16-Nights Highlights Of Southeast Asia

Cosmos

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!

Featured Destinations

Hoi An Hoi An Hoi An is an ancient port town that was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the rare places in Vietnam to discover genuine Vietnamese architecture. Walk through the Old Quarter and get a glimpse of a medieval Vietnam that no longer exists in the other areas of the country. Visit the Phuc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful bazaar	Destination Guide
Siem Reap Siem Reap The small provincial capital of Siem Reap stretches along the Siem Reap river – surrounded by rice paddies and serving as the gateway to centuries-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Angkor Archaeological Park contains numerous temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and legendary Angkor Wat. Those visiting the site stay in Siem Reap. Experience some local flavor, attend a dance performance, or shop in some local craft shops. Angkor Wat’s artistic and archaeological significance rivals the Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India. Unspoiled by over-development, many areas of the area are possible to explore away from crowds. Its three-tiered massive pyramid is crowned by five beehive-like towers on the ground. It is the centerpiece of any visit to temples in Angkor. This amazing structure is thought to be dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.	Destination Guide
Hanoi Hanoi Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.	Destination Guide
Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok is chief port capital of Thailand and one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia. It is the epitome of the country's kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. It is an expression of Thai respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Rama I built the walled Grand Palace, which contains Temple of the Emerald Buddha. During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals, which served as streets and commercial thoroughfares. Houses perched along the banks of the remaining canals are still common sight. Some of Bangkok’s most distinctive features are the approximately 400 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Bangkok is Thailand's economic center. Other sights to see include Temples, monuments, museums, Vimarnmekh Mansion, and Jim Thompson’s House.	Destination Guide
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe.	Destination Guide
Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang is the crown jewel of Laos and perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The ancient capital of the former Kingdom Lan Xang, it is nestled in the mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, and is an enchanting and charming destination. The town is adorned with gilded temples on nearly every street corner and saffron robed monks strolling through the quiet city center, giving it a unique charm of bygone days and rich cultural heritage.	Destination Guide
Halong Bay (Hanoi) Halong Bay (Hanoi) Meaning “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” Halong Bay’s water is calm and undisturbed despite the jutting limestone mountains that soar out of the water and toward the sky. As if a tail of a Dragon plunged into the earth, the mountains are craggy, sharp, and barren, and are dotted with thousands of small caves of various depths and heights. At dusk, they all take on mysterious shades of gray, mauve and olive, lending credence to the local legends.	Destination Guide
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often referred to as Vietnam’s jewel and the Pearl of the Orient. Located in south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. Under the current regime the city is once more being rebuilt. Whole blocks are disappearing, being replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture. The city is divided into two sections: Saigon, the municipal and historical district, and Cholon (Chinatown), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and in general the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle and activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the whole city.	Destination Guide

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