31 Days Inside Indochina Tour Of Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

You will have a full day free at leisure on your own today to recover somewhat from jet leg or you may want to take a leisure walking tour in the down town in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.

A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be the same without experiencing the life of the Mekong Delta.
Leave Saigon in the morning for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta where you will embank the private Song Xanh Sampan. Our cruise trip starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.00 am. The cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Visits will be made at an ancient mandarin house dating from 1890 where you will we welcomed by the owner. Another stop at some local home factories will allow you to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Sa Dec via Vinh Long, cruising by Dong Phu and An Binh islets famous for their fruit orchards. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people. Crossing the large Co Chien River we will pass under the spectacular My Thuan Bridge. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit. Further, Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals…You will disembark for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous… You will visit the local market and the Trung Vuong primary school where well known writer Marguerite Duras spent her childhood (see her famous novel turned into the movie “The Lover”). Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy a romantic dinner served on the deck during the sunset. Stay the first night on your private boat on the Mekong River…

The breakfast will be served on board at 07am.Your Sampan will slowly leave Sa Dec and proceed the cruise upstream the river to Long Xuyen, a peaceful provincial town located on the Mekong’s banks. We will pass by several luxuriant islands, crossing countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fishes, showing an intense activity on the river. Approaching Long Xuyen, your lunch will be served on board. Later, you will have a quick tour of Long Xuyen typical center before cruising further to “Cu Lao Ong Ho” (The Tiger Island) for a visit at Ton Duc Thang museum, second president of Vietnam…We will proceed upstream on the Mekong river to Chau Doc. Some stops on the banks will be possible for cycling tours to discover deeper the inhabitants’ life style.

In the evening, we will organize for you an exciting experience in a village located in the suburbs of Cho Moi, where your dinner will be arranged at some typical local house. You will be able to share experiences with family members and learn about traditional Southern Vietnam lifestyle, one of the highlights of your journey on the Mekong which should not be forgotten! Back on board your private sampan for your second night on the boat on the river.

Early morning, your breakfast will be served on board while we will be cruising to Chau Doc. We will cruise on a beautiful river, little arm of the Mekong, where several traditional activities can be observed on the banks (artisanal boat factories, bamboo baskets making, palm leaves cutting, net fishing), as well as old Vietnamese temples dating from late 19th century. We will be cruising the Bassac river before entering Chau Doc. The town is famous for its floating fish farming villages, floating markets and Cham villages, an ancient Muslim ethnic population with their kingdom covering Cambodia and south Vietnam during the 10th century. Located on the upper Mekong Delta, Chau Doc town is 280 km (174 miles) south-west of Ho Chi Minh City close to the Cambodian border. With such proximity to Cambodia, the local population is an eclectic mix of Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese, sharing different cultures and historical richness. Your cruise journey will end before noon in Chau Doc where you will be picked up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc Town.

After breakfast, you will board the speed boat to Phnom Penh. 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.
We begin our discovery of Phnom Penh in the thriving old market areas and then zip around the modernising parts of the city, visiting the exotic Central Markets where gems, silks and statues entice. 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 at hotel in Phnom Penh.

Continue our Phnom Penh discovery with the visit to the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit 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.
We take a 'walk back' into the brutal, (modern) history that Cambodia shockingly suffered under Pol Pot's reign during the 1970's, visiting 'The Killing Fields' & S-21 - The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in the afternoon.
Late afternoon, we transfer you to the airport for a 40 minute flight to Siem Reap. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the LeperKing and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), until sunset. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Morning, Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap.  Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.
Afternoon, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
Visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market in the rest of the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for the morning flight to Vientiane.

On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After a short rest, 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, sunset by the Mekong Riverside and late evening. Overnight at hotel in Vientiane

Breakfast at hotel, free at leisure until your short afternoon flight to Xiengkhouang, which was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. We also have time, this afternoon seeing the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. Overnight at hotel in Phonsavanh

Early morning, we visit Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch different Hill Tribes to barter and exchange merchandises. Then heading out the this small town to Luang Prabang, on the way, we drop off and see a site more than 200 years old Buddha images in Thampraand varied Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. They are nice, friendly and welcome you to visit. After a photo stop, we continue driving up hill, enjoying mountain splendid natural scenery, forest and landscape. After a tea or coffee break at Sala Phoukhoun, where the T-junction of bordering meets Vientiane-Xiengkhouang-Luang Prabang. The journey will take us over mountainous region to Luang Prabang. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into hotel, [if time permits] we start seeing the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, 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. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight at htoel in Luang Prabang

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour 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. 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. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight at htoel in Luang Prabang.

