March 22 -April 3, 2023

This tour includes exotic scenery, tranquil and serene, temples, culture, and history.

Best of all, feel comfortable with your US tour guide, Maun Ferris. She is fluent in the Asian languages and the etiquette and customs of Southeast Asia. She will accompany you on the entire trip and you will benefit from both her expert knowledge and personal experience to have a more intimate interaction with locals.

Enjoy authentic dining, traditional Laotian dinner, traditional Laotian dance, a special Bacci (Laotian welcome ceremony with Maun's family), and a Laoatian culinary experience that you will savor as a token of your journey. Come and have an immersive and culturally broadening experience into the essence of Southeast Asia.

22 March-Dep-LAX 11:25 pm

24 March -Arrive Saigon 8:15 am transfer to our hotel

25 March- Half-day visit Cu Chi Tunnels-
We're going underground deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels!
These hand dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometers connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We'll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must see.
Ever vibrant, ever changing, this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There are classic European style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art déco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We'll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight in Saigon.

26 March-
Departure to Mekong Delta.

On the journey we will travel by motorboat to experience how locals make their living along the river bank like processing coconut, making coconut charcoal.
Disembark and start cycling on the island roads to a farm that grows Suong Sam – a native plant in South East Asia which used mostly in local refreshments. Pick the leaves and learn how to make Suong Sam, a dessert jelly. Enjoy a typical Mekong delta lunch served at a villager’s house.
The excursion is also including a chance to visit a family where traditional coconut brooms are still made before a sampan ride through a canal lined with water coconut palms to the main Mekong River. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Saigon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

27 March-Depart Saigon for Vientiane, Laos

28 March-Visit Vang Vieng-
Vang Vieng is a small town north of Vientiane, on the Nam Song River in Laos. It's surrounded by striking limestone mountains and caves. Tham Poukham, to the west, is a cave with a bluegreen lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue. North is the deep Tham Nam Cave, which has a spring at its entrance. Nearby, Tham Xang Cave has a stalactite resembling an elephant. The town is home to 16th- and 17th-century monasteries.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

29 March Wat Phabath Temple, Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR -
 

This important pilgrimage site with its huge “footprint” of Buddha is a significant place for all Buddhists in the country. The people in the area believe that when someone is passing this place, one must stop for a while to pay respect to the spirits for a good journey. In the afternoon we will visit the beautiful countryside and waterfall.

30 March-
In the morning we will visit Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) Sculptures of the Buddha, Hindu Gods, demons & mythological creatures.
The park houses over 200 sculptures made from concrete in varying sizes from small to very large. The sculptures of the Buddha, several Hindu Gods, demons and mythological creatures like a three-headed elephant are pretty weathered, giving them an impression of being old.
One of the most striking sculptures is a giant pumpkin with three floors. At the front is a large mythological creature, its open Mouth serving as the entrance. Its three floors represent Hell, Earth and Heaven. A staircase inside the pumpkin leads to the platform on top, from where good views of the park can be had.

30 Mar- Depart for Bangkok 830pm arrive Bangkok 9:50 pm

31 Mar-Depart Bangkok 12:15pm arrive Singapore 3:30pm

1 April ½ day city tour of Singapore-
Singapore—known variously as the “Lion City” or “Garden City,” the latter for its many parks and tree-lined streets— has also been called “instant Asia” because it offers the tourist an expeditious glimpse into the cultures brought to it by immigrants from all parts of Asia. While predominantly Chinese, it has substantial minorities of Malays and Indians.

2 April-Leisure day

3 April-Depart Singapore to San Francisco

Package including in the price $4150 :
~All hotels and tax 4 and 5 stars hotels
~Copthorne Waterfront Singapore hotel, Hotel Majestic Saigon , River boutique resort Laos
~All internal flights, All transfers from airport to hotels round-trip
~All tours and entrance fees on the itinerary, All transfers from hotels to tours round trip
~All breakfasts and some other special meals
~Tour guide from the U.S and local guide
~special Bacci (Laotian traditional welcome ceremony with Maun’s family)
~Traditional dinner with Laotian traditional dance
12 days small group escorted tour Saigon, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Laos and Singapore