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 or start exploring.

Overnight: Souphattra Hotel (Deluxe Room) Luang Prabang (3 nights)

Day 02: Luang Prabang

Nestled in Laos's northern mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is a serene town known for its golden temples, ancient monuments, and palm-lined riverbanks. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, it embodies elegant tranquility.

Luang Prabang, which is home to 30 or more beautiful golden temples, emanates a spiritual aura. Continue our journey to one of the ancient temples built in the early 17th century, Wat Mai, where we will participate into the monk blessing ceremony. Close your eyes and receive a blessing from the monks, following a real custom that is believed to pass on the Buddha's prosperity. Then, visit Wat Visoun and That Makmo, the most ancient temples of Luang Prabang.

Climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and admire the panoramic sunset view of the Mekong and Khan rivers as well as the mountain range. At the end of the day, opt to stroll around the Street Night Bazaar where we can find goods such as hand-woven silks and indigenous Lao wood handcrafted by master carvers.

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. (B, L, D)

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.

Take the afternoon to relax, or embark on an optional excursion to Kuang Si Waterfall (at additional cost – contact Bestway to pre-book). (B, L)

Optional Tour: Kuang Si Waterfall
Nestled in a lush tropical forest, the Kuang Si waterfall is one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights, with a multi-tiered cascade of pale turquoise water flowing from the jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools below. Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive south of Luang Prabang, with stops at a vibrant market and a hill tribe village to experience local life. We follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest, reaching different levels of natural blue pools.  Swimming is possible, though the water is very cold from November to January. We also take a leisurely hike past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to over 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from dire conditions.

Notes: Tour duration: 1 PM to 5:30 PM; Visitors are recommended to wear proper walking attire for the hike to the waterfall; swimming is possible, please bring your bathing suit if desired.

Day 04: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)

This morning, option to take part in an elephant interaction experience (at additional cost, contact Bestway to pre-book). Afterwards, take a short flight to the capital of Laos, Vientiane. Upon arrival, we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.

Optional Tour: Elephant Experience
Laos, known as the "Land of a Million Elephants" (Lane Xang), was once home to a large population of wild elephants, but now only about 800 remain, split between 400 wild and 400 in captivity. Today, we take a short ride to Luang Prabang’s outskirts for a half-day at an elephant camp dedicated to elephant conservation. We meet the camp staff for a briefing on the conservation project, tour the elephant hospital, museum, and dung paper-making facility, and learn about the elephants' history and behavior. Afterward, we learn about how the mahouts communicate with these impressive animals. We cap off the trip with a boat ride through the jungle to visit Tad Sae Waterfall, where swimming is possible (subject to water levels). The day ends with a buffet lunch featuring local specialties at the camp restaurant.

Notes: Tour duration: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM; Join-in basis with other travellers; Maximum tour capacity 12 people.

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

Day 05: Vientiane/Hanoi (Flight) (VIETNAM)

We spend the half-day exploring some of Vientiane’s most remarkable highlights. Visit Wat Sisaket, the only temple that survived the Siamese occupation, famous for its Siamese-style Buddhist architecture. This 19th-century temple is home to over 10,000 Buddha sculptures in various sizes and styles. We then explore the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, now a museum with carved wooden features, a magnificent 16th-century lacquered door with Hindu carvings, and a collection of Buddha statues. We continue to That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane, considered the national symbol of Laos. We cap off the visit at the Patouxay Victory Monument, a massive concrete war monument similar in style to the Arc de Triomphe. We can opt to climb 197 steps to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of Vientiane.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, we meet our local guide and are transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Tirant Hotel (Executive Balcony Room), Hanoi (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 06: Hanoi

This morning, we visit the Hoa Lo Museum (Hanoi Hilton) before continuing to explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long*. Built in the 11th century on the remains of a 7th-century Chinese fortress and reclaimed land from the Red River Delta, it was the center of regional political power for nearly 13 centuries. In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Built in the 11th century, this stunning temple is a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. We then discover the vibrant heart of Hanoi in the most authentic and leisurely way—aboard a traditional cyclo. These charming three-wheeled bicycle taxis have been part of Hanoi's cultural fabric for decades, offering a nostalgic and intimate journey through the city's bustling streets. We cap off the day with a stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, the “Lake of the Returned Sword,” named after a magical sword once used by a revered hero to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and then returned to the Golden Turtle God of the lake.

