18-Day Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos Highlights Tour

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the enigmatic jungle temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the quaint yet bustling town of Siem Reap, a hidden gem of word-class wining and dining, kind locals, and charming markets.

After breakfast at your hotel, your awe-inspiring tour of Angkor begins. Entering through the grand South Gate, you’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the jungle to the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm. Here you’ll witness the monstrous jungle vines and sprawling tree roots that seem intent on claiming the ruins as their own. We cap off our day of adventuring with a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Apsara dance performance at Angkor Village Resort.

After breakfast*, you will witness the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, in all its glory. This incredible twelfth century monument stands testament to the dedication and skill of the ancient Khmer people and is truly a wonder of the world.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll savour the remote peace of Banteay Srei, or the ‘Citadel of Beauty,’ some 20 km away. This less-frequented woodland temple is beautifully preserved and is incomparable with any other in Angkor. En route to your hotel, we stop at a rural Khmer village to give you insight into the everyday lives of the friendly local people. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap some more.

After breakfast you’ll head for the Tonlé Sap, dominating the map of Cambodia as the largest freshwater lake in southeast asia. While here, you’ll observe life on the lake for the fishermen and their families who make their homes on the stilt-housing in the water. Once back on dry land, you’ll have the chance to stroll through Psar Chas, a bustling old market, where you’ll find your pick of souvenirs to treat loved-ones back at home.

After lunch, you’ll be taken to the airport for your short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s industrious capital at the confluence of the of the mighty Mekong and the Tonlé Sap. The evening is yours to stroll along the idyllic waterfront.

After breakfast, your experience of this city rich in history begins with a stroll around the pristine gardens of the Royal Residence, before taking in the impressive collection of sculpture, relics and prehistoric artefacts in the National Museum of Cambodia. Next you’ll marvel at the soaring spires and golden nagas of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, glinting in the mid-morning sun.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll spend a reflective afternoon touring the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Cambodia’s recent tragic history is well-known, yet you can’t truly appreciate the great strides forward this quaint Kingdom has made without understanding the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, committed less than 40 years ago. The evening is your own to indulge in all this now rejuvenated city has to offer.

Today you’re free to explore this lively city on your own, soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery and the rich culture. Indulge your senses with the fascinating new sounds, smells, and sights of the capital. When it’s time to leave, your guide will collect you and take you to the airport for your ongoing flight, having seen the very best Cambodia has to offer.

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), your friendly local guide will greet you at airport and then take you to your hotel for check-in. Experience Ho Chi Minh City with its pulsating energy and fascinating culture! This dazzling city boasts French colonial charm from its architecture to its food. A chaotic whirlwind of traffic and disarray, visitors cannot help but be captivated from this region from moment they arrive. The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and do a little exploring on your own.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will start your day with a fascinating tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels made by the Viet Cong during the war. These mysterious tunnels functioned as underground cities, complete with living quarters, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and supply routes. On the way back to the city, you will join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, including a charming trip to a local market where you can pick your own ingredients. At the end of the lesson, you may sit down to enjoy your delicious meal!

After lunch, drive back to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing, which will include admiring the architecture of the Central Post Office, a taste of a local marketplace at the Binh Tay Market, learning more about the wars of Vietnam and their effects on the country at the War Remnants Museum and finally visiting the impressive French colonial-style City Hall. The evening is yours to explore the city and sample some of the world's favourite food.

In the early morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Ben Tre. You will meet your guide at Ham Luong River where you will board your Mango Cruise. Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking 2-day journey along the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as we set sail to Mo Cay. Our first stop will be the Mo Cay local wet market where you will see many food stalls full of local produce and fresh meats, including strange exotic delicacies such as rat and snake. As we continue to cruise through the canals, we will make another stop to see the local coconut pressing where coconut oils and fibers are made.

Upon your return to the ship, you will be given free time to relax and have a cold drink and delicious lunch on deck. We will then head down the Vung Liem Canal to visit the traditional brickworks in the lively town of Vung Liem. Next, you will be given a bicycle tour around town, visiting the fascinating Cao Dai and Khmer temples. We will now set sail to Tra On, where we will stop for the night. You will be given some free time to lounge and freshen up before a cooking demonstration and mouth-watering 5-course dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding nature. Overnight on board.

Arise early to explore the Tra On floating market as we make our way towards Can Tho. Next, visit the spectacular Cai Rang floating market, where we will transfer to a smaller boat and mingle amongst the thousands of trading vessels. Wander through the local boats and enjoy tasting the various fruits and drinks from the stands. After our visit to the floating markets, you will return to your cruise and enjoy the dazzling scenery before being dropped off at Ninh Kieu Quay in Can Tho where you will again be greeted by a private guide.

In the afternoon, you will be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City where you will pack up your belongings and then head to the airport! Tonight, you will be whisked away on a flight to Hoi An, a delightful and atmospheric seaside village in Central Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport in Hoi An, your lovely local guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore this delightful town.

