Chiang rai luang prabang hanoi hoi an lan ha Bay Hoi An Saigon mekong delta Angkor
This comprehensive itinerary takes in the three countries that comprise the Indochina region: Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia as well as a couple of days in Northern Thailand. The highlights of the trip include cruising along the Mekong, Luang Prabang – the spiritual capital of Laos, Vietnam’s historic cities and stunning Halong Bay as well as the imposing temples of Angkor in Cambodia, a great finale to any trip. Hotel choices in the region range from great value small boutique through to some of the best in the world!
Itinerary Highlights
Visit stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites
Cruise the Upper Mekong
Stunning Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
All major Cultural and Historic covered
Flexible touring options available to match your interests
What’s included
Completely private tours for all activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury & boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
Travel by comfortable private vehicle
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
20
Nights
Price Guide
From $7249 pp (excl flights)
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to chiang rai
Day 2
Full day Golden Triangle Hilltribes
Start the day with a visit to the local fresh market, where your guide will buy some ingredients for today’s lunch. Continue by mountain bike and ride through the countryside, villages, easy hills, and paddy fields to the Ancient Monk Cave. You will also take an exciting long-tail boat trip on the Kok River, before travelling by elephant to Yafu Lahu village where you will be the guest at a local family’s house for lunch. In the afternoon take a short trek to Huay Mae Xai waterfall, where you can swim and take a short rest, before returning to your hotel.
Day 3-4
Cruise the Mekong to Pakbeng and on to Luang Prabang
Transfer to Chiang Khong this morning where you cross the mighty Mekong River to Huay Xai in Laos. Take a leisurely cruise along the Mekong to the small riverside village of Pakbeng. The cruise stops at interesting Lao villages en route and the scenery en-route is truly stunning.
Day 4, continue your cruise to Luang Prabang stopping en-route to visit the sacred Buddhist shrine at the Pak Ou Caves. Transfer to your hotel on arrival in Luang Prabang. Evening at leisure, you may like to take a stroll around the vibrant night market which takes place every day in the centre of town and is full of wonderful handicrafts made in the surrounding hill tribe villages.
Day 5-7
Exploring Luang Prabang
This morning is dedicated to exploring the heart of the old town of Luang Prabang. This can be done by bicycle (it’s flat and easy level), on foot, by tuk-tuk or for something extra special by vintage car! Include the former Royal Palace, a centrally located building that now serves as the National Museum, various temples dotted around the town, or alternatively, if temples tours are not your thing head to the UXO Lao Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the problems caused by unexploded bombs and mines left behind by American armed forces after the end of the Vietnam War and the Secret War, which we often hear too little about. In the afternoon visit the stunning Kwang Si Falls with a stop en routs at the Free the Bears Foundation or a unique Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm.
Day 6 morning activities include delving in to Luang Prabang’s thriving art scene, with visits 3 or 4 four galleries of very different artists with unique styles and collections. There is the chance to meet the artists (painters, sculpturers and photographers – depending on who is around at the time) and learn about the exhibitions. If the art scene is not for you we can arrange a cooking class or a street food tour or even an immersive visit to an organic farm, where you can connect with the land and the people while working in the rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Learn about traditional farming techniques and the efforts being made to promote organic farming throughout Laos.
Day 7 we suggest as a free day. Luang Prabang is a great place to just relax at the riverside cafes watching the mighty Mekong River or people watching. It is a small compact town and easy to explore on foot. In the evening take a “foodie tour” through the old town with stops at different trendy outlets you may not find yourselves. This tour takes any stress out of choosing where to eat and can be adapted to include most tastes and requirements, there is nothing better than being shown the best places in town for snacks, mains, beers, cocktails and desserts!
