Tour Overview
It's never been simpler to discover Indochina! You will get the chance to thoroughly experience the beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in just three weeks.
Starting Vietnam Cultural Holidays, we visit ancient Hanoi with the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, then go to Sapa with its lush green terraced fields, and then immerse ourselves in the majestic Halong Bay, where nature sculpts beautiful paintings.
Next, Asia Links Travel will take you to dreamy Hue with its heroic historical stories, and ancient Hoian with its ancient houses and sparkling lanterns. The Mekong Delta, with its vibrant floating markets, fruit-filled orchards, and metropolitan Saigon, marks the conclusion of the Vietnam tour.
Continuing the journey, you will set foot in Phnom Penh - the capital of Cambodia, where you will learn about the painful but resilient history of this country. Siem Reap will overwhelm you with the mysterious Angkor Wat complex, one of the great architectural wonders of mankind.
The tour ends in Laos, the land of golden temples and gentle rivers. We will travel to Luang Prabang - an ancient city recognized by UNESCO, with ancient temples, narrow streets, and traditional markets.
Tour Highlights
- Explore ancient Hanoi with Hoan Kiem Lake, and Temple of Literature, and enjoy diverse street food.
- Enjoy the fresh air, explore ethnic villages, and conquer the majestic Fansipan peak in Sapa.
- Admire the majestic beauty of thousands of limestone islands, explore mysterious caves, and experience a night on a boat in Halong Bay.
- Visit the ancient capital of Hue, admire the Imperial Citadel, and the tombs of the Nguyen kings and enjoy ca tru on the Perfume River.
- Explore the vibrant city, visit the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh market.
- Enjoy fresh fruit, explore floating markets, and live like locals in Western Vietnam.
- Visit the Royal Palace, and Golden Pagoda and learn about Cambodia's painful history at the Killing Fields.
Itinerary
Meet our friendly driver at the airport who will take you to the hotel in Hanoi.
Check in the hotel and spend the night there.
Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: No
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
06.30am – Shared Limousine bus is set to pick us up for our transfer to Sapa. The journey is expected to take approximately 5.5 to 6 hours before we reach the hotel in Sapa.
Note(s): The bus will pick-up quite early in the morning, so it is recommended that the night before, you should order a to-go breakfast box from the hotel to bring on the bus.
15:00PM, Begin your journey with a visit to Cat Cat village nestled in Muong Hoa valley. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the lush valley overlooking Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina.
Embark on a trek through the villages of the Black H’mong ethnic minority to gain insight into their traditional weaving and embroidery techniques.
Descend further to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of the rice paddy fields and discover an intriguing waterfall. Upon completion of the trek, return to Sapa for an overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting off on your trekking adventure to the beautiful destination of Sapa, Muong Hoa Valley.
9:00 Am You can get an insight of the habits and practices of the ethnic Black H'mong people by taking a leisurely stroll through the old village.
See the remnants of a hydroelectric power facility built by the French during their colonial rule in Vietnam, as well as a beautiful waterfall.
Traverse the mountain by use of a dirt trail. Ascend a narrow stream and take in the breathtaking surroundings until you arrive at Y Linh Ho village, which is also home to the Black H'mong minority.
Explore the stunning Muong Hoa valley, where you will witness the breathtaking terraced rice fields of Sapa. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the local rice planting and harvesting traditions if you visit between May and October.
The journey will lead you from Lao Chai village to Ta Van village, offering a unique cultural experience. Take a moment to relax before heading back to Sapa.
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Feel free to discover Sapa at your own pace today.
At 14h30, a limousine bus will pick you up at hotel and transport you back to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Check in hotel and overnight stay in Hanoi.
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
08:00 – 08:30 | Pick-up time
We will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter to begin our adventure in Halong Bay.
11:30 – 12:00 | Arrive Tuan Chau Harbor
12:00 | Transferred to the main boat by tender. Embark on Cruises
Greetings from Cruises! While enjoying a welcome drink, our cruise manager will deliver a cruise briefing and safety introduction. After that you will check in your cabin.
