Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer 24 days

Morning

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, your guide will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some time to relax before beginning your sightseeing.

Start with a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Luang Prabang’s important historic temples. Explore its traditional architecture and learn about its cultural significance.

Afternoon

After a break, climb Mount Phousi, home to a sacred gilded stupa and panoramic views over Luang Prabang. The hill also provides a scenic viewpoint for watching the sunset.

Continue with a private Baci Ceremony at a local family’s home. This traditional Lao ritual is an important cultural practice, often held to mark special occasions and welcome or bless guests.

After the ceremony, enjoy dinner with the host family and spend time learning about local customs and everyday life. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for the night.

Morning

Begin the day with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts related to Laos’ royal history and cultural heritage.

Continue to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (TAEC) to learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Laos, including their traditions, lifestyles, and traditional crafts. Attend a seminar on “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos” and explore artefacts from the centre’s collection.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit Ban Xang Khong and a Thai Lue village, known for traditional arts and crafts. Learn about the process of making Saa paper, a handmade paper produced from mulberry tree bark, before trying your hand at creating items such as lanterns, handbags, or books.

Continue to explore traditional textile looms and visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek to learn more about local weaving practices. In the late afternoon, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Morning

Transfer to Ock Pop Tock Living Crafts Centre, located along the Mekong River. Observe local women working on traditional looms and learn about the weaving techniques used to create Lao textiles.

Join a Natural Dyes Class to learn how natural dyes are prepared and used to colour fabrics. You will create three dyed silk skeins to take home as a souvenir.

Enjoy lunch at the Ock Pop Tock's Silk Road Café, with views overlooking the Mekong River.

Afternoon

Continue with a hands-on weaving experience using a traditional loom. Expert weavers will guide you through the process and introduce the techniques involved in creating traditional textiles.

Before leaving, browse the on-site shop for locally made crafts and textiles. In the late afternoon, your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel.

Morning

Start early with Tak Bat (Alms Giving), a traditional morning ritual in which saffron-robed monks receive offerings of sticky rice from local residents. Afterward, visit the morning market near the Royal Palace to observe local produce, goods, and everyday life.

Board a boat and cruise upstream along the Mekong River, enjoying views of the surrounding countryside. Continue to Pak Ou Caves, a pair of caves containing thousands of Buddha statues in different shapes and sizes, placed there by pilgrims over many years.

Stop at Ban Xanghai, a local village known for producing rice wine. Learn about the traditional process used to make this local drink before continuing the journey.

Afternoon

On the return journey, visit Ban Chan, a village known for its traditional pottery making. Observe local artisans at work and learn about pottery techniques passed down through generations, with the option to purchase a small figurine at your own expense.

Walk to the nearby Chanthavinh Resort, where you will spend a peaceful evening surrounded by the riverside setting.

Morning

Enjoy some free time at the resort before transferring to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

Afternoon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Note: Standard hotel check-in is at 14:00. Early check-in may be arranged for an additional charge through your travel consultant.

Morning

Depart Hanoi for a scenic drive through rolling hills and misty mountains towards Mai Chau Valley. Along the way, pass through areas inhabited by Muong and Thai communities, with traditional stilt houses, green valleys, and limestone peaks.

Stop at Thung Khe Pass for views over Mai Chau Valley and explore a local market selling seasonal produce and handmade goods.

Continue to Mai Chau and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients, with vegetarian options available.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at your own pace. Cycle through rice paddies, visit nearby villages, or relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Enjoy dinner featuring traditional Thai dishes. For groups of five or more, join a cultural performance featuring traditional Thai dance and try ruou can, a local fermented rice wine traditionally shared during communal gatherings.

Enjoy a quiet breakfast and the fresh mountain air before joining a local Thai guide for a cycling trip along scenic backroads. Continue with a trek to the remote villages of Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa, where you can observe local farming practices and traditional weaving.

Walk through the surrounding rice fields and forested hills while learning more about everyday life in the valley.

Return to your homestay, check out, and enjoy a final lunch in Mai Chau. Spend some free time browsing local souvenirs or relaxing before beginning the journey back to Hanoi.

Travel back to Hanoi and arrive in the Old Quarter in the evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Morning

Leave Hanoi and explore the traditional craft villages surrounding the capital. Visit Lang Non (Conical Hat Village) or Quang Phu Cau, known for its incense production. Walk through the village and observe rows of colourful incense sticks drying in the open air.

