Indochina Discovery – 23 Days

Embark on a city tour of Vientiane, immersing yourself in its rich heritage. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Pha That Luang monument, Haw Pha Kaeo royal temple, and Wat Si Saket, the oldest surviving wat in Vientiane. Explore the unique sculptures at Buddha Park and visit the inspiring Cope Centre. End the day with a delightful dinner by the Mekong River, admiring the stunning sunset.

Depart Vientiane and travel north through picturesque countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way, visit the salt extraction plant in Ban Keun, a local Lao rice wine distillation village, and the vibrant Thalat market. Arrive in Vang Vieng and settle into your riverside hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, engaging in activities like river tubing, scenic bike rides, or cave exploration.

Explore the famous Tham Jang caves, once used as a defensive bunker. Visit the Ban Huai Ngai village, experiencing local culture and traditions. Continue your journey northward to the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang.

Start your day by witnessing the captivating procession of saffron-clad monks collecting alms. Embark on a unique sightseeing tour of the old quarter in vintage tuk tuks. Visit the vibrant Morning Market and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple, showcasing exquisite Lao architecture. Explore the former Royal Palace, now a national museum, housing the revered Pha Bang Buddha statue. In the afternoon, interact with locals in ethnic minority villages, including Laoloum, Ban Ou (H'mong), and Ban Thapene (Khmu), gaining valuable insights into their cultures. Conclude the day at the enchanting Khouangsi waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip or stroll along forest trails.

Embark on a countryside adventure as you visit the Living Land Farm. Experience the life of a local farmer, planting and cultivating rice in the paddy fields. Engage in traditional farming activities, including ploughing with a water buffalo. Enjoy a delicious Laotian lunch at the farm's Rice House, offering picturesque views of rice terraces and mountains. Return to Luang Prabang for some leisure time before boarding your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Indulge in a day of leisure in the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Explore the charming streets, picturesque lakes, and ancient pagodas on foot. Don't miss the iconic attractions like Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the House on Stilts, and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, join a welcome meeting to meet fellow tour group members who arrived today.

Embark on a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the karst landscape as you cruise on a traditional junk boat. With around 2,000 islands rising from the emerald waters, Halong Bay is a true natural wonder. Relax on the sundeck of the oriental-style junk boat, offering panoramic views. Visit the magnificent Trinh Nu Cave, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy kayaking and swimming in the bay. In the evening, witness a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before savoring a delectable seafood dinner.

Start the day with optional Tai Chi or a soothing massage on the sundeck of the boat in Halong Bay. Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, known as Surprise Grotto, featuring two spacious chambers with impressive rock formations. Return to Hanoi and embark on a fascinating cyclo ride through the French Quarter, admiring landmarks like the Opera House and Ly Thai To Park. Immerse yourself in the charm of the old quarter as you stroll through its bustling streets, known for their historical guilds. In the evening, freshen up before boarding the train (or take a flight option) to Hue, known as the 'Reunification Express'.

Upon arrival in Hue, embark on a guided sightseeing tour that includes the Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest monastery in the city known for its iconic tower. Explore the Citadel, a replica of Beijing's Forbidden City, housing the Imperial Purple Palace. Journey into the countryside to visit the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, with a highlight being the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. In the evening, consider an optional sunset cruise along the Perfume River, where the illuminated scenery creates a magical atmosphere (additional cost applies).

Embark on a breathtaking journey along the Hai Van Pass, known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds. Marvel at the panoramic views of lush hills and pristine beaches. Explore China Beach and ascend Thuy Son Mountain to visit its grottoes, transformed into Buddhist sanctuaries. Admire the monumental seated Buddha carved into the rock face of the Huyen Khong cave. Arrive in the captivating town of Hoi An, where time seems to stand still. Wander through its enchanting streets, lined with well-preserved architecture, artisan shops, and delectable restaurants. Discover the highlights of the old town, including the Chinese Assembly Hall, Chua Ong Pagoda, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Embark on a leisurely bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village. Immerse yourself in the local farming traditions as you actively participate in tending the fields. Learn about traditional medicine and indulge in an interactive cooking demonstration, preparing a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, return to Hoi An and enjoy free time to explore or relax at your own pace.

