Vietnam, Cambodia & Northern Laos - 18 Days

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy some free time before meeting your fellow travellers for a tour briefing and welcome drinks. We stay here for the next two nights.

After breakfast, we meet our guide at the hotel and set off on a full-day exploration of Hanoi. We begin at Hoan Kiem Lake, a tranquil spot in the heart of the city, followed by a visit to Dong Xuan Market, a bustling hub of local activity.

Next, we head to the Ho Chi Minh complex. Here, we see Ba Dinh Square and the Presidential Palace from the outside, before visiting Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, his former residence set in peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049, and now a symbol of Hanoi.

After you have had some time to enjoy lunch, we will continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. The peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture provide a glimpse into the country’s scholarly past.

Our next stop is Hoa Lo Prison, known to many as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American War. We also visit the historic St Joseph’s Cathedral before ending the day at the Opera House. We then stroll through the lively Old Quarter, where you can stop at a street-side café to enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee—perhaps the famous egg coffee, while soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning, we depart from our hotel at around 7:30 AM and travel by shuttle bus to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, we board a traditional junk boat and enjoy lunch as we begin cruising through the bay’s striking landscape, scattered with around 3,000 limestone islands. In the evening, you can unwind in your private cabin, relax on the deck, or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Today we will start early with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, an ideal way to take in the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, we will enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as we cruise back to port. Upon disembarkation, we return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. You'll be dropped off at a designated point where you will meet your driver for the transfer to the airport.

From here, we will board a flight to the imperial capital of Hue. Once we arrive, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, where you will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Please note: Flight schedules during this time are subject to change and may include cancellations or newly added services. If necessary, we may arrange a flight with a transit stop in Bangkok, Saigon or Hanoi, which could extend travel time. We’ll make every effort to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Hue - Hoi An. After breakfast, our guide will meet us at 8:00 AM for a half-day exploration of Hue. We begin with a visit to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, set in a peaceful landscape of lakes and frangipani trees. We then head to the Citadel, once the seat of imperial power. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, the complex suffered significant damage during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being rebuilt. We conclude the morning with a short drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, the city's oldest and most celebrated temple.

We then depart Hue and make our way to Hoi An, taking the coastal route over the Hai Van Pass, known for its winding roads and panoramic mountain and sea views. Often cloaked in mist, the pass marks a significant transition between Vietnam’s northern and southern regions. Once we have reached Hoi An, we check in to our hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace and take in the charm of this historic riverside town.

Today, we set out on a guided walk through Hoi An, a city recognised by UNESCO for its historical and cultural significance. Once a bustling hub of commerce, Hoi An has retained much of its original charm, with architecture shaped by centuries of international influence, including Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders.

During our walk, we’ll explore a heritage home, browse the exhibits at the Hoi An Museum, and stop by a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Hoi An also played a key role in Vietnam’s religious and linguistic history, as the place where French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced both Catholicism and the Romanised script used in Vietnamese today.

We’ll conclude our tour in the heart of the Old Town, where you’ll have free time to wander, shop or relax at your own pace.

Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Danang Airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival, your guide and private vehicle will be waiting to take us to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city.

At Cu Chi, we begin with a short film on the history of the tunnels, followed by a guided visit through part of the network. Used extensively by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, these tunnels stretch over 250 kilometres and include underground living areas, supply routes, hospitals and storage facilities. While much of the site has been reconstructed above ground, you’ll have the option to go underground and experience the tunnels first-hand.

We return to Saigon in the afternoon and check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s lively atmosphere and attractions at your leisure.

Ho Chi Minh City - The Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning at 8am, we depart Ho Chi Minh City for a full-day journey to Ben Tre, a peaceful town in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as Vietnam’s "rice bowl", this region is famed for its rich soil and abundant production of rice and tropical fruits. On arrival, we board a boat to explore the Mekong River and its maze of narrow canals, offering a close-up look at life in the Delta.

Along the way, we stop at a traditional brick-making workshop, where bricks are still crafted by hand using age-old kiln techniques. We also visit a riverside coconut processing site and meet a local family who hand-weave sleeping mats from native materials. Later, we hop into a pedicab for a short ride to lunch, where we’ll enjoy regional dishes, including the famous Elephant Ear Fish.

In the afternoon, we begin our journey back to the city, with a brief stop at a Cao Dai temple—an eclectic Vietnamese faith blending elements of several world religions. We return to Ho Chi Minh City in time to join the group for a farewell dinner at HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon, a restaurant known for its authentic local cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) - Phnom Penh (Cambodia). At 8:00 this morning, we meet our guide at the hotel and begin a walking tour through central Ho Chi Minh City, exploring some of the city's most well-known landmarks. We stroll along Dong Khoi Street past the historic Rex Hotel, the Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Nguyen Hue Boulevard. We also see the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, before viewing the Reunification Palace from the outside.

Next, we travel by vehicle to the former site of the US Embassy, now home to the US Consulate, and visit the War Remnants Museum for a compelling insight into the legacy of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, we explore Ba Chieu Market in Binh Thanh district, a busy local wholesale market, followed by a visit to the 124-year-old Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda, known for its detailed carvings and ornate architecture. We return to our hotel where the tour concludes. (Please note, late checkout is not included.)

