Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Three of Southeast Asia’s most enthralling countries are brought to life with cultural encounters, historical uncoverings, and experiences within nature. A three-week itinerary, packed with wish-list highlights, and covering the must-see sights of each destination. Vietnam’s captivating Hanoi is the starting point, followed by an overnight cruise on a paddle steamer across the emerald waters of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Continue to the port of Hoi An, Imperial capital, Hué and Ho Chi Minh City, where guided will tours showcase monuments of note and free time ensures ample self-exploration. Take to the Mekong River by boat, survey the Củ Chi tunnel complex of Ho Chi Minh, and revel in the royal past of French-colonial gem, Phnom Penh. A day spent with a local community in Kok Sangke allows for further immersion and cultural learnings before watching as the sun rises over the sprawling, vine-enveloped temples of Angkor Wat. Finally, tread alongside the orange-cloaked Buddhist monks in downtown Luang Prabang, paddle in the shallow pools of Kuang Si Falls, and observe a centuries-old ceremony in Laos.

Highlights

  • Discover the historical landmarks of Hanoi, including Hoa Lo Prison, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel
  • Set sail on an overnight cruise around the spectacular Halong Bay, with a cooking class, squid fishing and morning tai chi
  • See the Củ Chi tunnel complex while learning about the importance of this underground labyrinth
  • Gaze as the sun rises over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure and explore the ‘lost city’ of Angkor Thom
  • Travel to the ancient village of Loc Yen and have lunch at a local family’s house
  • Visit French colonial Da Nang and cruise through the city of Hué on Perfume River
  • Glide along the Mekong River, stopping at fishing villages to interact with the local people, observing their way of life
  • Be guided around Phnom Penh and call at the private quarters of the royal palace, the residence of the King of Cambodia and Wat Phnom temple
  • Spend a day in the Kok Sangke community, enjoying lunch with a local family and watching a traditional dance performance
  • Amble around downtown Luang Prabang as a Buddhist ritual is carried out before experiencing the must-see monuments

Inclusions

  • 17 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in Hanoi (2 nights), aboard a Halong Bay paddle steamer (1), Hoi An (2), Hué (1), Ho Chi Minh City (3), Phnom Penh (2), Siem Reap (3) and Luang Prabang (3), plus two nights on the plane
  • One brunch, seven dinners and 10 lunches and a welcome cocktail
  • A tour of Hanoi
  • Internal flights from Hanoi to Da Nang, Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap to Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang to Hanoi
  • A cooking class in Halong Bay
  • A tour of Hoi An
  • A tour of Hué
  • An excursion along the Mekong River
  • A tour of Phnom Penh
  • A sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
  • A tour of Luang Prabang
  • A visit to Kuang Si Falls
  • Return scheduled flights to Hanoi
  • A visit to Loc Yen
  • A cruise on the Perfume River
  • A tour of Ho Chi Minh
  • A tour of Củ Chi tunnel complex
  • A visit to the Kok Sangke community
  • An excursion to Angkor Thom
  • A cruise across Tonle Sap Lake
  • A Baci ceremony
  • Fully escorted by friendly, experienced tour managers
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout