Best of Indochina in 21 Days

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for the day's excursion. Our knowledgeable guide will pick you up between 07:45 and 08:30. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century. Explore the Ho Chi Minh complex, including a viewing of Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body, his residences, and the unique One Pillar Pagoda. Choose between visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Bat Trang ceramic village to delve into the rich culture and traditions of Vietnam. Lunch: Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese lunch featuring eight delectable dishes at our restaurant. Afternoon: Continue the tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in the 11th century. Explore Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, which pays homage to General Tran Hung Dao from the 13th century. Tour Conclusion: Around 16:15, the tour concludes, and you will be transported back to your hotel.

06:30: Complimentary hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Sapa. 07:00: Depart for Sapa by spacious bus, enjoying the scenic Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway route. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the terraced fields and mountains along the way. Take a short 30-minute break before continuing the journey. 12:30: Arrive in Sapa, where you will be greeted by the tour guide at No.3 Fansipan Street. Look for the guide holding a sign with your name. Follow the guide to our Sapa office for a welcome drink and itinerary briefing. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Vietnamese dishes and complete the check-in procedures. 14:00: Embark on a 12 km trek along scenic trails through the Muong Hoa Valley to Lao Chai village, home to the Black H'mong ethnic people. Discover their daily lives, traditional clothes, handicrafts, and indigo production. Admire the stunning golden rice terrace fields in the largest valley. Continue the walk to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay people, known for their rich culture and beautiful houses situated amidst rice paddies. Explore Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages, located approximately 8 km from Sapa town. These villages are home to the Black H'mong and Dzay ethnic groups. Enjoy panoramic views of the villages, surrounded by high mountains and facing the river. Breathe in the fresh air, witness terraced fields and streams, and engage with the hospitable locals. Immerse yourself in their culture and customs. 17:00: Return to Sapa Town by car or jeep. Overnight at the hotel.

Begin the day with a scenic car or jeep ride from your hotel in Sapa to Ma Tra village. From there, follow a trail that meanders through picturesque rice fields to reach the Black H'mong Village of Ma Tra. During the day, you'll have the opportunity to visit a local school and immerse yourself in the village atmosphere. After a satisfying lunch, continue the journey through stunning landscapes to Ta Phin, a Red Dao village. Take your time to explore the village, interact with the locals, and visit their houses and caves. Ta Phin Village is renowned for its trekking tours, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. You may encounter villagers working in the fields, witness traditional houses, explore caves, or take a leisurely walk amidst the rice paddies and mountain vistas. One common sight in the village is women and girls sitting together, engrossed in indigo-colored cloth, creating intricate embroidery and brocade products. The friendly locals will gladly invite you into their homes to share their lifestyle and traditions. 14:00: Depart from Ta Phin village to return to Sapa by bus. 16:00: Bid farewell to Sapa as you head back to Hanoi. 21:30: Arrive in Hanoi, concluding your unforgettable Sapa tour.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the shuttle bus to Halong Bay. Embark on a traditional wooden junk boat and embark on a magical exploration of Halong Bay, a premier tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Savor a delectable lunch and dinner onboard, featuring fresh seafood. Spend the night on the comfortable and charming junk boat. The junks in Halong are spacious wooden boats measuring 25 meters in length. Equipped with air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, and toilets, they provide the perfect setting to fully experience the beauty of the bay. Marvel at fishing villages, take a refreshing swim in the sea, admire breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, or simply indulge in relaxation. The food served on the boat is excellent, with the fish and seafood freshly caught in the early morning haul.

Begin your day with a serene Tai Chi routine on the sundeck, or savor the breathtaking morning view of the bay while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Indulge in a Western-style breakfast to fuel up for another day of exploration. Discover the hidden gem of Thien Canh Son Cave. Return to the boat and take some time to freshen up and pack your belongings. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, where you can learn the art of creating a delicious dish such as Nem Cuon, guided by none other than the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsey. Alternatively, challenge yourself with fruit and vegetable carving. Delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch onboard the boat. Disembark at Hon Gai pier and return to Hanoi via our shuttle bus or limousine. From there, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for overnight accommodation in Hue.

