Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Odyssey 20 days

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! You will be greeted by our tour guide and transfer directly to hotel in Hanoi.

Check in time will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.

Optional: The rest of this day is free at leisure. You might have a sleep to recover, or wander around for some own exploration, or consider taking part in one of our suggested activities below:

• • Water Puppet Show: A traditional Vietnamese water performing art, at which Vietnamese folk tales, history and local lives are introduced via colorful puppets.

• • Vietnamese Cooking Class or Foodie Tours: Food in Vietnam, especially Hanoi, is totally tasty and able to mesmerize any visitor. A short walk around Old Quarter for some of Hanoi’s best food, or participation in a fun Vietnam’s cooking class could be a good start to your journey in this lovely country.

Please contact our travel consultant if you are interested in these services, and we are available 24/7 for assisting you.

Note: Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please be presented at Pole No.10 (Outside the Terminal Gate) and contact us, so we could easily search for you.

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

Half day Hanoi city tour (by car or by motorbike – upon client’s interest) - Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi. Depart from the hotel for a visit to Vietnam’s first university: the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite.

Continue with a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the Mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug)

Visit the picturesque West Lake and its sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years.

After visiting, you will have a meal at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant. Free time at leisure for rest of the day.

After breakfast at hotel, driver picks up and transfer to Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea”.

Upon arrival, the boat crew welcome you and check in then enjoy a cruise around Halong Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. You can also behold thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water.

Following break, depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you’ll join some activities on boat to discover the beauty of the bay such as visit a cave, doing kayaking or enjoy swimming in the sea before getting back to the junk for relaxing and dinner. Overnight on board.

You might start your 2nd day in Halong with an early tai-chi class, or simply wake up and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, cruise take you to explore the most stunning caves in Halong.

The early lunch will be served on the way getting back to the main dock for transferring to the airport to catch flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival, tour guide picks up and take you to hotel in Hoi an for checking in and relax for the rest of day

• Boats Anchored In Hoi An

Hoi An is an old port town, which was founded with mixture of different cultures from Vietnam to Japan, China and Europe.

Fortunately, most of ancient constructions in this town have been conserved at unspoiled condition (although some of buildings are now using for commercial purposes), so travelers will have a complete understanding of history and diversity in culture of this historic place.

Our half-day excursion is simply walking. We will wander along old streets, cross several old houses; see how daily lives of local people are, and witness how historical elements of the town merging with modernity. We will also visit some of the ancient monuments from other nations, like the Japanese Covered Bridge or Fujian Assembly Hall of Chinese. And after some walking, a cold glass of traditional herbal drink from a street-side shop is the best way to refresh, and enjoy the true taste of Hoi An on your tongue.

If we have enough time, we will also pass by a handicraft store, at which you could directly see the creation of most notable souvenirs in town, and take some of them back to your hometown.

• The Japanese Bridge

Optional: We introduce some ways to explore the beauty of Hoi An, you can choose one of below options:

Option 1: Discover My Son Holly Land Half day: My Son Sanctuary - a collection of Champa ruins nestled amongst the mountains in a geological basin of the Quang Nam province. 

Price from $ US50/ person

Option 2: Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village: Join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land. Get to know the villagers’ daily working routines, like raking the ground, sowing, watering and picking greens and many more gardening activities. 

Price from $ US70/ person

Option 3: Hoi An Vespa Tour 

Price from $ US85/ person

Enjoy your free time until flight time, our driver transfer you to airport in Da Nang to catch flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival, transfer from airport to hotel. Spend free time to relax, unwind or explore the dynamic city on your own.

• Ho Chi Minh City

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

Enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Sightseeing examples of French colonial architecture and exploring the Vietnam’s turbulent in past at the War Remnants Museum. Our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Afterward, we visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Our last stop would be at a local Market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Discover local life and culture. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city in here. Return your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time in the rest of day

Escape the city for a tour of the Mekong Delta, where you'll see what life is like beyond the urban centre of the south. An incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta's prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road. Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, still untouched by tourism. Board on boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms. Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook.

You will be transferred to Can Tho for staying overnight

Early wake up with a “should not be missed” floating market in Can Tho. Travel along the Mekong and the natural network of canals by motor boat and sampan under the shadows of water coconut trees. Taste seasonal fruits right from the orchard, meet friendly locals, and visit the region’s lively floating markets. Northwest of Can Tho meanwhile, and a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border, is the ebullient town of Chau Doc, south of which Sam Mountain provides a welcome undulation in the surrounding plains. The opening of the border here has brought a steady stream of travellers going on to Phnom Penh by boat

Afternoon road transfer to Chau Doc and spend one night at this sleepy little town.

• Floating Market

Have breakfast at hotel.Head to the boat station, take speed boat to Phnom Penh.

Transfer to hotel for checking in. Free at leisure

After breakfast at hotel, our tour guide picks you up at your hotel and transfer to visit Independence Monument

Continue the city tour to Royal Palace compound , the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style palaces. Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha status that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver.

We continue explore National Museum the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others.

The next destination is Wat Phnom , the only one hill in town with sacred sites. Climb the stairs to the top of the hill for fabulous views of the city below.

Then we transfer directly to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap (6 hour drive). Your guide will be not with you on bus but he/she will meet you in Siem Reap. The bus will stop at Arunras Restaurant for restroom and where you can find your own meals or snack before continue to final destination.

