Adventures Across Laos Vietnam Cambodia 27-Days

DAY 1 LUANG PRABANG - ARRIVAL

Welcome to Laos! The UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. On arrival we transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

DAY 2 LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR - PAK OU CAVE (B,L)

After breakfast we will head off to see some of the highlights of Luang Prabang including a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang. We are seeing the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. Heading to the Mekong River we board our private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the upstream to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. 

Returning to Luang Prabang we disembark our boat and have the option of taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving or returning to the hotel for free time to relax. Your evening is free to treat yourself a spa treatment or massage, do some shopping or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 3 LUANG PRABANG - KHUANG SI WATERFALL - CITY TOUR (B,L)

This morning you have the option and opportunity to rise early and participate in the daily morning ritual of Alms Giving, you will experience saffron-clad monks collecting offerings or ‘Alms’ from faithful local residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the daily procession.

After breakfast back at the hotel we begin our journey to Khouangsi Waterfall stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market, this where all locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping. On arrival at the Khouangsi Waterfall you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary. Then we will pay a late afternoon visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. You can enjoy a coffee at the center’s café if you chose before our climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the sun setting over the Mekong River. 

Descanting the mountain your will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts locally made by both ethnic Lao and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

DAY 4 LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE (Flt) (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for fly to Vientiane. You have the option to continue our tour of Vientiane by bicycle, we will ride the capital taking in sites such Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok, the main shopping district and Vientiane’s Central Market, Talad Sao. 

DAY 5 VIENTIANE CITY TOUR (B,L)

This morning we head out to see the major highlight. You are seeing the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa, stopping along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, from there you visit COPE Center. The COPE was created in response to the need to provide UXO survivors with the care and support they required, namely by way of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This museum was set after in 1997 to help covering the victim during Indochina war. 

We drive south from Vientiane city to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures set in parkland on the banks of the Mekong close to the Friendship Bridge. Here we find over 200 religious images dating back some 500 years faithfully recreated by a mysterious Biddhist monk. Your evening is free to explore the Night Market and sample some local cuisine (your own expenses) at one of the many restaurants the town has to offer. Overnight in Vientiane. 

DAY 6 VIENTIANE - FLY TO HANOI - WATER PUPPET SHOW (B)

After breakfast; you will be transferred back to Vientiane Airport for your flight departure to Hanoi. Welcome to Hanoi. The Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, is also home to a number of passionate artisans who continue to practice their age-old crafts. Afterward, enjoy a private 30-minute outdoor water puppet show on a village pond accompanied by a live traditional music performance.

DAY 7 HANOI – HISTORY & CULTURAL TALK (B,L) 

Vietnamese history, culture, and ethnic peoples will be shared during the trip to visit the Museum of Ethnology which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Then we will take you to The Thang Long Imperial Citadel which was built in the 11th century by the Vietnamese Ly Dynasty, marking the independence of the Đại Việt.  It was built on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century, on drained land reclaimed from the Red River Delta in Hanoi.  It was the centre of regional political power for almost thirteen centuries without interruption. The trip will be ended at Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.

DAY 8: HANOI – LAN HA BAY OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B,L,D)

From Hanoi, head East for more than 2.5 hours to Lan Ha, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin. The road will pass by the Red River delta with green paddy fields and rural villages, where hard-work farmers are busy with their farming jobs, ploughing buffaloes or planting seedling. Upon arrival in Lan Ha, we’ll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of the bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the cave, stop for swimming, passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the boat.

DAY 9 LAN HA – HANOI - FLY TO HUE (B,BR) 

In the morning, doing exercise morning on Sundeck, enjoy light breakfast with coffee, tea, seasonal fresh fruit and bread before keep going to visit Lan Ha Bay, passing by many other rocks, Islets as well as fishing villages. Brunch (lunch) will be served on board before disembarking time. Return to Hanoi, take a rest and enjoy your free time. Take a flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue. 

DAY 10 HUE HISTORIC TOUR (B,L) 

Going to tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th King of Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural work owns a harmonious combination between the European modernity and the Vietnam classical characteristics. Then we drive to tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a different architectural style and one of the biggest tomb in Hue.