Today is your day to explore and unwind at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to soak up the sun by the pool, wander around the charming town, or relax on the beautiful beaches. For those seeking more adventure, you have the option to visit the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or embark on a day trip to Ba Na Hills mountain resort. At Ba Na Hills, you'll experience the exhilarating ride on the world's second longest cable car and marvel at the striking Golden Bridge (booking and payment on-site).

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Catch an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City and venture to the picturesque Mekong Delta. Known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, this fertile region offers abundant rice fields, tropical fruits, and vibrant flora. Embark on a delightful sampan cruise along the intricate waterways, visiting local cottage industries that produce coco candies, paper, and popcorn. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Start your day early with a visit to the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Witness the bustling trade as sampans exchange an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Experience the exhilarating sight of watermelons, pineapples, and carrots being tossed from boat to boat at impressive heights and speeds. After exploring the market, journey to Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic metropolis blending modern skyscrapers, gourmet dining, ancient pagodas, and bustling street markets. Take a walking tour to discover iconic landmarks such as the Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Explore the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, offering a captivating glimpse into the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Afterwards, we proceed to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue our journey to the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh. Immerse yourself in its rich history, magnificent architecture, and outstanding culinary scene.

Embark on a full day of sightseeing in Phnom Penh. Begin at the National Museum of Arts, housing Cambodia's largest collection of Khmer sculpture and providing valuable insights into its cultural and archaeological heritage. Discover the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the shimmering Silver Pagoda, adorned with diamond-encrusted Buddha statues and a remarkable silver-paved floor. Delve into the chilling history of the Khmer Rouge regime at Tuol Sleng, a former high school transformed into a haunting prison and torture chamber. Pay your respects at the Killing Fields, a solemn memorial to the thousands who lost their lives during this tragic era.

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, freshen up and begin our journey with a visit to the Angkor National Museum. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the ancient Angkor Empire through its collection of artifacts dating from the 9th to the 14th century. In the afternoon, prepare to be awestruck as we explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, an iconic symbol of Cambodia and the world's largest religious monument. Its grandeur and architectural beauty, crowned by five majestic towers, will leave you breathless. Capture unforgettable moments amidst this architectural masterpiece.

Early risers have the option to witness the captivating sunrise at Angkor Wat (book and pay locally). Afterwards, we venture to the temples of Banteay Srei, renowned for their intricate carvings. Along the way, we make stops at an enchanting butterfly sanctuary and engage in our community tree planting initiative in Preak Dak village. Returning to the Angkor Temple Complex, we delve into the ancient capital of Angkor Thom. Explore the captivating Bayon Temple, the exquisite Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King, and the remarkable Baphuon royal enclosure. Our next destination is Ta Prohm Temple, famously known as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' for its integration with the surrounding jungle. Witness its mystical allure and admire the temple's untouched state. In the evening, we attend the remarkable Phare Cambodian Circus, an inspiring NGO project empowering disadvantaged children and showcasing their extraordinary talents as circus performers.

Begin the day with a visit to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages built on stilts. Embark on a boat trip on the serene Tonle Sap Lake, immersing yourself in the unique floating village lifestyle. Return to Siem Reap for free time, allowing you to explore the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Street or indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping. Please note that from February to July, low water levels may necessitate a visit to Chong Kneas floating village instead. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Bid farewell to Cambodia as we transfer to Siem Reap airport for our flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Upon arrival, we transfer to our centrally located hotel in the bustling capital city.

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Bangkok, starting with a visit to the vibrant Bangkok Flower Market, a hub for the city's florists and restaurants. Continue to the iconic Grand Palace, a majestic complex that holds religious and royal significance. Experience the thrill of a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho, home to the renowned reclining Buddha. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a captivating longtail boat journey along the city's enchanting canals, known as klongs. Conclude the city tour at the famous Khao San Road, known for its street stalls, restaurants, and lively nightlife. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore at your leisure. On Monday, our remarkable Indochina adventure draws to a close. Check out from the hotel and enjoy the included transfer to the airport. If you desire to extend your stay and discover more of Thailand, we are here to assist you.