Grand Indochina Journey

Duration

18 days

Departure weekly

every Wednesday

Guaranteed

with 2 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discover the essence of Indochina with our captivating Grand Indochina Journey: explore the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the vibrant heritage of Phnom Penh, and the charm of Siem Reap with its lively markets and traditional culture; experience Hanoi’s bustling streets, the stunning karst formations of Halong Bay, the historic allure of Hoi An’s ancient town, and the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City; and uncover the serene beauty of Vientiane’s laid-back atmosphere, the ancient Wat Phu temples with their rich history, and the tranquil landscapes of Luang Prabang. This incredible journey offers an immersive and comprehensive experience into the region’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary
Tour Images
Inclusions
Departure Dates
Booking Request

Grand Indochina Journey

Day 1: Arrival and Xin Chao to Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers. Stay the next two nights at Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi (or similar).
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
Full day Hanoi City Tour This morning, meet your guide at your hotel and depart on your tour after breakfast. Your first stop will be the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi city and Dong Xuan market. Your next stop will be Ho Chi Minh complex comprising Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace (for outside photo taken), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. After your own lunch, continuing on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. You will then visit Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war). Your tour will also include the historical St Joseph’s Cathedral. The last stop of the day before returning to your hotel will be the visit the Opera House then stroll around the bustling Old Quarter, find a street side café and sip a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee especially coffee with eggs while watching a bit of people passing by. Overnight in Hanoi. Important message Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays; The Ho Chi Minh Museum & the Citadel are closed on Mondays.The Presidential Palace can only be viewed from the outside. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has annual maintenance normally from September for 2 to 3 months and can only be viewed from the outside. All other sites in the Ho Chi Minh complex are still accessible during this period.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Pick up at your hotel around 7:30 AM and transfer by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board Victory Star Cruise (or similar).
Day 4: Halong Bay to Hue (B)
Take part in a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before enjoying brunch on board. Cruise back to port to disembark. Drive back to Hanoi by shuttle bus and drop off at a point where you will meet the driver and move to the airport. Fly to the former imperial capital of Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Alba Spa Hotel (or similar).
Day 5: Hue to Hoi An (B)
Half day Hue Imperial City This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8am by your guide for a half day city tour of Hue. We start by viewing the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc which is set beautifully amongst lakes & frangipani trees. Next, we explore the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors - the Citadel. Graded as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. We finish with a short drive to the much-revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful. After that, you will leave Hue for Hoi An. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. This evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure. Stay the next two nights at Hoian Central Boutique Hotel (or similar).
Day 6: Hoi An (B)
Half day walking tour In the morning, you will begin your walking tour of this UNESCO world heritage site. Hoi An was once Vietnam’s most active trading centre and over many centuries the Old Town has been largely preserved. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. Today you will be guided on a walking tour through the streets of enchanting Hoi An. You will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon (B)
After breakfast, take a short drive to Danang for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, your guide and private car will pick up and begin your journey out to Cu Chi Tunnels. On arrival you will watch a short DVD explaining the history of the tunnel network. Following this you will be guided through the famous tunnels as used by the communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. The tunnel network stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with a remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort. The vast majority of the network has been recreated above ground however you will have the option to head underground & experience what life was like below the surface. Return to Saigon and check-in at hotel. On returning to Saigon, spend the remainder of day enjoying the various sights and sounds of the boisterous city. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at Paragon Hotel (or similar).
Day 8: Saigon to Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
Full day Delta Day Discovery to Ben Tre This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8am by your guide for a full day tour traveling south from Ho Chi Minh City, to the small town of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. Board your boat to begin your exploration of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Visit a local factory to see bricks being hand-made the old-fashioned way using traditional kiln technique. Stop at a riverside coconut processing factory and in the home of a local family who weave mats using local materials. Take a Pedicab & head for a delicious lunch featuring local specialties including Elephant Ear Fish. On your return from the Delta, make a brief stop at a Cao Dai pagoda, a uniquely Vietnamese sect that is a dizzying combination all the world’s great religion’s including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Return to your hotel late afternoon where your tour ends. Lunch included. Arrive back to Saigon to join your group for a farewell dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant: HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 9: Departure from Saigon to Phnom Penh (B)