Morning, drive 28Km from the city, visit Kuangsi waterfalls and visit the Villages surrounding: Ban ThaPene then return to the town and visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, and the Central Market are not to be missed. Late afternoon take the flight to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. 

For the early risers, may we suggest a stroll along the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake where each morning around 6am, groups of locals gather to do their exercises along the lovely tree lined promenade. You may cross over the red bridge at the north end to Ngoc Son Temple and the Tortoise Tower which are o­n a small island.
After breakfast, you will have a full day to see the city so good walking shoes are a must. The visit includes:
- Temple of Literature, built in 11th Century and the country’s first University
- Ho Chi Minh’s (HCM) Mausoleum and Presidential Palace
- HCM’s Stilt House
- o­ne Pillar Pagoda
- Ethnology Museum
- Opera House
- Hoa Lo prison which is also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”
- West Lake & Pagoda,
- Take a Cyclo ride through the Old Town
- Attend a Water Puppet Show - the traditional performance dated 11th century. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Participate in Tai Chi o­n the top deck or simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent bay. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to a near- by cave by row boat. Watch for monkeys high o­n the cliff tops. After the cave trip you return back to the junk, and have breakfast, while sailing around Bay Tu Long bay where the movie “Indochine” was filmed.
Your cruise will end at noon and you will be met by your guide & driver for the trip back to Hanoi. There is a short stop en-route to visit the But Thap Pagoda, which is Vietnam’s first Buddhist Temple built in the 13th century.
After arrival to Hanoi, you may do more sightseeing; catch up o­n your shopping.
You will have time for your own dinner before the transfer to the train station for the night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train in a private air-con sleeper cabin.

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai train station - The Chinese border town, then transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast and refreshment.
Morning, take an orientation walking tour to explore this small charming town.
A whole afternoon today is for discovering the nature as well as different culture of hill tribal people. From hotel we start our trekking up and down hills with nice rice terraces, spectacular scenery the Fansipan Mount, and through scenic Muong Hoa valley. We walk from village to villages around Lao Chai and Ta Van area which is 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...Enjoy lunch at a local house. We will return to our hotel in Sapa by car in afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Note: A full or half day trekking or moving by jeep and short walk is on your request.

After breakfast we will leave for Coc Ly 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…
Late afternoon, Drive to the Chinese border gate for a short visit before driving to the railways station for night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on the train in the 4 sleeper cabin.

The train arrives back to Hanoi early in the morning. Meet your guide at train station and transfer to a sub hotel for breakfast and refreshment before the transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue in the morning.
Afternoon, 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.
Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisure boat-ride along the scenic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

After breakfast, you will have a four hour drive over the scenic Hai Van pass along the coast 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 for refreshment. Visit Cham Sculpture museum and Marble Mountain in Danang before continue on our drive to Hoi An.
In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour to see the interesting sights of this ancient city. Some hundreds years ago, this town thrived o­n trading with the Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. You will visit a historical Old House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Temple and Silk Factory. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Morning, take a discovery trip to My Son, 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 in the morning.
Afternoon, 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. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Morning, meet our Chef at Hai Scout Café at 98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. First, we will have a first lesson of buying typical Vietnamese ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. After the market visit, you board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes, which is the mix of Vietnam and Chinese cuisine. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before you prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. Then our boat will pick you up at Red Bridge School for a river cruise along Hoi An River back to Hoi An Town. In the rest of the afternoon, you will be free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Depart Hoian after breakfast for the short flight in the morning to Nha Trang. You will be met at the airport by your guide for the transfer to your resort.
Nha Trang has o­ne of the most popular beaches in all of Vietnam, with clear turquoise water and mountains backdrop. The coconut palms provide shelter along most of the 6 km beachfront.
This afternoon, enjoy free time on the beach. Overnight at hotel inNhatrang.

Free on the beach in the morning until the 4 hour drive journey to Dalat.
Dalat is a slice of Europe in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dalat found favor with the French rulers for its cool climate. Today, Dalat’s mild temperatures are popular with Private Asia Tours’s travelers, as is the town’s attractive landscape of colonial villas, gardens, lakes and rolling hills.
Along the way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people. Arrive in Dalat in the late afternoon, you will check in your hotel and then be free for relaxing or exploring this charming and romantic city on your own. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

In the morning, you will ride a cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake. 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.
Afternoon, you will visit Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, Crazy House, Dalat Railway station and Dalat market. Overnight at hotel in Dalat.

Morning, take an excursion to Lang Biang Mountain and visit Lat village – the indigenous people of Dalat with their rich culture, long houses, and weavings.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport for the short flight back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.