5 Weeks Vietnam Cambodia Laos Tour - 35 Days Indochina Itinerary

In the morning, start a sightseeing tour to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of the war in April 1975, and some French colonial structures including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office. Continue on to Chinatown, Thien Hau pagodas. which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos.

Afternoon, continue visiting War Remnants Museum where there is a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. In courtyard massive military vehicles are for exhibition as well as tiger cages for the visitor to get a feel on how it was to be a prisoner during wartimes. In the museum building itself, each floor will represent a separate theme from the war and the war crimes committed towards the Vietnamese people. We end the city tour with Ben Thanh market where anything and everything is for sale.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning, pickup at your hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnels. Visitors will arrive Cu Chi tunnels after a drive of 1,5 hours. Our tour guide will give you an overview introduction of Cu Chi and its legendary history. A documentary film about the tunnels will explain you about the tunnels histories and how fierce the war was in the area. You will be guided to the tunnels system including the weapon factory, hospitals, kitchens and crawl under the tunnels…..
After that travelers can try delicious manioc which was the main food for guerilla-warriors in Cu Chi during the war. Visitors can try to fire off an AK47 or MK16 or machine guns at the nearby shooting range at your own cost. Leave Cu Chi tunnels and back to Ho Chi Minh City in early afternoon.
In the rest of the day, you are free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Monring, pick up at your hotel in Saigon and depart to Mekong Delta.
Begin cruising from Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am. From the sampan, observe life as it plays out on shore - people going about their daily activities against picturesque landscapes - while your attentive crew serves tea and seasonal fruit. Lunch is served on board. Before arriving at Sa Dec, stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including a brick factory where everything is made by hand, pass monkey bridges and tiny villages to visit a Cao Dai temple. Arrive in Sa Dec and stroll to the outdoor market. Visit the Kien An Cung, ancient Chinese architecture has played an important part in the Chinese community in Dong Thap for nearly a hundred years. Back to the boat, continue cruising towards Can Tho along a narrow canal teeming with life. Explore the countryside surroundings by local rowboat. After returning onboard, Song Xanh Sampan continues its cruise towards the Hau River. Dinner and overnight on board.

Wake up early at 6:00 am for a visit to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market which operates daily starting from 5:00 am. Breakfast is served on board while the Song Xanh navigates towards the market among local barges loaded down with fruits and vegetables from the Delta, making for some stunning photos.

Continue cruising towards Victoria Can Tho and disembark at the hotel’s private jetty. Meet our driver there for the 3 hour transfer to Chau Doc, the border town with Cambodia.
Check in hotel in Chau Doc and you have some free time in the rest of the afternoon to explore this small town by the Mekong River on your own. Overnight in Chau Doc. 

After breakfast, you will board the speed boat to Phnom Penh from 7:30-13:30. Visa formalities take about 45 minutes at the border and Cambodian visas can be issued at the border. Continue by river to Phnom Penh. Meet our guide and transfer to your hotel.

This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm. Relax and have your own late lunch at the fine local restaurant.

Afternoon, we begin our discovery of Phnom Penh with the visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Morning, we take a 'walk back' into the brutal, (modern) history that Cambodia shockingly suffered under Pol Pot's reign during the 1970's, visiting Choeung Ek Killing Fields. visiting the exotic Central Markets where gems, silks and statues entice.
At noon, board the Giant Ibis bus departing Phnom Penh at 12:30. The bus trip takes around 6 hours passing the local countryside and towns. There are some stop on the way to relax. On arrival in Siem Reap around 18:30, check in hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today, we will 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. Lunch is own account.

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.
Late afternoon, enjoy the sunset over the Angkor Wat temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning, drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10^th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man.

Continue to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9^th and earlier 10^th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group we visit the main one called Bakhong temple.

Evening, you are free to explore the night market. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Monring, visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a boat trip in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

Afternoon, transfer to Siem Reap airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival in Luang Prabang, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.  

Morning, we then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.

Afternoon, we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple.
Late afternoon, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
Evening, you are free to explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

In the morning, start cycling from your hotel in Luang Prabang to the Mekong River pier where you'll embark on a local ferry. The leisurely bike trip takes you on dirt roads to the Khmu village, about 4.3 miles (7 km) away. Follow your guide on a red-soil dirt road, passing small forests and a rustic village with wooden houses. Stop along the way for photo ops of the local children and hard-working farmers in the field. On arrival at the home of a Khmu family, take part in daily life, including cooking a few Lao foods. During your time in the village, your guide will introduce you to some traditional customs of the Khmu people, considered one of the three biggest ethnic groups in Laos. After lunch, cycle to Ban Chan village, famous for pottery and brick making as well as terra-cotta tiles. If you'd like, try your hand at making a ceramic item to bring back as a souvenir. Bicycling back to the bank of the Mekong River, visit charming Wat Long Khun, situated among bougainvillea and palmyra palms. Once a royal retreat center for spiritual revitalization, the Buddhist temple is attractively sited at the top of a long stairway. Afterward, cross the Mekong River by ferry and then pedal back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang

8:00 am – 8:30 am:  Pick up by our English speaking guide from your hotel lobby within Luang Prabang, Laos
Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide and participate in a short briefing about elephants
Elephant Feeding: Get up close and personal with elephants
Explore Elephant Village:  Visit our elephant hospital, museum, gallery and dung paper making facility!
Learn to communicate: Enjoy the impressive experience of being a Mahout and how they communicate.

Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Ride in a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax or swim in the clear water.  Swimsuit recommended!  (note: water levels will vary with seasonal conditions)
Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant.  Your buffet lunch is served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options are available)
1:00pm:  Depart the camp.  Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang. Rest of the day, you are free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Morning, you are free at leisure.
Afternoon, take the fast train to Vientiane. On arrival in Vientiane, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, drive 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 town
Afternoon, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat 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.

Moring, you are free at leisure or visit the local market on your own.
Afternoon, transfer to Vientiane airport for the flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi, you are met and transferred to the hotel in the city centre. Overnight in Hanoi.

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).
- Take a short walk to visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple and the Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Enjoy our welcome show of northern rural of Vietnam – Water Puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Early morning, set out early for the drive to Cuc Phuong (approx. 3 hrs). Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’ s oldest National Park and is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue centre. Here, we learn about the work that is being done to preserve the endangered native primates.

The, take a trek through lush rainforest and to caves once inhabited by prehistoric humans. Late afternoon, drive to Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Today, we will have a leisure cycling trip to explore Ninh Binh.
Firstly, we will start our cycling to visit Mua Cave one of the most alluring places to view in Ninh Binh. Take over 500 steps hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain for the amazing views of all the Tam Coc area.
Afternoon, take a sampan rowed by a local for about 1,5 hours to explore Tam Coc, the limestone caves area stretching along Ngo Dong river which is known as “Halong Bay on the land”. Enjoin the journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of special karst mountain surrounded with rice paddy and the sight of some ancient temples along the way.
After the boat trip, we continue our cycling to Bich Dong pagoda. Vising the pagoda and return to our hotel. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

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, do some kayaking 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.

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay.
After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. Cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served while you are cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cruise check-out at noon. Rejoin the car for the transfer back to Hanoi city centre. On arrival in Hanoi, check in a dayuse hotel by the train station for few hours for refreshing. Evening, board the overnight train to Sapa at 22:00. Overnight on the train in a private 2 person A/C cabin.

Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.00am, meet our guide at the train station and have breakfast at local restaurant. 

After breakfast, we will leave for a Hill Tribe Market for about 2 hours driving to the market. Join in the colorful market of the tribal people in this region. On the fair market the H'mong, Dzao, Phu La people in their best traditional costumes go to the market for shopping and meeting friends and relatives…
Market schedule: Tuesday: Coc Ly market, Friday: Cao Son market, Saturday: Can Cau market, Sunday: Bac Ha market
After the market visit, we drive back to Lao Cai town and pay a short visit to the Vietnam-Chinese border gate. Then, continue our trip to Sapa. On arrival in Sapa, check in hotel and rest. Overnight in Sapa.

Have breakfast at hotel and today is for discovering the nature as well as different culture of hill tribal people.
From hotel we start our car drive up and down hills with rice terraces, spectacular scenery the Fansipan Mount, and passby the scenic Muong Hoa valley.
For the trekking lovers we will start the trekking from Y Linh Ho village through the rice terraces, hills, bamboo forests and streams to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages which are decorated by terraced-fields and the house of H'mong, Red Zao and Zay people.
You will have great opportunity for taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, meeting friendly hill-tribe people at home and work, and getting to understand their tradition, habits... We will return to our hotel in Sapa by car in afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Sapa. 

Morning, take a 2km car ride to Cat Cat village and we starting trekking around Cat Cat village to Shin Chai Villages, the home of H’mong Ethnic. Meeting and talking with locals at their home to learn more about their daily life and get to know their habits. From here, you will have a chance to see the hydroelectric power station built by the French by the wonderful Cat Cat waterfall. Get back to the town by car before noon.
Have lunch at the local restaurant and relax for a while.
14:00: Our sharing Limousine van will pick you up at hotel and transfer back to Hanoi.
On arrival in Hanoi around 20:30, drop off at your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Late morning, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue at noon. On arrival in Hue, you are met and transferred to the hotel. In rest of the day, you are free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Morning, take the sightseeing in Hue to visit 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. You will embark o­n a drive to Hue’s countryside, through scenic villages and green rice fields to reach the Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb. It is o­ne of the most beautiful of all Emperors tombs, in a complex of pavilions, temple, courtyards and lakes. Visit to visit Thien Mu pagoda by the scenic Perfume River.

