Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia
The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang
Program No. 2263060MEADV-0219
Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Southeast Asia on the beautiful Mekong River, in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and in the historic temples of Laos and Cambodia.
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15 days
14 nights
31 meals
12B 8L 11D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
En Route
In Flight
7
Fly to Laos, Board Riverboat, Explore Night Market
Luang Prabang
10
Kuang Si Waterfall
Luang Prabang
15
Program Concludes, Departures Home
In Flight
At a Glance
Discover a land of mystical beauty in Southeast Asia, where brilliant waterways cut through exotic jungles, centuries-old monasteries still serve as religious monuments and the “Descending Dragon Bay” lives up to its name. On this journey by riverboat and on foot, float down the mesmerizing Mekong River in Laos to explore traditional villages and learn about their cultural heritage. Elsewhere, experience three unbelievable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Vietnam, explore the emerald waters and limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay. In Laos, learn about the graceful monasteries of Luang Prabang. And in Cambodia, bask in the brilliance of Angkor Wat and its extraordinary temples.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-2 miles on uneven terrain and climbing in and out of small boats.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay on a one-night voyage aboard a private traditional Vietnamese junk.
- Explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat with an expert temple instructor.
- Go ashore in traditional villages along the beautiful Mekong River to discover their cultural heritage and learn their way of life.
Suggested Reading List
(27 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang
Program Number: 22630
Vietnam Journeys
Photographer and traveler Charles Fields portrays the cultures and landscapes of Vietnam from the World Heritage Site of Hue and the Phung Hiep floating market to its forests and coastline in stunning color photographs.
Angkor and the Khmer Civilization
The author presents a concise but complete picture of Khmer cultural history from the Stone Age until the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1863, and is lavishly illustrated with maps, plans, drawings, and photographs.
To Cambodia With Love
In this insightful guide of works of 50 writers on the history, culture and attractions of Cambodia, including Khmer specialist Dawn Rooney (Odyssey Guide Angkor) and memoirist Loung Ung (First They Killed My Father).
Eyewitness Guide Vietnam and Angkor Wat
Featuring innovative site diagrams, local maps and hundreds of color photographs, this handy companion introduces the culture, history and attractions of Vietnam.
Temples of Cambodia, The Heart of Angkor
Jessup (Art and Architecture of Cambodia) provides the accompanying essays to this oversized portfolio of dazzling color images by Barry Brukoff, who has been photographing the monuments of Cambodia since 1963.
Angkor: An Introduction to the Temples
Rooney’s Angkor is one of the most important and easy to understand guidebooks to the temples of Angkor. For those looking to gain some insight on the temples before they go, use the maps and legends to help them explore the temples’ features while in the park, or read after returning home to increase their understanding, this is the book to buy.
Cambodia's Curse, The Modern History of a Troubled Land
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joel Brinkley returns to Cambodia a generation after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime to report on the country's continuing struggle to recover from its past.
The River's Tale, A Year on the Mekong
A personal, probing chronicle of a 3,000 mile journey on the river from its source in China through Tibet, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
The Quiet American
A classic, this is the most famous Western work of fiction on Vietnam. Greene writes of a love triangle between a war correspondent, his Vietnamese consort and an optimistic young American during the last days of French rule.
Vietnam, Rising Dragon
The veteran BBC newsman covers the tangled politics, rapidly changing economy, culture, history and people of Vietnam with great insight in this timely portrait of a nation in transition.
Birds of Southeast Asia
This authoritative, masterfully illustrated guide, featuring 140 color plates covering 1,270 species throughout the region, also includes Malaysia, Burma, Borneo and Indonesia.
The Eaves of Heaven, A Life in Three Wars
Pham recounts the story of his father's life during the French occupation, Japanese invasion and the American War, weaving such momentous events with anecdotes from his childhood and details of family, friends, food and daily life.
Communion, A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam
Fay recounts in savory detail a five-week journey with two friends from Hanoi to Saigon in search of the traditions, rituals and pleasures of food from local markets and street foods to haute cuisine.
The Mekong, Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future
A cultural history of the great river from prehistory to European exploration, colonial tensions and modern challenges. It's an engaging introduction to the history of Southeast Asia.
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Map
A convenient, double-sided map of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam at a scale of 1:1,500,000, with city maps of Hanoi, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, and Phnom Penh. Includes the eastern portion of Thailand and Bangkok.
A Dragon Apparent, Travels in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
A classic account of travels and adventure during the last years of French Indochina, strong on atmosphere and including wonderfully detailed descriptions of local cultures and archaeological treasures. First published in 1951.
Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong
This compact practical guide covers the entire Mekong from the heights of Yunnan to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
The Gods Drink Whiskey
Asma writes with verve and wit in this eye-opening account of his yearlong stint teaching at the Buddhist Institute in Phnom Penh. His account is both an overview of Theravada Buddhism and a down-to-earth portrait of contemporary Cambodia.
Arts of Southeast Asia
A handsome guide to the art, architecture, textiles and crafts of Southeast Asia.
A History of Cambodia
An excellent, scholarly history from early civilization through the rise of Angkor, French colonial period, Vietnamization of Cambodia, Khmer Rouge and Coup de Force of 1997.
Fire in the Lake
A classic historical, political and cultural portrait of the Vietnam War, seen through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, FitzGerald, a staff writer at the New Yorker and a reporter in Vietnam, presents a vivid image of a revolution and a clear-sighted case for why the U.S offensive was doomed from the start.
Art & Architecture of Cambodia
In the World of Art series illustrated overview of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei and lesser-known recent discoveries in the surrounding jungle.
A Traveller's History of Southeast Asia
A compact history of the region, including the Khmer and the various ancient kingdoms that produced Borobudur, Angkor and other architectural marvels.
Golden Bones, An Extraordinary Journey from Hell in Cambodia to a New Life in America
Full of determination and hope, this is a gripping memoir about author's family and idyllic childhood in Pochentong, and also, terrors of the Khmer Rouge and escape to freedom in America.
Vietnam, A Traveler's Literary Companion
From rain forest and rural countryside to the cities, these 17 stories from Vietnam's finest writers explore its landscapes, myths and changing traditions.
The Road of Lost Innocence
Sold into servitude by her grandfather, Mam recounts the experiences of her early life, her awakening as an activist -- and work to rescue thousands of women and children in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
A Cambodian Prison Portrait
There are many myths about the Khmer Rouge's bloodthirstiness and brutality, but there was at least one place where they all were real: Security Prison 21, the secret police's killing machine. Of the 14,000 or so prisoners who were brought there for questioning, only a handful survived. One of them were the artist Vann Nath (1946-2011). In this thin little book, he describes his horrifying year behind the barbed wired walls of S-21. This book ranks among the most important and strongest witness-stories of world literature.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Hanoi
Program Concludes
Siem Reap
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
31
| 12B |
8L |
11D |
Activity Level
Discover a land of mystical beauty in Southeast Asia, where brilliant waterways cut through exotic jungles, centuries-old monasteries still serve as religious monuments and the “Descending Dragon Bay” lives up to its name. On this journey by riverboat and on foot, float down the mesmerizing Mekong River in Laos to explore traditional villages and learn about their cultural heritage. Elsewhere, experience three unbelievable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Vietnam, explore the emerald waters and limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay. In Laos, learn about the graceful monasteries of Luang Prabang. And in Cambodia, bask in the brilliance of Angkor Wat and its extraordinary temples.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay on a one-night voyage aboard a private traditional Vietnamese junk.
- Explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat with an expert temple instructor.
- Go ashore in traditional villages along the beautiful Mekong River to discover their cultural heritage and learn their way of life.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-2 miles on uneven terrain and climbing in and out of small boats.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(27 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
31 meals | 12B | 8L | 11D |
4 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
En Route
Location:
In Flight
Day
3
Arrival Hanoi, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Hanoi
Meals:
D
Stay:
Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening.
Afternoon:
Check in to your hotel and rest after the long journey to Vietnam. Please note that if you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. In addition to the program theme and logistics, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During free time, the Group Leader will often be available for informal excursions, activities, or meals not included in the program. You are welcome to join if you wish, with any associated costs at your own expense, or you may explore independently.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner with a welcome drink at a local restaurant, featuring a taste of local food. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Hanoi Exploration, Museum of Ethnology
Location:
Hanoi
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day on paved, mostly level surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin the morning with a presentation on the History of Vietnam, led by a local expert. We board our motorcoach and visit Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh himself read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Inside Ba Dinh Square, we wonder at the simplicity of Ho Chi Minh's house. We then visit the Temple of Literature. Constructed in 1070 to honor Confucius, it was the site of Vietnam's first university. Scholars from all over Vietnam come to the Confucian Temple of Literature to pray for success in their studies.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We board our motorcoach and transfer to the Museum of Ethnology. Here we have an expert-led visit where we learn about the lives and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that live in Vietnam. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for us to explore on our own.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on our own to enjoy what we like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location:
Halong Bay
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Victory Cruise
Activity Note
The transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.