Afterwards, our guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival in the Cambodian capital, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have some free time to settle in and unwind before meeting your fellow travellers over welcome drinks, where our Tour Leader will give us a briefing and outline the journey ahead.

Today, we explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, a bicycle rickshaw, taking in the city’s vibrant streets at a relaxed pace. We begin at Wat Phnom, the spiritual heart of the capital, before heading to the grand Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, still home to Cambodia’s monarchy. Our morning continues at the National Museum, where centuries of Khmer art and sculpture are beautifully displayed.

We will then make our way to the Central Market, a striking Art Deco landmark, which offers everything from jewellery to local crafts. In the afternoon, we will visit the deeply moving Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Once a school, it was turned into a prison under the Khmer Rouge, now serving as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.

Phnom Penh - Skun - Santuk - Kampong Phluk - Siem Reap. This morning, we journey overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, passing through Cambodia’s rural heartland. Along the way, we stop at Skun’s lively market, where we’ll see the famed fried spiders and other insect delicacies—a quirky taste of local cuisine. We then visit a stone mason village near Santuk, where artisans carve sandstone into sacred sculptures, showcasing remarkable traditional skill.

Near the Tonlé Sap, we explore Kampong Phluk, a floating village built on stilts above the seasonal floodwaters. We board a local boat to navigate the village and, if water levels permit, continue by small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forest—home to rich biodiversity and a peaceful, unique landscape. Afterward, we travel onward to Siem Reap, arriving in the late afternoon to check in at our hotel. The evening is free for you to unwind or explore at leisure.

Please note: The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year, from August/September to February. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a boat ride through the mangrove forest.

We will have an early start this morning before dawn as we head to Angkor Wat to enjoy the sunrise. After taking in the breathtaking views, we’ll explore the central complex and admire the intricate bas-reliefs in the peaceful early morning light. We will then enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant nearby.

We will then explore the southern gate of Angkor Thom, marveling at the towering stone faces of Avalokiteshvara and the stunning Bayon Temple at its centre. We visit the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by the 11th-century temples Baphuon and Phimeanakas. In the afternoon, we visit Ta Prohm, famous for its ancient trees entwined with temple ruins. The day concludes with a return to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap (Cambodia) - Luang Prabang (Laos). After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, we meet our Laotian guide and travel to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink before choosing to relax or explore the nearby area at your leisure.

Please note: Between May and September, direct flights between Siem Reap and Luang Prabang may not always operate. Flight schedules during this time are subject to change and may include cancellations or newly added services. If necessary, we may arrange a flight with a transit stop in Bangkok, Saigon or Hanoi, which could extend travel time. We’ll make every effort to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Today, we discover the charm of Luang Prabang with a relaxed walk through its historic old quarter. We begin at the lively morning market before continuing along the town’s main street and visiting the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Next, we explore Wat Xieng Thong, regarded as the most beautiful temple in Laos, known for its elegant rooflines and intricate mosaics.

To round off the day, we board a local boat for a scenic sunset cruise on the Mekong River—a peaceful and memorable way to take in the natural beauty of the region.

After breakfast, we take a short drive to the outskirts of Luang Prabang to visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. With its multi-tiered cascades and striking turquoise pools, it’s often considered one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful natural sights. While here, we also visit the Bear Rescue Centre, home to Asiatic black bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

On our return to the city, we stop at the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre, where the rich tradition of Lao textiles is brought to life through skilled craftsmanship and cultural insight. After, we will make a stop at Buffalo Dairy to try their homemade ice cream made from buffalo milk.

In the afternoon, we will join a bamboo presentation and dinner experience at the Bamboo Experience, where we'll be welcomed into the cultural traditions of Laos. The evening includes a ‘baci’ ceremony—a warm and spiritual ritual often held to celebrate arrivals, farewells or special occasions.

Luang Prabang - Hmong villages - Vang Vieng. Today, we depart Luang Prabang and journey into the mountainous landscapes of north-central Laos. Along the way, we visit remote Hmong villages, offering insight into the traditions and lifestyle of one of Laos’s prominent ethnic groups. Originally from the highlands of southern China, the Hmong began migrating south in the 18th century, seeking stability and farmland.

Our day ends in Vang Vieng, a small town set against a dramatic backdrop of towering limestone cliffs. Nestled along the peaceful Nam Song River, this area is known for its striking natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Vang Vieng - Vientiane. This morning, we travel to Vientiane, the largest city in Laos and its laid-back capital. Unlike the fast-paced cities elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Vientiane offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with quiet streets, colonial charm, and a blend of Buddhist tradition and French influence. Tree-lined boulevards, golden temples, and wandering monks create a uniquely peaceful setting.

We begin with a TukTuk ride from our hotel to the iconic Phatuxay Monument, then stroll down Lane Xang Avenue, stopping at the Morning Market and the COPE Centre. From there, we visit Wat Si Muang and Wat Sisaket, with a brief stop outside the Presidential Palace. We’ll pause at Anouvong Park, giving you time to enjoy a Lao coffee and croissant before continuing past more temples and reaching the banks of the Mekong River. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner.

After your final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you might have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.