Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hue – Da Nang– Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Bangkok

Explore the rich history, diverse cultures and natural beauty of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand on this comprehensive tour of Indochina. From scenic Ha Long Bay and historic Hoi An to the magnificent temples of Angkor, the charming town of Luang Prabang and the royal landmarks of Bangkok, the itinerary brings together some of Southeast Asia’s finest attractions.

Beyond the major sights, visits to rural villages, local markets and a traditional rice farm, along with a Vietnamese cooking class, offer insight into everyday life. This is an active cultural journey designed to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of this fascinating region.

Want to extend your stay in Thailand? Ask us for ideas.

Important Features

• Small group size – 20 maximum
• Experienced local guides
• No forced shopping stops
• Authentic local cuisine
• Ha Long Bay cruise aboard a luxury junk
• Unlimited supply of bottled water
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels
• Water puppet show in Hanoi
• Cooking class in Hoi An
• Village and school visits in Siem Reap
• Rice farm visit in Luang Prabang

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing Home City
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Airport transfers for guests arriving before the scheduled tour arrival date are not included. Additional transfers can be arranged at extra cost, depending on the number of guests.

Day 3/Sat: Hanoi (B/L/D)
Hanoi is the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam, with a core urban metro population estimated at 5.7 million. The ancient city has had many names throughout history, all of Sino-Vietnamese origin. Hanoi received its current name from Emperor Minh Mang in 1831. Ha and Noi mean “river” and “inside” respectively, reflecting the city’s location between the Red River and To Lich River.

Hanoi served as the capital of several Vietnamese dynasties between 1010 and 1802, although political power shifted during periods of division. The city served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. Following the French withdrawal in 1954, Hanoi became the capital of North Vietnam and, in 1976, of the reunified Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Our city tour following an orientation at the hotel takes in the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam National Museum of History, the Old Quarter and a traditional water puppet show.

The Presidential Palace was built between 1900 and 1906 to house the French Governor-General of Indochina. When Vietnam achieved independence in 1954, Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) declined to live in the grand structure for symbolic reasons. Instead, a traditional Vietnamese stilt house was built for him in the same complex. The stilt house served as his principal residence during his later years. The palace is used for government functions and is not open to the public. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located nearby the palace.

The Vietnam National Museum of History occupies the former Louis Finot Museum, built during the French colonial period. Its collections trace Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times through the modern era, with exhibits covering ancient civilizations, dynasties and the country’s struggle for independence.

The Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the old quarter. A night market (near Dong Xuan Market) in the heart of the district opens for business on weekends offering a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

We attend a traditional water puppet show later in the day. The show is performed in a waist-deep pool with the water’s surface serving as the stage. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The puppeteers standing behind a split-bamboo screen control the puppets using long bamboo rods and a string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. The themes are largely rural, drawing heavily on Vietnamese folklore. Stories of harvesting, fishing and festivals are highlighted, often with a humorous twist. Legends and national history are also told through short skits.

We wrap up the day with a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 4/Sun: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
Our morning drive to Ha Long Bay takes about two and a half hours. On arrival, we board our luxury cruise ship for an overnight journey through the bay, including visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, approximately 165 km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Its extraordinary landscape features more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from the sea. Formed over millions of years, these spectacular karst formations include towering cliffs, natural arches and caves shaped by erosion. The World Heritage Site was expanded in 2023 to include the neighbouring Cat Ba Archipelago.

Day 5/Mon: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B/L/D)
After a leisurely breakfast, we disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Following lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature, dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and founded in 1070.

Our late-afternoon or early-evening flight to Hue takes just over one hour. If the flight schedule prevents us from having dinner as planned, the meal will be served the following day instead.

Day 6/Tue: Hue (B/L)
Hue served as Vietnam’s imperial capital under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 until 1945, when Emperor Bao Dai abdicated following the August Revolution. During the Vietnam War, Hue’s location near the border separating North and South Vietnam made it particularly vulnerable.

The city suffered extensive destruction during the Battle of Hue in the 1968 Tet Offensive, when North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces occupied much of the city before being driven out by American and South Vietnamese troops after weeks of fierce fighting. Communist forces also executed large numbers of civilians during their occupation.

Our sightseeing in Hue today takes in the massive citadel encompassing the Imperial City, Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 7/Wed: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B/D)
Have some free time after breakfast. The late-morning drive to Da Nang (92 km) along the winding coastal highway offers spectacular views. We will make a couple of photo stops before visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture, a highlight of Da Nang.

Da Nang is a major port city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and French colonial history. During the Vietnam War, Da Nang Air Base was a major military installation used by the South Vietnamese and United States air forces.

We continue our overland journey after the museum visit. The drive from Da Nang to Hoi An takes approximately 40–50 minutes (30 km).

