21 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand Highlights Tour

Meals: B

This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day - The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B / L / D

7:30 - 7:45 Our bus or private car will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

12:30 Arrive at Paloma office in Halong City. Transferred by tender to Paloma Cruise – Enjoy welcome drink. Receive cruise briefing, check in cabin and start the cruise.

13:30 Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; Start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.

15:15 - 15:40 Visit and explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave) where you can hiking to the middle of the mountain to see the wild and mysterious beautiful cave, contemplate numerous sparkling stalactites appear like 'hanging lamps’ inside the Cave. ( No swimming)

After the exploration of Thien Canh Sơn Cave, enjoy kayak activities around magnificent karst mountains or back cruise for sunset party.

18:00 Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by islets in Cong Dam.

19:15 Having dinner on board.

21:00 Relaxing or joining activities on boat as : Squid Fishing, Movie Night, Board Games, Massage & Spa services or relax at the leisure then overnight at private cabin at Cong Do area.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Meals: B / L

06:15 Starting your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served.

07:00 Have breakfast.

07:45 - 09:00 Exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Guest choose to discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural pearls are grown. ( No Swimming)

09:45 Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

10:00 Check out cabin. Then return to dining room for Vietnamese cooking class.

10:30 Enjoy Set Menu for lunch in the dining room. We will settle bills after lunch. Relax and enjoy the rest of Halong Bay before getting back to harbor.

11:45 Arrive at Hon Gai Harbour. Get on a van or a car back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 4:30 PM.

Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Danang, upon arrive , you will escort to Hoi An for hotel check in.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China's influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, after meeting your guide, leave the busy streets of Saigon on a 1.5 hour drive to Cu Chi district. You will be taken through the typical countryside of southern Vietnam. On arrival, the visit starts with a short video documentary before spending the next 3 hours exploring the Ben Dinh section of the tunnels. You will learn more about the history, incredible tenacity and ingenuity of the Cu Chi inhabitants. More adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and to fire off some rounds from AK-47 or M-16 assault rifles at the shooting range.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meal: B / L

Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life

This morning, transfer to remote  My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small). Return to Saigon hotel and rest of the day on your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meal: B / L

At 8.30am your tour guide and car will pick you up from your hotel and will start our tour of Ho Chi Minh City. You will get to know its history and culture by stopping at: The Reunification Palace - on April 30th, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the 'American War' officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of VietnamWar Remnants Museum - formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the 'Requiem' exhibit is particularly touching and is dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. Notre Dam Cathedral and General Post Office were built around 1877 and 1883 respectively. These two iconic buildings are fine examples of French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in the building of the Notre Dam Cathedral was shipped from France to Vietnam.

The Old Post Office is also the country's largest post office. The Opera House, after the lunch at local restaurant, we take you to see Chinatown and the Chinese market Binh Tay. We then move on to Thien Hau Pagoda, a temple entered through an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese religion and legends. Lanterns and wooden models of Chinese theaters hang over the entrance. Our final stop before taking you back to your hotel is Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnams largest markets and a real heart beat of Ho Chi Minh culture. 

Transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B

After breakfast, begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Angkor Wat as you pass by. However, we’ll save the best for last as you continue today to see some other equally impressive ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure hidden under a canopy will leave you feeling as if you’d stepped into an adventure movie set.

Then visit Banteay Kdei ("Citadel of Chambers”). Continue on to the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon offers many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, enjoy a sunset view from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B / D

Be prepared today for one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. Enter Angkor Wat and to view its amazing architecture and history. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carving. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning exploring through the many passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the ancient world.

Continue on to the remote temple of Banteay Srei: set deep in the jungle. The Citadel of Women, Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale in comparison to the other colossal temples around Siem Reap, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. This temple is considered the jewel of Khmer art.

In the evening, enjoy the dinner with traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B

In the morning, a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake - Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a fun ox cart ride through the countryside,. Continue on a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Spend rest of the morning at Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lak , to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang. upon arrive , guide will meet and escort you to check in. Rest of your own leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:30 am and transferred to a street where a single-file line of silent, saffron-clad Buddhist monks walk with their alms bowls each morning. Observe or participate in this serene Buddhist ritual of almsgiving, known as tak bat. Luang Prabang’s many monastic communities are sustained by the local Buddhists who place sticky rice in the monks’ bowls during the daily ritual. Take the opportunity to make a rice offering with the help of your guide, or simply watch in awe as dozens of monks emerge to stroll past laypeople offering flowers and incense in reverence for this sacred observance.

Back to hotel to have breakfast and take a short rest then go to visiting the museum at the former Royal Palace and the monasteries of Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Saen and Vat Visoun. After enjoying lunch , the next stop is the incredibly scenic Kuang Xi Waterfall which is surrounded with turquoise blue pools and an ideal place for swimming! Back in Luang Prabang we will visit Wat Phousi to enjoy the rewarding view of the city.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

Luang Prabang - Pakbeng: We will pick you up at your hotel in Luang Prabang. The boat leaves the main pier at 7 am. For the cruise upstream to Pakbeng we stop to visit the Pak Ou caves. There are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum. There are thousands of Buddhist images and a great view of the Mekong cruise. A buffet lunch is served on board. You will arrive at Pakbeng to check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Pakbeng.

Meal: B / L

Pakbeng - Huay Xai: Wake up early in the morning. After breakfast the boat leaves at 7 am and you will enjoy the Mekong River view along the way. We will show you the Khmu village (hill tribe) after that. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat arrives in Huay Xai before 5 pm.

Upon arrive in Huay Xai pier, you will transfer to Chiang Rai for hotel check in.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meal: B / L

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.

Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fighting near the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden. Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meal: B

After breakfast, visit the White Temple, is an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.

Upon arrive Chiang Mai, start to visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temples in Chaing Mai such like Wat Phra Singh; Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meal: B

A fun and memorable Indochina tour is not complete without the experience of elephant. Today you will visit the Elephant Camp at Mae Taman Camp. You will see how the elephants works, and you will have chance to ride the elephant across the river and through the forest around 1 hour. Return by Ox Cart to the elephant village for lunch.

After Lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river for about 45 minutes and visit an orchid farm after the bamboo rafting ride.

In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok, upon arrive , guide meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meal: B

After breakfast, start to visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meal: B / L

This morning visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you will experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits and products from their boats. Explore the market before continuing on to Kanchanburi to learn about the region's storied past and present-day culture. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to get an understanding of the deadly, Herculean task many Thais were faced with decades ago.

Enjoy a scenic long-tailed boat trip along Maeklong River to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meal: B / L

After breakfast, drive to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Your tour begins at one of Ayutthaya’s oldest markets where you'll sample traditional boat noodles from a local vendor, among other authentic bites. Next, visit emblematic temples, such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkol with its 196-foot-tall (60-meter) stupa. See the ancient ruins of Buddha images at Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relics), and stop by Ayutthaya’s most historically important temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Then have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya's most renowned temples. Go behind the scenes of the production of roti sai mai to see how this spun sugar dessert is made and taste some yourself. Then discover another local snack at a temple market.

Then take some time to just relax here, before making your way back to Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meal: B

Today transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.

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