TEL: 503-227-7220
In a word – EXOTIC. That is the best descriptor of the treasures of these three southeast Asia countries. Elephants, bears, and monkeys are found alongside colorful markets, incense filled temples, and custom tailoring shops. Gentle people create outstanding foods, intricate crafts, and beautiful artworks.
This is the best season to visit SE Asia. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the temperatures are mild. The festive Tet decorations are a visual treat. Bright red ornaments, light displays, flowering branches, and colorful flowers abound.
Cambodia shows off the spectacular Angkor Wat, a huge complex of Buddhist and Hindu origins. The famous Cambodian circus is a delightful evening of entertainment with no animals – just exceedingly talented young people.
And Laos is a step back in time. It captivates with its charm, slow pace, and natural beauty. Waterfalls, tiny villages, caves, markets are highlights. We have two very special experiences there. First giving alms to the local monks during their sunrise parade. The other - participating in a traditional and ancient Baci ceremony for a proper send off to travelers.
We cover the length of Vietnam with its diverse regions including the crazy traffic-clogged Hanoi, the pristine emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, the ancient royal city of Hue, the beautiful beaches of Danang, the shopping paradise of Hoian, the slow- moving Mekong River cruise, and the colonial grandeur of Saigon. It is full of surprises that exceed expectations at every turn.
What a great way to begin 2026 and see out the Year of the Snake. Your appreciation of all things Asian will swell with all you see, learn, taste, and feel.
INCLUDED
21 nights in 4-5 star hotels
Airfare within Asia
Meals as listed
Private English speaking guides
Private transportation
All admission fees
Boat fees
Vietnam visa
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare
Insurance
Beverages at meals
Gratuities
HIGHLIGHTS
Kuang Si waterfalls
Luang Prabang city tour
Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
Phare Cambodian Circus
Hanoi Street food walk
Hanoi Hilton
Cyclo ride
Water Puppet Show
Lan Ha Bay Cruise 2 nights
Hue Culture and History tour
Private home dinner
Mekong River 2 night cruise
Saigon city tour
Saigon by night street food walk
Floating markets
Temples, museums and monument
DETAILS
TO BOOK A $1000 deposit, a registration form, and copy of your passport are required to secure space. Final payment due October 31, 2025. Payments may be made by Venmo (yougogirls), Zelle (503 2277220), or check. Credit cards incur a 3.5% fee. All payments are nonrefundable and therefore should be protected with Travel Insurance for your protection. It is available upon request and may be paid by credit card with no fee.
Limit 20 guests and min. Itinerary subject to change without notice. Any substitutions will be of equal value when possible. All participants must be able to independently navigate very uneven surfaces, ascend and descend irregular stairs without railings, embark and disembark buses and boats.
ITINERARY
January 23 – Friday
Arrival Siem Reap, Cambodia
January 24 – Saturday
This is the perfect entrée to the romance and adventure of SE Asia. Spend the day among the ancient structures of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, covered in stonelike tentacles.
January 25 – Sunday
Angkor Thom, Banteay Srei, and the Citadel of Women are our destinations today. This evening, we are entertained in the famous circus, under the big top. B,L
January 26 – Monday
A flight to Luang Prabang, Laos takes us to this UNESCO Heritage City. It is bound to capture your soul.
January 27 – Tuesday
Begin the day at the National Museum. Kuang Si Waterfalls and a city tour round out the day. Temples, markets, monks, and shopping combine to make this town so popular. B,L
January 28 – Wednesday
We are up early for the giving of alms to the monks. A leisurely boat ride to Pak Ou Cave of thousands of Buddhas is a pleasant afternoon diversion. B,L,D
January 29 – Thursday
On to the northern Vietnamese city of Hanoi. It is a world away from the slow pace of Laos.
January 30 – Friday
After a remarkable breakfast with a broad range of choices, we set out for an 8th century pagoda with magnificent wooden Buddha statues, the Hanoi Hilton, and a unique visit to the home of a master water-puppet maker and his small theatre. B,L
January 31 – Saturday
We turn our attention to Hanoi Street Food & Culture. Starting at the impressive market, we move on to sample many local specialties, with stops at the Hoan Kiem Lake, and Temple of Literature. A traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter ends with a tasty Vietnamese coffee. B, L
February 1-3, Sunday - Tuesday
For our 2-night Lan Ha Bay cruise we are welcomed on board with a refreshing drink. Ready your cameras. The naturally sculpted rock formations rising from the emerald green waters are photo-worthy. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, walking, or relaxing. We have a cooking demonstration and delicious meals. Before bed, try your hand at squid fishing or watch a movie before drifting off to sleep. Flight to Danang, hotel in Hoian. 3B,2L,2D
February 4 – Wednesday
Hoian walking tour, with The Japanese Bridge, Chinese Temple, and market as highlights. And then there is the shopping! This is where custom clothiers abound. The evening lantern release ceremony caps the day. B,D
February 5 – Thursday
Off to cooking class by a charming boat ride. It’s time to hone your cooking skills. The afternoon is open to enjoy the colorful shops. B,L
February 6 – Friday
Back to Danang for a tour and visit to the Marble Mountain on the way to Hue. B,L
February 7 – Saturday
The Imperial City of Hue is rich in history both old and new. The Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO site. We also get to the market of Thanh Toan and its covered bridge. We are guests in a private home for dinner. B,L,D
February 8 – Sunday
A morning flight delivers us to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). This evening, we have a Night and Street Food Walk. B,D
February 9 – Monday
A tour of colonial Saigon with stops at noted sites such as the Reclamation Palace, the Post Office, and The Jade Emperor Temple. B,L
February 10 – 12 Tuesday-Thursday
After a few days of busy days in the city, we reach the Mekong River for a restful cruise aboard a very traditional boat. You will find this vessel to be staffed by an extraordinarily warm staff and serving superb meals. Floating markets, sleepy villages, candy makers, rice poppers, and all things rural surround us as we make our way on the Mekong. It really is the freeway of moving things through the country. The sunsets and the quiet lapping water are the perfect way to wind down from our long adventures. This afternoon we arrive back in Saigon for the night.
February 13 – Friday
You may depart anytime today with a head full of new knowledge, a stomach full of delicious foods, and a heart full of love for this remarkable corner of the world.
Pre and post tour additional hotel nights available upon request as available.