Continue to a To He workshop, where local artisans demonstrate how traditional toy figurines are made from glutinous rice powder. Try shaping your own To He creation as a hands-on souvenir.

Afternoon

Travel south towards Ninh Binh, a countryside region surrounded by limestone karsts and rice fields. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax.

Morning

Begin your day at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Visit the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, set among limestone peaks and surrounding rice fields. Learn about the area’s role in Vietnam’s early history.

Continue to Tam Coc, where you will board a traditional sampan and cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Pass through limestone caves and alongside rice paddies, with karst cliffs rising around the river.

Afternoon

Head to Hang Mua (Mua Cave) for a climb of nearly 500 stone steps to the summit. A dragon statue stands at the viewpoint, which overlooks the winding river, rice fields, and limestone formations of Tam Coc.

Return to your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Morning

Leave Ninh Binh and travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands rising from the sea.

Arrive at the pier around noon and complete the check-in procedures at the lounge. Enjoy pastries and tea while waiting to board the cruise.

Once on board, settle in and enjoy lunch as the boat sails through Halong Bay. Admire the surrounding limestone formations and changing views along the route.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the bay according to the cruise itinerary. Depending on the day's programme, activities may include visiting caves, kayaking, or relaxing at a beach.

Return to the cruise in the late afternoon and relax on the terrace while taking in the sunset. Join the Happy Hour, with a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer, or participate in a cookery class led by the onboard chef.

Enjoy dinner at the cruise restaurant before spending the evening at leisure. Optional onboard activities may include watching a documentary, karaoke, board games, or squid fishing.

Note:

• Your tour guide will not accompany you on the Halong Bay cruise. English-speaking crew will be available on board.
• The cruise itinerary may vary depending on the cruise you choose.

Morning

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Afterward, enjoy a light buffet breakfast with a selection of dishes and beverages.

Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may visit remote areas or caves and take part in activities such as kayaking or swimming. Return to the cruise and complete check-out.

Enjoy brunch as the boat cruises back towards the harbour before disembarking.

Afternoon

After disembarkation, transfer by car to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, transfer to your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, with time to relax or explore the surroundings independently.

Morning

Begin at Toa Kham Wharf, where you will board a traditional dragon boat along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and best-known pagodas.

Continue by boat to Hue Ecolodge in Thuy Bieu Eco-village. Enjoy a two-hour walk or bicycle ride through quiet lanes, fruit gardens, and ancestral temples, while visiting local homes where traditional incense, joss paper, and folk paintings are made.

At a traditional garden house, join a Hue cooking class and learn to prepare local dishes such as Figs with Shrimp and Pork, Banh Ram It, and Banh Khoai. Enjoy the meal you prepare and receive guidance from the chef.

Note: Dishes may vary by season.

Afternoon

After returning to your hotel, meet your driver for a half-day sightseeing tour of Hue. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River, then continue to the Imperial Citadel, part of the Hue Monuments Complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

End the tour at Dong Ba Market, where you can browse local products, shop for souvenirs, and observe everyday life in Hue. Your driver will then return you to the hotel, leaving the rest of the day free.  

Morning

Depart Hue by shuttle bus and travel towards Hoi An, enjoying views of the Vietnamese countryside along the way.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend some time relaxing after the journey.

Afternoon/Evening

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hoi An at your own pace or choose an optional experience:

Morning/ Afternoon

Begin your walking tour at Hoi An Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, traditional snacks, and handmade goods. Explore the market and observe the town’s everyday activities.

Continue to the Fujian Assembly Hall, recognised for its decorated gates, dragon motifs, and detailed rooftops. Visit the family altar and learn about traditional ancestor worship.

Explore Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, two well-preserved homes that are more than 200 years old. Continue to the Museum of Folk Culture, housed in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house, to discover exhibits about traditional crafts and daily life.

Watch a short performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, then visit the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, a historic structure that once connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters.

Finish the tour by browsing local handicraft shops and art galleries, and walking through Hoi An’s narrow lanes and quieter neighbourhoods.

Note: The tour can depart in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability and your preference.

After breakfast, transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After check-in, take some time to settle in and relax.

