Vietnam, Angkor Wat, & Thailand

For those interested in a clean sweep of Southeast Asia, we have combined our 3 countries into a single tour. Vietnam is a nation balanced between deeply held traditions and an exploding modernity that make it a uniquely wonderful travel destination. The war is a distant memory and Americans are now appreciated as partners in economic opportunity. Vietnam is more about experiences than checklists. Thailand is the foremost jewel of Southeast Asian travel and a great value for American travelers. Blessed with a dizzying array of natural wonders, a welcoming society, a splendid cultural heritage, and a well established tourist infrastructure, Thailand makes for a perfect foray into Asian travel. Cambodia adds Southeast Asia’s premier sight: Angkor Wat.

Note:  While the SEA tour is not particularly physically demanding in the typical way, the countries are hot and humid, which has an enervating effect. Additionally, at certain times during the tour we’ll be climbing in and out of boats, sometimes without a pier or dock, or climbing up ladders onto boats (snorkeling excursion), climbing up to and through caves, riding bikes, etc. Those activities require a reasonable level of strength and dexterity - and an adventurous spirit. And a month of consecutive travels is difficult for everyone. However, nothing is required on our tours. Travelers may skip any activities.

Day 1 Hanoi
Meeting; Temple of Literature; Dinner
Our tour starts mid-afternoon. We’ll have our get-acquainted meeting, meet our Vietnamese guide, visit the Temple of Literature (founded in 1076, Vietnam’s first university was established within this temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite), and then head out for a traditional Vietnamese dinner.
Q Hotel (2 nights) http://theqhotel.com.vn/

Day 2 Hanoi
Bai Dinh; Trang An
Today we take a 2 hour drive from urban Hanoi to the rural province of Ninh Binh. Our first destination is Trang An, often referred to as the “Halong Bay of the Mainland”. This excursion is by small boat. Sit back and enjoy the two-hour paddle through caves and past rural temples, always with the stunning backdrop of karst crags and towers. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for a visit to Bai Dinh, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam and a popular site for pilgrimages. Bring extra storage cards for your camera! After our full day in the countryside, we return to Hanoi for a free evening.

Day 3 Halong Bay
Hanoi Hilton; Halong cruising; cave visit
Our day begins with a visit to the “Hanoi Hilton” where American POW’s were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. Then we are off to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most impressive scenic wonder. Views of sailing junks navigating the 3000+ karst islands and rocky outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We board our sailing junk for an exploration of the bay, enjoy a seafood lunch and dinner, visit a cave, and spend a night on board (Note: a single supplement may not provide for a single cabin on the junk). It is a wonderful experience to spend a night on the bay.

Day 4  Hue
Halong cruising; Flight
After breakfast, we continue cruising around Halong Bay, before returning to port and driving back to Hanoi. We’ll be transported directly to Hanoi’s airport for an afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival we’ll be transferred to our centrally located hotel. Hue, located on the Perfume River, is the former capital of the Nguyen dynasty.
Romance Hotel (3 nights) http://romancehotel.com.vn/en/

Day 5  Hue
Citadel; Thien Mu Pagoda
This morning we take a tour of the partially ruined Citadel, capital of Vietnam in the 19th century. It’s six miles of walls contain the palaces and pavilions of the ruling Nguyen emperors and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor or his eunuchs and concubines were allowed entrance. Many buildings remain blackened and crumbling, creating an evocative ambiance, ideal for photographing or imagining the ghosts of the mandarins. Next we’ll visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, a center for anti government protests in the early 1960s. We’ll have lunch in a Buddhist monastery before enjoying a free afternoon and evening.

Day 6  Hue
An Bang; Royal Tomb
After breakfast we will visit An Bang Cemetery (AKA “The City of Ghosts”). This cemetery is unique in the world and the most luxurious and magnificent graveyard in Vietnam. It boasts brilliantly colored tomb and memorial structures built dramatically on white sand. We’ll continue in the countryside, visiting one of the extravagant royal tombs in the area. The rest of the day will be free time for your own discovery! Imprint can arrange a cooking class for those interested.

Day 7  Hoi An
Walking Tour Hoi An
One of Vietnam’s most scenic road trips over Hai Van Pass begins our day. Our destination, Hoi An, was originally a Cham port town so has been influenced down the centuries by traders from many cultures. The town is a living museum, with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European architectural influences. There are pagodas, assembly halls, attractive wooden merchant’s houses, and colorful tiled houses scattered along the small streets. Once a bustling port, today Hoi An’s ambiance, tranquility, and charm make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. This afternoon will include a guided walking tour and orientation of the town center.
Mulberry Collection Silk Eco - Atlas Hotel (3 nights) https://silkeco.mulberrycollectionvn.com/

Day 8  Hoi An
My Son
This morning, we visit My Son, the Cham civilization’s spiritual home, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. There are many carved stone towers, sanctuaries, and tombs to explore and photograph at this intriguing archaeological site. This afternoon is free to explore, shop, or relax in Hoi An.

Day 9  Hoi An
Free Day
Today we continue our vacation from our vacation. Hoi An is a marvelous place to wander and enjoy the thriving riverside market – a good place to buy silk. Local tailors can create fine garments for a bargain price, all within a day. Imprint can arrange a Vietnamese cooking or photography class for those interested. Rent a bike for the day or just relax by the hotel pool.

Day 10  Ben Tre Homestay
Cao Dai Temple; Mekong
This morning we depart Hoi An for nearby Danang, where we board our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon (flight included). Upon arrival we will depart for the Mekong Delta. Enroute we’ll stop to visit a vibrant and colorful Cao Dai temple. Indigenous to Vietnam, Caodaism is a unique fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Confucianism. At Cai Be we begin a Mekong River boat trip, taking us to our island homestay. Dinner tonight is followed by local entertainment. (Note: our homestay accommodations are clean and comfortable with mostly private facilities*, but plain and rustic. A single supplement does not provide for a private room at the homestay.)
Bem Tre Homestay (2 nights)
*we cannot guarantee private facilities for every guest room

Day 11 Ben Tre Homestay
Mekong activities
After breakfast we will embark on our morning’s activities. We’ll explore the small waterways of the delta in sampans, stop to visit businesses, and observe the locals plying their trades. After sampling various tropical fruits, local candies, and other local specialties we’ll return to our homestay for relaxation. For those interested, you will have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of our traditional dinner.

Day 12  Saigon
Cu Chi Tunnels
Today we depart the Delta and return to Saigon. Enroute we’ll visit a thriving riverside market and then one of the most important sites in southern Vietnam, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These complex tunnels were used by the Viet Cong in the long war against the US and were instrumental to the Vietnamese victory. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 125 miles) of tunnels. They contained storage, refuge, hospitals, accommodations, and even schools. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists a feeling for what underground life must have been like.
Paragon Saigon Hotel (2 nights) https://paragonsaigon.com/

Day 13  Saigon
City Tour; War Remnants Museum
This morning we take a tour of the city, passing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Post Office. We'll visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet informative lesson on the Vietnam War. Your afternoon is free to relax or explore. We'll then gather for our final dinner together.

Day 14 Siem Reap 
Welcome Meeting
Today is a travel day. We'll take a morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (flight included). In the late afternoon we’ll gather for a short briefing with our ace guide Kheang. The day concludes with a classic Cambodian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15 Siem Reap
Angkor Wat; Banteay Srie
Our destination this morning is Angkor Wat, the jewel in the great Angkor crown, the world’s largest religious building, and Southeast Asia’s premier sight. Our guide will interpret its long bas relief galleries, distinctive corncob prangs, and concentric walls and moats: which together constitute a metaphor for the Buddhist cosmos. In the afternoon we’ll head to Banteay Srie, a small but intricately carved temple complex considered to be the jewel of Khmer architecture. Additionally, the journey to and from Srie affords opportunities to see village life.

Day 16 Siem Reap
Angkor Thom; APOPA; Ta Prohm
We start our day with Angkor Thom, a royal city encompassing famous Bayon temple, the Elephants and Leper King Terraces, and one of the oft-photographed Angkor Thom Gates. The Bayon is a popular favorite with labyrinthine passages to explore and multiple towers – each with 4 enigmatic Khmer faces. The south gate may well be the most photographed destination at Angkor. Its massive “4-face” tower and ‘tug-of-war’ warrior balustrades adorn many books and brochures. We will finish our morning with a visit to the APOPO organization training center. This fascinating charity trains Tanzanian rats to sniff out landminds, saving thousands of Cambodian lives. After a mid-day break we’ll visit Ta Prohm, made famous in the movie “Tomb Raider”. This complex was left in its natural state, overwhelmed by the jungle. The roots of giant trees weave in, on, and through the temple ruins and walls of the complex. We’ll take plenty of free time here for photographers to record these iconic Angkor images. Tonight we’ll indulge in a traditional dinner while enjoying classical Khmer dance.

