Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos
The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
Program No. 24159RJ
Discover the people, places and cultures that make Southeast Asia one of the most fascinating places in the world on this exploration of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Participant Reviews
Based on 111 Reviews
SHOWING
The Best of Southeast Asia dishes up exactly what it promises: a whirlwind tour of four fascinating and complex countries, with a deep immersion into the food, history, sights and challenges of each. Particularly if you spend the time beforehand reading up on the countries you'll be visiting, you will come away with a deep and enduring appreciation for this magical part of the world. A wonderful experience for those who are eager to roll up their sleeves and experience Asia.
— Review left February 23, 2026
Good experience but beware:
Your itinerary documentation is atrocious - you left out past information of previous packets and didn't highlight some of the changes ... as we received newer packets. This then required us to line-by-line compare previous to newer info packets.
Middle school students could've done a better job.
Your phone reps couldn't give us specific dates but insultingly told me to look in the info packet. Example: Packet said to complete the digital access card '3 days before arrival' - when I asked for the specific date to fill this out, they refused to tell me - just restating '3 days before'. That issue was how to calculate when traveling across date time zone differences.
Expensive - not need to luxurious accommodations
— Review left February 19, 2026
I just got back from this wonerful educational experience in Southeast Asia. I can't imagine a better tour guide than Ping. He was exceptional, as were the other local guides. This trip is busy with four countries in three weeks. We had varied experiences in each country to give us a flavor of each but it was definately go go go. Be prepared for a busy trip. I was pretty tired by the end but wouldn't change any of the activities. It was incredible.
— Review left February 15, 2026
The three-week Best of Southeast Asia trip (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) with Road Scholar was amazing. This trip exceeded my expections in the locations we visited, the instruction we received (through interactions and more formal discussions), the guide who was with us, and the others in our group we interacted with. What fantastic memories were made!
— Review left February 13, 2026
This has been a most wonderful trip in all its aspects: the program, the educational lectures, the sites visited, the attention given by the main guide (Vicky) and the other 4 country guides, the accommodation, everything was very professional and customer service oriented.
— Review left February 12, 2026
Our trip to Southeast Asia was fantastic. It was fast paced and a real cultural immersion to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. We had an in-depth introduction to the culture, economics, and politics of this part of the world. At each location we traveled to incredible and beautiful sites. The best part of the trip was our guide Wilai. Her knowledge, leadership, and humor were the best. She made the trip enjoyable and memorable for our entire group. Overall, it was a great experience!
— Review left February 10, 2026
A delightful and informative introduction to SE Asia. This program exceeded my expectations. The experiences were amazing. Thank you Dome and thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left February 10, 2026
This trip covered a lot of geographical territory. Our guide, Dome, was fantastic! It would have been very difficult to plan and experience this trip on my own. There are a lot of details that need attention, especially in the very populated cities. Dome and his country-specific guides made this trip full, rich and smooth. My favorite part of the trip was Ha Long Bay; it is so serene. It was interesting to see how the locals in the Mekong Delta make their livelihood. Chiang Mai was charming and the hotel is centrally located. All of the more remote places were my most favorite, but I felt comfortable walking alone in all the major cities. This trip provided a breadth of experiences that gave me an understanding of the various cultures. Locals were friendly and helpful. Dome could not have been more accommodating. He gave personal attention to individuals in the group, based on their interests and how they wanted to spend their free time. Dome has a lot of experience with this itinerary and made everyone comfortable. He also had a great sense of humor! Thank you, Dome!!!
— Review left February 9, 2026
The entire itinerary was thoughtfully selected to provide a broadly diverse range of experiences, a difficult challenge given the range of cultures, urban vs rural settings, travel logistics and topics of interest. Equally compelling were the selections of speakers, in particular Anthony Zola, who was both entertaining and informative in his overview of the four countries on the itinerary. Even what could be considered as a mundane activity—a tuk-tuk-like ride through Hanoi’s old market quarter—turned into a highly memorable, mad-cap, almost surreal adventure.
Highlights? So many, so rich. Wilai’s spontaneous, personal lecture about Buddhist and Hindu reincarnation as we were surrounded by gilded stupas and grinning monkey statues at the Thai Royal Palace. The awe we felt walking along the giant Buddha at Wat Pho. Interacting with the elephants at the Kanta sanctuary, especially getting sprayed by them during the group photo.
The sunset in Luang Prabang from the hilltop temple. The silent presence of thousands of Buddha statues in the Pak Ou cave. The coral-pinkish sandstones of Banteay Srei glowing in the morning sunlight. The electric urban manic energy of both Saigon and Hanoi. The extraordinary, haunting beauty of Ha Long Bay. The pure child-like joy of watching a water-puppet show. So much more on one of the most wonderful trips we have ever taken.
— Review left February 9, 2026
Great program.Our group leader Vicky was THE BEST! She went above and beyond to ensure that we had a smooth, entertaining ,educational and fun experience. The lecturers and local tour guides were all excellent also. would recommend this trip if you want a taste of this part of the world. And speaking of taste you can't beat the food.It's amazing how varied the food is from country to country within this small corner of the world. If you ever get to Laos be sure to try the soup with spicy wood.Our group(21) was varied also, we are known among ourselves as the"sticky rice family".Overall we had a great time and will miss our fearless leader Vicky, all the local tour guides and our extended "sticky rice" family members.Four thumbs up and 5 stars!
