Indochina Odyssey – 28 Days of Culture & Wonders

Join a renowned Hanoi chef for a morning market tour to select fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class to master Vietnamese dishes. Savor your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks: the serene Temple of Literature, the insightful Ethnology Museum, and another enchanting Water Puppet Show. End the day with a coffee at a floating restaurant on West Lake, watching the sunset.

Overnight: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey south to Ninh Binh for a scenic boat ride through Trang An’s UNESCO-listed karst landscape, gliding past limestone caves and lush flora. After a local lunch, visit Hoa Lu, the 10th-century ancient capital, with its historic temples. Climb 500 steps to Hang Mua’s summit for a breathtaking panorama of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

Overnight: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and board a luxurious cruise. Sail amidst thousands of limestone islands, explore Sung Sot Cave, and hike Titop Island for a stunning bay view. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or a cooking demonstration on board, followed by squid fishing or karaoke under the stars.

Overnight: Onboard cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a visit to Luon Cave by sampan or kayak. After brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Begin with a hands-on flower offering class at Heritage House, crafting traditional Laotian floral arrangements using banana leaves and jungle blooms. Offer your creation at a local temple during a blessing ceremony. In the afternoon, cruise the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xanghai village to sample local rice wine and visit Ban Phanom for its handwoven textiles.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optionally rise early to witness the alms-giving ceremony, offering food to saffron-robed monks. Visit the bustling Morning Market and iconic temples like Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun. Explore the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ ethnic diversity. Journey to Kuang Si Waterfalls, hiking through lush trails and swimming in turquoise pools. En route, visit Ban Na Oune village to meet local ethnic communities.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Luang Prabang’s historic sites, including the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Aham. Take a scenic train ride to Vang Vieng, a tranquil town nestled along the Nam Song River. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat trip amidst limestone peaks and serene waters.

Overnight: Vang Vieng

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore Vang Vieng’s natural wonders, visiting Tham Jang Cave and the refreshing Blue Lagoon. Optionally try ziplining or kayaking (at your own expense). Stop by Tha Hue Fish Market en route to the train station for your journey to Vientiane, Laos’ laid-back capital.

Overnight: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Vientiane’s heritage at Wat Sisaket, home to thousands of Buddha statues, and Wat Prakeo, the former royal temple. Photograph the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe. Visit the golden That Luang Stupa and explore Buddha Park, a quirky garden filled with hundreds of statues. Spend the evening at the vibrant Night Market.

Overnight: Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your leisure.

Overnight: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast

Reflect on Cambodia’s past at the Choeung Ek Memorial (Killing Fields) and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, poignant reminders of the Khmer Rouge era. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum’s Khmer artifacts, the opulent Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda with its silver-tiled floor, and the tranquil Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake temple.

Overnight: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast

Travel by boat along the scenic river to Battambang, a charming province known for its colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Spend the afternoon engaging with artisans and witnessing traditional crafts. Enjoy dinner at the popular Smoking Pot Restaurant.

Overnight: Battambang
Meals: Breakfast

Visit Phnom Banon, a hilltop temple with panoramic views, and explore a grape farm and winery. Stroll through Battambang’s colonial streets along the Sangke River and sample local rice wine. End the day with a memorable ride on the iconic Bamboo Train, soaking in the countryside sunset.

Overnight: Battambang
Meals: Breakfast

Drive to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake’s Kampong Phluk village, where stilted houses and flooded forests reveal life on the water.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, marveling at the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Visit the jungle-entwined Ta Prohm and the majestic Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng Hill.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Discover the delicate pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” and the serene Banteay Samre. In the afternoon, visit Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, Neak Pean, and the expansive Preah Khan temple, each offering unique insights into Khmer artistry.

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Danang, Vietnam, and transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed ancient town renowned for its lantern-lit streets and multicultural heritage. Check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Stroll through Hoi An’s charming streets, visiting the Japanese Coverd Bridge, Tan Ky House, and Cantonese Congregation Hall. After lunch, journey to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO site of ancient Cham temples. Return to Hoi An via a scenic boat ride on the Thu Bon River, capturing the sunset.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely day in Hoi An, relaxing on An Bang Beach, savoring fresh seafood, or exploring the town’s tailoring shops and cafés.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Drive to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass, arriving at Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Cruise the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, visit the romantic Tu Duc Tomb, and explore the Forbidden City and bustling Dong Ba Market.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant metropolis. Visit the historic Reunification Palace, the elegant Notre Dame Basilica, and the colonial-era Central Post Office. Shop at the lively Ben Thanh Market and spend the evening exploring the Bitexco Tower or night market.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Explore the tunnels and learn about their history. Return to the city for lunch, then visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Cai Be and explore Tan Phong Island by bike or on foot, visiting orchards, schools, and traditional workshops. Row through serene canals, enjoy local music at a homestay, and see rice paper and coconut candy production. Visit brick kilns before transferring to Can Tho.

Overnight: Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Mui Ne, a stunning beach destination with golden dunes and turquoise waters. Check into your resort and spend the afternoon unwinding by the sea.

Overnight: Mui Ne
Meals: Breakfast

Relax on Mui Ne’s pristine beaches, dine at seaside restaurants, or explore local markets at your own pace.

Overnight: Mui Ne
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy another day in Mui Ne. Optionally visit the White Sand Dunes and Lotus Lake for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Overnight: Mui Ne
Meals: Breakfast

Spend the morning at leisure before a shared limousine transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in time for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Indochina with memories to last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast