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A woman stands on the wooden deck of a boat on the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos, overlooking lush green hills.
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Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia

The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang

Program No. 22630RJ
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Itinerary
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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
30 meals ( 12B, 8L, 10D )
6 expert-led lectures
22 expert-led field trips
4 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Depart North America on international flights to Hanoi, Vietnam. Please refer to your individual air itinerary for exact departure and arrival times.
Activity Note
Flights cross the International Date Line.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. 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 and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. 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. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day on paved, mostly level surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the morning with a presentation on the history of Vietnam by a local expert. Next, we will board our motorcoach and visit Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Inside Ba Dinh Square, we will wonder at the simplicity of Ho Chi Minh's house. We will 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.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will reboard our motorcoach and transfer to the Museum of Ethnology. With our local guide, 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. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and our flight to Ha Long Bay in the morning.
Activity Note
The transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via motorcoach is 110 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time with a rest stop en route. Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk with a ramp walkway. We will anchor and spend the night aboard the boat. Land excursions in the bay require getting in/out of rowboats, which comfortably sit 4 people plus the rower. Walking approximately 1 mile total throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our bus and drive to Halong Bay. “Ha Long” means “Bay of Descending Dragons” and is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon. En route, we will learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader. In the late morning, we will arrive and board the traditional Vietnamese junk on which we will stay tonight.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat. Enjoy characteristic Vietnamese cuisine.
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'll return to our vessel and have a presentation on the ecology and environmental issues of Halong Bay, led by our Group Leader.
Dinner:
Aboard the boat.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving 110 miles, approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route. Getting on/off a cyclo (three-wheeled taxi). Walking about 1/2 mile in Old Quarter.
Breakfast:
Early morning coffee, tea and pastries onboard.
Morning:
We’ll enjoy the sunrise and a leisurely morning cruise through Halong Bay. We’ll then disembark and board our motorcoach to return to Hanoi. Along the way, the Group Leader will discuss the region’s economy and the history of the towns we will pass through en route to Hanoi.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like en route to Hanoi. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
After checking back in to our hotel, we’ll explore Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter. We begin with an electric car ride near Hoam Kiem Lake. We also visit a restored “tube house” to see how residents in this area once used to live. Next, we take a walking tour of the Old Quarter. 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, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. We'll continue on our walk, to 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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. The flight from Hanoi to Laos is routed through Bangkok: Hanoi to Bangkok takes 2 hours, and Bangkok to Luang Prabang takes an additional 2 hours. Elective hike up Mount Phou Si in Luang Prabang is approx. 300 steps up/down with no handrails. Hiking time between 1/2-1 hour each way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and transfer by bus to the airport for our morning flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Due to flight schedules on this day, the flight will route through Bangkok.
Lunch:
At your own arrangements. Snacks provided in flight.
Afternoon:
Mid-afternoon, we will arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon our arrival, will transfer by bus to board our riverboat, settle into our comfortable cabins, and unpack for our Mekong River journey. Our adventure begins with an expert-led walk through Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town. After the walk, participants may return to the riverboat to rest or join the Group Leader for a climb up Mount Phou Si, which offers spectacular views of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and the surrounding mountains. Mount Phou Si is a 328-foot hill located in the center of the old town, with approximately 300 steps leading to the summit. It is also an important religious site, featuring numerous temples and shrines along the climb.
Dinner:
Before dinner is served onboard, we will enjoy a traditional Lao dance performance and participate in a Baci well-wishing ceremony held on the ship’s deck.
Evening:
For those interested, we will have an evening outing to 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.
Activity Note
Walking on flat surfaces in the old town. Please use sun protection & modest clothing covering shoulders & knees to visit temples. Minivan service back to the ship. 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 may be altered due to logistical complexities or safety reasons, depending on weather and river conditions.
Breakfast:
Before breakfast, we will walk into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture, Tak Baht. We’ll 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 will explore the morning market before returning to the vessel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we visit the nearby Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC), where we will hear a talk about the ethnic diversity in Laos. We next set out for a half day guided 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.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we return to the riverboat and participate in a safety drill before beginning our cruise on the Mekong River. We depart Luang Prabang, heading downstream through stunning landscapes. Later in the afternoon, we join the cruise director for a talk on Laos, its people, and the plight of Asian Elephants.
