Journey Through the Heart of Indochina – A 23 Days

Explore Angkor Thom’s South Gate, adorned with statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. Visit Bayon Temple’s bas-reliefs of mythological and daily Khmer life, the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. After lunch (own account), drive 16 km to Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise through stilted villages, observing houses up to 10 meters high and floating communities. Return to Siem Reap for dinner with an Apsara Dance Show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Visit Ta Prohm, entwined with fig tree roots, famed from “Tomb Raider.” Explore the Grand Circuit’s temples: Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan, showcasing Khmer architecture. After lunch, tour Angkor Wat, a 12th-century masterpiece spanning 81 hectares, with intricate bas-reliefs. Watch the sunset from Phnom Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy a free morning to relax by the hotel pool, ride a tuk-tuk, or shop at local markets. Fly to Phnom Penh, check into a hotel, and begin a half-day tour. Visit the Royal Palace, a Khmer-style complex, and the Silver Pagoda, adorned with jeweled Buddha statues. See the Independence Monument, National Museum’s Khmer artifacts, and Wat Phnom, a sacred hilltop temple. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning. At midday, board a speedboat to Chau Doc, Vietnam, crossing the border along the Mekong River. Arrive, check into a hotel, and relax at leisure. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Travel by car or bus to Cai Be, a serene town with rice fields and tropical gardens. Board a cruise ship, settle into your cabin, and enjoy lunch while sailing through Mekong Delta’s canals. Marvel at lush vegetation and local life, navigating narrow, greenery-hidden channels. Visit fruit orchards, rice fields, or boat-building workshops. End the day with a sunset drink at the bar. Overnight on board.

Cruise at sunrise to Cai Be Floating Market, where 400–500 boats trade tropical fruits and vegetables. Board a sampan to haggle and sample goods, then explore small canals to observe local lifestyles. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, disembark, and transfer by shuttle bus to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into a hotel and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tour Cholon (Chinatown) in District 5, a vibrant mix of temples, shops, and cafés. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, and Notre Dame Cathedral, a French colonial landmark. Explore the Saigon Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum for insights into Vietnam’s history. Return to the hotel and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Fly to Danang, then drive through Non-Nuoc Beach to Hoi An, a 16th–18th-century trading hub with Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Check into a hotel, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the ancient town or relaxing. Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycle along country roads to Tra Que Vegetable Village, known for sweet-scented herbs. Stroll through gardens, observe farmers, and learn about local produce and techniques. Cycle back to Hoi An, capturing photos of the scenic countryside. Enjoy lunch and a free afternoon. Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An, then drive to Hue, the Nguyen Dynasty’s 18th–19th-century capital along the Perfume River. In the evening, join a cyclo food tour, sampling Hue’s cuisine with a local guide who shares dish histories. Check into a hotel and relax. Overnight in Hue.

Explore Hue’s Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO site with Nguyen Dynasty ruins. Cruise the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, then visit Khai Dinh’s mausoleum, blending Vietnamese and European styles. Stroll Dong Ba Market’s vibrant stalls. After a free afternoon, fly to Hanoi, where your guide transfers you to a hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

At 8:00 a.m., tour Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Hanoi Opera House, stopping for photos. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and West Lake’s upscale areas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and relax in the afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive 4 hours to Mai Chau, arriving at midday for a welcome drink and traditional lunch. Cycle through rice fields, visit villages, and observe farmers and weavers. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ party at a homestay, watch Thai traditional dance, and taste ‘ruou can’ liquor. Overnight in a communal stilt house in Mai Chau.

Visit Na Meo and Na Mo villages to explore ethnic Thai culture. Return to the homestay for lunch, shop for souvenirs, and relax. Drive back to Hanoi, check into a hotel, and enjoy a free evening. Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive 4 hours to Halong Bay, a UNESCO site with 3,000 limestone islands. Board a cruise, enjoy lunch, and sail through emerald waters. Kayak, swim, or relax in the afternoon. Dine on the sundeck, then try squid fishing, karaoke, or stargazing. Overnight on board.

Join morning Tai Chi, enjoy breakfast, and visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave. Participate in a cooking class, then savor a farewell lunch as the cruise returns to the harbor. Drive back to Hanoi, check into a hotel, and relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a free morning, then fly to Vientiane. Your guide transfers you to a hotel. Visit Wat Sisaket’s miniature Buddha statues, Wat Prakeo, former home of the Emerald Buddha, and That Luang Stupa, Laos’ national icon. Stop at Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional dance and folk songs. Overnight in Vientiane.

Drive north to Vang Vieng, marveling at scenic countryside. Stop at KM52’s vibrant market, Hin Heup bridge, and Ban Tha Hueu’s fish market. After lunch, cruise through paddy fields to Tham Phoukham Cave, a limestone cavern amid forests. Swim in its natural pool. Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Visit Vang Vieng’s local market, then explore Tham Jang Cave, a renowned karst formation. Stroll through Ban Phathau village to observe local life. Drive to Luang Prabang, stopping at Ban Nasala’s school amid terraced fields. Check into a hotel and relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Tour the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904, to learn about Laos’ history. Cruise the Mekong River to Ban Xanghai village, observing rice wine production, then visit Pak Ou Caves, blending Buddhist reverence with natural beauty. Return to explore Wat Xieng Thong’s elegant architecture, the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed Mondays), and Wat Prabath for sunset. Stroll the Night Market’s textile stalls. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Observe or join the morning alms-giving ceremony (inform guide in advance for participation; dress modestly). Visit the temporary morning market, then climb 329 steps to Phousi Hill for panoramic views. Explore Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls, swim in turquoise pools, and visit the Bear Rescue Center and Butterfly Park. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center to see traditional weaving. Enjoy lunch and relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy free time to explore Luang Prabang’s streets or markets. Your guide transfers you to the airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable 23-day journey.