Highlights of Indochina

On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you will meet your driver and guide who will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure, allowing you to recover from your flight and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meal: No

Luang Prabang, the former capital of Lane Xang Kingdom, is now the centre of Laos' religious life and a World Heritage City. The guided city tour starts at the National Museum in the former Royal Palace, followed by visits to Wat Mai with its golden bas-relief and Wat Visoun with an impressive stupa. The tour concludes at the stunning Wat Xieng Thong. Explore Laos' scenic countryside en route to Kuang Si Waterfalls, 32km southwest of Luang Prabang. Visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups along the way. At Khouangsi waterfall, swim in the clear water or relax in the unspoilt natural environment. Return to Luang Prabang and ascend Phousi Hill's 328 steps for breath-taking city views.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meal: Breakfast

Rise at dawn to experience an ancient Buddhist tradition of almsgiving in Luang Prabang. Watch hundreds of saffron-robed monks walking quietly through the streets, collecting offerings of rice, fruit, and flowers from the smiling locals. Afterward, visit a vibrant morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Embark on a captivating Mekong River cruise to Pak Ou caves, a mystical pilgrimage located 28 kilometres outside Luang Prabang. Observe daily life along the riverbank and explore Ban Xang Hai village, renowned for its rice wine distillation. Discover the Pak Ou Caves, housing thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. On the drive back to Luang Prabang, visit Ban Xang Khong village, known for its silk hand weaving and traditional Saa papermaking. Later, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Accommodation: Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast

Hanoi offers intriguing sights and sounds. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his house on stilts. Wind through alleyways to Ngoc Ha village and witness Huu Tiep Lake's remarkable B-52 bomber wreckage from 1972. Explore the Temple of Literature, a fine example of Vietnamese architecture and the country's first national university. Discover the past at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' It was built by the French in 1896 for Vietnamese revolutionaries and later held American POWs in the 1960s. Catch a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the heart of the city - famous for artisan shops and eclectic architecture. End the day at the old theatre with a one-hour water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese traditional art.

Accommodation: In Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a mesmerizing destination where countless sculpted limestone islands emerge from tranquil turquoise waters. Upon reaching Halong's port, step aboard an overnight cruise to explore the enchanting beauty of this legendary bay. The majesty of the bay’s 1,969 limestone islets and formations emerging from the green waters never fails to captivate visitors. Sail across the bay and visit some of its major highlights. Later, the boat will cruise to its mooring place, where you have the chance to witness a breath-taking sunset over the bay.

Accommodation: On Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Please note: The Halong Bay cruise itinerary will be updated once the final boat is booked. Additionally, the cruise itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.

It is worth waking up early to enjoy the sunrise while the boat sets sail once again through the breath-taking scenery of the bay. By lunchtime, return to the main port for disembarkation and head back to Hanoi to catch the afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Spend a full day exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. Visit the Reunification Palace, which was formerly the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war. Explore the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Visit the War Remnants Museum. Then, make your way to Thien Hau Pagoda in Chinatown, built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century and dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Round off the afternoon exploring the colourful stalls and crowded alleyways of Binh Tay Market.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Explore the charming Mekong Delta on your journey to Ben Tre, known as the homeland of coconuts. Discover the local lifestyle centred around coconuts, used to create various products like fibres, coconut flesh, milk, and oil. Witness traditional brickmaking at a kiln. Take a serene sampan boat ride along the Mekong River, surrounded by fishing and cargo vessels. Ride a ‘xe lam’ or bike through the village, savour honey tea and tropical fruits. Visit a workshop to learn about pop rice, coconut candy, and fiery rice wine. Enjoy a tranquil rowing boat journey through a creek lined with water coconut palm trees. Observe locals crafting hats and mats, using coconut leaves for their homes. Conclude with a sampan boat ride to My Tho, where your private vehicle awaits to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, set off on an approximately 60km drive outside of Saigon to the legendary Cu Chi tunnel. This incredible underground tunnel network was constructed by the Viet Cong to fight the American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Discover how the tunnels were built, learn about the living conditions, and gain insights into the hardships people faced while living in the tunnels. For a truly immersive experience, you even have the option to descend into the real tunnels where the Viet Cong hid and fought. After exploring the Cu Chi tunnel, you will head to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, a charming city, and the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples.

Accommodation: In Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Begin your temple day with an extensive tour of the extraordinary Angkor Wat. With the guidance of your knowledgeable guide, explore its courtyards and chambers, gaining a deeper understanding of one of the world's greatest man-made wonders. Savour a Cambodian lunch at a local restaurant nestled within the breath-taking setting of the temple complex. Continue your journey to the impressive fortified city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and the Bayon Temple, adorned with 216 enigmatic smiling faces. Followed by a visit to Ta Prohm, the jungle temple made famous in the Tomb Raider movie. This atmospheric ruin holds a captivating allure, partially reclaimed by the jungle, with massive tree roots becoming an inseparable part of its structure. Conclude your day with a serene Gondola sunset cruise at Angkor Thom, offering a picturesque end to your temple-filled adventure.

Accommodation: In Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Set out for the floating village of Kampong Khleang. This village is one of the largest Tonle Sap communities, yet it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about the daily lives of subsistence fishing families. Experience the unique charm of the stilt houses and witness the bustling activities of the floating community during a boat tour along the water. After exploring the village, your journey continues to the enchanting Beng Mealea temple. Nestled within the lush jungle, this expansive and atmospheric complex spans over a square kilometre. Like the bustling Ta Prohm temple, Beng Mealea is adorned with tropical vegetation, providing a captivating backdrop for an afternoon photography session.

Accommodation: In Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Please note: During the flood season, which occurs from August to February, access to Kompong Khleang village is only possible by boat. However, during other times of the year, the village can be reached by road.

Depending on your departure time, you are free to explore the beautiful surroundings at your leisure. Later, your guide will accompany you to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: Check-out time is 12:00
Meals: Breakfast