Day 01: Arrive Luang Prabang (LAOS)

Welcome to Luang Prabang! We are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Hotel check in time starts from 3:00 PM.  Balance of the day is free to relax. In the evening, our guide meets us and we visit a family home for a unique cultural experience—learning about the traditional life of the Laotians. Here, we have the opportunity to learn to make and eat traditional sticky rice, along with other delicious dishes. Savor a simple yet tasty dinner of Lao specialties before returning to our hotel.

Overnight: Saouphattra Hotel (Deluxe Room) Luang Prabang (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we start the day exploring Luang Prabang*, an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the Europeans during their colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. We also visit the National Museum (the former Palace of the King), featuring a collection of personal artifacts of the royal family. We next explore the shrine of Wat Mai, famous for its five–tiered, timber-framed roof, and the impressive stupas of Wat Visoun, and That Makmo.  After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Wat Aham and make the 328-step climb to the summit of Phousi Hill. The climb is made more interesting as we pass by various shrines for an enjoyable viewing of the sacred, gilded Wat Chamsi stupa. At the top, we have a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. The day ends with a visit to the Night Street Market, home to lovely handmade textiles and woodcarvings made by members of the nearby hill tribes. (B, L)

Day 03: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves/Luang Prabang

At dawn, we have a rare opportunity to view a one-of-a-kind cultural site. We arise early to watch a ritual parade of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms from faithful residents, and even visitors. From here, the monks stroll to the nearby morning market, where we will see diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill tribe weavings. After breakfast at our hotel, we take a short-guided tour of Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, featuring roofs that sweep low to the ground and represent classic Luang Prabang architecture. Next, board a traditional river boat and cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, enjoying views of beautiful mountain landscapes and the tranquil countryside. The mysterious Pak Ou Caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. After a truly unique cultural experience of Luang Prabang, we switch to appreciating the area’s wildlife. At Smile Elephant Camp, we can interact with the world’s largest and yet most “humane” animal species. At the Manifa Elephant Camp, we learn about animal behaviour and get an unforgettable experience of feeding the elephants. This will be followed by a late lunch at the Smile Elephant Camp Restaurant. (B, L)

Day 04: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)

Take a short flight to the capital of Laos, Vientiane, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon, we explore the city and Wat Sisaket, which features remarkable frescoes and an impressive 6,840 Buddha statues. At the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, we see some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. We also admire the imposing Patuxay Monument, popularly known as Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe. Our final stop is at That Luang Stupa, built by King Setthathirath in 1566 and still considered to be the national symbol of Laos.

Overnight: Salana Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B, L)

Day 05: Vientiane/Savannakhet (Drive)

A long but interesting day as we drive to Savannakhet, a bustling trade center and the second largest town in Laos, located alongside the Mekong River bordering Thailand. We will see beautiful landscapes and stop en route at the Friendship Bridge, the Buddha Statue Park, and Wat Prabath Phonsane (Temple of the Footprint of Buddha). We will also visit a tribal market. Before reaching Savannakhet, we will explore Thakek, featuring an ancient city wall made of stone, Sikhotthabong Stupa, Ban Nateuy and Inghan Stupa, a holy relic that attracts scores of pilgrims.

Overnight: Daosavanh Resort & Spa, (Deluxe Rooms), Savannakhet (1 night) (B, L)

Day 06: Savannakhet/Lao Bao/Quang Tri/Hue (Drive) (VIETNAM)

Markets are possibly the best place to meet local people and understand their way of life. We start the day with a visit to Central Market to take in its flavour of local life. We then head for the Lao Bao immigration checkpoint. After customs and immigration formalities at the Denesavanh/Lao Bao border, we continue to Vietnam’s historic city of Hue.

Established as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hue was not only the political, but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty. The Perfume River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, giving this unique feudal capital a setting of great natural beauty.

Overnight: Senna Hue Hotel (Premium City/Garden View), Hue (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 07: Hue

Today, discover majestic Hue*, a former imperial city of Vietnam. Explore the Royal Citadel, built in 1804 on a site chosen in accordance with geomancy. Our next stop is the lively Dong Ba market, known for its hundreds of stalls exhibiting everything from handicrafts to textiles to fresh produce. Here, we can interact with the friendly Vietnamese. We also experience the elaborate mausoleum of King Tu Duc (ruled 1848 – 1883), followed by a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. We end the day with a relaxing cruise on the Perfume River. (B, L)

Day 08: Hue/Hoi An (Drive)

A scenic drive to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. Many centuries back, this mountain-pass formed the dividing wall between the ancient Cham culture in the south and the ethnic cultures of the Red River Delta. Eventually, it became the dividing line between the North and the South. Along the way, we visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture (closed on Mondays) and Linh Ung Pagoda in Danang.  Check in at our hotel for a 2-night stay. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Little Riverside. A Luxury Hotel & Spa (Little Suite Town Room), Hoi An (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 09: Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town* is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. The town features an interesting mix of architecture dating to different eras, ranging from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colourful French colonial buildings. Morning, we take a walking tour of the ancient town, strolling through the Japanese and Chinese Quarters, and visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge known as Chùa Cầu. It is a beautiful footbridge with a temple atop. We have ample opportunities to watch local daily activities and see local craftsmen at work.  Afternoon is at leisure. Relax and enjoy our accommodation, or explore Hoi An’s myriad of temples, pagodas, communal houses, traditional shops and local markets on foot. (B, L)

Day 10: Hoi An/Da Nang (Drive)/Hanoi (Flight)

A short drive of 30 kilometers and we are at Da Nang Airport to board our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Vietnam’s capital city, we are transferred to our hotel. Afternoon, we pay a visit to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a striking neo-Gothic cathedral noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and colorful stained-glass windows. We then take an hour-long pedicab ride around the Old Quarters of Hanoi. We also visit Bach Ma Temple and Ma May Ancient House. Evening, we enjoy a Vietnamese water puppet show, a tradition that dates back to as far as the 11th century which originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.

Overnight: Tirant Hotel (Executive Balcony Room), Hanoi (1 night) (B, L)

Day 11: Hanoi/Ha Long Bay (Drive)

A whole different experience today as we drive to Ha Long Bay*, located in the Gulf of Tonkin with its 1,600 plus islands and islets that form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and not impacted by human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. We board our cruise boat. Lunch with fresh seafood is served while the ship is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages and small beaches. After lunch, we have an offshore excursion to visit the Van Ta area, featuring the Dark and Bright Caves, by bamboo boats rowed by local people. We can also explore this area on our own by kayaking (optional and dependent on weather conditions). We will have a chance to swim in the cool, emerald waters. Our cruise boat then heads to a quiet designated area for our overnight. Evening, we have a Vietnamese cooking demonstration along with a traditional liquor tasting, followed by a delicious dinner on board.

Overnight: Paradise Elegant Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin) Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Ha Long Bay/Hanoi (Drive)

Today, we have an interesting opportunity to take part in Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial arts class, or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. After a light breakfast, we tour Cat Ba World Biosphere, featuring Hoa Cuong Cave, a wonderful cave filled with stalagmites. Back at our cruise boat, we are in for a sumptuous buffet brunch before we make our 3-hour journey to Hanoi. As we enter the city, we stop to explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long*. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet. It was constructed on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating back to the 7th century, on reclaimed land from the Red River Delta. It was the centre of regional political power for almost 13 centuries. The Imperial Citadel buildings and the remains in the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site reflect a unique Southeast Asian culture specific to the Lower Red River Valley, with crossroads of influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south. After our visit, we check in to our hotel.

Overnight: Tirant Hotel (Executive Balcony Room) (1 night) (B, Br)

Day 13: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Flight)

We take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where we have a 2-night stay. Afternoon, we explore Saigon, which saw much action and loss of life during the Vietnam War. We start with the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office, which was constructed between 1186 and 1891, and depicts elements of Gothic Renaissance and French colonial styles. We take a short walk along Dong Khoi Street (former Rue Catinat) from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Municipal Theatre, seeing more architectural pieces and street life, before driving through the bustling Cho Lon (Chinatown). Time permitting, we will participate in a hand-embroidery workshop before visiting the popular Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Saigon (Premium Deluxe Room–Luxury Wing), Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City/BenTre/Ho Chi Minh City

We leave bustling Saigon for a day excursion to Ben Tre province and the Mekong Delta. This region is, famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. Here, we take a boat trip through narrow canals surrounded by beautiful tropical scenery. We stop at a family-owned coconut processing business and learn about the hundreds of uses of each single coconut. We then sail across the water to a brick making factory, where they still use centuries-old methods to make bricks manually. Enjoy lunch featuring Mekong specialties at a local restaurant. We next walk around the lush garden settings and learn how to make local cakes. If luck has its way, we may also have a chance to have our fortune read by a local fortune-teller. After a day of memorable experiences, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Balance of the evening is free. (B, L)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City /Cu Chi/Phnom Penh (Drive) (CAMBODIA)

After a delicious breakfast, we drive to Cu Chi, an area renowned for its elaborate network of over 200 kilometers of underground tunnels dug by hand by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. We may crawl down a tunnel to get a feeling of life underground during the war. Then, we are driven to the Moc Bai border check post and cross the border into Cambodia, heading to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Balance of the day is free to stroll around the city on your own. Enjoy the swanky suites decorated with local décor at the hotel, followed by dinner. Our hotel is ideally located to enjoy the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh.

Overnight: Amanjaya Pancam Suites, Phnom Penh (1 night) (B, D)

Day 16: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)

Enjoy breakfast before we commence our exploration of Phnom Penh. We will also visit the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum - the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. We also visit the central market of Phnom Penh, the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, with its collection of art sculptures presenting different periods of Khmer history. The Silver Pagoda located in the Royal Palace is famous for its 5,000 silver floor tiles, as well as its gold Buddha statue encrusted with 9,584 diamonds (weighing 90 kilograms). We end the day at the Wat Phnom Temple. We are transferred to the airport for our evening flight to Siem Reap, where we have a 2-night stay at the elegant Anjali by Syphon Hotel.

Overnight: ANJALI by Syphon (Deluxe Room) Siem Reap (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 17: Siem Reap

Save the best for last as we savour a full day tour exploring the magnificent temple city of Angkor*. Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Stretching over an area of some 400 kilometers squared, including forested areas, the Angkor Archaeological Park contains the impressive remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire dating back from the 9th to the 15th centuries. We will visit the famous Temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, featuring the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace.  We will also experience Ta Prohm, which is covered by the surrounding jungle. Then, walk to the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the western Baray and Angkor Wat at sunset. We have a sendoff buffet dinner accompanied by a Khmer dance performance. (B, D)

Day 18: Depart Siem Reap

After what will have been an in-depth experience and study of the culture and history of the three countries of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia, we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our flight to our next destination. Hotel check out time is by 11:00 AM. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
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