Discover Southeast Asia National Geographic Journeys 18 Days

Embark on a captivating exploration of Thailand's capital. Hop aboard a traditional klong boat and glide through the enchanting canals, passing by temples, skyscrapers, and charming waterfront houses. Discover the magnificent Grand Palace, once the royal residence, and be awe-struck by the revered Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. In the afternoon, catch a flight to Chiang Mai, where you'll find tranquility amidst stunning surroundings. Accommodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Flight: 01:30 Hr(s) Included Activities: Klong Riverboat Tour Grand Palace Visit

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Chiang Mai's morning markets alongside a skilled local chef. Select fresh and aromatic ingredients for your Thai cooking class and savor your culinary creation for a delightful lunch. Visit a historical temple and engage in a meaningful conversation with a resident monk, gaining insights into daily life and the principles of Buddhism. Experience tranquility as you listen to the melodic chants of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, an awe-inspiring gilded temple. Accommodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Transport: Private Vehicle: Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep: 00:45 Hr(s) Included Activities: Cooking Class Meet with Monks Doi Suthep Temple Visit Additional Notes: Our hotel is centrally located in Chiang Mai, just a short walk away from the renowned night bazaar.

Embark on a day of personal exploration in Chiang Mai, with the option to partake in various activities. Discover the lush beauty of the region on a cycling tour, pedaling through picturesque rice paddies and the charming historic district. In the evening, venture outside the city to a village and indulge in a traditional khantok-style dinner. Engage in insightful conversations with your hosts, gaining insights into rural Thai life. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Mai's night market. Accommodation: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Dinner Included Activities: Traditional Thai Home Dinner Additional Notes: The Khantok dinner is a captivating experience in northern Thailand. It involves sitting on the floor around a wooden tray, savoring delectable dishes like sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork. Afterward, engage in tea time and engage with locals to learn about their way of life.

Board a flight to Luang Prabang, a charming city in Laos surrounded by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation walk through the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Admire the exquisite wooden Buddhist temples and graceful French colonial architecture that define the city's unique character. Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Flight Included Activities: Orientation Walk

Witness the mesmerizing almsgiving ceremony at dawn, as Buddhist monks traverse the streets, receiving offerings from locals in exchange for blessings. Visit the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, to marvel at the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue. Explore the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, one of Luang Prabang's oldest and grandest temples. Embark on a boat ride along the serene Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, an awe-inspiring religious site adorned with countless Buddha sculptures within its limestone chambers. Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Boat: Pak Ou Cave to Luang Prabang (1:30 hrs) Included Activities: Royal Palace Museum Visit Wat Xieng Thong Visit Pak Ou Caves Visit

Indulge in a leisurely morning in this captivating town. Consider exploring the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, showcasing cultural artifacts and handicrafts from across the country, or simply unwind at one of the town's relaxed cafés. In the afternoon, venture into the verdant countryside to discover the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfall. Relax beside its cascading limestone pools and take a rejuvenating swim in the turquoise waters. In the evening, you have the option to immerse yourself in Luang Prabang's vibrant night market. Accommodation: Luang Prabang View Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Included Activities: Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion

Enjoy some leisure time in Luang Prabang before taking a late afternoon flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Flight: 01:00 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Begin the day with a visit to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, a revered political leader in Vietnam. Then, transfer to Ha Long Bay, where tranquil turquoise waters are adorned with thousands of captivating limestone islands. Embark on a cruise aboard a traditional-style wooden boat or junk, spending the night on board. Sail through Bai Tu Long Bay, a secluded part of this UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the stunning karst formations. Explore the fascinating Me Cung cave accompanied by a local guide. Accommodation: Halong Boat (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transport: Private Vehicle: Hanoi to Ha Long - 04:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Guided Tour of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Overnight Junk Boat Cruise in Ha Long Bay Additional Notes: In rare instances, the government may temporarily close Ha Long Bay to tourist vessels due to extreme weather conditions. If this occurs, an alternative activity will be provided.

