Excellent
Inside Indochina
Take an exciting journey through Indochina. Discover enchanting Laos with its Buddhist temples and beautiful scenery, uncover the highlights of Vietnam such as Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong before travelling to the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, to explore iconic Angkor Wat.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.
Tour Overview
Duration
21 daysStarts
VientianeEnds
Siem ReapRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
SundaysHotel Rating
4 starCountries
Cambodia, Laos, VietnamArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 20, Lunch: 6, Dinner: 4Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Vientiane
Day 1 - Vientiane
Sunday. Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer from Vientiane airport and hotel check in. The rest of the day is free to relax and spend at leisure
Day 2 - Vientiane city tour
Day 2 - Vientiane city tour
After breakfast we explore the charming capital of Laos on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket - the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and the Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit to the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner beside the Mekong River.
Day 3 - Vang Vieng
Day 3 - Vang Vieng
Vientiane – Vang Vieng. We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng, peaceful village of Vang Vieng, situated on a curve of the Nam Song River. In the afternoon, we cross the Nam Song River and venture to the other side, traversing a picturesque, unpaved route that winds through the Vang Vieng countryside, passing small villages and rice fields. This journey leads us to the blue lagoon and the Tham Pou Kham cave. The striking landscape, with its towering karst rock formations between Vang Vieng and the blue lagoon, is a sight to behold and makes the trip truly worthwhile. Inside the cave, we find a maze of chambers, galleries, and crevices adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, and the air inside is cool and damp. Following our exploration of the cave, we descend to the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax, swim, or simply unwind in the refreshing waters.
Day 4 - Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village
Day 4 - Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang. This morning we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang once used by the local people as a hideout during Chinese invasions. Then we head to Ban Huai Ngai village to gain an insight into local life before making our way further north to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang.
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
Day 5 - Luang Prabang
Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then we hop on a vintage Tuk-tuk to explore the old quarter of Luang Prabang, visiting the bustling Morning Market, magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple and the former Royal Palace, which is now a national museum.
This afternoon we visit the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall, stopping en route to visit some ethnic minority villages, meeting the locals and gaining a fascinating insight into the local culture.
Days 6-7 - Living Land Farm Experience
Days 6-7 - Living Land Farm Experience
Luang Prabang - Hanoi (Vietnam). We head out of town to a local farm to learn about rice production. After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine. Returning to Luang Prabang we stop at Ban Phanom village - known for its hand weaving, before boarding our evening flight to Hanoi. Day 7 offers free time for you to explore Vietnam’s capital, or better still, why not opt to get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.
Day 8 - Halong Bay cruise
Day 8 - Halong Bay cruise
Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.
This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 9 - Hanoi Old Quarter
Day 9 - Hanoi Old Quarter
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.
Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.
Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Day 10 - Imperial Hue
Day 10 - Imperial Hue
Arriving to Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.
In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings and here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets take an optional cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night or enjoy some retail therapy at Dong Ba Market.
Day 11 - Road of the Ocean Clouds
Day 11 - Road of the Ocean Clouds
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach and visit peaks of the Marble Mountain. Reaching the summit of Thuy Son Mountain (Mountain of Water), we enter the naturally formed grottoes-cum- Buddhist sanctuaries. The enormous cathedral like Huyen Khrong cave is illuminated by shards of light and the towering seated Buddha carved from the rock face is spectacular.
Onward to Hoi An. The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.
On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Day 12 - Tra Que village
Day 12 - Tra Que village
A scenic bicycle ride into the countryside leads us to Tra Que village this morning (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands on experience today where we’ll don conical hats and assist with tending the fields. Then we'll enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration and help to cook a tasty lunch.
Day 13 - Hoi An - your way
Day 13 - Hoi An - your way
A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. Alternatively you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).
Day 14 - Cruising the Mekong Delta
Day 14 - Cruising the Mekong Delta
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we’ll cruise through the maze of waterways visiting local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Day 15 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we will see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 16 - Cu Chi Tunnels & Phnom Penh
Day 16 - Cu Chi Tunnels & Phnom Penh
Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation’s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions.
Day 17 - Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng
Day 17 - Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng
Today we’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. The National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, houses the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds.
We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Tuol Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed.
Day 18 - Angkor National Museum & Angkor Wat
Day 18 - Angkor National Museum & Angkor Wat
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap.
After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century.
This afternoon we explore iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. The centrepiece of any visit to the temples around Siem Reap, Angkor Wat provides plenty of incredible photo opportunities.
Day 19 - Angkor Thom & NGO circus project
Day 19 - Angkor Thom & NGO circus project
Early this morning you can opt to return to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Later we drive out to see the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary an the village of Preak Dak where we support a community tree planting initiative along the way. After we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, it is home to the fascinating Bayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King.
We continue on to Tra Prohm Temple, which unlike the other temples here has been left in the same ruined state that it was first discovered in with a tangle of trees growing out of its ruins. Tonight we attend the wonderful Phare Cambodian Circus - an NGO project that teaches children living on the streets how to become talented circus artists.
Day 20 - Tonle Sap Lake
Day 20 - Tonle Sap Lake
This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. After a boat trip on the lake we return to Siem Reap for free time. Pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street.
Note: Between Feb - July the water levels at Kompong Phluk village maybe too low to go boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village where it will still be possible to go boating. Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 21 - Siem Reap
Day 21 - Siem Reap
Saturday. Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation Siem Reap
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation Vientiane
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
The streets of Hoi An are jam packed with scooters, so if you want to experience Hoi An's nightlife the way locals do, then jump on a vintage Vespa to explore some of the city’s popular local haunts and tuck into lots of tasty Vietnamese cuisine.
$245
per passengerOpt to fly between Hanoi and Hue on any of our group tours, in lieu of the Reunification Express overnight train journey. After exploring the 36 streets of the old quarter by rickshaw, it's a one hour flight to Hue, where you'll enjoy a comfy bed for the night. The following morning enjoy a lie in and a leisurely breakfast before rendezvousing with your tour group mid-morning.
$305
per passengerGet off the beaten track with a backstreets tour of Hanoi before your main tour of Vietnam begins. Travelling by various modes of transport including a taxi-motorbike, explore the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc. Have a delicious local lunch before visiting the Temple of Literature and the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Ending the day with a refreshing roadside beer.
$145
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews