Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Odyssey 20 days

Welcome to Hanoi, the captivating capital of Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your friendly guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city center for check-in (Please note that rooms are available from 14:00; early check-in can be arranged at an additional cost).

The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight or explore the city at your own pace. You might take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, sample some delicious Vietnamese street food, or simply unwind at a cozy café and soak in the local atmosphere.­ 

Meals: NA

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, meet your friendly guide in the hotel lobby for a fascinating introduction to Hanoi’s rich history and culture.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you’ll learn about Vietnam’s beloved leader, “Uncle Ho.” Explore his humble house on stilts, the Presidential Palace, then visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda - a beautiful lotus-shaped temple rising from a single wooden pillar, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

Next, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Founded in 1070, this ancient site is dedicated to Confucius and has nurtured generations of scholars. Stroll through its peaceful courtyards, admire the stone steles engraved with scholars’ names, and capture some great photos of this cultural gem.

After the tour, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor the country’s authentic flavors. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore more of Hanoi at your own pace.

Note: Tourists can only witness Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from outside, and the mausoleum is closed on Mon & Fri and from Jun to Aug.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast at your hotel, leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind for a scenic drive through the peaceful countryside to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Upon arrival at the pier around noon, board your comfortable cruise and enjoy a warm welcome drink as you check in. As the boat begins gliding through the emerald waters, feast on a fresh seafood lunch while soaking up the magnificent views of thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea.

In the afternoon, explore some of Halong Bay’s breathtaking caves or hidden beaches (depending on your cruise itinerary), or simply unwind on the sun deck as the scenery drifts by. You may also have a chance to kayak or swim in the bay’s tranquil waters.

As the sun sets over the limestone peaks, the cruise anchors in a peaceful lagoon. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board, followed by optional evening activities such as squid fishing, stargazing, or a quiet drink on the deck under the night sky.

Note: The cruise itinerary may differ based on your selected cruise. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Wake up early to the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay, where the first rays of sunlight dance over the limestone peaks. Enjoy a light breakfast on board as the cruise gently glides through the emerald waters, and stop at one of the bay’s enchanting attractions - perhaps a limestone cave filled with glittering stalactites or a secluded lagoon perfect for photos.

As you savor brunch, take in the final mesmerizing views of this World Heritage seascape before returning to the pier. Upon disembarkation, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang, the vibrant coastal gateway to Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, take a scenic drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town steeped in history and charm. Check in to your hotel and unwind, or spend the evening on your own strolling through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes - the perfect way to end the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Begin your journey through the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, where every corner tells a story.

Start at the Hoi An Market, a lively hub bursting with colors, scents, and sounds - from the aroma of local spices to the chatter of merchants selling fresh produce, fabrics, and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to glimpse local life and pick up a few souvenirs.

Continue to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, an ornate masterpiece adorned with intricate carvings, bright gates, and dragon statues. Here, you’ll learn about the tradition of ancestor worship and observe local devotees making offerings at the family altar.

Next, step back in time as you explore Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, both remarkably preserved homes that have stood for over two centuries, weathering the test of time and history. Then visit the Museum of Folk Culture, where fascinating artifacts showcase the everyday life of Hoi An’s early residents inside a 150-year-old merchant house.

Enjoy a short art performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, where local artists bring the town’s heritage to life through music and dance. End your tour at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old architectural gem that once linked the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the town. As you stroll through quaint laneways and discover charming handicraft shops and art galleries, you’ll truly feel the magic that makes Hoi An one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations.­ 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Today is to relax, unwind, and explore Hoi An at your own pace.

Wake up to the gentle charm of this riverside town, where lanterns sway in the morning breeze and the aroma of fresh coffee drifts through the ancient streets. You might spend the morning wandering through Hoi An’s colorful alleys, stopping at a cozy café for a traditional Vietnamese coffee, or browsing local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.

As evening falls, let Hoi An work its magic: stroll along the lantern-lit streets, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, and savor dinner by the water while the town glows under a thousand colorful lights. A perfect free day to embrace the easygoing beauty of Hoi An, your way.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before saying goodbye to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Your driver will take you on a scenic drive to Da Nang Airport, where you’ll board a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, take some time to relax or head out to explore the energetic streets of Saigon on your own. You might stroll down Dong Khoi Street, admire the elegant French colonial architecture, or stop by a rooftop café to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Start your morning at 08:00 with a journey through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where history and modern life blend seamlessly. Your first stop is the Reunification Palace, an iconic landmark that once served as the residence of the President of South Vietnam. Step inside to explore its historic halls and learn about the events that shaped the country’s past.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, where powerful exhibits and photographs offer a moving insight into Vietnam’s wartime history and resilience. Next, admire two of the city’s most beautiful colonial-era buildings - the Saigon Central Post Office, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick masterpiece built during the late 19th century.

(Please note: The Cathedral remains closed for renovations, but you can still admire its striking facade from the outside.)

If time allows, end your tour at a local market, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of Saigon’s daily life, sample local snacks, or find the perfect souvenir to take home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

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. Drive to Can Tho, experience relaxing pace of life in the Delta region. 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 a long tail 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

After breakfast at your hotel, board a speedboat boat for Phnom Penh, gliding along the scenic Mekong River. As you travel across the border, enjoy the peaceful riverside landscapes and observe daily life unfolding along the banks.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest before beginning your afternoon exploration of Cambodia’s capital.

