17 Day Japan Southeast Asia with Laos Private Jet Tour

An AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign will be waiting for you just after you walk out of the customs clearance area, at the arrival hall. They will assist you with your transfer to the hotel.

Aman Tokyo or similar

Begin your tour of Tokyo with a visit to Asakusa - a grouping of sacred buildings belonging to two separate religions. Here, you will see Japan's two main religions living together in harmony. This is an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. One piece of this area is the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple, or Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most famous temples. The first section of the temple that most people will visit is the Kaminarimon, Kaminari Gate, which serves as the entrance to the market. This temple belongs to its own independent sect of Buddhism. You will also be able to explore Nakamise Market, which is located right after the temple's outer gates. This is a traditional- style shopping street with several centuries of history. Continue from there to the Imperial Palace to see the beautiful East Gardens. The palace is the current residence of Japan's Imperial family, and a historic landmark. Next, you may enjoy the natural atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Finally, visit the Nezu Museum, where you can enjoy an assortment of pre-modern Japanese and East Asia art that Nezu Kaichiro collected. After the bombing in World War II destroyed some of the collection, Kaichiro's son continued to add to it to ensure that his father's collection remained impressive.

Aman Tokyo or similar

Take a short flight to Osaka, then transfer on to Kyoto. In the old capital, climb to the viewpoint of Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple best known for a large wooden stage that overlooks a forested vista of natural beauty. Then we will travel to Kodaiji Temple, which is a lavish temple built in the memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Here you will experience Zen Meditation and Green Tea Ceremony. We will wrap up the day in the Gion Geisha district, where its streets are lined with tea houses and exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. Here, we will enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine while viewing a special Geisha Performance.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto or similar

Today, travel toe Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Next, we will visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, covered with 18-karat gold leaf. This three-story temple was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then we will tour the Arashiyama district. First is a visit to see Tenryuji Temple, where you can take in scenes of a traditional landscape rock garden. Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, past several small shrines, tea shops, and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto or similar

Transfer into Osaka, then take a flight to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi or similar

Discover Vietnam's bustling and beautiful capital city of Hanoi. First enjoy breakfast, and then sightseeing begins with a visit to the majestic Ho Chi Minh Complex exterior. This stone edifice consists of Ho Chi Minh's former stilt house, Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, continue to the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic peoples. After a break for lunch, visit the Temple of Literature -- Vietnam's first university -- which was built in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Then, head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple (Tortoise Pagoda). From there, walk through the Old Quarter to explore 'The 36 Streets.' This fascinating network of alleyways and shops is an exciting place to search for souvenirs, as well as explore the vibrancy of local Vietnamese life.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi or similar

Begin your morning with a flight to Danang and then a transfer to Hoi An. You'll begin your day with a walking tour to discover the historical treasures of this port town, which enjoyed the heights of its prosperity during the 16th through the 18th centuries. Here, visit the Tan Ky Old House, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the 400- year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see local artisans raising silkworms and producing gorgeous lengths of silk to fuel Hoi An’s booming textile industry.

In the afternoon, you will transfer back to the airport in Danang and take your next flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon.

Hotel des Arts Saigon or similar

Today, you'll head to Ho Chi Minh's historic center to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This architectural gem was constructed 1909 and honors the Jade Emperor -- a Taoist god -- and is one of the most visually spectacular sites in Ho Chi Minh City. At the pagoda, the sweet scents of incense fill the air as visitors bow their heads in their prayer. These intimate moments provide you with a glimpse into some of the deeper spiritual aspects of Saigon and the weight of the city's history.

In late afternoon, pay a quick visit to the city’s colonial legacies, including the Central Post Office, City Hall, and Opera House (please note: City Hall and the Opera House may only be viewed from the outside). Also, stroll through bustling Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare at the heart of old colonial Saigon.

Hotel des Arts Saigon or similar

In the morning, set out for the Mekong Delta to explore Ben Tre province by sampan (a traditional Chinese-style flat-bottomed, wooden boat), as well as by rowboat, bicycle and tuk- tuk (a motorized taxi with three wheels). Your cycling tour will include a short ride through charming nearby villages where you can visit a local family business that uses traditional techniques to manufacture activated charcoal, coconut candy, and handmade bricks. Next, your crew will welcome you aboard a sampan. Leisurely cruise on the Ben Tre River and observe daily river life, including fascinating processions of boats, fishermen casting nets, and verdant landscapes with lush fans of leaves. Sail on to the village of Nhon Trach, step ashore, and stroll through a small outdoor market. Here, you will have the chance to visit a local home that makes straw mats. Lastly, enjoy your voyage across villages and fruit orchards on a tuk-tuk to lunch in a tropical garden setting by the river. Afterward, board a small rowing sampan and explore the diversity of the Mekong Delta's ecosystem. Cruise along the river banks and tranquil inlets lined with nipa palm trees. Your tour ends as you disembark from the sampan and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor or similar

NOTE: The cruise schedule is subject to change depending on the cruise company’s specifications, the tide, other river conditions, and/or inclement weather.

