Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

Landing in the Thai capital of Bangkok today, transfer independently to our five-star riverside hotel for and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Perched on the banks of the broad Chao Phraya River, the hotel has a waterfront garden and an outdoor pool. Alternatively, you could venture out to begin your explorations, perhaps enjoying a ride in a charming tuk tuk. Nearby, is the historic Wat Ratcha Singkhon temple - built during the Ayutthaya period - or you could board one of the ferries to sail along Thailand's main river and see Bangkok's impressive skyline of golden stupas and shimmering skyscrapers.

This evening, we gather at our hotel for our first dinner together as a group.

• Dinner

Our discovery of Thailand - known as the 'Land of Smiles' - begins after breakfast today.

With an English-speaking guide, we set out on a tour of Bangkok's most revered sites, beginning near the buzzing Chinatown district. Here, we visit Wat Traimit temple, home to a vast golden buddha that weighs 5.5 tons. Afterward, we explore Wat Pho, the largest temple complex in Bangkok. Laid out with tranquil gardens, ornate stupas and curved finials, the focal point is a stunning, 150-foot-long reclining golden buddha. We continue to the Grand Palace, an expansive array of breathtaking pavilions, palaces and temples. At its heart is the tranquil Emerald Buddha temple, and although the buddha is diminutive, the sense of serenity is incredibly soothing.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we board traditional long-tailed wooden boats to glide along narrow canals called klongs, immersing ourselves in the 'Venice of the East'. Viewing traditional houses by the waterways, we can even feed the catfish as we sail along. Returning to our hotel, your evening is free to dine independently.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we leave Bangkok on a coach journey into Thailand's tropical interior. With palm-lined waterways and jungle-draped mountains providing the backdrop, we head to Kanchanaburi.

This forest-covered province borders Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, and is notorious for its connections to infamous wartime history. As prisoners of war, captured Allied troops were forced to undertake the mammoth task of building a 258-mile railway connecting Ban Pong in Thailand to Thanbyuzayat in Burma. We learn more about this emotive time at the interactive Thailand-Burma Railway Centre before visiting the neighboring Allied War Cemetery.

Continuing along the route of the River Kwai, we arrive at our resort hotel, nestled under the jungle coverings along the banks of the river in time for lunch. Boarding long-tail boats, we then sail up the River Kwai to visit an ethnic Mon Tribal Village to learn about the lifestyle of the indigenous people who have lived in this area for more than 1,200 years ago. After meeting our hosts and enjoying a cultural show, we return to our hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Under Viscount Slim, forces from the UK, India and Africa, supported by American troops, battled Japanese invaders during World War Two in inhospitable conditions and became known as the Forgotten Army. The railway built by captured troops has been remembered though, including in the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

We learn about the Burma Railway after breakfast by visiting the Hellfire Pass museum. Located near one of the harshest sections of rock to cut through, the center is a memorial to the Allied PoWs and Asian laborers and has many exhibits detailing the hardships they experienced. Later, we walk through the cutting to see it for ourselves before embarking on a journey along the Burma Railroad. This trip takes us over the actual bridge on the River Kwai into Kanchanaburi, which still stands as a testament to their work more than 80 years ago.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Bangkok for a short flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Arriving this evening, we check in to our five-star hotel near the Mekong River.

• Breakfast, Lunch

As a French protectorate from 1893, landlocked Laos became unified and Vientiane was installed as its capital. As such, this city now boasts many French colonial-inspired buildings, which we view on this morning's sightseeing tour.

Heading out after breakfast, we visit Patuxai, the Victory Gate. Built to commemorate those who fought in World War Two and the battle for independence from France, it resembles the Arc de Triomphe, but with Laotian touches. From here, we continue to Pha That Luang, one of the most revered shrines in Laos. This shimmering golden stupa in the shape of a banana flower rises nearly 150 feet high and is believed to contain a breastbone of the Buddha.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant before we head further into Laos by train. Boarding the Laos-China Railway, we embark on a journey on one of southeast Asia's most modern and fastest railways that links Vientiane with China's Yunnan province. Traveling to Luang Prabang in around two hours at speeds of around 100mph, we then transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Rising early today, we embrace the spiritual charm of Luang Prabang by experiencing the 'Tak Bat' ritual. Each day, Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes receive alms in return for blessings. A visit to a fresh fruit market and admiring the city in the glow of a freshly risen sun from Phousi Hill concludes a memorable morning before we head back to the hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, we head to the pier and embark on a cruise along the mighty Mekong. Sailing through peaceful and beautiful landscapes, we can take some time to admire the authentic scenes passing by. Our destination is the sacred Buddhist caves of Pak Ou, which house hundreds of Buddha statues in spectacular limestone surroundings on the bank of the river.

