Indochina Tour 16 Days

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of the capital’s cultural treasures at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. Nearby stands the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the simple stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked. Continue to the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a small yet striking structure built atop a single stone pillar, often regarded as a symbol of Hanoi’s spiritual heritage. Next, step into the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucian ideals. With its shaded courtyards, carved stone steles, and traditional architecture, the temple offers a serene glimpse into the country’s scholarly past. Enjoy lunch at your own arrangement. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi’s notable museums—choose between the Military History Museum, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, or the Museum of Ethnology. Later, head to the Thang Long Theater for a traditional water puppet performance, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: breakfast 

Today, you’ll leave the city behind and head to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking seascape of limestone karsts, emerald waters and thousands of scattered islands. After a comfortable drive, board your boat and enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in and get ready for your overnight cruise. Lunch is served as the boat begins to glide through the bay’s beautiful limestone islands—an ever-changing view that’s perfect for kicking back and soaking it all in. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a cave and have time for a swim if the weather’s right. Then, return to the boat for a relaxing break, or join a casual cooking session where you’ll try your hand at making a Vietnamese dish. Happy hour is a great chance to grab a drink and catch the sunset from the deck. Dinner is served onboard, followed by optional evening fun—maybe a drink at the bar, a bit of squid fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful night on the water.  

Overnight on cruise in Halong Bay

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Awaken to the gentle sunrise over Halong Bay and breathe in the fresh sea air while taking in the stunning scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast before visiting a nearby fishing village to see local life on the water. Return to the cruise for check-out, with lunch served around 10:00 am. After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in. The remaining time is for you to relax and discover the city on your own.   

Overnight Da Nang 

Meals: breakfast, brunch 

After breakfast, visit the Cham Museum, home to the world’s richest collection of Cham sculptures that showcase the legacy of the Champa civilization. Continue to Son Tra Peninsula, a green reserve with sweeping sea views, and stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, where the 67-meter Lady Buddha towers over the coastline. Before leaving Da Nang, explore Han Market for handicrafts and local treats. Head onward to Cam Thanh Coconut Village in Hoi An, where you’ll ride basket boats through water coconut groves. Local boatmen will share traditional fishing skills and even perform fun spinning tricks, bringing laughter to the trip. Return to town for lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town. Cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old wooden structure depicted on Vietnam’s 20,000 VND banknote. Step inside the Phung Hung Ancient House, a merchant residence blending Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences. Conclude with the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a colorful complex filled with incense and dragon statues, dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess who protects sailors. As evening falls, wander the lantern-lit streets and enjoy Hoi An’s magical atmosphere with dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An 

Meals: breakfast 

Depart from Hoi An this morning, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon landing, your driver in this city will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the city center. Afternoon time is for a half day discovering the landmarks of Sai Gon. Begin with the War Remnants Museum, which is divided into themed sections that display documents, photographs, and artifacts about Vietnam’s resistance against the United States from 1954 to 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick landmark from the late 1800s that reflects the city’s French colonial heritage. Just opposite, admire the Central Post Office, a striking public building with arched ceilings, decorative tiles, and vintage maps lining the walls. Conclude with a stroll through Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon’s oldest and most vibrant bazaars, where colorful stalls are packed with textiles, handicrafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies. The rest of the evening is free without a schedule.   

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast 

Your adventure today takes you to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s lush “rice bowl.” After arriving in Cai Be, board a boat and set off along gentle waterways past homes on stilts and floating markets. Visit a village where locals make coconut candy, puffed rice, and rice wine - kids will enjoy watching the process and tasting sweet samples. The journey continues to Tan Phong Island, where you’ll enjoy traditional southern folk music and a rowing sampan ride through narrow palm-lined canals. A home-cooked lunch awaits on the island before cruising toward Vinh Long. On the way, stop by a traditional brick kiln before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by road.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: breakfast, lunch 

Following your morning meal, a private transfer will be arranged to take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for a flight to Phnom Penh - Capital of Cambodia. Upon landing, your tour guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Phnom Penh. Settle in and rest after flight. The rest of the day is for you to spend however you like.   