At least once in your lifetime, you must see a stunning sunrise over the incredible Angkor Wat -- one of the greatest monuments in the world, and an enduring source of Cambodian national pride. This morning, you will travel to the Angkor Wat on tuk-tuk (a motorized taxi with three wheels) – the pleasant way to go to the majestic temple through the sleepy town. After the unforgettable sunrise, you will have the opportunity to further explore this masterpiece of Khmer art and architecture. Here, you can find over 2,600 feet (800 m) of bas-relief sculptures that depict Khmer legends. Enjoy breakfast before returning to the Angkor Complex later this morning. After breakfast, take a tour of the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the temples of Bayon and Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King.   Angkor was an ancient capital of the powerful Khmer Empire and served as its religious and administrative center. On your journey, discover Angkor Thom’s South Gate – a masterwork of Khmer art that includes sculptures of dignified faces carved from stone.  In late afternoon, enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset at the Hindu temple of Pre Rup.

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor or similar

"In this morning, drive to Banteay Srei (The Citadel of Women), which is home to some of the world’s most exquisite sandstone carvings. Banteay Srei is relatively small compared to other Angkor temples, but its well- preserved and intricate sculptures are some of the very best stone carvings found in the world. You will also stop at a local village to see the rice fields and learn about collecting sugar palms (when in season). After, you will venture to Preah Khan: a large-scale complex that originally served as a Buddhist monastery, and Neak Pean: a hidden gem among the Angkor Temples that is sheltered from tourists. Later this afternoon, take a flight to Bangkok, Thailand."

Peninsula Bangkok or similar

Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace Complex, once the residence of Thai kings and the royal court. This complex includes a Reception Hall, Coronation Hall, and Funeral Hall. Your tour will also take you to the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), located inside of the complex. This gilded temple is often regarded as the heart of Buddhism in Thailand. It is also home to an exquisite ‘emerald’ Buddha statue, carved from jade and considered to be one of the holiest religious objects in Thailand today. Then you’ll travel to Jim Thompson’s house. Thompson was an American entrepreneur who became fascinated with Thai silk, and in the 1940s, he sought to revive production of this exquisite fabric. Over time, his business and international reputation blossomed. In addition to intricate silk production, his Thai-style home also boasts impressive collections of traditional and contemporary art. Continue to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples. Wat Pho is best known for its striking Reclining Buddha. This monumental statue is 15 m high, 46 m long, adorned in shimmering gold leaf. This evening, you'll leisurely sail along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River on a Supanniga Cruise. As you lounge on this luxurious river cruise and sip a smooth, sunset cocktail, you will definitely feel like royalty.

Peninsula Bangkok or similar

Today, travel to Chiang Mai - a city bursting with Thai cultural and spiritual charm. In this city, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, travelers will explore sites sacred to the Theravada school of Buddhism. The tour first takes visitors to what is considered to be one of Thailand's most sacred Buddhist sites. A golden spire, stretching up to the sky, sleekly ringed in shimmering gold plate is the traveler's first view of Wat Phra Doi Suthep. As one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Thailand, this wat has numerous small pagodas around the complex, plus some finely-detailed statues, including a white elephant, a model of the Emerald Buddha, and even one of the Hindu god Ganesh. This afternoon offers a rare experience - a special visit to a small village of one of the hill-tribe peoples of Chiang Mai. The countryside of this area is dotted with numerous small villages which have lived in a traditional fashion, wearing their traditional attire, for generations. This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to interact with the rural people of these fascinating small villages and get an authentic experience with the local people.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai or similar

Today you are offered a chance to escape into the verdant countryside near Chiang Mai by heading for a hike at Doi Inthanon National Park. Doi Inthanon is also known as "The Roof of Thailand", and is the highest mountain in the country, so the region enjoys cooler temperatures year-round. After a drive to the park, enjoy hiking past rice paddies laid out like layered terraces up the side of a hill, or in great swaths of farmland stretching off into the distance. The trek will take you over hills covered in bright green foliage and cool waterfalls rushing over stone that juts from the mountain side, making for a refreshing adventure in the wilds of Thailand.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai or similar

Today, travel to the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang. As you begin your tour in one of Laos' national treasures, make your way to Wat Mai, a beautiful Buddhist temple with golden relief sculptures. Next, depart for the Luang Prabang National Museum, formerly known as the Royal Palace. Built in the early 1900s, this building once was the royal residence of King Sisavang Vong. Today, the museum is home to well-preserved royal rooms, as well as fascinating artifacts including the royal car collection and a beautiful golden Buddha sculpture. Before today’s tour concludes, venture to Mount Phousi. It’s well worth the effort to take the steep stair climb to the top; at the summit, you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rivers and mountains.

Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar

"Early risers can witness the traditional Lao practice of morning alms, a ritual that is an integral part of daily local life. Each morning, Buddhist monks collect alms, such as helpings of sticky rice, from faithful laypeople. You may also visit a fresh, local market before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later this morning, experience one of Laos’s most incredible natural wonders: the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Located approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Luang Prabang, these majestic waterfalls are nestled in a lush, emerald-green jungle. Feel yourself filled with a sense of serenity as you watch these turquoise waters cascading over the surrounding stones and foliage. Without question, these falls are one of most breathtaking and beautiful natural sites found in the entire world! After lunch, you are free to spend the rest of the day exploring surrounding attractions before you bid lovely Laos a fond farewell."

Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar

Bring the tour to a close with a flight to the airport in Hong Kong, where you can easily connect to your homeward flight or connect to the next destination in your travels.