Start your day with a hotel pick-up in Hue city. Embark on a fascinating private full-day tour of Hue, beginning with a scenic private dragon boat ride along the Perfume River. Visit the renowned Thien Mu Pagoda, a 400-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site that holds rich cultural and mythical significance. Explore the Hue Imperial Citadel, a complex comprising the Citadel, Royal City, and Forbidden City, which served as the political and cultural center during the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the grandeur of this historical site that was once home to emperors, concubines, and eunuchs. Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your Hue city tour. Visit the Minh Mang Tomb, the final resting place of the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, known for its intricate details and symbolism. Marvel at the Khai Dinh Tomb, renowned for its opulence and architectural beauty, considered one of the world's remarkable new heritages. At around 4:00 pm, we will transport you back to your hotel in Hue, concluding the memorable Hue City Tour.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a scenic transfer to the charming Hoi An Old Town. Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour journey, with stops at picturesque attractions along the way, including Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, and Lap An Lagoon. Capture stunning photos and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. Check-in at your hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Experience the joys of local life with a unique fishing adventure alongside skilled fishermen. Embark on a thrilling journey aboard the charming basket boats and learn traditional fishing techniques. Delight in the excitement of catching your own fish, which will be skillfully prepared for a delicious meal. Immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting memories on this engaging tour. The tour begins at 8:00 am with a convenient hotel pick-up.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a half-day excursion to My Son, the ancient capital and religious center of the Champa Kingdom. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore the breathtaking red brick towers and sanctuaries nestled in the verdant valley, dating back to the 7th to 13th centuries. Return to Hoi An for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a captivating walking tour of Hoi An's historic town, once a bustling seaport during the 16th to 18th centuries. Discover the vibrant local market, admire the architectural beauty of Tan Ky old house, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese covered bridge, which has stood for 400 years. Gain insight into the town's thriving silk industry by observing the silkworm cultivation and silk production process. Enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Explore the vibrant Hoi An market, immersing yourself in its bustling atmosphere and discovering an array of enticing sights and scents. Engage with friendly local vendors and select fresh ingredients for our upcoming cooking class. At the Kumquat BBQ Restaurant & Cooking Class, you will embark on a hands-on culinary journey. Our skilled chefs will guide you through a 3-hour class, where you will actively participate in preparing and cooking four delightful dishes. Enjoy a social and interactive experience as you work together in a team. The class begins with a demonstration and explanation of the recipes. Our chefs will be available throughout to answer questions and provide assistance. Afterward, everyone will sit down together to savor the fruits of their labor. You will receive the recipes to recreate these culinary delights at home. We offer complimentary pickup and drop-off from your Hoi An hotel. Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside, gaining insights into the daily lives of local residents. (Alternatively, transportation can be arranged by taxi.)

Transfer from Hoi An to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest and relax in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, embark on an intriguing visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive underground complex used during the Vietnam War. Explore this remarkable historical site located 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way. Continue your city tour with visits to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and notable landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. Conclude the day with dinner at your own leisure.

Embark on a journey to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Depart for My Tho, where you'll experience a delightful boat cruise along the legendary Mekong River (Ben Tre). Traverse serene waterways, stopping at a local orchard to savor exotic seasonal fruits and witness the artistry of a coconut candy workshop. Hop on a horse-cart for a charming ride, followed by a serene sampan cruise along the My Tho canals to reach Turtle Island's stilt restaurant. Indulge in a delectable lunch before returning to Saigon in the late afternoon. Enjoy some leisure time and dine at your own preference. Overnight at the hotel.

Today, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you and assist with the check-in process at your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of the Angkor area. Explore the awe-inspiring ancient ruins, starting with the magnificent South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its monumental stone faces. Discover the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finally, visit the majestic Angkor Wat, a remarkable architectural masterpiece dating back to the 12th century. Wander through its vast galleries, courtyards, libraries, pavilions, and reflective ponds, marveling at its grandeur. Conclude the day with a visit to the captivating Ta Prohm temple, embraced by towering fig trees and creeping vines that evoke the harmony between man-made structures and the forces of nature. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a captivating exploration. Begin your day with a visit to Banteay Srei, a remarkable temple constructed during the late 10th century. Admire the intricate carvings that earned it the nickname "Citadel of the Woman." Along the way, make a stop at Preah Dark village, followed by a visit to the splendid Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting Vishnu and Krishna legends. Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Continue your journey to the majestic Preah Khan temple, dedicated to King Jayavarman VII's father. Marvel at its vast monastic complex, which served as a Buddhist monastery and school with over 1000 monks. Conclude the day with a visit to Neak Pean, a small island temple situated in the middle of the Baray. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time until your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start your day with an optional early morning activity to witness the unique daily ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting alms from devoted residents. This tradition is a cherished part of Laos' Buddhist culture. Afterward, visit the vibrant morning local market near the Royal Palace, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of local life. Next, explore the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center, a fascinating showcase of Laos' diverse ethnic cultures. Marvel at the architectural beauty of Wat Xiengthong, a temple renowned for its graceful design and low-sweeping roofs. Embark on a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying the serene countryside scenery. Arrive at the enchanting Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues left by pilgrims. During the journey, make a stop at Ban Xanghai village, known for its production of local rice wine. Upon returning to the city, visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses a captivating collection of artifacts. Witness the serene beauty of the sunset at Wat Siphouthabaht before concluding the tour at the famous Night Market. Here, you can discover a delightful assortment of handmade textiles created by local artisans and hilltribe communities. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast (ABF), your guide and private vehicle will take you to Elephant Village. Explore the camp and get acquainted with the majestic elephants before embarking on a thrilling 30-minute elephant ride through the nearby jungle. Next, we transfer to the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pools or stroll along the picturesque forest trails. Along the way, we make a brief visit to the tomb of Henri Mouhot, a renowned 19th-century French explorer who rediscovered Angkor Wat and explored the Royal Kingdom of Luang Prabang. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop at the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, a must-visit attraction that opened in January 2014. We also visit local villages inhabited by Lao ethnic minority groups, including Ban Ouay (Hmong village), Ban Ou (Laoloum village), and Ban Thapene (Khmu village). In the evening, we transfer to Wat Siphouthabath to witness the captivating sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Before bidding farewell to Luang Prabang and catching your departure flight, you have the option to visit the renowned silver smith's shop, the Fine Arts School, and the bustling Central Market. These sites offer an interesting glimpse into local craftsmanship and daily life.