Day 17 Chiang Mai
Flight; Introductory meeting; Dinner
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to Siem Reap’s new international airport for our flight to Chiang Mai (included). Welcome to Thailand! This leg starts with a late afternoon get-acquainted meeting to introduce us to our Thai tour manager Ant. Afterward, we’ll have our first Thai dinner in a local restaurant.
Yaang Come Village Hotel (3 nights) http://www.yaangcome.com/

Day 18 Chiang Mai
Elephant encouters; Wat Doi Suthep
This morning we’ll visit one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai. We’ll learn about elephant life in Asia while observing the great animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we depart for the nearby mountain temple of Doi Suthep for panoramic views and the tour’s best Buddhist connection experience. Ring the prayer bells as we ascend or take photos of the sacred Bodhi tree, the view, or giant ceremonial drums. While listening to the musical tinkling of temple bells you can receive a monk’s blessing, learn your fortune from tossing joss sticks, join the ceremonial circumambulation of the stupa, or add oil to the sacred lamps (like lighting a candle in a Catholic church). Our guide will use Doi Suthep’s “Century Calendar Book” to teach you your birth sign, sacred animal, and ritual Buddha posture.

Day 19 Chiang Mai
Cooking Class; Village Homestay Visit
On our second morning together we’ll engage in a cooking class. We will shop for ingredients at the local market, learn to prepare several simple Thai dishes, and then enjoy the results for lunch. Then we’ll depart to the countryside for a taste of rural life. We’ll take an easy countryside bike ride, visiting a local handicraft cooperative and a mushroom or rice farm. Later we’ll partake in a traditional Kantok dinner with our village hosts. Traditional music and a dance performance will be provided by local students. The evening concludes with a Thai lantern ceremony.

Day 20 Sukhothai
Craft Villages
After breakfast we will begin the journey to intriguing Sukhothai. As we leave Chiang Mai we’ll visit a couple of the famous craft villages. Choices include lacquerware, silk production, and pottery. We will certainly visit famous Bo Sang Village, where colorful umbrellas are still crafted by hand. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Sukhothai.
Le Charme Resort (2 nights) https://www.lecharmesukhothai.com/

Day 21 Sukhothai
Sukhothai Historical Park
This morning we’ll have a guided visit of Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s World Heritage sites. Sukhothai was Siam’s first “national” capital, uniting its feudal kingdoms in the 13th century. Culture, art, and architecture flourished and today we can visit the remnants of that refined dynasty. The captivating temple ruins boast rows of columns, crumbling stupas, and many Buddhas displaying the enigmatic “Sukhothai Smile.” We’ll navigate the flat terrain by bicycle and indulge in a picnic lunch among the ruins. Your afternoon is free to relax by the pool or have a Thai massage.

Day 22 Bangkok
Klong Tour; Riverside Dinner
After breakfast we'll depart Sukhothai, heading south to Thailand's bustling capital - Bangkok. Upon arrival we'll check into our hotel for some down time. In the late afternoon we'll embark on a tour of the city's canals (klongs). Bangkok is laced with hundreds of canals. A tour of these waterways is a journey into Bangkok’s heart and soul, and a fantastic water-borne photo safari. We’ll see people cooking, fishing, washing dishes, swimming, making merit, and playing. We’ll float past teak palaces side by side with ramshackle hovels and workaday wats. Afterward we’ll enjoy a classic Bangkok experience, a riverside dinner.
Nuovo City Hotel (3 nights) https://www.nouvocityhotel.com/

Day 23 Bangkok
Grand Palace; Wat Pho
The Grand Palace complex with its flamboyant architectural style includes Wat Phra Kaew, a wonder of gleaming stupas, statues, and bots. This is Thailand’s premier sight and a fitting start to our Bangkok sight-seeing. Phra Kheo is home to the country’s most venerated religious object, the Emerald Buddha. The complex is surrounded by a galleried wall, displaying an electric mural series from the Ramakian, the Hindu epic of good vs. evil. Giant Yakshas, or mythical guardians watch over the entrances. Gilded garudas and multi-chromatic mythic warriors line the bases of chedis and other gilded statues populate the grounds. Next door is Wat Pho, home to Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha. Pho has a more work-a-day feel. Engage the monks in conversation, check out the ancient massage school “instruction” panels, drop coins in the alms bowls, or photograph the whimsical guardian statues at Pho’s main gates.