Day 8-9
Getting to know Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the city’s vibrant old quarter. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 9 is spent exploring Hanoi. There are so many great ways to discover the city, ranging from on foot, as a pillion passenger with an expert Vespa driver to cruising around the city in a vintage military Jeep! There are numerous “foodie” tours taking in the very best pf the incredible street food with a local food blogger or chef, join a family for a meal or take a cooking class to learn about the ingredients and how to prepare them. Visit the important historic and cultural sites, learn about the local arts and crafts such as the water puppet theatre, or take part in a private “tea ceremony”.
Day 10-11
2-night Lan Ha Bay Cruise
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Lan Ha Bay where you board your luxury junk for a fantastic 2-night cruise taking in all the scenic highlights that Bay has to offer. A delicious buffet style lunch will be served on board before visiting a local fishing village where you will gain a true insight into the traditional way of life. Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night as the sun sets followed by dinner.
Day 11 after optional Tai Chi at sunrise transfer to a smaller tender boat and spend the day exploring the highlights of the bay which include caves, local floating villages and spectacular lime karst scenery. You will return to the main junk in the late afternoon where you will have time for the option of kayaking and swimming (weather dependent) and to freshen up and enjoy a cooking demonstration on the deck before dinner. After dinner optional activities include watching a movie or trying your luck at a spot of squid fishing with your crew!
Day 12-14
Complete Cruise and deep dive in to Hoi An
Complete cruise and transfer to Hanoi airport Danang. A leisurely cruise back to the harbour this morning and transfer by private vehicle to Hanoi airport. This evening take a flight to the wonderful historic port town Hoi An.
Day 13 meet by your private guide and embark on a leisurely walking tour around the historical sights of Hoi An which include temples, merchant houses and other sites of interest. We highly recommend an early start to visit the historical slights before the crowds arrive and also to witness the locals carrying out their morning routines. Explore former merchants’ homes, colourful communal halls, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. This intro tour to Hoi An can also be done by bicycle, on electric bike or vehicle.
Day 14 Hoi An is, in our opinion the best place in Vietnam to spend a few days, relax and really get to know the area. There is much here to keep you busy or spend time in the old town in the cafes and bars just people watching. There are so many options here it is impossible to mention them all, just tell us your intertest and we will match unique day trips to fit, including cycling options, visiting remote farming villages, army jeep tours, exploring the history and culture with a conservation specialist or indulging in epicurean activities like cooking classes or walking street food tours tasting the local delicacies. Just let us know what you enjoy and leave the suggestions to us!
Hoi An also has a nice beach, so if you want to add a free day and enjoy the sand between your toes it is easy to do so.
Day 15-17
Saigon & overnight Sampan in the Mekong Delta
You will be met from your hotel this morning and transferred to nearby Danang airport for your onward flight to Saigon. Your private guide and driver will meet you for your afternoon excursion to the historical Cu Chi Tunnels. You will be guided around the tunnel complex and your guide will really bring to life what life was like in the tunnels in the war – sections of the tunnels are excavated, so if you do not fancy crawling through the small passageways there is no need to do so.
Day16 your guide and driver will meet you this morning for your full day city tour. Start the day by visiting the bustling district of Chinatown before continuing to FITO Museum, Vietnam’s first traditional medicine museum. Head back the heart of the city and enjoy a guided stroll around the vibrant Ben Thanh markets and then spend the afternoon visiting either the War Remnants museum or the history Museum before finishing the day at the Presidential Palace.
Day 17 this morning transfer to Mekong Delta to join your private traditional Vietnamese sampan for a cruise around the backwaters. The day includes lots of sightseeing and wonderful food (lunch & dinner) as well as stops at local markets and ancient houses.
Day 19-21
Siem Reap and the amazing temples of Angkor
Today you will enjoy a full day exploring the temples of Angkor with your private driver and guide. Highlights of today will include the smiling faces of the Bayon and the overgrown Ta Prohm temple of “Tombraider’’ movie fame! As well as witnessing the sunset over the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. In the evening visit the amazing Phare circus with a traditional dinner included.
