Essence of Indochina: 24 Days in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an unforgettable 24-day "Essentials of Southeast Asia" journey, meticulously crafted to showcase the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This tour is packed with diverse activities, offering an immersive experience into the heart of this captivating region. From the bustling streets and ancient traditions of Vietnam's major cities and northern mountains, to the awe-inspiring temple complexes of Cambodia, and the tranquil spiritual landscapes of Laos, every day promises new discoveries and enriching encounters.

Your adventure begins in the charming capital of Hanoi, leading you through the breathtaking rice terraces of Sapa and the mystical waters of Halong Bay, before heading south to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City and the serene Mekong Delta. You'll then traverse into Cambodia to explore Phnom Penh's poignant history and Siem Reap's magnificent Angkorian temples. Finally, journey to the peaceful country of Laos, immersing yourself in the spiritual beauty of Luang Prabang, the adventurous scenery of Vang Vieng, and the laid-back charm of Vientiane.

Designed for comfort and ease, this comprehensive tour includes all flights, land transfers, tickets, accommodation, and most meals. With a focus on cruises, hiking, river boat trips, lake sightseeing, and deep dives into culture and history, you'll be accompanied by knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guides who will illuminate every step of your remarkable journey. Get ready to awaken your senses and create a lifetime of cherished memories on this ultimate Southeast Asian exploration!

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.

Day 2: Transfer to Sapa; trek to Cat Cat village.

Day 3: Trek Muong Hoa valley; return to Hanoi.

Day 4: Travel to Halong Bay; overnight cruise.

Day 5: Halong Bay morning cruise; return to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi city tour (Temples, Museum, Old Quarter).

Day 7: Fly from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City tour (Palace, Museum) & Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 9: Travel to Mekong Delta (Ben Tre); boat trip. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 10: Cai Rang floating market; transfer to Chau Doc.

Day 11: Speedboat from Chau Doc, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Day 12: Phnom Penh city tour (Killing Fields, Royal Palace).

Day 13: Fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Day 14: Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm; Apsara dinner show.

Day 15: Day trip to Koh Ker, Beng Mealea, Banteay Srey temples.

Day 16: Siem Reap: National Museum, Tonle Sap Lake boat trip, local crafts.

Day 17: Fly from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Day 18: Luang Prabang: Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou Caves, city temples.

Day 19: Luang Prabang: Community farm visit, Kuang Si Waterfall.

Day 20: Transfer to Vang Vieng by high-speed train.

Day 21: Vang Vieng: Cave exploration and Blue Lagoon.

Day 22: Vang Vieng: Explore caves; transfer to Vientiane.

Day 23: Vientiane city tour (Temples, COPE, Patuxay, Buddha Park).

Day 24: Departure from Vientiane.

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Hanoi, Vietnam: Arrival & Leisure

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, you'll receive a warm welcome and a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

  • The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Feel free to explore the vibrant city on your own, relax, or prepare for your adventure.

  • Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi → Sapa, Vietnam: Mountain Trekking & Ethnic Culture

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

• Activities:

  • Early morning: Be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi to depart for Sapa, a scenic journey to Vietnam's northern mountains.

  • Arrive in Sapa Town around 1:00 PM. You'll immediately notice the town's vibrant atmosphere, filled with the traditional costumes of H'mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people.

  • Check-in to your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Around 2:30 PM, embark on a short trek to the gate of Cat Cat village. Observe the daily life activities of the local Black H'mong people.

  • Trek down to the valley bottom to a picturesque waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station. Stop at a bridge for excellent views of the waterfall.

  • After your exploration, you will walk uphill to go back to Sapa Town.

  • Enjoy dinner at your hotel's restaurant.

  • Overnight at hotel in Sapa town.

Day 3: Sapa → Hanoi, Vietnam: Muong Hoa Valley & Rural Life

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Breakfast at your hotel and prepare a light pack for trekking.

  • At 9:30 AM, begin trekking from Sapa town down to Muong Hoa valley, admiring the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain and the intricate terraced rice fields.

