Grand Indochina Tour - 22 days
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vientiane, Laos 
-
Duration: 22 days
-
Destinations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
-
Start: Hanoi, Vietnam
-
Finish: Vientiane, Laos
-
Tour type: Private tour
-
Meals: 21 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
This journey is inspired by the many sights, sounds, and flavors of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It offers a path of smiles and authentic experiences—not only visiting fantastic landmarks, but also connecting with the people and culture of each country. Highlights include the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An in Vietnam, the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia (the world's largest religious monument), and the spiritual charm of Luang Prabang in Laos.
Tour Highlights
- Embark on a rich cultural journey across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
- Walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and explore Vietnam’s thousand-year-old history
- Trek to ethnic minority villages in Sapa and experience authentic hill-tribe life
- Cruise overnight on the magical limestone seascape of Halong Bay
- Discover Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Hoi An’s ancient trading town
- Witness the spiritual fusion at Cao Dai Temple and explore the underground Cu Chi Tunnels
- Immerse yourself in local life at Cai Rang Floating Market and the lush Mekong Delta
- Travel by speedboat to Phnom Penh and explore Khmer royal and tragic heritage
- Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat and ancient temples lost in the jungle
- Explore the spiritual heart of Luang Prabang, with its golden temples and sacred rituals
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and Buddhist sculptures of Vientiane’s sacred sites
-
Travel style:
Cultural & Classic
-
Your guide:
English speaking
-
Meals:
21 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
-
Tour type:
Private tour
You will visit
Grand Indochina Tour 22 days - Route Map
Grand Indochina Tour 22 days Itinerary
B(breakfast), L(lunch), D(dinner)
Warmly welcome at Noi Bai airport – Hanoi. The tour guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer to city centre. In the afternoon, have walking tour around The old quarter and Dong Xuan market. Attend Water puppet show – the Vietnamese traditional performance and cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple and Dong Xuan market. In the evening, enjoy welcomed dinner at your local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Dinner
Private car & guide
Enjoy breakfast at hotel then start a guided city tour of Hanoi. Having celebrated its 1000- year anniversary in 2010, the city has a rich and fascinating history. Your city tour will take you to the main attractions of Hanoi, including Ho Chi Minh complex (Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and stilt house; the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda), the Temple of Literature, West lake, Tran Quoc pagoda, and one of the city’s museum (Vietnamese Art museum, History Museum or Ethnology Museum). Late afternoon, enjoy Water puppet show and cyclo visiting the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel near station for a short break. At 9.15pm, you will walk to the station for check in on night train to Lao Cai.
Accommodation: on train
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
The train arrives at Lao Cai train station very early. There will be a vehicle waiting to transfer you to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is only 33 km but it takes around 1.5 hours.
Once to Sapa, enjoy the breakfast at the hotel. Then start your day tour by walking down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam.
In the afternoon, continue to visit Taphin village. You will have the opportunity to visit and explore the village where the Red Dao and Black H’Mong ethnic minority hill tribes live. Walking around the village to explore the custom, daily life and weaving technique of the local people.
Back to the town. Check in hotel. Overnight in Sapa.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car & guide
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and have free time in the morning. After check out hotel, you will drive 9 km southwest of Sa Pa town in the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, then take a cable car to highest mountain in Vietnam as well as in the Indochina Peninsula - Fansipan. Hence, it is branded as "the Roof of Indochina" with 3143m summit. Its name which is pronounced roughly by local people as "Hua Xi Pan" means "the tottery giant rock". You have free time to take photograph and relax before going down.
After that, transfer to Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi.
Accommodation: on train (Private cabin)
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
Arrive in Hanoi at around 5 am. A day room at hotel near station will be available, so you can have shower and freshen up before breakfast.
At 8.30 am, the car will pick you up for the journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday for 2 days 1-night program on cruise.
Halong Bay is celebrated as one of the world’s natural wonders, with thousands of towering limestone pillars sculpted by sea and wind. After lunch on board, explore several of the bay’s impressive caves and visit a floating fishing village. Later, the captain will anchor in a secluded spot where you can swim, relax on the sundeck, or try kayaking (subject to weather conditions). In the evening, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board.
The detailed cruise itinerary will be provided once guests select the preferred cruise category.