— Review left February 7, 2026
This trip was fantastic from its diversity in programming to the pace of the activities. Be prepared that each day includes several activities that require you to keep the pace which was exactly what I wanted. We got a good sense of the culture in each country and was able to learn through experiencing it first-hand. I was impressed by how well planned everything was and how hard our guides worked to ensure everyone had a nice time. Wilai our group leader is the BEST! She is charismatic, a great problem-solver and went above and beyond to make sure we were well cared for. She is part of the reason why we had such a wonderful experience. This trip offered great value and I am looking forward to booking my next adventure with RS because of it.
— Review left February 2, 2026
Cannot recommend this program enough. An almost perfect presentation of all the fascinating details of Southeast Asia, highlighting all the best places that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.
— Review left February 1, 2026
What a fabulous trip! Southeast Asia is a bucket list trip and this trip ticked all the boxes. The trip was well organized, filled with fascinating excursions, delicious food, and very nice accommodations. All the tour guides were knowledgeable, answered questions well, and enjoyed conversations with the tour participants. I'd take it again, except there are too many other Road Scholar trips I want to take.
— Review left January 6, 2026
The best of Southeast Asia was the trip of a lifetime. You will never find such an unbelievable program with anyone but Road Scholar!!!!
— Review left December 23, 2025
I'm so happy I chose to travel with Road Scholar. Our guide was excellent. The quality of the program, activities, and accommodations was outstanding. And the educational value was above and beyond my expectations.
— Review left December 18, 2025
Wow, what an incredible experience. Four countries in three weeks seemed ambitious but the program ran like clockwork. There were so many highlights; temples, food, motorbikes, people, elephants, monks, boats (lots of boats), laughter and at the end some tears saying goodbye. Be ready for some fun long days. If you're interested in getting a taste of SE Asia this is 100% the trip you should take. Our group of 20 bonded well and had fun together. If you're very very fortunate you'll have Wilai as your leader. Huge thanks to her for making this a trip we will never forget.
— Review left December 16, 2025
Thanks to Road Scholar's program I have learned and experienced so much that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
— Review left December 13, 2025
This was a great trip with a fantastic tour director.
I completed the e-mail survey I received after completing this trip. However, I omitted one suggestion. My suggestion is that the names and hometowns of the participants should be provided in advance to all members of the group; optionally the e-mail addresses and postal addresses could also be included. Having the names in advance makes it much easier to know people and remember their names. The neck wallets only display the first or nickname and are not always visible. I don't know the last names of any of the other 19 people I just shared 18 days with! If two people have the same first name, knowing the last name becomes important.
— Review left December 8, 2025
For anyone looking to deeply explore the wonders of Southeast Asia in a structured, safe, and intellectually stimulating environment, I cannot recommend Road Scholar highly enough. For being an exceptional value, Road Scholar, a non profit organization, offers a five star experience start to finish.
— Review left December 2, 2025
The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam was an outstanding trip and exceeded my expectations. Each country and activity was interesting and I'm glad I went on the trip. I would highly recommend the tour for anyone interested in seeing the areas covered by the trip.
— Review left November 11, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar trip and certainly won’t be my last. It was an amazing combination of activities and learning. I have come away with a greater understanding of this part of the world.
Many things about the trip were impressive - the organization, the communication, the coordination of all moving parts needed to provide a valuable experience to a group of 18.
Highest kudos, however, go to our group leader, Dome. His combination of knowledge, communication, organization, forethought, caring and fun made this an unforgettable experience. He is truly a treasure.
Sign up for this trip now!
— Review left November 10, 2025
The program to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam was outstanding. Every day was filled with interesting activities, trips, and talks. The accommodations and food were excellent each stay. I learned more than I could have imagined about the history, religions and culture of these diverse countries. I strongly recommend this trip and it is an excellent value for travel!
— Review left November 3, 2025
We just returned from our trip to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam. It was a fantastic trip that we would highly recommend. We can't say enough about our Tour Leader Dome. He was fantastic and made the trip even better with his knowledge, organization and engaging personality. I hope you are lucky enough to get him!
— Review left November 2, 2025
Last year we were on a RS trip to India. A woman on the tour had been on over 25 RS trips. When asked which ones stood out—it was this trip to Southeast Asia. And, she was right! The trip had so much variety. Our trip leader, Wilai, is a super star. (She’s rightfully mentioned in a lot of reviews.) This trip has a lot of moving parts and she just worked through them seamlessly. We were blessed with a group that was kind, considerate, punctual, and non-complaining. Really eye opening to see that part of the world.
— Review left October 20, 2025
What a wonderful experience! Wilai is an exceptional guide who ensured everything ran smoothly. She definitely has the right temperament for this role. Navigating through four countries is no easy feat. The trainees, Pat and Vicky, were both fun and helpful.
The itinerary included many valuable learning experiences, along with ample free time for us to explore on our own.
I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left October 20, 2025
We explored palaces & ancient ruins, sleepy villages, & vibrant cities, we also saw beautiful landscapes, & had in depth discussions of culture & the region’s past & future. We experienced a cross-section of a unique and very different part of the world. A wonderful experience.
— Review left October 15, 2025
This was one of my best Road Scholar program to date. It is truly focused on life long learning.
Our group leader, Wilai Deelert was outstaning... truly a mother hen.
I highly recommend this program for those who wish to enhance their knowledge about Southeast Asia.
— Review left October 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour immensely. Our tour guide PING was so entertaining, funny, great sense of humor and spoke English very well. He was calm, well organized, kept our group together while having lots of fun. The buses were amazingly beautiful. Each country had its own beauty, history, unforgettable temples, delicious foods, wonderful accommodations. All the flights we took for each country went so smoothly. The only thing that took very long was in Vietnam customs...but it's always good to have Patience when traveling. It's part of the adventure. The Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever encountered. The boat ride along Ha Long Bay north of Hanoi was incredible. A must-see experience for sure!! The sunrise at Angkor Wat in Siem Riep Cambodia was truly spectacular!!! There were so many unbelievable moments to enjoy in this tour. I loved it so much that I am booking another tour with Road Scholar in October 2025 (to IRELAND this time). Thank you RS and to PING for the most unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!!!