Breakfast:
Buffet at the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach and drive to Halong Bay. "Ha Long", which means "Bay of Descending Dragons," is a stunning a site. It is famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon. En route, we learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader. In the late morning we arrive and board the traditional Vietnamese junk on which we will stay tonight.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat. Enjoy characteristic Vietnamese cuisine with appetizer, choice of entrée, and dessert.
Afternoon:
Using small rowboats to come ashore, we visit the small fishing village of Vung Vieng. We will also visit Thien Canh Son Cave. The cave is one of the largest in Ha Long Bay and is strewn with stalactites and stalagmites. We return to our vessel and have a presentation on the ecology and environmental issues of Halong Bay.
Dinner:
Aboard the boat. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Halong Bay, Coach to Hanoi, Old Quarters, Water Puppet show
Location:
Hanoi
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel
Activity Note
The transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.
Breakfast:
Early morning coffee, tea and pastries.
Morning:
We enjoy sunrise and a leisurely morning cruising through Halong Bay. We then disembark and board our motorcoach to return to Hanoi.
Lunch:
At own arrangements en route to Hanoi.
Afternoon:
After checking back into our hotel, we explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. We begin with a cyclo ride near Hoam Kiem Lake. We also visit a restored 'tube house' to see how residents in this area once used to live. Remnant of a bygone era, the Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewellery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. We then attend a traditional northern Vietnamese “Mua Roi Nuoc” performance -- a water puppet show. Water puppetry is performed in a pool, and typically depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form is a centuries old variation on ancient Asian puppet traditions. Puppets would be put out to watch over crops, and when fields flooded, villagers would entertain themselves with the puppets.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Fly to Laos, Board Riverboat, Explore Night Market
Location:
Luang Prabang
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Mekong Sun
Activity Note
The flight from Hanoi to Laos is approximately 1 hour. Please note that every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. The river-cruise itinerary of this tour may be altered due to the logistical complexities, or for safety reasons, depending on weather and river conditions.
Breakfast:
Buffet at the hotel.
Morning:
Luggage out and hotel check-out. We transfer to the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Lunch:
At own arrangements, although a snack is provided on the flight.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon our arrival, we transfer by motorcoach to board the the vessel that will be our home for the next five nights. We have time to settle in before a welcome reception and dinner.
Dinner:
On board the boat.
Evening:
After dinner, those interested can take a 10 minute walk into town and hike up Phusi Hill. The hike up is approximately 20 minutes along a path with some steps. In front of Phusi Hill is the Hmong Night market. This is where a lot of ethnic minorities, especially the Hmong community, sell handmade items. There are many other items for sale making this market a great place to explore. It is a huge part of the Luang Prabang community in the evening.
Day
8
Luang Prabang, Alms Giving, Morning Market, Wat Xieng Thong
Location:
Luang Prabang
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mekong Sun
Breakfast:
Before breakfast, we walk into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture, Tak Baht. We observe the devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession along the streets. Hundreds of monks from different temples will walk through the city in their daily ritual of collecting alms for their meals. We explore the morning market before returning to the vessel for a buffet breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we embark on a walking discovery of Luang Prabang town. This town is unique as it's dotted with temples and lies on the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River. The morning discovery takes you through the town, exploring the architecture and the way of life. We end our walk at Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built from 1559-1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975, when the monarchy was dissolved in Laos. The temple is a good representation of typical Lao art and craft.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Laos food served family-style.
Afternoon:
After lunch we return to the boat and participate in a safety drill before beginning our cruise on the Mekong River. Later in the afternoon, we join the cruise director for a talk on the plight of Asian Elephants.
Dinner:
Captain's Welcome Dinner on the sundeck.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong, Village School Visit
Location:
Mekong River
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mekong Sun
Breakfast:
Buffet on board the boat.
Morning:
This morning the boat cruises further along the Mekong River, passing impressive landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations.
Lunch:
Buffet on board the boat.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we visit a traditional Hmong Hill tribe village. We visit a local village school that is supported by the Mekong River Cruise fleet. Here we meet the local school children and learn a bit about the education system in Laos (school visit subject to holidays and exam schedules). Further along the Mekong, the boat stops at a sandbank for the evening.
Dinner:
On board the boat.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Kuang Si Waterfall
Location:
Luang Prabang
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mekong Sun
Breakfast:
Buffet on board the boat.
Morning:
The boat continues cruising towards Luang Prabang. We come ashore and continue by tuk-tuk to visit Kuang Si waterfall. Kuang Si is one of Laos' most remarkable waterfalls. Our field trip offers a great opportunity to witness locals enjoying time with their families as we return to our vessel.
Lunch:
Buffet on board the boat.
Afternoon:
We cruise the river, relaxing on board and possibly watching local fisherman going about their trade.