Have lunch before visit Imperial City is the most well known and iconic site in Hué. Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam.

DAY 11 HUE ANCIENT HOUS & TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT VILLAGES (B,L) 

The An Hien garden house in Hue was built in the late 19th century, the first owner of the old house was the 18th princess of Emperor Duc Duc. By 1895, this entire property belonged to Mr. Pham Dang Khanh, the son of a great minister of the Gia Long Emperor reign period.

Explore craft villages outside of Hue where passionate artisans continue to produce legendary folk art. Meet an artisan who specialises in the 400-year-old tradition of folk painting using natural materials such as red earth, seashells and ashes of bamboo leaves. Afterward, take a scenic bike ride to Thanh Tien Village and learn about the 300-year-old craft of making paper flower which are mainly used to decorate altars for ancestor worship and as offerings in religious rituals. Try creating your own paper lotus flower under the guidance of one of the artisans.

DAY 12 HUE – HOI AN – LANTERN MAKING (B,L) 

Drive over the Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful coastline routes in the world, to the former merchant town of Hoi An. During your walk through the Ancient Town, you will notice the beautiful silk lanterns that decorate the street and storefronts, a sight which has become emblematic of Hoi An. Visit a family who has carried on the tradition of lantern making from the previous generation. Under their guidance, choose your lantern design and fabric and create your own signature lantern to take home with you.

DAY 13 HOI AN RURAL LIFE (B,L) 

Take a short boat ride across the Thu Bon River to reach Cam Kim Island. The car-free island is perfect for cycling where we’ll spend half a day on our bikes exploring the peaceful countryside. Visit Tra Nhieu Village which has retained many typical features of the Vietnamese livelihoods of agriculture and handicraft making. Learn about the diversity of local plants and herbs and visit several local homes to observe how people make rice wine, rice noodles and rice paper. Continue to a scenic water coconut forest and try your hand at rowing the unique Vietnamese round bamboo basket boats. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch before returning to the mainland.

DAY 14 HOI AN COOKING CLASS (B,L) 

Visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – chefs first demonstrate each dish before we 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 what we have cooked.

DAY 15 FLY TO SAIGON – CITY (B,L) 

Take a flight to Saigon. Your program includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of District 1. Dating from 1909 and built by Cantonese Buddhists this quiet oasis was designed using feng shui principals showcasing ornate statues and effigies. From there stroll to the major sights of colonial Saigon: The Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Theater, Opera House.

DAY 16 SAIGON – CAN THO (B,L) 

Making our way down to the Mekong Delta. Arrive Can Tho, boat will take you down the Hau River to bring you to the model of rafting fish farming on the river. Uncle 7’s Bon rafe fishing farm is very famous in the Mekong Delta. You will learn about many rare and typical fish on the Mekong River here. Besides, you also learn how to raise strabismus fish as well as many other fish. The special thing that makes visitors come here is the beautiful Koi raft. You can drop your feet into the water for Koi fish to massage them and have beautiful photos taken with them. Go to the tropical fruit garden and enjoy some seasonal fruit right in the garden. See how people here make pop rice in the traditional way.

DAY 17 FLOATING MARKET – CHAU DOC (B,L) 

Wake up early to visit the colourful floating market where wholesalers converge on the Mekong River to sell their goods. After breakfast, visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House. The home is an outstanding example of Western and Oriental architectural elements and was famously used in the movie “The Lover”, the love story of young Marguerite Duras, set during the Indochine period. Afterward, visit the Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda, one of the most beautiful Khmer temples in the Mekong Delta, before driving to Chau Doc City.

DAY 18 CHAU DOC - SPEEDBOAT TO PHNOM PENH - UPSTREAM MEKONG (B) 

Take a speedboat to come Phnom Penh Cambodia. Take a rest on this day. 
 

DAY 19 PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR (B,L)

This morning, visit the notorious Killing Fields "Choeung Ek" 15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during Pol Pot regime (From 1975–1979). Continue your visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.

