Highlights of Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 3 weeks

Morning

After landing at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

Afternoon

As this is a free day, you can choose to stay in your room to relax after a long flight or try some optional activities to experience like a local.

NOTE:

• If you are interested, you can contact our travel consultant to book these additional services.
• The check-in time is 14:00, you can book for early check-in with an additional fee.

Arrive in Hanoi and relax after a long flight

Morning/ Afternoon

You will be picked up at 8:00 - 8:30 and start exploring the first destination - Hanoi Capital. Don’t miss out on these highlight spots.

• Temple of Literature: The first university of Vietnam to honor Confucius and store long-lasting cultural & historical relics dating back to the 11th century
• One Pillar Pagoda: A Buddhist pagoda designed in unique structure representing the Vietnamese national flower - the lotus
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: A sacred place where the greatest Vietnamese leader rests in peace
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: A 1,500-year-old stupa in the shape of a nine-story lotus, located by the scenic West Lake

After your sightseeing trip, you will have a Vietnamese traditional meal for lunch. End of the city tour, you will get back to the hotel and enjoy leisure time for the rest of the day.

NOTE: 

• Please note that you will see the mausoleum from outside and it is closed every Monday and Friday, also from June to August.
• Morning or afternoon departure depends on availability; routes and transportation “car or motorbike” can be changed due to your interest.

Visit The Must-Sees in Hanoi

Morning

8:00 - 8:30: Hit the road from Hanoi Old Quarter (your hotel or meeting point), you will head for Halong Bay cruise port to join the 2-day cruise. 

On the way, you will have a break at a pearl workshop to see how the locals produce and buy some pearl jewelry if you like.

Arrive at the cruise lounge at around 11:30, the staff will help you check in and give you the cabin key as well as your luggage tag. 

Around 12:00, it’s time to embark on your cruise or transfer to the ship by tender. You will receive a warm hello and welcome drink onboard. Right then, your lunch will be served while the cruise travels further into the bay.

Afternoon

Have a short break before joining offboard activities such as sightseeing, swimming, rowing boat, kayaking, or visiting some caves & villages. You can stay onboard and let your hair down at the spa or other entertaining facilities that the cruise ship offers.

Back to the cruise in the late afternoon, you shouldn’t miss out on the “golden hours” of the gorgeous sunset in the bay. During this time, you can join a cooking class or Happy Hour - Buy 1 Get 1 (The exact time and program might be different between each cruise).

Evening

Your dinner will be served on board according to the cruise theme, usually a set menu awaken by Asian and Western fusion cuisine.

After dinner, you should enjoy some amusing activities like playing board games, watching movies, squid fishing, etc.

Enjoy Various Activities on Halong Cruise

NOTE:

• Activities are available depending on each cruise's plan. Please contact us for more details.
• Our guide will not escort you as onboarding the cruise. There will be the cruise's staff who are fluent in English to support your trip to Halong Bay.

Morning

Breath in. Breathe out. Let’s welcome a new day with a short Tai Chi class and admire the stunning sunrise over Halong Bay. 

After breakfast, you will follow the cruise itinerary to explore deeper the bay. Around 9:30 - 10:00, you’ll come back to the ship and pack your luggage to process check out.

Your buffet brunch is served during the ship sails back to the mainland. As you reach the harbor, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.

Afternoon

At Noi Bai International Airport, you will take a flight to Da Nang in about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be waiting to be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.

After check-in, you can take a rest after the long-haul transportation.

Morning/ Afternoon

Let’s enjoy the laidback vibe in Hoi An Ancient Town on a half-day walking tour starting at 8:00. 

Travel through old streets filled with yellow-painted houses and boutiques. If you visit Hoi An in summer, you can feast your eyes on captivating paper flowers on every street corner.

This morning itinerary includes some well-known attractions such as:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: An aesthetic architecture constructed by the Japanese community to connect to the Chinese quarter
• Fujian Assembly Hall: A symbolic construction of Fujian and ancient Chinese design, which worships the deity of seafarers’ protection

On the walk, you can have a taste of Hoi An’s famous herbal drink, named “Mot” sold at a local street vendor (surcharge USD 3/pax). 

