The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
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Overview
Highlights
- I like to spend much of the day exploring
- Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
- Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note that if you arrive late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview tomorrow.
Check in to the hotel, unpack, freshen up and relax. Orientat...
Getting in and out of motorcoaches and tuk tuks. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day at the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple, then to Wat Pho. Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha are sacred sites. Conservative dress required (no shorts); shoes must be remo...
Walking up to 1 mile at airport and at the home hosted dinner.
This morning we are joined by a local expert for a presentation on Thailand’s political economy: the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines to under...
Walking up 200 steps to the top of Doi Suthep. Transfer is approximately 12 miles/45 minutes each way by motorcoach.
We travel to Doi Suthep by motorcoach to experience a Buddhist tradition. Here we view the procession of the monks before they ascend the 309 ste...
Drive to encounter the Thai elephants is approximately 34 miles/1 hour each way. Walking up to 2 miles on unpaved, dirt roads.
We travel by vans to the Mae Taeng district to visit an elephant sanctuary. Here we learn from local experts about the plight of the As...
Flight to Luang Prabang is approximately 1 hour.
Free time. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
We come together in the afternoon to transfer by motorcoach to the airp...
Early morning wake up for alms giving. Coaching approximately 2 miles around the city. Walking approximately 2 miles through the market and at the temple.
Before breakfast, we travel by minivans into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture - Tak B...
Getting on and off small boats. Walking up riverbanks to explore local villages. There are around 220 steps at Pak Ou Caves to see all the Buddha images in the first and second set of caves.
We take a private boat up the Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves ...
Driving approximately 8 miles/20 minutes in Luang Prabang, including the airport transfer. The drive from Siem Reap airport to the hotel is approximately 6 miles/30 minutes.
We are joined by a local expert for a presentation on the different ethnic groups that m...
Walking up to 1.5 miles at Ta Prohm, along dirt and wooden paths through the temple. Walking for approximately 1/2 mile at Banteay Srei, without a lot of shade in hot and humid conditions.
We depart by motorcoach at around 7am to reach Ta Prohm, the Jungle Templ...
Walking in Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom will be physically straining today. We will spend the whole morning at these ruins, which have uneven steps and stairways. Please remember to bring a flashlight for the early morning visit. You will need to be able to get in and o...
Walking approximately 2 miles/2 hours along the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, with stops along the way.
We transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap International Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, we transfer to our program hotel i...
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located outside the city, approximately 1.5-2 hours travel by motorcoach each way (depending on traffic). Walking up to 2 miles at the Cu Chi Tunnels on dirt paths.
We board our motorcoach to visit a local university. Here a professor give...
Getting on/off a motorcoach and a boat; driving approximately 75 miles/2.5 hours each way. Walking approximately 2 miles/2 hours around a village in the Delta.
We set out early for the Mekong Delta. Here we board a boat to explore a region of Vietnam that few vi...
Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving time. Walking up to 2 miles in total throughout the day; paved walkway at Ba Dinh Square. Shorts, tank tops and hats are not permitted at Ba Dinh Square.
We transfer by motorcoach to Ho Chi Minh City airport for our f...
Driving approximately 113 miles/3.5 hours with a stop along the way. Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk boat. We will anchor and spend the night aboard the junk. Land excursions require getting in/out of rowboats, which comfortably sit 4 people.
After checking out...
Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk. Land excursions involve getting in/out of rowboats which comfortably sit 4 people.
We transfer from the junk to the smaller rowboats and explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. We learn about the topography of Ha Long Bay a...
Transfer by motorcoach is approximately 5 miles/1 hour round trip.
This morning we travel by motorcoach to a local village to learn about traditional life in Vietnam. We explore a farmer’s home, take a bicycle or tuk tuk ride around the village and the rice padd...
Hotel check-out is 12:00noon
Prepare for check-out. Program concludes. 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 include...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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Logistics
- Number of Breakfast: 18
- Number of Brunch: 1
- Number of Lunch: 11
- Number of Dinner: 8
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