Epic Indochina Odyssey: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 20 days

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is available upon request and may incur an additional fee.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Optional Experience: Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour – From US $29 per person

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide at 8:00 AM and begin exploring Hanoi’s most iconic historical landmarks by car or motorbike, based on your preference.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a lasting symbol of Confucian heritage.

Continue to Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will learn about Vietnam’s modern history and the Declaration of Independence.

Note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is viewed from the outside, and closed on Mondays and Fridays and undergoes annual maintenance from June through August.

Stroll along scenic Thanh Nien Road and visit Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, beautifully situated on the shores of West Lake.

Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Explore Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife, local cafes, or bustling Old Quarter at your own pace.

Morning

After breakfast, depart Hanoi between 8:00 and 8:30 AM for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a comfortable journey with a short stop along the way.

Upon arrival, complete check-in at the cruise lounge and transfer by speedboat to your cruise. Receive a warm welcome from the crew and settle into your cabin.

Enjoy lunch onboard while cruising through the bay’s breathtaking landscape of limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Afternoon

Discover the natural beauty of Halong Bay through activities offered by your cruise. Depending on the itinerary, enjoy kayaking, cave exploration, or hiking to scenic viewpoints.

Return to the ship and relax. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or unwind on the sundeck with panoramic views of the bay.

Evening

Savor a deluxe dinner onboard featuring local and international cuisine.

After dinner, enjoy onboard activities such as squid fishing, board games, movie screenings, or relaxing at the bar.

NOTE: The Halong Bay itinerary may vary depending on each cruise.

Morning

Start your day with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the peaceful morning views of the bay. A light breakfast is served onboard.

Continue exploring Halong Bay with activities based on your cruise itinerary, which may include visiting a fishing village or enjoying time on the water.

Return to the cruise for a final brunch while sailing back toward the harbor. Check out before disembarking and transferring to the pier by speedboat.

Afternoon 

Travel back to Hanoi and transfer directly to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, meet your driver and transfer to Hoi An. Check in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Discover the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture.

Begin at Hoi An Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, regional specialties, and everyday goods, offering a glimpse into daily life.

Continue to the Fujian Assembly Hall, renowned for its ornate architecture and long-standing cultural traditions.

Visit the historic Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, two beautifully preserved merchant homes that reflect Hoi An’s trading heritage.

Explore the Museum of Folk Culture to learn about traditional crafts, customs, and local life. Then enjoy a cultural performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.

Stop at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the town’s multicultural past.

Before returning to your hotel, browse local handicraft shops, art galleries, and charming alleyways that showcase the town’s timeless atmosphere.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the ancient town, relax at a local café, browse boutique shops, or simply soak in the town’s laid-back atmosphere.

For a deeper cultural experience, consider one of the following optional tours:

Morning 

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore the city on your own or enhance your experience with one of the following optional activities:

Morning

Start your day with breakfast before meeting your guide at 8:00 AM in the hotel lobby for a half-day city tour.

Begin at the Reunification Palace, former presidential residence of South Vietnam and an iconic symbol of modern history.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, showcasing powerful exhibits on Vietnam’s wartime history.

Visit the elegant Saigon Central Post Office and the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, two of the city’s most famous French colonial landmarks.

Stop at the peaceful Jade Emperor Pagoda, a richly decorated temple reflecting traditional Chinese-Vietnamese spiritual culture.

End the tour at a local market, where you can browse souvenirs and experience daily local trading life before returning to your hotel around 12:30 PM. 

Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation. 

Morning 

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart with your guide for Cai Be, a journey of around two hours.

Visit Cai Be dry market, where you can observe local trading life and experience the rhythm of the Mekong Delta.

Continue by wooden boat through scenic canals, stopping at local family workshops to see traditional production of coconut candy, rice paper, pop rice, and regional specialties. Learn about local craftsmanship and sample handmade products.

Board a sampan and cruise toward Tan Phong Island, where you’ll enjoy tropical fruits and experience Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional Southern Vietnamese music performance.   

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, featuring Mekong Delta specialties, such as fried elephant ear fish.

After lunch, continue by road to Can Tho. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning

Begin early with a journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the region.

Watch local boats gather on the river, trading fresh produce, tropical fruits, and daily essentials directly on the water.

Continue to nearby fruit orchards, where you can walk through tropical gardens, meet local farmers, and enjoy freshly harvested seasonal fruit.

Afternoon

For nature lovers, join an optional Tra Su Cajuput Forest Discovery Tour (4 hours, from US $30 per person; US $60 per solo traveler).

Travel by sampan through peaceful canals shaded by dense cajuput forest. Experience the calm ecosystem, birdlife, and untouched natural scenery.

Stop at an observation tower for panoramic views over the mangrove forest before continuing your journey.

Later, travel by road to Chau Doc, a quiet riverside town near the Cambodian border, and check in at your hotel.

Morning 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and departing Chau Doc.

Transfer to the boat station and board a speedboat for your journey along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. Enjoy scenic river views during the crossing.

Upon arrival at the Sisowath Tourist Dock, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Morning 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide at 8:00 AM for a half-day exploration of Phnom Penh.

Begin at the Independence Monument, a landmark built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence and national pride.

Continue to the Royal Palace, a stunning example of Khmer architecture and the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Visit the nearby Silver Pagoda, home to sacred Buddha statues crafted from gold, silver, diamonds, and emeralds.

Explore the National Museum, showcasing one of the world’s finest collections of Khmer art and archaeological treasures dating from the 4th to 13th centuries.

End the morning at Wat Phnom, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the city and a peaceful introduction to local spiritual traditions.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at your leisure and return to the hotel for check-out before 12:00 PM.

Afternoon

Transfer to the bus station for your journey to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Borei Seang Nam Station, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your upcoming visit to Angkor.

Morning 

At 8:00 AM, meet your guide after breakfast and begin a full-day exploration of the Angkor Temple Complex.

Start at Ta Prohm Temple, where ancient ruins are dramatically embraced by massive tree roots and jungle vines.

Continue to Angkor Thom, entering through the South Gate featuring statues depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Explore Bayon Temple, known for its 200+ smiling stone faces, along with the Phimeanakas, Royal Enclosure, Elephants Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Visit the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Learn about its symbolic design representing Mount Meru and the surrounding cosmic ocean.

Later, climb Phnom Bakheng to enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Angkor plains. 

Evening 

End your Angkor journey with a traditional Khmer dinner accompanied by a traditional dance performance, showcasing Cambodia’s classical culture through music and storytelling. 

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Siem Reap to relax or explore at your own pace. This is a great opportunity to discover hidden gems, local cafés, or explore more of the countryside around Angkor.

For a more active experience, consider one of the following optional tours:

Morning 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the peaceful charm of the city at your own pace.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your cultural journey at the Royal Palace Museum, a former royal residence built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.

Continue with a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying peaceful countryside views en route to the Pak Ou Caves. Explore two sacred limestone caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues placed by generations of pilgrims.

On the return journey, stop at Ban Xanghai Village, known for traditional rice wine production, where you can learn about local craftsmanship and sample regional specialties.

Afternoon

Return to Luang Prabang and visit Wat Sene and the iconic Wat Xiengthong, one of Laos’ most beautiful temples, known for its elegant architecture and intricate mosaics.

Continue to Heuan Chan Heritage House, a restored 19th-century residence showcasing traditional Lao lifestyle, culture, and ceremonial practices. Relax with a cup of Lao tea or coffee in the garden setting.

Later, visit Wat Prabath for a peaceful sunset view over the city. End your day at the Luang Prabang Night Market, where local artisans sell handmade textiles and crafts.

Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin your day with the traditional morning alms-giving ceremony, one of Laos’ most sacred rituals, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings in a quiet procession through the streets of Luang Prabang.

Afterward, visit the nearby morning market to experience local daily life and browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional textiles.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Climb Phousi Hill via 329 steps to reach the summit, where panoramic views reveal Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the Nam Khan River.

Continue to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (TAEC) for an educational session on Laos’ ethnic diversity, cultural heritage, and traditional livelihoods.

Travel to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, known for their turquoise multi-tiered pools surrounded by lush forest. Enjoy time to swim or relax in the natural surroundings.

Optional stop at the nearby Bear Rescue Center, home to rescued Asiatic black bears.

On the return journey, visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center, where local artisans preserve traditional Lao weaving techniques. Learn about textile culture and enjoy a guided audio experience.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Morning

At around 9:00 AM, depart Luang Prabang for a scenic drive to a peaceful riverside village. En route, stop at a local market to select fresh ingredients that will be used during your homestay experience.

Arrive at the village and cross the river by local ferry or traditional boat. Meet your host family and settle into your homestay. Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch prepared with the ingredients you helped choose.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon experiencing authentic village life. Visit a local school, meet artisans, and observe traditional weaving techniques. You may also have the opportunity to order a custom-made traditional Lao garment.

Relax with time by the river or refresh at your homestay.

In the evening, join your host family in preparing a traditional Lao dinner or relax with a local drink while sharing stories.

Enjoy a warm family-style dinner, followed by a casual evening of games and cultural exchange with your hosts.

Morning

Start early between 5:00-6:00 AM with a traditional monk alms-giving ceremony, preparing sticky rice as an offering at a local temple.

After breakfast, join your host family for a hands-on fishing experience on the Ou River, learning traditional Lao techniques passed down through generations.

Continue with a scenic walk through rice fields and nearby organic gardens, gaining insight into rural farming life. Enjoy a farewell lunch with your host family before some free time to explore the village or shop for local handmade products.

Afternoon

Cross the river by local boat and begin your return journey to Luang Prabang. Arrive at your hotel around 5:00 PM and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Luang Prabang and take time to relax or unwind at leisure before check-out.

After check-out, meet your driver for a transfer to the airport for your departure flight.