Southeast Asia Vacation
Jewels of Southeast Asia
10 Days / 11 Nights
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
Discover a land of ancient temples, peaceful villages and bustling modern cities. Travel the waterways and country back roads as you get to know the people and places of this surprisingly diverse region.
Trip Highlights Include:
-
Mekong River Delta Cruise
A
coach takes you to the mighty Mekong River, where you board a roofed
touring boat that glides over the waters past colorful floating markets.
-
Ancient Hoi An
Join
your Adventure Guides for a walk through this historic gem—the ancient
village, Hoi An. Feel time stand still in this living museum as you pass
ornate temples, well-preserved historic buildings and lively markets.
-
Sunrise Study with Tai-Chi Master
Meet
a tai chi master in the park to learn the gentle art of tai chi. In a
private group lesson, experience how this graceful, low impact
"meditation in motion" helps reduce stress and improve general health.
-
Alms Offering and Mount Phousi Hike
Rise
and greet the monks before breakfast as they gather alms. Sit on a
cushion amongst the locals and participate in this ancient practice as
you give an offering of sticky rice procured by your Adventure Guides.
Next, hike up the steps of Mount Phousi— the "Holy Mountain"—to see
spectacular, panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the picturesque Nam
Khan River.
-
Organic Rice Farm
Visit
an organic community farm and discover what it's like to live off the
land! Try your hand at any or all of the 13 stages of rice
production—from planting to threshing.
-
Horseback Riding in Cambodia
Discover
Cambodia with 2 trail guides as you travel through the countryside on
horseback. Temples, villages and farms—see how the locals live among the
spectacular scenery.
-
Tuk-Tuk Temple Treasure Hunt
Adults
and Junior Adventurers alike participate in a "treasure hunt" as they
explore the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park by tuk-tuk—an airy
covered cart pulled by a motorcycle. Your licensed guide unveils
surprising stories about this park and its temples that rise above the
treetops. Visit Bayon, where enormous stone faces smile enigmatically
from each compass point on the temple, as well as Ta Prohm, where thick
tree roots that seem to melt over the ruined roofs. You'll never forget
this incredibly magical place!
Adventure Dates
- 2013
- May 6-May 17, 2013*
- Jun 10-Jun 21, 2013*
- Jun 24-Jul 5, 2013*
- Jul 8-Jul 19, 2013*
- Jul 22-Aug 2, 2013
- Aug 5-Aug 16, 2013
- Oct 7-Oct 18, 2013
- Dec 23, 2013-Jan 3, 2014*
- 2014
- Jan 13-Jan 24, 2014
- Apr 14-Apr 25, 2014
- June 9-June 20, 2014
- June 23-July 4, 2014
- July 7-July 18, 2014
- July 21-Aug 1, 2014
- Aug 4-Aug 15, 2014
- Sep 15-Sep 26, 2014
- Oct 6-Oct 17, 2014: Adult Exclusive (18 and older)
- Dec 22, 2014-Jan 2, 2015
- 2015
- Jan 12-Jan 23, 2015: Adult Exclusive
- Apr 13-Apr 24, 2015
*= Departure guaranteed to travel.
Adventure Daily Itinerary
Day One
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Upon exiting customs, you are met by an Adventures by Disney representative who escorts you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the
driver assists with your luggage and takes you to the Sheraton Saigon
Hotel & Towers, a chic hotel located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City's business and entertainment district.
Ho Chi Minh City
Take the afternoon and evening to relax and settle into your hotel,
which is within walking distance of such sites as the People's Committee
Building, the Opera House, Ben Thanh Market and Reunification Palace.
Still known to locals as Saigon, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is a
hive of commerce and culture, where skyscrapers tower over pagodas. The
delicious scent of Vietnam's famous cuisine wafts from tiny food stalls
that line the streets swarming with scooters, cars and cabs. Immerse
yourself in the sights and sounds of this amazing city that embraces
multiple cultural influences. Be sure to ask your Adventure Guides for
dinner recommendations—the city is famous for its food!