Dinner:
BBQ dinner on board the vessel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Pak Ou Caves, Village Visit, Lao-Lao, Baci Ceremony
Location:
Mekong River
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mekong Sun
Activity Note
Getting off and on smaller boats. There are around 220 steps to the first and second set of caves to see all the Buddha images.
Breakfast:
Buffet on board the boat.
Morning:
We board a small local boat up the Mekong River to Pak Ou. We first visit Pak Ou Caves. These caves house thousands of votive Buddha statues left by pilgrims. We take a short walk through the forest to visit a traditional Laotian village. In the village, we see how the villagers make Lao-Lao - a traditional local rice liqueur. As we return to our vessel we may see the elephants at work in the village, if they are not off working elsewhere. We return to our vessel and cruise the river towards Luang Prabang.
Lunch:
Buffet on board the boat.
Afternoon:
We arrive back in Luang Prabang with some free time before dinner.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner on board the vessel.
Evening:
We participate in a traditional Laos Baci Ceremony that serves as a farewell (or welcome) ceremony giving us good wishes for our journey ahead.
Day
12
Disembark Boat, Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
The flight time from Luang Prabang, Laos to Siem Reap, Cambodia is approximately 1 ½ hours.
Breakfast:
Buffet on board the boat.
Morning:
This morning we disembark the boat and transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Lunch:
Light lunch provided on the flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to our program hotel. After checking in, we join our local guide for a quick orientation to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Afterwards, we watch a film about Cambodia's history in the hotel meeting room.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Free Time, Apsara Dance
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces with many steps, some without railings.
Breakfast:
We rise early this morning to take in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. The best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is also the only temple to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. It was built to embody the Hindu tradition – specifically dedicated to the god Vishnu – but gradually shifted to become a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. We return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we explore Angkor Thom, the last and most-enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we have free time to explore Siem Reap, or simply relax at the hotel. In the late afternoon/early evening, we gather once more in the hotel meeting room to watch the movie, "The Flute Player".
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Enjoy an Apsara Dance performance by a group of local artists that are working to preserve traditional Cambodian classical arts. As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, this dance has been a part of Khmer culture for more than a millennium.
Day
14
Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Landmine Museum
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Early morning departure by motorcouch to visit Ta Prohm temple (approximately 7 miles/20 minutes drive), then walking around 1½ miles on flat dirt paths through forest to reach Ta Prohm. Motorcoach transfer from Ta Prohm to Banteay Srei temple (approximately 16 miles/45 minutes drive), then walking around ½ mile. Visiting Banteay Srei can be very hot as there is very little shade.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We continue our discovery of the Angkor Temples with a visit to Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many - some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed here) as they pick through the rubble. We later visit the temple Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This pink sandstone temple was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V. The carvings of Banteay Srei are among the oldest and most intricate that we will see.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum. Afterwards, we take the coach back to our hotel in Siem Reap for some free time to explore on our own.
Dinner:
'Farewell Dinner' at a local restaurant featuring local cuisine with bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack and prepare for departures tomorrow. The Group Leader will discuss transfers to the airport.
Day
15
Program Concludes, Departures Home
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out at 12:00 noon.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. Program concludes.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
31 Meals
12 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
11 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
- Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025 (Hanoi to Siem Reap)
- Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025 (Hanoi to Siem Reap)
- Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025 (Hanoi to Siem Reap)
- Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 (Hanoi to Siem Reap)
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
Those of us who have memories of our country's participation in the conflict in Vietnam and Laos will particularly gain from this trip. It is an emotion filled experience. I was humbled by the spirit of recovery in all three countries and how these peoples continue to thrive in spite of political environments that are abhorrent to us.
— Review left April 16, 2024
So many experiences to savor and process! The sheer variety of so many outings, insights, information about current and historical events made the program so engaging and interesting. One of the highlights for me was the cruise on the Mekong Sun. It was comfortable and high quality and provided shore excursions that broadened my understanding of Laos. I knew very little about this country and was eager to experience and learn more. Our on board lectures were also very informative. I also have a new understanding of tropical heat! Highly recommend this wonderful program
— Review left April 10, 2024
In my opinion you will never be bored by a Road Scholar program. Pat Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia 2024
— Review left April 7, 2024
This program gave me valuable insights into the diverse cultures of the region. The lectures were very informative, and activities were varied and ranged from experiencing World Heritage Sites to cave exploration, visiting local villages and markets, local cooking, music and dance performances, museums, waterfalls, feeding Asian elephants and finding out about efforts to save Sun bears. The Halong Bay and Mekong Sun cruises exposed us to many wonders.
