20 Days Indochina Discovery Tour Of Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Today, we will take the sightseeing of the most city's outstanding historical and cultural sites. The visit includes:
- The complex of Ho Chi Minh historical sites, also called the political center of Vietnam including Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda.
- The Temple of Literature for the brief understanding about the two most popular religions in Vietnam (Buddhism and Confucianism).
- Visit one of the museums in Hanoi (Museum of History, Museum of Ethnology, Museum of Fine Art, Hoa Lo Prison, etc). 
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple
- Enjoy our welcome show of northern rural of Vietnam – Water Puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at hotel, we depart for Ninh Binh province (90km south of Hanoi). Have a break 20 minutes en-route to free your legs. Arrive at Hoa Lu, which was once depicted the ancient capital of Vietnam, settling up in the 10 th century. Visit temples of two Dynasties of Dinh and Le with very unique architectures in the old time. Learn more about ancient culture through an excavation of vestiges of Royal Places ground dated 10 th century. Arrive Tam Coc. Relax and Enjoy lunch in a nice restaurant nearby. Board the sampan boats in Tam Coc dock to drift down the river among the villages, mountains and lush rice fields. Passing through 3 caves "Hang Ca - First cave, Hang Hai -Second cave, Hang Ba - Third cave" to get a strange feeling. Boat returns to the dock. Continue our trip to Bich Dong Pagoda. You will be amazed at beautiful scenery of lust paddy fields.
Late afternoon, drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, pick you up from hotel in Hanoi and leave for one of the most magnificent scenic environments in the world, Halong Bay. Halong covers 577 square miles, this vast bay is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. We’ll spend a day and a half, including an overnight with dinner and breakfast onboard, exploring this overwhelming seascape from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Comfortable and intimate, your boat features hand-crafted wooden interiors including a dining room and pleasant air-conditioned cabins with private baths. Since we’re overnight on the water, we’ll be able to explore Ha Long Bay’s most beautiful spots with time to swim and even visit some of the largest rock formations and caves. This promises to be one of your most memorable travel experiences in Asia. Stay overnight on Boat.

Today, we take the sightseeing in Hue to the Ancient Imperial Citadel, a complex of palaces and temples built by the Nguyen from early 19th Century for which Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum which is dedicated to Vietnam's imperial past and arts of that era
Then, you will embark on a drive to Hue’s countryside to reach the Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, one of the most beautiful royal architectures of Nguyen dynasty
Explore more of Vietnam life with the effected of Royal life, garden house in Hue is one of them. "Garden house" is a typical and unique characteristic of Hue city. You will visit the traditional handicraft village: Thuy Xuan Hat - Incense making village, you will see how Hue Hat (non Hue) - a symbolized for the beauty of Hue lady.
Late afternoon, visit Thien Mu pagoda and enjoy the leisure boat trip on the scenic Perfume River. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a nice drive over the scenic Hai Van pass along the coast to the ancient town of Hoian. You will have a short stop in spectacular Lang Co beach for a view. Arrive in Danang, stops to visit Cham Sculpture museum - one of the most fascinating museums in Vietnam. It’s home to several cultural artifacts in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam, preserving the spirit of the ancient Champa kingdom; Dragon Bridge - the symbol of Danang City; and Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son), discover the stunning natural caves of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the Marble Mountain. Then continue our trip to Hoi An. 

Late afternoon, we will have an excursion to Hoi An and explore Hoi An ancient town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the beautiful Chinese Assembly Halls, the Phuoc Kien Pagoda, and the local market. Overnight in Hoi An.  

Morning, take a discovery trip to Myson Sanctuary, 40km from Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered being in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries were built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Admiring great architectural and art works of the Cham lost Kingdom. Having a brief understanding of the history, culture for which My Son was recognized the World Cultural Heritage. Return to Hoi An at noon.

Afternoon, you’ll take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to a village of woodworkers and boat building families on Cam Kim Island and Thanh Ha pottery village. Later in afternoon, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.  

