurant that serves Western, Lao, and Thai cuisine, and guests can enjoy poolside cocktails, where the infinity pool seems to blend with the mighty Mekong.

Orchid Junk

Comfortable Small Ship

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Halong Bay aboard the luxurious, 5-star Orchid Junk. Elegantly decorated with rich dark wood and pretty orchids, this junk comes compete with the highest level of customer service, extremely comfortable cabins, and relaxing spaces both above and below deck. Be enchanted as you take an overnight river cruise of your dreams.

Victoria Xiengthong Palace Hotel

Centrally located in Luang Prabang, the Xiengthong Palace hotel is a beautiful accommodation in the beautiful ancient capital. This residence was the last home of the Laos Royal Family. Elegantly designed and recently restored, Xiengthong Palace is a distinctive stop on an adventure through Laos. There is a delicious dining onsite, and the hotel also offers an Ayu Spa with a variety of treatments to help unwind after a day of exploring.

Treeline Urban Resort

Comfortable Hotel

Treeline Urban Resort boasts 48-rooms in a cleverly designed boutique hotel on Siem Reap's river side. At Treeline, you will enjoy proximity to the temples of Angkor as well as a respite from the rest of busy Siem Reap. The resort includes several restaurants, swimming pool, spa and contemporary art throughout the property.

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Inspiration to Explore

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