— Review left April 6, 2024
My wife and I were looking for a more exotic tour and we got it here!So much stimulation trying to take in and figure out.The misty, beauty of Halong Bay.The gigantic, ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat at sunrise! The serene cruising experience on a classic, Mahogany ship juxtaposed with ashore visits to small,impoverished,rural Laotian villages.The frenetic pace and sound of motorbikes engulfing us on the streets of Hanoi. And more!
— Review left April 5, 2024
The entire experience was simply brilliant. Yes Hanoi's air quality is very poor, but the city is so fascinating you can forget that it may be difficult to breathe at times. Yes, the heat, particularly in Cambodia, can be awe-inspiring, but then there are it's temples which provide more than enough stimulation to distract you fom any discomfort. Best trip of my life and believe me there have been a great many for comparison. So many pleasant surprises along the way, and wonderful travel companions, group leaders and guides who made it all so priceless. I might have asked for it to be 20 degrees cooler or me to be 20 pounds lighter, but otherwise I wouldn't have changed a thing.
— Review left March 22, 2024
You will probably select this program because of the opportunity to see the natural wonders of Halong Bay and the cultural landmarks of Angkor Wat, but you’ll come away from the program marveling at the resilience of people who have experienced extreme violence and disruption and are doing their best to move forward to a improved future.
— Review left March 22, 2024
one of the best trips we've ever taken. So much to see and learn. Great activities. Excellent information on cultures and history. Would recommend to anyone, but be prepared for long flights and a lot of activities. It's not for the faint of heart.
— Review left March 15, 2024
This is a fascinating part of the world---I was surprised at how much I enjoyed particularly Laos which was not on my list initially.
— Review left March 27, 2023
A fantastic trip from sites in Hanoi, Vietnam and Halong Bay, a wonderful 5-day cruise on the Mekong River through Laos, and culminating with our stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia and visit to Angkor Wat. Our Vietnamese guide Dung was a wealth of knowledge and took care of our every need. Bravo Road Scholar for another phenomenal adventure!
— Review left March 12, 2020
The Mekong and Icons of South East Asia is a memorable trip. It was note worthy for the abundant and variety of experiences that Road Scholar provided, for the extraordinary guide Thuy who made our trip exceptional and for the understanding of the people and of the turbulence of the history of that part of the world that, for most of us, is limited to knowing only about the Vietnam war and Pol Pot's campaign of extermination in Cambodia. My wife and I strongly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 1, 2020
One of the best Road Scholar programs I've ever been on. What an amazing part of the world to experience -- and the food was truly incredible!
— Review left February 23, 2020
An incomparable trip! We loved everything about it: our guide Thuyen, the agenda for our trip, the variety of experiences, and our fellow travelers. Every day was full with enough down time to not get too tired. It was a busy two weeks though and no opportunity was lost for us to experience the 3 countries we visited. I recommend it highly.
— Review left January 25, 2020
Knowledgeable, accessible guides and a well planned variety of activities, historical background and sightseeing made this a perfect introduction to Southeast Asia.
— Review left January 25, 2020
My trip was well-organized and well-run but included spontaneous and delightful moments too. The group was inclusive and the activities fascinating.
— Review left April 7, 2019
This is a wonderful thought provoking adventure. Three different cultures, three World Heritage sites, and a river voyage on the Mekong, all in two weeks. Plus, the program had a truly outstanding coordinator, one of Road Scholar's best. What else could anyone ask for?
— Review left April 7, 2019
I've always wanted to visit SE Asia. This trip was a great introduction to the history, people and culture of the region. I learned so much and saw so many amazing sites, from the bustle of Hanoi, to the quiet morning bike ride through Luang Probang, the shores of the Mekong to the awe inspiring temples of Angor Wat. Our group leader, Thuyen, was an exceptional guide. This is our second Roads Scholar trip, and like our first, I've seen and learned enough to know I'd like to return.....
— Review left April 4, 2019
Exceed my expectation of just seeing Angkor Wat. Hanoi and Laos were great experiences. Just beware that Laos (Mekong River) was very smoky in March when we went.
— Review left April 2, 2019
A great trip, go for it!!!
— Review left January 28, 2019
This was a great trip because of the 3 different locations of the trip, all different and interesting.
— Review left January 22, 2019
The trip we recently completed to VietNam, Laos and Cambodia was fabulous. Activities were varied, educational and interesting. The group stayed enthusiastic and felt they were learning for the entire trip. Time in the cities was busy and stimulating. Time on the river motor relaxing. Thuy, our guide, was the best. We trusted her to get us transported and assist us with immigration activities. Highly recommended.
— Review left January 16, 2019