A 21-Day Adventure Through Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

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.

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugarloaf mountains of Tam Coc. In the past, it was renowned for its dance performances for the kings of the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th century).

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

This meandering river winds through rice paddies, sugarloaf formations, and passes under the three caves at the base of the limestone peaks.

We continue with the visit to the Bich Dong Cave, we will visit a pagoda in Bich Dong.
Finally, we will visit Hoa Lu – chosen as the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet (ancient name of Vietnam), with the vestiges of the temples of the kings in the dynasty of Dinh and Le.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing 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, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to savor a moment of unparalleled beauty: witness the first rays of sun peering over the countless limestone karsts of the bay and partake in a Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Tai chi is an internal martial art practiced for self-defense and health. Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health. 

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Visit Hoi An Old Town with: Fujian Shrine dedicated to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors; Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest in Hoi An (1454); the Japanese bridge built in 1593; the old alleys, the museums and the old wooden houses that date back hundreds of years…

Relaxation on the beautiful beaches of the East Sea (Cua Dai, An Bang…) or a walk in the surrounding countryside where there are several traditional villages (vegetables, pottery, carpentry…)

Then transfer by road to Hue, the former Vietnamese imperial capital, through the Hai Van Pass (ocean of clouds) and the beautiful Lang Co beach where we will stop to take photos. 
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to check in based on availability. 
In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, its Royal Museum and the exotic Dong Ba market. 
Return to the hotel and overnight in Hue. 

Begin a captivating city tour of Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam (1802 -1945). Many highlights will be included:

- Minh Mang Mausoleum, showcasing the legacy of the emperor famed for his extensive offspring.
- Explore the garden houses of Phu Mong Village, integral to Hue's imperial identity.

- Depending on the time, there is the possibility of watching the monks' prayer session. We continue with the Royal Tomb of King Tu Duc. Closer to the tomb of King Tu Duc, stop at the village of Thuy Xuan, a traditional incense-making village, where you will have the opportunity to take colorful photos. 
- Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda or the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of Nguyen dynasty eunuchs lie.
- Admire the unique architectural blend of French and Indochina at the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb.

Following the tour, catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel for your relaxation.

Arrive in Ben Tre, a bustling city at the heart of the Mekong Delta's northern arms. Embark on a boat ride along the rivers to Mo Cay, renowned for its coconut trade and products.

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route, away from mass tourism, takes you through small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stops at farms to observe the making of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continuation with a ride in a small rowing boat along the streams lined with water palms, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit to Mr. Van's traditional house, tasting local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, tea with honey and pollen... and great encounters with the local population.

In the afternoon, transfer to Can Tho.

Night at the local home.

Rise and shine bright and early, bid farewell to our gracious hosts, and hit the road towards Can Tho, the bustling capital of the delta, nestled on the right bank of the southern arm of the Mekong. Upon arrival, hop aboard a boat for an unforgettable journey on the mighty Mekong. Witness the vibrant spectacle of the Cai Rang floating market, where a colorful array of boats laden with fruits and vegetables converge.

After disembarking, we'll make our way to Chau Doc, where we'll explore the untamed beauty of the Tra Su nature reserve. Drift along serene channels aboard a relaxing boat ride through lush forests.

Spend the night at a cozy hotel, nestled in the heart of this enchanting region.

Greetings to Vietnam, continuing your journey by boarding a boat for an ascent of the Mekong to Phnom Penh - capital of Cambodia.

Arrival at the port around noon, welcome by the local guide and then settling in at the hotel. In the afternoon, departure for a city tour of the Cambodian capital. Visit of Wat Phnom - Buddhist temple that gave rise to the city of Phnom Penh in the 14th century; the Royal Palace - residence and workplace of the Norodom kings since 1870; silver pagoda; and the National Museum of Phnom Penh...

Spend the night in the heart of this dynamic city.

Plunge into a scenic journey to Siem Reap via Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom, traversing the idyllic Cambodian countryside adorned with traditional villages, rice fields, and swaying palm trees.

Arrive in Siem Reap by day's end and settle into our hotel.

Spend the night in comfort, ready for more adventures tomorrow.