Overnight in Phnom Penh 

Meals: breakfast 

Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a half-day exploration of Phnom Penh. Begin at the Victory Monument before continuing to the National Museum, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture designed in 1917 by French archaeologist and painter Georges Groslier. Inside, admire an outstanding collection of Khmer art, with sculptures spanning the centuries.  Next, step into the Royal Palace complex, first built by King Norodom in 1866. Within its grounds lies the Silver Pagoda, famed for its floor of 5,000 gleaming silver tiles. Among its treasures are a solid gold Buddha weighing 90 kilograms, adorned with jewels, and a 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. The tour then takes a somber turn at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, located about 15 km from the city, where you’ll gain insight into Cambodia’s tragic recent history. Conclude the tour at Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong), packed with handicrafts, jewelry, silks, carvings, and souvenirs and a stop at the Central Market just in time to enjoy sweeping views over Phnom Penh’s tree-lined boulevards at sunset, before returning to your hotel. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals: breakfast  

This morning, a private transfer (without guide) will take you to Siem Reap, with a scenic six-hour drive through the Cambodian countryside. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to refresh. In the afternoon, embark on a memorable boat trip across Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Visit Kampong Phluk, a fascinating floating village where entire communities live on the water—houses, schools, and even a police post shift with the seasons as water levels change. Lunch is recommended to have at a local restaurant (at your own expense. Please be advised that during the dry season, from April to May, the excursion will be arranged instead to Chong Kneas Floating Village. 

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Meals: breakfast 

Today you will explore the main temples of this world heritage site by Tuk Tuk (each Tuk Tuk accommodates 2 guests). We begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital built in the 12th century. Highlights include the South Gate, with its impressive statues illustrating the churning of the ocean of milk; the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with more than 200 serene faces of Avalokitesvara; Phimeanakas; the Royal Enclosure; the Terrace of the Elephants; and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afterwards, continue to Ta Prohm, one of the most enchanting temples, left largely as it was found and still wrapped in mystery. In the afternoon, explore Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all the Angkor temples. Spanning 81 hectares—comparable to Beijing’s Imperial Palace—this 12th-century masterpiece is crowned by five towers, which also appear on Cambodia’s national flag. Angkor Wat is regarded as the finest example of classical Khmer art and architecture. If time allows, end the day with a stop at the Old Market to shop for souvenirs for friends and family. The tour concludes with a return to the hotel for rest and overnight stay.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your hotel until your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and taken to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or take a gentle first walk through this charming former royal capital, known for its golden temples, French-colonial villas, and tranquil riverside atmosphere.   

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide and private driver to begin exploring the former royal capital. Start with the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial period for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Then take a scenic one-hour drive south to the Kuang Si Waterfall, one of Luang Prabang’s most stunning natural sites. Walk down to the base of the falls, where you can swim in turquoise pools, relax, or visit the nearby bear sanctuary. On the return journey, stop at Ban Thapene, a Khmu village known for its tranquil pools linked to the waterfall. Back in town, continue your cultural discovery at Wat Sene and the splendid Wat Xiengthong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture with its sweeping rooflines and colorful mosaics, including the famous “Tree of Life” glass mural. Visit the 16th-century Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in the city, renowned for its distinctive stupa. As the day ends, head to Wat Prabath, the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang 

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, head to the pier in Luang Prabang and board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River. As you glide upstream, take in the striking limestone cliffs, lush scenery, and peaceful riverside villages that reveal the charm of everyday life in Laos. Your destination is the Pak Ou Caves, nestled into the side of a limestone mountain. Inside, thousands of Buddha statues—ranging from tiny carvings to life-sized figures—fill the chambers, creating an atmosphere both solemn and deeply spiritual. For the people of Luang Prabang, this site has long been a sacred place of worship and devotion.    After the visit, return to town and board a speed train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, the guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for check in. Spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring the city as you wish.   

Overnight in Vientiane 

Meals: breakfast 

After breakfast, set out with your guide to explore the capital’s highlights. Begin at the lively Thong Khan Kham Market, where stalls overflow with local produce, spices, and everyday goods. Continue to the Patuxay Monument—Vientiane’s own Triumphal Arch—before visiting the revered That Luang Stupa, the nation’s most sacred monument. Your journey through the city also includes Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple with its remarkable murals and Buddha images, and Haw Prakeo, once the royal temple and former home of the Emerald Buddha. In the afternoon, visit Wat Si Muang, famous for its spiritual energy, before heading out of town to Buddha Park. This unusual site, set by the Mekong, is dotted with over 200 striking Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. On the way, pause at the Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge for photos. Return to the city by evening. The rest of the day is free to wander the quiet colonial streets or relax with a coffee as the sun sets over the Mekong. 

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: breakfast 

Savor a leisurely morning and the driver will transfer you to the airport as scheduled. 

Meals: breakfast