Touch, enjoy, image Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 19 days so deep.

Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you and your family at HCM City’s Noi Bai airport with a sign bearing your name and will transport you directly to your hotel.

You will have time to unwind and acclimate to the speed of Hanoi City following check-in.

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Visa-on-Arrival letter (unless otherwise arranged). Please bring this item in your carry-on baggage. You must produce your Visa-on-Arrival letter to Customs when entering the country.

Overnight in Hanoi City

Transport: Noi Ba International Airport - Hotel in the center, 45 minutes

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you on your adventure.

You should start your tour at Ho Chi Minh's House, a plain wooden house in a serene setting where the legendary leader of the country lived and worked.

Continue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc), which was built in the sixth century and is Hanoi's oldest pagoda. It is located on a small island in West Lake. Take note of the numerous statues depicting lotus flowers and other Buddhist relics. Visit the Quan Thanh Temple, which dates back to the 11th century and features a wide courtyard with a giant banyan tree as well as a shrine dedicated to the most important deities in Taoism.

Visit the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám) in the afternoon. It was the site of Vietnam's first national university and was constructed in the late 11th century.

Back to the heart of Hanoi for a one-hour cyclo tour of the historic Old Quarter, which is renowned for its '36 streets of 36 products,' so-called because they are named after the first 36 artisan guilds that were established as early as the 13th century. Discover the interesting labyrinth of back lanes, fronted by narrow houses, which offers a wonderfully eclectic look into the life on the streets of Hanoi.

The day will come to a close with a rousing performance of water puppetry, an art form that is exclusive to the northern region of Vietnam and is supposed to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. The presentation is set to music and features colorful wooden puppets that illustrate scenes of living in rural areas as well as events from national history. 

Evening Hanoi Home - Hosted Dinner

The best way to learn about Vietnamese family traditions and share stories is to be invited by our hosting family to visit their traditional homes and join them for a traditional home-cooked dinner. This is the kind of meal that our hosts usually make for their own family reunions. Talk about Vietnamese customs, the family's long history, and how life was different in the past and now over a cup of green tea.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at a local family.

Day on the Bay – From Journey to Tranquility

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Halong City, a journey of about two hours through the lush countryside of northern Vietnam. Upon arrival at the port, board a speedboat that will whisk you to your elegant cruise vessel — your floating home amid the breathtaking seascape of Halong Bay.

As the boat begins its voyage through a maze of limestone islands and emerald waters, enjoy a delicious lunch served on board. The view from the deck feels almost endless — countless islets rising dramatically from the sea, each with its own mysterious charm.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the terrace deck or unwinding on your private balcony, soaking in the serene beauty of the bay. When you’re ready for a bit of adventure, hop into a kayak and paddle through hidden lagoons and tranquil coves — or simply enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water.

As the day drifts into evening, return to the boat for a lively sunset party on the sundeck. Sip a cool drink, listen to soft music, and share stories with fellow travelers as the sun paints the limestone cliffs in shades of gold and crimson.

When night falls, anchor in a quiet bay and savor a sumptuous dinner prepared by the onboard chef. Afterwards, you may choose to try your hand at squid fishing, enjoy a nightcap under the stars, or simply relax and let the gentle rhythm of the water lull you to sleep.

Overnight on Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Morning – Serenity on the Bay

Rise early and join a peaceful Tai Chi session on the terrace deck as the first rays of sunlight dance across the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Feel your mind and body awaken with calm energy while the world slowly stirs around you. Afterwards, enjoy a light breakfast in the dining room with freshly brewed coffee, tea, and a selection of pastries — the perfect start to another beautiful day on the water.

After breakfast, set out on the day’s main adventure — exploring one of Halong Bay’s most stunning caves. Follow your knowledgeable guide through magnificent limestone formations, who will share fascinating stories about the cave’s history and natural beauty.

Continue your cruise across the bay, gliding past towering limestone cliffs, hidden grottoes, and secluded beaches sculpted by centuries of wind and sea. The ever-changing scenery is a dream for photographers — a living canvas of jade waters, drifting fishing boats, and graceful junks on the horizon.

As you enjoy a delicious lunch on board, the boat makes its way back toward the pier, giving you one last look at the breathtaking splendor of Halong Bay — a place found nowhere else on Earth.

Afternoon: Jet to Hoi An

Return to Hanoi, where you will take a short flight to Hoi An, an ancient town in central Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into its past with well-preserved buildings, car-free streets, and delectable cuisine.

