Independent Sensational Southeast Asia 13 Days

• Begin your day with a private guided tour of the city. Experience the charm of Hanoi's Old Quarter as you ride a cyclo through its ancient streets bustling with centuries-old merchant traditions. • Visit the mausoleum and humble cottage of "Uncle Ho," where he governed Vietnam until his passing in 1969. Explore the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. • Discover the ancient Temple of Literature, the city's first university established over 900 years ago. • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program empowering local children with restaurant skills. (B, L)

• Transfer privately from Hanoi to Hon Gai, the gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enchanting bay in the Gulf of Tonkin boasts over 3,000 limestone islands sculpted by nature. • Board an overnight cruise to explore the bay's tunnels, caves, pristine beaches, and floating villages. (B, L, D) Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment if you desire.

• Join a tai chi demonstration on the Sun Deck at dawn, or explore the bay before disembarking in the morning. • Transfer privately to Hanoi and catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon. (B)

• Embark on a private guided walking tour to discover the city's renowned historic landmarks. Wander along Dong Khoi Street, passing the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. • Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum and explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, the city's largest and oldest. (B, L)

Enjoy a private guided half-day excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary underground network stretching over 120 miles that served as a Viet Cong hideout during the war. (B) Savor a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or unwind at one of the city's iconic rooftop bars for a drink.

Fly to Siem Reap, your gateway to the extraordinary Angkor temples. These ancient ruins, built from the 9th to 13th centuries, are unparalleled in their magnificence. (B)

• Begin your private guided exploration at the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. • Continue to Angkor Thom, where you'll marvel at Bayon Temple, adorned with 200 captivating faces carved into 54 towers. (B, L) Indulge in an Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance, or witness the mesmerizing performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.

• Continue your private guided exploration of the captivating Angkor temple complex. • Begin at Banteay Srei, a distinctive small temple made of red sandstone dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. On your way back, visit a local school and engage with the children. • Next, discover the enchanting Ta Prohm, where nature intertwines with ancient ruins. The surrounding jungle and tree roots create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. (B) Delve deeper into the temple complex or embark on a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to witness the unique floating village.

Fly to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand. (B)

• Embark on a private guided tour that begins with a picturesque boat ride along Bangkok's renowned canals, known as "klongs." • Explore Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, distinguished by its majestic 260-foot-tall spire. • Proceed to the Grand Palace, an exquisite complex featuring the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. • Conclude the day with a visit to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Marvel at its remarkable collection of over 1,000 Buddha images, including the impressive 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long Reclining Buddha. (B,L)

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore at your own pace. (B) Indulge in independent exploration and consider visiting attractions such as Jim Thompson's House, embarking on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, or venturing to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Your vacation concludes with breakfast this morning. (B)