Best of Vietnam – Cambodia – Lao 12 Days

Duration: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Reunification Palace, also known as Norodom Palace, designed by the talented architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue your exploration with stops at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Delve into history at the War Remnants Museum, where you will discover insightful exhibits showcasing the Vietnam War and Indochina Wars. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a journey to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Before entering this historic site, watch an informative video that provides an overview of the tunnel system's significance and the lives of Vietnamese people during wartime. Experience the thrill of crawling through narrow tunnels and marvel at the intricate network of living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, command centers, weapon factories, and storage facilities used by the Viet Cong. Savor a taste of history as you sample special tea and cassava, the staple food of Vietnamese guerillas. You'll also have the opportunity to try your hand at shooting a real gun or simply unwind and relax. Return to Saigon and conclude the day's activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Time: 8:00 AM Embark on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, where you will visit the enchanting Vinh Trang Pagoda. Glide along the river on a boat, marveling at the picturesque stilt houses and lush fruit plantations that characterize the area. Continue your adventure to Tortoise Island and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Immerse yourself in the idyllic rural lifestyle as you visit a family business and take a tranquil row-boat ride through the winding creeks. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant fruit plantations and the charming village. Conclude the day by traveling to Can Tho for your overnight stay.

Begin your day with an early morning boat excursion to the lively Cai Rang Floating Market. Witness the bustling scene of boats piled high with colorful fruits and vegetables, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Cruise through the narrow channels to visit a traditional rice noodle making village and gain insight into the local culinary heritage. Indulge in a delectable lunch before continuing your journey to Chau Doc. Venture into the captivating Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a haven for diverse bird species, including storks and cranes. Explore the enchanting canals deep within the forest and admire the rich biodiversity. Return to Chau Doc and check in to your comfortable accommodation for the night.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, take a refreshing morning stroll before being picked up from the river bank. Explore the fascinating fish farms before embarking on a thrilling speed boat ride to Phnom Penh, where your tour concludes. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh bus station, our friendly team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, immersing yourself in the vibrant city. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel to energize yourself for the day ahead. Our first stop is the majestic Royal Palace and the revered Silver Pagoda, a sanctuary of utmost importance. Continue your cultural exploration at the National Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Khmer art and sculptures dating back to ancient times. Embark on a visit to the legendary Wat Phnom, a temple that narrates the history of Phnom Penh. Discover the poignant and sobering Tuol Sleng Prison Museum, also known as "S21," which provides deep insights into the tragic period of the Khmer Rouge regime. Explore the revered Wat Ounalom, a significant pagoda that holds great importance in Cambodian Buddhism. Take in the serene atmosphere and admire the restored structures within the complex. In your free time, wander through the charming Central Market, known for its Art Deco style. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance and perhaps indulge in some shopping. Meals are not included today, allowing you the freedom to choose your preferred dining options. Spend the night in Phnom Penh, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Our attentive driver will pick you up and accompany you to the bus station for your comfortable journey by public bus to Siem Reap. The scenic drive covers a distance of 314 kilometers and takes approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your designated hotel. Meals are not included today, giving you the freedom to explore dining options of your choice. Overnight in Siem Reap, where you can unwind and relax.

Starts: 8:30 AM | Ends: 6:30 PM Embark on an extraordinary adventure to discover the ancient wonders of Angkor alongside a friendly group of fellow travelers. Our first destination is the captivating Angkor Thom complex. Within these grand walls, you'll be awestruck by the exquisite beauty of Bayon and the renowned Ta Prohm Temple, famously known as the Tomb Raider temple. Afterward, indulge in a delectable Cambodian feast at one of the local restaurants within the Angkor Complex, treating your taste buds to the flavors of the region. Our final two stops will be at the majestic Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece, and the breathtaking Phnom Bakheng, where you'll witness a mesmerizing sunset from its elevated viewpoint. We keep the temple count low to ensure ample time to immerse ourselves in the magnificence of each site. As the sun sets and your legs grow tired, we will return to the town. Expect to arrive around 6:30 p.m., allowing you to rest and recharge for the night. Overnight in Siem Reap, where you can reflect upon the wonders you encountered throughout the day.

