The best of Indochina

Route

You start in Hanoi and travel via Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An to the south of Vietnam. You then fly to Siem Reap to visit the temples of Angkor. The journey ends in Luang Prabang in Laos.

Pace

You travel between the regions by domestic flights and private transfers. City and temple visits are complemented by boat trips, cooking workshops and moments away from the crowds. The journey ends in Luang Prabang with time to explore the city and the Mekong.

Highlights

In Hanoi, you visit the Temple of Literature and explore the Old Quarter by cyclo. You spend the night on board a ship in Halong Bay and walk through the Imperial Citadel of Hue. In Cambodia, you explore Angkor Wat and Tonlé Sap Lake. In Laos, you take a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves and participate in a Baci ceremony.

Accommodation

You stay in centrally located hotels in Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An. In Halong Bay, you sleep on board a ship. In Siem Reap and Luang Prabang, you choose from carefully selected Caractère hotels.

Profile

This journey suits those who wish to discover three countries in one itinerary, with attention to culture, gastronomy and local traditions. Ideal for travellers who enjoy experiencing cities, temples and rivers within a single trip.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A valid visa is not required if you stay less than 15 days.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Laos we recommend vaccination against Hepatitis A, DTP, BMR and typhoid fever. Vaccination for yellow fever is only mandatory if you have been in a country where yellow fever can occur within the past 6 days. We recommend using mosquito repellent outside major cities from dusk to dawn. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, our colleague will welcome you, escort you through immigration and transfer you to your driver for a transfer to your hotel in downtown Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi

After breakfast, visit the Temple of Literature and Vietnam's first university with your guide. Then you will meet a water puppet artist and after the show you will have a chance to operate the puppets yourself. In the afternoon, explore the historic center by cyclo, discover hidden alleys, taste local snacks and enjoy an "egg coffee" overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. End the day with dinner at the spot where Obama and Bourdain once ate Bun Cha.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Today you travel to Tuan Chau for an overnight cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of iconic limestone islands. Cruise through serene Lan Ha Bay and enjoy activities such as kayaking, a cooking demonstration and a Vietnamese dinner on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the deck of the boat. After breakfast, return to the port and take a domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Hue

Today you will explore both old and new Hue. Begin with a visit to the Forbidden City and enjoy a bike ride around the Citadel, where you will discover the modern architecture and art of Vietnamese-French master Lebadang at the Lebadang Memory Space. End the day at the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang. After a relaxing foot bath with local herbs, enjoy a delicious dinner in a rustic setting.

Day 6: Hue - Hoi An

Your driver will take you to Hoi An today where you will dive into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City on a guided walking tour. Admire the merchant houses, the famous Japanese Bridge and colorful fishing boats on the waterfront. You will stay at a hotel of your choice in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An

Start the day with a visit by boat to Hoi An's central market, where you will discover local products. Then dive into a cooking workshop and prepare your own authentic Vietnamese dishes. In the evening, explore hidden bars in the old town and sample unique cocktails with local flavors.

Day 8: Hoi An

After breakfast, you will trek with your guide into the peaceful countryside around Hoi An and visit the ancient Cham temples of My Son, hidden in a valley surrounded by mountains. You will also explore a traditional fishing village and get an insight into local life.

Day 9: Danang - Siem Reap

After checking out in charming Hoi An, travel to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, where you will stay at a Caractère hotel of your choice in Siem Reap.

Day 10: Siem Reap

Today you will explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom and visit some temples such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan. You will end the day with an optional evening performance of the Cambodian circus Phare or an evening tour by Vespa through Siem Reap's culinary hotspots.

Day 11: Siem Reap

After visiting the majestic Angkor Wat and the stilt houses in Kompong Khleang, a less visited but very authentic floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake, enjoy an optional evening dinner with Apsara dance performance.

Day 12: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang

Today you fly to charming Luang Prabang in Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage city with French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. The afternoon is free to spend and get to know this special city. You will stay at a hotel of your choice in Luang Prabang.

Day 13: Luang Prabang

On a fun city tour, your guide will introduce you to Luang Prabang's cozy streets and shrines and you will receive a blessing from a monk. You will explore the Pak Ou caves and enjoy a private boat ride on the Mekong, with a traditional Baki ceremony in a local village.

Day 14: Luang Prabang

Early in the morning, participate in the Tak Bat ceremony, where monks receive alms. Then you will learn to prepare traditional Lao dishes in a cooking workshop with a local family. Here you will spend the night in a Craactère hotel of your choice in Luang Prabang.

Day 15: Return home

After breakfast, your trip ends with a transfer to the airport where you take the plane back home.

What’s the price tag?

For this tour, you can expect a starting price from 9500 euros per person. This estimate depends on your travel dates, choice of hotels, and any extras such as excursions or extensions. The price includes international flights.