The rest of the day is free to rest or explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You can also choose one of these optional evening experiences:

Morning

At 08:00 - 08:30, your driver will pick you up for a half-day city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit several important landmarks that reflect the city’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage:

• Reunification Palace: Explore the former residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam and learn about its historical significance during the events of 30 April 1975.
• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral: See one of the city’s notable religious and architectural landmarks, known for its French colonial design.
• Saigon Post Office: Visit this historic colonial building, designed by the French between 1886 and 1891, featuring a blend of Western and Eastern architectural elements.
• War Remnants Museum: Explore its collection of documents, objects, and films relating to the Vietnam War and its consequences.

End the tour with a visit to a local market, where you can browse everyday goods and observe local life. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Note: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under restoration.

Morning

After a delicious breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City for an exciting experience to the Mekong Delta at Cai Be tourist dock.

Sail down the Cai Be River and take in the gorgeous green riverbanks and local life. Visit and savor delicious delicacies in traditional craft villages: rice paper, coconut candy, dried longan, and more

Try the delightful honey tea and learn about how the locals make use of the abundance of fruit orchards and modern beekeeping techniques

Cruise upstream to the blustery Tien River and visit Tan Phong Island which has a lot of luscious fruit gardens. Spend around 10 minutes exploring the fruit garden after getting in a rowing boat and traveling to the small canal

Continue your river ride along the Tien, then disembark for lunch at a garden home. 

Afternoon 

Arrive at Vinh Long Wharf, where the boat tour ends. From here, transfer to Can Tho, a major city in the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Can Tho at your own pace.

Morning

Meet your driver and transfer to the pier to board a wooden boat to Cai Rang Floating Market. Explore one of the Mekong Delta’s major wholesale floating markets, where boats trade a wide range of goods, including fruits, vegetables, clothing, and other everyday products. Observe local trading activities and experience daily life along the river.

Continue to a local noodle workshop, where you can learn about the production process and sample a local noodle dish. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits before returning to the pier.

Disembark at Ninh Kieu Wharf and enjoy lunch in Can Tho before beginning your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Morning

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon & Evening

Spend the afternoon at leisure, with time to relax or explore Phnom Penh independently.

In the evening, head out for dinner at a local restaurant and sample traditional Cambodian dishes. It’s a relaxed introduction to the flavours of Cambodia before your sightseeing begins the following day.

Morning

Begin your Phnom Penh sightseeing at Cambodia’s Royal Palace, located near the riverfront in the city centre. Explore the palace grounds and several buildings open to visitors.

Continue to the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple. See its collection of Buddha statues and decorative objects featuring materials such as gold, silver, emerald, and diamonds.

Visit Wat Phnom, a hilltop pagoda associated with the origins of Phnom Penh’s name. Climb the steps to the top and take in views across the city.

Afternoon

Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Enjoy dinner at Angkor Village Theater, featuring Cambodian dishes alongside a live Apsara Dance performance. This traditional dance form is an important part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Morning

Begin your exploration at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the impressive entrance leads into the ancient walled city. From here, continue to the renowned Bayon Temple, known for its distinctive stone towers decorated with more than 200 serene faces traditionally associated with Avalokitesvara.

Continue exploring Phimeanakas, the former temple at the centre of the Royal Enclosure, followed by the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. These sites offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Angkor Thom and the royal life of the Khmer Empire.

Next, visit Ta Prohm Temple, where large tree roots and vegetation have grown around the ancient temple structures. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most renowned temple complex. Explore its architecture and learn about its historical and religious significance within the Khmer Empire.

End the day at Bakheng Temple, a temple mountain dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Climb Bakheng Hill to enjoy sunset views over the surrounding landscape before returning to your hotel.

Morning

Begin with a visit to Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple known for its detailed stone carvings. Explore the temple and learn about its architectural and historical significance.

Continue to Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. Explore its central temple, four wings, hall, and two libraries.

On the way back, visit Pradark Village to observe local villagers making sugar palm products and handicrafts. If time permits, stop at the Old Market to browse local products, including silk, wood carvings, jewellery, T-shirts, and other souvenirs.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Enjoy a free day in Sihanoukville and choose how you would like to spend your time. Relax at the hotel’s private beach or take part in activities such as beach yoga, snorkelling, diving, or fishing, depending on availability and personal preference.

Optional:

For adventure seekers, Sihanoukville Remote Jungle Trekking Full Day (From US $100 /pax) might provide you with amazing experiences as you can immerse yourself in off-the-beaten-track places in Sihanoukville.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh Airport for your onward flight.