Compare Discover Southeast Asia by G Adventures vs Alluring Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor with Bangkok & Singapore by Globus

Day 1 Bangkok

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting. You are free to relax, explore the city, and adjust to the frantic pace of Bangkok.

At this meeting your CEO will ask to see your travel insurance, check that you have a visa for Vietnam and complete some other paper work. Please note that you MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. Please refer to the visa information section of these trip notes for more information on obtaining your Vietnamese visa.

Day 2 Bangkok/Chiang Mai

Set out to explore the Thai capital. Board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the city’s winding canals, gliding past quaint temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Then explore the gardens, and courtyards of the dazzling Grand Palace, once the official residence of the Thai royal family, and gaze upon the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Later, catch a flight to Chiang Mai.

Settle into exquisite surroundings in Chiang Mai and take a relaxing break from the fast pace of Bangkok.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.

Monk Chats are a great cultural exchange, but is also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.

Our hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, a five-minute walk from the famous night bazaar.

Day 4 Chiang Mai

Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. This evening, visit a village outside of the city for a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays, and chat with your hosts about life in rural Thailand. Later, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.

The Khantok dinner is a must-do when you reach northern Thailand. Khantok in the Northern dialect means a wooden tray used for carrying dishes, round in shape, made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. The main dishes on the khantok usually include sticky rice, hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chili-pasted crispy pork. After, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.

Day 5 Chiang Mai/Luang Prabang

Fly to Luang Prabang, a leafy Laotian city nestled at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Take an orientation walk of the beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, strolling past traditional wooden Buddhist temples and elegant French colonial buildings.

Day 6 Luang Prabang

Rise at dawn to observe the daily almsgiving ritual, when Buddhist monks walk through the streets collecting offerings of food from the local residents in exchange for blessings. Then visit the National Museum—formerly the Royal Palace—to see the golden Phra Bang Buddha statue for which the city is named; and explore the resplendent Wat Xieng Thong, one of Luang Pragang’s largest and most historic temples. Later, hop on a boat and float down the Mekong to the caves of Pak Ou, a religious site that harbours thousands of Buddha sculptures within its limestone chambers.

Day 7 Luang Prabang

Spend the morning at leisure in this enchanting town. Opt to visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, which exhibits handicrafts and cultural artifacts from around the country, or enjoy a drink in one of the town’s laid-back cafés. In the afternoon, venture into the lush countryside to visit the magical Kuang Si Waterfall. Relax by the waterfall’s tiered limestone pools and take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Later this evening, opt to visit Luang Prabang’s bustling night market.

Day 8 Luang Prabang/Hanoi

Enjoy some free time in Luang Prabang before catching a late afternoon flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Day 9 HANOI/HA LONG BAY

Begin the day with a visit to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, one of Vietnam’s most influential political leaders. Afterward, transfer to Ha Long Bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from serene, turquoise waters. Settle into your cabin on a traditional-style wooden boat or junk, where we’ll spend the night, and embark on a cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay, a more secluded section of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to glide around the bay’s stunning karst formations, and explore the fascinating Me Cung cave with our local guide.

This traditional wooden sailing boat offers a unique way of navigating the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay with all the comforts of a motorized, floating hotel. The boat crew will prepare an included seafood lunch and dinner. All cabins are twin share and have an en-suite bathroom. The boat features an enclosed dining and sitting area and of course plenty of outside deck space to enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

On rare occasion Ha Long Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.

Day 10 HA LONG BAY/HANOI

Return to land and head back to Hanoi. Enjoy lunch at Hoa Sua, a non-profit training restaurant for underprivileged Hanoi youth, and meet with one of the organizers to learn about the positive impact of the project. Then set out to discover Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter on a cyclo, a three-wheel bicycle taxi, whizzing past vendors hawking all manner of trinkets and roadside chefs cooking up sizzling street eats.

Classic French colonial architecture, beautiful decor and a scenic location makes Hanoi a fantastic place to visit. If local cuisine piques your interest, opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Day 11 Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling metropolis on a cyclo tour. Later, opt to delve into the colourful aisles of Ben Thanh Market, known for an abundance of food stalls as well as shops selling handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and electronics; and try your hand at bargaining.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

Venture to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground passageways that provided a base for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visit underground hospitals and ammunition stores, and learn about the vital role that the tunnels played in the eventual victory of the North. Later, visit the War Remnants Museum, a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Vietnam War. Choose to take a tour of the Reunification Palace, the site which marked the end of the war.