Return to the mainland and make your way back to Hanoi. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Hoa Sua, a non-profit training restaurant that supports underprivileged youth in Hanoi. Meet with one of the organizers to gain insight into the positive impact of this project. Then, embark on a captivating cyclo tour through Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. Whiz past lively street vendors selling various trinkets and talented chefs preparing sizzling street delicacies. Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Transport: Shared Van: 04:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Lunch at Hoa Sua Hanoi Cyclo Tour Optional Extras to choose from: Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour (Pre-booking available on the checkout page)

Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling metropolis with a captivating cyclo tour. Later, embrace the sensory experience of exploring the lively aisles of Ben Thanh Market, renowned for its abundance of food stalls and diverse range of shops offering handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and electronics. Don't miss the opportunity to test your bargaining skills. Accommodation: Hotel Continental Saigon (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Plane: 02:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour

Embark on a journey to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages that served as a stronghold for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Explore the underground hospitals and ammunition stores, and gain insights into the pivotal role these tunnels played in the ultimate triumph of the North. Later, visit the War Remnants Museum, a poignant testament to the atrocities committed during the war. Optionally, take a tour of the Reunification Palace, a historic site symbolizing the end of the conflict. Accommodation: Hotel Continental Saigon (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Private Vehicle: Củ Chi to Ho Chi Minh City 01:00 - 01:30 Hr(s) Included Activities: Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour War Remnants Museum Visit

Catch a flight to Phnom Penh and embark on a captivating cyclo tour to explore the diverse and vibrant Cambodian capital. Pedal along the picturesque tree-lined riverfront, passing by prominent landmarks such as the elegant French colonial post office and the resplendent Royal Palace, which still serves as the residence of the Cambodian king. Consider visiting the renowned Foreign Correspondents' Club for a delightful sunset drink. Accommodation: G Mekong Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Plane: 00:45 - 01:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Phnom Penh Cyclo Tour

Today, we delve into the tragic history of Cambodia's tumultuous 20th century. Visit significant sites that commemorate the "killing fields" of the Khmer Rouge, a ruthless regime that governed the country from 1975 to 1979. Pay your respects at the haunting Choeung Ek Memorial, a solemn memorial dedicated to the victims of the Cambodian genocide. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high-security prison where over 17,000 individuals were tortured and imprisoned during the Khmer Rouge's brutal rule. Accommodation: G Mekong Hotel (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Included Activities: Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) Guided Tour Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Guided Tour

Embark on a scenic drive to Siem Reap, the enchanting gateway to the mystical Angkor. Begin with an orientation walk through the vibrant entertainment district, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. Discover the captivating charm of one of Siem Reap's bustling night markets, a vibrant open-air maze adorned with neon-lit stalls offering a kaleidoscope of captivating products. Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Private Vehicle: 06:00 - 07:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: Orientation Walk Night Market Visit Additional Notes: Please prepare for a long day of driving on occasionally congested and poorly maintained roads. Dress comfortably, bring motion sickness medication if needed, and carry a tablet or book for entertainment during the journey. Rest stops will be made along the way.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the ancient ruins of Angkor, the magnificent 12th-century capital of the Khmer Empire. Witness the ethereal sunrise casting its golden hues upon the majestic spires of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument ever constructed. Traverse the mystical courtyards and jungle-clad temples under the expert guidance of a local guide. Indulge in a delicious Khmer lunch at the New Hope Cambodia vocational training restaurant, an initiative supported by G Adventures that provides hospitality training to disadvantaged youth. In the evening, be enthralled by a performance at a Cambodian circus, a remarkable social enterprise empowering underprivileged young adults. Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Lunch Transport: Tuk-tuk: Siem Reap Included Activities: Angkor Wat Guided Tour New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant Cambodian Circus Performance and Talk Additional Notes: Exploring Angkor can be hot and humid. Dress in lightweight attire, wear comfortable walking shoes, and remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Continue your awe-inspiring exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor, in the company of our knowledgeable local guide. You have the option to visit the Angkor National Museum, immersing yourself in its interactive exhibits and remarkable collections of artifacts. Alternatively, embark on a tour of the floating villages on Tonle Sap lake, where you'll encounter vibrant communities bustling with markets, clinics, and schools. Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort (or similar) Meals Included: Breakfast Transport: Tuk-tuk: Siem Reap Included Activities: Angkor Wat Guided Tour

Depart at your convenience. Meals Included: Breakfast Included Activities: Departure Day