13:00 | Enjoy fabulous lunch
A delightful lunch will be provided as Cruise embarks on a journey through the stunning Halong Bay, an expansion of the quieter and less crowded Halong Wonder.
Along the way, cruise will sail past renowned landmarks such as the Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and countless distinct limestone formations and islands.
15:30 | Explore Lan Ha Bay – Halong Bay
We will explore the Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and picturesque seascape of Lan Ha Bay.
This location offers an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photos of the area's romantic and lyrical attractions.
It is also the perfect time for tourists to experience bamboo boat rides, kayaking, or swimming—activities that allow for a deeper appreciation of the striking Limestone Mountains and the clear blue skies of Lan Ha Bay.
Following this, guests can enjoy swimming in the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay (please remember to bring swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses).
17:00- 18:00 | Sunset Party, Happy Hour and Cooking Class
Return to the cruise and unwind while on board. Experience the beauty of the sunset in Halong Bay, where there is something enchanting about sunsets.
It's not just the colors, but also the emotions, the ambiance, and the temperature. Revel in our "Sunset Party" and "Happy Hour Deal" at all bars on the cruise.
The onboard Cooking Demonstration is a great opportunity for passengers to not only taste delicious cuisine but also gain insight into Vietnamese culinary traditions.
The Cruise Chef will demonstrate and instruct guests on preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as fresh or dried spring rolls, as well as the art of vegetable and fruit carving.
Passengers may even have the chance to participate in a friendly competition to see who can prepare the dish the fastest. Afterwards, they can savor their creation alone or share it with fellow travelers. This activity is perfect for food and cooking enthusiasts!
Before dinner, our skilled captain will select the calmest spot to anchor for the night.
19:00 | Savor deluxe dinner
Indulge in delectable regional cuisine expertly crafted and presented by our exceptional onboard catering team, the nighttime scenery of Lan Ha Bay is truly breathtaking.
- Meal: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch and Dinner on cruise
- Accommodation: On Cruise
06:00 | Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck
Get a head start for a photo hunt and participate in our Tai-chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate both your body and mind.
07:00 | Have light breakfast
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cruises as you sail past stunning karst towers. Indulge in a delightful spread of tea, coffee, and light breakfast while immersing yourself in the serene and tranquil surroundings.
08:00 | Explore Lan Ha Bay by kayak
09:30 | Back to the boat for check-out
10:00 | Brunch time
While a meticulously planned brunch is being served, our cruises leisurely sails through the emerald waters, surrounded by thousands of Karst Mountains on the way to the Harbor.
11:30 – 12:00 | Back to Tuan Chau Harbor
The Shuttle Bus will transport you back to Hanoi. Our private car will then drive you to the airport for your flight to Hue City. Upon landing in Hue, our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast + Brunch on cruise
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
At 08:00 am: Pick you up from the hotel in Hue City.
Board the dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in Hue city. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Keep exploring The Citadel - the Imperial City that was once the residence of Vietnam's final royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty.
See the bustling market in Hue, Dong Ba market, which offers a wide variety of goods and snacks.
Explore the Khai Dinh Tomb, a harmonious fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles.
4:00 p.m: Proceed to your Hoian hotel.
Meals are at your own expense. Spend the night at Hoian.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
08:00am – Pick up at your Hoian hotel, our driver and tour guide will transfer you to the Cam Thanh coconut village.
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a peaceful basket boat ride through the coconut forest, where you'll gain insight into the daily lives of Vietnamese fishermen and their tight-knit community.
Participate in a river excursion with native fishermen to try out a round net or cast net.
Learn the art of paddling a traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat from the friendly locals, who will also share stories of wartime struggles and the challenges faced by soldiers.
Lunch on your own.
During the afternoon, we take a leisurely stroll through the Ancient Town of Hoian - a wonderful way to appreciate the charm of this city.
As we wander around Hoian, discovering its quaint streets, we are struck by the peaceful and serene ambiance that even seasoned travelers find captivating.
The blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences creates a truly special atmosphere. The ancient houses offer a glimpse into the past, transporting us to a quieter and more uncomplicated era.
The tour features stop at the Hoian Museum and several famous Ancient Houses known for their impressive architecture, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
Many of these houses reflect Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. Historically, both Chinese and Japanese settlers came to this area to live and conduct trade.
Additionally, visitors can observe the blend of Eastern and Western architectural influences in these historic homes.
Lunch & Dinner are at your own expense. Spend the night in a Hoian hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Today, you have the freedom to discover the historic city of Hoian at your own pace.
Lunch & Dinner at your own expense. Spend the night in a Hoian hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Enjoy some free time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, check into your hotel and spend the night there.
Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Pick up at your hotel and depart to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving.
Upon arrival, you will first receive a brief introduction, followed by a video that details the construction of the tunnels and the ways in which people endured the harsh conditions during wartime.
Afterward, you can explore the surrounding area and tunnel systems, which feature specially designed living spaces, including kitchens and bedrooms, alongside various military facilities such as storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers that supported the inhabitants' basic needs.
Additionally, the maze-like tunnels contain numerous concealed trap doors and dangerous traps implemented for security during the war.
Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we will embark on a tour of the former French colonial capital, also known as Saigon to the locals.
Key historical landmarks to visit include The Independence Palace, Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, and the renowned Ben Thanh market, ideal for souvenir shopping.
Spend the night at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, we are scheduled to travel 130 km (approximately a 3-hour drive) to reach Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival at Phong Nam pier, we will board a boat and cruise along a tributary of the Mekong – Chet Say River. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to visit different workshops to gain insights into the production of traditional goods.
Indulge in the main product of this place - coconut. Witness how the shell transforms into coconut charcoal in a high heat kiln.
Various parts are utilized for different purposes, even in food. Embark on our journey to delve deeper into local life. Traverse through a small canal and make a pit stop at a village.
Immerse yourself in the authentic experience by exploring on foot.
Come visit a traditional mat-weaving house where skilled workers use hand looms to create beautiful straw mats. You won't want to miss the opportunity to try your hand at this ancient technique yourself!
Next, take a "xe loi" (a type of motorized rickshaw) or hop on a bicycle to visit a nearby village featuring rice fields and vegetable farms.
Experience a sampan ride through a narrow canal before returning to the pier for a drive to Can Tho. Meals at your own cost. Spend the night at a hotel in Can Tho.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, embark on a relaxing boat trip to discover the beautiful tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), followed by a visit to the Cai Rang floating market, the most vibrant market in the area.
Take a walking tour to explore the fruit plantation and the nearby noodle factory. Visit the Binh Thuy communal house and the Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer pagoda famous for its distinctive architecture.
Later in the morning, a private car will arrive to transport you to Chau Doc after disembarking from the boat. Meals at your own expense. Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a boat trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.
When you reach Phnom Penh at noon, check into the hotel.
Afternoon is the perfect time to discover the city's hidden gems.
The upcoming stop on our itinerary is the ancient Wat Phnom, situated atop a hill. This pagoda was established in 1372 by a wealthy Khmer woman and is home to numerous historical relics.
Following our visit, we will proceed to the National Museum, which was built in 1917-18 and showcases a wide array of artifacts from the Pre-Angkor and Angkor Periods.
These Khmer artworks were crafted from various materials such as sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood, and ceramic.
Next, explore the Royal Palace constructed in 1866, and the Silver Pagoda located within its premises. The area showcases numerous royal artifacts, many of which were gifted by Cambodia's King and foreign nations.
Among the remarkable pieces is a 90kg gilded Buddha statue adorned with 9,584 diamonds, a 17th-century emerald, and baccarat crystals.