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City/Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh and explore the eclectic Cambodian capital on a cyclo tour. Pedal along the tree-lined riverfront past some of the city’s main sights, including the French colonial post office and the gleaming Royal Palace, where the king of Cambodia still resides. Then opt to visit the famous Foreign Correspondents' Club for sunset drinks.

Day 14 Phnom Penh

Today, we spend time learning about Cambodia’s tragic 20th-century past, visiting sites that commemorate the “killing fields” of the Khmer Rouge—a brutal regime that ruled the country from 1975 to 1979. Pay your respects to victims of the Cambodian genocide at the haunting Choeung Ek Memorial; and visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high-security prison where nearly 17,000 people were tortured and incarcerated during the Khmer Rouge’s years in power.

Day 15 Phnom Penh/Siem Reap

Drive to Siem Reap—the gateway to mystical Angkor. Take an orientation walk through the entertainment district and visit one of the city’s exciting night markets, an open-air maze of neon-lit stalls selling a kaleidoscopic array of products.

Please prepare yourself for a long driving day over roads that are not well maintained and often have heavy traffic. Please wear comfortable clothes, bring medication if you suffer from motion sickness and bring your tablet or book to pass the time. We will make rest stops along the way.

Day 16 Siem Reap

Spend the day exploring the ruins of Angkor, the magnificent 12th-century capital of the Khmer Empire. Wake early to watch the sunrise over the spires of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument ever built, and wander through the city’s mystical courtyards and jungle-covered temples with an expert local guide. Stop for a typical Khmer lunch at the New Hope Cambodia vocational training restaurant, a G Adventures–supported initiative that provides hospitality training to unemployed youth. This evening, we’ll enjoy a performance at a Cambodian circus, another social enterprise aimed at uplifting underprivileged young adults.

It can get very hot and humid walking around Angkor. Please wear lightweight clothes and good walking shoes, and be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

Day 17 Siem Reap

Continue to discover the archaeological wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor with our local guide. Opt to visit the Angkor National Museum, browsing its interactive galleries and stunning collections of relics; or choose to tour the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake, encountering lively communities complete with markets, clinics, and schools.

Day 18 Siem Reap

Depart at any time.

Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Hello Vietnam Welcome to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities, rich in Vietnamese history and full of opportunities to experience the traditional culture. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

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Day 2: HANOI

The Streets of Hanoi & Uncle Ho Take a [LF] cyclo ride and walking tour through the Old Quarter. Then, look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are visits to the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Lunch is served at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. You will also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university, followed by the infamous Hanoi Hilton (Hỏa Lò Prison). Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner this evening. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
OLD QUARTER PEDALING The ancient Old Quarter is comprised of 36 streets, which was once the thriving center of the city. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and foot. Here, peddlers trade as they have for centuries and you can find them based on the street name, which reflects their trade - Fish Sauce, Silk, and Bamboo. Along the way, stop for an egg coffee, a Hanoi specialty!

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Consider an outing to see a famed Hanoi water puppet performance. Dating back to the 11th century, water puppetry originated with farmers entertaining their family after the rice harvest.

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Day 3: HANOI–HA LONG BAY

Peaks, Caves & Bays, Oh My Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on your overnight cruise of Ha Long Bay. This afternoon. visit a pearl farm to learn the process of pearl cultivation before stopping at one of the islands for a swim or stroll.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BAY BLAST Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 1,600 islands, limestone pillars carved into fanciful shapes by water and coastal erosion. Tunnels, caves, and uniquely shaped outcroppings with creative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the bay. Your overnight cruise explores the caves and is an opportunity to admire the beauty and scale of the many secluded bays.

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Day 4: HA LONG BAY–HANOI–HOI AN

Peaceful Meeting Place This morning, if you choose, wake up early for a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before a visit to one of the many caves found in the bay. Explore the caverns and their dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Disembark the ship later this morning and drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Danang, on Vietnam’s historic central coast. Continue to nearby Hoi An, a cultural fusion and well-preserved trading port. The local cuisine and architecture here reflects the influence which Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders had on Vietnam. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HOTEL ROYAL HOI AN Located on the banks of the Thu Bon River with a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant overlooking the enchanting river, your hotel is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern facilities, with a mix of Vietnamese and Japanese influence.

