Journeys: Discover Southeast Asia

Crossing into Laos, the route includes Luang Prabang’s vine-covered courtyards and a boat trip to the Pak Ou caves. A detour to the Kuang Sii waterfalls is another chance to stretch legs. Vietnam’s Hanoi offers cyclo rides through its Old Town, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and delicate local crafts, before a night spent cruising the quiet waters of Ha Long Bay. Further south, the historic and complex past of Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi tunnels provides a strong contrast to the Cambodian section.

In Cambodia, the route leads to Phnom Penh’s museum sites and the somber Killing Fields, before finishing in Siem Reap with two days at Angkor Wat and a Cambodian circus performance. Transport between sites varies from private vehicle to cyclo and tuk-tuk, and while the itinerary is well-paced, there is room for unhurried exploration. The tour is accompanied by a National Geographic Expedition Leader with local guides at key points.

Halong Bay, and the dragon that explains nothing

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These are the places the trip visits, in order. G Adventures publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.