Day 20 Full day Visiting the less touristy outlying temples. Spend the day exploring the much less touristy outlying temples and underwater carvings by army jeep at lost city of Phnom Kullen (or spend time with elephants – Kulen Elephant Forest) and have a real “Indiana Jones” experience out the still overgrown rarely visited complex at Bang Melia – well away from the tourist hoards around Angor Wat
Day 21 Spend the day relaxing at your resort or you may like to head to the vibrant old market to embark on some last-minute shopping! If you prefer us to arrange activities for the day, try a champagne sunrise breakfast, a bird watching tour, countryside tour on horseback or Vespa, street food tour or cooking class, visit Tonle Sap Lake or local village communities, or be pampered on a three-hour deeply relaxing spa treatment at Bodia Spa – after your spa enjoy lunch beside the Srah Srang reservoir in the Angkor temple complex followed by a sunset gondola boat ride with Champagne and canapes. So many options in and around Siem Reap….just let us know your preferences!
Day 22
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $7249 + per person
When to travel
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Cambodia is hot all year round, with very little rainfall between November and April. The rains generally start in May and continue through to October, although visits are still possible, as these usually consist of only short, but heavy, downpours. This can be a good time to visit Angkor as it is when the temples are at their least busy and most atmospheric.
January is the coolest month of the year in Cambodia, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. It is a great time to visit if you are looking for a break from the heat. There is little rain in January, but if there is it is usually light and scattered. • Average temperature: 26°C • High: 30°C • Low: 22°C • Rainfall: 10mm
February is a good month to visit Cambodia, as the weather is pleasant and there is not too much rain and humidity is not too high. The temperatures start to rise in February, but they are still comfortable. • Average temperature: 27°C • High: 31°C • Low: 23°C • Rainfall: 15mm
March is the hottest month of the dry season in Cambodia. The temperatures start to climb in March, and the humidity starts to rise as well. There is not too much rain in March, but towards the end of the month expect showers. • Average temperature: 29°C • High: 33°C • Low: 25°C • Rainfall: 20mm
April is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia. The temperatures are consistently high, and the humidity is very high. There is still not too much rain in April, but it is a good idea to be prepared for some showers. • Average temperature: 30°C • High: 34°C • Low: 26°C • Rainfall: 30mm
May is the start of the rainy season in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, but the humidity starts to rise significantly. There is more rain in May, but it is usually not too heavy. • Average temperature: 31°C • High: 35°C • Low: 27°C • Rainfall: 100mm
June is usually the wettest month of the year in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is very high. • Average temperature: 32°C • High: 36°C • Low: 28°C • Rainfall: 150mm
July is another wet month in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is high. There is a lot of rain in July, and it can be quite heavy at times. • Average temperature: 33°C • High: 37°C • Low: 29°C • Rainfall: 150mm
August is the last official month of the rainy season in Cambodia. The temperatures are still hot, and the humidity is very high. There is a lot of rain in August, and it usually occurs in heavy down pours in the late afternoons. • Average temperature: 33°C • High: 37°C • Low: 29°C • Rainfall: 150mm
September is the start of end of the wet season in Cambodia. The temperatures start to cool down, and the humidity starts to drop. There is still rain in September, but it is usually not too heavy. • Average temperature: 32°C • High: 36°C • Low: 28°C • Rainfall: 100mm
October is the start of the dry season in Cambodia. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with very little rain. This is a great time to visit if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation. • Average temperature: 27°C • High: 32°C • Low: 22°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
November is similar to October in terms of weather. The temperatures are starting to cool down, and it is a comfortable time to visit. • Average temperature: 26°C • High: 31°C • Low: 21°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
December is the coolest month of the year in Cambodia. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with very little rain. This is a great time to visit if you are looking for a break from the heat. • Average temperature: 25°C • High: 30°C • Low: 20°C • Rainfall: 10 mm
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Indochina itinerary, for example you could spend some down time at numerous beaches in Vietnam or try one of the Cambodian Islands.
This part of the world is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok making city stopovers or beach extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
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