21-Day Journey through Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Option: Take a walk or bike ride through the city to observe the unique Laotian tradition of offering alms to monks on the roadside. Laos is the only Buddhist nation to preserve this ritual. Afterward, make a brief visit to the local morning market near the Royal Palace. At the market, you can find a variety of products, from rice and fresh vegetables to steamed fish, frogs, and the day's catch, all laid out on the ground – this is an integral part of the daily life of local people and provides a genuine taste of local culture.

Following breakfast, embark on a leisurely cruise upstream along the Mekong River, offering picturesque views of the tranquil countryside.

Arrive at the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, a 16th-century cave monastery filled with thousands of Buddha images, situated 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang within the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong.

Return to Luang Prabang, with a stop along the way at Ban Muang Keo, a village renowned for its traditional Lao rice whiskey distillation.

Next, visit Ban Xangkhong, the village of the Thai Lue people, known for their arts and crafts. You will also explore the neighboring village of Ban Xienglek, where traditional Saa paper is produced.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

As the sun rises, participate in Laos' sacred morning alms giving, a tradition dating back to the 14th century. Following breakfast, climb 329 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.

Then, head to the stunning Kuang Si waterfall, the largest in Luang Prabang, with the option to visit Ban Thapene village nearby. On the return journey, make a brief stop at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, situated serenely by the Mekong and known for its excellent sunset views in Luang Prabang. Later, transfer to the train station for a journey to Vientiane (18:26-20:30).

After breakfast, you will explore Vientiane's top attractions, including:

• Wat Si Muang: The Khmer temple believed to house the guardian spirit of Vientiane, where visitors pray for luck and fortune.
• Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): An open-air park adorned with massive sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities, set within lovely riverside gardens.
• Lunch break and relaxation.

Continue your tour with visits to:

• Wat Sisaket and Wat Prakeo: Two renowned temples transformed into museums, housing countless ancient Buddha images.
• Pha That Luang stupa: A symbol of Buddhist faith and Lao sovereignty, displaying its three-tiered structure representing the path to enlightenment.
• Patuxai Monument: An iconic symbol of Vientiane, offering insights into the region's World War II history.
• Conclude the day with the opportunity to witness the tranquil sunset over the Mekong River.

Explore the town by yourself before taking a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in Hanoi for checking in. 

Departure for the first visits to the city center to soak up the charm of the thousand-year-old capital:

• King Ly Thai To square, discovery of the thousand-year-old history of the Vietnamese capital.

• Lake of the Restored Sword with the temple of Mount Jade, the Turtle Islet, in the heart of Hanoi.
• Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 corporation streets, where you can stroll through craft streets bearing the name of the goods that were produced and sold there. Don't forget to stop at Ma May Street and visit an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.

End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel.

Embark on a journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. Step aboard a traditional junk upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:

• Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shapes resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back several thousand years.
• The cruise then continues to Cap La, where you can embark on a kayaking adventure and take a refreshing swim in the bay's pristine waters, weather permitting

End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.

Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.

Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.

Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing…

Night on board.

Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi.

After having breakfast at the hotel, take a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Danang.

Enjoy a brief rest after checking in. You can then explore Hoian Ancient Town to immerse yourself in local life, culture, and impressive architecture.

The rest of the day in Hoi An is free for you to enjoy.

Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945):

• The Imperial City: The residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen emperors for 143 years.
• Gia Long Mausoleum: Dedicated to the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, one of the two key figures in the unique Franco-Vietnamese relationship (the other being the French priest Pigneau de Behaine). Alternatively, you can visit the Minh Mang Mausoleum, the emperor famous for having 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Phu Mong Village: Known for its garden houses, which are an integral part of Hue's imperial identity.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: The most beautiful and most visited pagoda in Hue, or the tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda, which contains the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Depending on the timing, you may have the opportunity to witness the monks' prayer session.
• Dong Ba Market: The largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can find local specialties such as conical hats and tunics.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Today, you have a free day to explore Hue at your own pace. You can visit the Imperial City, explore the city's streets, or take a boat trip along the Perfume River. Enjoy the local cuisine and the city's rich history.

In the late afternoon, you'll catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel to relax and prepare for your adventures in this vibrant city. 

Morning:

Explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic battlefield from the Indochina War located on the outskirts of the city. Upon arrival, descend into the subterranean world of tunnels stretching over 200 kilometers. These tunnels, with a width of 70 cm and a height of 90 cm, lead to various meeting rooms, kitchens, and even hospitals.

At noon, you'll enjoy a local restaurant lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon:

• Keep your energy up as you embark on a half-day city tour, visiting the city's must-see attractions.
• Your first stop is the Independence Palace, where the Vietnamese Revolutionary Army achieved victory in 1975. 
• Your next destination is Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These landmarks are prime examples of French architecture in the city.
• Continue your tour with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which provides insights into the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The museum showcases compelling visuals depicting the futility and devastating effects of the conflicts.
• As the sightseeing tour concludes, you will be dropped off at your hotel, giving you the freedom to explore the city at night.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovations until 2027. You may be taken to visit the surrounding areas, such as the street book.

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take some time to unwind. Later, you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.

In the afternoon, upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Please note that the hotel's standard check-out time is at noon, and any late check-out is not included.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, at 07:45, you'll be transferred to the Mekong Bus Station for your journey to Siem Reap. Lunch will be provided during the journey, and please note that this transfer will not include a guide.

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met at your hotel and taken to explore various simple yet captivating local attractions. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner while enjoying the Khmer Traditional Dance Show.

You'll spend the night in Siem Reap, ensuring you're well-rested for the exciting adventures that await.

Explore the enchanting temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire (9-15th century):

Angkor Wat, dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme deity of Hinduism, stands as a testament to Khmer art and architecture mastery.

The temples within Angkor Thom comprise a fortified city spanning 10 km², once home to a million residents. Discover the colossal statues at the south gate, the Elephant Terrace, the King Leper Terrace, and the renowned Bayon temple, adorned with 54 imposing towers, each graced with 216 faces of Avalokitésvara, Buddhism's paramount goddess.

Explore the Buddhist temple honoring Jayavarman VII's mother, Ta Prohm Temple, which once served as a monastery and Mahayana Buddhism school. Now enveloped by the jungle, the temple emits an air of mystery, with immense tree roots clinging to its walls and stones.

As the day concludes, return to Siem Reap. Enjoy a leisurely evening and rest for the night at your hotel.

Morning excursion on Lake Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Southeast Asia:

Stop at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang – an authentic and not very touristy destination. Visit the village with houses on stilts or floating rafts, the market, the pagoda, and a primary school with smiling children. Discover the daily life of local fishermen.

Then fly to Bangkok.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark, where you will be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne rooms.
• Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country.
• Visit Wat Pho along the way, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, famous for its 45-meter reclining Buddha statue.
• We will then visit Wat Traimit, which is well-known for the Golden Buddha.
• Board a long-tail boat to sail along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, staying away from the heavily touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel to rest for the night in Bangkok.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Following that, you will embark on a tour to explore the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya.

You will begin your exploration of the ancient city with a 'Kermit' tuk-tuk ride, a unique mode of transport found only in two of Thailand's provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the way, you'll visit the highlights, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (known for the Buddha face emerging from a tree), and stroll through a local market.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning tour in Sukhothai:

Explore one of Thailand's most impressive World Heritage sites, Sukhothai Historical Park. Here, you'll delve into the ruins of Sukhothai and gain insights into ancient Thai culture.

After the sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, drive to Lampang province to visit Baan Sao Nak, an ancient Lanna-style teak house renowned for its unique design and opulent interior. Here, you can also witness the delicate silverware, porcelain, and handicrafts crafted in Northern Thailand.

Your journey continues with a visit to Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, a Lanna-style Buddhist temple perched atop an earthen mound.

After breakfast at your hotel, take some time to explore and immerse yourself in the local life of Lampoon city.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following this, you will be picked up and transferred to Chiang Mai. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will complete the check-in process.

In the evening, savor a dinner featuring a variety of distinctive Northern Thai dishes while enjoying live dance and music performances. You can also enhance your night in Chiang Mai by participating in Ramwong dance activities.

You're on the right track, but here's a slight refinement for clarity and flow:

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a half-day excursion to the Mae Sa Elephant Camp:

Experience the breathtaking lushness of the tropical jungles in Mae Sa Valley and relish the crisp, fresh air in this beautiful natural setting.

Encounter Thailand's national animals as you interact with magnificent elephants in their natural habitat.

On your return journey to the hotel, you'll also have the opportunity to visit an orchid farm.

Enjoy your day in Mae Sa Valley and the incredible experience with these gentle giants.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will fly back to Bangkok for the return journey.

This marks the end of your 21-day Thailand tour! Safe travels, and we hope you had a wonderful experience.