Enjoy the best of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia on our most comprehensive tour of Indochina. This diverse itinerary samples the wide ranging culture, history and geography of this fascinating region. From Sapa’s impressive rice terraces to the beautiful Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, this tour has it all.
NB: This tour includes some hiking over steep terrain whilst in Sapa.
Days 1-2 : UK – Saigon
Fly overnight to Saigon via Hong Kong.
Day 3 : Saigon
Sightseeing today includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French-style Post Office. We also visit Cholon (Chinatown), Thien Hau Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.
Day 4 : Mekong Delta day tour
Travel to My Tho and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to explore the delta, also known as the ‘Rice Basket’ of Vietnam. Visit floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations as well as Thoi Son Island and Vinh Trang Pagoda. The Mekong Delta is primarily rural; however, it is the most densely populated area in Vietnam. Life revolves around the river as people live, trade and travel along the river. The area’s rich and fertile lands are perfect for growing rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. The Mekong Delta gives a perfect glimpse into how life once was. Later, return to Saigon.
Day 5 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh day tour
Visit the famous tunnel system at Cu Chi and then attend the noon service at the Cao Dai Temple, which is one of the most striking structures in Asia.
Day 6 : Saigon – Hoi An
Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An stopping at the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach en-route.
Days 7-8 : Hoi An
Enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An and visit one of the oldest homes, which is still occupied by the descendants of the merchants that built it over 200 years ago. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure to visit the renowned tailors, stroll through the local markets or relax in a riverside café.
Day 9 : Hoi An – Hue
Drive over the Hai Van Pass, which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the central coastline. Continue to Hue, the former historic capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty and enjoy a cyclo tour to the Imperial Citadel - the centrepiece of the royal empire which was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. We also take a boat trip on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. In the evening, take part in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes designed for the Royal Courts.
Day 10 : Hue – Hanoi
Visit the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs. Later, fly to Hanoi to visit the Ethnology Museum. We also enjoy an evening performance of the famous Water Puppets.
Day 11 : Hanoi – Sapa
Sightseeing today includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and drive around Hoan Kiem Lake. Later, we board the overnight train to Sapa.
Days 12-13 : Sapa – Hanoi
We arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. Sapa is surrounded with breathtaking scenery of mountain ranges, sweeping rice terraces and is home to the many ethnic minorities including the H’mong and Dao people. Over the next two days, we explore the local area including the many colourful markets, the different minority villages, spectacular valleys and fine examples of tribal architecture. Later, we board the overnight train to Hanoi.
Days 14-15 : Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Drive to Halong Bay, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam. Relax and enjoy seafood meals onboard. Stay overnight on the traditionally designed junk boat and continue cruising between the nearby islands the following day. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions and features more than 3,000 limestone karsts rising from the Gulf of Tonkin dotted with caves, grottoes, reefs, forests and lakes. Later, return to Hanoi in the afternoon, driving through the Red River Delta.
Day 16 : Hanoi – Luang Prabang
Fly to Luang Prabang and enjoy a walking tour of visiting Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoune. We also climb Phousi Hill to see the panoramic view over the city.
Day 17 : Luang Prabang
We rise early to watch 'Tabak'; a Buddhist ceremony where monks receive food in small baskets, which is also known as 'alms ritual'. We then enjoy a cruise along the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves. We also visit the local village of an Ban Xang Khong.
Day 18 : Luang Prabang
Sightseeing today includes a visit to the National Museum, Kuang Si Waterfalls, H'mong village at Ban Na Ouane and a Khmou village at Ban Tha Pen. In the evening, we witness a Baci Ceremony at a local house.
Day 19 : Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
Drive to Vang Vieng, visiting Phoukhoune, Ban Houn and Kasi en-route. We then head to the village of Pathang for a cruise along the Nam Song River.
Day 20 : Vang Vieng – Vientiane
Explore the Tham Chang Caves before continuing to Vientiane, where we visit Pha That Luang Stupa and Patuxai Victory Monument. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner and Lao dance show.
Day 21 : Vientiane
Sightseeing today includes visits to Thongkhankham Market, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, Talat Sao and Buddha Park.
Day 22 : Vientiane – Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh and visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the striking Emerald Buddha and the National Museum.
Day 23 : Phnom Penh
Sightseeing today includes a visit of the Aspara Association, where poor children are taught how to play and dance to traditional music.
Day 24 : Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap and visit Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei and East Mebon temples. We also climb to the summit of Pre Rup Temple at sunset for a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.
Day 25 : Siem Reap
Drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate and continue to The Bayon, beautifully carved with numerous striking faces, followed by a visit to the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the magnificent Angkor Wat.
Day 26 : Siem Reap
Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap and visit a floating village (Aug to Feb) or visit Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva (Mar to Jul). Then continue to the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor, which has been swallowed by the jungle. The temple is cloaked in dappled light, its crumbling towers and walls locked in the embrace of a vast root system of enormous fig trees and giant creepers.
Days 27-28 : Siem Reap – UK
Fly overnight to the UK via Bangkok, arriving home the following day filled with many happy memories.
Included in the price:
- All international airfares
- All domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
- All accommodation
- All meals
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
- Visa fees for UK passport holders (except Laos)