Compare The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang by Road Scholar vs Golden Triangle of Indochina In 10 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 En Route In Flight

Day 3 Arrival Hanoi, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Hanoi

Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note: If you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day.

Check in to your hotel and rest after the long journey to Vietnam. Please note: if you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day. *Orientation*: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. In addition to the program theme and logistics, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During free time, the Group Leader will often be available for informal excursions, activities, or meals not included in the program. You are welcome to join if you wish, with any associated costs at your own expense, or you may explore independently.

At leisure.

Welcome Dinner with a welcome drink at the hotel, featuring a taste of local food. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Hanoi Exploration, Museum of Ethnology Hanoi

Getting on/off motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day on paved, mostly level, surfaces.

We begin the morning with a presentation on the History of Vietnam, led by a local expert. Next, we board a private motorcoach and visit Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh himself read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Inside Ba Dinh Square, revel at the simplicity of Ho Chi Minh's house. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, constructed to celebrate the heiress Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion.

We board the motorcoach and transfer to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. For those interested, we continue on a guided visit of the Museum of Ethnology and learn about the lives and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that live in Vietnam. The remainder of the afternoon is free for us to explore on our own.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on our own to enjoy what we like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Day 5 Transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay

The transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.

We board a private motorcoach and drive to Halong Bay. Along the way, we learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader. Late morning, we board a traditional Vietnamese Junk for one night. "Ha Long" which means "Bay of Descending Dragons," is a stunning a site, famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon.

Using small rowboats to come ashore, we visit Thien Canh Son Cave. Later in the afternoon we have a presentation on the ecology and environmental issues of Halong Bay.

At leisure.

Buffet at the hotel.

Aboard the boat. Enjoy characteristic Vietnamese cuisine with appetizer, choice of entrée, and dessert.

Aboard the boat. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 Halong Bay, Coach to Hanoi, Old Quarters, Water Puppet show Hanoi

The transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.

Enjoy sunrise and a leisurely morning cruising through Halong Bay. On an early morning excursion, we reboard our small rowboats to explore a local fishing village. Afterwards, we return to the boat for brunch and prepare for check-out.

Explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter beginning with a cyclo ride near Hoam Kiem Lake. We also visit a restored 'tube house' to see how residents in this area once used to live. Remnant of a bygone era, the Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewellery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.

Engage in a traditional northern Vietnamese “Mua Roi Nuoc” performance -- a water puppet show. Water puppetry is performed in a pool, and typically depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form is a centuries old variation on ancient Asian puppet traditions. Puppets would be put out to watch over crops and, when fields flooded, villagers would entertain themselves with the puppets.

Early morning coffee, tea and pastries.

Brunch on board the boat before returning to the port of Halong Bay, disembarking and transferring back to Hanoi by private motorcoach.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Fly to Laos, Board Riverboat, Explore Night Market Luang Prabang

Flight from Hanoi to Laos approximately 1 hour. Board Mekong Sun. Please note: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. The river-cruise itinerary of this tour may be altered due to the logistical complexities, or for safety reasons, depending on weather and river conditions.

Luggage out and hotel check-out. We transfer to the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, we transfer by coach to board the Mekong Sun - our home for the next five nights. We have time to settle in before dinner.

After dinner, those interested can take a 10 minute walk into town and hike up Phusi Hill. The hike up is approximately 20 minutes along a path with some steps. In front of Phusi Hill is the Hmong Night market. This is where a lot of ethnic minorities, especially the Hmong community, sell handmade items. There are many other items for sale making this market a great place to explore. It is a huge part of the Luang Prabang community in the evening.

Buffet at the hotel.

Light lunch provided on the flight.

On board the boat. Three course plated meal.

Day 8 Luang Prabang, Alms Giving, Morning Market, Wat Xieng Thong Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we embark on a walking discovery of Luang Prabang town. This town is unique as it dotted with temples and lies on the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan river. The morning discovery, takes you through the small town, exploring the architecture and the way of life. End the walk at Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built from 1559-1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975, when the monarchy was dissolved in Laos. The temple is a good representation of typical Lao art and craft.

After lunch we return to the boat and participate in a safety drill before beginning our cruise on the Mekong River. Later in the afternoon, we join the cruise director for a talk on the plight of Asian Elephant.

At leisure.

Before breakfast, we walk into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture, Tak Baht. Observe the devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession along the streets. Hundreds of Monks from different temples will walk through the city in their daily ritual of collecting alms for their meals. Afterwards, we explore the morning market before returning to the Mekong Sun for a buffet breakfast.

At a local restaurant. Laos food served family-style.

Captain's Welcome Dinner on the sundeck.

Day 9 Village Visit, Elephant Experience, Pak Ou Caves Mekong River

Getting off and on smaller boats. There are around 220 steps to the first and second set of caves to see all the Buddha images.

Embark on a small local boat up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Village. Here we can watch and feed the Asian Elephants in the village. We return to our boat and cross the river to Pak Ou Caves.These caves house thousands of votive Buddha statues left by pilgrims. We take a short walk through the forest to visit a traditional Laotian village. In the village, you see how the villagers make Lao-Lao - a traditional local rice liqueur.

We cruise down the scenic Mekong River. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a talk on Laos, the country and its people.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

On board the boat.