When you arrive in Hoi An, your private driver will meet you at the arrivals lounge and transport you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Transport

• Plane: Hanoi Airport - Da Nang Airport: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Airport pickup: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: 1 hour

Morning

Meet your guide at the hotel, and then you will proceed to see a local market. In order to purchase the ingredients for the cooking class, you should negotiate with the local vendors. After that, get into a car and make your way to Cam Thach. Visit a village in Cam Thanh and take in the sights of the coconut palm trees located there.

Your guide will provide you with enlightening information about the community, and you will also have an understanding of the routines that the residents follow. You can take a leisurely ride around the Thu Bon River by boarding a traditional coracle boat and enjoying the voyage. Learn how to sail the basket boat and spend your time catching fish and “purple crabs” in the Canal, or attend a performance by some of the local artists and participate in a workshop on how to craft keepsakes out of palm leaves.

Before beginning the lantern-making class, take a break. Learn about the history of these lanterns and follow the instructions to create your own lantern, which you can keep as a souvenir. 

After that, you will take part in a cooking lesson that emphasizes hands-on experience. You will study the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch, and you will gain this knowledge in collaboration with your Chef. You will cook four well-known dishes, including Nem Ran (the fried spring rolls), Banh Xeo (rice pancakes), Nom Du Du (papaya salad with chicken), Cao Lau noodles, and Nem Cuon Hoi An (fresh spring rolls), by making use of the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese tools that are still in use today.

After the class, you sit down and enjoy the dishes you and your chef created. Bid farewell to your chef and return to your hotel. 

Afternoon

You will embark on an enlightening walking and street food excursion with your local guide to uncover the allure of this historic trading port that is situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Before crossing the Japanese Covered Bridge, take a stroll through the tiny lanes that are paved with cobblestones, view the structure that was influenced by early European traders, go to a local family church that serves as the center of ancestor worship, and step inside a pagoda that is designed in the Chinese style. It was the first bridge in Hoi An, and it was built in 1593 by the Japanese colony of Hoi An. Its purpose was to connect the town with the Chinese Quarter, which was located on the other side of the stream. It is recommended that you first explore the Fukien Association Temple and the Chua Ong Temple before proceeding to the Ceramic Museum to find hidden gems.

 Throughout tonight's meal, we will indulge in some of the mouthwatering street food that Hoi An's old town has to offer.  Along with your local guide, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some traditional cuisine and discover some of the best street meals and restaurants that are run by families. Taste some of the traditional dishes that have been influenced by the various trading communities that have passed through Vietnam over the centuries. Some of these dishes include Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese chicken rice), Hoanh Thanh (Chinese-inspired wonton), Banh Vac (white rose cake), and Cau Lau (Hoi An noodle soup).

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and street food.

Hoi An boasts a long, lovely beach, an exceedingly charming ancient town, and peaceful surroundings. Spend the day relaxing in the sun, indulging in the spa, unwinding at the delightful cafe, and purchasing all of your gifts. Another option is to take part in an entertaining activity, or to have a tailor make a suit specifically for you. There is a plethora of options for fun and relaxation, and the decision is ultimately yours.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Morning

After breakfast, get a private car to Hue, the historic imperial city and UNESCO World Heritage site (about three hours). Travel over the mountain route of Hai Van Pass, which is believed to contain some of the world's most stunning beaches at either end, as well as "the grandest fortified gateway". On bright days, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula, and Cu Lao Cham, as well as lengthy golden sand beaches that embrace sea bays.

Arrive at the hotel in Hue around midday. After checking into your hotel, you will be given a light lunch with Hue's local specialties at the local restaurant: Nem Lui (Hue Lemongrass Skewers), Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes), Bun Thit Nuong (Vermicelli Noodles With Grilled Pork), and Banh It Ram (Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings).

Afternoon

You will travel through Hue's Citadel and learn about the importance of this former Imperial capital and political center during the Nguyen Dynasty's reign from the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. Your guide will tell you stories about the complex of palaces, temples, apartments, gardens, and ponds encased within defended walls, surrounded by a moat, and planned according to ancient philosophies. The most significant area was in the middle, known as the Purple Forbidden City; this is where the emperor and his closest confidants resided and worked, though many of the structures were damaged during the war and rebuilt. The emperors' tombs are scattered along the Perfume River. Stop by Minh Mang Royal Tomb, the ultimate resting place of one of the Nguyen Dynasty's most ardent Confucians, whose reign represented the pinnacle of Nguyen dominance in the country. 