— Review left June 9, 2025
In three weeks or so we visited some remarkable places. The Angkor Wat temple complex was perhaps the highlight of the tour, but also serves to illustrate the short-comings of a trip like this. At the pace our party was moving, there was no time to enjoy or reflect upon this remarkable site. I was reduced to shooting photos at an alarming rate, opting to trying to capture as much of the place as possible and then look at it later!
I understand what I signed up for, but I doubt I will do such a trip again. Having said that, the idea of spending a week on a Road Scholar tour and adding another week to follow up on my own, might prove an interesting arrangement.
In our tour guide Wilai Maneetorn, you have struck gold. She is knowledgeable about the region, able to solve any problem swiftly and effectively, spoke excellent English, possesses unstoppable energy, charm and enthusiasm, plus a good sense of humor. Without Wilai at the helm I sense things could have fallen apart at times!
The hotels were very good, with the exception of the Mercure Hanoi--which had small rooms with nowhere to put anything and a string a of small problems.
I really appreciated the diversity of experiences--meeting students, farmers, and villagers. The river trips were fabulous--peaceful and relaxing while seeing something of the country--the buses, not so much.
Last, a former athlete, climber and back-packer, I am still pretty fit at 78. However, I found the demands of the schedule wore me down. It seemed over-stuffed with activities for a group in their sixties, seventies, and eighties. So much time seemed to be taken up traveling somewhere rather than being somewhere, and hiking in 90 degree plus humid environments also took its toll. I note this is a popular tour, but by the end of the trip, I think everyone was worn out, reflected in the number of people reporting illnesses in the last week and on the way home.
— Review left May 6, 2025
the highlight for me was Anghor Wat as it was one of my long time wants and I achieved it and it was awesome.Learning about history and current situations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam through what I leaned on the trip and through the reading enlightened me on an area of the world I did not really know much about. This helped me have a better understanding of these countries history through the eyes of the people who live there.
— Review left May 5, 2025
This was my first RS tour. It was excellent and very well organized. It was enhanced by our guide Wilea. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and culture of each country we visited. She made excellent recommendations for food and shopping. Because she shared her personal stories it gave us a deeper understanding of the people we were meeting.
One of her greatest assets is her ability to connect with people and make them all feel special.
Her skills are exceptional and I highly recommend her to Road Scholar.
— Review left April 26, 2025
If you are thinking about it or dreaming about it, just do it. My trip to SE Asia was a trip of a lifetime that I will forever hold in my heart. So grateful to have had the opportunity to see something bigger than me. What I came home with in terms of connections with others and the overall educational experience was much more than I could have ever imagined.
— Review left April 24, 2025
I recommend this trip to anyone who is curious about this part of the world. The experiences are many and they are so varied. It is one adventure after another.
— Review left April 22, 2025
The “Best of Southeast Asia” tour was an awesome experience! It was a well-planned and executed trip that took us through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This is not to be missed!
We had an amazing three weeks of being guided, educated, and taken care of by our incredible tour leader, Wilai Deelert. She was an absolute rockstar! Wilai handled everything that came up with grace and humor, from medical emergencies to making sure we were comfortable to preparing us for the day’s adventures. She was the best guide we could have ever asked for. We were all truly blessed!
— Review left April 22, 2025
Amazing journey and insight into such different cultures. A wonderful and highly recommended experience! Great value for the price.
— Review left April 17, 2025
“The Best of South East Asia” was more than we had expected!
We have visited Thailand and Laos before, but this tour gave us a greater understanding of the people, cultures, economies and politics of these four Asian countries.
The lectures and general knowledge of our tour guides were top notch.
The personal experiences: The Karta Elephant Sanctuary, The Cu Chi Tunnel Complex, The 1,000 appetizers at a traditional Lan Na family dinner, three UNESCO World Heritage sites, a water puppet show, and many more, were exceptional.
The tour was very well organized with our outstanding tour guide Wilai Deelert. An efficient problem solver with a positive, caring approach, that you wish every tour guide should be like her.
Most of all, what impressed us was the pride all our guides had for their people, culture and country.
This trip was a lot of fun. Review by Jean & Geoff
— Review left April 17, 2025
What a wonderful trip that allowed us to see and experience four different countries in Southeast Asia. Without a doubt one of the main reasons the tour was so successful is because of our tour guide Wilai Deelert. She really took care of us and all the details of the trip. Her positive attitude is infectious to everyone around her. It's apparent she genuinely cares about all those who travel with her, making sure everyone is safe and has a great travel experience. One of the reasons we like RS tours is the variety of experiences on the tours, which this tour certainly did. We highly recommend this tour, especially if you can get Wilai as your tour guide!
— Review left April 15, 2025
The Road Scholar's experience was amazing! The comprehensive dive and exposure into the people, culture, religions, economics, and history through lectures, knowledgeable guides, and hands-on experiences made this an unforgettable adventure.
— Review left April 7, 2025
I just returned from an amazing three week tour, "The Best of South East Asia". It was my first Road Scholar tour and I was so impressed by the quality and diversity of the programs and experiences offered in these four beautiful countries. We had the most phenomenal tour guide, Wilai Deelert who contributed enormously to the success of the tour. Wilai is very well organized, responsive and even before the tour left was quick to respond to any questions or clarification needed. She is thoughtful, caring and showed great problem solving ability on many different occasions, and always remained calm and positive throughout. She is knowledgeable and generous in her sharing about the countries in South East Asia and I learned so many new things from her. She has a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun to be with. I am so grateful that Wilai was our tour leader!
