Southeast Asia Cultural Discovery Tour
Treasures of Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam
- Available: February, March, November, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
5-15 Guests
Min Age: 14
Highlights
- Explore all the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam -- including Angkor Wat and Wat Phou
- Marvel at spectacular Lan Ha/Halong Bay, where towering limestone peaks rise from emerald-green waters
- Follow Southeast Asia expert Sylvain Curtil on this exclusive and immersive MT Sobek adventure
Itinerary
Arrive in Bangkok
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel-Bangkok, Thailand
Fly to UNESCO-Listed Luang Prabang
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Burasari Heritage-Luang Prabang, Laos
Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace HotelTransportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Luang Prabang's Temples & Cruise the Mekong
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Burasari Heritage-Luang Prabang, Laos
Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace HotelTransportation: 2-hour Mekong River cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to Champasak & Visit Ancient Wat Phou
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: The River Resort-Champasak, Laos
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mekong River Voyage to the Islands of Don Det & Don Khon
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: The River Resort-Champasak, Laos
Transportation: 2-hour boat transfer & 2-hour van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Siem Reap, Gateway to Angkor
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Treeline Urban Resort
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Majestic Angkor Wat
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Treeline Urban Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Banteay Srei & Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8
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.
Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hue & Explore Ancient City Sights
Day 9
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).
Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village-Hue, Vietnam
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Hoi An
Day 10
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.
Accommodation: Almanity-Hoi An, Vietnam
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit My Son
Day 11
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.
Accommodation: Almanity-Hoi An, Vietnam
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the Wonders of Hanoi
Day 12
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.
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Opera
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a Lan Ha/Halong Bay Overnight Junk Cruise
Day 13
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.
Accommodation: Orchid Junk
Activity: Overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha/Halong Bay & optional 1 hour walk to catch the sunset & kayaking at your leisure
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Lan Ha/Halong Bay & Return to Hanoi
Day 14
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.
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Opera
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Hanoi
Day 15
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,095 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $7,420 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $7,095 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplement
Special Details
$400 Holiday Surcharge
Available
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementFully Booked - Private Departure
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplementAvailable
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,350 internal airfare+$1,750 single supplement
Special Details
$400 Holiday Surcharge
Available
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
1 guests from $9,995 per person double occupancy
2 to 3 guests from $6,595 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $8,095 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $7,095 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
4 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $7,895 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $1,350
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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February, March, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. 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.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 13
Overnight junk cruise on Lan Ha/Halong Bay & optional 1 hour walk to catch the sunset & kayaking at your leisure
Accommodations
Elegant lodges and luxury resorts in scenic locales - all carefully selected by our Asia experts - plus an overnight stay on a classic junk.
Weather
Temperatures vary, but range from 70's in the cooler areas to 90's in the warmer areas. Halong Bay can be 50's in November and December.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader, Sylvain Curtil, will meet you on arrival at Luang Prabang Airport.
Will anyone meet me on arrival in Bangkok?
No, but it is very easy to take the free shuttle to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel, located just a few minutes from the terminal.
Do I need visas for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam?
Yes, American citizens need visas for all three countries. You can get the Laos and Cambodian visas on arrival at the airports and Vietnam has a new, streamlined e-visa process.
What internal air is included?
The internal air includes flights from Bangkok - Luang Prabang - Pakse - Siem Reap - Saigon - Hue and Danang - Hanoi.
What airline do you use for the internal flights?
We use Vietnam Air, Lao Airlines, Thai Airlines and Bangkok Airways.
What if I do not want to ride a scooter or kayak?
All activities are optional!