Heritage of Southeast Asia: Northern Cities Tour in One Week

Chiang Mai is the first stop on this immersive tour through Southeast Asia because of its storied history and cultural offerings. Depending on the time of day that you arrive, you may have the opportunity to explore a little more of the fabled city after being met by a private driver and transferred to your accommodation. Should you step out onto the streets and stroll around the neighborhood, you will begin to discern the qualities that constitute Southeast Asia’s daily culture.

After breakfast, you will venture to a morning market, which is a staple experience across the country. Stepping into the market, you will immediately feel the sense of urgency that sweeps through them. Many visitors will be on their way to work, so grabbing something quick and easy is part of the morning market charm. Later in the day, you will immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Thailand’s far-flung hill tribes by visiting a Karen ethnic village.

In the early morning, you will transfer to Chiang Rai. Upon your arrival, you will retreat in ultimate comfort at a river resort with unrivaled views. When you are ready, you explore the world of weaving with the Tai Lue people. An experienced guide and translator will lead you to a Tai Lue village in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where you will stroll around the complex, greet the craftspeople, and watch them utilize age-old tools to create stunning cotton items. You may even try your hand at weaving under the guidance of a local instructor. Before heading back to your accommodation, you will visit a collection of famed temples in Chiang Rai.

This morning, you will fly to Luang Prabang. After making yourself comfortable, you may visit iconic museums and heritage sites across the city. Firm cultural traditions underpin the city of Luang Prabang, and one of them is an early evening curfew. As a result, restaurants and shops close their doors somewhat early by your standards. This is because, each morning, the resident monks walk the main street for an almsgiving ceremony. You can rise early the following morning to witness the procession.

If you decide to participate in the almsgiving, you will wake up at dawn and set out to the main streets. Your experienced guide will ensure that you are properly informed about the proceedings before you immerse yourself in the inspiring event. Afterward, you will indulge in breakfast before heading out to see what the wilderness has to offer. Your guide will transfer you to wildlife environments, where some of Southeast Asia’s most bewitching waterfalls can be found. For dinner, your guide can reserve you a table at one of Laos' best restaurants.

This morning, you will fly to your final destination, Hanoi. Upon your arrival, you will have enough time to experience Vietnam’s heritage. After a moment to settle into your accommodation, you may meander the lively streets of Hanoi’s Old Town. Here, you can visit museums throughout the town and indulge in delicacies at fusion restaurants. Afterward, you can continue to the granite walls of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the remains of the former leader are preserved for locals to pay tribute. In the evening, you may enjoy a classy theatre performance at the Hanoi Opera House.

After packing and having breakfast, you will transfer to a traditional Vietnamese tea house, where you will partake in an authentic tea ceremony. You will gain a deep admiration for the makers behind Vietnam’s beloved teas and coffees. Afterward, your driver will transfer you to the airport so that you can connect with your departing flight.