16 Day Highlights Of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Premium Small Group Tour

Sa-Baidee! Greetings to Luang Prabang! On arrival, make your own way from the airport to your centrally-located hotel.

Once the royal capital of Luang Prabang, this enchanting city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds a special place in the hearts of many travellers. Nestled among the hills in the northern region of Laos, where the Mekong and Khan rivers converge, it proudly carries the title of 'the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia' by UNESCO. The city exudes an atmosphere of elegance and tranquillity, making it a delightful destination for leisurely strolls through its charming streets, filled with boutiques, cafes, and quaint shops. Your local guide will be waiting to meet you at 6 pm to kick off your journey tonight.

This morning, embark on a journey along the Mekong River, cruising towards the Pak Ou Caves. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, these sacred caves hold great religious significance. They consist of two limestone caverns, and over the centuries, devoted villagers have placed Buddha images of various styles and sizes within them. The lower cave, named Tham Ting, is easily accessible from the river via a series of steps and can be explored during daylight hours. On the other hand, the higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and necessitates a torch for proper viewing.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and spend your afternoon exploring the city of Luang Prabang. One of your stops should be Wat Xieng Thong, often referred to as the "monastery of the golden city." This temple holds deep religious significance in Luang Prabang and is one of the most revered symbols of Buddhism in Laos. The temple's low-sweeping double-tiered roof, with a front portico forming a third tier, and its ornate interior and exterior decorations exemplify the classic Luang Prabang architectural style.

To cap off your day, ascend Phu Si Hill for a breathtaking sunset view over the city and the Mekong River below. The climb involves navigating 329 steps, and the path meanders past various temples, ultimately leading to the gilded stupa at the summit.

Venture south of the town to reach the exquisite Kuang Si Falls, a charming cascade with multiple levels, boasting invitingly azure pools perfect for a refreshing mid-afternoon swim. Locally known as Tat Kuang Si, this three-tiered waterfall is situated approximately 29 kilometres from Luang Prabang City, and it's widely regarded as nature's most stunning masterpiece in the entire country.

Begin your journey at Kuang Si Falls with a visit to the Bears Rescue Centre, where you'll gain insights into the reasons behind their need for rescue. Along the way, explore a local Hmong village, preserving traditional knowledge of weaving and dyeing. Return to the town in the evening, enjoying some free leisure time before reconvening for dinner tonight.

Rising early in the misty morning is a worthwhile endeavour to witness the age-old tradition of saffron-robed monks embarking on their daily alms collection procession. This practice, deeply rooted in history, holds immense cultural significance. The townsfolk patiently gather in front of their homes, bearing offerings of food for the monks to collect and carry back to the temple. This ritual takes place in the early hours since, according to tradition, monks must abstain from eating after midday. By bestowing food upon a monk, you partake in the act of 'het bon,' or making merit, believed to bring favourable prospects in your next life.

If you’d prefer not to get up early, savour the morning ambiance of Luang Prabang at your leisure before embarking on the newest high-speed train journey to Vientiane, which takes approximately 1.45 hours.

Vientiane, often considered one of the most unhurried capitals in Asia, exudes an air of tranquillity where everything appears to unfold at a leisurely pace. The city offers a treasure trove of cultural wonders that can be explored on foot or, for those seeking a more relaxed experience, by jumbo (tuk-tuk). In this charming city, you'll encounter faded colonial mansions, tree-lined avenues, and ancient temples that collectively create an atmosphere of timeless beauty, particularly in the historic quarter along the banks of the Mekong River.

Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in, and in the late afternoon, take a guided orientation walk through the city. Visit Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles workshop, studio and gallery creates woven art. Specializing in 100 percent hand woven silk, Carol and the 40 Lao artisans she employs produce exquisitely crafted wall hangings, scarves, shawls and custom furnishing fabrics. Lao Textiles was founded in 1990. There, Carol blends her own artistry with ancient local techniques and traditions to create contemporary woven art. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest standing temple in Vientiane, housing an impressive collection of nearly 7,000 Buddha images.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, complete the check-out process, and proceed to Vientiane airport. Since there's some time to spare before your flight, we'll make a brief visit to Pha That Luang, a grand Buddhist stupa adorned in gold, located at the heart of Vientiane, Laos. This is where you'll bid farewell to your guide in Laos before you board your flight to Hanoi.