Dinner:
Captain's welcome dinner on the sundeck.
Evening:
At leisure. The ship will moor at a secluded sandbank for an overnight stay.
Activity Note
Walking for 1/2 hour through the Hmong village on dirt road with even surfaces. Please bring good shoes; elective: bring pocket money if you choose to purchase souvenirs from the local community (not required).
Breakfast:
Aboard the riverboat.
Morning:
This morning the boat cruises further along the Mekong River, passing impressive landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations.
Lunch:
Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon:
We will 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 locals and visit the village school and learn a little about the traditions of the Hmong culture. In the late afternoon, we pause a bit earlier to prepare for our barbecue, set in a picturesque riverside location surrounded by stunning limestone mountains along the Mekong.
Dinner:
Aboard the riverboat.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the stunning views from the riverboat.
Activity Note
Mainly flat/level surfaces at waterfall, walking approximately under 1 mile total today.
Breakfast:
Aboard the boat.
Morning:
We journey upstream, reaching the farming village of Ban Muang Khai. We will go ashore and continue by tuk-tuk to visit Kuang Si Falls, one of Laos’s most remarkable waterfalls. Our field trip offers a great opportunity to witness locals enjoying time with their families. Next to the waterfall, we’ll explore the “Free the Bears” rescue center dedicated to protecting and conserving the endangered sun and moon bears of Southeast Asia and learn about their rehabilitation efforts. We reboard our riverboat and relax on board as we journey north, observing local fishermen going about their trade on the mighty Mekong.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat, we’ll enjoy lunch as we cruise further north, passing the panorama of Luang Prabang.
Afternoon:
We cruise the river, relaxing on board and possibly watching local fisherman going about their trade.
Dinner:
BBQ dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
At Pak Ou Caves, getting on/off smaller boats. There are around 220 steps (with low railings) to the first and second set of caves to see all the Buddha images. Village visit, walking approximately half-mile.
Breakfast:
Aboard the riverboat.
Morning:
We will visit the renowned Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of small Buddha statues nestled within its caverns, each placed by devoted pilgrims over the centuries. From this point, you have the choice to embark on a short jungle trek through the lush forest to the local village of Ban Muang Keo, where we can see how the villagers make Lao-Lao, a traditional local rice liqueur. As we return to our riverboat, we may see the elephants at work in the village if they are not off working elsewhere.
Lunch:
Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon:
After our arrival in Luang Prabang, we participate in an on-site lecture on the silk and silk weaving industry in Laos. Afterwards, we have some free time before dinner.
Dinner:
Captain's farewell dinner on board the riverboat.
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.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles today on even surfaces in Luang Prabang/Siem Reap. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off an airplane; the flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap via Bangkok is 2 hours for the first flight, 1 hour for the second flight.
Breakfast:
Buffet on board the boat.
Morning:
This morning we disembark the boat and bid farewell to Laos and the city of Luang Prabang as we transfer to the airport to board our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Due to flight schedules today, the flight to Siem Reap, will travel to Bangkok, and connect to another flight to Siem Reap.
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.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Early rise and transfer to Angkor Wat to watch sunrise. Driving about 8 miles for the day, approx. 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2 miles on uneven surfaces with many steps, some without railings. Prepare for hot and humid weather and little shade in the morning activities.
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 centuries. 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 will return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will explore Angkor Thom, the last and most-enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Established in the late 12th 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.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking for approximately 1/2 mile at school, without a lot of shade in hot and humid conditions. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 1/2 mile. Be prepared for heat and little shade at Banteay Srei. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll continue our discovery and visit a local school, Spitler School, which is supported by Road Scholar. We will spend some time visiting the school and, time permitting, meeting schoolchildren. Later, we’ll 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. We will then continue by bus to visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum, founded by an ex-child soldier, and learn from a lecturer about the horrors landmines inflicted on Cambodia and the proactive measures Cambodians are taking to clear their countryside of landmines.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will take the motorcoach back to our hotel in Siem Reap for some free time to explore on our own.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. We’ll 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.
Evening:
The Group Leader will discuss transfers to the airport. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!