Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Tour - 17 days

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city center for check-in and free at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Free in the morning to relax.

Pickup at 1pm for your half day city tour

We will spend a half day visiting the city. We start with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. 

Leaving the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first university. 

Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.

The day ends with a visit to Saint Joseph cathedral 

Pick up at 6pm for your food tour

Take a 3- hour walk through Hanoi's old quarter with a local guide. Get an insight into the traditions of Vietnam’s food culture.

First we stop at a local restaurant to try our exquisite combination of Spring rolls, Pho rolls, pillow cake, shrimp cake, sweet donuts or deep fried fermented pork…served with a dish of raw vegetables and fish sauce.

Next, we head on to try Vietnamese signature dish- Phở. But it’s not ordinary Phở soup, it’s mixed Phở with a special sauce. It can definitely bring you a whole new different taste.

Visit a restaurant to taste Bánh Mỳ (a Vietnamese sandwich) with its delicious pate. 

And we can’t miss out on our traditional dessert- Chè. They have both winter and summer versions. 

 Overnight at hote in Hanoi

08:00 – 08:30: Pick-up Time

For those who book our transfer service will be collected from hotels around Hanoi Old Quarter to explore Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive Tuan Chau Harbor

12:00: Transferred to the main boat by tender. Embark on the cruise

Warmly welcome to cruise! While enjoying the welcome drink, our cruise manager will deliver a cruise briefing and safety introduction. After that you will check in at your cabin.

13:00: Enjoy Fabulous Lunch

Fabulous lunch is served while the cruise starts its sail into magnificent Ha Long Bay – an extension of Ha Long Wonder which is much quieter and has fewer tourists. He will pass the famous Finger Islet, Candle Islet and thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.

15:30: Explore Tra Bau Floating Village   

Option 1: Swimming Ba Trai Dao Island

Option 2: Our small boat brings you to visit a fishing village names “ Tra Bau '' to Join the Kayaking experience to explore the Tra Bau area – the famous filming location for Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.

17:00- 18:00: Sunset Party, Happy Hour and Cooking Class

Back to Le Journey Cruises and relax on the cruise. It’s time for Sunset in Lan Ha Bay. There’s something magical about sunsets. It’s not only the colors but the feeling, the atmosphere, and the temperature. The way you feel at a certain moment. Enjoy our “Sunset Party “and “Happy Hour Deal

The cooking Demonstration is an onboard activity that helps passengers not only to sample fine cuisine but also learn more about Vietnamese culinary culture. The Cruise Chef will show and guide you on how to make Vietnamese traditional dishes such as fresh or dried springing rolls and/ or how to carve different kinds of vegetables and fruits.

19:00: Savor Deluxe Dinner

Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff, night view on Lan Ha Bay is incredible.

21:00 – 23:00: SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Enjoy overnight activities on board as squid fishing, the fabulous drinks at our bars, movies & karaoke, spa therapy, or just relax in your room

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. 

Overnight on cruise in Halong

06:00 - 7:00: In the morning on teh cruise -Have a light breakfast

The cruise continues to pass amazing karst towers. Tea, coffee and light breakfast are served with fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

08:00: Explore Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay

We will visit the Dark and Bright cave – famous for Lan Ha Bay's pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape. Here you will take some photos of the romantic, lyrical local see-sights. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy Bamboo Boating or Kayaking which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay.

09:00: Back to the boat for check-out 

10:00: Brunch time – Fun time

During the time well-prepared lunch is served, Our Cruises slowly navigates emerald water and thousands of Karst Mountains towards the Harbor.

11:00 – 11:30: Back to Tuan Chau Harbor - Hanoi

Bus transfer service by the highway from Halong to Hanoi is available for booking in advance. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter at around 15:00 – 16:00, the end of an unforgettable trip

15:00 | Arrive back in Hanoi - Private car pick up and transfer you to Noi Bai airport 

Airport transfer is ready when you land in Danang. Head back to your hotel to rest 

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

9h00: A local guide picks you up at the hotel

9h15: Transfer to Cam Thanh village by boat or car on the way, meet local fishermen and experience daily life.

10h00: Take a bamboo basket boat along the Cam Thanh water coconut forest, have a brief introduction to the history there.

Enjoy hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing done by local fishermen.

Learn how to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race.

Explore the peaceful coconut waterways.

Go catch the crabs, drop the net.

Return to the fisherman's house for a welcome drink.

Enjoy lunch.

12h30: Return to the hotel.

Free and easy day to explore Hoian town or swim at a nearby beach.

Hoi An is an ideal town for shopping and relaxing. It’s once a major Southeast Asian trading post in the 16th and 17th centuries, and is basically a living museum that houses old-town architecture. Some notable heritage buildings include Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, pagodas, wooden shop-houses, French-colonial houses, and old canals. Although large-scale trading had long moved elsewhere, Hoi An has been successful in preserving and restoring its charming roots and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1999

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

7:45 am - 8:00 am: Pick up at your hotel in Hoi An center and depart to My Son Holy Land 

9:00am: Arrive at My son sanctuary and start to visit My son

In My Son Holy Land, the towers and tombs have been dated from the VII century to XIV century, but archaeological findings show us that the Cham kings were buried here since IV century. The total of buildings are more than 70 towers including small, normal and large towers. My Son Sanctuary supposedly is the religion center and culture of the Champa Ancient Kingdom.

12.00 pm: Have Lunch at a local house with local food

13:30: Move to Cau Lau boat station and travel up the Thu Bon river by motorized boat to Hoi an

14:00: Arrive in Hoi an. Bus takes you back to the hotel. Tour ends

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Free in the morning.

12:30: transfer to Danang station for the day train to Hue. Enjoy the scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way. Arrive Hue in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.

Note*: The train journey is part of a great local experience. Restrooms at either end of the carriages.

Overnight at hotel in Hue

08:00 am - 08:3 0am: Pick up at your hotel in Hue city center and get on the dragon boat to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

09:15 am: Visit Imperial Citadel 

11:30 am: Continue to see Dong Ba Market 

12:15 pm: Have Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30 pm: After lunch, continue to visit Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb

16:00 pm: Visit and take photo at Conical hat and incense making village

16:45 pm: Arrive at Hue city center and bring you back to the hotel to get your luggage

18:30pm: Private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Saigon

Airport transfer is ready when you land

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

08:00: Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the site of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. 

12:00: Have lunch at a local restaurant.

14:00: Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. 

Break time for relaxing or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. 

Return to Saigon. End trip.

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

08:00: Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and starting your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which dates back to the late 19th century. Then  boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. 

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around the country lane and see orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and folk song music which is performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. 

Ride a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. 

12:00: Have lunch at a local restaurant. Break time.

In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammocks are relaxing and enjoy a cool breeze for those who can't join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. End trip. 

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Enjoy your free day for shopping and personal activities in Saigon

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

In the morning, free and easy for shopping and personal activities in Saigon. In the afternoon, take the flight to Siem Reap. 

Arrive Siem Reap, Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introductions with our Cambodia tour guide in the meeting point Siem Reap.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

We start very early in the morning so we can capture the iconic picture of the pre-dawn facing Angkor Wat temple. Sunrise at Angkor Wat can be a busy venue especially during the months of December, January, February and March.

After sunrise, we will explore the vast and richness of Angkor Wat temple, taking pictures at different angles, playing with light and shadows and capturing the most beautiful devatas carved in sandstone.

Next destination will be the Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy.

Next, at the Golden Hour, will be the impressive Bayon temple with its 54 towers and 216 faces overlooking the defunct city of Angkor Thom. The final stop will be at one of the gates of Angkor Thom to capture sunset over the moat.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Drive to the rural outskirts 35 km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back, stop at Pradark Village, where you will see the villagers making palm sugar, a handicraft for selling to tourists. It’s a nice chance for you to see the local people living in the countryside with their struggling for daily life.

Not to be missed is Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

You will go to the local pagoda, where you should change to clothes you can get wet in as here you will experience the ceremony “SrouchTeok”, which roughly translates into “Water blessing”. A monk will chant in ancient Pali as he splashes water over you, washing away your sins and bad luck so you can start fresh and by being a good person can increase your good luck.

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.

You will be met by our guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. 

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

08:30 am: Travel south of town to the famous Kuang Si Waterfall; the turquoise color of the water with a backdrop of white limestone cliffs gives the waterfall a magical appearance. Depending on the season the water level varies and you can be swimming in the beautiful pools. While there, you also will have the opportunity to visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation center that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. We also visited Kuang Si Butterfly Park, a project that was initiated in January 2014 by 2 Dutch passionate people from Holland. The mission is to create a research center studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation because of environmental issues in Laos. Last but not least, we visit Laos Buffalo Dairy is a socially responsible, sustainable farm, and social enterprise.

Afternoon: embark on the boat to Pak Ou Caves, enjoy splendid natural scenery along the way and observe local fishermen and daily activities along the river. Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of wooden Buddhist figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain and reclining (nirvana). On the way back, you will also have the opportunity to visit the local riverside villages of Ban Xang Hai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. Second stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade paper and weaving craft. On a bright day, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the marvelous sunset while cruising down along the mighty Mekong.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

We wake up early in the morning (optional) to witness Alms Giving. The alms-giving ceremony takes place all over Luang Prabang. One of the most popular routes to witness the giving of alms is by Wat Mai temple on Sisavangvong Road. But, this means that the location is usually filled with tourists.

If you are looking for a quieter spot and a chance to experience a more authentic side to the ceremony, head to one of the side roads. I’d recommend attending an alms-giving in both locations to see for yourself how the ritual is being affected by tourism.

8:00-8:00: Our Elephant English camp guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Luang Prabang, Laos. Arrival at the Elephant Village Camp: Welcome greeting by your guide; participate in a short briefing about elephants. Get close to elephants by feeding them. Visit the museum, photo gallery, elephant hospital, and location where dung paper is made as you explore Elephant Village. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of becoming a mahout and learn to speak with your elephant one-on-one!

We reach Tad Sae Waterfall with a traditional Lao long boat. There, you can unwind or go swimming in the refreshing water (swimsuits are advised!).

Lunch: Enjoy a meal at our restaurant, Elephant Camp. Served with coffee, tea, and water at the lunch buffet (vegetarian options are available). Transfer back to your hotel around 1pm. 

Hop on Tuk Tuk and we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace 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. The National Museum and the Central Market are not to be missed. We enjoy a short tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. Later we’ll visit the impressive Wat Visoun, the oldest temple that houses many Buddha images. Next is Wat Aham, the ‘Monastery of the Blossomed Heart’ exudes serenity, and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in this city.

Evening, enjoy Luang Prabang night market, offering a lovely variety of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill-tribe people, along with street food, knick-knacks and friendly banter.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang

Transfer to Luang Prabang airport (no guide) for departure to the next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Airport transfer is ready for your return flight

                                                      - END OF TOUR -