Inside Indochina – 21 Days

Embark on a captivating city tour of Vientiane after breakfast. Explore the oldest Buddhist monastery temple, Wat Si Saket, and the exquisite Haw Pha Kaeo royal temple. Marvel at the majestic Pha That Luang monument and visit the Buddha Park, adorned with remarkable Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. Gain insight into the country's history at the COPE Centre. Conclude the day with a memorable sunset dinner by the enchanting Mekong River.

Travel north from Vientiane to the picturesque town of Vang Vieng, surrounded by lush countryside. Along the way, visit Ban Keun renowned for its salt extraction plant and a local village producing rice wine whiskey. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thalat market, where hill tribes gather for trading. Arriving in Vang Vieng, enjoy the rustic charm of your rural hotel and indulge in free time activities such as cave exploration, scenic biking, or river tubing.

Discover the famous Tham Jang caves, once used as a refuge during Chinese invasions. Visit Ban Huai Ngai village and gain insights into local life. Continue your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, located in the northern region of Laos.

Witness the captivating morning ritual of saffron-robed monks collecting alms from locals in the streets of Luang Prabang. Explore the old quarter in a vintage Tuk-tuk, visiting the vibrant Morning Market, the grand Wat Xiengthong temple, and the former Royal Palace transformed into a national museum. In the afternoon, venture to the stunning Khouangsi waterfall, with stops at ethnic minority villages for cultural encounters and insights.

Depart Luang Prabang and visit a local farm to discover the intricacies of rice production. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves, housing an array of Buddha images. Pause at Ban Xanghai village to sample local rice wine. Return to Luang Prabang, with a visit to the hand-weaving village of Ban Phanom. In the evening, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam. Day 7 provides free time to explore Hanoi or join our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on, which delves into charming districts and offers an exhilarating experience of riding pillion on taxi-motorbikes through narrow streets and along the picturesque Ho Tay Lake shore.

Embark on a scenic drive to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and marvel at the stunning landscape of karst islands and emerald waters. Relax on the sundeck, explore Trinh Nu Cave, and engage in activities like kayaking and swimming. Indulge in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before savoring a delectable seafood dinner.

Join a Tai Chi class or indulge in a traditional massage at sunrise. Visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave before returning to Hanoi. Discover the charming French Quarter on a cyclo ride, passing by iconic landmarks and strolling through the vibrant streets of the old quarter. In the evening, freshen up before boarding the train to Hue or consider the option to fly from Hanoi to Hue.

Upon arrival in Hue, embark on a guided tour of the historic Nguyen empire capital. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city, and explore the Imperial Purple Palace within the citadel. Discover the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings in the countryside, including the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Enjoy an optional cruise along the Perfume River or indulge in shopping at Dong Ba Market.

Embark on a scenic journey along the Hai Van Pass, known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds, offering breathtaking views of beaches and hills. Stop at China beach and explore the peaks of Marble Mountain, including the stunning Huyen Khrong cave and its towering Buddha statue. Continue to Hoi An, a charming trading port with cobbled streets and historic buildings. Take a walking tour of the town, visiting pagodas, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and traditional houses. Consider the optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on for a unique culinary experience on vintage Vespas.

Embark on a scenic bike ride to Tra Que village, where you'll immerse yourself in traditional farming practices and learn about herbal medicine. Get hands-on experience as you assist with fieldwork while wearing traditional conical hats. Enjoy a captivating cooking demonstration and savor a delicious lunch prepared together.

Enjoy a free day to relax or explore at your leisure. Options include a tranquil rowboat ride along the river, leisurely beach time, or an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary. Alternatively, embark on a day trip to Ba Na Hills mountain resort, taking in the breathtaking Golden Bridge and enjoying a ride on the world's second-longest cable car (booked and paid locally).

Take an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, this fertile region boasts abundant tropical fruits, flowers, and rice fields. Cruise through the intricate waterways on a sampan, visiting local cottage industries along the canals. Indulge in a traditional lunch served in a charming wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Embark on an early morning visit to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, where you'll witness the lively exchange of goods between sampans. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic metropolis blending modernity with tradition. Explore the city on a walking tour, marveling at landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Gain insight into the country's history at the War Remnants Museum. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Discover the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then, journey to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, crossing the border at Moc Bai/Bavet. Experience the vibrant mix of the city's rich past and present, with its diverse dining scene and captivating attractions.

Embark on a full day of sightseeing in Phnom Penh. Explore the National Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture. Visit the opulent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, adorned with intricate decorations. Uncover the chilling history of the Pol Pot regime as you tour Tuol Sleng, formerly a school turned into a torture chamber. Pay respects at the Killing Fields, a somber site where thousands were executed.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, visit the Angkor National Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts from the Angkor period. In the afternoon, explore the legendary Angkor Wat, an awe-inspiring temple complex renowned for its architectural grandeur. Capture stunning photos of the iconic five towers rising above the surrounding landscape.

Start your day with an optional sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Later, venture to the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei and immerse yourself in the beauty of an exotic butterfly sanctuary. Support a community tree planting initiative in the village of Preak Dak. Return to the Angkor Temple Complex and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Marvel at the Bayon Temple's enigmatic faces and discover the Baphuon royal enclosure and the striking Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. Conclude the day by attending the captivating Phare Cambodian Circus, an inspiring project empowering disadvantaged youth to become skilled circus performers.

Drive to Kampong Phluk, a collection of stilt houses nestled in the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a boat excursion to explore the lake and its surrounding villages. Return to Siem Reap for leisure time. Visit the vibrant Pub Street or browse through the central market for last-minute souvenirs. Note: From February to July, if water levels are low at Kampong Phluk, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village instead. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your own leisure.

Conclude our tour with a relaxing morning, making the most of the hotel facilities. Check out from the hotel and receive an included transfer to the airport for your departure.