Accommodation: Cruise on Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private car & guide on cruise
Enjoy an early morning swim (in season) and a leisurely breakfast as the cruise navigates more of Halong Bay’s spectacular scenery. The cruise will arrive at the harbor by noon. The car will pick you up and transfer back to the airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hue. Check in and free time.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Private car & guide in Hue
Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of the past emperors, and with Orient style – those tombs almost located near the bank of Hue’s river – Perfume river. In the morning, take boat trip along the scenic Perfume River for sightseeing and next stop will be the famous Thien Mu pagoda and Ming Mang Emperor’s mausoleum.
Afternoon, continue to visit the Citadel, containing the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Emperor's private residence. The Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. You also visit the vibrant Dong Ba market.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
Today you will discover Ba Na hills - 25 km to the southwest of Da Nang at an altitude of 1,487m. Ba Na Hills are considered as “One temperate place in the tropical forest” because the climate is cool all the year round and you can enjoy four seasons within a single day.
The tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and then transfer to the cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Take a cable car to the top of Mountain. You will have chance to visit the Le Jardin old wineries, remains of French Villas and Linh Ung pagoda with 27m high Buddha statue.
Enjoy the panorama view of the Da Nang from the top of Ba Na Hills. And then visit Golden Bridge before returning to cable car station. Back to the cable cabin to go down and then transfer to Hoi An. Check in hotel and free time.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
This morning, you will join a cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School. Visit Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling market. You will have the opportunity to interact with local sellers and learn about the ingredients that will be used in the cooking lesson later.
After that, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to Red Bridge Cooking School. On arrival, explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s most well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about two hours, with each dish first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef before you prepare it yourself. The class also includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration. After the lesson, enjoy the dishes you have prepared.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town, including the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, former merchants’ houses, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy some free time for shopping and tailor-made suits.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car & guide
You have free time in Hoi An today.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Today you will catch the flight to Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city has an exciting buzz as millions of people rush around on their daily business. Upon arrival in Saigon, transfer to city centre for a half-day tour including the interesting sites such as The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, Remnant War Museum and Ben Thanh market.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide in Saigon
Leave bustling Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) for the 3 hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. On arrival, board your boat for cruise in the Delta’s waterways.
Along the way you visit the many fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, sweet factory, bonsai nurseries. After a huge lunch at an orchard you weave your way through the intricate network of canals which are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta, to Vinh Long. At this small town you meet up with your vehicle for a short drive to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong delta. Check in hotel and free time.
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Private car & guide
Wake up in early morning to take the boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market - one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging.
In the early morning hours, you will see boats of all shapes and sizes laden with local produce and all jostling for business at the market. Continue your boat ride, stopping at some local orchards where you will have an opportunity to sample some delicious tropical fruits and visit with a local orchard farmer at his modest home.
After that, continue your journey to Chau Doc, close to the Cambodia border. On the way, you have chance to visit Tra Su forest. Upon arrival, head up Sam Mountain for a spectacular view over the rice paddy fields toward Cambodia.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
Following the breakfast at hotel, you take an early speed boat to Phnom Penh – the capital of Cambodia. It takes you about 5 hours boating.
Upon arrival at the pier of Phnom Penh, you will be greeting by our lovely guide and private driver then transfers to the hotel for check in (Regular hotel check in 2pm – Early check in is not included).
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
After breakfast, opt to take a journey through Cambodia’s more turbulent past and to chronologically understand the stories better, you will start your visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide museum which was a high school before 1975 when it was transformed to an interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era.
Walking through the narrow corridors and former classrooms of the buildings will give you an eerie feeling of being part of Cambodia’s turbulent past. The stories of the victims are documented and some torture devices are on display for visitors to learn about the suffering the people endured. Photographs were taken of each prisoner passing through the prison and hundreds of the haunting black and white photos are now on display in the museum.
Next, we will move to Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot.
The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims. Besides the tragic past, you will also start to appreciate the tremendous courage of the Cambodian people to move on and rebuild their nation.
Set out on a city tour to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name.
Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King Ang Doung Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom. (Open from 8.00am to 10:30am and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees).
Visit the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
After breakfast at hotel, in early morning at 7.30 am our private driver without guide transfers to Siem Reap about 5.5 hours.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap, you will go to hotel to hotel for check in and relax until our guide and driver pick up and transfers explore Angkor Wat Temple Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temples, the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide in Siem Reap
Head to the ancient Royal city of Angkor Thom with its centerpiece, the Bayon temple. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking in every direction. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex.