After breakfast, you'll start your day with a wander around Hoi An Ancient Town, where you will see the beautiful 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This city is a picture postcard gem, with its unique brightly coloured buildings and historic atmosphere. Your tour will continue with a visit to the Quan Cong Temple and handicraft village.

In the afternoon, join an eco sunset cruise where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea. On this tour, you will witness two special daily rituals: the passing parade of the local fishing fleet setting out to sea and the magic of the sun slowly sinking in the sky. You will also have the opportunity to experience paddling the strange and unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Join the local fisherman on the river and enjoy a hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing.Tonight is yours to wander around this delightful town. Have some clothing made at one of Hoi An’s many tailoring shops or visit An Hoi’s beautiful lantern night market!

Today, you will discover UNESCO World Heritage site and hidden treasure of Vietnam, My Son Holy Land. These crumbling ruins are a holy city for the Cham, a minority tribe. Built in the 4th century, this site was the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. After a stroll around this dramatic complex, we will head out for some lunch before returning to your hotel in Hoi An.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Hanoi, the ever-so-charming cultural capital of Vietnam! Upon your arrival, your local guide will take you back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a lovely morning touring around Hanoi city. You will begin with a visit to The Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace and Museum. Then, you will discover the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple which rises from the centre of one pillar and is said to be have been built in the shape of a lotus. Finish your day with a stroll around the Fine Arts Museum; showcasing pieces from a range of historical periods.

Following a delicious local lunch, your afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Ethnologic Museum, where you can learn a bit about the many different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. After this, you'll be taken to visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will learn about the interesting mythology that surrounds it. Today’s tour ends with a special tour where you may discover the picturesque Old Quarter by cyclo or rickshaw. Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax. This evening, enjoy a cultural treat! You will be attending a famous Water Puppet Show at the theatre.

Today, you will be whisked away early in the morning to Halong Bay where you will board your Bhaya Cruise!  Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking day-long journey. After a brief check-in and orientation, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as we set sail into the mystical Halong Bay.

You will be given a buffet lunch as the boat cruises southeast, passing by Trong Mai Islet and Titov Island. You will then transfer to a small local sampan boat to discover the floating village of Vung Vieng. Once returning to the ship, if weather permits, you will be given kayaks to further explore the surrounding area. Next, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck. The bar opens at 17:30 with a “buy one get one free” happy hour. A set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, watch a movie in the restaurant, or enjoy a 30% discount at the bar. Overnight on cruise at Halong Bay.

Today, you will begin your early morning with some spiritual and relaxing Tai Chi on the sundeck. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served as your ship cruises through the mysterious and majestic caves of Trong, Trinh Nu, Me Cung, and Sung Sot, along with the islet of Coc Ngoi. A buffet brunch will be served on board as the ship cruises back towards the harbour. You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marina where you will be transferred back to Hanoi by your private guide.

The rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy your last few moments in Hanoi. When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane, a charming backwater capital of smiling locals and steaming noodle stalls. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the city’s rich delights.

After breakfast at your hotel, your journey of discovery starts with a fantastic city tour, beginning with the fascinating National Museum, where you’ll have a chance to gain a foundation understanding of Lao history that will help you get the best of the sights you’ll see later on the trip. After the museum, it’s on to Wat Sisaket, the oldest wat (temple) in Vientiane serving as home to a host of gorgeous murals and a beautifully ornate ceiling. The final stop of the morning is Wat Prakeo, housing some of the country’s finest sculptures.

After lunch, you’ll be driven the short journey northeast of the city to Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos. This beautiful golden temple sits at the centre of a high-walled  cloister with tiny windows and is said to enclose a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. After the Lao national icon, you’ll call in on a more recent monument, erected after Laos claimed independence from France, as you make your way back to the city. You’ll round off the day with a trip to Wat Si Muang, famed for its supernatural powers. The rest of the day is yours to relax, perhaps taking a sunset stroll along the Mekong before retiring to your hotel.    

This morning, enjoy your last moments in Vientiane with a wander through the quaint town. When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to the stunning town of Luang Prabang, a sleepy blend of red-roofed Buddhist temples and French-colonial architecture nestled in the lofty green mountains. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the mystique of this former mountain kingdom.

You’ll start the day by observing the early-morning alms ritual of the saffron-robed monks that call this city home, perhaps even receiving a blessing. After breakfast at your hotel, you will head to explore more of Laos’ natural beauty at the stunning Khouang Si Waterfalls. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a variety of Lao Minority Group villages, learning about their unique traditions and cultures, experiencing a totally different way of life. Spend the evening relaxing in your hotel, or venture out on your own.

This morning, enjoy a private tour of the city, calling in at Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang’s stunning Golden City Temple, Wat Aham, with its depictions of Buddha’s life painted on the walls, and the Royal Palace Museum, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about Lao history and culture. Soak up your last few moment in Luang Prabang before your tour comes to an end. Your private guide will be with you to escort you to the airport for your onward journey.

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