— Review left April 1, 2025
This was a fantastic trip that highlighted SE Asia countries that I really was not familiar with. We got to be educated on the culture and participated in many activities with local villages who graciously shared with us.
Our guide Ping was extremely personable and funny. He was knowledgeable and well organized and worked very hard to be sure everyone's expectations were met. He was a rock star!
— Review left March 30, 2025
We had a great time made new friends. We are Canadians and were treated like family the group was fantastic and led by a fantastic guide Wilai Deelert.
— Review left March 30, 2025
I was very impressed with the quality of the program…The Best of Southeast Asia! In particular I thought the tour director was one of the best I had ever had on a trip!
I highly recommend this program!
— Review left March 24, 2025
The program was educational, informative, and we met a lot of great people. We got to experience some major historical events (jungles of South Viet Nam) and see world famous sites ( Angkor Wat). Our tour guide, Ping, was absolutely fantastic. Funny, caring, responsive etc
— Review left March 22, 2025
A great trip! Sunrise at Angkor Wat was certainly a highlight. Our group leader, Ping, made the entire trip enjoyable with just the right amount of both wit and knowledge.
— Review left March 17, 2025
The Road Scholar Southeast Asia trip to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam was truly extraordinary. We visited and elephant sanctuary and got to feed and bathe the elephants, saw incredible temples, visited a school, visited the Cu Chi tunnels and so much more. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Highly recommend this tour!!!!
— Review left March 16, 2025
This was a wonderful trip. Our guide, Dom, was the best. He was calm, and had a serene manner; he had been a Buddhist monk. He gave us useful information, and kept us up to date on all the colorful places that we visited from Thailand to Hanoi. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn about the four countries that we visited in Southeast Asia-Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
— Review left March 4, 2025
Wilau the tour director is outstanding. Travel is her passion and she expressed it in so many ways. She addressed my special need and shepherded me through the airports.
This tour has 7 airplane flights on 4 different regional airlines. This can be a concern for tall participants. I am 6'7" tall and always book seating with more legroom. Road Scholar arranges the flights with no input for seating from the participant.
I emailed Road Scholar with my legroom needs immediately afte r enrolling in the trip. Michelle from the Road Scholar was assigned my issue. She kept me updated on this issue and got me the best seats on the planes. Thank you Michelle!
Even with all her efforts the 2 flights in Vietnam were not available for preassignment. Wilau personally made certain in th e airports that i got a good seat.She is tenacious. Thank you Wilau!
I enjoyed the tour and getting to know fellow reavellers. Thank you Road Scholar.
— Review left March 2, 2025
This was a great trip, definitely recommended.
— Review left February 25, 2025
This was a wonderful first trip for us with Road Scholar. Our guide, Wilai, took great care of us, kept us moving and made it extra fun. We visited unbelievable sites and experienced the local culture. Our fellow travelers greatly enhanced the trip. We can't wait for our next adventure with Road Scholar!
— Review left February 25, 2025
In this trip we really got to experience the cultures of Southeast Asia. In addition to the iconic sites of the region, visits to villages, a school and a farm were really meaningful. Sunrise at Angkor Wat was unforgettable, and the Ha Long Bay cruise was so much fun!
We have come to expect excellent group leaders on Road Scholar trips, but Wilai Deelert is in a class by herself. Her organization and attention to detail were impressive. She is knowledgeable, kind, and made everything fun!
This is a busy trip , with lots of early mornings and flights. But it is so worth it! It’s a trip we will never forget!
Mary
— Review left February 13, 2025
The Best of SE Asia is a bit of an arduous trip but our guide Wilai Deekert
was remarkable. I have been on several guided tours and Wilai was the best guide I have experienced. She went above and beyond every day to make sure we were comfortable, organized and having fun.
— Review left February 12, 2025
Best group travel leader I've ever had on any trip with both Road Scholar and other tour companies.
— Review left February 7, 2025
Fabulous Trip! At the end of the trip everyone had a different favorite country but It was the consensus of the group that our tour guide, Wilai Maneetorn, was fantastic and a prime reason we had such a great time. She was organized and efficient, fun and interesting, attentive to everyone, and ensured that we enjoyed a wide variety of interesting experiences. She coordinated with our different country guides efficiently and seamlessly. All meals were excellent in every country and always focused on different delicious local cuisines. Additional excursions were provided if requested or suggested by Wilai. Altogether she made my first trip to SE Asia one of my best trips ever thanks to her unflappable demeanor and great sense of humor. All RS tour guides I've had have been excellent but Wilai stands out.
— Review left December 29, 2024
After attending 6 wonderful RS trips, the Best of SE Asia (11/30-12/20/24) with Group Leader Wilai Deelert far surpassed them all. If you’re looking for an introductory tour to SE Asia, this is the one for you. Everything was top notch…the knowledgeable local guides, the centrally located hotels, the delicious included meals, the expert lecturers, the fabulous hands-on experiences, the interesting field trips and the fun performances. If you’re fortunate to have Wilai at the helm, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime. She’s fun, hard-working, well organized, extremely knowledgeable and her passion, calmness, compassion and constant upbeat attitude ensured a perfect vacation. Don’t wait - sign up!
— Review left December 27, 2024
We had a wonderful trip. Our main guide for the trip, Wilai Maneetorn, was amazing. She was exceptionally competent, knowledgeable, and entertaining! The other local guides were also very good and provided great advice and insights to their respective countries.
The itinerary was quite extensive and educational. The hotels were all top quality and located in areas that provided access to restaurants and attractions in their respective cities. The food arranged by Road Scholar was also quite good assuming you enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine.