Afternoon, you will have a nice drive along the coast and over the scenic Hai Van pass to the small & beautiful ancient town of Hoi An, by the bank of Thu Bon River. You will have a short stop in Lang Co beach and the famous Dragon Bridge in Danang City for a view. before continue on our drive to Hoi An. 
Evening, you are free to explore this ancient town on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning, take a boat trip on Hoian river to Kim Bong carpentry village. You will visit the house of one of the craftmen of village and his ship building yard. Then, take a bicycle to explore temples, pagodas, Phan family's homestead - a former French styled house, village school, coracle boats, mat weaving and bamboo bridge. You will witness the traditional games played by local children and enjoy specialties of village such as cassava, sweet potatoes and seasonal fruits. Back to the wharf and our guide will take you to the hotel in early afternoon.

In the rest of the day, you are free at leisure to explore the town, old street or go shopping on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.

8:30AM: Your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An then take you to the Cam Thanh fishing village by bicycle or motorbike.
You will learn and enjoy a wide range of experience from traditional fishing techniques to padding the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats and exploring the tranquil coconut palm lined water-ways.
Take part in an interesting basket boat racing competition and local fishermen help you how to catch fish and crabs with rods and special nets.
Return to the fishing village to enjoy a refreshing and well-earned drink. Your tour guide will show you products handmade from bamboo and used by local people for many generations.
Visit an organic vegetable garden. The local farmers will take you on a tour and explain traditional farming methods such as preparing and fertilizing the land, raking, sowing, watering, harvesting and more. Learn about the use of herbs and vegetables in traditional Vietnamese medicine.
Keep walking along the small channels and learn how to use traditional fishing techniques such as the bamboo basket and catch fish with local fishermen. Return to the hotel around 13:30. Then, you will be free in the rest of the day to relax or doing your own things.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Early monring, transfer to Danang airport for the morning flight to Dalat.
On arrival in Dalat, meet our guide at the airport for the hotel in city center.
Today, you will have a half day city sightseeing of Dalat. You will visit to Truc Lam Pagoda. Truc Lam is the biggest pagoda in Dalat standing in Phoenix Mountain about 1,300m above the sea-level. It’s surrounded by an attractive flower garden and with the view of pure water lake and the pine forest on the far side. Then, you will visit Cam Ly Waterfall, Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Crazy House and Dalat Flower Garden. Overnight in Dalat.

A trip to the Highlands wouldn't be complete without exploring the beautiful jungles and lakes in the region. Nothing beats the stunning views of mountains and forests from the serenity of Tuyen Lam Lake. Head deep into the jungle on foot and by boat through small rivers and tributaries that feed into the lake. 
The trailhead starts just south of Dalat and a short 15 minute vehicle transfer. We head up from 1,500 meters in elevation to the ridgeline which meanders between 1,650 and 1,700 meters. The going is steep to begin with and both sides of the trail are dotted with pine trees. The reward for this steep uphill climb is a fantastic view of the town and surrounding area, with stunning views of Langbian Mountain in the north.

This 8.5 km hike in Da Lat heads up along a jungle fringed ridgeline just south of town. This lonely trail charges up to its peak elevation early on and then gently rolls before heading down to the lake where our kayaks are located. You will be treated to a picnic lunch prepared by the guide, taking advantage of the many fruits and vegetable grown in the Dalat area.

After lunch, we will explore the far end of the lake and spend the remainder of the day exploring the many inlets and secret spots. The area is also known as the most popular spots in Vietnam for bird watching. We slowly make our way back to the boat launch from here, enjoying more great views of the lush pine forested and jungle areas that border the lake.

This fantastic trip is one that can be enjoyed by those of almost any fitness levels. A great day out for those who love to be on the water.

Morning, transfer to Dalat airport for the flight to Phu Quoc Island. On arrival, you are transferred to the beach resort. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Have breakfast at hotel.
Today you are free at leisure to relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming in the warm water, enjoying local seafood specialties discovering limestone islands and joining underwater activities on your own. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Have breakfast at hotel.
Today you are free at leisure to relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming in the warm water, enjoying local seafood specialties discovering limestone islands and joining underwater activities on your own. Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Have breakfast at hotel.
Today you are free at leisure to relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming in the warm water, enjoying local seafood specialties discovering limestone islands and joining underwater activities on your own. Overnight in Phu Quoc.