The best of Indochina

Xin Chao and welcome to the traditional and cultural heart of Vietnam. Upon arrival to Hanoi, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Our half-day tour will begin this afternoon at the heart and literal center of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Hanoi city center by discovering the beauty and special role the area plays in Vietnamese history and culture by visiting Ngọc Sơn Temple and viewing the “Turtle Tower”.

Continuing on, you will visit the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its propensity for its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature.

This tour ends in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free for you to explore on your own.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Start your morning by diving into the history of Hanoi by visiting Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Hanoi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.

Afterwards, visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam. The mausoleum is closed every October and November, as well as every Monday and Friday throughout the year.

After lunch, enjoy a gentle stroll between West and Truc Bach Lake to the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, before stopping at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for those who want more in-depth information.  (Closed on Mondays)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Following breakfast, head 2.5 hours east to Halong Bay. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and newly nominated as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay’s otherworldly atmosphere and landscape of emerald green waters, sandy beaches, and thousands of towering limestone karst islands are sure to leave you speechless.

Check into your cabin as we embark on an overnight cruise to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations, a visit to a floating fishing village, kayaking and swimming, depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather.

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner. Try your hand at squid fishing in the evening or perhaps watch a film or stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bhaya Premium Cruises

Good Morning Vietnam from Halong Bay! Start the morning with some tai chi on the sundeck as the sun rises, and munch on a light breakfast before participating in a cave visit.

Brunch will be served after the cave tour, which gives you time to savor the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock.

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short 80-minute flight to the charming city of Hoi An.

Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening in this charming city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is a very cute and well-preserved town, known for its importance in Vietnam’s history as a major port city from the 15th to 19th century.

Take a walking tour through the ancient town, admiring the diverse architecture styles, ranging from wooden Chinese shops to grand French colonial houses, traditional Vietnamese “tube” houses and the iconic Japanese covered bridge. The city is also famous for its many brightly colored and delicately painted lanterns which hang in droves on many different shop walls and doors.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free for you to explore. Check out the wide variety of tailors available throughout the city, shop for ready-made clothing, shoes, bags, quilts, accessories and souvenirs, or sip tea in charming tea houses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An

Drive up the sun-drenched coastline of Vietnam along one of the country’s most famous roads, the Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass to the ancient imperial capital of Hue, stopping along the way at Linh Ung Pagoda to admire the impressive panoramic views of cliffs, beaches, lagoons, and the sea.

Upon arrival to Hue, enjoy a delicious lunch and check into the hotel before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of Emperor Ming Mang, closely resembling that of Chinese architecture, sporting impressive buildings surrounded by picturesque landscape including lakes, gardens, flowers and trees.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Dive further into the history of Vietnam by visiting the ancient citadel plus two additional tombs of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover. Although the ancient citadel was badly damaged by the Vietnamese-American War, it is still possible to catch a glimpse of what used to exist here hundreds of years ago in the Forbidden Purple City.

Compare and contrast the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh, one constructed from 1864-1867 with a landscape dominated by a large lake and rustic architecture while the other designed as a hybrid of European and Vietnamese beauty standards.

Transfer to Hue Airport for a short evening flight of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the modern, cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

Drive 1.5 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City to experience one of the most powerful symbols of the city and its recent history, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Squeeze through this extensive network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong to combat the better-supplied American and South Vietnamese forces, remembering the recent tragedy of war in Vietnam and the hardships many locals faced in this time period.

After lunch, browse the exhibits of the War Remnants Museum and view the former Presidential Palace, which can be viewed from the outside only on certain days.
End the day by visiting colonial Saigon with stops at the photogenic Old Saigon Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street (formerly known as Rue Catinat), the Continental House, City Hall, and of course, the Opera House.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel

Settle in for a 2-hour car ride this morning to the small town of Ben Tre where we will board our day- cruise to explore the Mekong River Delta, the rice bowl of Asia. Enjoy the landscapes of fertile fields showcasing Vietnam’s natural riches and resources of lush, bright green rice paddies on board the boat while snapping photos of the maze of rivers, mangroves, islands, and swamps.

End the Mekong discovery with a trip on a  sampan, a smaller traditional rowing boat, to better explore the narrow waterways of the Mekong tributaries.

The tour concludes at your hotel, the Nam Bo Boutique in Can Tho, the biggest city in the Mekong Delta. Take a bicycle and cruise along the beautiful backwaters or soak up the sun from your boutique hotel along the Mekong River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Nam Bo Boutique Hotel

Start your morning in Can Tho, a charming city affectionately called “the river of poems”, and travel by a small breakfast cruise to Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest of the many floating markets in the area. Shop for delicious, juicy produce and local wares before returning to land and proceeding to Chau Doc by car.

On the way to Chau Doc, make a stop at the otherworldly scenes at Tra Su Forest, a marshland surrounded by mangroves and cajeput trees. A small rowing boat takes you through the narrow swamp lanes slowly, giving you many opportunities to spot the wildlife that call this enchanted forest their home.

Upon completion of the tour, journey the remaining 20 km to the small town Chau Doc, made immortal by the writer Marguerite Duras in her many books written about her time growing up when Vietnam was part of French Indochina under colonial rule.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

Savor your last Vietnamese breakfast before checking out of your hotel and transferring to t to the capital of the Kingdom of Wonder, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by speedboat.

Stroll along the Sisowath Quay Riverwalk and enjoy the wide boulevards flanked by leafy palm trees on either side until we reach the Royal Palace, gleaming in all of its golden glory. As it is the official residence of the King and Queen of Cambodia, most of the complex is off-limits; however, there is still plenty of opportunity to visit famous sites such as the Throne, Moonlight Pavilion, and of course, the Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and 90 kg solid gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds and jewels.

