Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia Journey 16 days

Welcome to Siem Reap, an ideal starting point for your exploration of Cambodia. Located in the northwest of the country, this city is also a great base to discover Tonlé Sap Lake - the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the genuine Cambodian countryside, or some remote temples like Beng Mealea, Phnom Kulen, and Kbal Spean. 

Upon your arrival, you will be picked up by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening enjoying a flavorful dinner while watching a mesmerizing Cambodian traditional show - a classical Khmer performance art inspired by the water and cloud spirits of Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

Included meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Set off your adventure today by traveling on a road surrounded by a hundred-year-old trees. At the end of the road, you’ll find a majestic stone door leading to Angkor Thom - the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Also known as the “Great City”, Angkor Thom showcases the grandeur and ingenuity of Khmer architecture, engineering, and artistry. The centerpiece of Angkor Thom is Bayon Temple, built around the 12th - 13th century, and features 216 mysterious smiling stone faces that seem to emerge from nowhere. This amazing temple comprises 54 towers, each impressively carved with smiling 4 faces.

After exploring the Bayon Temple, you will travel to the adjacent Baphuon, a temple mountain built in the 11th century which has been restored by French architects not so long ago. Subsequently, let’s admire the Terrace of the Elephants, which stretches approximately 350 m in length and was used for royal audiences and public ceremonies. Continue your visit to the Terrace of the Leper King, a 12th-century construction covered by stunning sculpting of Apsara.

The following period is time to uncover the most renowned temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park - Angkor Wat. Spanning over 162 ha, it is the world’s largest religious structure and a symbol of the pinnacle of Khmer architecture and engineering. Starting at the central aisle, you will soon realize how huge is it. Finish the day by visiting Ta Prohm, a temple that has been severely damaged by the tropical nature. Unlike other temples at Angkor, Ta Prohm has been left in a largely unrestored state, providing a dramatic view of how nature and architecture have intertwined over centuries.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

This morning, you will visit the Kampong Khleang by private local boat which located on the northern lake-edge about 55 km east of Siem Reap town, more remote. Visitors to Kampong Khleang during the dry season are universally awestruck by the forest of stilted houses rising up to 10 meters in the air. In wet season the waters rise up to one or two meters of the buildings. Kompong Khleang is a permanent community within the flood plain of the Lake, with an economy based in fishing and surrounded by flooded forest. Lunch at a local homestay

Afternoon, we will take ride the quiet trails through rice fields and village by bike. You will have the opportunity to learn about traditional beliefs, daily village life, enjoy some local snacks, how to make white (Vodka Cambodia). You will also enjoy the sunset from the country side which will make you feel relax and unforgettable. Return to Siem Reap.

In the evening, enjoy the marvellous show Phare - The Cambodian Circus of thrilling performances as the combination between lively traditional music, acrobatics, theatre and circus. The artists are young but talented from Phare Ponleu Selpak Artistic NGO who train and provide education to the poor Cambodian students. Within only one hour, the performances reveal many cultural and historical stories of Cambodia.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Check out in the morning, then meet your driver and guide to move toward Siem Reap Airport, where your outbound flight to Tan Son Nhat Airport awaits. Here, another friendly local guide will lead the way to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After sundown, let’s join a scooter ride (Duration: 4h 30 min, from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm) through this hectic yet enchanting metropolis and the nightlife unfold. As the scooter traverses through the 4 central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll explore the chaotic traffic of the city center, famous tourist stops, the trendiest hangout places for Saigonese, small hidden corners, typical narrow alleys, and more. During the ride, make a few stops to sample popular street dishes like fried pine nuts, steamed clams with lemongrass, or banh xeo - Vietnamese sizzling pancake… Finally, visit a local coffee shop for some live music, or make your way to a rooftop bar for a panoramic view of the city by night and a chance to unwind on the dance floor.

Included meals: Breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Spend this day to venture Cu Chi Tunnels and unveil Ho Chi Minh City. Drive for around 2 hours, you will reach the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most significant historical sites in Vietnam. This immense network of underground tunnels was initially hand-dug by the Viet Minh in the late 1940s during the French-Indochina War, then expanded and used massively by the Viet Cong during the subsequent Vietnam War. At its peak, the system was 250 kilometers long, 8 – 12 meters deep, and remarkably well-equipped.

On-site, you will watch a documentary on the tunnels and the Vietnam War, and then pass through narrow and dark underground ducts to discover distinct rooms, including offices, kitchens, bunk rooms, weapons stores, and even clinics. At the end of the Cu Chi Tunnels touring, you will taste a culinary specialty of Cu Chi, boiled cassava, a typical Vietnamese dish consumed daily during wartime. Afterward, get on the way to return to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, set off to uncover a few prominent attractions of the city: the French colonial Saigon Central Post Office, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and Dong Khoi Street - a wide avenue lined with luxurious shops and hotels. Next, spend some time roaming the insightful War Remnants Museum – exhibits US weapons and vehicles used during the Vietnam War. This museum also displays photographs showcasing the war’s effects on Vietnamese civilians, including the consequences of chemical weapons.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head west to explore Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta region. You will board the boat sailing along the Chet Say River - a Mekong’s tributary. Make stops to discover several local workshops to gain a deeper insight into some local specialties such as the coconut candies and a brick factory to learn about the local way of making handmade bricks, etc. During your adventure in Mekong Delta, you will ride a local motorized rickshaw called xe loi to wander around the village and catch some fascinating sights of traditional farms, rice fields, and vegetable plants.

At noon, move toward a humble local restaurant for a delicious and hearty lunch made of regional specialties, such as “elephant-ear fish” and freshwater shrimps. In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle to traverse the village roads with lush landscape, visit a local workshop specializing in carpet weaving, enjoy a leisurely sampan ride along the zigzag canals, then travel back to Ho Chi Minh City by car. 

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, move to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Da Nang City, which typically takes about 1.5 hours. Upon your arrival at Da Nang Airport, you will be picked up by your enthusiastic tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.

Late afternoon is the time for a lovely sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River. Reaching the dock, you will get on a wooden boat to sail along the major branch of the Thu Bon River’s lower section. You can take in the beautiful surroundings while gaining some knowledge about the local lifestyle. As the boat heads toward the Cua Dai Estuary, you will have a chance to observe the lush green Bay Mau Coconut Forest, the magnificent scenery of the countryside, and many interesting activities on the Thu Bon River. Spend the dusk soaking in the spectacular view of the Thu Bon River before returning to Hoi An.

Included meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Today, you will get to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming place recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The well-preserved ancient streets and houses showcase a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architectural elements can be seen via outstanding structures like the renowned Japanese Covered Bridge, the marvelous Fujian Assembly Hall, and the 200-year-old house of Tan Ky. 

Later, commence a relaxing bicycle ride through Hoi An’s rural paths to Tra Que Vegetable Village, known for its organic farming practices and production of fresh vegetables and herbs. Take your time to observe local farmers’ daily work, or even join them in planting and picking vegetables. At lunch, feast on the village’s specialties and some other salient dishes of the region. 

In the afternoon, join a lantern workshop to learn more about this traditional handicraft. Introduced to Hoi hundreds of years ago by the Chinese, the art of lantern-making has now become a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The workshop allows you to create your lanterns from bamboo frames and silk fabric under the guidance of skilled artisans. This is a work of precision, which requires patience and a touch of dexterity to complete. At the end of the class, you’ll be able to take home your masterpiece as a meaningful souvenir.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Remark: Guests who can’t ride bicycles will travel to Tra Que Village by Car

In the morning, you will catch a flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, which also takes approximately 1.5 hours. After arriving, meet up with your local guide and move to the center of Hanoi for check-in.

Spend the afternoon experiencing Hanoians’ life in the 1950s by traversing the Old Quarter on a cycle rickshaw in 45 minutes. This exciting cyclo ride let you discover the cultural heart of Vietnam’s capital where each street is historically dedicated to a particular trade: silver items, silks, medicinal herbs, paper products, tin goods, jewelry, cooking utensils, painting supplies, fish sauce, jars and ceramics... This maze-like quarter stands out with not only old-fashioned Vietnamese houses, pagodas, and temples, but also colonial French buildings, cozy cafes, and colorful shops. As the ride ends, let’s stop by a cafe and feel the vivacious ambiance over the train street where trains often pass by. The rest of the day will be your free time for further delving into Hanoi’s mesmerizing beauty.

Included meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Begin your full-day discovery of the capital with Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the most ancient pagodas in Hanoi. Constructed in the 6th century, the pagoda has been relocated to a peninsular on West Lake since the 17th century. Afterward, take a 15-minute leisure walk along the beautiful Thanh Nien Road to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the final resting place of Vietnam’s greatest leader, his traditional stilt house, and the architecturally striking One-Pillar Pagoda nearby.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Temple of Literature (or Van Mieu in Vietnamese), a temple dedicated to Confucius and also the site of Vietnam’s first university. Established in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the university was first opened exclusively for princes and mandarins. This complex is like a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city with ornate gates, pretty water lily ponds, traditional-style pavilions, and well-manicured gardens. Later on, you will explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Created in November 1997 at the Francophonie Summit, it is both a research center and a public museum that showcases the rich diversity of the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Notes: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed on Monday. You can opt for an alternative to visit the Hoa Lo Prison or the Vietnamese Woman Museum.

On this day, let’s venture to Halong Bay - a fabulous natural wonder that’s approximately 2.5 hours of driving from Hanoi. This world-famous bay is one of the most stunning landscapes in Vietnam with over 1,900 limestone islands and islets, mostly uninhabited and unvisited. These towering formations rise majestically from the emerald waters, creating a breathtaking panorama that helped the bay earn its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. Upon arrival, you will soon embark on an inclusive cruise trip through the most splendid attractions of Halong Bay. The trip includes delectable meals with freshly caught seafood, and fun activities onboard after the night falls.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Halong Bay overnight cruise

On the next day on Halong Bay, let’s get up at dawn to admire the gorgeous sunrise over the turquoise waters of the bay. The cruise will continue to glide around the bay until it finally docks at the end of the morning. After that, you will return to Hanoi. Have free time at your leisure to explore further of Hanoi City and go shopping around the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After checking out of the hotel, meet your driver and guide at the lobby for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport to catch the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the Luang Prabang Airport, your driver and local guide will accompany you on the way to your hotel. Have free time on your own leisure, meander around Luang Prabang town or spend relaxing moments at the riverside bars.

Included meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Start your exploration of Luang Prabang with a climb of 328 steps to Mount Phousi that offers a mesmerizing view over the Mekong River and Luang Prabang and a sacred stupa. Next, you will meander further to the town for Wat Mai constructed in the 18th century. Literally means New Monastery, Wat Mai is one of the largest and most significant temples in Luang Prabang.

Moving on, you will find the National Museum, formally Royal Palace. Displaying a diverse collection of artifacts and showcasing Royal Stories since the early days, this museum reveals Laos’ rich culture.

After lunch, you will travel upstream of the Mekong River for Pak Ou Caves. Sailing the river, you can enjoy the tranquil countryside in Luang Prabang and make a stop to intermingle with locals, learn about their culture, handicraft productions and the traditional rice whiskey. Arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, you will walk up the two caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum where hundreds of gold lacquered Buddha statues are displayed. Those statues of different shapes and sizes were left in the caves by Buddhist pilgrims. Late afternoon, you will travel back to Luang Prabang with another visit on the way to see Ban Xang Khong, a craftmanship village of handmade silk weaving and Saa paper making. Finish the day at Luang Prabang night market where locals sells their handmade products such as crafts, textiles, clothes, food, drinks, etc.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Wake up before daybreak to witness and participate in the traditional practice of giving alms to monks, also known as Tak Bat - a daily ritual that dates back generations in Laos. Hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk silently with their alms bowls on the street, creating an awe-inspiring sight. After watching the town come to life in the morning, you can return to your hotel for breakfast, or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup following the alms-giving ritual.

When you’re ready, let’s head to the Morning Market, an authentic trading space with plenty of offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, livestock, insects, vegetables, honey, hill-tribe weavings, etc. Later, you will respectively visit Wat Xiengthong, or the “Temple of the Golden City” - a masterwork of Laotian architecture with roofs sweeping low to the ground; the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center that hosts valuable artifacts, traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups inhabiting in the Luang Prabang area; and Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the Black Flag Haw invaders from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the iconic That Pathum, which is nicknamed “Watermelon Stupa” due to its round shape.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to the city center and travel to Kuang Si Waterfall, approximately 29 km south of Luang Prabang. En route, you’ll drop by a small village named Ban Na Oune, where the Hmong ethnic group resides in traditional houses made of wood and bamboo. Once at the waterfalls, pass by the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center near the entrance, then take a leisurely hike through the lush tropical forest to the multi-tiered cascades. Here, you can admire the astonishing beauty of the flows, relax in verdant nature, or enjoy a refreshing swim in designated areas of the limestone pools.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Notes:

- Tak Bat takes place at dawn, usually between 5:30 am and 6:30 am

- Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks

- If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence

- Dress properly – shoulders, chest, and legs should be covered

Spend the last morning resting and recharging in your hotel, or heading out for a short cultural wander. You’re free at leisure until getting transferred back to Luang Prabang Airport for the departure flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: