18 Days Indochina Highlights: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia & Thailand

Welcome to Ha Noi, Viet Nam!

Explore the Heart of Southeast Asia, journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. From Hanoi’s lively streets and Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes, to the spiritual calm of Luang Prabang and the ancient temples of Siem Reap — each destination offers a unique experience. Conclude your adventure in the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where tradition meets modern life. A perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable trip.

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly driver will be waiting just outside the arrival gate, holding a sign with your name. If you have any trouble locating them, please don’t hesitate to message or call your Personal Travel Consultant for immediate assistance.

We will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the heart of Ha Noi and enjoy your first evening at leisure.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

At 8:30 AM, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby for a full-day tour of Hanoi’s cultural highlights.

Begin your day at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda – a unique Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar.

- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

-Closed annually from June 15 to August 15 for maintenance .

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, celebrated for its historic architecture and scholarly heritage.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. If it’s closed (typically on Mondays), the Vietnamese Women’s Museum will be visited instead, followed by a stop at the historic Hoa Lo Prison.

Wrap up the day with a visit to Hanoi Train Street, a narrow alley where trains pass just inches away from homes and cafés — a uniquely Hanoi experience perfect for photos and a relaxing coffee.

Return to your hotel, enriched with the culture, history, and spirit of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel.

08:00 Pick-up by our friendly guide and depart for Ninh Binh province.

Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Here, you'll explore historic temples and learn about the early feudal dynasties of Dinh, Le, and Ly.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts, cave systems, and tranquil waterways. This remarkable destination was featured in the 2016 film Kong: Skull Island. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through this breathtaking landscape.

Next, head to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Challenge yourself with a climb of nearly 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside.

Return to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Breakfast at hotel and check out. We recommend leaving your main luggage at the hotel’s storage and bringing only a small overnight bag suitable for your trip to Ha Long Bay.

08h30 – 09h00: Our shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi.

12.00: Arrival in our office at Halong International Cruise Port, you will have a bit time and wait for our captain to finish the registration. Transfer by tender to the cruise.

12.30: Embarkation on the cruise. Enjoy welcome drinks and spend a couple minutes listening to the tour guide’s briefing before discovering the boat.

13.00: Delicious Vietnamese lunch will be served while you’re leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

15.00: Arrival in kayaking area – Cap La Island. Enjoy canoeing amongst the karst and breathtaking nature as well as swimming and relaxing on a natural beach. You can also explore the area by taking the tender boat. Towels and waterproof bags will be provided. The cruise will stop in the anchorage area.

17.00: Back to the boat and relax.

18.00: Sunset party with music and happy hour. The chef will join the party and demonstrate how to transform vegetables into flowers.

19.00: Sumptuous dinner onboard.

20.30: Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply has a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay.

Overnight on Cruise.

06.00: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape. Coffee will be available around 06:30

07.00: Breakfast will be served as a buffet, familiar to your stomach to fulfill your strength and ready for another day.

07.30: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

08.30: Return to the cruise. You should have enough time to pack your luggage and have a shower.

09.15: Check-out, Heavy luggage is placed in the corridor for easy pickup, and room key has been left in the door

09.45: Prepare a simple Vietnamese dish – fresh spring rolls – with a detailed explanation by the guide.

10.15: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese brunch on the boat.

10.45 – 11.30: Payment and debarkation. Return to the Port and wait for the shuttle bus.

12.00: Our bus will take you back to Hanoi.

14.30 – 15.00: Arrive in Hanoi, you can check in and rest or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel.

Enjoy some free time until your driver picks you up for the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or start exploring this charming city at your own pace.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin your day early at 5:30 AM (optional) to witness the Tak Baat ceremony, where saffron-robed monks walk quietly through the streets collecting alms from locals—a serene glimpse into Laos’ Buddhist traditions.

Afterward, hop on a Tuk Tuk to explore Luang Prabang. Start at 8:30 AM with a visit to the vibrant Morning Market, where your guide will walk you through colorful stalls of fresh produce and local snacks.

Continue to key sites, including Wat Mai, the National Museum (former Royal Palace), and Hor Phra Bang, before visiting Wat Visoun with its iconic watermelon stupa. Ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple, before ending your day with a climb up Mount Phousi for panoramic views over the Mekong and the town—a perfect finish to your culture-filled day.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

This morning, take a scenic boat ride up the Mekong River to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha statues are nestled inside limestone caverns overlooking the river junction. Explore both the lower and upper caves, rich in spiritual significance and history.

Continue by vehicle, stopping at Hmong and Khamu villages along the way. Learn about their distinct lifestyles, traditions, and how they differ from Lao culture.

In the afternoon, arrive at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, known for its multi-tiered cascades and turquoise pools—perfect for a refreshing swim. While there, visit the Bear Rescue Center, a sanctuary for Asiatic black bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.

Return and overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

Breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Enjoy some free time at your leisure until your driver arrives to transfer you to Luang Prabang International Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in (please note that standard check-in time is 2:00 PM).

After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the vibrant and dynamic city of Siem Reap at your own pace.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin a full day of guided sight seeing.

In the morning, explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom, known as the "Great City," a 3-square-kilometer walled and moated royal capital — the final stronghold of the Angkorian Empire. Visit the Bayon Temple, renowned for its enigmatic smiling stone faces, constructed over a century with layered architectural styles. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, a grand 300-meter-long platform adorned with carved elephants, which once served as the king’s ceremonial viewing stand. Nearby, see the Baphuon Temple, Royal Palace Area, and Phimeanakas, a striking sandstone pyramid used for royal rituals.

Next, visit the Terrace of the Leper King, notable for its intricately carved walls depicting mythical creatures, nagas, and demons. End the morning with a visit to Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient temple stones—an iconic blend of nature and architecture.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic temple. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, its harmonious design of towers, galleries, and moats represents a pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture.

In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the lively Angkor Night Market or relax at local bars and pubs at your own pace.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, this morning, begin with a visit to Wat Thmei (Killing Fields), home to a glass-walled stupa displaying the bones of victims from the Khmer Rouge era. Some of the remains were recovered from nearby wells and battlefields, offering a sobering insight into Cambodia’s recent history.

Continue to Puok Village, the original location of Artisans d’Angkor’s Silk Farm, where you will witness the full silk production process—from silk worms feeding on mulberry leaves, to cocoon spinning, dyeing, and traditional weaving. There is an opportunity to purchase premium silk products, handmade by local artisans.

Next, visit the ancient West Baray Big Pond, an impressive water system built by the Khmer Empire, once used for irrigation and religious purposes.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel to the Floating Villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Board a traditional wooden boat to observe the unique lifestyle of communities living in floating and stilted homes, where schools, markets, and even temples drift on water.

Continue with a visit to Wat Bo Pagoda, a revered temple dating back to the 18th century, featuring rare 19th-century murals that illustrate scenes from the Reamker (the Cambodian version of the Ramayana). Then stroll through a local market, experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of everyday Cambodian life.

Before returning to your hotel, visit Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers École, a center dedicated to the preservation and revival of traditional Khmer arts and crafts.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

You’ll have some free time until your driver arrives to transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, an English-speaking guide will greet you and escort you by private car to your hotel in Bangkok.

Check-in and overnight at your hotel in Bangkok.

Start your day with a hearty American breakfast at your hotel. At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up for a full-day cultural exploration of Bangkok.

Begin at Pak Khlong Talad, Thailand’s largest flower market. Stroll through vibrant stalls of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Try local snacks, watch artisans create flower garlands, and even try your hand at making one and decorating lotus flowers—just as locals do before visiting temples.

Continue on foot to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, home to the majestic 45-meter Reclining Buddha and the original school of traditional Thai massage. If timing allows, you may witness the serene morning monk chanting.

Next, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)—a spiritual landmark housing Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image, carved from jade.

From there, walk to the pier for a long-tail boat ride through the canals of Thonburi, catching glimpses of local life. Stop at the striking Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), once a royal temple of King Rama II.

Then enjoy a Tuk Tuk ride to Chinatown, exploring Yaowarat Road and the lively Talad Kao Market, filled with herbs, spices, fresh produce, and traditional Chinese goods.

Wrap up your tour with a drop-off at your choice of:

• MBK Center – a favorite shopping spot for tourists

• One Bangkok – the city’s newest luxury shopping and lifestyle complex

• Or your hotel

Important Notes for the Bangkok Tour

• For temple visits, women are recommended to wear short- or long-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts. Men should wear trousers and short- or long-sleeved shirts. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

• The monks’ chanting ritual takes place only in the morning and is subject to change without prior notice.

• According to Bangkok law, street food stalls and shops are not allowed to operate on Mondays.

• Please bring a copy of your passport for the security check before entering the palace.

The following types of clothing are strictly prohibited in the Grand Palace: Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight-fitting trousers, and tights; see-through shirts and blouses; culottes or quarter-length trousers; sleeveless shirts or vests; sandals without ankle or heel straps; Rolled-up sleeves; Sweatshirts, sweatpants, windcheaters, pajamas, and fisherman trousers.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, your tour begins at 8:00 AM, heading 76 km north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital for over four centuries. Founded in 1350, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its impressive ruins, ancient temples, and rich cultural legacy.

Start with a visit to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a former royal residence blending Thai and European styles.

Then, explore Ayutthaya’s most iconic landmarks:

- Wat Sri Sanphet – Once the royal temple of Ayutthaya’s kings.

- Wat Mahathat – Renowned for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots.

- Wat Yai Chaimongkol – Home to a large chedi and tranquil garden. OR Wat Chaiwatthanaram – A riverside temple famous for its scenic beauty.

- Wat Phananchoeng – An important temple featuring a revered 19-meter-tall Buddha image.

The tour also includes a scenic boat ride, offering views of riverside ruins. (Boat route subject to river conditions)

Return to your hotel in Bangkok.

Start your day with an American breakfast at the hotel.

After check-out, enjoy a private transfer with an English-speaking guide to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide for a private transfer to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, depart at 08:00 AM for a full-day private tour of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Enjoy scenic drives past lush landscapes and terraced rice fields.

Visit the King and Queen’s twin Pagodas, built by the Royal Thai Air Force to honor their 60th birthdays, and take in stunning panoramic mountain views.

Continue to a Karen hill tribe village and explore a hill tribe market, then stop at the impressive Wachiratharn Waterfall.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature trek (choose one trail option):

Kiew Mae Pan Trail (Nov–May) – A 3 km forest walk with sweeping mountain views, passing waterfalls, rhododendrons, and Cliffside vistas.

Mae Klang Luang Trail (Year-round) – A peaceful trek through forest and farmland, passing Pa Dok Siew Waterfall and a Karen village with rice paddies and coffee farms. Stop to enjoy freshly brewed local coffee.

Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, depart around 6:30 – 7:00 AM for the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, located 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai.

08:30 – Arrive at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Begin with an introduction to the sanctuary’s mission and the elephants’ history. Change into traditional Karen clothing and prepare herbal medicine for the elephants.

09:00 – Meet the elephants up close. Feed, interact, and learn about their behavior in a natural and ethical environment. Enjoy opportunities to take memorable photos.

09:45 – Join the elephants for a fun mud spa session.

10:30 – Walk with the elephants to a nearby river and help bathe them.

11:30 – Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch, then say goodbye to your gentle giant friends.

12:00 – Depart the sanctuary and return to Chiang Mai (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most revered hilltop temple. Climb the 306-step staircase flanked by mythical Nagas to reach the golden chedi, said to enshrine relics of the Buddha. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views over Chiang Mai from the temple grounds.

Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel.

At the appropriate time, meet your guide for a private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward flight.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you for traveling with us!