Highlights of Laos - Vietnam - Cambodia 15 days
Indochina is one of the most culturally interesting and diverse areas in the world, with tourists travelling from all four corners of the globe to uncover its secrets. It seems to many that Cambodia, Vietnam AND Laos are untouched by the modern era, locked in a timeless state. Each has fascinating cultures and histories waiting to be explored. With so much to see, it’s hard to decide which are the most important sites to cover on one trip to Indochina. Being with us in a 15 day trip to explore all highlights and “Must See” of the region.
Day 1: Luang Prabang On Arrival (Meals:N/A)
Welcome to Luang Prabang! On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to check in at the hotel.
After a soft rest at the hotel, you can join the city tour to discover Luang Prabang.
The tour starts with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a superb piece of Lao temple architecture. The temple presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. If we have enough time, we will walk around the small streets of the city center, visit the traditional house of Heuan Chan, the Chantal wooden house dating back to 100 years old, and watch the life of local people.
Following is the visit to Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
In the late afternoon, you can climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to see the sacred, gilded stupa as well as enjoy the panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
After that, we can have a welcome dinner at the local restaurant with the traditional dance and folk song, which is the best chance to experience the local culture.
The last stop of the tour is the famous Night Market, where you can shop for handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Night 1: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Luang Prabang center.
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves (Meals: B,L)
Today, you will need to wake up early to join the daily morning alms giving, the most sacred tradition of Laos, which dates to the 14th century. There are more than 200 Buddhist monks departing from various temples to gather their daily meals from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
After that, we will head to the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace to see the local people bartering their day’s catch from rice to vegetable, fish, or chicken.
Returning to the hotel, you can enjoy breakfast before continuing the city tour today.
On the tour, we will visit Wat Sen, the city’s oldest temple, then embark on the leisurely cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside. The next destination is the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a 16th-century cave monastery filled with thousands of Buddha images.
On the back to the hotel, we will stop at Ban Muang Keo, a well-known village for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling, Wat Mai, and Wat Visoun, which are among the best temples in Luang Prabang.
Our last stop today is the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.
Night 2: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Luang Prabang center.
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Kuangsi Waterfall - Vientiane (Meals:B)
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Kuang Si waterfall, the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang. This waterfall has three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. There are pools, so many tourists can swim.
After visiting the waterfall, you can take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.
On the way to return Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 APR – 30 JUN; 01-14 SEP, 01 JAN every year), visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, a beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.
Night 3: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Vientiane city center.
Day 4: Vientiane - Buddha Park City Tour (Meals:B,L)
In the morning, we will visit Wat Si Muang, the most popular site of worship in Vientiane. Then, head to Buddha Park to see the enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow. At the park, there are about 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe.
In the afternoon, we visit the major sights of the capital including Wat Sisaket temple which has thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.
On the way back to the hotel, we visit That Luang Stupa, the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, enjoy the spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset.
Night 4: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Vientiane city center.
Day 5: Vientiane - Hanoi (Meals:B)
You are free in Vientiane before taking the departure flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, your tour guide will be waiting at Hanoi international airport for the transfer to the city center to check-in. The hotel room is ready after 14:00 hrs, and an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge.
The rest of the day is at leisure, or you can join our optional tour to explore Hanoi such as Hanoi Street Food Tour or Hanoi Cooking Class Half Day.
Night 5: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Hanoi old quarter.
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay (Meals:B,L,D)
Get picked up from your hotel for the overnight cruise.
After about 2.5 hours, you will reach Halong Bay. Embarking on the boat, you will be welcome by the crew staff, check in the cabin, then have delicious seafood lunch on the cruise.
After lunch and a short break, you can take a guided excursion to Sung Sot Grotto (Surprise Grotto) and a floating village (Depending on the cruise itinerary).
In the afternoon, you can join other adventures including kayaking (optional and surcharge applies) or swimming (weather permitting).
Getting back the boat, you will join a Vietnamese fresh spring roll demonstration on the sun deck, Happy hour with complimentary canapés at the sun deck bar. Dinner is a scrumptious international buffet available at the restaurant of the cruise.
After dinner, there is an evening Movie show on the sun deck.
Night 6: Overnight in 3* Halong Junk Boat.
Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi (Meals:B,L)
You might start your 2nd day in Halong with an early tai-chi class, or simply wake up and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay.
