20-Day Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

DAY 2 HANOI - CITY TOUR

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Night in Hanoi.

Depart for Halong Bay, one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in Asia. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk to embark on a magnificent cruise through Bai Tu Long, the northern part of Halong Bay. 

• Marvel at the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shape (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay, weather permitting.
• In the late afternoon, unwind on the upper deck of the junk.
• Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
• Enjoy a leisurely evening for personal relaxation, which may include card games or night fishing.

Overnight on board the junk.

Wake up at dawn to witness a breathtaking spectacle: the sun's initial rays piercing through the myriad sugarloaf islets of the bay. Join us for a Tai Chi session on the terrace, creating a serene and unforgettable moment.

Our cruise continues, venturing into the lesser-explored corners of Halong Bay. We'll explore the magnificent caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, home to ancient stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for thousands of years.

Lunch will be served on the junk before we disembark and return to Hanoi.

In the evening, we'll take a flight to Danang.

The night is free for your leisure.

We have a full day in one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric and historical town. Once a major port in the Central coast of Vietnam, it inherits the ancient architecture and beguiling riverside setting that offers tourists a throwback to the past. 

In this day we visit: 

• Phuc Kien temple: although it’s still referred to as an assembly hall by many, the buildings and grounds have long been used as a temple to worship goddess who protects fishermen and sailors by the descendants of Chinese families in Hoi An. 
• Phuc Thanh pagoda: the most ancient one of it kind in Hoi An (Since 1454)
• Japanese bridge: Built in 1593 which connects Chinese and Japanese area in the town. 
• Old alley and ancient houses which are witnesses of hundred years gone by
• Shops where colorful silk and lantern can be found. Tourists might me amazed by the speedy service for tailor made clothes. It is rare chance for you to buy clothes which specially made by your size within just 24 hours,...

and chill out in your free time. 

After breakfast, travelers have free time to explore Hoi An at their own pace. If you're looking for ideas for your day, there are several packages available to help you delve deeper into Hoi An's culture and lifestyle.

Enjoy a day at your leisure, or choose from these tour options to suit your preferences:

• Explore the peaceful countryside around Hoi An with a short bike tour and experience life as a farmer in Cam Thanh Village.
• Take a half-day tour to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu temple complex, known for its impressive architectural and historical significance.

Following a hearty breakfast, please complete your check-out process, and our driver will escort you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh, our transfer will take you to the hotel for check-in and refreshment, preparing you to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Additionally, you have the option to delve into the rich history of South Vietnam or savor a special dinner under the city's sparkling lights with these optional activities:

• Don't miss the Must See Cultural A O Show in Saigon.
• Experience a Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River.

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.

Afternoon:

• Keep your energy up as you embark on a half-day city tour, visiting the city's must-see attractions.
• 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.

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.

Enjoy some free time at your leisure.

Depart for the Mekong Delta, a unique region that combines both land and water, situated in the southernmost part of Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre, a significant town located in the heart of the northern branches of the river, embark on a boat journey along the waterways to reach Mo Cay, a less-visited rural area celebrated for its coconut trade and the production of various coconut-based products like coconuts, coconut threads, and activated coconut charcoal.

You'll have the option of a bike ride or a ride on a Xe loi (motorized cycle) through the lush green island, densely adorned with coconut plantations. This route, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, leads you along narrow paths beneath the shade of coconut trees, creating a particularly picturesque landscape. Make stops at local farms to observe the production of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continue your adventure with a journey in a small rowing boat, meandering through canals lined with water palm trees, providing you with a glimpse into the daily life of the delta's residents. Visit Mr. Van's traditional house and savor local specialties crafted by his wife, including coconut jam, honey tea, and pollen. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with the warm-hearted local population, fostering memorable encounters. 

Continue on to the city of Can Tho. 

After breakfast, board a boat for a trip on the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, which is spectacular with its vibrant colors and the assembly of numerous boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and various other goods. Discover the unique 'river trade' of the Mekong region's inhabitants.

Disembark to reach Chau Doc, a small town located in the far west of the Mekong Delta, very close to the Cambodian border. Upon arrival, take a boat trip on the Bassac River, a tributary of the great river, and explore floating fish farms. Learn about cage breeding of Asian catfish and visit Muslim villages of the Cham minorities.