Day 10 Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong Mekong River

The boat cruises further along the Mekong River, passing impressive landscapes and awe inspiring rock formations. This morning we visit a local village school that is supported by the Mekong River Cruise fleet. Here we meet the local school children and learn a bit about the education system in Laos (school visit subject to holidays and exam schedules).

Further along the Mekong, the boat stops at a sandbank for the evening.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

On board the boat.

Day 11 Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Baci Ceremony Luang Prabang

The boat continues cruising towards Luang Prabang. We stop at a village and board a minivan to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. This is a great place to see some locals enjoying time with their families. We return to the boat by minivan.

We arrive back in Luang Prabang with some free time before dinner to further explore this amazing town.

Participate in a traditional Laos Baci Ceremony that serves as a farewell (or welcome) ceremony giving you good wishes for your journey ahead.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

'Farewell Dinner' on board the boat.

Day 12 Disembark Boat, Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia Siem Reap

Flight time from Luang Prabang, Laos, to Siem Reap, Cambodia, is approximately 1 ½ hours.

This morning we disembark the boat and transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to our program hotel. After checking in, we join our local guide for a quick orientation to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Afterwards, we watch a film about Cambodia's history in the hotel meeting room.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Light lunch provided on the flight.

At the hotel. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Free Time, Apsara Dance Siem Reap

Walking 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces with many steps, some without railings.

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat as it is silhouetted in the sky during sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. As the best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat, is the only temple to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation is Hindu - dedicated to the god Vishnu - then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. We return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.

After lunch we have free time to explore Siem Reap, or simply relax at the hotel. In the late afternoon/early evening, we gather once more in the hotel meeting room to watch the movie "The Flute Player".

Enjoy an Apsara Dance performance by a group of local artists that are working to preserve traditional Cambodian classical arts. As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, this dance has been a part of Khmer culture for more than a millennium.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 14 Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Landmine Museum Siem Reap

Early morning departure by motorcouch to visit Ta Prohm temple (approximately 7 miles/20 minutes drive), then walking around 1½ miles on flat dirt paths through forest to reach Ta Prohm. Motorcoach transfer from Ta Prohm to Banteay Srei temple (approximately 16 miles/45 minutes drive) then walking around ½ mile. Visiting Banteay Srei can be very hot as there is very little shade.

We have an early start to visit Ta Prohm temple in Siem Reap Province before the crowds get there. Built at the height of the Khmer Empire by Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and center of learning, Ta Prohm has a traditional Khmer structure consisting of a series of gradually smaller enclosures, the largest of which is about 1000 by 650 meters (3,300 x 2,100 feet). The sanctuary is centered around the huge, elevated stone face of Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, whose features were modeled after those of the king's mother. Ta Prohm's popularity has soared in recent years along with the rest of the Angkor complex, but especially because of its appearance in the movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." We continue to Banteay Srei - the Citadel of Women - a pink, sandstone temple built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V.

Explore the Landmine Museum and learn about the landmine issues in Cambodia. We return to the hotel in Siem Reap by coach.

Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack and prepare for departures tomorrow. The Group Leader will discuss transfers to the airport.

At the hotel.

At a traditional Khmer style house in an open-air setting with fan.

'Farewell Dinner' featuring local cuisine with bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 15 Program Concludes, Departures Home In Flight

Hotel check-out at 12:00noon.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. Program concludes.

Day 1 Welcome to Cambodia - Siem Reap Arrival

Your Indochina adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 Explore The Magnificent Ancient Capital Of Khmer (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel. Start your Siem Reap exploration by visiting Angkor Wat, the “7th Wonder of the World”, and the world's largest temple with an excellent masterpiece of carvings, sculptures, and perfect structure. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We will stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

In the afternoon, we will visit the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Continue your sightseeing to the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then visit the famous jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm. Here the enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3 Travel From Siem Reap To Phnom Penh By Shuttle Bus - Phnom Penh Sightseeing (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and check out the hotel. You will be transferred to Phnom Penh by bus. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, have some rest for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Royal Palace, where His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal family lived. Continue to Silver Pagoda, which serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. Finally, visit Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh, which was built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 4 Flight From Phnom Penh To Hanoi (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Phnom Penh before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Hanoi city center. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Please note: on particular days the flight might be with a stopover in Bangkok.

Day 5 Cruising At The Natural Wonder Of The World Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Shared Cruise

Check out of the hotel in the morning, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Day 6 Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7 Flight From Hanoi to Vientiane - Vientiane Sightseeing (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Vientiane, Laos. On arrival at the Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Laotian, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, you will visit the major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Please note: on particular days the flight might be with a stopover in Bangkok.

Day 8 Flight From Vientiane To Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang Sightseeing (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to the hotel.

After a short rest, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. We then stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the locals and the hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 9 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Kuangsi Waterfall (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, to enjoy the panoramic view of the tranquil countryside and visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. It is two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. Then return to Luang Prabang for a short break.

In the afternoon, continue to Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand weaving and traditional Saa Paper making. Continue your excursion toward Kuangsi Waterfall, en route, and visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups. Upon arrival at Kuangsi Waterfall, you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails and understand why Kuangsi Waterfall illustrates paradise. You will be back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 10 Biggest Farewell An Warmest Thank You - Luang Prabang Departure (B)

Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum (close on Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. We then say farewell and depart this ancient city.