Indochina Heritage Tour to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

Meet on arrival and you are welcome to Vientiane, the city of the moon – an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos. Transfer to hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, to visit religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane;

That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane. 

O/N in Vien Tiane

Breakfast at hotel, if time permits, we will visit the Morning Market, the biggest shopping center in Vientiane then transfer to Wattay airport for the domestic flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to our hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty temples still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture;

Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang.

O/N in Luang Prabang. 

After breakfast, we depart hotel to the boat landing, and take an excursion (a few hours) by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height.

En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant (Your own account)

We arrive back to Luang Prabang in late afternoon, and continue by car to outskirt of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, a well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. 

O/N in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, you'll be free to visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There is also a chance for you to look around the Central Market.

You'll be then at leisure until the transferred to the airport for the afternoon flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up and drive to the hotel for check in and rest.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today we’ll be on a full day tour to discover the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. First we pay a visit to the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh to know his amazing life. Continue to the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture. Afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artifacts about the cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in the country.

Next we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers still trade the way they have done for centuries. The rickshaw tour ends up at an old house on Ma May Street, an example of dwellings in the 19 century. Later we walk through the busy traffic to the water puppet theatre and enjoy a performance of the famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region.

Overnight in Hanoi

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be picked by our guide & driver at hotel then driven to Halong Bay – 170km from the East of Hanoi. On the way, you will have chances to stop by green paddies to see the Vietnamese farmers working on their fields or you might get by a Humanity Center where we are nursing the disabled Children who are left behind the War & they are victims of Agent Oranges caused by American troops.

At around 12:00, you will reach to Halong Bay recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1994. The islands in Ha Long Bay are mainly limestone and schist islands most lying in the two main areas: the southeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay and southwestern part of Ha Long Bay. They are the result of many times of rising and lowering processes of the continent to form a karst. The process of nearly full erosion and weathering of the karst created the unique Ha Long Bay in the world. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values.

On arrival at 12h30, we are welcome on the traditional boat and have welcome drink. Start the boat trip to visit Halong Bay with outstanding natural beauty of many Islands such as Con Cho Island, Dinh Huong Island, Canh Buom Island, Ga Choi Island and have fresh seafood lunch served on board. In the afternoon, you will have opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cave in Ha long Bay- Sung Sot Cave or Suprising Cave, then swimming on Titop or do kayak to visit Luon Cave. Watching sunset. Fishing with seine and owing bamboo boat (on request).

Dinner and overnight on boat.

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy aquamarine water of the bay at its best. After breakfast and perhaps early swim, the junk continue to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. Enjoy more isolated and spectacular islands of the bay. After lunch on board we disembark and transfer directly to airport for flight to Hue. You’ll be welcome upon arrival and escorted to the hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast at hotel, embark on your private river boat for a pleasant trip to visit Thien Mu pagoda which is the most famous pagoda in Hue and located on the bank of romantic Perfume River. Next, visit the historical Royal Citadel where we’ll admire the amazing architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty and many stories about the emperors. Khai Dinh tomb – a blend of Western and Eastern architecture- is another major part of our exploration today.

Afternoon we’ll depart Hue for Hoi An. After the scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass which offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages , we will arrive in the peaceful riverside town of Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and is now an UNESCO World Heritage city.

Overnight in Hoi An

This morning we visit Hoian town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. You’ll have ample time to explore the town independently then.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for a short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes.

An afternoon will acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh. First, we drive past many lively streets on our way to the Reunification Palace. This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the Palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We follow these with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War remnant exhibit. The final stop is the vibrant Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!

O/N in Ho Chi Minh. 

This morning we head out for a visit to Tay Ninh known as a famous religious cradle of Cao Daism then Cu Chi, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War.

Known as the “Iron Triangle” during the war of the 60’s, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam’s military history. It is advisable to wear clothes which you won’t mind getting dirty if you intend to be adventurous and go underground yourself! At the end of the day we return to Saigon for resting.

Heading out of town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta. This plain region boasts the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. On arrival in My Tho we board a boat navigating around the intricate small canals, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting river trip will pass by the lush green vegetation towards the famous Unicorn Island where we have a chance to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and see farmers at work.

We navigate some narrower canals using small rowing boats to Ben Tre Province for an interesting visit to some local industries. The extra enjoyment is a lunch at one of the famous local eating spots. We drive back to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off en route to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Saigon’s Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. 

O/N in Ho Chi Minh. 

After morning breakfast, we take you to the airport for flight to Phnom Penh. The city history begins with Lady Penh who discovered five Buddha images concealed in a tree and had a pagoda named Wat Phnom Don Penh built on that spot. The city that took its name from the pagoda that was founded nearly a century later, becoming the capital in 1866. Despite its recent turbulent history, today Phnom Penh’s wide tree–lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to city center.

Your afternoon tour explores the city highlights including the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts.

Check in the hotel where you’ll enjoy some free time to rest and freshen up.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

This morning, we’ll take an excursion to Cambodia’s infamous filling fields and also visit the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch (your own account), we’ll be transferred to the Phnom Penh airport for your internal flight to Siem Reap.

On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to hotel for check in.

O/N in Siem Reap.

Today is spent discovering the magnificent temples. First, we’ll visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple, Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Then, we’ll move onto Angkor Wat, one of the great wonders of the world and symbol, the heart and soul of the Cambodia. In the late afternoon, we’ll stroll throughout the Angkor National Museum which houses the best collection of artifacts and handicrafts illustrating the Khmer culture.

Tonight, we’ll be enjoying the special dinner with Khmer Apsara Dance Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Optional for view sunrise (early morning)

Breakfast at the hotel.

We continue to the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Then, visit Banteay Kdei which is the uniquely Buddhist temple. Lunch at a local restaurant (Your own account)

This afternoon, you can sign up at surcharge for the Khmer cooking class, hot air balloon or Buddha blessing ceremony with us.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel

* Optional Tour: We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Lunch at local restaurant. (Kindly advise us if you want to book such a tour on spot)

Free leisure for your own time for rolling at local market for shopping until transfer to Siem Reap International airport departure flight.