Day 8/Thu: Hoi An (B/L)
The early history of Hoi An is closely associated with the Cham people, whose kingdoms once controlled much of present-day central Vietnam. By the 16th century, Hoi An had developed into an important international trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan and Europe. The town flourished particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was among Southeast Asia’s busiest commercial centres.

Hoi An’s importance declined during the 18th and 19th centuries as a result of political upheaval, changes in trading patterns and the growing prominence of nearby Da Nang as a seaport. Its subsequent economic stagnation helped preserve much of its historic architecture.

Our morning visit to the food market in the town centre is followed by a cooking class. We then spend the rest of the day exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our walking tour takes in the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall and a lantern-making workshop.

Day 9/Fri: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive back to Da Nang (30 km) for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (1½ hours).

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly abbreviated as HCMC, is Vietnam’s largest city. Formerly known as Saigon, it lies approximately 1,160 km (720 miles) south of Hanoi.

The city’s early history is closely associated with the Khmer settlement of Prey Nokor, which existed long before the arrival of large numbers of Vietnamese settlers. Beginning in the 17th century, Vietnamese migration and political expansion gradually transformed the area. The Cambodian kingdom, weakened by internal conflicts and wars with neighbouring powers, was unable to prevent the loss of much of the Mekong Delta. Over time, Prey Nokor developed into Saigon, while the Khmer population became a minority in the region.

Saigon served as the capital of French Cochinchina during the colonial period and later as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1955 to 1975. The city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, 1976.

Our afternoon sightseeing begins with a stroll along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as Rue Catinat, the commercial heart of colonial Saigon. Highlights include the former City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Day 10/Sat: Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Stretching over 200 km, this extensive underground network was an important Viet Cong base during the Vietnam War. The tunnels served as hiding places during combat, communication and supply routes, field hospitals, storage facilities for food and weapons, and living quarters. They also played an important role in communist military operations around Saigon, including preparations for the 1968 Tet Offensive.

We return to the city following lunch and spend the rest of the day visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace, formerly the presidential palace of South Vietnam. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese Army tanks entered the palace grounds, marking the fall of Saigon and the collapse of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Day 11/Sun: HCMC – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
We take a morning flight (30-45 minutes) to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Located at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s largest city and its political, economic and cultural centre.

Phnom Penh first became a royal capital in the 15th century, following the decline of Angkor and the relocation of the Khmer court under King Ponhea Yat. Over the following centuries, Cambodia’s rulers moved their capitals among several locations, including Longvek and Oudong. Phnom Penh became the permanent capital under King Norodom in 1865–1866, during the early years of the French protectorate.

Under French colonial rule, Phnom Penh developed from a riverside settlement into a modern administrative centre, with broad avenues, government buildings, schools, hospitals and commercial districts. By the 1920s, the city had acquired a reputation for its attractive architecture and was sometimes called the “Pearl of Asia.”

Cambodia’s fortunes deteriorated dramatically during the Vietnam War and the civil conflict that followed. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces operated from bases inside Cambodia, while fighting between the Cambodian government and communist insurgents drove large numbers of refugees into Phnom Penh.

On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge captured the capital and began forcibly evacuating its population. Residents were sent to the countryside for agricultural labour as Pol Pot’s regime attempted to transform Cambodia into a radically collectivized society. Intellectuals, professionals, ethnic and religious minorities, and suspected political opponents were among those persecuted. Forced labour, starvation, disease and executions claimed the lives of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians during the Khmer Rouge period.

Vietnamese forces entered Phnom Penh in January 1979, ending Khmer Rouge rule over most of Cambodia. However, the country continued to suffer from conflict and political instability for years afterward. Phnom Penh’s gradual recovery was supported by reconstruction, international assistance and, later, foreign investment.

Our sightseeing today includes the Royal Palace Complex and the National Museum.

Day 12/Mon: Phnom Penh (B/L)
Today we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, two important sites associated with the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. The visits can be emotionally difficult, but they provide valuable insight into one of the darkest periods in Cambodia’s history.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum occupies the former Tuol Sleng High School, which the Khmer Rouge converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). Thousands of prisoners were detained, interrogated and tortured here, and many were subsequently taken to Choeung Ek for execution. The museum preserves prison cells, photographs, documents and instruments of torture. Guests who prefer not to enter the museum may instead take a walk through the surrounding neighbourhood.

Choeung Ek, approximately 15 km from central Phnom Penh, was one of the Khmer Rouge’s principal execution and mass-burial sites. Today, it serves as a memorial to the victims of the regime.

Day 13/Tue: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B/L/D)
We take a morning flight to Siem Reap. After a light lunch, we visit the Angkor National Museum and Angkor Wat.

