Indochina Uncovered In 19 Days

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of the Angkor complex. Begin your exploration at the magnificent South Gate of Angkor Thom, renowned for its majestic stone carvings of human faces. Continue your tour to the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the largest and most complete temple in the complex, with its intricate galleries, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and reflecting ponds. Explore the enchanting Ta Prohm temple, where nature intertwines with man-made structures, creating a mystical atmosphere. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Chrieve village. Immerse yourself in the local way of life, as you explore Cambodia authentically. Experience an oxcart ride, a traditional mode of transportation, and have meaningful encounters with the locals. Visit their home gardens, learn about their culture, and even lend a hand in vegetable gardening. Capture beautiful photos and savor seasonal fruits at a village house. In the afternoon, venture to the captivating floating village of Chong Khneas, situated on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Cruise along the Tonle Sap Lake, known as the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, in a traditional wooden boat. Marvel at the multitude of stilted houses that line the waterway. Pay a visit to "Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor," a vocational training center that preserves the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. Return to your hotel for a restful evening. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel and check out. Begin your journey to Phnom Penh by comfortable bus transfer. Upon arrival, take a moment to relax and savor a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a cultural exploration starting with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, once the residence of the King of Cambodia and the royal family. Discover the stunning Silver Pagoda, a treasure trove of cultural artifacts, including a remarkable golden Buddha adorned with 2086 diamonds weighing 90 kilograms. Conclude your day with a visit to the revered Wat Phnom Temple, a significant pagoda that was constructed in 1373 atop an artificial hill by the benevolent widow Daun Chi Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Around 11 am, your driver will accompany you to the port where you'll board a speedboat. At 12:00 pm, the speedboat will depart from Sisowath Quay – Kh Daun Penh (International floating port) and take you on a scenic journey to Chau Doc, crossing the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll arrive in Chau Doc around 17:30, where our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Take this opportunity to unwind and relax after the trip. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a boat trip to visit a vibrant floating market. Witness the bustling trade of local fruits and vegetables as numerous boats fill the Mekong Delta's renowned floating wholesale markets. Next, venture to Tra Su flooded forest, also known as Tra Su cajuput forest or Tra Su bird sanctuary. Located just 10 km from the Vietnam-Cambodia border, this enchanting forest showcases the unique ecosystem of the Mekong Delta. During the flooded season from September to November, you'll be captivated by the picturesque scenery adorned with a lush green carpet of duckweed. It's truly a fairy-tale experience. Afterward, you will be transferred to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho.

Enjoy your final moments in Can Tho before your private driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An. Take this time to relax and unwind at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Take advantage of a free day to explore the enchanting town of Hoi An at your own pace. Rent a bicycle from your hotel and leisurely pedal through the town, along the riverside, or head to the serene beach. After a refreshing swim, relax at one of the cozy beachside cafes with a fresh fruit drink. The warm and calm waters of the sea offer a delightful experience. You may also consider visiting one of the tailor shops in town, where you can have custom-made clothing, bags, or shoes overnight. In the evening, we highly recommend strolling through the Old Town area, adorned with charming lantern-lit shops. The ambiance is truly enchanting, like stepping into a fairy-tale. Don't miss the captivating street performances that add a splash of color to the evening. Overnight in Hoi An.

Savor your final moments in Hoi An before your private driver accompanies you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your driver will be ready to pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in Hanoi. Enjoy the remaining time at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic journey to Ba Vi, a charming countryside on the outskirts of Hanoi. Upon arrival in Ri village, be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and delectable snacks. Meet your first host, Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Engage in insightful conversations about his wartime experiences while savoring the drink. Discover the art of tea-making as you explore his tea plantation and learn the art of selecting the finest tea leaves. Experience the traditional tea production process at his manual workshop. Next, proceed to Moc village where Mrs. Chin, your gracious host, will impart her culinary expertise in preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes. Enjoy the delectable lunch made by your own hands amidst a picturesque tropical garden. Take a short break post-lunch and join Mrs. Chin for a village stroll. Visit local families to gain insights into the rural lifestyle and witness the craftsmanship behind tofu, conical hats, and other local products. Embark on a delightful cycling excursion through lush paddy fields to meet your final host, Mr. Chinh. Quench your thirst with a refreshing mint lemon juice made from freshly harvested ingredients from his garden. Conclude your countryside adventure with a traditional foot soak in warm herb-infused water, following the time-honored recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. Relax and rejuvenate your feet after a delightful cycling expedition. Later, return to Hanoi with a comfortable transfer from Ba Vi to your accommodation. Overnight in Hanoi.

Check out of the hotel in the morning and meet the Cruise team who will pick you up. Embark on a scenic journey to Halong Bay, passing through the picturesque Red River Delta adorned with lush green rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see. Arrive at the pier and board the cruise, marveling at the breathtaking limestone rocks and karst grottoes. Indulge in a delectable seafood lunch and soak up the beauty of the bay from the sundeck. The cruise will anchor at a hidden spot where you can engage in kayaking or swimming, allowing you to explore the mesmerizing karst grottoes up close. As evening falls, return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can participate in onboard activities or simply unwind and relax. Overnight on the cruise.

