Wendy Wu Vietnam and Beyond: Southeast Asia Tours with Wendy Wu
At Travel Club Elite, we’re always excited to dive into the world of extraordinary travel – and in this episode of the Talk Travel podcast, we’re heading to the heart of Southeast Asia with the experts at Wendy Wu Tours. We caught up with Chris So Woon Yuen to talk all things Wendy Wu Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia – three destinations that capture the spirit, flavours, and beauty of the region.
Chris takes us through Wendy Wu’s Vietnam tours and beyond, sharing what makes these countries so special, and why Wendy Wu’s tours offer such a unique and seamless way to experience them. From sailing through the limestone cliffs of Halong Bay to wandering the ancient temples of Angkor Wat – this episode is your behind-the-scenes guide to discovering Southeast Asia the Wendy Wu way.
Watch the full podcast episode on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below, or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts. Alternatively, continue reading the review below!
Why Southeast Asia Still Feels Like a Hidden Gem
Southeast Asia still feels a bit underexplored. Many travellers talk about it, see photos on social media, or hear stories from friends, but never quite make it over there themselves. For those who do go, each country offers a unique experience. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand all have something completely different to offer.
Wendy Wu Vietnam and Beyond: Touring with Authenticity
With Wendy Wu Tours, we make sure our guests experience the best each destination has to offer. From the iconic sights you see on brochures and postcards to immersive, local interactions that bring each place to life. In Thailand, for instance, the younger generation is discovering the country through Instagram-worthy locations and experiences, whether it’s the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the peaceful temples of Chiang Mai, or the tropical charm of the islands.
Vietnam is a country of contrasts – from the serene waters of Halong Bay to the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Cambodia, with the majestic temples of Angkor, offers a deep dive into ancient history. What’s amazing is that we take travellers to all these places, but we also do it “like a local.” Wendy Wu guests don’t just visit; they experience. Whether it’s cruising on the Mekong or learning about the history of Angkor Wat with local guides, every tour is designed to connect travellers to the soul of the destination.
Beyond the Usual: Hidden Highlights of Wendy Wu Vietnam and Beyond
When asked about lesser-known gems, I always say: if it’s your first time visiting these countries, start with the main highlights. There’s just so much to see. But for repeat visitors or those looking for something off the beaten track, we can certainly help uncover some hidden spots. For example, in Thailand, while most people head to Koh Samui or Phi Phi Island, diving enthusiasts might love Koh Tao. In Vietnam, the central region, places like Hoi An and Da Nang, are often overlooked in favour of the north and south, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Tailored for Everyone: Wendy Wu Tour Styles and Physical Ratings
Our tours are carefully curated and cater to different fitness levels. Most Southeast Asia itineraries fall under physical level 1 or 2, meaning as long as you can bend down to tie your shoelaces and manage a bit of walking, you’ll be fine! One of our most popular tours is Angkor to the Bay, which combines the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam in one seamless itinerary. It includes stops at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Tonle Sap in Cambodia, followed by a full exploration of Vietnam from south to north, finishing with a cruise through Halong Bay.
We also offer Thailand Highlights, which takes travellers from bustling Bangkok to the tranquil north, including a visit to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. And I must stress – these are not tourist zoos. They’re genuine sanctuaries focused on conservation and animal welfare. You can even stay in a treetop lodge for a completely different experience of nature. I always love talking about Laos as well – Luang Prabang, in particular, is a beautiful, often-forgotten destination that adds even more depth to a Southeast Asia journey.
Wendy Wu Vietnam and Beyond: Embracing Cultural Differences
One thing travellers often ask about is the cultural differences between these countries. The best way I explain it is that Vietnam is around five years behind Thailand in terms of tourism development, and Cambodia is about ten years behind. This means you can still find those untouched, authentic experiences – the kind that are disappearing from more commercialised destinations.
One vivid memory is trying to cross the road in Vietnam: it’s absolute chaos, with mopeds flying by in every direction. But somehow, the traffic just flows around you. You learn to just walk and trust the process! The street food culture is another highlight. You’ll find everything from incredible noodle dishes to, yes, bags of sugar-dusted cockroaches and scorpions on sticks. It’s wild, but it’s all part of the immersive experience.
Giving Back: Responsible Travel with Wendy Wu in Southeast Asia
Wendy Wu Tours is committed to responsible travel and giving back to the communities we visit. We’ve supported schools, local businesses, and social initiatives across Southeast Asia. For instance, on Wendy Wu’s Mekong Explorer tour – which includes a luxurious river cruise on Wendy’s very own Victoria Mekong ship, we work with various local partners to ensure sustainable tourism. Even during COVID, when the ship couldn’t operate, Wendy herself kept all the staff employed.
Another memorable initiative is our collaboration with a restaurant called Dans Le Noir? – dining in complete darkness. It’s a powerful, sensory experience and another way we help support local communities.
What’s New: Wendy Wu Vietnam and Beyond Expands Further
We’re constantly expanding our offerings here at Wendy Wu. This year, we’ve introduced Christmas in Thailand and Christmas on the Mekong, both of which are proving incredibly popular, especially with solo travellers. In fact, last year, 50% of our Christmas guests were travelling alone, a great way to spend the holidays with like-minded people.
And perhaps the most exciting new addition is our Wonders of Indonesia tour. It’s a 16-day adventure from Jakarta to Bali, including Mount Bromo, Flores Island, and the legendary Komodo Dragons. You even get to visit Borobudur – the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It’s one of those tours that offers a little bit of everything: history, nature, culture, and relaxation.
Final Thoughts: Why Now is the Time to Visit with Wendy Wu
My final piece of advice? Just go. Stop thinking about it and book the trip. These destinations are changing fast – and the longer you wait, the more commercialised they’ll become. To see the rice paddies, rural villages, and local traditions in their authentic form, now is the time.
Southeast Asia truly touches all the senses – the sights, the smells, the sounds, the flavours, it’s a region that stays with you long after you leave. Travelling with Wendy Wu Tours means everything’s taken care of – from visas to accommodation and everything in between. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride!
If you’re interested in booking a Wendy Wu Southeast Tour with exclusive extra savings, call free on 0800 707 6229 to speak to one of our experienced travel experts. Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com. ABTA 40+ Years, rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.