Opened in 2007, the Angkor National Museum houses an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures, religious objects and archaeological artefacts, primarily from the Angkor period (9th–15th centuries). Its eight galleries introduce visitors to the history, art, religion and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire. Our visit provides useful background for exploring the temples of Angkor over the following days.

Angkor Wat, meaning “City of Temples,” was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113–1150). Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it gradually became a Buddhist place of worship and has remained an important religious centre for centuries. Covering approximately 162 hectares, it is widely regarded as the world’s largest religious monument.

Angkor Wat represents the height of classical Khmer architecture. Its design combines the traditional Khmer temple-mountain with a series of enclosed galleries and courtyards. The five central towers symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the centre of the Hindu universe. Surrounding the temple are an extensive moat and an outer enclosure measuring approximately 3.6 km around its perimeter.

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat faces west, a feature whose religious significance remains debated. Its extensive bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu mythology, royal processions and historical events. The temple has become Cambodia’s most recognizable national symbol and appears on the country’s flag.

Day 14/Wed: Siem Reap (B/L)
Visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm in the morning and have the afternoon at leisure after lunch.

Angkor Thom (literally “Great City”) was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Covering approximately 9 square kilometres, it contains monuments from earlier periods as well as those built by Jayavarman VII and his successors. One inscription refers to the king as the groom and the city as his bride. Angkor Thom was the last great capital of the Khmer Empire.

At the centre of the city stands Bayon, Jayavarman VII’s state temple, famous for its towers bearing enormous carved faces with enigmatic smiles. The temple’s extensive bas-reliefs depict military campaigns, religious ceremonies and scenes of everyday life during the Khmer Empire. The identity of the faces remains a subject of scholarly debate.

Ta Prohm, originally known as Rajavihara, was founded in 1186 by Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery dedicated to his mother. Unlike most Angkorian temples, much of Ta Prohm has been preserved with the massive tree roots that have grown over its walls and buildings. This unusual combination of architecture and vegetation has made it one of Angkor’s most recognizable monuments.

Day 15/Thu: Siem Reap (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive approximately 25 km to Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Although relatively small compared with the great temples of Angkor, Banteay Srei is celebrated for its exceptionally intricate carvings in pinkish sandstone, among the finest examples of classical Khmer art.

On our way back to the hotel, we stop at a local village for a glimpse of everyday life in rural Cambodia.

Day 16/Fri: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang (B/D)
Free morning to relax or explore on your own.

We fly to Luang Prabang in the afternoon. Due to limited flight availability, we may need to depart in the morning and fly to Luang Prabang via Bangkok or another city. Today’s meal and sightseeing arrangements will depend on the flight schedule.

Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King Fa Ngum. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013. The population of the country is estimated to be around 8 million.

Day 17/Sat: Luang Prabang (B/L)
Strategically located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang Province and the fourth largest city in Laos with a population of about 55,000. Laos became a French protectorate in 1893. Following a period of turmoil during which the country was divided into three independent kingdoms, Luang Prabang once again became the royal and religious capital during the reign of King Sisavang Vong (r. 1904- 1945). The city played this role until Vientiane became the administrative capital in 1946. In 1995, the old town of Luang Prabang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries”. The unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions. Luang Prabang is known for both its historical sites and natural beauty.

We rise at dawn to go out and witness an extraordinary ritual – the procession of monks emerging from temples to seek alms from local residents. This traditional food collection ceremony by monks early in the morning, known as tak bat among locals, has become a major attraction for tourists.

After breakfast, we set out for the National Museum, former royal residence built at the turn of the 20th century. We then visit the Wat Mai, the largest and most decorated Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. A drive through the scenic countryside leads us to the Tad Kuang Si waterfalls, tumbling over limestone formations to create turquoise-colored pools; the natural footpaths here are perfect for hiking.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we stop at a Hmong village. The Hmong are an ethnic group found across the mountainous regions of China and mainland Southeast Asia. The visit offers a glimpse of their traditional culture and daily life.

Day 18/Sun: Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B/L)
We begin today with a visit to a morning market where locals go for their daily food supplies. The market offers a colourful introduction to local produce and everyday life.

After breakfast we drive to a communal rice farm set in idyllic countryside for a better understanding of farming life in this landlocked country. You are invited to try your hand at various farm activities. There is also time to check out nearby workshops of bamboo weavers, blacksmiths, and sugar cane processors.

Following lunch, we ride the express train to Vientiane (2 hours).

Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, lies on the Mekong River opposite Thailand. Its history dates back many centuries, and it became the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom in 1563 under King Setthathirath. Today, it is the country’s political, administrative and economic centre.