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise in this natural wonderland. Enjoy breakfast in the dining room while taking in the awe-inspiring views. Engage in a Tai Chi class on the sun deck, rejuvenating both your mind and body. Next, explore a limestone cave adorned with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. After the exploration, return to the boat to check out and savor a delicious brunch as the cruise sails back to the harbor. You will then be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Savor the remaining moments in Hanoi as your private driver accompanies you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane, Laos. Upon arrival at Vientiane Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. If time permits, we will take you on a tour of the prominent temples in Vientiane, including the revered Wat Sisaket with its multitude of miniature Buddha statues. Explore the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which once housed the renowned Emerald Buddha Image. Behold the grandeur of the Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, and capture picturesque moments at the striking Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own rendition of the Arc de Triomphe. Overnight in Vientiane. Please note: Depending on the day of the week, the flight from Hanoi to Vientiane may include a stopover in Bangkok.

Rise early and be accompanied by our knowledgeable guide and driver to catch the morning flight to Pakse. QV305 VTEPKZ 0805 0905 (daily) Upon arrival at Pakse airport, our driver and guide will greet you and lead you to the remarkable Wat Phou, an awe-inspiring pre-Angkorian temple nestled amidst the picturesque rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. This temple showcases three distinct levels: the lower level centered around the baray (water reservoir), the second level adorned with quadrangular pavilions and intricately carved galleries, and the top level housing the sanctuary itself. Built by the Khmer empire prior to the creation of Angkor Wat, this temple once served as the region's primary economic and political hub and remains a cherished site for the Lao people. Next, we will proceed to visit Khone Phapheng Falls. These falls, located near the Lao-Cambodian border, are renowned as the largest waterfall in terms of volume in Southeast Asia. Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife that inhabit this area, making it an unforgettable destination in Laos. Continue our journey until we reach Don Khong, the largest island in the Si Phan Don archipelago. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, followed by leisure time to explore and discover the wonders of this captivating island. Meals are at your own expense. Overnight on Don Khong Island.

After enjoying breakfast, we continue our journey southwards to Ban Nakasang village, where a delightful short cruise awaits us to transport us to Khone Island. Khone Island is a sanctuary of tranquility, where untamed landscapes captivate the senses. Upon arrival, we will embark on a moto-taxi ride, a popular local mode of transportation, to explore the wonders of Khone Island. Traverse through lush rice fields, coconut groves, and remnants of colonial heritage, immersing ourselves in the abundant natural beauty. Next, we visit the mesmerizing Li Phi Falls, located in the western part of Don Khone, near the Cambodian border. Known locally as Tad Somphamit, which translates to "trap spirit," these falls are believed to capture negative energies and serve as a spiritual sanctuary. We then venture to Don Det, Don Khone's neighboring island, to witness the authentic charm of local life through the lens of an ancient bridge. Return by cruise to Ban Nakasang village and journey back to Pakse for an overnight stay. Overnight in Pakse.

We commence our day at 8:00 am, departing from Pakse and embarking on a scenic journey to a village renowned for its skilled knife artisans. Following that, we proceed to explore the captivating coffee and tea plantations, where we gain insight into the meticulous production process. Our next destination is Tad Fan Waterfall, an impressive twin waterfall cascading from a height of 120 meters. As we venture through the area, we encounter numerous coffee plantations, adding to the enchantment of the surroundings. We conclude our morning adventure at Tad Yuang, where you can enjoy lunch at your own leisure and indulge in moments of relaxation. In the afternoon, we return to Pakse in preparation for our flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. Luang Prabang, known for its well-preserved traditional heritage, captures the essence of Southeast Asia's charm. Its tranquil ambiance, breathtaking natural scenery, and rich cultural landmarks combine to create an enchanting destination. Today, you have the freedom to explore and unwind at your own pace. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide in the lobby. Our first stop is Phousi Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere and discover a diverse array of specialties, including dried buffalo skin, local tea, and unique hill-tribe weavings, amidst a bustling collection of chickens, vegetables, and more. Laos is renowned for its traditional crafts, and today we'll visit local villages inhabited by Lao ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong village of Ban Ouray, the Laoloum village of Ban Ou, and the Khmu village of Ban Thapene. After exploring these villages, we'll take you to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pools or stroll along the enchanting forest trails. We'll then return to Luang Prabang to conclude the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, we embark on a guided tour of Luang Prabang's oldest temples, starting with Wat Sene and its rich historical significance, followed by the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, known for its graceful architecture that showcases classical Laotian style. Afterward, we embark on a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, where you can soak in the serene countryside scenery. Our destination is the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues left behind by devoted pilgrims. As we return by boat, we'll make a stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, known for its local rice wine production. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast on the final day of your Indochina trip. Complete the check-out process at the hotel, and if time permits, take a moment to explore the local markets and find meaningful souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your return flight home. End of the trip.