Splendid Indochina Journey – 23 Days

After breakfast, visit the Choeung Ek Memorial, a sobering site marked by a stupa of 8,000 human skulls, commemorating the tragic Khmer Rouge era. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned torture center, offering insights into Cambodia’s past. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum, showcasing exquisite Khmer craftsmanship, and visit Wat Phnom, a serene hilltop temple tied to the city’s founding legend. Note that the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are viewed from the outside due to ongoing renovations. Return to your hotel for a restful evening. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel by private car (no guide) to Siem Reap, stopping en route at the unique Spider Market in Skun. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Cambodian Apsara Dance Show paired with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your day at Angkor Thom, the 12th-century capital, entering through the South Gate adorned with statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore the iconic Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces, followed by Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. After lunch, visit Ta Prohm, a mystical temple entwined with massive tree roots, and the majestic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate carvings and grand architecture. End the day with a stunning sunset view from Pre Rup Temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey to the Kulen Mountains to visit the Grand Buddha Statue, the sacred River of Thousand Lingas in Shiva Valley, and a refreshing waterfall. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. On the return, explore Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” celebrated for its delicate pink sandstone carvings, and Banteay Samre Temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cruise Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, to explore Kampong Phluk, a vibrant floating village with stilted homes, schools, and a police station that shifts with the water levels. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Siem Reap Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the bustling city at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights, starting with the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground network used during the Vietnam War. Watch an introductory video and explore the widened tunnels, mantraps, and remnants of an American tank. Return to the city for lunch, then visit the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence, and the War Remnants Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Indochina War. Admire French colonial architecture at the Notre-Dame Basilica and General Post Office, and browse the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta to visit the lively Cai Be Floating Market. Continue to Tan Phong Island for a biking or walking tour through orchards, schools, churches, and traditional homes, observing local crafts like rice-net and coconut-leaf weaving. Navigate smaller canals by rowboat for a serene countryside experience, then cross to An Binh Island for lunch at a local home, accompanied by traditional music. Explore rice paper, coconut candy, and pottery workshops before returning to Ho Chi Minh City via Vinh Long. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s tropical island paradise. Upon arrival, your resort’s car will take you to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the island’s beaches and vibrant markets at your own pace. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Relax and enjoy a full day at your leisure on Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches or explore its local attractions independently. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Another free day to soak in the island’s beauty, swim in turquoise waters, or discover local cuisine and culture. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast

Fly from Phu Quoc to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang International Airport, your guide will transfer you to Hoi An’s enchanting Ancient Town. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Begin with a Farming & Fishing Eco Tour at Tra Que Village, where you’ll join farmers in preparing land, fertilizing with seaweed, and watering fields. Cycle through the countryside, witnessing rural life, then board an eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Try traditional net fishing and paddle a bamboo basket boat through coconut palm-lined waterways. Enjoy lunch onboard, featuring vegetables from Tra Que. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town on a walking tour, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Congregation, and charming Chinese-style temples and pagodas. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive along scenic Highway 1A to Hue, stopping to admire views of Lang Co Beach and Danang. Arrive in Hue and embark on a Hue Street Food Tour by cyclo, navigating bustling streets to sample local specialties like Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Bot Loc, Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork noodles), and Bun Hen (mussel noodles). Savor Che Hue (sweet soup) by the Perfume River and try Banh Khoai or Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes). Visit Dong Ba Market to experience local life before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a Dragon Boat along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue’s Buddhist heritage. Explore the royal tombs of Khai Dinh or Tu Duc, showcasing intricate Nguyen Dynasty architecture. After lunch, tour the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and visit the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum in the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. Conclude at Dong Ba Market to observe daily local life. Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. After checking into your hotel, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (exterior), Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Explore the historic Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius. Enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour through the charming Old Quarter, browsing markets and boutiques. End the day with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show and a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Halong Bay and board the Sena Cruise for a journey through the tranquil Lan Ha Bay, a quieter extension of Halong with stunning limestone karsts. Sail past Finger Islet and Candle Islet, then kayak in the Ao Ech or Three Peaches area. Enjoy afternoon tea and a “Happy Hour” onboard. After a sumptuous seafood dinner, relax with cocktails, squid fishing, or karaoke. Overnight on the cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start with Tai Chi on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Cruise to Cat Ba Island, kayaking in the Tra Bau area, a filming location for Kong: Skull Island. Visit a local fish raft to learn about traditional fishing methods. Enjoy brunch as you sail back to the harbor, then transfer to Hanoi for a flight to Vientiane, Laos. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Explore Vientiane’s cultural treasures, starting with Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple (built in 1818), housing thousands of Buddha statues. Visit Wat Phra Keo, a former royal temple from 1565, home to the Emerald Buddha and ancient sculptures. Stop for photos at the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, and visit the sacred That Luang Stupa, Laos’ national icon. End the day at Buddha Park, a whimsical garden of unique statues, and enjoy the evening at the vibrant Night Market. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your hotel and visit the National Museum, Wat Mai, and Hue Chan Heritage House. Climb Mount Phousi to see the sacred stupa and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Mekong River. Explore the lively Night Market, filled with handmade textiles and traditional Lao crafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast

Wander through the bustling Morning Market, brimming with local specialties like dried buffalo skin and hill-tribe weavings. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Laotian architecture with low-sweeping roofs. Cruise the Mekong River to the mystical Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of gilded Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xanghai Village to learn about rice wine distillation and visit Ban Xang Khong, renowned for Saa paper making. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early to participate in the sacred Alms Giving Ceremony, offering food to saffron-robed monks (dress respectfully and observe silently). Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or savor local noodle soup. Visit the Buffalo Dairy Farm to learn about dairy production and taste buffalo milk ice cream. Journey to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim in turquoise pools or hike forest trails, and stop at the Bear Rescue Center. Return to Luang Prabang for a relaxing afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Luang Prabang International Airport for your onward flight, carrying cherished memories of this splendid Indochina journey.
Meals: Breakfast