Other not-to-be-missed parts of Hoi An are handicrafts and tailored clothes. Visit local boutiques to buy some souvenirs or get yourself the best outfits at reasonable prices.

NOTE: Morning or afternoon departure depends on availability.

Evening

You’ll have spare time to discover Hoi An at night. We suggest you try local dishes like chicken rice, cao lau, and white rose dumplings. Then, take a boat tour and float the lantern along the river.

Japanese Covered Bridge - A Well-Known Attraction In Hoi An

You can freely explore Hoi An on this day. Exploring the outskirts is a great idea, for example, visiting the famous ruined sanctuary of the Champa Empire, learning to be a farmer, or riding a motorbike through the countryside.

Here are some recommended day tours you should consider:

Act As A Farmer In Cam Thanh Village

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Da Nang Airport and get on a 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Our driver will wait for you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. It’s time to freely explore the city or just take a nap.

Depart from your hotel at 8:00 and start a half-day city tour to explore highlight spots in Saigon.

• Reunification Palace: A remarkable building of Parisian 1960s architecture, which stores a great source of historical relics since the Vietnam War
• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral & Post Office: Outstanding French-built sites which feature exquisite neoclassical architecture
• War Remnants Museum: A unique museum that exhibits documentaries, photos, videos, and relics about war crimes that impacted the Vietnamese
• Local market: The final stop where you not only can buy souvenirs but also learn how to bargain

End of the sightseeing tour, you will be transported to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

NOTE:

• Morning or afternoon departure depends on availability.
• The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently renovating until 2027.

Afternoon

BestPrice’s Recommendation: For those who are fascinated by Vietnamese history and fun activities, a tour of Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day will be the best option. Only from US $39/pax, you can join in a small group and depart from Ho Chi Minh City. Here, tourists can conquer the underground tunnels and try shooting (additional fee) like a soldier.

Visit War Remnants Museums

Morning

Start heading for Mekong Delta at 8:30, you will reach Cai Be in about 2 hours. Let’s get on the sampan boat and admire the scenic life along the riverside. 

Your first stop will be a local factory where a family production makes a range of traditional products like coconut candy, rice paper, pop rice, wine, etc. Here, you can try a bite of these specialties. 

Continue discovering the next stop, the world of mangrove swamps and tropical fruits - Tan Phong Island is waiting for you. You will transfer to a longtail wooden boat and sail further into the mangrove forest. 

After disembarking, it’s time to sit back and relax with savory fruits and traditional performances - Don ca tai tu. This is a type of musical art and spiritual activity rooted in folk songs in South Vietnam.

Your lunch will be served with some local dishes, including deep-fried elephant-ear fish.

Afternoon

You will be transferred to Can Tho in more than 2 hours. Get to your hotel and freely discover the city in the evening.

Don Ca Tai Tu Song Performance

Morning

7:30: Wake up early to depart for Cai Rang floating market. It's a great time to visit because you might see the crowds at dawn, around 5:00. You can observe amazing scenery where the locals gather at the same spot, and boats cover the river with bustling trading activities.

Our guide will take you to a floating shop that produces rice noodles and sells its products. On the way back, you will pass by a vendor and taste fresh tropical fruits. 

After the boat trip, you will begin the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax. You might choose to stroll around the lively streets, explore local cafés, or revisit favorite spots such as Ben Thanh Market or Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Local Life At Cai Rang Floating Market

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Ho Chi Minh City — take time to savor a final Vietnamese coffee, pick up souvenirs at a local market, or simply relax before your departure.

At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your international flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia — the gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for you to unwind or explore the city’s lively atmosphere at your own pace.

Morning

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park, a vast complex that stands as the spiritual and historical heart of Cambodia.