Evening

Hue is known for its Royal Cuisine. The Nguyen Emperors' banquets were renowned. Some feats were supposed to involve 300 unusual foods served in over a thousand bowls. Tonight, you'll go out for a Royal Banquet. Traditional Hue Imperial Court music will entertain you, and you will be fed a multi-course banquet by Imperial Court royal tradition. Each dish is beautifully made to represent the dragon, phoenix, and peacock. A unique experience.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.

Transport: Hoi An - Hue: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Morning

Begin your day with a peaceful cruise along the poetic Perfume River. This journey reveals the timeless charm and history of Hue, once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 1800s. Your first stop is Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Admire its seven graceful tiers, each symbolizing a different reincarnation of Buddha, and take in the serene beauty of its surrounding gardens, blooming flowers, and ornamental trees.

Continue to Dong Thien Pagoda for a meaningful encounter with local Buddhist nuns. Learn about their daily life in the temple, share stories, and enjoy a simple yet heartwarming vegetarian lunch lovingly prepared by the nuns themselves. Afterward, wander through the main hall, where an exquisite collection of Buddha statues reflects the deep spiritual heritage of this sacred place.

Afternoon

After lunch, your driver will take you to Hue airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, which the Vietnamese call Saigon. Arrive and transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day and evening will be at your pleasure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transport

• Plane: Hue Airport - Ho Chi Minh Airport: 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Airport pickup: Ho Chi Minh Airport to hotel: 35 minutes

Morning

After breakfast, you will be greeted by your guide and driven to Cu Chi, a small village located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City known for its network of subterranean tunnels that served as a haven and successful infiltration route for the Viet Cong during the closing stages of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you will view a brief instructional movie before visiting the tunnels, the most renowned battlegrounds of the period. It is thought that the concealed network of Viet Cong tunnels spanned "hundreds of miles" in total length and contained living quarters, storage areas, temporary hospitals, kitchens, etc. Although the system was initially somewhat narrow, some sections have been enlarged for tourists, and you have the option to explore them.

Please note that these tunnels will be hot and claustrophobic, so if you want to watch from above ground, that is an option.

Cassava, the staple diet of the Viet Cong soldiers, is served alongside a tart tea. After exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, return to the city with lunch at the local restaurant on the way.

Afternoon

Spend the remainder of the day touring Ho Chi Minh City's major attractions. The Notre Dame Cathedral, the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House, the historic Rex Hotel, the Central Post Office, renowned for its architecture, and Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste, are particularly recommended.

Later, visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum for a somber and enlightening look at Vietnam's military history and violent past.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning

After a relaxing morning, we'll take you to the port where you can board the beautiful Mekong Navigator. Once you board, our crew will show you to your staterooms and give you a brief overview of the cabin's amenities. Once you've had a chance to get used to things, lunch will be served in the ship's restaurant. After that, the leader will give you a welcome and introduction to the friendly and professional crew, who will present a safety briefing.

Afternoon

As the afternoon goes on, enjoy local entertainment on the deck while the boat sails down the Mekong River. The ship will probably reach the Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be during dinner. A “Mekong Delta” themed dinner offers a cultural and innovative introduction to Vietnamese cuisine in the evening.

Overnight on the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Morning

Get up early to enjoy the beautiful dawn scenery, which is when the people of the Delta have already been busy for hours. Take our daily morning Tai Chi class to get your energy up before enjoying a big breakfast buffet. While in the town of Cai Be, we'll be able to see how rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies are made at a workshop. This is a very interesting process that requires manual labor and special production methods. After the workshop, we will go to Tan Phong Island, which is a small island in the middle of the Mekong River. We are going to see a family who has a fruit garden with a lot of different kinds of tropical fruits for us to try. We got a taste of everyday life on the island by taking a buggy ride through it. We go to the house of another family. They are experts at weaving water hyacinth plants into beautiful crafts by hand.

Afternoon

We get to the Sa Dec area and drop anchor near Binh Thanh, one of the bigger islands in the Mekong. There are a number of communities on this island that grow water hyacinths to support themselves. As you walk through the village, you'll learn a lot about how people live there and see the whole traditional process of making mats. Before dinner, come to the lounge for a talk about life on the Mekong Delta while the ship sails toward our mooring spot for the night near Gieng Island.

