Legends of the Lotus | Vietnam + Cambodia – 2027

Crossing time zones and the International Date Line as we head toward the heart of Cambodia.

Meals: In-flight

Step off the plane and into the vibrant heart of Cambodia. Phnom Penh, the bustling capital, hums with energy, and today is ours to unwind and soak it all in. In the evening, we gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring authentic Khmer flavors—a delicious first taste of the adventure ahead.

Meals: In-flight, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Transfer from the airport to the hotel is included with your purchased AESU group airfare
• Welcome orientation
• Welcome dinner of Khmer specialties

Dive into Phnom Penh’s rich history and culture as we wander the glittering halls of the Royal Palace and marvel at the treasure-filled Silver Pagoda. The National Museum of Khmer Arts offers a stunning showcase of over 5,000 artifacts, from bronze sculptures to intricate carvings. Midday, we pause for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling classic Cambodian flavors before continuing our discoveries. We go on a poignant exploration of Tuol Sleng, the former S-21 prison turned museum, offering insight into Cambodia’s recent past and visit Choeung Ek, where history leaves a profound imprint.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

• Guide tour of Phnom Penh, led by an English-speaking local expert
• Royal Palace
• Silver Pagoda
• National Museum of Khmer Arts
• Tuol Slang prison / Genocide Museum
• Choeung Ek Killing Field Memorial

Today, we climb the sacred hill of Wat Phnom, then feel the pulse of the city at Central Market, a 1930s architectural gem teeming with color, scents, and local life. Along the journey to Siem Reap, make a stop at the lively Spider Market, a local hotspot where the unexpected awaits. Wander among stalls bursting with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and quirky curios, feeling the energy of locals negotiating and sharing stories. Just a short distance away, pause at Naga Bridge, an iconic landmark spanning the river, where we can stretch our legs, snap photos, and take in the scenic views of Cambodia’s countryside before continuing toward the ancient wonders of Siem Reap. In the evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties and unwinding after the day’s journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Central Market
• Buddhist Temple, Wat Phnom
• Spider Market
• Naga Bridge

Wake early to discover Banteay Srei, a small temple famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Next, experience the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the architectural jewel of Cambodia, where sprawling galleries, courtyards, and bas-reliefs tell stories from centuries past. We pause at a nearby restaurant, enjoying a break to taste local Cambodian dishes before continuing our adventure. In the afternoon, explore Ta Prohm, the jungle-covered temple made famous by Tomb Raider, where massive tree roots wrap around ancient stone. We end the day at Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and terraces adorned with monumental carvings—an unforgettable journey through history.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat
• Guide tour of Angkor Wat, led by an English-speaking local expert
• Banteay Srei Temple
• Ta Prohm Temple
• Terrace of the Leper Kings
• Traditional Angkor Wat lunch
• Angkor Thom

See Siem Reap from a fresh perspective as we hop on a tuk-tuk and glide through the leafy pathways of the Royal Independence Gardens, feeling the city come alive around us. The adventure continues at the bustling “Old Market,” where vibrant stalls overflow with spices, textiles, and local crafts, and the mingling aromas, colors, and chatter create a sensory tapestry we won’t forget. Later, we board our flight and trade the streets of Cambodia for the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where a dinner cruise along the shimmering Saigon River invites us to unwind and watch the city’s skyline light up, setting the perfect tone for our first night in Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Tuk-Tuk tour
• Royal Independence Gardens
• Shrine of Ya Tep
• Preah Ang Check Preah Chom shrine
• Psar Chars ‘Old Market’
• Flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
• Airport transfers
• Saigon dinner cruise

We step back in time at the Cu Chi Tunnels, an astonishing network of underground passages that tells the story of Vietnamese resilience, then return to the city to explore the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum, gaining perspective on the country’s complex history. Cap the evening with a magical water puppet show, a centuries-old art form performed on a shimmering stage of water.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions:

• Guide tour of Ho Chi Minh City, led by an English-speaking local expert
• Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
• Reunification Palace
• Ben Thanh market
• Water puppet show

The day is ours to explore Ho Chi Minh City at our own pace, whether that means lingering in hidden cafés, browsing bustling markets, or finding quiet corners off the beaten path. For those of us who choose the optional excursion to the Mekong Delta, we trade the city streets for lush waterways. Glide through winding canals in a traditional boat, stop at a brick kiln, and visit coconut workshops where we sample handmade sweets. In a peaceful village, try our hand at age-old crafts like sleeping mat weaving, then drift along in a rowing boat beneath swaying palms. A local lunch rounds out the experience before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:

• Free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City

Optional activity:

• Mekong Delta Excursion incl. lunch

We wake to a morning framed by soaring limestone peaks and calm waters. Spend a full day on the water—swim, kayak, or simply soak up the sun on the sundeck while taking in the surreal scenery. Explore hidden corners of the bay, capture the perfect photos, or sip coffee as mist rolls across the islands. Meals continue to delight with local cuisine prepared on board. Another night on the cruise ensures we are fully immersed in Ha Long Bay’s tranquil magic.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Inclusions:

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay
• 5-star overnight cruise
• Lunch on board the cruise ship
• Specialty dinner on board the cruise ship

Our final morning on the water begins with breakfast as the cruise slowly winds back toward shore. We take in the last panoramic views of the bay before checking out. A farewell brunch on board rounds out our floating retreat. Then, we transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for our flight home, carrying memories of emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and a truly unforgettable escape.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, In-flight

Inclusions:

• Morning Swim
• Cruise ship brunch
• Coach transfer to Hanoi Airport