The only slight disappointment was that Ha Long Bay was choked with tour boats which interfered with the ambiance of the area. This was not a Road Scholar problem but the result of the UNESCO rules for the heritage site.
I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone who can "keep up the pace".
— Review left December 26, 2024
Excellent once we got to Bangkok! Saw an immense lot. Good group of some 21, from all over US and world.
Hotels were 3 and 4-star, and rooms were more than adequate. I do require a bathtub and got one in most places.
Guides were professional, well-informed and helpful. I could not matched the trip arrangements on my own. The
travel arrangements to and from Southeast Asia were appalling. I would not book travel through Road Scholar
ever again.
— Review left December 26, 2024
Our trip leader Wilai Deelert, for The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, & Vietnam, was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. Wilai is very patient, has a wonderful personality and temperament, all perfect ingredients needed for a fabulous worry free, positive and memorable experience. Wilai was very knowledgeable about the area, and provided wonderful detail and stories based on her own experiences. She went above and beyond taking care of everything and everybody, especially those that needed additional hand holding.
The trip was wonderful, although personally, I feel one visit to a local family dinner and one visit to a school would have been enough. I felt the visit to the farmers’ home on the last day was unnecessary and I would have preferred exploring Hanoi more.
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I will definitely travel with them again.
— Review left December 24, 2024
We just returned from the Best of Southeast Asia (11/30-12/20) with the amazing Wilai as our “go with the flow” leader. She helped us navigate 7 internal flights, a very packed and meaningful itinerary, multiple opportunities to be with local families, primary and university students, new and delicious food, two boat rides on the Mekong River, multiple temple visits and monk/shaman blessings and was able to calmly assist group members with a wide variety of needs/wants. The weather was wonderful with the only hot/humid days in Saigon. Pack lightly (plenty of laundry opportunities), bring a hat, jacket and small umbrella. Get your Laos and Vietnam visas from home and wait on the Cambodia Visa and Arrival card for the Siam Reap airport (takes minutes)! This was a life-changing trip for me with so many people and places wrapped in Buddhism. Please wear a mask if you are symptomatic!
— Review left December 23, 2024
The Road Scholar trips are amazing and a great value for the itineraries.
— Review left November 24, 2024
I cannot thank Wilai Deelert enough for all she did for us on this tour. The trip was extremely well organized and mainly followed the itinerary as sent to us in advance. The local guides were also well informed and were able to answer any questions. This trip was a sort of pilgrimage since my brother and some friends had served in the Vietnam War. We were pleased to see that Vietnam had advanced in 50 years.
Thailand, Laos and Cambodia were also interesting and the visits with local families and schools were so informative. There are only good things to say about this trip and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Southeast Asia.
— Review left October 5, 2024
The SE Asia trip offering through Road Scholar is not to be missed. The itinerary is beautifully designed and the trip is a rich combination of luxury and views into what life is like for residents in these four countries. The pace is invigorating and the experiences are inspiring!
— Review left October 1, 2024
!! An Excellent Tour !! We visited sites that are interesting and significant: for their scenery, history, culture, politics, economics, etc. Our Group Leader and various local Guides and lecturers were excellent and full of knowledge, personal experience and stories.
— Review left September 30, 2024
The Best of SE Asia was a wonderful trip. RS did a great job, as always. Our primary guide, Wilai, was fantastic and saw to everyone's needs. For local guides, the tour guide for Cambodia was excellent and I recommend RS continue to use him. I did not care for the guide in Saigon. The hotels were good and the activities were good.
Our trip had a person who needed a wheelchair and two people who needed cane assistance. This slowed us down a bit and was a little frustrating.
There were too many 'meals on your own' for a RS trip in my opinion - over 33%. I always think RS covers almost everything.
There was not enough time at some of the sites since RS was trying to fit so much in. The first day in Hanoi, we visited four sites after we landed. I skipped the RS activity on the last day so that I could go back to one of the sites.
This is from the top of my head, but it was a great trip and I would do it again.
— Review left September 29, 2024
This is a most comprehensive, interesting and informative program I have participated in. And I have traveled many parts of the world in my 83 years. The balance to get an overview and some knowledge about the historical, geo-political, culturally unique, deeply rooted ancient religions & social values/mores, complexities this program provides is phenomenal! I am still digesting and comprehend what I learned, saw, experienced, . . .
— Review left September 20, 2024
This trip proved to be a fabulous and exotic adventure full of enriching activities. Road Scholar really delivered! Our group seemed to enjoy each other and we had a superb group leader (Dome) who ensured that the logistics went smoothly (and also served as a country specialist in his home country of Thailand) and excellent country specialists in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. They all did a great job of integrating the cultural, historical, political, architectural, and religious aspects of these countries in a way that was meaningful and understandable.
My wife and I felt that the accommodations and meals that were provided as part of the tour were first rate (4 and 5 star hotels). Meals at individual homes or at restaurants throughout the program were uniformly very good and resulted in getting a good sense of the culinary heritage of the region. They were sometimes paired with authentic dance recitals or puppet shows.
Activities ranged from visits to world heritage site temples (including Angkor Wat) and natural resources (Ha Long Bay), and boat rides on the Mekong in Laos and in the delta of southern Vietnam. Highlights also included context-setting lectures on economic and political developments in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, including meeting with university students in Saigon. We visited a primary school in a rural village in Cambodia that was both fascinating and inspiring. Our visits to the tunnels of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Hanoi Hilton are activities that I will never forget.
My trip started with being clipped by a motor scooter in Chang Mai, Thailand, that required medical attention (7 stitches and a broken finger). Dome was an incredible help in navigating the emergency room and follow-up for wound care and stitch removal in Cambodia and Vietnam.