Your exploration begins at Angkor Thom, the ancient walled capital of the Khmer Empire dating back to the 12th century. You’ll enter through the imposing South Gate, where a dramatic stone causeway is flanked by towering figures reenacting the Hindu myth of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a powerful symbol of balance and renewal.

Within the city walls, delve into the mysterious beauty of the Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers adorned with more than 200 serene and smiling stone faces of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Continue your journey through history as you visit the Phimeanakas Temple and the Royal Enclosure, once the private domain of Khmer kings.

Then, admire the intricate carvings and symbolic meaning of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, each offering a deeper glimpse into the artistic and ceremonial life of the empire.

Afternoon

After a morning filled with discovery, take a break for lunch, followed by a short rest before continuing to the afternoon’s highlight — Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple and the largest religious monument in the world.

This awe-inspiring 12th-century masterpiece stretches across 81 hectares and represents the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture. Surrounded by a massive moat and crowned with five lotus-like towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods, Angkor Wat is a stunning blend of spiritual symbolism, architectural precision, and artistic grandeur.

As you walk through its intricately carved galleries and sandstone corridors, you’ll witness detailed bas-reliefs depicting epic scenes from Hindu mythology and Khmer history.

Following this profound cultural and spiritual experience, you’ll return to your hotel in Siem Reap for a well-deserved evening of rest and reflection.

Morning

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 35-kilometer drive northeast of Siem Reap to visit the jewel of Angkorian artistry — Banteay Srei. Often referred to as the "Citadel of Women," this temple is renowned for its delicate, intricate carvings and its unique pink sandstone construction.

Built in the 10th century by Yajnavaraha, a royal scholar and spiritual advisor to King Jayavarman V, Banteay Srei is a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Its detailed bas-reliefs and miniature scale set it apart from other Angkorian temples, showcasing some of the finest stonework in Southeast Asia.

On your return journey to Siem Reap, stop at Pradark Village, a local community where traditional techniques are still used to produce palm sugar. This visit offers a meaningful glimpse into rural Cambodian life and the resilience of its people, who maintain time-honored customs despite modern challenges.

You’ll arrive back at your hotel around midday to relax before the afternoon’s adventure begins.

Afternoon

At around 13:00, prepare for a memorable excursion with Tara Riverboat Tours, widely considered the best river cruise experience in Siem Reap. Depart your hotel before 13:30 and travel to the Kompong Phluk docking station, where your traditional flat-bottomed boat awaits.

As you cruise through stilted homes and floating villages, you'll gain insight into the unique way of life on the water. The experience also includes a visit to a monk training school and, depending on the season, either a boat ride through the mystical flooded forest or a guided walk if water levels are low.

Next, board a long-tail riverboat to cross the vast Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Arrive at the Queen Tara, the lake’s largest riverboat, and settle in for a relaxing sunset dinner cruise. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, enjoy a delicious buffet (or set menu) paired with all-inclusive drinks, all while soaking in the panoramic views from the top deck.

After a tranquil journey back through the floating villages, return to your hotel in Siem Reap around 19:30, with the peaceful rhythms of the lake still fresh in your mind.

Morning & Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Siem Reap. Take your time to pack, relax by the pool, or explore the nearby markets for any last-minute souvenirs. It’s a perfect opportunity to soak in the final moments of Cambodia at your own pace.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, enjoy at leisure to relax and unwind after your journey.

Today, dive into the rich culinary heritage of Northern Thailand with a half-day Thai cooking class - a hands-on, flavorful experience.

Head to the cooking class, where your instructor will introduce you to fresh herbs, spices, and seasonal produce essential to Thai cuisine.

Under the guidance of an experienced chef, you’ll prepare several authentic dishes such as: Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles), Mango Sticky Rice, ...

Return to your hotel with new culinary skills. Spend your free time relaxing or exploring Chiang Mai at your leisure.

Morning

In the early morning, our guide will pick you up and head directly to the Karen Village, Mae Rim Area, where the long-neck women are known for wearing golden rings around their necks. This symbol of beauty was used as a way of protection from tiger attacks in the past. According to Karen hill tribes, the longer the neck the prettier the woman is.

Continue to visit other hill tribes with elephant camps in the same area. Here, you can learn more about the ethnic lifestyle and culture, as well as their farming techniques.

After finishing the hill tribe tour, you will have a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

The ongoing cultural trip will head to the silver temple at Wat Sri Suphan - an iconic sanctuary of traditional Lanna silversmith designs. This is the world’s first silver temple with the whole surface being covered with handcrafted silver, inside out. 

The last stop should be the Craft Village at San Kamphaeng, which is famous for its high-quality cotton, silk weaving, and other elaborate crafts. It is a center of small factories and workshops with generation-to-generation Thai handicraft skills. 

After the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel in Chiang Mai and enjoy the last night's stay in this enchanting city.

Meet the hill tribal people in Chiang Mai

This day is for transportation and relaxation. You will take fly directly to Bangkok in about 1.25 hours. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

Different from the laid-back Chiang Mai, Bangkok is more hustle and bustle with vibrant street life and amusement. You should take time to explore the nightlife and street food in the evening. Let yourself go and boost your energy for the next day.

Morning

8:00: Start the morning trip with Royal Grand Palace, a former royal residence in Bangkok. With more than 30 royal buildings, temples, museums, and countless statues, this complex is the most popular tourist attraction and largest pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists in Bangkok.

Here, you can visit lots of famous sites that belong to or have ties to the Thailand royal family, such as Wat Phra Kaew with the glorious Emerald Buddha, the Eight Colored Towers, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the Golden Chedi.

Only a 10-minute walk from Grand Palace, the next stop is Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of “Thai massage”. You should spend 30 minutes enjoying the traditional massage here. Such an excellent break for your temple tour!

Afternoon

After lunch, let’s start with your boat trip on the Chao Phraya River and pass through the tranquil Klongs (canals) here. Then, stop by the famous Wat Arun, also known as the “Temple of Dawn”.

On the way, you will visit the market for flowers and vegetables nearby the river. Finally, paying a visit to the Golden Mountain will put an end to your today city tour.

Boat Trip On Chao Phraya River

Wat Phra Kaew With The Glorious Emerald Buddha

NOTE:

• Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.
• Please don’t wear sleeveless, shorts, or sandals when visiting the Grand Palace and temples.
• The inner courts of the Grand Palace are closed on Sundays.

Morning

Enjoy your breakfast before the car comes and picks you up at 8.00 - 8.30. Let’s go to Ayutthaya which is over 80 km far from Bangkok. On the way to Ayutthaya, stop by the Bang Pa-in Summer Place, which belongs to the royal family and is used occasionally for receptions and banquets.

Arrive at Ayutthaya by lunch, you will have leisure time to enjoy your meal at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Start exploring this ancient city with these impressive temples. 

• Wat Mahathat: The famous ruined temple since the Burmese attacks and is famous for the Buddha image in a banyan tree
• Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit: An active wihan for Buddhist devotees and those who are curious about one of the largest bronze sitting Buddha statues in Thailand
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet: A relic of Ayutthaya Palace, which used to hold the most important ceremonies in Ayutthaya Kingdom
• Wat Lokayasutharam: The historic land where you can see the biggest reclining Buddha statue in Ayutthaya

Around 15:30, the sightseeing trip comes to an end; you will return to Bangkok and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Beautiful Ruins Of Wat Mahathat

Today is the last free day of this tour package. There are a ton of things to do in Bangkok: go shopping in Siam, book a boat tour to the floating market, or join us on these interesting day tours for unique experiences:

Jim Thompson House & Museum Massive Collection Of Thai Art

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your last free time in Thailand. Following the flight time, our driver comes after and takes you to the airport.

This is the end of our long journey together. As your travel agent, we are honored to accompany you on your Indochina holiday package. We hope that you had a great time with us and we looking forward to serve you on future trips!