Treasure of Indochina – 26 Days

General Information

Duration: 26 Days/25 Nights
Start/End: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Phnom Penh
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Danang – Hue – Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Phom Penh

Highlights

Categories: Indochina tour packages
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Day 2: Saigon City tour
Day 3: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple
Day 4: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Vinh Long – Can Tho
Day 5: Can Tho – Market Visits – Saigon – Fly to Danang, Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An – A Vietnamese Day
Day 7: Hoi An – Day trip to My Son Holy Land
Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Hue
Day 9: Hue Imperial City Tour – Fly to Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi City Tour – Street food discovery – Night train to Sapa
Day 11: Arrival Sapa – Visit Hill Tribe villages
Day 12: Sapa – Market tours – Drive to Hanoi
Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Day 14: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang Day 15: Luang Prabang City Tour – Khuangsi Waterfall
Day 16: Luang Prabang – Ban Khia Luang – Pak Ou Cave
Day 17: Elephant and soft hiking tour to Khmu village
Day 18: Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng
Day 19: Vang Vieng – Tham Phoutham – Kayaking
Day 20: Vang Vieng – Vientiane – City Tour
Day 21:  Vientiane – Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 22:  Phnom Penh City Tour – Killing Fields
Day 23:  Phnom Penh – Kampong Thom – Siem Reap
Day 24:  Angkor Thom Wonder
Day 25: Cambodia Village – Tonle Sap Lake
Day 26: Siem Reap – Departure

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival

Check into the hotel. The rest of day is to chill out.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L)

The journey today will go on a motorbike. Very first places are Central Post Office and the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, two famous historical sites of the city. The old Saigon people often say that they can see a moment of old Saigon in these structures.
Next stop is War Remnants Museum. This place exhibits the proofs of the unjust war in the past. Then, we come over the National Heritage – Reunification Palace, was built in French colonial period. It used to be the accommodation of the President of the Republic of Vietnam It has been considered the strong history witness when the country was liberated in April 30th, 1975, a tank of Vietnamese Army broke the entrance, coming inside.

The afternoon’s included a sightseeing Cho Lon (Binh Tay Market), a crowded Chinatown lying between Saigon. After that, drop by Thien Hau Pagoda nearby, one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam. Finally, back to the hotel room and take a rest.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

First, come to Cao Dai Temple (Holy Temple) in Tay Ninh with the style of structure featuring for the Theravada Buddhism. The lunch is served at a local restaurant. Next, drive to another famous destination, Cu Chi Tunnels, where was used to be the place to hide Viet soldiers in the war. This interlaced and complicated system with various traps used to be fear of Colonial.
After the visit, return the hotel and relax.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong River – Vinh Long – Sa Dec – Can Tho (B, L)

The new day begins with a trip to the hicks in Mekong Delta. Float on one of the largest feeders of Mekong River – Co Chien, we will have the opportunity to watch My Thuan Bridge and the views of the two banks. Especially, hit in Dinh Tan Hoa, an old 150-year house. After that, let’s upstream the Tien River to see how the locals manufacture bricks.

Depart Sa Dec we wind our way to Can Tho. Arrive and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Later, we depart to Sa Dec. On the boat, you may catch the image of the locals are revolting water with a water-hyacinth on the banks. This is the familiar item with the people who lives depend on the river. The Hollywood movie The lover filmed here.
Afterwards, drop by Sa Dec Market to do some shopping. Along the way dotted many lovely old houses that were built about 100 years ago and ancient Chinese temples.
Leave Sa Dec behind, we continue the trip to Can Tho. First, check into the hotel and then spend the remainder to relax.

Overnight in Can Tho Homestay.

Day 5: Can Tho – Market Visits – Saigon – Fly to Danang/ Hoi An (B, L)

Start the day with a boat trip to look around Cai Rang Floating Market and Phong Dien Floating Market. After see how the locals sell and buy on the boat and purchase a few local specialties, we come to several villages to watch the process of making rice paper mill and rice noodle. Also, tourists can experience passing Cau Khi (Monkey Bridge), a typical type of bridge in the southwest, that is very difficult to pass because of its structure. Besides, riding around to see the peaceful view is not a bad choice. Have lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Say goodbye to Can Tho, we move on Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon to take a flight to Danang. When arriving in Danang, you will be picked up and driven to the hotel in Hoi An to check in and relax.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An – A Vietnamese Day (B, L)

This morning’s included a bike tour around the most famous destinations in Hoi An: Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Merchant House, China Assembly Halls. There are so many things to explore: the old houses with wooden roofs, sinuous small narrow streets, local fashion stores, garish handmade lanterns and so on. You can come over any store on the way and buy some traditional souvenirs. One more important thing is tasting food here. Hoi An cuisine has still been renowned throughout the country and popular with a lot of foreigners.

In the afternoon, you join Hoian afternoon street food walking tour, enjoy 4-hour signature food tour combined food tasting with off the beaten sightseeing. This tour is designed to give you the chance to go out and try street food on your own when you visit heaven of street food as Vietnam.
You also discover a different Hoian – not beautiful decorating restaurants, no expensive cloth shop. This tour is a delicious and fun way to explore Hoian just like a local.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An – Day Trip to My Son Holy Land (B)

Today, we will spin the famous My Son Holy Land, an outstanding and unique structure of the ancient Cham civilization. This existed under a very prosperous period. After visit every corner and taking photos, we come back to Hoi An. You can relax in the room or discover more about this lovely town. Coming by the night local market is recommended.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue (B, L)

We leave Hoi An and go to see Hue today. Hit in Cham Museum where display a large number of Cham sculptures. See many different patterns carved into the stone. Then, have a glimpse at marble mountain and China Beach in which we can take some photos.
Crossing Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach – an amazing beach of Central Vietnam on the way to Hue. Check into the hotel. Have lunch and take a trip to explore Imperial Citadel. Finally, voyage along Huong River (Perfume River), contemplate Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy the marvelous owl-light right on the boat.
Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: Hue Imperial City Tour – Fly to Hanoi (B, L)

Today, we will discover more about Hue. Keep eyes open to see the most famous royal tombs of Vietnam feudal kings such as Khai Dinh, Tu Duc. Drop into Vong Canh Hill to enjoy the spectacular view over the city. Besides, come over some local stores to learn the way they create conical hats.
The frugal lunch is prepared at a Buddhist monastery. Next, go to the airport to fly to Hanoi. Check into the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi City Tour – Street Food Discovery – Night Train to Sapa (B, L)

Early morning, tourists get up and jog around Hoan Kiem Lake. Coming here at this moment you can see the image of many Hanoians do morning exercises. It doesn’t matter if you take part in.
After that, eating Pho for breakfast at a Hanoi restaurant nearby. It can be said to be the most popular food in Vietnam, famous worldwide. You will listen to the guide talking about the ingredients, the way to do a good bowl of Pho while enjoying your meal. Then, let’s taste a Vietnamese cup of coffee at a famous traditional café. Also, you can learn about Viet coffee culture that definitely has its features.
Afterward, do some shopping at Hom Market. We can freely have a try on a diversity of delicious food here as well as have the chance to choose some tropical plants.

Soviet-style Ba Dinh Square is the next stop in the morning. This is a meaningful historical site of Vietnam because this is the place President Ho Chi Minh addressed the Independence Declaration. Then we come to Ho Chi Minh Museum and his Mausoleum and his private house nearby where contains the memorabilia about a simple life of Ho Chi Minh.

Leave to visit other historical places. One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature are well-known structures that were built in the feudalism of Vietnam. After that, we will have a tasty lunch at a Hanoi restaurant.
The half-day left included the seeing Hoa Lo Prison – was considered as the hell on the earth in the war period. Also, wandering around the small corners of Hanoi Old Quarter and purchase several lovely souvenirs as well as try delicious street food like Pho, Bun Cha, Nem Cuon…
Besides, late afternoon, we will visit some famous places nearby, including St Josephs, the Old Well at Nha Tho Street and the Bach Ma Temple.

At the end of the day, we move on Hanoi Railway Station to take the train to Lao Cai – a beautiful mountainous town in the north.
Stay overnight on train – 4 berth cabin – Soft sleeper with A/C.

Day 11: Arrival Sapa – Visit Hill Tribe Villages (B, L, D)

Morning arrival at Lao Cai, we take a short transfer on a private van ascending to the former hill-station town of Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic.
Upon arrival Lao Cai in the early morning, let’s the very famous town lying on the high mountain, Sapa. Have breakfast and walk around to see the morning activities of the locals. Later, come over Lao Chai – Ta Van villages, communicate with ethnic people and discover their routine as well as enjoy the stunning view from the height. For lunch, back to Sa Pa to have a delicious meal and relax.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 12: Sapa – Market Tours – Drive back to Hanoi B, L)

Having breakfast and then embark into one of the interesting activities here – visiting famous local markets: Cao Son – Wednesday Market, Bac Ha – Sunday Market, Can Cau Market – Saturday market, Coc Ly Market – Tuesday market( optional). At the markets display a variety of special products. Also, we can watch the locals exchange goods and more exciting things. The tasty lunch is served in a local restaurant.
Later, we will take a bus to return to Hanoi. Leisure for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)

Firstly, relax, wash up and have breakfast at a local restaurant before a tiring trip. After that, leave Hanoi to go to see Halong Bay – in top new worldwide wonders. The breathtaking scenery will not disappoint you. On arrival at Vinashin Tourist Harbor, we will be welcomed at our waiting room before boarding a cruise. Check in our cabin and start cruising among islets of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.

After lunch, we explore the well-hidden Co Cave (Thien Canh Son Cave), relax on the white sandy beach or swimming at Hon Co Island. Return to our cruise and enjoy Happy Hour on board while continue sailing to Cong Do area. Here, we will have 1.5 hours kayaking in the emerald water of the bay or just easy relaxing on the cruise. Back to the vessel in the late afternoon and join a Cooking demonstration with our chef, try your skills in making our typical Spring rolls. Dinner in the restaurant with fresh seafood while enjoying the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. Anchor for the night in Cong Do area with some evening entertainments such as Movie night, squid fishing, spa…

Overnight on board.

Day 14: Halong – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B, L)

Start a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay, refresh your body and soul with an early Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Enjoy breakfast with cookies, tea, and café before visiting Vung Vieng fishing village. Check out at 9.15 and have brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor. Disembark at 11.00 and find our car waiting and take us back to Hanoi.
Transfer to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Then, you will have a chill time.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 15: Luang Prabang City Tour – Khuangsi Waterfall (B, D)

If you like, wake up early in the morning (5:40 am) to get the chance to witness and participate in the lines of monks carrying out the traditional rituals: Alms Giving Ceremony (beg for rice). This is a very distinctive custom in Laos. If you want to take part in the ritual, please tell your guide a day in advance. They can help you to buy some offerings or you can buy them on spot. On the other hand, you can observe the ritual in silence from an appropriate distance. Dress politely and behave respectfully – shoulders, chest, and legs should be covered. Then, we visit Morning Market where we can freely purchase Lao specialties like buffalo meat, tea or local weaving products.

After that, go back to the hotel for breakfast. This morning we enjoy a cultural excursion of the city, visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visounarat, the Royal Palace Museum and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the largest and most splendid one.

Our guided tour for the afternoon starts with some local villages of Lao minority groups at Ban Ouay Village. Then transfer to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. We can visit the Bear Rescue center at the entry gate. Return to the city. After a short rest, we will climb up to the Mountain Phousi to enjoy the sunset and you will have a chance to walk around the Night Market before you back to your hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 16: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B, D)

Following your breakfast, we board a cruiser upstream in the Mekong River, get a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside and discover the mysterious Pak Ou Cave, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of different shapes and sizes.
Later take a stopover at the small village of Ban Xanghai Village, where the local rice wine is distilled. We also visit Wat Loungkhoun, nestled on the other bank of the River. On our way back to Luang Prabang, stop to visit Ban Phanom Village.

Overnight in Luangprabang.

Day 17: Elephant and Soft Hiking Tour to Khmu Village (B, L)

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the Elephant Village Camp. Meet our camp manager and participate in a short briefing about elephants.
Ride your Elephant: From the Elephant Camp, enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 km bareback elephant ride! (1 person per elephant)
Trek to Ban Huay Fai: Enjoy a 4 km trek on foot through a diverse landscape. You will travel from our ‘old camp’ to the Khmu village of Ban Huay Fai, where you can explore and discover and see how local Khmu people live.
Viewpoint: Walk around 1.5 km up the side of a steep incline where you will be greeted with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. After which you will walk down through the beautiful forest and see the different, natural fruits that grow in the forest.

Lunch: Dine in the forest surroundings with a picnic box lunch prepared just for you at our camp restaurant.
Trek to Ban Suan Dala: Enjoy another 3 km trek on foot surrounded by unique tropical vegetation and different farmland.
Arrive at Ban Suan Dala: Finishing up in the village of Suan Dala, where you can explore and discover and see a real mixture of cultures including Lao, Hmong, and Khmu.
Boat trip back to camp: Traverse the Nam Khan River in a traditional Lao long boat from Ban Suan Dala back to the Elephant Camp. You may see the traditional methods of net fishing and other various ways with which the local population use and enjoy the river.
Depart: Transfer back to your hotel in Luang Prabang 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and have free evening after that.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 18: Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng (B, L)

Wake up early, we will have morning departure following Route 13 to Vang Vieng. You will experience to climb into the mountains as passing through spectacular scenery and numerous hill tribes villages. We will lunch at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters above the sea level surrounded by the endless mountains peaks of this remote region.