As the sun begins to set, board your riverboat for a stunning sunset dinner and cocktail cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: La Rose Suites

This morning learn about the recent dark history of Cambodia by visiting the infamous sites left from Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Take time to understand the tragedy at one of the most infamous Killing Fields, Chuong Ek. Just one of the 20,000 mass grave sites found within the country, Chuong Ek is now a Buddhist memorial to the estimated 17,000 men, women, and children who were slaughtered here between 1975 and 1979.

After your visit finishes, journey back to Phnom Penh and stop at Tuol Sleng Prison, a former school-turned torture center and only 1 of the 150 execution centers used by the Khmer Rouge regime. Nowadays, it is a Genocide Museum dedicated to the victims and survivors and holds many artifacts kept by the Khmer Rouge such as photographs, clothing, preserved prison cells and other items.

After lunch, the rest of your day is free to discover the city on your own. For those that love history, the National Museum of Cambodia, which holds the world’s leading collection of Khmer art and sculptures and Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple built in 1373 and the founding site of the city, are perfect ways to spend the afternoon while shoppers can visit the Russian Market or Phsar Thmei to peruse the local wares.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: La Rose Suites

This morning settle in for a scenic drive through the Cambodian countryside to Battambang. On route, make a pit stop at Phnom Oudong, a former royal capital from 1618 to 1866, until it had several international setbacks by the Thai, Americans, and Khmer Rouge.

Visit Oudong Mountain for the amazing panoramic views of the surrounding scenery below before departing for Kampong Chhnang, a small town renowned for its traditional pottery. Take time to peruse the local artwork in Angdong Russey Village and the marble stone carvings in Pursat Village.

Arrive to Battambang in the late afternoon, where the rest of the evening is free for your rest and relaxation in Cambodia’s second biggest city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Bambu Battambang Hotel

Explore the provincial city of Battambang, a traveler’s favorite in Cambodia. Enjoy a leisurely walk to view some of the French colonial architecture, such as Psar Nath, the central public market, the elegant post office, a converted French villa-turned bank, and the Lord Governor’s Palace, before stopping at the Battambang Provincial Museum to peruse local artifacts.

Lunch at Jaan Bai, a restaurant run by the Cambodia Children Trust Organization that helps orphans and street children learn a vocation.

In the afternoon, enjoy the highlight of the town, a ride on the iconic, rickety bamboo train before finishing the day at Phnom Banan, an Angkorian-styled temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Bambu Battambang Hotel

Experience the most gorgeous boat trip in the country as your comfortable private boat whisks you away from Battambang to the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap.

Depending on the river’s level, the ride can last anywhere from 5-8 hours, allowing you ample time to observe the daily lives of the local people along these remarkable waterways. Voyage out onto the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and visit a floating fishing village to observe the daily local life.

Arrive to Siem Reap in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Free evening at leisure to explore the town’s small, cute city center.

Please note between March and July the journey may be done by car or flight if the river’s water levels are too low.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Meet Cambodia’s epic past with a tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park. One of the most important historical sites in the entire region of Southeast Asia, the City of Temples will surely amaze and astound even the most experienced traveller.

Begin at Angkor Thom, famous for its carved faces pointing out in either direction on top of massive, 75 ft (23 m) towers.Within is the mysterious Bayon Temple, the Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia, located at the exact center of Angkor Thom, with a total of 216 carved faces.

Stops will also include the Elephant Terrace, the Leper Terrace, before moving on to the popular Ta Prohm, recognizable from the film Tomb Raider.

Lastly, in the hot afternoon sun, gaze at the magnificent Angkor Wat. This masterpiece is the largest city in the Angkor Park and is considered one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world due to its perfect composition, balance and artistic design.

Behold the unsurpassed beauty as the sun slowly sets behind Angkor Wat, and then return to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Enjoy your last day in Cambodia with a day free for your leisure. Siem Reap is home to many great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and spa treatments to indulge in.

An afternoon flight lasts about 90-minutes to the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos.

Arrive in the evening to Luang Prabang, a beautiful town famous for its blend of local and colonial culture and architecture. Surrounded by the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the city center is an easy place to stroll and admire the simple and classic beauty of both natural and man-made creations. Check into the romantic Satri House boutique hotel and revel in the attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Start the morning with a visit to some of the most important temples in Luang Prabang, most notably Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, the Melon Stupa and Wat Aham.

After the temple visits, take a scenic 1-hour drive south through dense forest to visit the magical Kuang Si Waterfalls. Take a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip into the turquoise waters after enjoying a packed picnic lunch.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at a colourful ethnic Hmong Village to learn about one of the 49 recognized ethnic groups in the area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Learn why Laos is called the land of a million elephants with a trip to the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center just outside of Luang Prabang. Meet Asian elephants and hear personal stories of how they have been rescued from abusive situations while getting to know them through feedings, baths, and play-time.

Enjoy a lunch at the camp before visiting Pak Ou Caves, a spiritual site where over 1000 Buddha images are kept.

Return to Luang Prabang by slow boat, stopping along the way to visit the Lao Whisky Village to see the process of how villagers make the potent Lau Lao, a special type of whiskey made from rice.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Rise before the sun and take part in the iconic tradition of Luang Prabang, offering alms to a long line of monks in dusky saffron robes at Ban Vat Sean. After the ceremony, return to the hotel to have your own breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Stop by the Royal Palace, nowadays a museum, with a wonderful collection of crown jewels, antique cars, royal objects and weapons, artwork and more.

Upon completion of your visit to the Royal Palace, transfer to the airport for your onward booked travel.

Meals: Breakfast