In the evening, we enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a centuries-old tradition that originated in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. (B, L)

Day 07: 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. 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, followed by a delicious dinner on board. In the evening, there is even an opportunity to try your luck at squid fishing, assisted by the crew.

Note: Cruise itinerary subject to change.

Overnight: Indochine Cruise (Junior Suite), Ha Long Bay (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 08: Ha Long Bay/Hanoi (Drive)

Today, we have an interesting opportunity to take part in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck,, or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay. After a light breakfast, we tour Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Back at our cruise boat, we are in for a sumptuous buffet brunch before we make our 3-hour journey to Hanoi.

In Hanoi, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, we are met and transferred to our hotel.

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

Day 09: 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 10: 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 11: 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.  Known as a key part of Hoi An culture, the silk lantern is a simple yet colorful handicraft. We follow the narrow street to reach the home of a local craftsman, nestled in a small corner of the quarter. After a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns, as well as the stages of production, we try to create or decorate a lantern and take it home as a souvenir.

Afternoon is free to relax, or join our optional tour (at additional cost – contact Bestway to pre-book). (B, L)

Optional Tour: Tra Que Village by bike with cooking demonstration
Set of on a half-day excursion to explore Hoi An’s charming countryside and get a peek at the traditional way of life. First, enjoy a leisurely ride by bicycle to Tra Que village, where local farmers work the fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden and meet the local farmer, who explains how they prepare and fertilize the land. We even have the opportunity to dress in traditional clothing before harvesting vegetables for our cooking demonstration. Following the guidance of the local chef, we will learn traditional methods of preparing Central Vietnamese dishes such as tam huu (spring rolls) and Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). Finally, relax and soak our feet in a mix of local herbal remedies to reduce aches and pains. Afterwards, return to Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City (Flight)

Drive to Da Nang airport, where we take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Afternoon, we explore Saigon, which saw much action and loss of life during the Vietnam War. We start with the War Remnants Museum which presents a partial yet vivid view of the American War through the Vietnamese’s eyes as it contains fascinating remnants and photographs of the past including US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, and infantry weapons. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic and sensitive. Please let us know beforehand if you would not like to include this visit in the itinerary).

We then continue to 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: Mai House Saigon Hotel (Premium Room), Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City/Ben Tre/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 14: 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: Duong Chan Hotel (Deluxe Room with Balcony), Phnom Penh (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 15: Phnom Penh

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. (B, L)

Day 16: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of our hotel. Enjoy a free morning, or take an optional excursion to the moving Killing Fields (at additional cost – contact Bestway to pre-book). We are then transferred to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. Enjoy an evening free, or take part in a unique show Phare, a Cambodian-style circus.

Optional Tour: Killing Fields
Cheung Ek, or the Killing Fields, is a large memorial commemorating the 17,000 victims who were murdered and dumped in mass graves under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot, who ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind us of the suffering of the victims. Along with a powerful reminder of the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime, this journey provides us with an appreciation of the struggles that the Cambodian people have faced and their incredible courage to rebuild their country.

Optional Tour: Phare – The Cambodian Circus Show
“Phare, the Cambodian Circus” is one of the most unique, authentic, and top-rated evening entertainment options in Siem Reap. Much more than a circus, Phare artists share uniquely Cambodian stories by combining music, dance, and modern circus. This art is an amazing blend of traditional and modern theater, music, dance, acrobatics, and juggling, performed by young Cambodians from underprivileged backgrounds who have found a new sense of purpose and hope.

Notes: 1 hour nightly performances with the show starting from 8:00 PM; post-show opportunities to chat with and photograph performers; Cambodian street food, drinks and pre-show entertainment begin at 5:30 PM.

Overnight: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa (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

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 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
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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