08:00- Today you will be met at your hotel by your guide for a morning walking tour through the heart of Saigon’s famous and historic city landmarks including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace (outside only). You will then join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy (now the US consulate) before visiting War Remnants Museum. Later travel to Binh Thanh district and visit Ba Chieu local wholesale market in the East of Saigon, before visiting the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda. This popular 124-year-old pagoda, houses a number of intricate sculptures and woodcarvings. Return to your hotel where your tour ends. (Late checkout not included) Enjoy these last moments in Saigon before our guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward journey to Phnom Penh. On arrival in Phnom Penh, you will get a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to unwind until you meet your fellow travellers over welcome drinks while your Tour Leader explains some important details and logistics of the journey ahead.
Day 10: Phnom Penh (B)
Explore Phnom Penh with Cyclo (Bicycle Rickshaw), a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start our tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit to the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Then, visit of Phnom Penh’s great markets, the Central Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. In the afternoon by private vehicle, visit Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime.
Day 11: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (B)
In the morning, enjoy an overland transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Along the way, we will make stops at the infamous spider and insect market in Skun, as well as the stone mason village near Santuk. Before reaching Siem Reap city, visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk. This isolated community consists of three villages built on stilts, providing a unique and scenic experience. The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year (August/September – February), allowing for visits by local boats and contributing to the local community’s income. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forests. This exceptional ecosystem thrives in the wet soil for half of the year, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Afterward, return by boat and continue the journey by vehicle to Siem Reap, where you will check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 12: Siem Reap (B)
Today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. After sunrise visit the bas-relief and central complex of Angkor in the quiet early morning. Breakfast is served at a local restaurant near the temple complex. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. Marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie. At the center of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, built at the end of the 12th century and adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Continue the day by visiting Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Return to Siem Reap.
Day 13: Siem Reap to Luang Prabang (B)
It’s time to say goodbye to Cambodia. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travel to Luang Prabang. Meet your laotian tour guide and drive to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink and chose to relax or explore nearby sights on your leisure time.
Day 14: Luang Prabang (B)
Discover the charms of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walk around the old quarter. Start with the vibrant morning market, the charming city main street and the National Museum. After, visit Wat Xienthong, considered the finest temple in Laos. For the finalé, embark on a scenic boat ride for a memorable sunset cruise along the Mekong river.
Day 15: Luang Prabang (B/D)
Discover the charms of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walk around the old quarter. Start with the vibrant morning market, the charming city main street and the National Museum. After, visit Wat Xienthong, considered the finest temple in Laos. For the finalé, embark on a scenic boat ride for a memorable sunset cruise along the Mekong river.
Day 16: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (B)
Leaving Luang Prabang, we'll drive up into the amazing mountains of north-central Lao PDR, where we will visit Hmong villages. The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Lao PDR. They are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong people began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and a lack of arable land. We'll end our journey at the small city of Vang Vieng, tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs. This is an area of immense natural beauty, with the small Nan Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains
Day 17: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (B/D)
Today we will drive to Vientiane, capital and the largest city of Laos and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere unlike the typical hustling and bustling cities of Southeast Asia. This historic old French colonial quarter beguiles glittering temples and statues, sleepy tuk tuk drivers, wandering Buddhist monks and boulevards lined with frangipanis. Explore the charming capital starting with a TukTuk ride from your hotel to the iconic Phatuxay Monument. Walk down Lane Xang Avenue, stopping at the Morning Market and the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). Visit Wat Si Muang and Wat Sisaket, before stopping at the Presidential Palace. Get re-energised with a Lao coffee and croissant at Anouvong Park. Visit a series of temple before reaching the Mekong riverbanks. We will end this tour with a delightful farewell dinner, celebrating the memorable experiences and beautiful moments shared throughout the journey.
Day 18: Departure from Vientiane (B)
Its time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. We will ensure a transfer to the airport for your departure, allowing you to board your flight comfortably as you bid farewell to this remarkable destination and continue your journey back home or to your next exciting destination.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Please note that between May and September, the direct flight between Siem Reap and Luang Prabang may not always operate. Flight schedules during this period can vary, with changes, cancellations, or new flights being added. As a result, we may need to arrange flights with a transit stop in Bangkok, Saigon, or Hanoi, which could extend your travel time. Rest assured, we will do our best to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Tour Images

Inclusions

Insider Experiences

Unique - River cruising on Halong Bay and overnight onboard
Unique - Tai Chi lesson on Halong Bay at sunrise
Arts & Craft - Apsara dance performances
Social - Visit of the isolated community of Kampong Pluk
Unique - Sunrise over Angkor Wat temples
Arts & Craft - Visit of the Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre
Unique - Sunset cruise along the Mekong river
Spiritual - ‘baci’ ceremony at Bamboo Experience

Accommodation

16 nights in 4 star hotels
1 night on a boat
Meals

Daily breakfast
2 local lunches
4 local dinners

Transport

Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Air-conditioned vehicle
All flight specified in itinerary
Touring

English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All tipping