Day 19/Mon: Vientiane – Bangkok (B)
Our half-day tour of Vientiane includes Wat Sisaket, a Siamese-style temple with walls containing thousands of miniature Buddha images, Wat Phra Kaeo (used as a museum displaying Lao and Khmer works of art), COPE Visitor Centre (to learn about efforts to assist victims of unexploded ordnance), and Patuxai (victory monument commemorating those who fought for independence).

We board a late afternoon flight for Bangkok. The flight time can be anywhere between 1 hour and 1 hour 25 minutes depending on aircraft in use.

Located in the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The greater Bangkok metropolitan area is home to more than 10 million people.

Bangkok traces its origins to a small trading settlement during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The area subsequently became the site of two successive capitals: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok played a central role in Siam’s modernization during the late 19th century, when the country faced increasing pressure from Western colonial powers.

Throughout the 20th century, Bangkok was at the centre of Thailand’s political struggles as the country transitioned from absolute monarchy to constitutional rule and experienced numerous coups and uprisings. The city expanded rapidly from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Day 20/Tue: Bangkok (B/L/D)
Our morning sightseeing begins at the royal Grand Palace. Established in 1782, the palace was dramatically expanded throughout successive reigns. The king and his royal government were based on the palace grounds until 1925.

We then proceed to the Bangkok National Museum, Thailand’s principal museum of art, archaeology and history, with extensive collections of Thai cultural and historical artefacts.

After lunch, we visit Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, associated with the rising sun. Wat Arun is among Thailand’s best-known landmarks.

Later in the day, we board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi on the west bank. Along the way, we’ll have opportunities to observe and photograph traditional homes and temples lining the waterways.

Day 21/Wed: Bangkok – Home City (B)
Your tour ends today. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. If you choose to extend your stay in Bangkok, your airport transfer will be at your own expense. Taxis are readily available, and the Airport Rail Link offers an inexpensive alternative for travellers departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Hotel List

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. International air is extra. Local regional flights per itinerary are included.

Know Before You Go

Passport & Visa

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour and have at least four blank pages. Make sure it is in good condition.

Do I need visas for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Canadian, American and Australian passport holders generally require tourist visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. British passport holders are generally exempt from Vietnam’s visa requirement for visits of up to 45 days but require visas for Cambodia and Laos.

Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders generally qualify for visa-free tourist entry to Thailand.

Electronic visas are available through the following official government websites:

• Vietnam: https://evisa.gov.vn/

• Cambodia: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/

• Laos: https://laoevisa.gov.la/

Apply well before departure and ensure that your visa details match your passport. Check the latest requirements, including approved entry points, before applying.

Are electronic arrival cards required?

Cambodia requires an electronic arrival declaration, which can be submitted within seven days before arrival at https://arrival.gov.kh/.

Thailand requires most foreign visitors to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/.

Vietnam has also introduced electronic pre-arrival declarations for certain international arrivals. Check the latest requirements for your arrival airport before departure.

Health & Safety

Are vaccinations required?

No routine vaccination certificates are generally required for travellers arriving directly from Canada, the United States, Britain or Australia. Yellow fever vaccination documentation may be required if you have visited or transited through certain countries where yellow fever occurs.

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended, and other vaccinations may be advisable depending on your health and itinerary. Consult a travel health professional before departure.

Is tap water safe to drink?

We recommend drinking bottled, boiled or properly filtered water throughout the tour. Avoid untreated tap water and exercise reasonable caution with uncooked food. Bottled water is provided during sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for travellers with limited mobility?

This is an active tour involving considerable walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, particularly at historical sites and temples. Travellers should be comfortable walking several kilometres on sightseeing days. Please discuss any mobility concerns with us before booking.

Money & Practical Matters

What currencies are used?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND), Cambodia the Cambodian riel (KHR), Laos the Lao kip (LAK), and Thailand the Thai baht (THB).

US dollars are also widely accepted in Cambodia, particularly in tourist areas. Local currencies are preferred elsewhere.

Are credit cards and ATMs readily available?

Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, restaurants and larger shops. ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Carry some local cash for smaller purchases.

What should I pack?

Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a light rain jacket. When visiting temples and religious sites, dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.

What’s the weather like?

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand have tropical or subtropical climates, with considerable regional and seasonal variation. Northern Vietnam and Laos can be cool in winter, while Cambodia and Thailand generally remain warm throughout the year. Rainfall patterns vary by region.

Will my mobile phone work?

Most modern smartphones can use international roaming or a local SIM or eSIM. Wi-Fi is available at the tour hotels. Check roaming charges with your service provider before departure.

What electrical adapters do I need?

All four countries use approximately 220–230V electricity, with several different socket types. Bring a universal travel adapter. Most modern phone and laptop chargers support 100–240V, but check your devices before use.