Indochina Discovery Tour

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short break.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, one of the finest examples of traditional Lao temple architecture, renowned for its sweeping two-tiered roof and intricate mosaics, including the beautiful “Tree of Life” glass mosaic on the rear temple wall.

If time permits, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Luang Prabang’s historic center, observing the relaxed pace of local life. Continue to the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial era as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family.

Late in the afternoon, climb Mount Phousi to explore its sacred gilded stupa and enjoy panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River as the sun sets.

After sunset, experience a private Baci ceremony with a local family, one of Laos’ most cherished traditions. This meaningful ritual offers a fascinating insight into Lao spirituality, hospitality, and culture. Afterwards, share a traditional dinner with the host family, a warm and memorable introduction to everyday life in Laos.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Wake up with the sunrise and take part in one of Laos’ most sacred traditions, the daily morning almsgiving, a practice dating back to the 14th century. Watch as hundreds of Buddhist monks quietly walk through the streets to receive their daily offerings from local residents.

Continue to the morning market near the former Royal Palace, where local vendors gather to trade fresh produce, rice, fish, meat, and other everyday essentials. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic rhythm of local life.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Wat Sene, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, before embarking on a leisurely Mekong River cruise upstream. Enjoy peaceful views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a historic cave sanctuary filled with thousands of Buddha images overlooking the Mekong.

En route, stop at Ban Muang Keo, a traditional Lao village renowned for its locally produced rice whiskey. Return to Luang Prabang and continue exploring the city with visits to Wat Mai, one of its most beautiful temples, and Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest temple, dating back to 1513.

End your day at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (closed on Mondays), where you’ll gain fascinating insights into Laos’ diverse ethnic communities and cultural traditions.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, travel to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions near Luang Prabang. The falls cascade through three tiers into a series of stunning turquoise pools, surrounded by lush tropical forest. Take some time to admire the scenery or enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools.

Continue with a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, home to bears rescued from poaching and wildlife trafficking.

Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, bringing your journey in Laos to a close.

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of Hanoi. Your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in 1945. Explore the Presidential Palace, House 54, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda, gaining an insight into the life and legacy of Vietnam’s most revered leader.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070 in honor of Confucius. Wander through its peaceful courtyards and historic gardens, learning about Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of education and scholarship.

Enjoy lunch at Lan Ong Restaurant, where history, culture, and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine come together in an intimate setting.

After lunch, return to your hotel for some time to relax before your evening Hanoi Local Food Discovery.

Around 17:00, meet your local guide and begin at Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market. Explore the bustling stalls and learn about the ingredients, traditions, and culinary heritage behind the city’s distinctive northern cuisine.

Continue on foot through the atmospheric Old Quarter, sampling some of Hanoi’s most iconic street foods. Taste Banh Cuon, watching local cooks skillfully prepare these delicate steamed rice rolls, followed by the famous Vietnamese Banh Mi at a traditional street-side stall.

Continue to Phat Loc Street to sample Bun Cha, Hanoi’s beloved combination of grilled pork, vermicelli, and fresh herbs. Then discover a hidden local café and try the city’s famous Egg Coffee, a uniquely Hanoi specialty.

Your culinary adventure continues with local favorites such as Che and Nom, before finishing with a refreshing serving of fresh tropical fruit and crushed ice, a favorite local street dessert.

Note: The city tour is flexible and can be personalized to your interests. Your guide will be happy to adjust the itinerary, allowing you to skip a site or add another attraction according to your preferences.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today, journey to Halong Bay. Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you along a scenic route, with plenty of opportunities to admire the countryside and stop for photos along the way.

Around midday, arrive at Halong Bay and board your cruise. Settle in and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board while taking in the magnificent scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Continue to Titop Island, where you can climb to the viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views over the bay. Return to the boat for dinner and a relaxing overnight cruise amid the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

Note: Each cruise follows its own itinerary, and onboard facilities and services may vary. Your travel consultant will be happy to recommend the option that best suits your preferences.

Overnight on board

Wake up to the sunrise and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a peaceful way to begin your morning surrounded by the tranquil waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy a buffet brunch on board as the cruise continues its journey back to shore.

After disembarking, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, continue by road to Hoi An, the charming riverside town often described as “once visited, never forgotten.”

On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and head into Hoi An Ancient Town for a leisurely walking tour through its charming historic streets. Discover the town’s rich heritage as you visit Hoi An Museum, historic Ancient Houses, a Chinese-influenced Assembly Hall, traditional handicraft workshops, and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

Continue to a local lantern craftsman’s home, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old art of lantern making and observe the techniques passed down through generations. Then, get hands-on as you create your own lantern, from shaping the bamboo frame and cutting the fabric to gluing and finishing the final piece. Your handmade lantern will make a meaningful and uniquely personal souvenir of your time in Hoi An.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore Hoi An at leisure. You may wish to browse the colorful markets, relax at a riverside café, or visit one of the town’s renowned tailors, where custom-made clothing can often be completed within 24 hours.

Overnight in Hoi An

In the morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang (or Hoi An) and depart for Ba Na Hills, passing along the seashore on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, one of Da Nang’s most scenic roads, and Red Beach, where the French first landed in Da Nang.

Upon arrival at the foot of Ba Na Mountain, take the Ba Na Hills Cable Car, which set two Guinness World Records in 2009 as the world’s longest and highest non-stop cable car at the time. As you ascend, enjoy spectacular views of the lush forests, waterfalls, and surrounding mountains from high above the treetops.

Explore the pristine natural beauty of the Ba Na Mountains, visiting Le Jardin d’Amour, the old French wine cellars and villa remains, and Linh Ung Pagoda, home to its impressive 27-metre-high Buddha statue.

Continue by cable car to the upper station and conquer the summit of Chua Mountain at 1,487 metres. From the peak, enjoy panoramic views over Da Nang, often framed by a sea of white clouds.

Continue your exploration with a walk along Dreaming Stream, passing Rainbow Waterfall, the Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and the ruined Opera House. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking some free time to relax and take photos amidst the mountain scenery.

Afterwards, descend by cable car to the foot of Ba Na Mountain and transfer back to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Enjoy some free time in Hoi An before transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, begin your exploration of the magnificent remains of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, with a glimpse of Angkor Wat along the way. Continue to Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins are dramatically entwined with jungle roots, followed by Banteay Kdei, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon, and Bayon Temple, famous for its serene stone faces.

Enjoy lunch beside Srah Srang Ancient Pool before continuing your exploration.

In the afternoon, discover the masterpiece of Angkor Wat, exploring its impressive galleries, intricate stone carvings, and magnificent architecture with your private guide.

As the day draws to a close, enjoy a memorable sunset at Pre Rup Temple before returning to your hotel.

Note: Your temple visits remain flexible and personalized. With your private guide, you can choose to explore more temples or enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast at the hotel, travel through the countryside to Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s most productive freshwater ecosystems. Its size changes dramatically with the seasons, expanding to around 12,000 km² during the wet season before shrinking to approximately 2,500 km² in the dry season.

The lake supports a remarkable ecosystem and vibrant communities living in floating and lakeside villages, whose daily lives have long followed the rhythm of the changing waters. Enjoy a boat excursion on Tonle Sap Lake to experience this unique way of life and Cambodia’s fascinating countryside.

Afterwards, bid farewell to Cambodia as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable journey through the Kingdom of Wonder to a close.