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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.