Note:  We can replace Phnom Penh - Siem Reap trip by car with a 40-minute flight)

Today, engross yourself in the mystical realm of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire.

• Marvel at the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer art and architecture dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
• The temples of Angkor Thom - a fortified city of 10 km² that housed a million inhabitants. Visit the huge statues of the South Gate, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the famous Bayon temple composed of 54 giant towers with 216 faces of Avalokitesvara, the most important goddess of Buddhism.

Return to Siem Reap as the sun sets on another unforgettable day.

After breakfast, visit the majestic small and grand circuit temples:

• Banteay Srei Temple (Citadel of Women): One of the finest pink sandstone temples, with Apsaras and deities intricately carved in stone.
• The sacred temples of Takeo, Bantey Kdei and the impressive Taprohm Temple, an abandoned Buddhist monastery covered in trees and their giant snake-shaped roots.

End of the day, sunset from the temple-mountain of Pre Rup.

Spend your night in hotel.

Morning:

• Explore the ancient 9th Century Bakong Temple and embark on an engaging boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
• Discover the authentic stilted village of Kampong Phluck and enjoy a local boat ride, with opportunities to witness the unique lifestyle of those living among the flooded mangrove forest.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Bangkok.

After breakfast, board a long-tail boat and begin your journey along the Chao Praya River (meaning River of Kings) to visit 3 of the oldest temples in Thailand. Travel via many of the bustling inland canals along the Thonburi coast for a fantastic view of local waterside life.

• Visit the Royal Barges National Museum, and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), 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.

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

Depart early to visit the Maeklong market, located on the railway tracks very close to the train terminus. Walk along the rails to explore the vibrant market and witness how quickly the merchants fold up their stalls in preparation for the train, which is scheduled to pass around 8:30 a.m.

Afterward, head to the small market of Samut Songkhran, where you'll embark on a beautiful canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, providing an authentic glimpse of rural Asia just outside of Bangkok. The approximately one-hour ride will culminate in the heart of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Explore this traditional market, bustling with sellers offering a variety of products, including food, flowers, plants, and even animals.

Return to Bangkok and enjoy some free time to relax.

Overnight stay in Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Chiang Rai.

Meeting with the local guide upon arrival and departure to discover Chiang Mai.

Meet the local guide upon arrival and depart to the outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple", famous throughout Asia for its modern Thai architecture.

Return to the center of Chiang Rai and visit the most important temples in the city: Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Sing.

Hotel accommodation.

In the morning, boat excursion to discover the famous Golden Triangle, a region famous for its land borders with Burma and Laos, with a magnificent view of the Mekong River.

Depart for Chiang Saen, board a speedboat to visit the Khong River that marks the border between Thailand and Laos.

Arrival at the Golden Triangle, visit the meeting point of the three countries, Burma, Laos and Thailand.
Disembark, and travel to Chiang Mai called "Rose of the North".

Visit upon arrival to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, an emblematic place in Chiang Mai where the sacred relics of Buddha are located in a sacred place in the golden stupa.

According to legend, it was in the 14th century that an elephant chose the location of this pagoda, which overlooks the city from the top of a 1,000-meter hill.

It is accessed by a 300-step staircase whose ramps represent two gigantic nagas.
In the same place where the pachyderm carrying Buddha's relics died, a 22-meter-high chedi covered in gold leaf was built.

The place offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai that should not be missed.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai.

Spend an unforgettable day with Thailand's elephants in the picturesque mountains of Chiang Mai.

You'll be welcomed by an English-speaking guide at your hotel, and then depart by car, heading approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai, passing through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

Upon arrival at the sanctuary, take a walk through the jungle to reach the elephant jungle sanctuary. Your guide will provide you with information about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

Next, don traditional Karen clothing, listen to your guide for more insights about the Sanctuary, grab some bananas and sugar canes, and you'll be ready to meet the elephants!

Learning to know the animals and take care of them are the key words of this camp.

The elephants are fed bananas and sugar cane, their favorite food.

Continue the visit with a ride on an elephant through the lush jungle without a basket.

Have lunch with local specialties.

In the afternoon, participation in the elephant bath, a magical moment that will surprise you.

Return to Chiang Mai, rest of the day free to rest.

Night in hotel.