INDEPENDENT SENSATIONAL SOUTHEAST ASIA WITH PHUKET BEACH STAY

Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: HANOI

This morning, enjoy a private guided tour of the city. First, take a cyclo ride though the ancient streets of the fascinating Old Quarter. Here, merchants trade as they have for centuries. Then, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which "Uncle Ho" ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Also, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, more than 900 years old and Hanoi's first university. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. (B,L)

Day 3: HANOI-HA LONG BAY CRUISE (EMBARKATION)

A private transfer takes you from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Upon arrival, board an overnight cruise that takes you to explore the tunnels, caves, pristine beaches, and floating villages that are sprinkled across the bay. Today's I-Time Tips You may consider a massage or spa treatment. (B,L,D)

Day 4: HA LONG BAY CRUISE (DISEMBARKATION)-HANOI-HO CHI MINH CITY

Early birds can participate in a tai chi demonstration on the Sun Deck at the break of dawn. Further, explore the bay before disembarking later in the morning. A private transfer brings you to Hanoi for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. (B)

Day 5: HO CHI MINH CITY

Start your private guided sightseeing with a walking tour of the city's famous and historic landmarks as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the moving War Remnants Museum, followed by bustling Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. (B,L)

Day 6: HO CHI MINH CITY

Today, enjoy a half-day private guided excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout during the war. Today's I-Time Tips Sample a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee or stop at for a drink at one of the city's iconic rooftop bars. (B)

Day 7: HO CHI MINH CITY-SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Today, fly to Siem Reap, your base for exploring the temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples are unmatched among the world's ancient ruins. (B)

Day 8: SIEM REAP

Your private guided sightseeing starts at the best preserved of all the temples-Angkor Wat, honouring the Hindu god Vishnu. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers. Today's I-Time Tips You may consider a Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus. (B,L)

Day 9: SIEM REAP

Continue exploring the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour. Start at Banteay Srei, a unique, small temple outside the main complex built from red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On your return journey stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then, on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched, unlike many other temples. Here, the jungle surrounds you, and tree roots grow over and through the ruins. The afternoon is at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Explore the temple complex further or take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village. (B)

Day 10: SIEM REAP-BANGKOK, THAILAND

Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. (B)

Day 11: BANGKOK

Today's private guided tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok's famous canals. Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. (B,L)

Day 12: BANGKOK

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson's House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the colourful Damnoen Saduak floating market. (B)

Day 13: BANGKOK-PHUKET

Today, fly to Phuket, Thailand's most popular beach area. Transfer to your beachfront resort. (B)

Day 14: PHUKET

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Consider a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, explore Phuket Town, or simply relax on the beach. (B)

Day 15: PHUKET

Enjoy another full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips The beaches of Phuket are among the most stunning in the world, with glistening white sand and turquoise water that invite you to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the day with the free time to swim and stretch out on the sand to soak in the spectacular natural beauty of Thailand. (B)

Day 16: PHUKET

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)