Essence of Indochina Tour 20-Day

Begin your day with a visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a comprehensive city tour, including iconic landmarks like the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Embark on a morning journey to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, meet your lodge representative and take a leisurely walk along the countryside path to the lodge. Enjoy a warm welcome drink and check-in at the lodge's restaurant. After some rest, hop on bicycles for a scenic cycling tour through village paths, passing by local agricultural activities and picturesque landscapes. Visit fruit plantations, witness the making of pop rice, and participate in a traditional cooking class where you'll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at the lodge's restaurant. Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge.

After breakfast, witness the bustling local squatting market as loaded boats transport goods, including coconuts, between factories. Cross the local ferry to visit the captivating Cao Dai temple and observe the traditional manufacturing process. Back at the Lodge, engage in hands-on activities such as harvesting water coconut leaves and weaving them together, learning about their significance in Mekong Delta architecture. Check out and enjoy lunch on the return journey. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to the airport for a short domestic flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our local driver and tour guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the charming town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Embark on a leisurely morning walking tour of Hoi An, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Visit Japanese Merchant Houses, the iconic Japanese Bridge, Chinese temples, ancient houses, and pagodas. Our tour guide will accompany you back to your hotel, and the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Overnight in Hoi An.

Embark on a captivating half-day tour to Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain). Explore the mesmerizing natural caves, marvel at the panoramic views from the mountain's summit, and visit mysterious pagodas and the local sculpturing village. Afterwards, we head to the Cham Museum, home to a comprehensive collection of rare and precious artifacts from the renowned Cham Culture. Overnight in Hoi An.

Depart for Hue at 10am, enjoying a scenic journey along highway 1A. Admire the breathtaking views of Lang Co Beach and Danang City along the way. Overnight in Hue.

Embark on a delightful cycling excursion to explore Hue's countryside. Visit Thanh Toan Bridge, an exquisite Chinese-style covered bridge, and the nearby agricultural museum. Immerse yourself in the local market and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Cycle to traditional villages known for crafting the iconic 'Conical hats' and discover the unique cultural heritage. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Hue's special cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, and visit the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum. Conclude the day with a visit to Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, fly from Hue to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Explore the charming city of Hanoi in the morning. Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After lunch, delve into the rich cultural heritage at the Museum of Ethnology. Experience the bustling streets of the Old Quarter on a traditional cyclo ride, followed by a captivating Water Puppet show. In the evening, our driver will transfer you to the train station for an overnight train journey to Lao Cai. Note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open from Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 8am to 11am. Closed on Mondays and Fridays. The mausoleum is closed for two months of the year, usually October and November, for maintenance.

Arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa, where you'll embark on a trekking adventure through Cat Cat and Y Linh Ho villages, inhabited by the Black H'mong tribe. Explore the stunning rice terraces, visit a waterfall and hydroelectric station, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the picturesque Muong Hoa valley before trekking to Lao Chai village. Return to your hotel in Sapa for overnight. Approx. 5 hours of walking and 1-hour lunch.

Drive to the Silver Waterfall and witness the breathtaking views of Hoang Lien National Park. Continue to the Heavens Gate, the highest point of the road between Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Return to your hotel in Sapa to collect your belongings before transferring to Lao Cai for the overnight train journey to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being picked up for a scenic drive to Halong Bay. Board a classic cruise ship and indulge in a delicious lunch while cruising among the limestone islands. Explore the hidden corners of the bay with a kayak excursion around Luon Cave. Later, visit Soi Sim Island for swimming, relaxation, or a panoramic view of Halong Bay. Return to the main boat for sunset views, dinner, and leisure activities. Overnight on the cruise ship.

After a morning Tai Chi session or photo hunt, explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave before returning to the boat for check-out. Continue cruising and visiting attractions such as Ba Hang fishing village and Dog Islet. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch onboard. Disembark the cruise ship in the afternoon and transfer back to your Hanoi hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our local driver and guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

In the morning, embark on a traditional boat and cruise along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Cave, home to thousands of Buddhist statues. Enjoy a picnic lunch and proceed to the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfall, a captivating natural attraction. Admire the scenic landscapes and return to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Luang Prabang for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our local driver and guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Explore the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, including Bayon, Baphuon, and Phimeanakas temples, as well as the Terraces of the Elephant and Leper King. Enjoy lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Visit Ta Prohm and explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, followed by a sunset view from Bakheng Hill. Indulge in a buffet dinner with a traditional APSARA dance show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.