  • Around 12:30 PM, enjoy a picnic lunch at Lao Chai Village, a settlement of the Black H'mong ethnic group.

  • After lunch, continue heading to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay ethnic people, to observe their local daily life and unique culture.

  • At 2:30 PM, you will be picked up at Ta Van Bridge to return to Sapa town.

  • At 3:00 PM, have a refreshing shower at your hotel before beginning your journey back to Hanoi.

  • Arrival in Hanoi at around 9:00 PM.

  • Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi → Halong Bay, Vietnam: Overnight Cruise

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Overnight on boat in Halong Bay

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00 AM.

  • Upon arrival in Halong Bay, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your traditional Vietnamese vessel.

  • Partake in a delectable lunch served on board as you begin to cruise through thousands of stunning limestone islands and islets, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

  • Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the magnificent Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave).

  • Engage in exciting activities such as kayaking through hidden lagoons or swimming in the emerald waters (weather permitting).

  • Later, return to the vessel, get a drink, and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay, followed by a delicious dinner onboard.

  • Overnight on boat in Halong Bay.

Day 5: Halong Bay → Hanoi, Vietnam: Bay Exploration & Return

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Morning: Breakfast will be served on board.

  • We will then proceed to cruise to a Pearl Farm village to learn about pearl cultivation.

  • Continue exploring the enchanting Halong Bay, navigating through numerous captivating islands and islets, taking in the stunning scenery.

  • During lunch on board, we will make our way back to the pier before transferring back to Hanoi.

  • Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi, Vietnam: City Tour & Old Quarter Charm

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

• Activities:

  • Explore the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's first national university, discovering its rich history and beautiful architecture.

  • Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a central point of Hanoi, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched elegantly on an island in the lake.

  • Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

  • Take a relaxing cyclo tour for sightseeing around the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi, experiencing its narrow streets, traditional shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

  • You'll also have an opportunity to watch a cultural video.

  • Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Flight to the South

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • You'll have leisure time until we transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), you'll be transferred to your hotel.

  • The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own, perhaps taking a stroll around your hotel's vicinity.

  • Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Historical Insights & Cu Chi Tunnels

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

• Activities:

  • Morning: We explore the Re-Unification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and played a pivotal role in the war's end.

  • Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and learn about its unique history.

  • Continue your tour at the War Remnants Museum, which provides a thought-provoking and often graphic look into the harsh realities and consequences of the Vietnam War.

  • Afternoon: We leave the city and drive approximately 60km to Cu Chi, where you can delve into the intricate system of tunnels. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering used by Viet Cong guerrillas, providing a significant insight into the Vietnam War. You'll have the option to crawl through some sections (if comfortable).

  • Afterwards, enjoy tea and cassava (a staple food for guerrillas during the war).

  • Once the tour is complete, we will make our way back to the city.

  • Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta, Vietnam: River Life & Rural Charm

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

• Activities:

  • Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head towards Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta.

  • Our journey will include a fascinating boat trip along the Mekong River, during which we will visit a family-run business that exemplifies the idyllic rural lifestyle, such as a coconut candy workshop or brick kilns.

  • We will also have the opportunity to stroll through a lush fruit plantation village, sampling fresh local produce (seasonal).

  • Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 10: Mekong Delta → Chau Doc, Vietnam: Floating Market & River Journey

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

• Activities:

  • Around 6:30 AM, we pick you up to visit the Cai Rang floating market, the largest wholesale market of fruit and vegetables in the Mekong Delta, which is at its busiest at this time of the day.

  • Keep cruising through the small channels system and visit a rice noodle making village to see how this local staple is produced.

  • Experience the unique “Monkey Bridge” in the Delta (a traditional, often narrow, bamboo bridge).

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

  • We then head to Chau Doc, a border town known for its diverse communities and river life.

  • Overnight in Chau Doc.

