Highlights of Southeast Asia 2025

Southeast Asia

$4538

17 Day Tour from Hanoi to Bangkok (4 countries) - Vietnam | Laos | Cambodia | Thailand

Guaranteed Departure Dates: Tour Begins

Includes: Intra-Vacation Air & Taxes, 16 Breakfast & 8 Lunch (international airfare not included in rate)

Trip Highlights:

With their long histories, interesting cultures, and sprawling landscape, the exciting cities of Southeast Asia offer something for everyone.

Sightseeing tours in Vietnam feature the must-see sites, including Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, and a cruise on the Thu Bon River, where you’ll pass unspoiled countryside. A highlight of the trip is your cruise on Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the world's most amazing limestone formations. You'll sail by islets, caves, beaches, and floating villages.

Continue to Siem Reap to explore the rich history of the Khmer Empire. Explore the spectacular ruins of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Angkor Thom; 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, known for its intricate decorations; and more. You’ll also interact with children at a local school and enjoy authentic local cuisine.

Then it’s onwards to Laos for the old-world charm of beautiful Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi, and Kuang Si Waterfalls. Sail the Mekong by riverboat, and journey to the Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images.

But that’s not all! Fly to Thailand, the land of smiles. In Chiang Mai, explore two famous temples, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Doi Suthep, and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. You’ll then fly to Bangkok to explore Thailand’s capital city. Cruise through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok to see its homes, temples, and the way of life here. Be amazed at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, with its signature spire reaching 260 feet in the air. Explore the Grand Palace and Bangkok’s incredible temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest in the city.

These are just some of the many highlights on this tour through southeast Asia. From the historic sites to the stunning scenery, this tour designed for savvy, value-minded travel lovers is a vacation of a lifetime!

Day -2- Day Itinerary

Day 1- Hanoi, Vietnam: Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2- Hanoi: Today’s included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city’s highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. No strings attached, but we recommend this evening’s optional performance of Hanoi’s famed water puppets.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Optional: Water Puppet Show & Dinner, Vietnamese water puppet show followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Duration: 3h 0m Price Range$$: $51-$100usd

Day 3- Hanoi-Ha Long Bay: Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Day 4- Ha Long Bay-Hai An: Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders.

Meals: breakfast

Day 5- Hai An: Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. For lunch, sample Cao Lao noodles, Hoi An’s most famous dish. The smoked, chewy noodles have a distinctive taste and are unique to Hoi An. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: breakfast& lunch

Day 6- Ho Chi Minh City-Siem Reap, Cambodia: Today, fly to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!

Meals: breakfast

Day 7- Siem Reap: Today, visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features more than 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Optional: Lake Tonle Sap Cruise: Hop aboard a traditional Cambodian watercraft and set out with an expert Local Guide to explore life on Tonle Sap-the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia! Duration: 4h 0m Price Range$$: $51-$100usd

Optional: Apsara Dinner & Dance Show: Step back in time as we introduce you to the wonders of Khmer music, dance, and cuisine. We'll transport you to the beautiful Angkor Village Resort for a tantalizing dinner of authentic Cambodian dishes. Then, ancient Khmer culture comes to life during a brilliant Apsara dance performance, an artform based on the bas-reliefs found at Angkor Wat. Marvel at the graceful, sinuous hand gestures that tell the stories from classical mythology. Duration: 2h 30m Price Range$$: $51-$100usd

Optional: Phare Cambodia Circus: Enjoy the performance of the Circus of Battambang now in Siem Reap! Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning "the brightness of art", originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border. Duration: 2h 0m Price Range$$: $51-$100usd

Day 8- Siem Reap: This morning, visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Unlike the other temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched and is surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruin walls. Experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Visit a local school to interact with the children and help them practice their English. This afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Ever wanted to run off and join the circus? Here’s your chance with an optional performance of Phare Cambodian circus.

Meals: breakfast

Day 9- Siem Reap-Luang Prabang, Laos: Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang.

Meals: breakfast

Day 10- Luang Prabang: Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin your morning by ascending Mount Phousi for beautiful views over the city and Mekong River. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, often thought to be the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. Journey through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools. Return to your hotel where your evening is at leisure.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Day 11- Luang Prabang: Visit Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed by local residents since the 16th century. Cruise the Mekong through stunning mountainous scenery and float past traditional villages lining the riverbanks. A small fishing village welcomes you with a special Baci ceremony, aiming to bring you good luck.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Day 12- Luang Prabang-Chiang Mai, Thailand: Today, fly to the Thai mountain town of Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.”

Meals: breakfast

Day 13- Chiang Mai: This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers.

Meals: breakfast

Optional: Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Show: A showcase of Northern Thailand's incredible cuisine and colorful Lanna culture, enjoy a delicious dinner served in traditional Khantoke style with large platters on low tables. Whilst savoring delightful local specialties, you will be entertained by wonderful classic dances performed by hill tribes. Duration: 4h 0m Price Range$: $50usd and under)

Optional: Culinary Delights of Chiang Mai: Sample the delights of Chiang Mai cuisine at the popular night market, including various mouthwatering local snacks and the delicious Khao Soi - a delightful coconut curry noodle dish unique to Northern Thailand. Enjoy fresh Thai cuisine while learning about Chiang Mai's culinary history.
Duration: 4h 0m Price Range$: $51- $100usd)

Day 14- Chiang Mai-Elephant Sanctuary Excursion: This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Day 15- Chiang Mai-Bangkok: Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city.

Meals: breakfast

Day 16- Bangkok: An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on the return journey.

Meals: breakfast & lunch

Optional: Dinner Cruise on Traditional Rice Barge: Enjoy history, culture, cuisine and beautiful river scenery on this wonderful cruise down the Chao Phraya River aboard a converted rice barge. Duration: 4h 0m Price Range$$$: ($101 - $150 USD)

Optional: Jim Thompson's House & Legacy: If you love art, antiques, and fantastic architecture - as well as a good mystery - then our excursion to the Jim Thompson House & Museum is a must. Duration: 3h 0m Price Range$: ($50 USD and under)

Optional: Evening Tuk Tuk Market Tour: Discover Bangkok's magical evening atmosphere as a passenger in a Tuk Tuk. Visit the flower market, evening street food scene plus view the magnificent temples at night. Duration: 4h 0m Price Range$$: ($51 - $100 USD)

Day 17- Bangkok: Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Meals: breakfast

Note: Ascent of Mount Phousi (approximately 350 steps) may prove challenging for those with physical limitations.

Other Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

Angkor Thom
Angkor Wat
Banteay Srei
Bayon Temple
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
Ta Prohm
Town of Luang Prabang

All this. Included.

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

The price listed does not include your airfare, taxes or fees. Once you click "Reserve Now", you will be able to receive an air quote and a final cruise quote.

Call Reservations: 212-243-0865 NY | 868-645-1604 TT | 592-227-1701 GY

Other Asian Tour Available:

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