Start your city tour with a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, two of Phnom Penh’s most stunning landmarks. Admire the palace’s elegant Khmer architecture and the dazzling silver-tiled floor of the pagoda, home to many precious Buddhist treasures. Continue to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake hilltop temple and a sacred site surrounded by lush greenery and local legends.

Conclude your day with a poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that became a haunting reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime. Return to your hotel in the evening to relax and reflect on the day’s journey through Cambodia’s rich and complex history.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Transfer to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap (6 hour drive). Your guide will be not with you on bus but 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.

This afternoon, take a fun by Rermork “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the Angkor National Museum, learn about “the Legend Revealed” and see how the Khmer Empire has been established during the golden period. Continue to Preah Ang Check Preah Angkor, the secret place where local people go praying for good luck or safe journey. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at Amazon or Kulen II restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Begin with Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer dynasty. Enter through its South Gate, flanked by towering stone faces that seem to watch over the ancient city. Continue to the mesmerizing Bayon Temple, where over 200 serene, smiling faces are carved into massive stone towers - a true masterpiece of ancient art and symbolism. Next, visit the Elephant Terrace, once used by Khmer kings for grand ceremonies and royal audiences. Just nearby, explore the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with mysterious and beautifully detailed carvings that reflect the richness of Khmer mythology.

Before the morning ends, step into the magical world of Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots weave through crumbling temple walls. This “Tomb Raider Temple” perfectly captures the awe-inspiring power of nature reclaiming history.

After a local lunch break, continue your adventure at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple and one of the greatest monuments ever built. Wander through its vast courtyards and intricately carved galleries that depict epic tales from Hindu mythology.

Return to your hotel with lasting memories of Angkor’s ancient glory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Today is yours to enjoy Siem Reap at your own pace. After breakfast, take this opportunity to relax or explore more of the city’s hidden gems. You may choose to wander through the Old Market (Psar Chaa), where local life buzzes with color, sound, and the scent of spices - perfect for souvenir shopping or sampling authentic Cambodian snacks.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Siem Reap before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Nestled in the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a charming town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, famed for its blend of serene natural beauty, graceful Buddhist temples, and French colonial architecture.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure - wander through quiet streets lined with golden temples, or enjoy a coffee by the Mekong River as the sun sets over the hills.

In the evening, delight in a traditional Lao dinner accompanied by a graceful cultural dance and folk music performance, offering a warm and memorable introduction to the rich heritage of Laos.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Your day begins with a short transfer to the pier at Ban Wat That, where you’ll board the Pha Tad Ke boat at 9:00 (please arrive by 8:45). Glide along the Mekong River on a peaceful 15-minute cruise, soaking in the tranquil riverside scenery before arriving at Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden - Laos’ first botanical garden and a sanctuary of biodiversity.

Upon arrival, enjoy a brief introduction to the gardens before setting out on your adventure. Wander through the vibrant Ginger Garden and the Ethno-Botanic Garden, the heart of the park, where you’ll discover how plants have been woven into the traditions and daily life of the Lao people.

Stroll along the Limestone Walk, framed by dramatic mountain views of the Mekong, and learn how to craft a bamboo stick animal - a nod to the hunting lodge of the former royal family once located here.

Continue your journey through the Arboretum, Palm Garden, and Bamboo Garden, pausing at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lush rice fields. Don’t miss the Mist House, where you’ll uncover the importance of biodiversity conservation and rare orchid species.

After your exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty.

In the afternoon, take a short trek to Pha Tad Ke Cave, home to a serene Buddhist shrine hidden within the limestone cliffs. Return to the café for a refreshing beverage and sample some traditional Lao delicacies before joining a hands-on workshop on Lao Traditional Medicinal Herbal Tea. Discover how local herbs are used to promote health and balance in everyday life - a beautiful way to connect with Lao wisdom.

As the day winds down, enjoy some free time to relax in the gardens before the boat departs at 17:30 for the return cruise to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel by tuk tuk, carrying with you the calm and inspiration of the day’s natural retreat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Luang Prabang - a city where history, spirituality, and natural beauty blend harmoniously. Start with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city’s royal heritage. Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most stunning temple, known for its graceful sweeping roofs and exquisite mosaics that epitomize classical Laotian architecture.

Next, stop by the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, where you’ll gain insight into the diverse cultures and traditions of Laos’ many ethnic groups. Continue to Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest temple, built in 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat. Once home to the sacred Prabang Buddhas, this temple remains a symbol of Luang Prabang’s deep spiritual roots.

Laos is also renowned for its traditional handicrafts. Visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center, where you’ll meet skilled artisans and learn about silk production, weaving techniques, and the stories of the women who help preserve these age-old traditions.

Afterward, journey to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, a natural paradise of turquoise pools and cascading waters surrounded by lush jungle. Take a refreshing swim, stroll along the shaded forest trails, or visit the Bear Rescue Center to see rescued Asiatic black bears up close. Before heading back to town, stop at the nearby Kuang Si Butterfly Park (closed Tuesdays and from May 3rd to June 19th annually) for an optional guided tour to learn about the region’s butterflies and native flora.

End your day with a climb up Mount Phousi, ascending 329 steps to reach the summit - the perfect spot to watch the sun set over Luang Prabang and the shimmering Mekong River below.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Homestay at Muang Soune

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Chanthavinh Resort

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

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: NA