22 Days Classic Tour in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | (International Flight) | Arrive in Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to the hotel in the Old French Quarter for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights | Water Puppet Show & Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The morning is at your leisure to relax and recover from jet lag.

In the afternoon, go with our guide to visit unique sites in the Millennium Old Capital if Vietnam. Start with the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision. You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’s teachings.

Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the late afternoon, transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda set on West Lake. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat.

Hoan Kiem Lake – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

Water Puppet Show

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Luxury Cruise in Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide and driver will greet you at 10 am on your road trip to Haiphong(1h30m). Enjoy some tea and snacks while you check-in at the cruise land lounge. Then transfer by tender around noon for boarding. Receive welcome drinks on board and check-in your cabin after a short safety briefing. Continue to Da Chong Island to see a century-old French lighthouse. Lunch begins in the panoramic dining hall as you continue past several more limestone islets in Halong Bay.

Around 3 pm, arrive at a secluded beach in Lan Ha Bay. Around 5:30 pm, continue cruising through Lan Ha Bay to watch a magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. 7:30 pm, dinner is served in the dining hall. After dinner, the bar is open during the evening on the top deck. You might also join the crew in squid fishing(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Azalea Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh | Lan Ha Bay Sunrise | Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise around 5:30 is if you would like to witness the splendid sunrise over the bay (subject to weather conditions). At 6 am, a Tai Chi session begins on the sundeck. Then enjoy a light breakfast at the dining hall.

Continue by canoe to visit Sang Toi Cave – canoe through the grotto which opens up to a tranquil lake surrounded by steep cliffs and jungles.

Return back to the boat for check out. Then enjoy a brunch in the dining hall. Disembark around noon and then our guide will transfer you to Ninh Binh.
Check-in at the Emeralda Resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 5: Hanoi – Luang Prabang | Natural Wonders of Ninh Binh | Flight to Luang Prabang

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy some time at the resort to relax and take in the stunning views.

Check out late morning and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then this place existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Then it became the old citadel where are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Trang An Grottoes – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

Next, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the grottoes is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead is magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats.

Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

After you arrive, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Feel free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang on your own to discover night markets selling local tapestries and souvenirs.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 6: Luang Prabang | Alms Giving Ceremony | Pak Ou Caves and Luang Prabang Heritage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, you can join in the alms giving ceremony where a procession of monks pass the hotel as participants solemnly give sticky rice and other objects into their bowls. Then enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.

We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.

Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continues to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.

On the way back to the hotel, stop at the forest temple of Wat Phon Phao for a sunset away from the crowds. Then return to the hotel for leisure and overnight.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 7: Luang Prabang | Elephant Sanctuary | Tree House Sunset Cocktails and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• Mahout Training – learn about the commands of how to communicate to the elephant
• Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
• Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!

Then return to your hotel for leisure time.

As dusk is settling, transfer to a nearby secluded restaurant with a treehouse along the Mekong River. Enjoy sunset cocktails and dinner at the treehouse villa. Delicious Laos dishes will be brought to you as the sun is setting along the horizon. Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure. Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Accommodation: Le Bel Air Resort

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Pakse | Flight to Pakse | Vat Phou Temple

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll transfer by late morning flight to Pakse.

Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and continue to the hotel for check-in.

Go with our guide to visit nearby Wat Phou. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this place is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos. The temple was constructed in three levels: the bottom level is focused on the Baray (water reservoir) and promenade, the second level features quadrangular pavilions and galleries of carvings, and the top level is the sanctuary itself.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 9: Pakse | 4,000 Islands and Kayaking with Dolphins

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we transfer to Nakasang village. From here we board a local boat that takes us down the mighty Mekong and through some beautiful scenery until arriving at Don Khon Island. From Don Khon Island we walk along the island to see the old French train and the amazing Liphi waterfalls. At the waterfall, we take a short walk to above the falls where we enjoy lunch together amongst some beautiful surroundings!

Mekong Dolphin – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

After our lunch and taking some time to relax, we begin kayaking down the Mekong to an area near the Cambodian border where we will have the chance to see Mekong Dolphins. After spending some time to try and spot the dolphins, we will return back to your hotel in Pakse. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: The River Resort

Day 10: Pakse – Siem Reap | Bolaven Plateau | Flight to Siem Reap | Apsara Dinner Performance

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, check out from the hotel. Then we’ll go to visit a small village en route which is famous for knife making. See how knives are produced using traditional techniques. Continue onwards to visit some coffee plantations, here we see how coffee is grown and produced. Our journey stops at the stunning Tad Fan waterfall – a gorgeous twin waterfall carved in jungle backdrop which falls an eighth of a mile.

Continue to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and leisure time.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

This unique cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.
Accommodation: Viroth’s Hotel

Day 11: Siem Reap | Angkor Thom by Bicycle | Water Blessing Ceremony

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing cycling tour in the morning in ancient Angkor Thom – a stone city built around the time of Angkor Wat.

The biking tour will start at the South Gate – a photogenic bridge at the gateway of the stone city of Angkor Thom which has made its way into many Hollywood movies. Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Enter the stone city and explore shaded trails and ancient monuments. Visit Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as “Khmer Smile”, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Stop your cycling trip with a visit to the local monastery to chat with monks and see their daily life. Then take part in a Water Blessing Ceremony. We will provide a change of clothes for you – a traditional Sarong which you will wear during the ceremony.