Overnight on the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Morning

We go on an adventure that shows us a wide range of activities that make the Mekong Delta come to life. The next one is Gieng Island, which is also called "Mango Island" in the area, and is a great place to take a walk through the lush mango trees that make up the island's scenery. A visit to a small incense workshop shows us how these fragrant incense sticks are carefully made by hand. Another interesting place in the area is a traditional boat-building workshop, where families have been building boats for generations that are important to life along the river. Before we leave, we will definitely enjoy some of these delicious, just-picked mangoes with some local tea in the garden of a house that is over a hundred years old. We can all feel how strong and steady life is on the Mekong at this very moment. It's so simple and happy.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a traditional sampan to Evergreen Island, a rich delta island with modest farms and seasonal crops. Visit a local farming family to learn about their daily life. You can join your hosts' routine. Depending on the time of year, you will help prepare seedlings, plant new crops, or harvest, a rare chance to experience delta life. Our onboard chef uses much of what's grown here, connecting your meal to the land.

After experiencing the Mekong Delta's frenetic rhythm, we go to the border. Once we reach Cambodia, we sail all night to reach the city.

Overnight on the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Susadei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The city where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers meet. It has a long history, which can be seen in places like the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The city is a cultural and business center in Southeast Asia. It features a vibrant riverside, local markets, and a rising café culture.

Following breakfast, the crew will bid you farewell as you disembark in Phnom Penh. 

You will meet your guide and start the Phnom Penh trip. A short tour will take you to the National Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are two of Phnom Penh's most famous buildings and great examples of Khmer architecture. The French completed them in 1866. King Sihamoni lives in the Royal Palace. The Silver Pagoda, which has 5,329 solid silver floor tiles, is quite beautiful in its own way. After that, visit the National Museum, which has the best collection of Khmer art in the world. For something different, check out the stylish stores on Street 240 or go to Wat Phnom, the little hill that gave the city its name.

Afternoon

After a lunch stop at a local restaurant, we will continue to our final two main stops, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also called S21) and Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre (Killing Fields).

You can learn more about these terrible years by going to the famous Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Cheung Ek, also called the "Killing Fields." When you go to Cambodia, you won't meet many people who haven't lost a family member during these years, but everyone is willing to talk openly with you about it. Going to this place gives you a deep knowledge of the many problems the Cambodian people have endured and how strong they have been in reconstructing their country.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you and your driver will head to Phnom Penh's airport so you may catch a flight to Siem Reap, the heart of Angkor Archaeological Park.

While in Siem Reap, have a native driver transport you to a gorgeous resort where you may spend the evening doing anything you choose.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning

You'll drive to the main entrance of Angkor Wat to see the beautiful sunrise over this ancient and mystical site.

Avoid the crowds by beginning your day with a visit to the 13th-century Ta Prohm, a hauntingly beautiful temple where the roots of giant banyans and strangler figs entwine much of the stonework, creating scenes that have changed little since the French explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor in 1863. This temple makes the 'Tomb Raider Temple' one of the most memorable and magnificent Angkor monuments.

Continue your explorations by visiting Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Great Khmer Empire, which once dominated a large portion of Southeast Asia. This city is enclosed by an 8-meter-tall wall that forms a perfect square. You will enter the city through the old South Gate, a colossal stone gate engraved with four enormous faces and elephants. A row of 54 gods or demons holds the sacred Naga serpent on each side of the entranceway.

Return to the hotel for a break from the midday heat.

Afternoon

Your adventures will continue when you visit the late 12th-century Buddhist monastery Banteay Kdei ("Citadel of Chambers") and Sra Srang, also known as the "pool of ablutions." The Bayon Temple is located in the precise center of the historic city. This majestic masterpiece from the 12th century is famous for its 54 towers with mysterious faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.

Both the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are noted for their exquisite bas-reliefs, and you will also see them. On your stroll through the grounds of the ancient Royal Palace, you will see several little-visited, secret temples.

Take a leisurely gondola boat ride across the moats of Angkor Thom to end your day of touring. Imagine the royal metropolis when it controlled over two million people nearly 800 years ago in peaceful isolation. As the sun approaches the horizon, make your way to Prasat Chrung, a modest temple built in the manner of Bayon, and ascend an iron staircase to a secluded spot for spectacular views of the ruins at sunset.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal: Breakfast.