CAMBODIA

Day 11: Chau Doc, Vietnam → Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Speedboat Crossing

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • After that, take a speed boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This scenic river journey offers a unique perspective on life along the Mekong.

  • Arrive at Sisowath tourist quay in Phnom Penh around 2:00 PM.

  • You'll be met by your Cambodian guide and transferred to your hotel.

  • The rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

  • Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 12: Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Tragic History & Royal Splendor

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

• Activities:

  • Morning: Visit the notorious Choeung Ek Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison), which serve as a powerful testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge (From 1975–1979). These sites offer a deep and moving insight into Cambodia's tragic past.

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Take some minutes for photo taking at the Independent Monument.

  • After that, visit the opulent Royal Palace, home to Cambodia’s Royal family, and its magnificent Silver Pagoda, renowned for its floor made of 5,000 silver tiles.

  • Continue your visit at The National Museum with its superb collection of Khmer art.

  • The last place to visit today is Wat Phnom, the most famous Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, located on a small hill.

  • Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Phnom Penh → Siem Reap, Cambodia: Flight to Angkor's Heart

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • You'll have leisure time until we transfer you to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) for your domestic flight to Siem Reap.

  • Afternoon: Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport (REP), you'll be transferred to your hotel.

  • The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting the Old Market or Pub Street.

  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Siem Reap, Cambodia: Explore the Angkor Complex

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Begin your exploration of the magnificent Angkor complex by visiting Angkor Thom, the ancient walled capital of the Khmer empire, including the iconic Bayon temple with its captivating smiling faces and the Terrace of the Elephants.

  • Then, continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a stunning temple complex famously left largely as it was found, with colossal trees and vegetation growing around and through its structures, creating a mystical atmosphere.

  • Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon: You will visit Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples in Angkor. Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs and architectural grandeur.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delightful buffet dinner accompanied by a captivating Khmer Traditional Dance Show (Apsara dance) at a local restaurant.

  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap, Cambodia: Explore Beng Mealea & Koh Ker

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Depart the city at 8:00 AM and head to Koh Ker, which takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will venture into the deserted ruins and surrounding forest to explore the Koh Ker temple complex, the former capital of the Angkorian empire during the years AD 928 to AD 944, offering a more secluded experience.

  • At 10:30 AM, you will drive back towards Siem Reap. On the way back, make stops at two famous temples: Prasat Neang Khmaw & Prasat Pram.

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

  • At 1:30 PM, visit Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and discover the wonders of this overgrown temple, which lay undiscovered for centuries, providing a truly adventurous and atmospheric experience.

  • You will then proceed to the last temple visit of the day, Banteay Srey, the “gem” of the Angkor area, known for its exquisite, intricate pink sandstone carvings.

  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 16: Siem Reap, Cambodia: Tonle Sap Lake & Local Crafts

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

• Activities:

  • Morning: Visit the Angkor National Museum at 7:30 AM to delve deeper into the history and art of the Khmer Empire.

  • After the museum, embark on a fascinating boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake for sightseeing. Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia and home to unique floating villages.

  • Leave the lake and head to downtown to visit Artisan’s D’angkor, a renowned carving art school, where you can observe young artisans creating intricate traditional crafts.

  • Continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a poignant pagoda with a memorial stupa dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.

  • Free Add-On: You will also have the opportunity to visit Preah Khan Temple. (Please note: This day can be quite full; feel free to adjust based on your energy levels and preferences).

  • Rest of the day is your leisure time in Siem Reap. Explore the town on your own, perhaps enjoying a traditional Khmer massage or Browse the night market.

  • Overnight in Siem Reap.

LAOS

Day 17: Siem Reap, Cambodia → Luang Prabang, Laos: Flight to Spiritual Capital

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Breakfast at your hotel.

  • We transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport (REP) for your international flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Please note that this flight will likely involve a layover (e.g., in Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City) and lunch will be provided either at a local restaurant or as a packed meal, depending on flight schedules.

  • Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), you will be met by your Laotian guide and transferred to your hotel.

  • Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 18: Luang Prabang, Laos: Mekong River Cruise & Temples

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, before enjoying a leisurely cruise up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, sacred limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues.

  • Stop at Ban Xanghai village to see local rice wine production.

  • Then, return to the city to visit Wat Sene and the stunning Wat Xiengthong temple with its intricate mosaics and traditional architecture.

  • Explore Heuan Chan, a 19th-century aristocratic mansion showcasing traditional Lao culture.

  • Enjoy authentic Lao coffee or tea.

  • End the day with a memorable sunset view from Phousi Hill, overlooking the city and Mekong River, and a visit to the vibrant Night Market featuring handmade textiles and local handicrafts.

  • Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 19: Luang Prabang, Laos: Community Farm & Kuang Si Waterfall

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

• Activities:

  • Begin your day with an immersive visit to a community-based rice farm near Luang Prabang, where you can engage in or observe rural farming activities amidst serene mountains and rice paddies.

  • Explore local artisan workshops and learn about traditional Laotian medicine through an organic garden tour.

  • In the afternoon, visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, featuring three tiers of cascades into beautiful azure pools—perfect for swimming and relaxation.

  • Followed by a brief stop at the Bear Rescue Center, housing rescued Asiatic black bears.

  • On the way back to town, visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center by the Mekong River, where you can witness traditional textile weaving.

  • Finally, return to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

  • Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 20: Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng, Laos: Leisure & High-Speed Train

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

• Activities:

  • Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

  • Spend your leisure time to explore Luang Prabang on your own, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping.

  • We then transfer you to the train station to take the modern speed train to Vang Vieng (journey time is approximately 1 hour), offering scenic views of the Laotian countryside.

  • Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, transfer to your hotel in town.

  • Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 21: Vang Vieng, Laos: Cave Exploration & Blue Lagoon

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng

• Activities:

  • After breakfast, drive 14 km north to Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) on the Nam Song River, a significant Buddhist temple named for its unique limestone formations.

  • Explore the nearby Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) with its deep, winding corridors and impressive limestone formations, followed by a visit to Loop Cave and its stunning stalagmites.

  • At Tham Nam (Water Cave), enjoy a unique experience of tubing through the clear, cool waters.

  • Then, trek approximately 2 km to the Hmong village of Phathao through rice paddies and gardens, before returning to Vang Vieng.

  • In the afternoon, visit Tham Pou Kham (Golden Crab Cave) and the nearby Blue Lagoon for relaxation and a refreshing swim.

  • Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 22: Vang Vieng → Vientiane, Laos: Rural Insights & Capital City

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • Morning: Explore the local market to experience everyday life in a typical Lao rural area.

  • After breakfast, visit Tham Jang Cave, historically used as a refuge from Chinese invaders, offering historical context and views.

  • Then drive to Tham Nangfa (Angel Cave) to marvel at its impressive limestone formations and unique stalactites.

  • Enjoy some relaxation at the Blue Lagoon before departing Vang Vieng for Vientiane, the charming capital city on the Mekong River, known for its blend of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences.

  • Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 23: Vientiane, Laos: City Tour & Buddha Park

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

• Activities:

  • We start by visiting the serene Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest standing temple, followed by Wat Phra Keo, which houses a remarkable collection of Lao and Khmer art.

  • Afterward, we visit COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise), an association supporting landmine victims, providing insight into the impact of UXOs from the American/Vietnam War.

  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

  • In the afternoon, we explore the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, offering panoramic views from its top, and Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos and a national symbol.

  • We then drive out of the city to visit the unique Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) with its numerous religious sculptures, before returning to the city.

  • Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 24: Vientiane, Laos: Leisure & Departure

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Breakfast at your hotel.

  • Enjoy your leisure time to explore the city on your own, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs or revisiting a favorite spot.

  • When the time has come, you will be transferred to Wattay International Airport (VTE) for your departure flight, concluding your incredible "Essentials of Southeast Asia" journey.

Important Notes