Returning to Luang Prabang, there is time to relax at our five-star hotel before attending the Ock Pop Tok center to view traditional crafts, including weaving. As the sun begins to set, we gather at the riverside to enjoy sundowner drinks and soak up this breathtaking atmosphere before an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast

Unassuming but increasingly popular, the food of Laos blends many familiar aspects of southeast Asian cuisine but is also distinctive in its own way.

We delve into this exciting culture after an early breakfast as we are driven in tuk tuks to a farm-to-table restaurant to meet one of the best chefs in the region. Together, we then visit a traditional market to learn about the fresh produce and buy ingredients for our cookery class. Known for its vibrant colors and flavorful herbs, we gain an insight into Lao cuisine and its traditions under the guidance of our professional chef - followed by the opportunity to enjoy our creations over lunch.

Having experienced the delicious cuisine and magical landscapes of Laos, later today we head to Luang Prabang airport for a flight to our third country - Vietnam. Arriving in its capital, Hanoi, we check in to our five-star hotel in the center of the city, where we dine in the on-site restaurant this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day in the Vietnamese capital begins with a visit to Ba Dinh Square after breakfast. The centerpiece of this grand square is the granite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the body of the famous Vietnamese revolutionary who declared independence for North Vietnam in 1945.

Lunch is at a local restaurant where we enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, before embarking on a three-hour city tour. We visit the Confucian Temple of Literature, originally constructed in the 10th century and altered by later dynasties to honor the nation's finest scholars. A well-preserved example of ancient architecture, landscaped courtyards lead to an ornate altar beneath a red-wood pagoda.

Our tour concludes with refreshments at a local coffee shop, and the evening is free for you to continue exploring on your own. One of Hanoi's most curious sights is 'Train Street', where you can view a train squeezing through a narrow street, almost touching the shops - but note that trains are more regular on weekends. Later, you can savor authentic flavors at one of Hanoi's wonderful restaurants.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at our hotel, we leave Hanoi as we transfer by coach to Ha Long Bay and board a boat for a highlight of your vacation.

Translating as 'descending dragon', the landscapes of Ha Long Bay are extraordinary and fitting of that name. With jungle-topped islands jutting out of the emerald waters like a partially submerged serpent, this UNESCO-listed collection of towering limestone karst rock formations and isolated sandy beaches is understandably popular. Many day boats just transport tourists around the nearest islands, however our overnight cruise allows us to travel to quieter, iconic sights. After lunch on board our luxury junk boat, we arrive at Cat Ba Island where you have the choice of a stroll around the beautiful bay, or a gentle bike ride to Viet Hai - a small village nestled in the heart of a national park.

Our boat has many great places from which to relax ahead of dinner on board. As the sun dips below the horizon, absorb the views of a breathtaking sunset before spending the night in your cabin.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaking in Ha Long Bay, early risers can enjoy sunrise and a tranquil tai chi class amidst this astonishing landscape, with breakfast served later as we cruise to the center of the bay. One of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Ha Long Bay is Trinh Nu, covering more than 25,000 square feet. You can walk amongst the ethereal stalactites and stalagmites or join an included, organized kayak trip into the cave and around the lagoon.

Disembarking back on shore later, a coach transfer takes us back to Hanoi where we observe a traditional water puppet show. Strongly influenced by Vietnamese folklore, this art form dates from the 11th century and has a symbolic link to the rice harvest as these tales were originally performed in flooded rice fields.

Tonight, we leave the capital aboard the Reunification Express on an overnight journey to Hue in private-use cabins. As the name suggests, this route honors the unification of Vietnam in 1976, and this evocative train is a chance to experience local travel as we journey down the coast to Hue.

• Breakfast

Watching the scenery pass by our windows as we enjoy a picnic breakfast on board, the Reunification Express rolls into Hue this morning. This historic city is smaller and calmer than Hanoi, and with an early check-in at our grand five-star hotel, there is time to relax before lunch is served.

This afternoon, we embark on a sightseeing tour, uncovering Hue's main attraction - the impressive Imperial Citadel that was the Nguyen dynasty's capital from 1802 to 1945. Modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City and often called the Purple Forbidden City, the expansive palace complex is surrounded by a series of moats fed by the Perfume River. So-called because of orchard leaves that fall into it upstream during autumn, the broad Perfume River flows in front of the palace grounds. Lavish pagodas, temple roofs decorated with dragon motifs, and attractive gardens are guarded by towering walls dotted with ten ornate gates.

Later, we visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a seven-story octagonal Buddhist temple built in 1601 that has become a symbol of Vietnam, before an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, after our hotel breakfast, we soak up the atmosphere at the Dong Ba market, the oldest in Hue. Here, we see stalls selling everything from fresh produce and street food to conical hats with poems woven into them.

Afterward, we hop back on the Reunification Express for a journey down the verdant coast in Soft Seat class. On arrival in Da Nang, we explore the Cham Museum, learning about the art and sculptures of the Champa civilization that flourished along the coast from the 2nd century to 1832. We then transfer to the beautiful town of Hoi An, renowned for its monthly lantern festivals, night markets and bespoke tailors with suits made in just a few hours.

We check in to a five-star hotel on the riverbank. Art Nouveau in style, our elegant and refined hotel has a pool in the central courtyard, and the town's highest rooftop bar, providing spectacular views across Hoi An. With three nights in this enchanting city, our first evening is free to begin leisurely explorations and dine independently.

• Breakfast

A guided walking tour after breakfast reveals one of the most charming and attractive towns in Vietnam, Hoi An. Tan Ky Old house reflects Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese influences and was constructed in 1741 by merchants, the descendants of whom still live on the top floor. Here, we admire the dark wood interiors, lacquered panels and jackfruit wood ceilings.

This picturesque town was historically a melting pot of cultures, and we experience this at the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, which contains an ornately decorated temple with porcelain-capped roof ties, and statues of a monkey and a dog. In Japanese folklore, these gods control Namazu, an underground catfish believed to cause earthquakes.

After a traditional lunch at a restaurant, we take part in a hands-on craft experience at a lantern-making workshop. The Old Quarter still lights up with rainbow-hued lanterns at night, which you can witness on a free evening as you wander amongst the picture-perfect pastel-yellow façades. For dinner tonight, you might be inspired to try some delicious Vietnamese cuisine or eat at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Lunch

There's a great opportunity to explore on your own or spend the day unwinding in this picture-perfect city after breakfast.

You may wish to wander through Hoi An's picturesque streets to discover more beautiful places. Delve into the scents and sights of the Cantonese Assembly Hall and its pretty gardens as incense wafts gently by the elaborate dragon statue, or perhaps head out to Trang coconut village for a slice of rural life. Here, you can book an enjoyable basket boat trip through the tropical waterways. Embrace the laid-back Hoi An lifestyle by watching the world go by from a charming coffee shop. For lunch, you might like to enter Central Market to sample some of the flavors of the street-food stalls, including the French-influenced banh mi, delicious pho soup and many other interesting local specialties.

Hoi An also excels at seafood, which can be found in the Night Market or at one of the many restaurants serving crab, lobster, shrimp and different varieties of fish.

• Breakfast

A leisurely morning follows our final breakfast in Hoi An, during which you can take the time to shop for souvenirs at the markets or relax in our hotel.

This afternoon, we transfer back to Da Nang for a short flight to our fourth and final country on this grand tour. A warm and friendly country, Cambodia has an intriguing history dating back centuries. Arriving in Siem Reap, we check in to our luxurious five-star hotel for a free evening.

This town has become very popular due to the remarkable temples nearby, but still manages to evoke an authentic, laid-back atmosphere while appealing to tourists. If you're looking to begin your explorations today, you could delve into the markets near the river or stop off at a traditional restaurant to try Cambodia cuisine, including fish amok - a mild but delicious curry-style dish. Alternatively, enjoy the hotel's facilities, including the pool or lounge in the tropical garden area.

• Breakfast

Our final full day is an unforgettable one as we are transported in tuk tuks for a guided tour of iconic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure - covering more than 400 acres.

There are few places as enchanting as this once-lost city, built more than 800 years ago. Our visit begins at Angkor Thom, the 'Great City' and last capital of the Khmer Empire. The centerpiece is the spectacular Bayon Temple that, although now partly in ruins, casts visitors back to a mystical time as you wander through timeless halls, and past crumbling statues - and the occasional monkey. After lunch, we continue to Angkor Wat. The temples originally exhibited an extravagant display of golden roofs and whitewashed walls before being abandoned and reclaimed by nature. Appearing amidst dense jungle, the weathered stupas and intricate carvings are spellbinding to explore.

The rest of the evening is free, and you could opt to book an Apsara dance show with dinner (payable locally). This graceful artform features dancers in traditional dress and ornate headdresses narrating classical myths.

• Breakfast, Lunch

From the gleaming skyscrapers of Bangkok to the iconic jungle temples of Angkor Wat, this adventure has provided some unforgettable memories. Seeing the sacred Tak Bat ritual with Buddhist monks before sailing along the Mekong to the spellbinding Pak Ou caves was followed by a fantastic culinary lesson with a professional Laotian chef. After an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, we joined the Reunification Express for a journey along Vietnam's coast to the lantern city of Hoi An. Reaching Cambodia, we explored the lost Khmer capital of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom as we absorbed the history, culture and breathtaking sights of these four southeast Asian countries.

After an early breakfast, your memorable exploration comes to an end, and you can transfer independently to Siem Reap airport to begin your journey home.

• Breakfast