Lunch and dinner at your own expense. Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Have a great time before heading to the Bus station for a 6-hour journey to Siem Reap. You'll arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon. Meals at your own expense. Spend the night in Siem Reap.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Today, we take the opportunity to visit the largest and most impressive temple in the Angkor Archaeological Zone – Angkor Wat.
Let's proceed with our exploration of the smallest temple in the Angkor complex – Banteay Srei. Despite its compact size, this temple boasts stunning characteristics such as a lovely pink sandstone architecture and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, making it a must-see for visitors.
Our upcoming stop will be the ancient Ta Prohm monastery.
Following that, you will be accompanied to the hotel.
Meals at your own expense. Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Preah Khan, the largest complex in Angkor, is our first stop on today's journey. While Angkor Thom was being constructed, King Jayavarman VII ordered the creation of Preah Khan as a temporary residence.
We'll get to explore the unique island temple of Angkor - Neak Pean. Balaha, known as a legendary rescuer of numerous shipwrecks, is depicted as a horse statue facing the temple.
Next, you will explore the two beautiful temples at Angkor, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. In the afternoon, the tour will continue with a visit to Angkor Thom, also known as the “Great City.”
This impressive site was built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman II.
It's time to head back to the hotel. Lunch and dinner at your own expense. Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Enjoy some leisure time before your departure to Luang Prabang. After picking you up, our driver will transport you to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang stands out as a beautifully preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and captivating cultural attractions that make this town a must-visit destination in Laos. Spend the night in Luang Prabang.
Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
We start the day with a quick tour of Wat Sene, the oldest temple in the city, and the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, where you can see the striking colored glass mosaic known as the "tree of life."
After that, we head to The National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, which has an exquisite collection of artifacts that illustrate the depth of Lao culture throughout the ages.
Time to explore the town and meander through the retail districts on your own. We next take a drive to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you may stroll along woodland walks or swim in the turquoise pools.
Come back to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and embark on an upstream cruise along the Mekong River, offering a breathtaking view of the peaceful countryside.
Then, ascend to the summit of Mount Phousi to discover the sacred, golden stupa and admire a stunning sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
Afterwards, explore the Night Market, featuring a delightful array of handcrafted textiles. Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Embarking on an early morning adventure allows you the wonderful chance to observe or join in the traditional daily alms giving ceremony to monks dressed in saffron robes.
This custom is exclusive to Laos, as it is the sole Buddhist country that upholds this practice.
Following this, we will proceed to discover the nearby morning market before heading back to the hotel.
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a short-guided tour of the city's oldest temple. Our first stop will be the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, followed by the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
Next, we will hop on an upstream cruise along the Mekong River, offering us a breathtaking view of the serene countryside.
Our journey will include a visit to the Pak Ou Caves, which house thousands of Buddha images. Throughout the day, we will also make stops at various villages, such as Ban Xanghai, known for its local rice wine production, and Ban Xang Khong, where Saa paper, a traditional Laotian product, is made.
Spend the night at the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel. You will be picked up by our driver around three hours before to your scheduled departure flight home. Take a flight back home.
Please note: the standard check out time is 12:00. Late check out is not included and subject to hotel availability.
End of service!
- Meal: Breakfast at hotel
- Accommodation: No
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around. March to June and September to October are best time in Sapa when the weather is warmer and days are mainly sunny.
Rooms are available from 14.00 on arrival day until 12.00 on departure day, room supplement charge will be added for request of early/late check in/out.
Airfares (if any) may change without notice prior to e-ticket issuance.
Price for infants and children will be quoted as follow:
- Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (Maximum 1 child under 2 years old travels with 2 adults; from the second child, 50% of the regular fare will be applied)
- Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 12 years: 100% of the regular fare will be applied
During Peak Season and special occasions, surcharges may be added to the price:
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Compulsory meals would be added during these times of the years, depends on hotels or resorts you will stay overnight.
- Easter Holidays: 10 April – 12 April: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
- Vietnam Lunar New Year: 24 January – 27 January: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
Visa requirements:
For Vietnam: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval letter for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Our consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank page for each visa stamp.
We can customize this tour just for you
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