Starts: 8:30 AM | Ends: 4 PM Embark on an enchanting journey to explore the captivating Banteay Srei and its surrounding natural splendor! Our day begins with a visit to the charming and elegant Pre Rup Temple. As we continue, prepare to be mesmerized by the intricate pink-hued Banteay Srei Temple, affectionately known as "The Citadel of Women." After immersing ourselves in history, it's time to satisfy our appetites. We'll make a stop at one of the nearby local eateries, where you can savor authentic Cambodian curries, flavorful soups, and tantalizing stir-fries. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the distinctively unique East Mébon, Ta Som, and Preah Khan Temples. Each temple has its own fascinating story and was constructed during different periods, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details etched into these ancient walls. Around 5 p.m., sit back and relax as we provide you with a comfortable air-conditioned ride back to the city, ensuring a pleasant journey. Overnight in Siem Reap, where you can reflect on the wonders witnessed throughout the day.

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel and enjoy some leisure time until your departure. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, our friendly staff will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. If available, early check-in will be arranged for your convenience. Nestled in the heart of northern Laos, Luang Prabang has earned its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its remarkable cultural, historical, and architectural significance. Today, there are no planned activities, allowing you to wander and explore this ancient city, immersing yourself in its timeless charm. Overnight in Luang Prabang, where you can embrace the tranquility and beauty of this captivating destination.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a leisurely upstream cruise along the majestic Mekong River. As we sail, the serene countryside unfolds before our eyes, offering breathtaking vistas. Our destination is the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves, a remarkable 16th-century cave monastery adorned with thousands of Buddha images. Nestled amidst limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong River, this sacred site will captivate your imagination. Along the way, we make a stop at Ban Muang Keo, a renowned village known for its traditional Lao rice whisky distilling. Upon returning to Luang Prabang, we visit the revered Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. This splendid example of Lao temple architecture boasts a striking two-tiered roof and intricate mosaics, including a stunning 'tree of life' glass artwork on the rear temple wall. If time permits, we venture outside the city to explore Ban Xangkhong, a charming Thai Lue village celebrated for its exquisite arts and crafts. We also have the opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Ban Xienglek, known for its traditional Saapaper production. Overnight in Luang Prabang, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of this captivating city. Tip: For those interested in exploring diverse ethnic cultures, a visit to the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center is highly recommended (closed on Mondays).

Rise and shine with the first rays of the sun as we prepare to partake in a truly sacred and cherished tradition of Laos—the daily morning alms giving. This centuries-old practice traces its roots back to the 14th century, and today, over 200 Buddhist monks set out from various temples to receive their daily meal from devout locals who quietly line the streets. Witness this spiritual ritual as it unfolds before your eyes. Afterward, we visit the vibrant morning market, where the locals gather to barter and exchange their daily harvest of rice, vegetables, fish, and poultry. Indulge in a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a visit to Wat Sene, the city's oldest temple, and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. The latter is a true marvel of classical Laotian architecture, with its gracefully sweeping roofs that almost touch the ground. Next, we embark on a direct transfer to the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Luang Prabang region. Cascading in three tiers and culminating in a mesmerizing 50-meter drop into stunning azure pools, this natural wonder is truly awe-inspiring. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in the inviting pools, which are beloved by both locals and tourists alike for their serene beauty. For those interested, there is an optional visit to the Bear Rescue Center, where you can witness the heartwarming efforts to rehabilitate and protect dozens of animals rescued from the clutches of poachers and traffickers. Finally, we bid farewell to Luang Prabang as we transfer to the airport for your departure flight. May your journey be filled with cherished memories and enriching experiences.