Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders

• Explore Angkor with an archaeologist, and see Khmer artifacts off limits to the public. • Cruise among the floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the karst cliffs of Ninh Binh. • Hear about National Geographic-funded pangolin research in Cuc Phoung National Park.

17 DAYS FROM $8,895

Signature Land Light/Moderate

DAYS 1–3 I HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and transfer to our hotel. On a guided tour, visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, admire the French colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and City Hall, and delve into bustling Ben Thanh market. Descend into the Cu Chi tunnels, a vast network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Meet with a Viet Cong veteran to hear tales of the war. Hôtel des Art Saigon | Meals: 2B, 2L, 1D

DAYS 4–6 I CAI BE /CAN THO/ HUE Travel to the Mekong Delta and explore the market town of Cai Be by sampan boat. On Tan Phong island, ride a bike through villages and orchards and visit family-owned industries. Travel to Can Tho and check in to our resort. Board local boats for an early morning excursion to the colorful Cai Rang floating market. Fly to Da Nang and transfer to the imperial capital of Hue. Set off down the Perfume River aboard a dragon boat, cruising past the imperial city to Thien Mu Pagoda. Explore the lavish tombs of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, and venture into the Purple Forbidden City. Azerai Can Tho Resort and Azerai La Residence Hue | Meals: 3B, 2L, 3D

DAYS 7–8 I HANOI Fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Stroll tree-lined boulevards past serene lakes and pagodas, see Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, and soak up the lively ambiance of the Old Quarter. Tour Ngoc Son Temple, set in the middle of an emerald-green lake; and see the Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the colonial-era prison known as the Hanoi Hilton. Visit the 11th-century Temple of Literature and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 9–10 I NINH BINH/CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK Travel to Ninh Binh, a spectacular karst landscape in the Red River Delta. Meet with wildlife biologist and National Geographic Explorer Le Khac Quyet, and glide in a sampan past lush paddies and limestone cliffs. Then watch for birds and langurs on a boat ride in the wetlands of Van Long Nature Reserve. During a day in Cuc Phuong National Park, meet the staff for an exclusive tour of the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and learn about National Geographic Explorer Tan Van Nguyen’s efforts to reduce pangolin trafficking at a rescue center run by Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 11–13 I NINH BINH/LUANG PRABANG, LAOS Cruise by sampan through the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc, and visit cave temples and pagodas. Then fly to Luang Prabang,

nestled in jungle-covered hills. Visit a revered Buddhist temple and the National Museum, and witness a graceful baci ceremony at the home of a village chief. On an excursion into the countryside, get a glimpse of rural life, hike to the Kuang Si Waterfall, and enjoy a cookout lunch. At the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, hear from a conservationist about National Geographic-funded studies on endangered Asiatic black bears. The Luang Say Residence | Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 14–15 I SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA/ ANGKOR Rise at dawn to observe the daily almsgiving, when hundreds of monks walk through the streets collecting offerings of food and flowers. After free time, fly to Siem Reap. Catch the sunrise over the temples of Angkor Wat, then delve into the World Heritage site of Angkor with an archaeologist. In the walled city of Angkor Thom, visit the Bayon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, or venture to Ta Prohm, tangled in banyan roots. Join the director of the Angkor Conservation Center on a behind-the-scenes tour to see priceless statues recovered from the site. Jaya House River Park | Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D DAYS 16–17 I SIEM REAP/TONLE SAP Ride local boats to a floating city on Tonle Sap lake, complete with markets, schools, and even karaoke bars. Venture to the 10th-century Hindu temple of Banteay Srei, and visit a local NGO that is preserving ancient Khmer silk production techniques. Gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional music and dancing before flying home the following day. Jaya House River Park | Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D

Buddhist monks collect offerings during the daily almsgiving ritual in Luang Prabang. A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Paula Swart Art Historian

Paula Swart specializes in Asian art and culture and has been a museum curator for more than 20 years. She has published books and articles on topics ranging from Khmer cultural heritage and Cham sculpture to Chinese jade. She is currently a lecturer at the University of British Columbia. Find the departure(s) Paula will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered in December, February, and March. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.