Day 24 Bangkok
Tuk-Tuk tour
On this morning we’ll explore Bangkok’s less accessible sights on a tuk-tuk tour – the ubiquitous Asian 3-wheel transport.  Highlights include Wat Saket – the Golden Mount, Rama V monument, the flower market, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and Wat Traimit with its 5.5 ton solid gold Buddha statue. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Day 25 Ayuthaya
Ayuthaya Historical Park
After breakfast we'll travel north to Ayuthaya, Siam’s capital from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It is Thailand’s second World Heritage site and our favorite archaeological destination. We'll visit Wats Mahathat and Si Sanphet before lunch. After some relaxation we’ll finish our afternoon with the saffron-sashed Buddha statues of Yai Chai Mongkhon. Then we’ll board a converted rice barge for dinner. Relax while some of Ayuthaya’s prime sights drift gently by.
Kantary Hotel (1 night) https://www.kantaryhotel-ayutthaya.com/

Day 26 Khao Sok
Khao Sok Excursion
An early morning flight jets us south to Surat Thani (included). Then it’s on to Chiaw Lan Lake in beautiful Khao Sok National Park. After checking into our floating guesthouse we’ll enjoy lunch together. Afternoon activities include a variety of nearby options or simply relax on the water. In addition to the tropical flora and breathtaking landscape we hope to see gibbons, flying lizards, and a variety of birdlife. But the real magic begins at dusk as moon shadow creeps across the surrounding karsts creating a magical ambiance.
Laguna Chiewlarn Floating Guesthouse (1 night)

Day 27 Trang - Koh Lanta
Tharn Bokkaranee
A morning’s drive brings us to another natural jewel, Tharn Bokkoranee National Park. We’ll board longtail boats to journey through karst hongs (natural caves) and emerald pools surrounded by the verdant mangrove jungle. After lunch we continue south to our island paradise idyll on Koh Lanta
Anda Lanta Resort (3 nights) https://www.andalanta.com/

Day 28 Trang - Koh Lanta
Free day
Today is a full-stop break from the demands of our tour itinerary. No planned activities. You decide how you want to spend your day in this tropical paradise. Options include snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, scuba, or just relaxing by the beach.

Day 29 Trang - Koh Lanta
Andaman excursion
After breakfast we’ll take a boat excursion to 3 or 4 of the most picturesque Andaman islands for a fun-in-the-sun snorkeling adventure. Our private boat will take us to pristine beaches and past dramatic karst islands. The day includes Ko Muk’s spectacular Emerald Cave. We swim through a 300-foot long sea cave to reach the secluded interior lagoon (actually a collapsed hong). A perfect sandy beach is surrounded by steep jungle-clad cliffs forming a perfect, round, natural chimney up to the blue sky. It is an amazing experience! Returning to Lanta, we’ll enjoy a final Thai feast together.

Day 30 Tour over
Our tour officially ends after a midday flight back to Bangkok (flight included; Bangkok's Don Muang airport). We will help with transfer arrangements into the city or to nearby Suvarnabhumi international airport (BKK).
Note: If you are departing on Feb 13, we recommend not booking a flight before 8:00PM.

[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]

What’s Included:
25 nights hotel accommodation, 1 overnight cruise, 1 floating guesthouse, 2 nights homestay; All breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners; All tour transportation (bus, van, boat, songthaew, plane); All tips (tour directors local guides, drivers, boat captains, group meals, hotel staff); Full-time services of Vietnamese, Cambodian, & Thai tour managers and Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Temple of Literature, Thien Mu pagoda; Hue tomb; Hue Citadel & Forbidden City, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi tunnels, Cao Dai temple, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Ayuthaya Historical Park, Wat Doi Suthep, Sukhothai National Historical Park, Khao Sok National Park, Angkor Archaeological Zone 3-day pass; All activities: Trang An boat trip, cave excursion Halong Bay, An Bang Cemetery, Hoi An walking tour, HCMC city tour, Mekong boat trip with villages and market visits, sampans, Chao Phraya riverside dinner, Bangkok canals tour, village homestay visit, bicycle tour, homestay entertainment, elephant sanctuary, rice barge excursion of Ayuthaya, Cheow Lan lake excursion, Andaman snorkeling excursion, Emerald Cave, Bangkok tuk-tuk tour, APOPO visit, Khmer Dance performance, and more.

Important Exclusions
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.