The exercise level represented by RS seemed on target. This is a very fast paced trip because of the number of countries visited. My main suggestion would be for more free time. Great trip! Thanks!
— Review left September 13, 2024
We highly recommend this program for the wide range of experiences provided for this overview of these Southeast Asian countries. It was everything, and more, that we expected. An informative, fun, and joyful experience!
— Review left September 8, 2024
This is a great trip to see the highlights of Southeast Asia and I highly recommend it. There are challenges, however, such as the long flight to get there, 6 flights between Bangkok to Hanoi, multiple stairs to negotiate on boats and temples, and finally heat and humidity. For most of us this was as a doable adventure but a moderate degree of fitness is required. Be prepared to take your shoes often as most of the temples require it and you will see many spectacular ones. This trip should be on your do list and appears to be Road Scholar popular trip for them. If you get Dome as your guide you have one of the best in their system.
— Review left April 10, 2024
The Best of Southeast Asia was the Best indeed. It was a great tour.We visited so many Bucket-list places and other places we hadn't ever heard of. Our guide Milai was outstanding and we enjoyed the other participants. It was a whirlwind tour (as expected) and we would love to return to the area to spend more time
— Review left April 9, 2024
Best of Southeast Asia: amazing trip, special destinations, great fellow travelers, exceptional group leader. Wonderful memories!
— Review left April 8, 2024
Southeast Asia is an adventure in great food, welcoming people, interesting culture and ife changing experiences from huge temples and bustling cities to rural communities, the Mekong and the ethereal Ha Long Bay in the fog!
— Review left April 6, 2024
The program provided an excellent overview of regional economics, food, culture, crafts, religion, nature, politics, and history. The "extras"-- like watching women weaving intricate silk patterns, engaging with school children, bathing elephants, and watching monkeys play in HaLong Bay will form lasting memories. The local guides and presenters were engaging, relevant, and balanced. The accommodations were excellent and there was plenty of evening free time to enjoy night market culture. Our guide, Wilai, was SUPERB in every way, from her personal cultural anecdotes to helping us all feel comfortable, connected, and safe.
One important note: Because several southeast Asian countries engage in field burning in March, I suggest that you choose a different month to join the program if you have a love of scenic views or have any respiratory sensitivities.
— Review left April 6, 2024
Highly recommend this program for those seeking a diverse introduction to a diversified yet related four Asian countries,
— Review left March 31, 2024
this was an amazing trip. Great sight seeing, cultural and learning experiences as well as making new friends. I would highly recommend this to most people. I would suggest reading the activity level carefully as there were some that found it difficult, but i believe the descriptions of the activity level were accurate.
— Review left March 25, 2024
This being my 15th RS trip, I have points of comparison. Having said this, I can say that this trip was the best of them all. It was a life altering experience for me. Imagine spending weeks in a part of the world where kindness and friendliness and joy and warmth seem to be part of people's DNA. Kindness and warmth are contagious. I returned home vowing to be more like the people we interacted with in these SE Asian countries.. My friends tell me that I am glowing.
And such fun doing things you most assuredly have never done before....helping to care for elephants in a sanctuary, rising at dawn to give food to begging monks in Laos, watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, visiting Cambodian children in a school that RS helped start and now helps support, hearing exciting, informative lectures about these ancient civilizations that have entered the 21st century successfully with their cultures intact, cruising overnight on HaLong Bay, a place of otherworldly beauty.
As for our guide, Wilai.... one of the most beautiful people I have ever met in my long lifetime. She is warm and caring and immensely knowledgeable and fun and efficient and professional . Being one of the chickens to this mother hen (her words, not mine) was such a joy. I miss her. I will always miss her. Spending time with her made all our lives richer and better.
If you are considering this trip, stop considering and GO! You'll be so so so happy that you did.
— Review left March 23, 2024
Our trip was a soupçon of SE Asia; a whirlwind of four countries in three weeks, lead by excellent guides, with excellent lectures and experiences, and shared with lively, interested, interesting, and educated folks from all over. A really grand experience and I learned so much!
— Review left March 22, 2024
This was the Best Trip I ever experienced with Road Scholar. Our guide Wilai Deelert was the person that made this trip an amazing success. As our guide, she ensured that all of us were included in activities as per our level of tolerance. She coordinated all events with kindness, compassion and professionalism. She responded immediately to any concerns and resolved issues promptly. Her smile and great sense of humor was contagious.
She is extremely hard working and dedicated her whole self to ensure that our group had a successful trip filled with adventures.
She deserved the title of Super Beautiful and Best Guide of Road Scholar trips.
Thank You, Wilai, for making the Best of Southeast Asia an experience of a Life Time. You will always be remembered as the most talented Travel Guide I ever met in my life.
— Review left March 18, 2024
Most interesting and educational of the Road Scholar programs I have attended. I highly recommend it.
— Review left March 11, 2024
Road Scholar tours are very pleasurable, This was our third trip and we enjoyed it very much. I just wish food was offered more in a buffet style to avoid food waste in poor countries.
— Review left March 7, 2024
This was a terrific and eductational (as well as informative and interesting!) experience. There was a wide variety of information presented in varying manners - and participation was occasionally "hands on", too. It was a great trip and I'm so glad I was able to participate in it!
— Review left March 2, 2024
An incredible fast-paced three week adventure admixing big city experiences with trips into local villages. We saw many historical sites, but also got a glimpse into how the people actually live. Ping, our primary guide was exceptional.