Afternoon, Visit Russian Market for some souvenirs, then continue the visit to Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, 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 5,000 silver tiles.  Last visit today at Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda on a hill, which marks the legendary founding place of the city.  Overnight at Hotel in Phnom Pen

DAY 20 PHNOM PENH - BATTAMBANG (B,L)

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer on private transportation to Battambang with tour guide. The distance is 291 Km which take about 5 hours drives, along the way you will be stopped at  Udong Mountain, located about 40km northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, to visit golden stupas on the top of the hill.

Then straight your way to Battambang, upon arrival will check in and short rest, then late noon time, you will visit Phnom Sampov, and "Killing caves" Temple on a hill and every evening at dusk, from 17:30 to 5:50 p.m., thousands of bats leave the cave in an endless stream.h.

DAY 21 BATTAMBANG - SIEM REAP (B,L)

In the morning after breakfast check out then visit Bamboo Train, a fun experience and also a great opportunity to see countryside view. It’s like a childhood dream come true. Then Ek Phnom temple in the 11st century and the colonial style houses along the Sangke River. On the way back, you can visit the traditional Cambodian houses and the artisan factory of rice flaky cake.

Afternoon, private transfer from Battambang to Siem Reap. Driving distance about 2.5 - 3 hours. Upon arrival Siem Reap transfer directly to hotel for check in and the rest of time is free and relax on your own activities and overnight. 

DAY 22 SIEM REAP - CITY OF TEMPLES (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel, then start your tours by visit to the World Heritage Site; visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue visit Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is one of the area’s most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.

Afternoon continue to seeing the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Back to hotel and overnight in Siem Reap. 

DAY 23 SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP LAKE - SILK FARM - ARTISAN D'ANGKOR (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel, then excursion to Chong Kneas Floating Village, take a ride by traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake to experience the fishermen life. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.  On the way we will make a stop at Artisans D’ Angkor and see their stone and wood carving workshops where the artisans are taught to use traditional Khmer techniques and continue visiting the Old Market where you can see the fresh local produce being sold as well as browse the souvenir stalls.

Afternoon, drive to Pouk district about 15 Km in the West of Siem Reap town, you visit the silk farm, a fascinating farm/workshop where you can see the entire silk creation process including growing the food for the silk worms, breeding the worms, silk extraction and refinement, traditional kit dying pattern creation and looming. Retail silk and souvenir shop. On the way back, visit the Western Baray (Baray Occidental) measuring 8 km by 2.3 km which provided water for the intensive cultivation of lands around Angkor. then back to hotel for overnight.

DAY 24 SIEM REAP - PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLES (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel, Today you will overland transfer to Preah Vihear temple, The distance is 210 Km which take around 4hours drives, then you will explore the mountaintop temple of Preah Vihear (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which built on the top of the mountain in 9^th century dedicated to Hindu religion, and Preah Vihear temple is the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries long khmer empire. The rest of time is free and relax then overnight.

DAY 25 PREAH VIHEAR – PREAH KHAN KAMPONG SVAY - KAMPONG THOM (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, drive to Preah Khan Kampong Svay. Preah Khan Kampong Svay is the largest temple complex found in Cambodia. Four times the size of Angkor Wat, it occupies an area of 5 square kilometers and it comprises 4 enclosure walls, the central sancturary, a baray and various buildings and basins. Then continue your way to Kompong Thom. Arrival check in and rest then overnight.

DAY 26 KAMPONG THOM SAMBOR PREI KUK TEMPLE – PHNOM PENH (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel. Then you will visit the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, which is dotted with hundreds of pre-Angkorian style temples. The road conditions was not that smooth, but the spectacular scenery surrounding this ancient ruin, with a mixture of temples and forest, makes it worthwhile.

Then drive to Phnom Penh, en Route. We will make a stop at famous Spider market, Skuon (75km from the capital), a market town on the highway popular for its fried spiders as a specialty snack.  You will have a chance to try out if you wish to. Then last journey to Phnom Penh, upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in. and Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 27 PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at hotel, free time at own leisure until our driver pick you up to Phnom Penh Airport for departure to next destination.