Indochina Unveiled – 25 Days of Cultural and Natural Wonders

Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural marvel. In the afternoon, ascend Phnom Bakheng or visit Pre Rup Temple to witness a spectacular sunset. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Rise early to catch the serene sunrise over Angkor Wat. After breakfast, delve deeper into the Angkor Complex, starting with the rarely visited West Gate of Angkor Thom. Continue to the South Gate, Bayon Temple (famed for its 200 carved smiling faces), Baphuon Temple (home to a towering Buddha statue), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Embark on a boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Explore the floating village of Kompong Phhluk by canoe, observing local life amidst tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, fly to Vientiane, Laos’ charming capital. Check into your hotel and unwind. Overnight in Vientiane.

Discover Vientiane’s cultural gems, starting with Wat Si Saket, renowned for its 2,000+ Buddha statues. Visit Wat Hor Prakeo, a former royal temple, followed by the unique Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, showcasing hundreds of mythical sculptures. Journey along the Mekong River, passing quaint villages, vegetable gardens, and the Mekong Friendship Bridge. Stop at Ban Nongbuathong, a renowned weaving village, before strolling along the Mekong’s banks. Overnight in Vientiane.

Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed city of timeless beauty. Visit the National Museum, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Mai, and the ornate Wat Xieng Thong. Climb Phousi Mount for panoramic views and a stunning sunset over the gilded stupa. In the evening, explore the vibrant Street Night Market, brimming with local handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Cruise upstream along the Mekong River, soaking in the serene countryside. Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of gilded Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xang Hai to observe traditional rice-wine production and Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village. Return to Luang Prabang for the night.

Travel to the Jewel Land Elephant Camp at Ban Ann, stopping en route at Ban Phom Nom, a weaving village, and the Henri Mouhot Monument, commemorating the explorer who rediscovered Angkor Wat. At the camp, learn about elephant conservation, feed the gentle giants, and enjoy a short ride. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy a free morning to relax or explore Luang Prabang. In the afternoon, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Check into your hotel and rest. Overnight in Hanoi.

Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a traditional water puppet show, a quintessential northern Vietnamese art form, followed by a delightful local dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Explore Hanoi’s rich history with a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Conclude with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, a poignant relic of the Vietnam War. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

Travel 5 hours to Sapa, a picturesque mountain town. Upon arrival, stroll through Sapa Market and visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, interacting with ethnic minorities and admiring stunning landscapes. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family. Overnight in Sapa.

Trek through Sapa’s lowest valleys, marveling at terraced rice fields and visiting ethnic villages such as Ban Ho, My Son, Nam Cang, or Nam Thang. Savor lunch at a traditional stilt house before returning to Sapa to witness a breathtaking mountain sunset. Overnight in Sapa.

Spend the morning exploring Sapa Market or climbing Ham Rong Mount (optional). Check out of your hotel and visit the Silver Waterfall and Heaven Gate for spectacular views. Transfer to Lao Cai Station for an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi early morning, freshen up, and enjoy breakfast. Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders. Board an overnight cruise, sailing past limestone karsts, swimming, and savoring a seafood lunch. Watch the sunset and enjoy dinner on board. Overnight on the cruise.

Wake to a serene sunrise over Halong Bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot Cave, known for its dazzling stalactites. Continue cruising before returning to the port. Drive back to Hanoi, stopping for lunch at Thanh Chuong Palace, then fly to Hue. Check into your hotel. Overnight in Hue.

Embark on a motorbike tour through Hue’s countryside, visiting Thanh Toan Village’s bustling morning market and historic covered bridge. Explore the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, Vong Canh Hill for Perfume River views, and a Buddhist monastery for a vegetarian lunch prepared by nuns. Tour the Forbidden Purple City and shop at Dong Ba Market. Cross the iconic Trang Tien Bridge before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hue.

Drive to Hoi An, stopping at Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass, and Marble Mountain for photos. Arrive in Hoi An by afternoon, check into your hotel, and spend the evening wandering the lantern-lit streets or visiting tailor shops. Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycle through Hoi An’s historic sites, including the Japanese Bridge, Old Merchant House, and China Assembly Halls. Visit a craftsman’s home to learn lantern-making and create your own souvenir. Enjoy lunch at a hidden garden restaurant. In the afternoon, take a basket boat ride and sail with local fishermen, watching the sunset over the sea. Overnight in Hoi An.

Choose between a Vietnamese cooking class to master local dishes or a trip to My Son Cham Towers, a UNESCO site showcasing ancient Champa architecture. Alternatively, relax and explore Hoi An at your own pace. Overnight in Hoi An.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and begin sightseeing at the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Browse the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, then spend the afternoon at leisure, visiting local cafés or markets. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Drive to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See Temple, a vibrant blend of multiple religions, and attend a midday service. After lunch, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network from the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Travel to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, passing lush rice paddies. Take a boat to visit cottage industries producing bricks, tiles, pottery, and tofu. Tour local orchards, sample tropical fruits, and enjoy Mekong cuisine. Check into a homestay, explore the area, and savor a home-cooked dinner. Overnight in Vinh Long.

Visit the lively Cai Be Floating Market, where vendors trade goods from boats. Stop at a family business to see the production of coconut candy, pop rice cakes, and rice paper. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for lunch en route. Spend the evening relaxing. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy a free day to explore or relax. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding an unforgettable Indochina adventure.