Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos tour 24 days: Spirit of Indochina

We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals : Breakfast

We then enjoy a city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh.

The next destination is 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.  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

Lastly take you to watch the water puppet show - a form of entertainment originating in the rural communities and performed in the flooded rice paddies. Puppets depict scenes from rural life, such as planting, fishing, local festivities and parades accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The performances are colorful, intricate and there is a lot of humor as well.

In the evening, we transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (22:00). The duration of this journey is 8 hours and 5 minutes. You will reach Lao Cai at 06:05 in the next morning.

Note: There is no escorting guide from Hanoi to Sapa. We are committed to support the communities by using local guide in Sapa; some of them come from the surrounding ethnic villages. The best thing is their willingness to show you about their cultures, customs and especially they know the area as the back of their hand.

Accommodation : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast  

Bac Ha market (Sunday only)  

Can Cau Market (Saturdays only)

Cao Son Market (Wednesday only)

Coc Ly Market  (Tuesday only)

Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday only)

Arrive in Lao Cai station around 6 Am, pick up and breakfast and transfer to one of above ethnic local markets filled with many different hill-tribe peoples. At the market, you have chance to enjoy the simple life but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches... talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation.

You get on the car for journey to Sa Pa.

Upon arrival in Sa Pa, we continue to Ham Rong. Located in the majestic Hoang Lien Son Range, at an altitude of nearly 1,800m, Ham Rong Mountain consists of undulating rocks with many interesting shapes. From far away, Ham Rong Mountain is like a huge dragon bending itself, lying toward the west of Hoang Lien Son Range. The top of the mountain was designed by Mother Nature to make random cliffs bring casual images. The people here call the mountain Mount Dragon Head because due to its appearance heading towards the sky. There are many variants of the legendary Ham Rong mountain but these legends refer to the love affection, graceful salinity, the common dragon.

Proceed to the hotel in Sa Pa for checking-in then you are free to relax.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Sapa

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights:

Leave the busy life behind to enjoy a nice walk in an quiet area. Inhabited by the Red Dao and Hmong peoples. This valley is quiet and non-touristic which is quite different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much because of the strong influence of tourism.

Itinerary:

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with

cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.

Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in midafternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.

Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

And then transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take your overnight train back to Hanoi. Train time is 21:30-05:25

Accommodation : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival at the railway station, pick up and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up and then transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

We then transfer you to a wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner on board. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation : On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising to 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. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi and Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival pick up and transfer you to Hoian for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. The passable road ends about 1.5 miles from the actual site.

Back to Hoi An for lunch. Afternoon take 2-hour boat trip in Thu Bon

Kim Bong Carpentry Village We will take a 30-minute boat ride to the Kim Bong Carpentry Village. This is a traditional craft village in Hoi An and formed in the 15th century by the Northerners: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh. Visit and learn about the shipbuilding area where wooden fishing vessels are built using traditional techniques. You will also have a stop at the carpentry workshop where carpenters create handcrafted furniture and sculptures

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Continue taking another boat ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village where you will observe how the villagers making pottery products such as vases, pots and kettles. Thanh Ha Pottery Village has over 500 years of history from the establishing period up to now. We then visit Thanh Ha Terra Cotta Park Museum, where masterpiece series includes works of art of human architecture & sculpture are clearly and vividly re-appeared, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy), Taj Mahal (India), Sydney Opera House (Australia), the White House (USA), Pyramid (Egypt), Notre Dame (France)… made entirely of clay, made by the artisans in village.

Overnight in Hoian.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Free day on your own to relax on the beach.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast

Free day on your own to relax on the beach.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast

Free day on your own to relax on the beach.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals : Breakfast

After having breakfast, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. 

Then, head to Hue.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at the Marble Mountains, the famed China Beach and the Cham Museum. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Hue. Stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City.

Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Hue

Meals : Breakfast

We set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda.

Built in 1601 between the north bank of Perfume Pagoda and a pine forest, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Here we can see the octagonal tower, a symbol of Hue and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Sai Gon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Only 4 km far from the Hue city center, both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peaceful, unearthly world for travelers  

Next a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Nestled in a narrow wooded valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most beautiful & picturesque sites of Hue city. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest works of architecture of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs. Its major parts and

buildings have been built even before the King death; therefore, Emperor Tu Duc used it as a retreat area. And later after the coup because of unjust taxation in 1866, Tu Duc continued to use the tomb’s palace as residence.

Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch by your own.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

Situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the city was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

If time permits, we will also visit Dong Ba Market.

We then transfer to Hue airport for a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival in Saigon, have our guide and driver pick you up at the airport for transfer to check-in hotel.

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

Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and then move 2 hours to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit of Cai Be town & the ancient church from the boat. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong Island for the rowing boat. They will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time under the shade of mangrove trees. Stop at local garden to enjoy some fruits with hot tea when listening to the traditional music.

Then, start the biking trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses,... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... (You can walk, but see less).

Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the handmade canal to a local house & have lunch at this traditional house. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.

Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at the new boat station of Vinh Long city! From here we will pick up and transfer you back to Saigon for your overnight

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

The time is on your own until we transfer to the airport for your international flight to Siem Reap.

Arrival at Siem Reap international airport and meet your guide, then transfer to your hotel.

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

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel, our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and 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 (Kampong Phluk Stilt House Village), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the schools, markets, pagodas, and police stations, among others; and observe their daily lives. Ride the boat back to the pier and proceed to Phnom Pen, we will stop for lunch at the local restaurant on the way, also making a few more stops to visit the ancient bridge and spider market. On arrival at Phnom Penh Hotel, check-in and free at leisure. Meet the local guide in Phnom Penh, he/she will ride you by tuk-tuk to discover Phnom Penh after dark through the riverfront where the walking area is, and the main road of Norodom Boulevard (Around the Independent Monument) before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals : Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, visits Toul Sleng, which was a high school prior to 1975, an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era, and today it is a genocide museum. It tells the sad story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. Photographs were taken of each prisoner passing through the prison and hundreds of the haunting black and white photos are now on display in the museum. While this experience may be depressing, it is recommended to visit in order to truly understand the cruel methods of control the Khmer Rouge implemented over the country, and visit the Russian Market. Enjoy the buffet lunch at Tonle Basak Restaurant, or the Khmer Set Menu at another local restaurant, or walk the central market and eat as locals in the foot hall area (you can taste any kind of food, fruits, drinks, and snacks as your lunch).

Afternoon, visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda two of the most striking buildings in the capital and are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. The building houses many golds and jeweled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17^th-century baccarat crystal Buddha. Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King Ang Doung Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phnom Penh

Meals : Breakfast

Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap to take a 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.

Accommodation : NA

Meals : Breakfast