— Review left February 15, 2024
I have no complaints about trip it was one of my top trips to do
— Review left February 12, 2024
This was an amazing trip with a wide variety of activities. Wilai Deelert is an amazing group leader who took a personal interest in each of us. She was able to have the group work well together with a smile on her face.
— Review left February 12, 2024
What a great trip. People ask me what was my favorite activity or experience and all I can respond with is that every day offered new opportunities to be delighted and awed. We had an amazing guide, "Ping", whose insights, stories and humor enhanced our daily activities.
Some of my most memorable activities were visiting an elephant sanctuary in Chang Mai, feeling the peace and tranquility of Luang Prabang, spending time with villagers understanding their daily life, Visiting the Ankor temples in Cambodia, Discovering the intensity of Ho Chi Minh city, and the traditions and markets of Hanoi. This is a very active on the go trip. Lots of travel time to different cities and countries. It is an excellent introduction to SE Asia.
— Review left February 6, 2024
This program offers an incredible variety of experiences from spending time in the heart of exotic cities to bathing with elephants.
— Review left February 5, 2024
Wow, what a wonderfully and rich experience. Better than I imagined it could be.
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are filled with kind people that made all we learned very enjoyable.
Our main tour guide Wilai who was with us throughout the tour, was extraordinary.
Equanimity describes her well. Even with unexpected circumstances that required great multitasking and management skills, Wilai exhibited mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, even in difficult situations. I think everyone came to hold her in very high regard and many of us hope to travel with her to Myanmar, should Road Scholar resume that tour.
— Review left February 2, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip, and it won't be my last! The trip was fantastic. We were very busy with many unique activities. Everything went very smoothly. The leader and the group were knowledgeable and friendly.
— Review left January 30, 2024
This tour of four Southeast Asia countries was just what I wanted and it exceeded my expectations. We had a fantastic tour guide who got us safely through many air flights and travel options and maintained his sense of humor no matter what.
— Review left January 28, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip. I was so impressed with how well organized and thought out this tour was. I could simply relax and take in all the beauty and new experiences.
— Review left January 9, 2024
Amazing journey in SE Asia. I learned so much about these ancient lands, people and their culture. LOVED IT!
— Review left January 1, 2024
Our guide, Wilai Deelert, made this trip an absolute joy! Really can't say enough positive things about her--she held this long trip together with good communication, cheer, and caring. Amazing guide and amazing human being!
As for the trip, there is quite a bit of flying and busing. We had some connection issues that made for long days, and some of the day trips on a bus had more bus time than I would have liked. The cultural interactions with local dancers, puppeteers, monks, lecturers, and villagers were highlights of the trip, and I honestly don't know how you would arrange these interactions if you were on your own. The amount of information from our trip guide (Wilai) and the local guides in each location was significant and meaningful. The food was mostly good, with a few exceptions.
— Review left December 25, 2023
This was a trip for a lifetime. Our tour leader, Wilai, brought the 4 countries alive for us; past, present, future. Great guides, wonderful people and culture, unbelievable experiences.
— Review left December 12, 2023
This was a whale of a trip! A true survey course of different cultures, different geographies, and perhaps different expectations. Prospective travelers should know that it is HOT in Southeast Asia. We were there in their "winter." Folks there, especially in Laos and northern Vietnam, kept telling us how cold it was. Yeah, cold. High 60s at night and mid-90s or higher during the day! The heat, coupled with recovery from a 15-17 hour international plane trip and the hassle of several internal flights gave this journey potential for exhaustion and illness (yes some of us got sick) if one is not prepared. Take Road Scholar's suggestions seriously, it's not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle it and have an interest in this part of the world, treat yourself to three great weeks. If you're lucky, you will have Wilai as your guide. I've been on lots of Road Scholar trips and she's the best guide I've ever had the fortune to be with. I think my traveling companions would agree that she became our trusted friend and we miss her. Lodgings were well sited and nice, especially the resort in Laos. Biggest surprise for me was the reaction to us by the people in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. I'm a male of the generation which took part in the plunder of these three countries during our horrible war there. Our mines and cluster bombs are still maiming people - kids - daily. The devastation our war created 50 years ago is still felt. Yet, we were treated warmly and were able to see, especially in Vietnam, how the countries have recovered and prospered. The cosmopolitan cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) will turn your head. The industry and pride of the people we visited in the rural areas will delight you. The natural beauty of all four will stay forever in your thoughts when you come home. How this region has moved into the 21st century and retained its thousand+ years of uniqueness will give you pause and open your mind.
— Review left December 11, 2023
The actual tour was great, four countries, four cultures. My particular favorite was the elephant sanctuary in Chiangmai, followed by all of the temples in Cambodia. This was my first trip with RS, although I traveled the world with other companies. That said, our tour director, Wilai, was the best tour director I have ever had. Her attention to detail, the care shown to her clients, and her general attitude were all fantastic.
On the other hand, I found working with RS Travel services was ridiculously painful and I will NEVER use them again for anything. I ended up making all of my own flight arrangements within 20 minutes on Expedia after waiting for RS to do it for over 2 months. I heard similar stories from some of my fellow travelers. Likewise, I had to manage my own early checkin in Bangkok--normally a trivial thing to do-- through a set of travel/political gymnastics that RS just could not seem to handle. Like I said, the tour itself was great; but as for the administrative front end of RS, my personal recommendation is that you make the required payment for the tour....and then IMO you're better off making your own flight arrangements, hotel extensions, etc. rather than dealing with weeks of frustration.
— Review left December 7, 2023
Maybe they should call this program “An introduction to South East Asia”. Visiting four different countries with four different languages and four different currencies can be a challenge. It’s an excellent taste, and has left me with curiosity about each of the countries and cultures. It’s also a fascination insight into the history of the area.