In the morning, transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (approximately 3.5 hours drive).

After arriving at Ha Long, get on board to cruise around and have chances to admire the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay with fascinating natural formations while having lunch. Then you will have some time to visit villages to have a look at how local people spend their days. You also can join the cooking class aboard to learn how to make spring rolls - a Vietnamese traditional dish.

After having dinner aboard, you can enjoy some night activities such as squid fishing, drinking, listening to music or just simply enjoying the night sky of Ha Long Bay.

Note: please pack an overnight bag with any essentials that you will need for your cruise, such as a change of clothes, toiletries, and medications. You will return to the same hotel in Hanoi, so your remaining luggage will be sure to be kept safely for the night.

In the morning, enjoy your light breakfast and relax for a while before exploring the cave system. 

Afterwards, return to the cruise and enjoy the beautiful scenery until check-out time. We will then transfer back to Hanoi to check in the hotel. 

Later in the afternoon, an expert local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. You will eat as you go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French inspired snack from a street cart. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. Your next two snack stops are at outdoor barbeque stalls. You can sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour. Now time for dessert as you adventure down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this specialty is one not to be missed!

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels, as it involves mostly walking.

In the morning, we transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 - 548). The Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes throughout the years, particularly its renaming from An Quoc to Tran Quoc (protecting the country) by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.

We will move to the Temple of Literature - famous for being the first university of Vietnam. You will

recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (exterior) where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit the traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with particular structure.

From here, head to the airport to take your domestic flight to Da Nang before transferring to Hoi An to check in at the hotel.

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. 

Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries for exquisite paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class.

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. Your guide will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city’s major attractions. It’s perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. It’s also a shopping mecca – browse local markets and shops for original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. 

In the afternoon, take the short flight down to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation where you will have the evening at your leisure.

Start your day with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels - a vast network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people as you crawl through the tunnels and see how they were used for living, fighting, and communication.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City to see the city through the eyes of a local. Visit some of its most iconic landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ho Chi Minh City Hall.

In the evening, explore Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market where you can experience local life and find souvenirs. You can find everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and handicrafts.

Meals are on your own account, but there are many great restaurants to choose from in Ho Chi Minh City. You can try some of the local specialties, such as pho, banh mi and bun cha.

Today is your free day to discover the city at your own pace. Perhaps use your included “Inspiring Sight” to explore the Mekong Delta on a full day tour.

You are free to enjoy your time until your transfer to the airport for your regional flight to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap, a small yet rapidly growing town, serves as the entrance to Angkor, which is not only the most sought-after destination in Cambodia but possibly in all of Southeast Asia.

Upon your arrival at Siem Reap airport, a local English-speaking guide will greet you and accompany you to the hotel for relaxation. You have the rest of the day to explore the city at your leisure or unwind by the hotel pool.

Today marks a significant highlight of your South East Asia journey as you embark on a full-day exploration of the enigmatic Temples of Angkor. Your day commences with a visit to Cambodia's heart and soul, Angkor Wat, a colossal 12th-century marvel and the world's largest religious structure. Your adventure proceeds to the ancient Ta Prohm Temple, an 11th-century monastery that nature has reclaimed, lending it an unparalleled aura within the extensive complex.

Following a delightful lunch, your journey leads you to Angkor Thom, known as the Great City. Enter through the south gate and be captivated by the iconic Bayon Temple dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Your exploration then unfolds, taking you past the Elephant Terrace and the elevated Leper King Terrace, adorned with intricate Apsara sculptures, a testament to the rich history of this remarkable site.

Embark on your boat journey to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater expanse, renowned for its thriving ecosystem and significant historical role in nurturing the Khmer civilization. As you cruise, observe local dwellings perched on stilts above the water's surface, offering picturesque vistas of floodplains, rice fields, and expansive waters. Immerse yourself in the local way of life with a visit to a resident family, gaining valuable insights into their daily existence.

At the appropriate time today, make your own way to Siem Reap airport for your onward journey. We hope you have loved every minute of your adventure through Southeast Asia.