After lunch, we continue on along Route 13 arriving in Vang Vieng in mid afternoon.
Freshen up as you arrive before we board a boat for a relaxing trip on Nam Song River. Marvel at breathtaking mountain landscape and stop to discover the well-known Tham Jang Cave, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 19: Vang Vieng – Tham Phoutham – Kayaking (B, L)

This morning, we’ll take a truck ride to the famous Blue Lagoon, where you will have the chance to swim in the lagoon or just relax in the small bamboo huts. Visiting the Blue Lagoon Vang Vieng is truly one of the must-try things to do in Laos, especially for those who would like to escape from the heat of the summer in the country. The lagoon is crowded these days, but it’s still an amazing spot to relax and cool off, as well as many interesting activities.

Then, we drive 10km north to the ethnic Khmu village of Viengsamay where after an introduction to the basics of kayaking, we will set off down the poetic Nam Song River. Continue to travel downstream to Tham None (Sleeping Cave), one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng and served as a rescue shelter for the villagers during the Second Indochina War. The final leg of this journey is a gentle paddle which will return us to Vang Vieng in time to catch the sunset.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 20: Vang Vieng – Vientiane – City Tours (B, L)

After breakfast, we have an easy 4-hour drive to the national capital of Vientiane. This charming city has an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. Following check-in at your centrally located hotel and time to freshen up we head out on our afternoon city tour. Start to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.

Next, head to the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa and stop along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument. Then, visit the COPE Center, which was created in response to the need to provide UXO survivors with the care and support they required, namely by way of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Heading for the waterfront your evening is free to enjoy a few drinks watching the sunset over the Mekong River, explore the Night Market and take in some of the city’s nightlife.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 21: Vientiane – Fly to Phnom Penh (B, L)

This morning we visit the famous Buddha Park.

Afternoon, we then head out to the airport for departure flight to Phnom Penh. Upon your arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, welcome by our local guide and driver who will transfer your group to your selected hotel for check in and relax.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 22: Phnom Penh City Tour – Killing Fields (B, L)

We start city tour acquaints us with some highlight sights of Phnom Penh. First, head to the quarters of the Royal Palace which are now home to the royal family and are therefore are very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, considered the most sacred temple in the country. Then we continue seeing the National Museum which is exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture.

Following your lunch, we deal with a dark chapter of Cambodian history as we visit Choeung Ek Killing Field. This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of Khmer Rouge.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 23:  Phnom Penh – Kampong Thom – Siem Reap (B, L)

After breakfast, we continue the journey to the capital Phnom Penh. On the way, we drop into Kampong Thom, visiting the famous antiquarian place, Sambor Prei Kuk. This used to be the capital of Chenla in the sixth century, also called Isanapura. Explore the main central complex and get a closer look into the early architectural styles of Cambodia. Besides, we may come over the site “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei.
In the afternoon, you will take a short flight to Siem Reap. Check into the hotel and enjoy the chill time.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 24:  Angkor Thom Wonder (B, L)

Today journey will be a very special and acting day as you will explore the Angkor’s most beautiful temples. Drive in the early morning among the jungle passing local village and local shop. First, start the South Gate and explore the centerpiece of the ancient city, the Bayon. The Bayon houses 44 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatic smiling faces. The tour also includes the journey to the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, and the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings.

In the afternoon, we are entering Angkor Wat to view its amazing architecture and history. Angkor Wat, the largest religious site in the world, possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carvings. Spend the afternoon soaking up the many passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the ancient world. Last but not least, enjoying the sunset in Pre Rup is a must do to fulfill your today discovery.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 25: Cambodia Village – Tonle Sap Lake (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, this morning we enjoy ourselves at leisure. Visit Cambodian Cultural Villages, including Wax Museum, Miniatures, former capital Ou Dong, Royal Palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom, Phsar Thmey, 12th century Kompong Kdey Bridge, 16th century reclining Buddha and Independent Monument. Also includes Carving, Traditional Dances Show and Villages.

The same afternoon, you will be we visit the great annual flood of Tonle Sap Lake; we take a boat ride to the village of Kompong Phhluk on stilts. This is the chance for tourists to immerse into nature which you can see cute monkeys perching on trees, watch the fresh water, enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. We will see the Buddhist temple is standing on the island as well as some beautiful Buddhist life painting on the ceiling.
Drive back to town for visiting the school of fine art “Le Artisans D’angkor.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 26: Phnom Penh Departure (B)

Have breakfast in the hotel. The morning is your free time. Then, you will be taken to Phnom Penh airport to catch the flight back home. The tour ends!