Experience the twilight spectacle from Mount Sam, the unusual and distinctive hill in the delta, where you'll find the sacred Ba Chua Xu temple.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Embark on a boat trip up the Mekong River to reach Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Arrive at the port around noon, where a local guide will welcome you and assist with the check-in process at the hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the Cambodian capital.

Day dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital:

• Begin at Wat Phnom, the Buddhist temple that gave birth to Phnom Penh in the 14th century.
• Visit the Royal Palace, which has served as the residence and workplace of the Norodom kings since 1870. Also, explore the Silver Pagoda, one of the country's most unique pagodas, known for its floor entirely paved with silver slabs, a gift from the French king, Napoleon III.
• Explore the Apsara Association, an art school that trains deprived children.
• Visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a school converted into a prison where thousands of Cambodian women were detained and tortured during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Travel to Siem Reap, passing through Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom, and cross the peaceful Cambodian countryside with its traditional villages, rice fields, and tall latan trees that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see. Arrive in Siem Reap by the end of the day.

Spend the night at the hotel.

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.

Siem Reap offers a fantastic opportunity to explore additional hidden gems on your day off that align with your travel preferences.

After completing breakfast and checking out, we will proceed to Siem Reap International Airport to catch our flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arriving at Luang Prabang Airport, our guide will be there to pick you up at the hotel. You can take this time to relax and prepare for the upcoming day's excursion, or alternatively, explore this historic city during the evening.

Morning:

Start your day with an immersive experience at a local rice farm in the picturesque countryside near Luang Prabang. Surrounded by mountains and rice fields, you can engage in traditional farming activities or simply observe them from a Lao rice house balcony amid rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. Nearby, explore workshops where local artisans practice bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing. Then, tour the organic garden to learn about traditional herbal medicine.

Afternoon:

Visit the impressive Wat Xiengthong, showcasing classical Laotian architecture. Explore the Royal Palace Museum, featuring a fascinating collection of artifacts. Climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

Evening:

Browse the renowned Night Market, offering a delightful array of handcrafted textiles from local and hill tribe artisans in the Luang Prabang area.

Morning

Begin your day with an early wake-up call at 6:30 AM to partake in the revered Laos tradition of morning almsgiving. Over 200 Buddhist monks will grace the streets in a sacred procession dating back to the 14th century.

Subsequently, explore the local market to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of everyday life, followed by a return to the hotel for breakfast.

Your guide and driver will then escort you to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (TAEC), where you'll delve into the rich tapestry of Laos' diverse ethnic communities, their historical narratives, and cultural practices. Enjoy a comprehensive 60-minute presentation and a Q&A session titled "Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos," featuring authentic photographs and artifacts, including aspects of livelihoods and crafts.

Afternoon

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en route to the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in Luang Prabang, nestled amidst a lush tropical forest, offering a serene natural spectacle.

Proceed to the Bear Rescue Center, a sanctuary housing several animals rescued from the clutches of poachers and traffickers. Conclude your day with a visit to the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, where you can immerse yourself in the world of butterflies.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of the Lanxang kingdom, you will receive a warm welcome from the local French-speaking guide. Afterward, you will check in at the hotel (with rooms available from 2:00 p.m.).

Visit:

• The Royal Palace Museum, constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
• Wat Mai Temple, renowned for its exquisite golden bas-reliefs and considered one of the city's most beautiful temples.
• A climb to the top of Mount Phousi for a delightful exploration of the sacred and golden stupa, offering panoramic sunset views of the city and the Mekong River.
• In the late afternoon, you will participate in a Baci ceremony with a local family. The Baci ceremony is a traditional Laotian ritual that symbolizes the spirituality of the country and provides participants with a deep understanding of Lao culture.
• The day will conclude with dinner at a local family's home.

You will return to the town for the night in Luang Prabang.

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.

Enjoy a leisurely conclusion to your time in Luang Prabang with a relaxing breakfast and the completion of your check-out process. Our driver will be at your service to facilitate your transfer to the airport in preparation for your departing flight. 

The 20-day tour exploring three countries in Indochina has come to an end. We wish you safe travels!