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!
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available). Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Meals
Meals & Itinerary
16 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches
Notes:
Ascent of Mount Phousi (approximately 350 steps) may prove challenging for those with physical limitations.
Itinerary
Day 1 HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.HANOI-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 2 HANOI
Today’s included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city’s highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. No strings attached, but we recommend this evening’s optional performance of Hanoi’s famed water puppets. HANOI-ONE-PILLAR-PAGODA.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 3 HANOI-HA LONG BAY
Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island. HA-LONG-BAY.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 4 HA LONG BAY–HOI AN
Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. HOI-AN-ANCIENT-TOWN.jpg
Breakfast
Day 5 HOI AN
Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. For lunch, sample Cao Lao noodles, Hoi An’s most famous dish. The smoked, chewy noodles have a distinctive taste and are unique to Hoi An. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. HOI-AN-ANCIENT-TOWN-COVERED-BRIDGE.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 6 HOI AN–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Today, fly to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT-STATUES.jpg
Breakfast
Day 7 SIEM REAP
Today, visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Start your exploration at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas-reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features more than 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-reliefs. The rest of the day is at leisure. SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT-REFLECTION.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 8 SIEM REAP
This morning, visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Unlike the other temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched and is surrounded by jungle, with tree roots growing over and through the ruin walls. Experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Visit a local school to interact with the children and help them practice their English. This afternoon and evening are at your leisure. Ever wanted to run off and join the circus? Here’s your chance with an optional performance of Phare Cambodian circus. SIEM-REAP-BANTEAY-SREI.jpg
Breakfast
Day 9 SIEM REAP-LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang. LUANG-PRABANG-MOUNT-PHOUSI.jpg
Breakfast
Day 10 LUANG PRABANG
Today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Begin your morning by ascending Mount Phousi for beautiful views over the city and Mekong River. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, often thought to be the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. Journey through scenic Laotian countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where the water cascades into a series of turquoise pools. Return to your hotel where your evening is at leisure. LUANG-PRABANG-KUANG-SI-WATERFALLS.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 11 LUANG PRABANG
Visit Pak Ou Cave, home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed by local residents since the 16th century. Cruise the Mekong through stunning mountainous scenery and float past traditional villages lining the riverbanks. A small fishing village welcomes you with a special Baci ceremony, aiming to bring you good luck. LUANG-PRABANG-PAK-OU-CAVE.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 12 LUANG PRABANG–CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Today, fly to the Thai mountain town of Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” CHIANG-MAI-TUK-TUK.jpg
Breakfast
Day 13 CHIANG MAI
This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers. CHIANG-MAI-WAT-DOI-SUTHEP.jpg
Breakfast
Day 14 CHIANG MAI–ELEPHANT SANCTUARY EXCURSION
This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park. CHIANG-MAI-ELEPHANTS.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 15 CHIANG MAI-BANGKOK
Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. BANGKOK-WAT-ARUN.jpg
Breakfast
Day 16 BANGKOK
An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on the return journey. BANGKOK-TEMPLE-OF-THE-RECLINING-BUDDAH.jpg
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 17 BANGKOK
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. BANGKOK-THAI-FOOD.jpg
Breakfast
Tour Director
With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.
NGUYEN HUNG
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
“Shortly after graduating in 1998 with studies in English from Hanoi National University, Nguyen began his career in tourism. Today, with over a decade of experience leading tours through Vietnam, he shares his extensive knowledge of Vietnam, enhanced with fascinating stories of history and cultural traditions. With a passion for photography and love of local landscapes, Nguyen focuses on snapping the perfect shots and sharing picturesque spots with guests!”
Optional Excursions
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else,
we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination,
so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities.
Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value.
Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences.
We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Price Ranges
$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)
Hanoi
Siem Reap
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Hanoi
Water Puppet Show and Dinner
Vietnamese water puppet show followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Price Range: $$$
Siem Reap
Lake Tonle Sap Cruise
Hop aboard a traditional Cambodian watercraft and set out with an expert Local Guide to explore life on Tonle Sap-the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia!
Price Range: $$$
Apsara Dinner & Dance Show
Step back in time as we introduce you to the wonders of Khmer music, dance, and cuisine. We'll transport you to a tantalizing dinner of authentic Cambodian dishes. Then, ancient Khmer culture comes to life during a brilliant Apsara dance performance, an artform based on the bas-reliefs found at Angkor Wat. Marvel at the graceful, sinuous hand gestures that tell the stories from classical mythology.
Price Range: $$$
Phare Cambodia Circus
'Enjoy the performance of the Circus of Battambang now in Siem Reap! Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning "the brightness of art", originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border.
Price Range: $$$
Chiang Mai
Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Show
A showcase of Northern Thailand's incredible cuisine and colorful Lanna culture, enjoy a delicious dinner served in traditional Khantoke style with large platters on low tables. Whilst savoring delightful local specialties, you will be entertained by wonderful classic dances performed by hill tribes.
Price Range: $
Culinary Delights of Chiang Mai
Sample the delights of Chiang Mai cuisine at the popular night market, including various mouthwatering local snacks and the delicious Khao Soi - a delightful coconut curry noodle dish unique to Northern Thailand. Enjoy fresh Thai cuisine while learning about Chiang Mai's culinary history.
Price Range: $$
Bangkok
Dinner Cruise on Traditional Rice Barge
Enjoy history, culture, cuisine and beautiful river scenery on this wonderful cruise down the Chao Phraya River aboard a converted rice barge.
Price Range: $$$$
Jim Thompson's House & Legacy
If you love art, antiques, and fantastic architecture - as well as a good mystery - then our excursion to the Jim Thompson House & Museum is a must.
Price Range: $$
Evening Tuk Tuk Market Tour
Discover Bangkok's magical evening atmosphere as a passenger in a Tuk Tuk. Visit the flower market, evening street food scene plus view the magnificent temples at night.
Price Range: $$$
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.