Meals Included: None
Day Two
Breakfast and Orientation in the Lounge
Meet your fellow Adventurers for a private breakfast buffet in the
ultra-modern Grand Tower Lounge. Next, your Adventure Guides provide a
full orientation to your trip, which starts with a cruise on the most
famous river in Vietnam.
Mekong River Delta Cruise
A luxury motor coach brings you to the mighty Mekong River, where you
board a roofed touring boat that glides over the waters past floating
markets and even entire villages that exist solely on the river. Taste
fresh tropical fruits as a local guide regales you with stories of the
waterways. Visit a cottage factory where they make popped rice bars,
coconut candies and even rice paper by hand. Discover a fishing village
where life thrives on the catch of the day. It's another world on the
waters of Vietnam!
Lunch at Mekong Lodge
Midway through your excursion, stop for lunch at this charming island
restaurant hidden among the mango and durian trees. Relax with a view of
the river and passing boats as you refresh yourself with a 3-course
meal.
Welcome Dinner at Thao Dien Village
When you return to Ho Chi Minh City, a coach takes you and your fellow
Adventurers to dinner at Ngon, one of 4 restaurants at Thao Dien
Village. Weather permitting, sit at a table by the river and let the
flavorful dishes delight your palate as you enjoy the picturesque view.
Brightly colored lion dancers swoop and swirl to the rhythm and melodies
played on traditional instruments for your entertainment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three
War Remnants Museum Tour
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel lounge, see the War Remnants
Museum on your own and discover artifacts from the American phase of the
Vietnam War, including period military equipment, "tiger cages" and
photographs. As the museum can be graphic in its depiction of war
violence, Adventurers may instead* opt to visit only the only museum
courtyard and check out the vintage military machines.
C? Chi Tunnels
Take a motor coach to these extraordinary tunnels used by the Viet Cong
as their base of operations during the war. Learn how they lived in and
fought the war from these incredibly narrow tunnels burrowing into the
earth. Junior Adventurers will especially like exploring the safe
network of intriguing crawl spaces.
Lunch at Ben Nay Restaurant
Relax after your tunnel excursion and take in the verdant landscape as
you dine in a private pavilion at this restaurant on the river. Watch
the tranquil waterways ripple in the sunlight and white storks fly
overhead. It's the perfect lunch getaway before your flight to Da Nang!
Fly to Da Nang
Board a plane to Da Nang, one of the largest cities in Vietnam. Once you
arrive, your Adventure Guides escort you to the Sunrise Hoi An Beach
Resort, a lavish hotel set on the idyllic coastline of Cua Dai Beach.
Junior Adventurers Dinner
While adults dine at their leisure at the hotel's main dining room,
Junior Adventurers enjoy a special private dinner with a visit to the
hotel's "ice cream factory."
Disney Movie Night
After dinner, cuddle up with your tr? em at the resort's Kids Club for a private viewing of a Disney movie, complete with soft drinks and popcorn.
*It is recommended that children under 10 years of age remain in the courtyard and enjoy a tasty ice-cream treat.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Private Hands-On Cooking Class
After breakfast at your beachside resort, visit Hoi An's vibrant central
market with a chef to find fresh ingredients for your private cooking
class! Learn how to make some of Vietnam's traditional dishes in a
hands-on setting at Brother's Café.
Lunch at Brother's Café
Rest outside under the white umbrellas and leafy green trees as you gaze out over the peaceful river during this lunch.
Ancient Hoi An
Join your Adventure Guides for a walk through this historic gem—the
ancient village of Hoi An. Time seems to stand still in this living
museum as you pass ornate temples, well-preserved aged buildings and
lively markets. University girls in flowing white uniforms and conical
hats pedal past as motorcyclists zip along the narrow streets. Admire
the brilliant hues of the lantern shops and marvel at the remarkable,
multi-cultural architecture. After you learn about the town and its
past, your Adventure Guides take you to beautiful Chua Cau—also known as
the Japanese covered bridge—for photos. It's the perfect ending to an
enchanting town tour.
Chinese Lantern Making
In a special workshop, learn to make one of those eye-catching Hoi An lanterns. Take home your creation as a special keepsake!
Dinner and Evening On Your Own
Indulge in local cuisine at one of the restaurants in town or even at
your resort. After dinner, stroll the streets of the charming village,
try some freshly brewed beer (bia hoi) at one of the local pubs
and perhaps catch some of the street entertainment. At your own
expense, you may opt as many visitors do to have clothes custom-made by
Hoi An's world-renown tailors! You can have measurements taken while in
town or at the resort, and your garments will be delivered the next day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Five
A Day on Your Own
Spend the day on your own either at the resort, in Hoi An, or both! The
resort offers many exciting activities for an additional fee, such as
kayaking, tai chi classes, basket boats and even parasailing for the
more adventurous. Excursions into the Vietnamese countryside, fishing
tours and boat trips are also available. Hang out at China Beach and see
the locals at play. You can even return to Hoi An and rent a bicycle
for a special self-guided tour about town and beyond!
BBQ Dinner at the Beach
Return to the resort in the evening for a fantastic beachside barbeque!
Share this feast with your fellow Adventurers as you bask in the
twilight, ocean waters lapping at the shoreline facing the South China
Sea.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day Six
Fly to Hanoi
Fuel up on one last buffet breakfast at the resort before your morning
flight to the grand dame of Asia and capital of Vietnam—Hanoi! At one
time a French colonial city, Hanoi fuses East and West to create a
dynamic metropolis that draws visitors from all over the world. With its
friendly people, engaging architecture and rich history, Hanoi is
utterly unforgettable!
Upon arrival, you will be whisked to your next hotel, the Sofitel Legend
Metropole. Located near the Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of the city,
this hotel embodies historic French elegance coupled with modern
amenities. Sit back as your Adventure Guides take care of your bags and
check-in.
Lunch at KOTO
Choose your meal from an a la carte menu at this Australian
non-profit restaurant that's been changing lives in Hanoi for about 15
years. Through its training programs, KOTO—Know One, Teach One—turns
street kids into restaurant professionals, giving them the job skills
they need to be successful, productive individuals. Enjoy a hearty lunch
at this restaurant that's taking a bite out of poverty.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
This museum celebrates the 54 ethnic groups that comprise Vietnam's
culture, as well as the nation's scientific and technical progress. A
local guide takes you through the highlights of this collection of
priceless antiquities, artifacts, costumes, photographs and digital
media. Outdoors, take a few moments to explore the growing exhibition of
architectural styles.
Mask Making and Water Puppet Demo
After the museum, learn how to paint your own whimsical Vietnamese mask
that you can take home as a souvenir. Next, follow your Adventure Guides
to the water puppet theater for a brief description and demonstration
of this unique art form.
Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre
Scenes unfold from daily life of old as these adorable puppets dance on
the water's surface to live music and singing. Swirling dragons, daring
horse riders and demure maidens are only a few of the winsome characters
in this special kind of drama that's won the hearts of people the world
over.
Dinner at the Hotel
Choose to dine at any of the restaurants offered by the Sofitel Legend
Metropole. Whether you prefer French, Vietnamese or Italian cuisine,
you'll find an exquisite meal at one of these distinctive
establishments. Select your dish from an a la carte menu and remember that dinner is on us!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Seven
Sunrise Tai Chi Class
Meet with a tai chi master in the park to learn the gentle art of tai
chi. In a private group lesson before breakfast, experience how this
graceful, low impact "meditation in motion" helps reduce stress and
improve general health. Adventurers may instead opt to rest up at the
hotel. Whether you attend or not, all Adventurers receive an embroidered
tai chi uniform to take home!
Tour of Hanoi
Hop on board an electric cart for a "green" tour of ancient Hanoi, which
includes the bustling Old Quarter. The tour continues by coach with
visits to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the One-Pillar Pagoda and the
Temple of Literature, with VIP access to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The Rest of the Day On Your Own
Spend the day as you wish in this city that some call the Paris of Asia.
Discover the pleasing blend of French and Vietnamese architecture as
you journey through the city. At the heart of Hanoi lies peaceful Hoan
Kiem Lake, where locals and visitors alike gather to reflect at the
shore of its rippling waters. Keep an eye out for the giant turtle that
lives in the waters. See new sights or revisit ones from your morning
tour—this magical metropolis is yours to explore. For lunch and dinner,
don't hesitate to ask your Adventure Guides to recommend a place for the
perfect family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day Eight
Fly to Luang Prabang
Late this morning, board a plane to mystical, serene Luang Prabang in
Laos. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your new hotel, Le Palais
Juliana, a stylish resort with modern amenities nestled in a lush
setting.
Lunch at Coconut Garden
Celebrate your arrival in Laos with a delicious lunch that combines the
best in French and Laotian cuisine. Make your selection from the a la
carte menu and taste for yourself how the chefs at the Coconut Garden
have created new flavors with the region's freshest ingredients.
Guided Tour of Luang Prabang
Enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site where the ordinary is
extraordinary in this town of ornate Buddhist temples, brightly robed
monks and winding pathways. A local guide takes you on an engaging tour
of the Royal Palace Museum, as well as stunning temples such as Wat
Xiang Thong, Wat Mai and Wat Wisunalat. You might glimpse a monk in a
marigold robe chanting from a prayer book as he pets a cat, or catch the
inviting scent of strong Laotian coffee from a nearby café. This
traveler's nirvana is sure to capture your imagination and soothe your
spirit.
Drawing With School Children
Veer off the typical tourist path and meet a very special group of
children at the Luang Prabang Educational School for the Disabled.
Located on the outskirts of town near a small rural village, this school
teaches hearing-disabled children sign language and provides an
education they might not otherwise ever receive. Adventures by Disney supplies everyone with school supplies including drawing materials for
an hour or so of pure creativity. Transcend both language and age as you
join these remarkable kids to make something together from the heart.
Private BBQ Dinner at the Hotel
Return to the hotel and relax with your fellow Adventurers as you end
the day with a hearty barbeque buffet at the scenic poolside.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Nine
Sunrise Alms Offerings and Hike
Rise and greet the monks before breakfast as they gather alms. Sit on a
cushion amongst the locals and participate in this ancient practice as
you give an offering of sticky rice procured by your Adventure Guides.
Next, you can opt to hike up the steps of Mount Phousi— the "Holy
Mountain." A striking temple beckons you to ascend the beautiful old
stairway up the hill. Along the way, pass serene golden Buddha statues,
flowers and sticky rice offerings. Once you reach the peak, soak up
spectacular, panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the picturesque Nam
Khan River. A hearty breakfast awaits you at the hotel when you return.
"Living Land" Rice Farm
Visit an organic community farm and discover what it's like to live off
the land! Try your hand at any or all of the 13 stages of rice
production—from planting to harvesting. Learn ancient methods of growing
and reaping rice in an idyllic setting. You can even meet Susan the
buffalo who wears the plow yoke. Come together at the end of the
experience and taste yummy treats made with rice harvested from the
farm.
Boxed Lunch at the Farm
Gather with your fellow Adventurers after the "Living Land" experience
to dine on a boxed lunch with French flair provided by Le Palais
Juliana.
Kuang Si Falls
This forest paradise is home to waterfalls that tumble down the
hillside, with sparkling cascades spilling into turquoise pools. Go
ahead—take a dip in the inviting waters! Or just sit at the water's edge
and listen to the gentle roar of the falls as butterflies alight
nearby. The beauty of this refreshing retreat transports both your
spirit and senses.
Night Market
Take a stroll down the road to the Royal Palace Museum through this
amazing collection of affordable handicrafts including ceramics,
antiques, quilts, spices, clothes and much more. It's a sight not to be
missed! Find the perfect souvenir for yourself and gifts for loved ones
at this enormous flea market. Adventurers may also opt to skip the
market and remain at the hotel to rest up before dinner.
Junior Adventurer Dinner & Disney Movie Night
Kids get their own private dinner in the Library Room at Le Palais
Juliana while adults dine at their leisure at the hotel's restaurant.
Afterward, parents can join their little ones for the exclusive viewing
of a Disney movie, complete with popcorn and drinks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Ten
Fly to Siem Reap Cambodia
After breakfast, say goodbye to Laos and board a plane to timeless
Cambodia and its fascinating temples. When you land, your Adventure
Guides whisk you to lunch!
Lunch at the Angkor Café
Located opposite the famous Angkor Wat temple, this cool and comfortable
café offers you and your fellow Adventurers a satisfying lunch. Choose
from a variety of a la carte lunch options.
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra
Welcome to your resort, the five-star Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra whose
architecture elegantly marries the best of French and Khmer style. Relax
as your Adventure Guides handle your luggage and check you in.
Horseback Riding and Tuk Tuks
Discover Cambodia as you travel through the countryside on a gentle
horse escorted by local trail guides. Temples, villages and farms—see
how people live amongst the spectacular scenery. On your way back, ride
in a tuk-tuk—an airy covered cart pulled by a motorcycle—to a visit to
the golden Buddhist temples.
Dinner On Your Own
Siem Reap offers street after street of tempting restaurants for
adventurous eaters. Near the marketplace you'll find a number of places
to dine featuring the unique cuisine of the region. Or simply consult
your Adventure Guides, who are more than happy to suggest a great place
to have a family meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Eleven
Angkor Archaeological Park & Tuk-Tuk Treasure Hunt
Have a hearty buffet breakfast at your resortl before you travel to the
massive complex of temples known as Angkor Archaeological Park. During a
half-day excursion, your local expert unveils surprising stories about
these temples that rise above the treetops. Begin by exploring famed
Angkor Wat—"wat" means temple—when you cross the bridge into an
extraordinary world of carved murals and ornate architecture.
Next, adults and Junior Adventurers alike can take part in a "treasure
hunt" by tuk-tuk as you visit many other temples spread through the
Cambodian jungle. Emerald grasses sprawl between sites as you continue
on to Bayon, where enormous stone faces smile enigmatically from each
compass point on the temple. Finish with a visit to Ta Prohm, where
thick tree roots seem to melt over the ruined roofs. The exotic scenery
dazzles you at each stop. You'll never forget this incredibly magical
place!
Lunch at the Foreign Correspondents Club
Rest and replenish yourself in this casually elegant restaurant as you
dine with your fellow Adventurers. Choose your meal from an à la carte
menu of international cuisine.
Afternoon On Your Own
Return to the temples with the Angkor Archaeological Park pass provided by Adventures by Disney,
or relax at the hotel and take advantage of its many amenities for the
afternoon. Your Adventure Guides can recommend other enticing activities
to round out the day.
Gondola Ride with Cocktails
Unwind from the long day with a drink on board a golden gondola whose
artistry is inspired by carvings on the Angkor temple walls. Glide
peacefully past the scenery of the temple's surrounding moat as the
setting sun spills its radiance on the waters.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate the trip of a lifetime at a private poolside gathering.
Delight in a multi-course meal with your newfound friends during this
last dinner together in Cambodia. Dancers entertain you with their
refined, heavenly movements influenced by the asparas—half-women,
half-goddesses—depicted on the walls of Angkor Wat temple. At the end
of the evening, enjoy a surprise from your Adventure Guides!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Twelve
Day On Your Own
Before your flight departs, spend the day as you please! Your Angkor
Archaeological Park pass admits you back to the temples for further
independent exploration, if you desire. Arrive at sunrise at Angkor Wat
for a most extraordinary sight! Or stroll the streets of Siem Reap. It's
your day to do as you wish until you say chumriep leah to this enchanting country.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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