Smiling Faces of Bayon Temple – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

In the afternoon, go to visit Ta Prohm Temple – a jungle monastery with trees overcoming stone. This temple has been featured in many Hollywood films, including Tomb Raider and Transformers 3. On the way back, stop to see the Killing Fields of Wat Thmei. Our guide will relay to you the history of the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pot, and the war. Cambodia is still healing from these atrocities.

Accommodation: Viroth’s Hotel

Day 12: Siem Reap | Water Filter Donation and Village Visit

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, go to visit a small village to donate a slow sand water filtration system. You’ll have a chance to meet with the village families. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the whole village. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The installation staff will instruct the villagers on how to maintain the filter. Return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. Optional recommendation: We recommend that if you have any used childrens’ books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village. This can impact the village children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school.

More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html

Accommodation: Viroth’s Hotel

Day 13: Siem Reap – Saigon | Angkor Wat Sunrise | Kompong Phluk Floating Village | Flight to Saigon

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Angkor Wat Temple – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

Before the light of the day, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Tonle Sap Lak: The Floating Village

Continue the trip to the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the Tonle Sap. You’ll take a boat ride to the floating village of Kampong Phluk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to its history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. Have a chance to see how the locals carve out a modest living on the water. Most are fishermen providing for their families and selling what extra they can catch. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby.

Return to the hotel to check out and take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Saigon(officially Ho Chi Minh City) is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Saigon will certainly be an interesting visit.

Accommodation: Maison de Camille Boutique

Day 14: Saigon | Saigon Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to see some of the most significant and mysterious temples in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting Emperor Jade Pagoda; also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. This figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest. The next stop is Cholon: the Chinatown of Saigon. A thickly settled district rife with tea houses and pagodas. There you’ll see Phuoc An, Hoi Quan Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda.

Then you’ll enjoy a cyclo tour around the city before stopping at Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs or give the local cuisine a try. Once the tour is complete, return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Maison de Camille Boutique

Day 15: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast

Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take off one of the many colorful fruits in season.

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh-made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency.

When the tour is finished, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh.

The brickyards  – The central coast of Vietnam – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

Accommodation: Maison de Camille Boutique

Day 16: Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Tay Ninh and the Cu Chi Tunnels and discover how the Vietnamese forces fought against the powerful American enemy.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you to bring you 90 km North of HCM to visit Tay Ninh, where is the Great Holy See Temple, where you can look out for the all-seeing holy eye, the official symbol of Cao Dai, located above the temple entrance.

Then explore the Cu Chi Tunnels an immense network of connecting underground tunnels used during the war to fight against the American forces. Walk around the complex and check the ingenious traps, the bomb holes, and of course through in the narrow tunnels between bunkers. There is also available a shooting range where you can shoot several of the weapons used during the war.

Return back to Ho Chi Minh City when the tour is finished.

Accommodation: Maison de Camille Boutique

Day 17: Saigon – Hue | Flight to Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the late morning, you will transfer by flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 18: Hue | Bicycling to Imperial Tombs and Manors

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, take to bicycles through the romantic city of Hue and surrounds. Your journey will bring you to Khai Dinh’s Tomb. On the way, stop to take some photos of the countryside scenery. When reaching Khai Dinh, start exploring the structure. It is notable for its elaborate decorative work and unique architecture, being a mix of a number of architectural styles. The tomb is of a rectangular structure leaning against Chau Chu Mountain in the outskirts of Hue. The side walls are formed by large dragon sculptures. The tomb is home to an imperial audience court, featuring a reinforced concrete steel monument, as well as twelve stone statues representing bodyguards.

Close to the top floor is the Khai Thanh Palace, featuring intricately designed glass and porcelain decorations on the walls. The ceiling of the palace is decorated with nine intricate dragons. The rear room of the palace is home to a temple containing Khai Dinh’s grave, an altar to him as well as a statue of his likeness.

After visiting Khai Dinh’s tomb, continue by bicycle to Tu Duc Tomb. While Khai Dinh’s Tomb is noteworthy for its ornate extravagance, Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb showcases a traditional elegance and many views it to be the most beautiful of Hue’s royal tombs. Designed by Tu Duc himself, it is said he preferred spending time in these serene grounds than at the palace.

Minh Mang Tomb

Enjoy a Hue styled Vietnamese lunch a at local restaurant before riding to the last famous imperial tomb today – Minh Mang Tomb. Minh Mang tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 structures (palaces, temples, and pavilions) designed on a symmetrical axis running from Dai Hong Gate to the foot of La Thanh (The Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. Local rumor has it that the emperor buried a splendid treasure of gold and priceless valuables somewhere on the large compound. But the secret of its whereabouts followed him to his grave.

Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 19: Hue – Hoi An | Road Trip to Hoi An | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Your tour guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

At the end of a long line of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wood and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.
In the afternoon, go with our guide to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 20: Hoi An | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll be able to relax or go explore the nearby beautiful beaches of Hoi An on your own. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

The central coast of Vietnam – 22 Days Classic Tour Vietnam Laos Cambodia

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 21: Danang – Hoi An | Leisure Day

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll be able to relax or go explore the nearby beautiful beaches of Hoi An on your own. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 22: Danang | Flight to Saigon | Farewell! | (International Flight)

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Saigon to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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