Vietnam Cambodia Laos Tour 18 days: Cultural Gems Discovery

You will be warmly welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals : Breakfast

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking.

Then we take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and then start a 3-hour driving through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner served on board. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation : On Ha Long Boat  

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Hanoi Airport to take a flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hue

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc. Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945, do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Transfer to Hoian for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast

Morning we will visit Hoi An town with ancient merchants' houses, a Phuc Kien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside markets, workshops where artisans make Hoi An's famous lanterns. Guests learn how the lanterns are made then have a chance to create their own lanterns, from designing the frame to gluing the cloth. Afternoon we take the cruise on Thu Bon river to visit the Thach Ha ceramic Pottery village, where we can see old men who produce jars, bowls, vases…  Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast

08:00 am – 08:15 am: Our Car and tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.

Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car which gains 4 world scores.

Travelling through hills, contemplating the whole primitive forest and travelling freely by the Climbing Train. Come to Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Ling Ung Pagoda and Golden Bridge.

Continue to visit the French Village – a classical ad romantic France with unique architectural works, peak of Chua Mountain, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple and Tru Vu Tea Shop,…

12:30 pm: Lunch at Restaurant (Buffet).

Join in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor games zone in Viet Nam. Discover Dinosaur Park and Jurassic Park, watch 5D, 4D and 3D cinemas, ride on Journey into the underground, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:00 pm: Return to the Cable Car and go down the mountain.

16:45 pm – 17:45 pm: Our Car will bring you back to your hotel. End of the tour.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, free time on your own till we transfer you to the airport to take a flight to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast

Morning, we visit 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

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Mekong Delta - Vinh Long.

Mekong Travel boat will take you at the new boat station, downstream on Mekong River seeing many floating cages for farming fish. Stop to visit Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables...

Then, stop to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay.

Next visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. Then, we’ll walk to visit the orchard & traditional house of Ut Trinh family. The optional lunch can be served at this local house.

Biking can be made for a leisure! It will be so amazing to do cycling on village paths to see the daily life of the rural people.

The cruise will go back Saigon city.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel then you are free at hotel until transfer to the airport to take a flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet and transfer by the local guide to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in is NOT included and is subject to the hotel’s availability).

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Start to tour to visit Angkor Wat Temple, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. And then, continue to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Return to hotel for relaxation

Lunch on your own

After lunch, we will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centerpiece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. Next, we drive to West Baray to get the nicest spot to view the sunset over this manmade lake, and enjoy the snacks and drinks (local beers and snacks) while the sunset is setting down.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, we drive to Kbal Spean (60 minutes), which translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as the Lingas which date back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during the height of the dry season (March/April). In the rainy season the route may be slippery and good footwear is advised. Hike down the hill back to the car and drive to have lunch at the local restaurant (on your own), after lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Siem Reap

Meals : Breakfast

Drive about 45 minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (Chong Kneas Floating Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives. Drive back to Siem Reap for check-out and lunch at the local restaurant, if time permits, visit the old market and artisans in Dángkor before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Arrival at Luang Prabang international airport, get transferred to your hotel. Check-in time at hotel is between 13h30-14h00. Time for resting at hotel.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals : Breakfast

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.

This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.  Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Vat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River.

This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals : Breakfast

This morning, ferry to otherside of Mekong to visit Ban Xiemienne village.  Take a walk to discover Wat Long Khoun temple, located in the jungle. This monastery historically had important ties with the royal family of Luang Prabang. From its beginnings Wat Long Khoun served as a retreat center for spiritual revitalization. It was traditional practice that the new king-designate spend three days there in ceremonial bathing and meditative retreat.

Then, embark on a traditional long trail boat, for a relaxing cruise upstream on the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and witness the simple rural lifestyles. You will reach Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Cruise back Luang Prabang. Stop and visit Ban Xangkhong, a weaving village, where you can jump into wooden looms with local expert for practical and experience.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals : Breakfast

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the rice culture and farming experience with some hands-on activities along the way. Be welcomed by the hospitable farmers who will show you how rice is grown and harvested. You can plant rice in the rice paddy together with the farmers while seeing the buffalos plough the rice paddies. Discover what rice can be used to produce different products

This afternoon, driving through green rice paddies and farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Si waterfall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre. Enjoy spectacular views and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals : Breakfast

Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight. Thank you for choosing our Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos tour 18 days!

Accommodation : NA

Meals : Breakfast