Morning, transfer to Danang airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival, we will have the city sightseeing, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, in the heart of Saigon's government quarter, is of neo- Romanesque architecture with two high square tower and iron spires. The Central Post Office is French-style and City Hall, known as "Hotel de Ville," is typical of the French architecture that would be seen in any village in France. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring collections of weapons and photographs from the two Indochina wars. Our last stop is Ben Thanh market, the biggest whole sales market in Saigon. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, we will depart the city and enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields to My Tho in the Mekong Delta.
On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. Meet our driver and return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight. 

This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories. 

Morning, depart to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels begun in 1948 by the Viet Minh in their struggle against the French. These tunnels were expanded and used by the Viet Cong during the war between Vietnam and America. Americans called this the “Iron Triangle” and was a stronghold of the Vietcong for almost thirty years. You can crawl underground in the tunnels, try the raffle shooting at your own cost, etc... 

Afternoon, transfer straight to Ho Chi Minh city airport for the short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival in Phnom Penh, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

The capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. A city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh.

Today, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and then the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century.

Visit the private quarters of the Royal Palace which are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. End the way with the visit to the Wat Phnom Temple. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Morning, board the 8:45am tourist bus to Siem Reap. The bus takes around 6 hours passing the rural areas and towns along the country. There are some stops on the way to relax and for your own lunch break. On arrival in Siem Reap, check in hotel and relax or explore this town, its night market on your own.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning, visit a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Chong Kneas will be appropriate place for visitors who want to break from temples. The floating village has everything that a normal village on land has with schools, hospitals, restaurants, shops and floating crocodile farms. 

Afternoon, transfer to Phnom Penh airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival in Luang Prabang, you are met and transferred to the hotel.
Evening, you are free to explore the Night Bazaar, where you can find lovely collections of handmade textiles produced by local communities from the region surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to board a traditional long boat for a cruise on the Mekong river. On the way, visit villages located on the riverbank including Ban Xang Hai and learn how local rice whisky is made. Continue on to Pak Ou, visit Tham Ting and Tham Theung caves with their Lao style Buddhist sculptures assembled over the centuries by local people. On the way back, visit the village of Ban Xang Khong, the village of homemade Saa Paper.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai and walk along the streets to Wat Xieng Thong, located on the bank of the Mekong River. It is one of the most elegant and best-preserved examples of 16th century Luang Prabang temple architecture.

Take a walk up Phu Si hill and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view overlooking Luang Prabang and the Mekong river. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Optional activities: Wake up early in the morning (05h30) and observe monks leaving their pagodas and walking barefoot along the streets in the long lines collecting alms. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spirituality of the Lao people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, visit National Museum which used to be the Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham"), built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. Various statues of Buddha, monarchs, as well as wonderful murals of traditional Lao scenes still remain. After that, drive through beautiful rice fields, hills and villages to Kuang Si Waterfalls (1 hour drive). On the way, stop to visit a small ethnic minority village to learn more about their culture and daily life. Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfalls, relax or possibly walk up to the top of the waterfall for a nice view and enjoy the beautiful landscape and fresh water in which you can swim during the summer. Return to Luang Prabang in late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

Have breakfast at hotel.
Late morning, transfer to the train station for the fast train to Vientiane. On arrival in Vientiane, you are met and transferred to the hotel.

Then, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Hor Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, take a trip by road to outskirts of Vientiane, following the road along the bank of Mekong river to visit the Buddha park of Xieng Khuan, the park (28km East of Vientiane), containing a combination of hundred status of Hindu divinities and Buddha. We drive pass villages on the bank of Mekong through beautiful views of vegetable garden, tobacco plantation ... etc. Its nice makes photo stops and see rural life of local people. We also have a nice view of the Mekong Friendship Bridge as the border between Laos and Thailand. Return to Vientiane.

We will go shopping at Morning market of Vientiane and see what you will find. Recommended items are Lao textiles, hill-tribe Art, crafts and antiques. Overnight in Vientiane.