Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

Today, your private guide and driver will take you on a tour of Hanoi’s top attractions, then explore authentic local cuisine away from the usual tourist spots. Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, exploring the Mausoleum and his House on Stilts. Then, stroll through quaint lanes to Huu Tiep Lake and visit a centuries-old temple and the B52 crash site, a historical relic. Explore the Museum of Ethnology before enjoying a traditional Pho noodle soup for lunch and learn about local meal traditions.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo prison, and enjoy a captivating cyclo ride through the French colonial precinct, passing historic landmarks. Pause at Pho Co Café for Egg coffee with stunning views. Conclude the day with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant street food scene. Sample delights like green papaya salad, Banh Mi Pa Te, and the iconic Bun Cha, all while seated on tiny plastic stools in charming back alleys.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning and you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the junk in Halong Bay.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight on cruise.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi, then our driver will transfer you from inner Hanoi city to the airport for your flight to Hue.

When you arrive at Hue airport, our representative will take you to the hotel. Relax after the flight and you will have the rest of day to explore evening Hue which offers a laid-back and authentic Vietnamese experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO heritage site. The tours start at the “South Gate” and continue with the Palace of the Five Phoenixes, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Nine Dynastic Urns dating back to 1835, the Thai Mieu Temple, the Queen Mother’s Palace, and more. The visit continues to the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, known for its octagonal tower.

After visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, take a cruise on the Perfume River towards Thuy Bieu village, renowned for its ancestral garden-houses with a unique style, passing by numerous temples belonging to ancestors, a cultural specificity of Hue. Stroll around the village through orchards, vegetable gardens, local craftsmanship, garden-houses, and more. Lunch at a family restaurant by the Perfume River, and treat yourself to a brief foot massage.

In the afternoon, visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The mausoleum is one of the most impressive royal tombs in Hue. With an area of 12 hectares and over 50 structures in total, this complex is considered the secondary Imperial City.

Afterwards, explore the Dong Ba Market. At the market, you will have a chance to discover a favorite Noddle soup by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Here you will sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noddle soup”. Conclude your day of exploration and return to your hotel, where you’ll spend the night in the charming city of Hue.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Hue as your journey unfolds southward towards Danang and Hoian, a picturesque coastal train that spans approximately three hours. The highlight of the trip is the mesmerizing Hai Van Pass, often referred to as the “Sea Cloudy Pass.” As you ascend to its summit, be prepared to be spellbound by the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the city of Danang sprawled below.

Upon your arrival in Danang, your first pause will be at the Marble Mountain. The journey continues with a visit to the Cham Museum, offering insights into the region’s rich history, followed by a stop at the pristine My Khe Beach, known for its 20-mile stretch of white sandy shores, once home to American GIs during the war.

Continuing your journey by car, you’ll reach Hoian around midday. Here, you’ll check into your boutique resort, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the enchanting old town. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Explore the charming Old Town with its paper lantern-lined streets and riverside restaurants, or relax at the resort.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Hoian.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a late breakfast and relaxation at your hotel. In the afternoon, our tour guide will lead you through the Ancient Quarter of Hoian, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore notable attractions like Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes

The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, run by mute and deaf individuals. Savor delightful cakes and Eastern-style tea. Discover the art of lantern-making at a craftsman’s house, where you’ll create your own lantern with expert guidance.

Wrap up your day with a Hoian street food tour, led by our guide. Wander through narrow alleyways to sample local delicacies and gain insight into how Hoian locals enjoy their vibrant street food scene.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Hoian.

After a delightful stay in Hoian, you’ll catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can unwind and recharge after your journey. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a dynamic hub of commerce, culture, and history. It offers a captivating blend of the old and the new, with colonial-era architecture juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.

Ho Chi Minh City’s energetic atmosphere and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression as you delve into its unique charm. Enjoy your well-deserved relaxation and get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant tapestry.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the outskirts of Saigon to visit the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels.

Originally constructed in 1948 as a refuge from French forces, these tunnels evolved into a complex network of underground hideouts used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Explore these tunnels, which served as living quarters, communication routes, hospitals, and storage for food and weapons.

During the tour you will have a chance to meet a Viet Cong veteran who once lived in these tunnels, gaining valuable insights into their history and the incredible resilience of the Vietnamese during wartime. With your translator-guide’s assistance, listen to the veteran’s firsthand experiences, painting a vivid picture of life in these subterranean hamlets during challenging times. Finish the tunnel tour and return to the city enjoying lunch at a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the adjacent Central Post Office, both rich in architectural beauty and history. Admire the red brick cathedral with twin spires and the 1891 Post Office.

Continue visit the former Presidential Palace, once the Saigon Government headquarters during the American War. Nearby, explore the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant perspective on the war. (Note: Some exhibits are graphic.)

Experience Saigon’s famous street coffee culture with your guide, who will provide language insights and share the daily life of Saigonese residents.

Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in HCM City.

After breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive to Ben Tre Town, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam in the Mekong Delta, famous for its rice fields, orchards, coconut trees, and waterways. Arriving in Ben Tre, take a motorized boat ride along the scenic Ben Tre River, visiting local factories making bricks and sleeping mats.

Explore the village, sampling dried fruits, honey tea, and enjoying local Tai Tu music. Visit a coconut mill where coconut candy is made. Hop on a small sampan boat to cruise palm-fringed canals, a peaceful escape from the city.