Breakfast is served a bit later, with tea and bread, while the vessels continue cruising through rock islands and returning to base. Reaching the port, our transfer (share/private) is waiting to bring you to Hanoi on another 3.5 hours journey. Check in hotel and overnight in Hanoi.
Night 7: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Hanoi old quarter.
Day 8: Half day Hanoi City tour - Da Nang - Hoi An (Meals:B,L)
Today, you will join the Hanoi city tour for half-day, then take the flight to Danang. (The routes can change subject to the client’s interest).
On the city tour, you will visit many famous tourist attractions including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples, the mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from June -August).
Lastly, we visit picturesque West Lake and its sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. The pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.
At the end of the tour, we stop at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant for lunch.
Your journey continues southbound with a flight to Danang, a young and dynamic hub of the central region. Upon arrival at the airport, the tour guide picks up you and transfers you to the hotel in Hoian center. Free time to explore Hoian. Spend overnight at the hotel in Hoian.
Night 8: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Hoi An Ancient town
Day 9: Half day Hoi An Ancient Town tour - road transfer to Hue (Meals:B)
In the morning, join a half-day excursion to explore the city.
We will wander along old streets, cross several old houses, visit some of the ancient monuments including the Japanese Covered Bridge or Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese, witness how historical elements of the town merge with modernity, and see how the daily lives of local people are.
After that, you can stop at a street-side shop to enjoy a cold glass of traditional herbal drink, enjoy the true taste of Hoi An on your tongue. If we have enough time, we will also pass by a handicraft store to see the creation of the most notable souvenirs in town, and buy some to bring back to your hometown.
In the afternoon, the shuttle bus picks up you at the hotel in Hoian, then travels to Hue, the former Imperial City of the last dynasty of Vietnam, where many historic, cultural, architectural as well as artistic values have been recognized internationally and listed by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritages. There are many stops on the way for taking a photo with the Marble Mountains, caves, temples, shrines, pagodas. You also have the chance to have a great view of the surrounding area.
Arrival in Hue will be in the late afternoon. Check-in the hotel, and have leisure time.
Night 9: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Hue city center
Day 10: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (Meals:B)
In the morning, join the Hue city tour
You will take a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda or Heavenly Lady pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.
After that, we travel to the Imperial Citadel, which is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River covering an area of 500 ha. The citadel has a system of three circles of ramparts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel), and has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Your next stop will be at Dong Ba market which is the main resource of food for Hue city including the palaces, hospitals, army camps, dormitories of the national universities, and local inhabitants.
In the late afternoon, you will take another domestic flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling and vibrating economic center of the South. Check in your hotel and have free time in the evening to explore the city.
Night 10: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city center
Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels and City tour (Meals:B,L)
In the morning, you will drive 55 km out of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi District for the tour in Cu Chi tunnel. The tunnels are famous for the amazing complex of underground tunnels. There is more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and other tunnels. Visiting the tunnels, you have the opportunity to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels.
Have lunch on the way back to Hanoi.
In the afternoon, visit the most significant landmarks including the Opera House, the Town Hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the old Post Office to gain an insight into the city’s development. All these magnificent sights are from the French colonial period.
The last stop of the tour is the famous Ben Thanh Market, where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones.
Night 11: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city center
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (Meals:B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and time at leisure. Check-out time is at 12:00.
Free day in Ho Chi Minh City, you can join our interesting optional excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City, such as our Good Morning Saigon Tour (at surcharge).
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight to Siem Reap.
Meet upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel. The room is ready after 14:00.
Night 12: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Sieam Reap city center
Day 13: Siem Reap - Ta Prohm - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat (Meals:B,L,D)
In the morning, we will visit the jungle Ta Prohm Temple, which used to be the location to film the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. We will start from the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, then the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon, we explore Angkor Wat, the most famous temple on the plain of Angkor. The complex includes distinctive five towers emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Late afternoon, we enjoy the wonderful view of the sunset from Angkor Wat or somewhere possible.
Night 13: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Sieam Reap city center
Day 14: Free at leisure in Siem Reap (Meals:B)
Free time for discovering the City on your own. You can join our optional tour such as Tonle Sap Lake Half Day & Siem Reap Zipline Half Day
Night 14: Overnight in 3* Hotel in Sieam Reap city center
Day 15: Siem Reap Departure (Meals:B)
Free until transfer to Siem Reap International airport for boarding home sweet home or next destination.
Price USD 2355 per person