Upon arrival Siem Reap, meet your guide at Borei Seang Nam station and transfer to check in at hotel for refreshment. Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage!

Relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow.

Morning, visit to jungle Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The temple of Ta Prohm was once used as a location to film the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. Begin tour to the antique capital of Angkor Thom, start from the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon, explore Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Last but not least, view a wonderful sunset from Angkor Wat or somewhere possible.

Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at Amazon or Kulen II restaurant.

Enjoy your free day in Siem Reap

Free until transfer to Siem Reap International airport and catch flight to Luang Prabang.

On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel. You are free to stroll around the city for your own exploration of this ancient town.

The dinner will be served at the local restaurant with traditional dance & folk song, the chance for you the have the first impression of Lao culture.

• Locals Navigate Through The Mangroves In Kampong Phluk Village

08:00 - 08:30: Guide and driver pick up at hotel The Pha Tad Ke boat departs Ban Wat That at 9:00 (please be at the pier at 8:45).

Enjoy a 15-minute leisurely boat trip down the Mekong River. Upon arrival at Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden reception you will be given a short presentation about the gardens. After that walk through the Ginger Garden and the Ethno-botanic Garden, which is the centrepiece of the garden.

Follow the path through the Limestone Walk and take in the amazing mountainous Mekong landscape. Learn how to make a bamboo stick animal at the site of the hunting lodge of the former royal family. Then continue your tour of Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden walking through the Arboretum, Palm Garden and Bamboo Garden to our viewpoint that overlooks the rice fields. Stop by the Mist House where you will learn more about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Finish your excursion with an optional orchid talk at Pha Tad Ke Nursery. All of the gardens will have introductory panels and labels. You can always ask our expert staff should you have any questions or require more information.

Enjoy a delicious Lao set lunch at the Pha Tad Ke café before taking the boat back to Luang Prabang. In the afternoon, your city tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

After that, you will visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. If time permits, we will take a short walk around the small streets of city center, watching the life of local people, and visiting the traditional house of Heuan Chan, the Chantal wooden house dating back to 100 years old.

Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

06:30: Guide and driver pick up at hotel. Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center (TAEC), the collection of diverse Lao ethnic groups. We will stroll around to visit the center to understand more about the Lao diverse ethnic culture.

After that, we will join the seminars of “Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Change in Laos” This fascinating 60-minute presentation and question-and-answer session gives background on Laos’ ethnic communities, their history, and their culturalpractices, including livelihoods and crafts. Guests have an opportunity to learn about lifestyles in ethnic villages, and are shown unique artefacts fromTAEC’s collection that are not accessible to the general public. The seminars are led by one of the two TAEC Founder/Directors, either Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, a Luang Prabang-native who worked at the Luang Prabang National Museum for 10 years, and who has attended trainings and conferences in the US, Thailand, Netherlands, Japan, and Brunei; or Tara Gujadhur, an American who has worked in Luang Prabang for over 10 years, with a background in anthropology and sustainable tourism development The ethnic Khmu lunch will be served at TAEC Café.

In the afternoon, we transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 APR – 30 JUN; 01-14 SEP, & 01 JAN every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre.

• Kuang Si Waterfalls

08:30: Guide and driver pick up at hotel After breakfast, we will join the transfer to the nearby market to buy the fresh foods before continuing further to Muang Soune, which locates 5Km from the center in the north of Luang Prabang by the bank of Nam Ou river.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the host family, before strolling around the village to see the life of local people. We then visit the house of the chief of the village, and talk with him about the living condition, the history, or anything about the village. The lunch will then be served at the house of the host family.

In the afternoon, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy agricultural activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields (depending on the season); Traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!); or walk around the farm and rice field. If you wish, the dip in the Nam Ou river is very inviting and worth a try. You may wish to join, and help the host with preparing the dinner. This is the chance to learn about Lao cuisine.

Before the dinner, we will join the Baci Ceremony, held by the elders of the village. The Baci ceremony as a traditional ritual of the Lao people expresses the spirituality of the country and is a highly memorable experience and a deep insight into Lao culture for the participants. During the dinner, the folk tales will be told by the host family, and translated by our guide. You may wish to stroll around the riverbank, and sense the nature, admiring the starry sky before going to bed.

Wake up early, you never want to miss the chance to admire the sunrise over the Nam Ou river, and the nearby mountains.

After breakfast, the morning will be dedicated to the fishing by the stunning Nam Ou river, experience traditionnal fishing techniques. You will also take the boat trip exploring the surrounding areas. We come back to the village at 11:00AM to join the transfer back to Luang Prabang.

Along the way, we make a stop at Ban Pak Ou to have the lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Pak Ou caves, and the 2 rivers (Mekong, and Nam Ou)

In the afternoon, we will visit Pak Ou caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. From there, we will take the boat downstream the Mekong river back to Luang Prabang, and further to Ban Chan, the tranquil village on the other side of Mekong river, home to the peaceful Chanthavinh Resort, where we will spend the night

You are free to stroll around the village of Ban Chan, which is renowned in the region for its pottery making. Admire a young man work the clay into a small bowl, and visit the underground kilns which are used to cook hundreds of jars at a time. These ancestral methods are transferred, from one generation to another and require patience and dexterity. Feel free to support them by buying a little figurine in order to support their handicraft (at own expenses).

We then take the boat back to Luang Prabang, and transfer out to the airport to take the departure flight