Morning

Sabaidee! Welcome to the beautiful country of Laos.

You can do what you want in the morning. After check out, you will be taken to the airport in Siem Reap for a flight to Luang Prabang. When you get there, our local guide will meet you and give you a warm welcome. Then we'll go to the hotel and check in.

Afternoon 

Enjoy your stay in Luang Prabang, the former royal seat of the Lane Xang Kingdom and still the cultural hub of Laos today. This town is also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening

Experience the enchantment of "Buddha's Light," a stage performance in Luang Prabang. Enjoy a mix of dance, music, and drama that brings Buddhist wisdom and compassion to the forefront.

Note: Performance begins/ends: 7:30 to 8:30 PM. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast.

Transport:

• Luang Prabang Airport - Luang Prabang, 30 minutes.
• Plane: Siem Reap Airport - Luang Prabang Airport:  1 hour and 30 minutes.

Morning

Let's go check out the Morning Market, a bustling thoroughfare where you can buy anything from fresh frogs to brightly colored vegetables...

From the busy market, you can go to Wat Mai, one of the city's most ornate monasteries, and Wat Visoun, a temple dating back to the 16th century, famous for its large stupa and its collection of antique gilded Buddhas.

Next is the former King's Palace, where you can learn about Luang Prabang's past and present. The old Wat Xieng Thong temple is close by. It has a beautiful, low, sweeping roof. It is the most famous and well-known monastery in Luang Prabang.

Afternoon

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village known for its arts and crafts. We also go to Ban Xienglek, a nearby village that is known for making traditional Saa paper.

Go back to the City and take a short walk around the small roads to see the traditional wooden house of Heuan Chan, which is 100 years old and is called the Chantal wooden house.

Visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), which is the only independent resource center in Laos that is focused on the many different ethnic groups that live there. If you have time, you can visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center. It is near the Mekong and has a beautiful, traditional style. Weavers, spinners, and batik makers work there to make high-quality fabrics. Free tours are given every half hour.

When you feel like you've learned enough, you can climb to the top of Mount Phousi, the highest point in the city, where you can see the city and the Mekong River below.

The tour ends after a stop at the famous Night Market, where you can find beautiful handmade textiles made by people from Luang Prabang and the nearby hill tribes.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Early morning

At 5:30 a.m., let's wake up early to see the Tak Bak ceremony, also known as "the monks' quest." This is an old Asian Buddhist religious custom that is only kept up in Luang Prabang. For 2,500 years, hundreds of monks have walked barefoot from their temples to the center of the city every morning. In a long line, they slowly walk through the streets to get alms, especially "sticky rice," from people who are religious and are waiting quietly on the sidewalks. In exchange for prayers and blessings, these people give them food, especially "sticky rice."

After you're done, go back to the hotel for breakfast to get full energy before going to two amazing places. The Pak Ou Cave is to the north of Luang Prabang city, and the Kuang Si Waterfall is to the south. This tour will take you to both of them, with a beautiful drive along the Mekong River in between.

Morning

Early in the morning, you'll meet your guide and take a forty-minute drive to the Pak Ou Village. There, you can check out the many crafts that the locals make before taking a small boat across the Mekong River to the base of a limestone cliff, where the Pak Ou Cave is. The lower cave is very impressive, and it is full of statues and relics from Buddhism. Take your time to look around the sacred area, which smells like burning incense and looks out over the beautiful Mekong landscape. Up a winding set of stairs, grab a flashlight, and you'll find another interesting cave with ancient Buddhist relics that is easy to get around in before lunch.

Afternoon

After that, we'll take a boat across the Mekong River again and then drive 1.5 hours downriver to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. On the way, we'll stop at the well-known Whiskey Village and try some Lao Lao made in the area. All year long, the jungle around the waterfall stays lush and beautiful. During the dry season, the water is calm and turquoise. During the rainy season, the water is loud and powerful. In either case, you'll get to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature. An Asiatic Bear Sanctuary is built into the landscape. Here, you can see these beautiful animals up close and help take care of the animals in the area.

Late in the afternoon, we'll drive back to Luang Prabang so you can do your own thing in the evening.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel.

Free time to do some shopping and explore around before departing for the airport.

And this is how the tour ends!

The tour may be over, but the memories you have collected during these last 19 days will stay in your mind for the rest of your life. This is what we want to offer you: a tour that brings you memories that last a lifetime and make you smile each time you think of them!