Head back to Siem Reap to rest and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.
In the afternoon, continue to Banteay Srei, the only major temple that was not built by a monarch. It was constructed in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Banteay Srei translates to “Citadel of the Women” and is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well.
In the end of the day, visit Artisans d’Angkor, an organization focusing on training unschooled rural youth in traditional handicraft skills. Ancient techniques are still practiced here such as wood and stone carving, lacquering, gilding, and silk painting. Bid farewell to the artisans and return to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
In the morning, you have free time in Siem Reap.
After check out hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for the late flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and free time.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide in Luang Prabang
This morning, you will explore Luang Prabang with the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, a magnificent piece of architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.
After that, you take a drive 30km to visit Tad Kuang Sii waterfall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Enjoy a picnic lunch and later in the afternoon return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own. Luang Prabang is a wonderful walking town, and you can find dinner on your own at any number of fine international restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.
In the morning, you continue to visit beautiful Luang Prabang town. Here is plenty to see, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with five tiered roofs.
You also visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
In the afternoon, you will be train station to Vientiane Capital – the fascinating capital of Laos. On arrival, the tour guide and driver will pick you up at train station and transfer to your hotel. On the way, you have chance to visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast
Private car & guide
Train ticket Luang Prabang - Vientiane
After breakfast, you have the full day tour of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon you transfer out to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, close to the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. A spectacular view of over the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day.
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast
English speaking guide
You have free time until be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End of the trip. Thank you for using our service.
Meals: Breakfast
Private car
Your tour package includes
- Accommodation based on twin/double sharing with daily breakfast.
- Experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
- Private transportation with AC.
- Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi (4 soft berth sharing cabin).
- Train ticket Luang Prabang – Vientiane (C81: 13.34 – 15.30).
- Flight tickets Hanoi – Hue, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap – Luang Prabang.
- Speed boat Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (sharing boat).
- All sightseeing tickets.
- Lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary.
- Taxes and services charges.
Exclusions
- International flight tickets and airport tax.
- Visa stamping fee.
- Early check in and late check out.
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Insurance.
Important travel information
-
Tour Price
The tour rate is based on twin/double sharing rooms at 3* hotel category, quoted for a private group of 6 guests. The price will vary slightly depending on the number of people in your group. For an accurate tour price, please click the "INQUIRE NOW" button to discuss with our sales consultant.
-
Deposit & Payment
After you have agreed on the tour itinerary and pricing, we will send you an email to confirm and provide information on our payment policy. You can choose your preferred payment method and make payment to us according to the following regulations:
- With tour bookings, you do not need to pay total in advance, we just need 30% for deposit. The balance will be settled before your trip or upon arrival.
- With flight, hotel or train ticket bookings, we require 100% total payment in advance.
The balance will be settled before or upon arrival by cash, credit card or bank transfer. We accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master, JCB and Amex. If you pay by credit card, please add 3% of bank commission.
After receiving your deposit, our team will process your booking and send you the confirmation by email within 1 - 2 working days.
-
Food Requirement
If you have any specific food requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.) please inform us in advance, we will provide notices to our restaurants, tour guides and partners so they would be able to serve you the best.
-
Cancellation
We apply non refundable deposit of 10 USD for hotel, air ticket booking, 100 USD/per person for tour package upon service confirmation. Cancellations will be charged as following:
- 30 days before arrival: No cancellation charge.
- 29 - 14 days before arrival: 10% of the tour cost is forfeited.
- 13 - 7 days before arrival: 40% of the tour cost is forfeited.
- 6 days before arrival: 100 % of the tour cost is forfeited.
- No show: 100% of the tour cost is forfeited.
-
Child Policy
- Infant under 2-years-old free of charge land tour and 25% of airfare.
- Child under 12-years-old sharing room with adult without extra bed charge 50% of adult land tour and 75% of airfare.
- Child under 12-years-old sharing room with adult with bed charge 80% of adult land tour and 75% of airfare.
- Upon 12-years-old - 100% charge of tour cost.
-1000x667.jpg){kind=link}
_(53489229669)_processed-1000x667.jpg){kind=link}
