Visions of Indochina: Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos – Thailand | 16-Day Journey

After breakfast, travel to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network that played a vital role in the resistance during the Vietnam War. Discover hidden trapdoors, narrow passageways, underground meeting rooms, kitchens, and storerooms, and learn about the resilience of Vietnamese soldiers. Return to the city for an afternoon of sightseeing. Visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the elegant Central Post Office. Conclude your day with a stroll along Le Cong Kieu Street, a treasure trove of antiques and colonial memorabilia. Dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Depart for Cai Be, deep in the lush Mekong Delta. Board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional riverboat, for a scenic cruise through narrow canals and floating villages. Watch daily life unfold along the river and explore local workshops producing rice paper, coconut candies, and woven goods. Visit a beautifully preserved 19th-century home, followed by a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant. Stroll through a quiet canal-side village before returning to the city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, fly to Danang, where you’ll pass by the stunning Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach (once known as "China Beach" during the Vietnam War). Continue your journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through the ancient town. Admire the blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European architecture, visit local temples and artisan shops, and get a feel for the once-thriving port city of the 17th–19th centuries. Overnight in Hoi An. 

Begin your day at Hoi An’s lively central market, where you’ll browse fresh produce and learn about the region’s culinary staples. Board a short riverboat ride to a countryside kitchen for a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes and enjoy your creations for lunch. Spend your afternoon at leisure – relax at the beach or wander Hoi An’s charming streets. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy some free time. In the evening, embark on a culinary adventure through the bustling Old Quarter. Taste your way through Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene – from smoky grilled meats and noodles to ice cream at a beloved local parlor. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Explore the historical heart of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace. Tour the infamous Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton") for insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past. Later, visit the home of a traditional water puppet artist for a private performance and a behind-the-scenes look into this ancient craft. In the afternoon, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Literature, then visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. End your day with a cyclo ride through the lively streets of the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. Board a traditional junk boat and begin your overnight cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink, lunch on board, and breathtaking views as you cruise through hidden coves and limestone pillars. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, swim (weather permitting), and savor a gourmet dinner as the sun sets. Overnight on board.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Laos, our guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening in this tranquil riverside town. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin the day at Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’ most beautiful temples. Continue to the Royal Palace Museum for insights into Laos’ royal heritage. Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and the Mekong River. In the afternoon, visit The Living Land Farm, a community-run organic farm. Participate in rice planting or harvesting and learn how Laotian farmers cultivate rice and vegetables using sustainable methods. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness the sacred morning alms ceremony, as hundreds of monks in saffron robes silently collect offerings from locals. You may join or respectfully observe this spiritual ritual. Spend the rest of the morning exploring local ethnic markets and villages to gain deeper insights into Laos’ diverse tribal traditions. Overnight in Luang Prabang.  

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Khmer welcome dinner accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance performance, a graceful art form once performed for royalty in the Angkorian temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today is dedicated to exploring the majestic temples of Angkor, one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures. Start with the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on Earth and a masterpiece of classical Khmer architecture. Continue to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city, and visit the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famous for its 200 smiling stone faces. Then explore the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, wander through the atmospheric ruins of Ta Prohm, where banyan trees twist dramatically around temple stones – a scene made famous by Tomb Raider. Optional sunset at Pre Rup Temple or return to the hotel for rest. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, travel to the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a boat to visit a floating village, where homes, schools, and markets drift on the water. Witness how communities have adapted to the rhythm of the lake’s seasons and gain insight into traditional fishing lifestyles. Return to Siem Reap for your transfer to the airport. Catch an afternoon flight to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your Bangkok exploration with a visit to the glittering Grand Palace, once the seat of Thailand’s kings. Within its grounds lies the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), revered as the country’s most sacred shrine. Continue to Wat Pho, home of the majestic Reclining Buddha, and then enjoy a traditional long-tail boat ride through Bangkok’s klongs (canals). Witness everyday life along the waterways and see a unique side of the city. After lunch, explore the colorful chaos of Pak Khlong Talad, the city’s largest flower market, or browse the bustling stalls of the historic Chinatown. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, with glittering skyline views and reflections of temple spires. Overnight in Bangkok.

Your Southeast Asia journey comes to an end today. Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of a region rich in culture, history, and beauty. Safe travels and thank you for journeying with us!