Thailand, Vietnam & Malaysia: The Grand Heritage Journey

Private transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Riva Surya, a contemporary 4-star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya in the historic Banglamphu quarter. The rest of the day is yours to recover from the flight, with a riverside pool and an evening drink overlooking the water.

A morning with your private guide exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha, followed by the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. After a relaxed lunch we cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. The afternoon is free to rest before an optional evening canal cruise.

A gentler day given over to Bangkok's food culture. We visit a fresh market with your guide, then enjoy a hands-on introduction to Thai cooking at a riverside cookery school, preparing and eating a four-course lunch. The afternoon is free — perhaps the riverside flower market or simply the hotel pool.

A late-morning flight north to Chiang Mai (included), leaving the morning free in Bangkok. Private transfer to the Tamarind Village, a serene old-city hotel built around a 200-year-old tamarind tree. The afternoon is at leisure to settle into the cooler, calmer pace of the north.

A morning exploring the walled old city on foot and by private vehicle — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and the quiet lanes between them. After lunch we drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the mountain temple overlooking the city, returning in time for a free evening at the Sunday walking street or a riverside restaurant.

A morning in the gentle hill country outside the city, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary where the animals are observed and fed rather than ridden. We continue to a hillside Karen community for a relaxed lunch, then return to Chiang Mai with a free afternoon and evening.

A direct flight from Chiang Mai to Hanoi (included), crossing into Vietnam. Private transfer to the Hôtel de l'Opera, an MGallery property in the heart of the French Quarter, a few minutes' stroll from the Opera House and the lake. The evening is free to ease into Hanoi's atmospheric old streets.

A morning on foot through the Old Quarter's thirty-six guild streets, pausing at Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son temple on its little island. We stop for Hanoi's famous egg coffee, then visit the serene Temple of Literature. The afternoon is free, with an optional evening water-puppet show.

A private transfer (around 2.5 hours on the new expressway) brings us to the coast, where we board a comfortable overnight cruise among the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. The afternoon unfolds at a wonderfully slow pace — a visit to a sea cave, optional kayaking or a swim, then sunset cocktails on deck and a seafood dinner as the islands turn to silhouettes.

An early Tai Chi session on deck for the willing, then brunch as we cruise back to port. We transfer to Hanoi airport for a short flight south to Da Nang (included), and a private transfer to Hoi An, where the riverside Anantara Hoi An is your home for three nights. Evening free among the lantern-lit lanes.

A morning walking tour of the UNESCO-listed old town with your guide — the Japanese Covered Bridge, the old merchant houses, the Fujian Assembly Hall and the central market. The afternoon is free for tailoring, coffee by the river, or the hotel pool, before an optional evening boat ride to release a paper lantern on the Thu Bon.

A gentle morning that begins with a basket-boat paddle through the coconut palms and a market visit, followed by a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class — fresh spring rolls, the local speciality "white rose" dumplings and a fragrant noodle bowl, all eaten together. The afternoon and evening are entirely free.

A morning flight from Da Nang to Kuala Lumpur (included), crossing into Malaysia. Private transfer to the Majestic Hotel, a restored colonial landmark beside the old railway station. The afternoon is free, perhaps for high tea in the hotel's celebrated Orchid Conservatory.

A morning tour of Kuala Lumpur — the Petronas Towers from the park below, the Islamic Arts Museum and the city's colonial core — before a short flight north to Penang (included). Private transfer to the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, George Town's grande dame on the seafront. Evening free to begin exploring the heritage streets.

A final morning walking tour of George Town's UNESCO heritage core — the clan jetties, the colourful street art, the temples and the famous hawker stalls, with time to taste Penang's legendary laksa and char kway teow. Depending on your flight, a day room is held at the hotel before your private transfer to Penang airport for onward connections.