Vietnam Laos Thailand Tour 17 days: Mekong Upstream in depth

This "Vietnam Laos Thailand Tour 17 days: Mekong Upstream in depth" itinerary is a journey upstream along the Mekong River from Vietnam to the Houeisay border between Laos and Thailand, allowing you to get to know the nature and culture of these countries in 17 days

17 days 16 nights

Vietnam

Multi-Country Tours

Attractions

Can Tho - Siem Reap - Stung Treng - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Kampong Thom - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Kratie - Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang - Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai - Sai Gon

Duration

17 days 16 nights

Code

SE-V78

Type of tour

Private tour

Overview

Welcome to our Vietnam Laos Thailand Tour 17 days: Mekong Upstream in depth!

Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the world, which has its source in the icy wastes of the eastern Tibetan plateau. It flows south and east, through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, emptying into the South China Sea through a wide delta south of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The trip is journey upstream along Mekong River from Vietnam to the Houeisay border between Laos and Thailand.

After one day to explore the dynamic city Sai Gon and Cu Chi Tunnels, driving to Cai Be, Can Tho and then to Chau Doc at border between Vietnam & Cambodia. Here you will see colorful floating markets with goods as fruits, vegetables and can take part in to bargain and buy something you like, in additional wander amongst tropical orchards and taste fresh seasonal fruits. Before taking speedboat across the border to Phnom Penh, spending one night in Chau Doc which is pleasant town near the Cambodia border, the highlight site is Sam Mountain which has reasonable views over the surrounds.

Take speedboat across the border gate to Phnom Penh, which is a beautiful city with a stunning colonial heritage, a gorgeous riverside promenade featuring a glittering palace, and a great selection of restaurants. Continuing upstream to Siem Reap, you will have chance to explore the daily life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere along two river banks. Siem Reap is famous for giant Angkor complex and others ancient temples. It is great feelings to see Angkor Wat in the sunrise and sunset.

Leaving the mystery Angkor, sailing traditional boat up to discover the Northeastern Cambodia to visit Kampong Thom, set on the Stung Sen river, this backwater town is also the jumping off point for visiting Sambor Prei Kuk - ruins from the Chenla period predating the famed Angkorian temples to the north, then to Kratie is home of Irrawaddy Mekong River Dolphin and visit the ancient houses and villages of people in Stung Treng.

The next journey in Khong Island of the Southern Laos, is very famous for karst lime stones as well as Khone Pakbeng Waterfall and Li Phi Waterfall. Fly to Luang Prabang, with its glittering temples, saffron-robed monks, and sleepy riverine lifestyle. Finally, end the cruise up from Luang Prabang to Houeisay - the border Laos and Thailand.

Highlights

Gain an insight into recent history with visits to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum & visit the amazing Cu Chi tunnels.
Spend a day cruising the canals and wandering the shady lanes of the Mekong Delta.
Take a interesting speedboat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap to see the scenic scenery of the Cambodian rural life-style along the riverbank.
Discover the civilization of Khmer Rouge through the giant Angkor Complex.
Visit Sambor Prei Kuk's temples, certainly the most beautiful examples of the art Pre-Angkorian of the VII century
Have chance to see Irrawaddy Mekong River Dolphin in Kratie.
Across the border to Khong Island of Laos to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape and waterfalls.
Take in the best sites & off the beaten track places from the monasteries & fading colonial architecture of Luang Prabang.
Overnight at Pakbeng Lodge in Pakbeng, a lively village situated at the junction of the Mekong River and the small Nam Beng River
Have an good chance to learn about interesting culture and a colorful history of The Hmong & Thai in Houeisay.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, welcome by Asia King Travel's guide and transfer to the hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafes. If time permits, we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

Morning we departure for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Return to HCM for lunch. Afternoon we will visit some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! Overnight at the hotel in HCM

Departure from the hotel at 8:00am.Your first introduction to the countryside of Vietnam and also the rice basket of the country. Arriving at the Vinh Trang Buddhist pagoda (built in 1849), view its antique wood carved statues of this well-preserved temple. Take a unique opportunity to see the process of making rice noodle in a typical village in the countryside. Arrival Cai Be you will visit a local workshop to see how they make pop rice and pop corn. Cai be floating market a unique opportunity to see trading and commerce on the vast waterways. After weaving through the lush greenery of the Mekong River you will arrive on An Binh Island in Vinh Long to visit with the local people and beautiful collection of Bonsai. Visit the fascinating collection of tropical fruit trees and flowers nursery of Mr. Tam Ho. Depending on the day you can see the local boat building, the local production of bricks and earth ware in the area. Enjoy a local lunch on the island. Continue cruising to Vinh Long. Pick up and drive to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho

Another discovery in the Mekong Delta: the floating markets. You will wake up early to visit the floating market of Cai Rang where a great variety of fruits and vegetables found in the region are sold. From Can Tho, you will travel the colorful road to the bustling river town of Chau Doc. Take a short trip to the SamMountain for impressive views over Cambodia and the Delta before enjoying some local cuisine. Overnight at the hotel in Chau Doc

This morning we will have a boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh departing at 8am. The boat takes us along the Mekong River. It continues on to the Vietnamese (Vinh Xuong) - Cambodian (Kaom Samnar) border and then to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. Arrival transfer to hotel in Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia. A visit to Phnom Penh is a very interesting experience indeed. It is a city with an interesting pulse and it gives you a very true taste of Asia. We will visit the Wats Phnom, National museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, you will check out your room and transfer to Siem Reap. On the way, you will visit Sambor Preykuk in Kampong Thom. The most impressive group of temples which consists of about 200 temples of the pre-Angkorian. These temples are built in the forest, somewhere 40km north of Kampong Thom town.

Then continue to Siem Reap, check in hotel and overnight.

After breakfast, you will transfer to visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.

Later, you will transfer to visit The village of Kompong Pluk is a friendly, otherworldly place where houses are built on soaring stilts about 6m high. Nearby is a flooded forest, inundated every year when the lake rises to take the Mekong’s overflow. As the lake drops, the petrified trees are revealed like something out of Grimm's Tales. Exploring this area by wooden dugout in the wet season is very atmospheric. Our guide and driver pick you up from the hotel in Siem Reap and drive you to the boat pier of Kampong Phluk, on arrival, You will board a local boat and cruise the waterways observing the authentic and diverse lifestyle of the local floating community. Driver back to the hotel in Siem Reap Town. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Beat the crowd early morning by 7 am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city of Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic, silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphoun, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace, and Royal Place area.

Breakfast in hotel and then continue trip to Kratie province Home of Irrawaddy Mekong River Dolphin via national road No. 7 (368km). Arrive at Kratie town at noon time and transfer to hotel. Afternoon, start visit to Wat Sarsar Muoy Roy (100 columns Pagoda) which was built since Chenla era in a city named Sampopura. Return and visit to the rare Irrawaddy River Dolphin - the world endanger fresh water mammal at Kampi. Lunch and dinner at own arrangement. Overnight at hotel in Kratie

Continue road trip to Stung Treng via old national road No. 7 (141km). Along the road, we visit the ancient houses and villages of people. Arrive at noon time and transfer to hotel check in. After, transfer to pier and take traditional boat to visit Thala Barivat, pre-Angkorian temple by crossing Sekong and MekongRivers. There, we will find Preah Ko temple, constructed in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. Overnight at the hotel in Stung Treng

In the morning you are transferred to border Cambodian - Laos. Arrive in Border Dom Kralor-Vern Kham, meet local English speaking guide. After clearance at Lao border checkpoint. Then excursion by road to visit Khone Phapheng fall then further on to Phengdi & take a slow boat down Mekong River to Ban khone village. After lunch at local restaurant, then visit Li Phi water fall & return to Phengdi by boat. After, continue to Khong Island by road. Overnight at hotel in Khong Island

Breakfast at the hotel, we take the cruise along the backwaters to explore Siphandone. During the rainy season, the Mekong River reaches a breadth of 14 km, the river's widest reach along its 4,350 km journey from the Tibetan Plateau towards the South China Sea; when the river recedes, it leaves behind thousands of islands and islets. Visit the surrounding islands of Done Ket and Done Som for a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen, then time free. Overnight at the hotel in Khong Island.

By vehicle from Khong Island to Champasak. Journey north in Champasak Province, through the Mekong River basin and through the villages of Kheo, Ban Hangdon and Ban Nongsim. Champassak district, small district of 38,000 people on the western bank of the Mekong River. The Angkor-period ruins of Wat Phou Champasak lie 8km south of the town. Sightseeing Wat Phou Champasak, a small district of 38,000 people on the western bank of the Mekong River). By vehicle from Champasak to Pakse, transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang (Flight available on Mon, Thu, Sat). Overnight at the hotels in Luang Prabang

Today we enjoy the visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang

Upon leaving the town, we board Nava Mekong boat and cruise up on the Mekong River to Pakbeng, a lively village situated at the junction of the Mekong River and the small Nam Beng River. The Hmongand Thai ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Pakbeng and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Along the way, we visit the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves. These caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought here by devoted villagers. Overnight at the Pakbeng Lodge

The morning market of Pakbeng also attracts a wide array of hill tribe people who converge from the outlying valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy provision. After an enjoyable walk around this congregation we re-embark on our boat for a trip towards Houei Xay, a border town close to the famous Golden Triangle. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe rural life close up. We stop over at Ban Houeilampen to visit the Hmong hill tripe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. Arrival at Chiang Khong, pick up and transfer to Chiang Rai. Overnight at the hotel in Chiang Rai

You are free until transfer to airport for flight home. Thank you for choosing our Vietnam-Laos-Thailand Tour 17 days. End of Asia King Travel Services.

Price

High season ( From 1st Oct, 2024 to 30th Sep, 2025 )
Cost in USD per person based on private tour
Class/No of per	1	2 - 3	4 - 6	7 - 8	9 - 12	Single Sup
Superior	USD 5,217	USD 3,259	USD 2,793	USD 2,320	USD 2,196	USD 164
First class	USD 5,799	USD 3,659	USD 3,193	USD 2,721	USD 2,595	USD 252
Deluxe	USD 6,210	USD 4,000	USD 3,384	USD 2,912	USD 2,786	USD 357

Low season ( From 1st May, 2025 to 30th Sep, 2025 )
Cost in USD per person based on private tour
Class/No of per	1	2 - 3	4 - 6	7 - 8	9 - 12	Single Sup
Promotion valid from 1st May, 2025 to 30th Sep, 2025
Superior	USD 4,957 ~~USD 5,217~~	USD 3,097 ~~USD 3,259~~	USD 2,654 ~~USD 2,793~~	USD 2,204 ~~USD 2,320~~	USD 2,087 ~~USD 2,196~~	USD 156 ~~USD 164~~
Promotion valid from 1st May, 2025 to 30th Sep, 2025
First class	USD 5,510 ~~USD 5,799~~	USD 3,477 ~~USD 3,659~~	USD 3,034 ~~USD 3,193~~	USD 2,585 ~~USD 2,721~~	USD 2,466 ~~USD 2,595~~	USD 240 ~~USD 252~~
Promotion valid from 1st May, 2025 to 30th Sep, 2025
Deluxe	USD 5,900 ~~USD 6,210~~	USD 3,800 ~~USD 4,000~~	USD 3,215 ~~USD 3,384~~	USD 2,767 ~~USD 2,912~~	USD 2,647 ~~USD 2,786~~	USD 340 ~~USD 357~~

High season ( From 1st Oct, 2025 to 30th Apr, 2026 )
Cost in USD per person based on private tour
Class/No of per	1	2 - 3	4 - 6	7 - 8	9 - 12	Single Sup
Superior	USD 5,343	USD 3,337	USD 2,860	USD 2,376	USD 2,248	USD 168
First class	USD 5,938	USD 3,747	USD 3,270	USD 2,786	USD 2,657	USD 258
Deluxe	USD 6,359	USD 4,096	USD 3,466	USD 2,982	USD 2,853	USD 365

Children under 3 year old share bed with their parents, free of charge

Tour Add Price

The service price is not included in tour package price

Pakse – Luang Prabang : $121 per person

Accomodation type

Deluxe First class Superior

Location	Name	Room Type	Website / Tripadvisor link
Stung Treng	Savet Guesthouse	Deluxe
Stung Treng	Savet Guesthouse	Deluxe
Sai Gon	Majestic Saigon Hotel	Colonial City Deluxe	http://majesticsaigon.com/
Sai Gon	Eden Star Saigon	Premium Deluxe room	http://www.edenstarsaigonhotel.com
Sai Gon	SANOUVA HOTEL SAIGON	Deluxe	http://www.sanouvahotel.com
Chiang Rai	Laluna Hotel & Resort	Garden View Bungalow	http://www.lalunaresortchiangrai.com/
Chiang Rai	The Riverie Chiang Rai	Deluxe Garden View	https://www.theriverie.com/
Chiang Rai	Le Patta Chiang Rai	Superior	http://www.lepattachiangrai.com
Phnom Penh	Anik Palace Hotel	Deluxe	http://www.anikpalacehotel.com
Phnom Penh	Palace Gate Hotel & Resort	Deluxe	https://palacegatepp.com/
Phnom Penh	King Grand Boutique	Deluxe	http://www.kinggrandboutiquehotel.com/
Siem Reap	Amber Angkor Villa	Deluxe	https://www.amberangkor.com/
Siem Reap	Lotus Blanc Resort	Deluxe	https://www.lotusblancresort.com/
Siem Reap	Borei Angkor Resort	Deluxe	https://www.boreiangkor.com/
Can Tho	Anh Dao Mekong II Hotel	Superior	https://anhdaomekong2hotel.vn/
Can Tho	Victoria Can Tho	Superior
Can Tho	Can Tho Eco Lodge	Deluxe	https://cantho.ecolodge.asia/
Chau Doc	Victoria Chau Doc	Superior
Chau Doc	Victoria Nui Sam Lodge	Superior
Chau Doc	Chau Pho Hotel	Deluxe	http://chauphohotel.com
Kratie	PRIVADA LODGE	Deluxe balcony
Kratie	Nomad Guesthouse	Deluxe
Stung Treng	Savet Guesthouse	Deluxe