Experience local life on a Motor Cart (xe lôi) and enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You may also consider joining our recommended optional activities for further exploration and enjoyment.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in HCM City.

After breakfast, get ready to check out and our driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be welcomed by a local guide who’ll take you to the hotel to check in and relax.

This evening in Siem Reap, we will see a show of the Cambodian Traditional Circus. More than just a circus, Phare performers use theater, music, dance, and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk, and modern. The young circus artists will astonish you with their energy, emotion, enthusiasm, and talent.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Our guide and driver meet you in Siem Reap and drive you to visit Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece, the Bayon temple. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex.

Continue to drive to visit Preah Khan temple, originally a Buddhist monastery and school, this temple was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father. Home-make lunch at the local house (Mr. Peout and his wife, Mrs. Gin living in a small house with a peaceful atmosphere and green garden will serve you a great lunch and share their lives story during the Khmer Rouge to present).

After lunch, we continue to visit the rest of the temples in the grand circle such as Neak Pan, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup temples. Return to Siem Reap town, and stop at one of the Khmer Traditional Massage Places to enjoy 60 minutes foot massage before dropping you off at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Wake up before sunrise and make a 15-minute journey to Angkor Wat. Your guide will take you to a serene viewpoint where you can experience the dramatic sunrise as the first rays of the day kiss the magnificent temple’s good morning. It is certainly one of the most unique places in the world for sunrise but be forewarned, you won’t be alone!

After sunrise, we walk to the backdoor to visit Angkor Wat Temple at level 1, level 2, and level 3, an architectural marvel, one of the world’s most impressive ruins to understand in depth Khmer Culture and Civilization. Then we walk through the small village at Srah Srang where we will stop at one of the Khmer Traditional Houses where our high tea and picnic breakfast is arranged, the host will serve us hot tea, coffee, snacks, and fresh seasonal fruits and picnic breakfast.

Continue to visit the Ta Prohm temple of “Tomb Raider” fame, the temple that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Until 4.30 pm, your guide and the driver will pick you up again to drive to Phnom Bakheng, the mountain temple built on the top of a natural mountain in the 9th century. Enjoy the sunset from the top of the hill, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, and have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Siem Reap International Airport for flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in town (early check-in upon availability).

There is no activity planned for today, so you can stroll around the town for your own exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Wat Si Muang, known for its supernatural power, followed by a 45-minute drive to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), a unique park filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Explore the Lao Disable Women Development Center, supporting disabled women’s empowerment and livelihoods.

Afternoon highlights include That Luang, Laos’ holiest site, Patuxai’s panoramic city views, serene Wat Sisaket, and the religious museum Wat Phra Keo, featuring Lao and Khmer artworks. Conclude your capital tour along the Mekong River at sunset, enjoying the local food stalls, cold drinks, and scenic stroll by the riverbank.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Vientiane.

We depart from the capital early, heading northbound to Ban Thaheua via the Vientiane – Vang Vieng highway. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning countryside views as we traverse the mountainous region. By noon, we’ll reach Ban Thaheua.

In the afternoon, a delightful 2-hour kayaking adventure awaits around Nam Ngum Lake, where you’ll explore islets and local fishing villages. We’ll make a stop at Huay Samom village, engage with the host family, and discover their weaving techniques. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the resort and the surrounding area at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Ban Thaheua.

Get an early start today to witness the tranquil sunrise over the serene lake. After breakfast, we embark on a cycling tour through nearby villages and the famous Nam Ngum dam. We’ll pass by a lively primary school, ride along village roads, and pause for coffee or tea with villagers.

Enjoy a viewpoint stop for panoramic views, relax by the dam, and, if time permits, witness a rooster fight in a village. By noon, we’ll return to the resort then transfer to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and explore the town at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Surrounded by limestone cliffs and valleys, Vang Vieng boasts numerous caves, with Tham Jang being the most famous, used as a refuge from Chinese invaders two centuries ago. Afterward, we’ll visit Tham Pou Kham (Golden Crab Cave), where you’ll descend 100 meters underground. You’ll also have time to relax at the Blue Lagoon before catching the afternoon express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in town.

Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Royal Palace Museum, dating back to the French colonial era. Then, we’ll enjoy a Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves, housing thousands of Buddha statues. On the way, we’ll stop at Ban Xanghai for local rice wine.

Back in town, we’ll explore Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. If time permits, we’ll visit Ban Xangkhong for crafts and Ban Xienglek for Saa paper. You can even join a local petanque game. Later, we’ll pause at Wat Prabath for a beautiful sunset view. The tour concludes at the night market, known for handmade textiles by local artisans.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start your day with the sacred morning alms giving tradition as monks gather offerings from residents at sunrise. Explore the bustling morning market near the former Royal Palace before breakfast at your hotel. Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views.

Optionally, visit the UXO Visitor Center to learn about Laos’ secret war. En route to Kuang Si waterfalls, stop by the Buffalo Dairy Farm. At Kuang Si, swim in azure pools and discover hidden Ban Thapene waterfalls.

Consider visiting the Bear Rescue Center. On the way back, visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center for free tours and sunset views by the Mekong. Transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Embrace the freedom to wander through the town, a canvas for your own exploration, before embarking on your departure flight..