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Day 5: HOI AN

Sail, Tackle & Stroll Cruise on the Thu Bon River and participate in a [LF] fishing lesson. Later, explore historic Hoi An on a walking tour including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the famous Japanese covered bridge. For dinner, participate in a cooking class where you will learn about traditional Vietnamese spices and how to prepare Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crispy rice pancake). (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CAST YOUR NET Join a local fisherman to learn about local fishing methods and learn how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a "ro". Afterward, you will have a chance to throw the net yourself and see what you catch!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PREPARE & SAVOR Participate in a fun cooking class for dinner and learn to make Hoi An specialty dishes including fried spring rolls, grilled fish in banana leaves, and beef salad in a bamboo basket.

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Day 6: HOI AN–HUE

Rest & Ride Time at leisure this morning. Depart the hotel and top at China Beach, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, and then continue over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals and the last royal dynasty in Vietnamese history, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Spend time at the beach, visit nearby My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving workshops and stores in nearby villages.

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Day 7: HUE

Dynastic Hue This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Along the banks of the Perfume River visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. After lunch, a cyclo tour of the city visits the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city, which is the tallest religious building in Vietnam at seven stories. Continue to the Imperial Citadel built between 1804 and 1833. This heavily fortified structure is still very much the heart of modern-day Hue and despite a checkered history, the fortress remains superbly intact. (Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 8: HUE–HO CHI MINH CITY

Seeing Saigon Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. After some free time, join your travel companions for a special dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY

Meandering Streets, Landmarks & Markets A walking tour introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The route winds through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Opera House, Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some free time. (Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY–CU CHI TUNNELS EXCURSION

Tunnel Vision Drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city is booming, and pulses with contagious energy day and night. Sample local food from a street vendor, get a foot massage, or spend more time on Dong Khoi Street. Tonight, be sure to stop at one of several rooftop bars for a drink and magnificent views of the city. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist with recommendations.

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Day 11: HO CHI MINH CITY–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Captivating Cambodia This morning, board your flight to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular archaeological ruins on Earth! Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 12: SIEM REAP

Awe-Inspiring Angkor Spend the day exploring the Angkor Temple complex. Begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire. Stops here include the Bayon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants and Leper King, and the Baphuon complex. After an included lunch, visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers more than 81 hectares and is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
IT’S COMPLEX Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Temples of Angkor were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the temples is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Start your exploration at 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. Next stop is, 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.

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider exploring the temple complex further, a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village, or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.

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Day 13: SIEM REAP

Tempting Temples & Study Session This morning, visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple outside the main complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This temple was built in the 10th Century on a small scale in red sandstone and boasts exquisitely carved figures. On your return journey, stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched and is surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruins. You’ll be able to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
DINNER & DANCE Join your Tour Director and travel companions for a farewell dinner followed by a traditional Apsara dance performance, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.

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Day 14: SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILAND

Capital Gains Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, where you’ll spend the next three nights. (Breakfast)

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Day 15: BANGKOK

Bangkok Bliss Explore Bangkok with our Local Guide. Start the day with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, to see family homes, temples, and the way of life that gives this city the nickname “Venice of the East.” Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 16: BANGKOK

Free to Wander Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.

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Day 17: BANGKOK–SINGAPORE

Today, fly to exciting Singapore. (Breakfast)

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Day 18: SINGAPORE

Sublime Singapore Sightseeing with your Local Guide introduces you to Singapore’s highlights. Start with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay, a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry. The gardens house flora from five continents and award-winning architecture design as well. Your tour ends at Marina Bay, where you will ascend to the Sands Skypark’s gravity-defying rooftop for stunning views over the city. (Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 19: SINGAPORE

At Your Own Pace Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Visit the National Orchid Garden, take the popular night safari at the zoo, or explore Malay culture at Changi Village.

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Day 20: SINGAPORE

Homeward Bound Your southeast Asia adventure ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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