Southeast Asia Cultural Discovery Tour

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 and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a city walking tour, beginning at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, rich with golden doors, ornaments, and colorful murals. Celebrate your first day with a welcome dinner.

Rise early this morning for the chance to witness the Taak Baat ceremony. Every morning, devoted residents of Luang Prabang wait on the sidewalks to offer food to the monks as they walk in line clad in their saffron-orange robes. Board a private boat for a scenic two-hour ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, being one of the only means of transport and commerce. Savor a Lao Picnic Lunch on board. Back in Luang Prabang, stop at Ock Pop Tock's non-profit organization that seeks to preserve traditional silk weaving techniques, a trade which was once an important source of income for many Lao families but is slowly fading out as modern technology has evolved. Relax on the terrace with one of the best views on the Mekong and enjoy some free time before visiting the night market.

After breakfast, leave the city behind and see some of Laos' stunning landscapes on the drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Walk around the cascading falls and gorgeous turquoise pools surrounded by lush forest. Back in Luang Prabang, explore Phosi Market, where fresh foods and daily life items are sold. After lunch, board your flight to Siem Reap where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel with time to freshen up before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.

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 early 12th century, Angkor Wat was designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside, the temple walls are covered with stone bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and more than 2,000 Apsara dancers. Take a break at the hotel during the hottest part of the day. In the late afternoon, explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Enter through the impressive stone South Gate and cross the forest to the grand Bayon Temple where enigmatic stone faces gaze down from 54 towers. See the bas-reliefs of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King before completing your day with a sunset cruise on the moat surrounding Angkor Thom. This entire region of temple complexes is one of the world's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Today begin by exploring the "precious gem" of the Angkor area: Banteay Srei, or Citadel of the Women. This well-preserved temple 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—a memorable experience! Continue to explore the incredible site of Angkor at Ta Prohm, a temple which remains atmospherically overgrown by jungle, as most Angkor temples were when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.

This morning board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a short walking tour of the vibrant city, including the Cathedral, the 19th-century post office, opera house, and the City Hall. Your evening is free to explore on your own or relax, as you wish.

The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River where you will board a private speedboat, streaking along the riverside scenery to Cu Chi, the site of the famed labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers used by Viet Cong soldiers to hide underground during the Tet Offensive. Hear the remarkable stories of residents' resilience and view wartime weapons and other relics, and if you wish, try a short walk in a tunnel to understand firsthand what underground life was like during the war. As you cruise back to Hi Chi Minh City enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. As the night falls, take to the streets on an exciting ride around Saigon in an open-air US Army Jeep! Crisscross the city to the flower market, bustling alleys of street food vendors, where locals come to eat at night, old popular residential areas, and Bui Vien, the famous pub street.

Begin today's journey with a flight to Danang, where you will visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Next enjoy a short drive to 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 influence of Chinese traders appears in the beautiful buildings lining the riverside. Walk to a restaurant in Old Town for dinner.

In the morning, set off on a walking tour of the old city. Start at the colorful local market, where everything from fresh produce to silk lanterns and souvenirs. Visit a former merchant's home, a Chinese temple, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, each a testament to the port's rich trading history. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, shop, or explore on your own.

Drive to Danang for your flight to Hanoi, a governmental center of almost three million people. Founded in 1010 as Thang Long, Hanoi's old town is a maze of streets that specialize in hardware, funerary items, carpentry, and textiles, vibrant with local life, while the French Quarter's tree-shaded streets and avenues are filled with lovely examples of French colonial architecture. Today, start the first part of your visit of Hanoi.

After breakfast, delve into renowned sights and immersive experiences of the city. See Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and learn about Vietnam's independence. Visit the "Hanoi Hilton" Prison, used by North Vietnam during the war. Spend time exploring the French Quarter on foot and the Old Town to watch a slice of local life. Explore Hang Be Market, selling produce and street food, and stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.