— Review left November 12, 2023
5 stars. Four countries in less than three weeks just gives you a chance to barely skim the surface. I’m so glad I got to see some of this part of the world. I was there in September and it was very warm and humid. The other travelers were almost all considerate, smart , interesting people. The local people in each country were friendly and welcoming. You should be prepared for the physical activity that is listed. If you are thinking about going, I’d highly recommend it.
— Review left October 2, 2023
What a fantastic trip. We really enjoyed the tour and Mr. Ping was just an excellent tour guide. I would definitely recommend this trip to my friends and family. I found this trip to be very educational and fun overall.
— Review left September 29, 2023
'Ping' (Issaret Poldee) is an exceptional guide and human being. Try to plan a trip where he is leader. He is absolutely wonderful.
Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Be sure to drink the water provided and have sun protection.
This is an incredible tour; come with an open mind and a will to learn.
— Review left September 24, 2023
Hot and sticky climate but a very worthwhile introduction to many, many sites in SE Asia.
— Review left September 18, 2023
Southeast Asia in 21 days was a trip of a lifetime. Being able to see and experience a new part of the world (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) was not previously on my bucket list but I am certainly glad I gained new perspectives of this part of the world. Our guide, Dome, was top notch, and the best tour guide I have ever travelled with.
— Review left April 24, 2023
SPECTACULAR!! Don't miss this one if possible.
— Review left April 6, 2023
A fantastic experience that included sightseeing, lectures, demonstrations, meals and free time. If you're looking to experience S.E. Asia this is a superb way to do it! Planning something like this on my own would have taken an enormous amount of time, energy and I likely wouldn't have seen or done many of the excellent activities that we did on the trip.
— Review left March 26, 2023
This tour hits the famous highlights of Southeast Asia and also intimate spots in rural areas that you likely wouldn't find on your own. The small group format enhances group cohesion and ability to move fast. Consult the reading list first and make sure you will be able to keep up (walking a few miles, lots of stairs, hot temperatures). The accomodations and meals are first rate; plan on gaining a few pounds! Overall an excellent learning experience and great fun.
— Review left March 25, 2023
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit four Southeastern Asian countries. Wonderful trip, wonderful sights, wonderful people, wonderful food. Our favorite Road Scholar trip so far!
— Review left March 24, 2023
Our primary guide ,”Ping” did a fabulous job of keeping us educated, entertained, and in a good mood. This was critical, because at the pace we travelled, personalities began to grate.
The description said “keep the pace” but it might better say “exhausting”. (Several of the participants were less mobile than the activities required, so perhaps additional warning is required). While each venue was worthwhile, there were too many. I would recommend 5 days in Chiang Mai, 5 days in Luang Prabang, and 5 days in Siem Reap. I would drop both Saigon and Hanoi, even though Ha Loong Bay was amazing. That would allow for fewer wasted hours of travel, and fewer trips through airport security.
Several of us sensed some hostility and some anxiety in the people we interacted with in Viet Nam, especially in North Vietnam. This was completely at odds with the open-hearted welcome we enjoyed in the first three countries.
The food was of variable quality-on the home visits it was great, and on the Ha Loong boat it was spectacular. At the farewell dinner, alas, some of it bordered on inedible. The buses were spacious and comfortable, the drivers competent and personable. The hotels were better than I expected, and the best was the Santee Resort .
Highlights included (1)the monk chat (who knew a Buddhist monk would be charming and funny?) Pra K.K. Was wonderful. (2) sunrise over Angkor Wat (3) the home visit in Laos, (4) the trips on the Mekong, and of course Ha Loong Bay, where I would have been happy to spend more time.
— Review left March 9, 2023
This is an excellent trip with a fantastic itinerary. Each day offers interesting places to visit, iconic scenery and interesting cultural experiences. I loved this trip! KLS
— Review left February 27, 2023
This was my first solo group travel experience and I will definitely do more. I am already thinking about my next trip. The guides were phenomenal, meals were exciting, accommodations were above my expectations (except one) and overall it was an amazing experience.
— Review left February 20, 2023
I became ill during the trip and Leky not only got me to the clinic in Laos but stayed with me while they treated me. She really did go above and beyond her responsibilities. The rest of the trip was great, especially the elephant sanctuary and Ha Long Bay.
— Review left February 5, 2023
Trip of a lifetime. Dont think another minute about this. Sign up, pack light - you will totally be on the go to see as much as you can humanly see in 21 days. This is a spectacular spot on the big blue marble, lovely respectful humans, elegant environs and beaches, safe and respectful society, and too much fun. So affordable for so much to see. Trust Road Scholar with this trip - they knit together an amazing tapestry of experiences, tastes, and cultural insights.
— Review left February 5, 2023
Highly recommended for those who want a comprehensive introduction to these four important Southeast Asian countries. Road Scholar's programming provided enjoyable, educational, and varied experiences.
— Review left January 3, 2023
This was an excellent introduction to Southeast Asian countries, with a wide range of experiences and visits to the most iconic cultural sites.
— Review left January 1, 2023
This was such a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime program! More than just seeing the popular attractions - though you'll definitely do that (Ankor Wat, Halong Bay, etc.). It's more about learning the history and culture of the countries - both ancient and modern; and meeting the people in these lands. It definitely lives up to the Keep the Pace description. Honestly, the walking in heat and humidity can be challenging, even though the distances are not very long. And tackling the steps at some of the sites and even in the cities and villages gave us a good workout - but not unmanageable. We took it slow and steady. And I feel more confidence in my fitness level now than after weeks of my daily walks at home before the trip. And our group leader, "Joe", was magnificent at helping us pace ourselves. I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
— Review left November 23, 2022