27 days Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand Tour

Meals: B / L

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

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. We start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islets…) of Bai Tu Long Bay.Visit and explore the Thien Canh Son Cave and Kayaking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world. 

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Meals: B / L

Starting your day with Tai Chi while complimentary tea & coffee are served. Exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural are grown. 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.

Meals: B

The beach in Hoi An is famous for emerald water and less estuaries. One days in Hoi An beach will help you relax and make you full of energy continue your trip in Vietnam.  

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B / L

Today, transfer to airport for flight to Saigon, upon arrive, you will start to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn  the history of these iconic landmarks.

You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war. Then stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas.  Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.    

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B / L

Today you will discover the Mekong River and villages at the Mekong Delta region, essential to Vietnamese life. Your private guide and car will take you to the 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 you'll Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you'll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. You'll stop at the Tortoise Island where you'll enjoy lunch in the orchard. After lunch you'll 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. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals. When the tour is finished, you'll transfer to Can Tho. Upon arrive in Can Tho, you will check in hotel and have a rest. In the evening, you may wander around the night market in the centre of the small town, or enjoy some drinks at the riverside bars.   

Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: B

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motor boat and captain will greet you and help you on board. You'll be taken to the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk produce for sale. The trip there will see the banks with various flowers scattered throughout.

When you arrive at the market, you'll see boats with colorful fruits and vegetables local to the region being traded in bulk. After this, you'll venture up narrow canals to find a local fruit farm hidden in the natural landscape of the creek. You'll have the chance to see local fruits such as mango, limes, jack fruit, durian and more being grown. Then you'll have the chance to sit and enjoy fresh cut fruit before returning to town by boat. After the tour, relax at hotel for short time and check out, then you will be driven toward Chau Doc, Upon arrive, checking in and free of your rest.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Meals: B

After breakfast, check-out the hotel then travel by speedboat up the Mekong to Cambodia’s capital: Phnom Penh. The total trip takes about four and a half hours (including visa formalities). Visas are easily obtained at the border between Vietnam and Cambodia and cost $34 (including the processing fee). Your guide will meet you at the dock in Phnom Penh and take you to the hotel. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Rest of your own leisure. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: B / L

Start the day with a TUK TUK ride to visit the Silver Pagoda which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor and a visit to the Royal Palace where the Khmer royal family lives. You will also visit the National Museum where you will see the large collection of Khmer history, arts and architecture. In the afternoon, head straight to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to delve into the disturbing past of the country. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, browse poignant exhibitions then head to the verdant environs of the city to see the impressive Choueng Ek Memorial, a pagoda constructed out of 8,000 human skulls excavated from the Killing Fields. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: B / D

Today, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for your onward flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, guide will meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for checking in .

In the evening , you will enjoy an dinner with Cambodia traditional Apasara Dancing Show at Angkor Village Resort.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B / L

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 / L

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..

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B / L

In the morning after your breakfast, you will be picked up by your tour guide from your hotel and escort you to the venue where you will commence a half day cooking class. Each class commences with a visit to a local family. Along the way you will learn about the herbs and vegetables grown at most Khmer households and used in daily cooking. The visit to a family's home is an opportunity to learn about food preparation in a Khmer home. Who does the shopping and the cooking! Your guide will also let you know about food customs, superstitions and beliefs. A gift of rice is provided to the family as thanks for their participation. Following this visit you return to the pavilion to commence cooking. Together with your chef and guide you will create several dishes which you can then re produce at home. Learn about the typical ingredients in Cambodian cooking and have the opportunity to see Cambodian cooking first hand. Classes are completely hands on. Each participant has their own cooking station and equipment. Classes include a number of Cambodian dishes and a recipe card will be provided.

What to Wear:

• We recommend a hat for the short walk in the village

• Comfortable footwear is recommended.

In the afternoon, you'll start with an ox cart ride through Cambodia's green countryside where you'll see many coconut trees, rice fields, and water buffalo. After that, continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You'll take a boat ride to Kampong Phluck which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to it's history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You'll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel for rest..  

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: B

Today, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for onward flight to Luang Prabang Laos. upon arrive , guide will meet and escort you to check in. Rest of your own leisure. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. See the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. In the afternoon, Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading  out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later this afternoon return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Finally visit the famous Night Market, where you’ll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoplesliving in the surroundings.  

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L

The luxury Laos Mekong River Cruises runs upstream from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. We run cruises on the Mekong River upstream and downstream between Luang Prabang – Pakbeng – Huay Xai. The cruise takes two days to cruise from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. It’s more of a luxury than public slow boat to Huay Xai. This is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Mekong Cruise. We take care of all your worries and give you an unforgettable Mekong River Cruises experience. Luang Prabang – Pakbeng: We will pick you up at your hotel in Luang Prabang. The boat leaves the main pier at 7am. 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 onboard. 

Overnight in Pak Beng.

Meals: B / L

Wake up early in the morning. After breakfast the boat leaves at 7am 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 onboard. The boat arrives in Huay Xai before 5pm. Then transfer to Chiang Rai for hotel checking in.  

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: B / L

Today, your half-day tour begins with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, said to have been the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha. From here, continue to the peaceful Wat Phra Singha, a beautiful example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. Then make a stop at Oub Kham Museum and Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre. You will view an incredible collection of artifacts from the Lanna kingdom, including ritual objects and royal treasures. Time permitting, you may take a tour of the remarkable Wat Rong Khun. (also known as the White Temple) is an impressive modern temple. Its construction began in 1998, and its expected to take several generations. Marvel at this amazing and ornate white temple, originally conceived by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. After Wat Rong Khun, head back into the city to visit Chiang Rai's busiest market before being delivered back to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: 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.

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, we will drive toward Chiang Mai to continue your Indochina tour in northern Thailand. After around 2.5 hours drive, you will stop enjoy a cooking lesson to learn how to cook local Thai Food, lunch will be the food you cook and enjoy it there.

After lunch, 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 Temple 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.

Meals: B / L

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support their regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

Itinerary:

Starting From: 8:00am - 8:30am from your Chiang Mai city hotel or you must be at our office at 7:40am.

Feeding the Elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.          

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Bathe these gentle giants as they splash around. If going into the river is not for you then watch the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the river bank. Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B / L

In the morning, start your cultural tour of Chiang Mai. First stop at Kad Ton Payom Market, renowned for its fresh fruits and flowers, aromatic spices and northern Thai cuisine. You can participate in the local tradition of almsgiving — offering food to Buddhist monks. Continue to the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds in English and Thai before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue. You’ll also visit the 14th-century Wat Suan Dok, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel, then enjoy an opportunity to chat with a monk about Buddhism and temple life. 

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B / L

This morning, you will take a flight back to Bangkok, upon arrivre, you will 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.

Meals: 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. Then continue to Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park. . The park is full of examples of the Khmar influenced architecture in this part of Thailand. Take some time to just relax here, before making your way back to Bangkok hotel.  

Overnight in Bangkok.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today transfer to the airport for your flight home.