This 12 day Southeast Asia tour travels through the three lesser known nations of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Cruise the mystical Ha Long Bay and wander the streets of the charming Luang Prabang. Learn about the ancient Khmer empire as you tour the ruins of Angkor Wat and soak in the experience of these small and culturally rich nations.
Highlights
Visit Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature
Cruise Ha long Bay and explore caves, beaches, and floating villages
Electric bicycle to several historic sites in Luang Prabang
Hike to Kuang Si Waterfall and swim in the fresh waters
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Start the day at Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals gather for morning tai chi and aerobics. Visit Ngoc Son Temple before stopping at a café for a Vietnamese iced coffee or egg coffee.
Try a fresh banh mi from a street stall, then follow your guide through the Old Quarter, passing St. Joseph’s Cathedral and other colonial-era buildings. Visit Hoa Lo Prison, which once held Vietnamese revolutionaries and later American prisoners of war.
Enjoy a lunch of bun cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and rice noodles. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076. Walk along Hanoi’s railway street, where homes and shops sit just meters from the tracks. End the day with a cold glass of bia hoi, Hanoi’s famous draft beer.
After breakfast, set out for your 3.5-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone Karst landscape. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk boat, modeled after ancient Vietnamese court vessels, and begin cruising through the breathtaking bay. Weather permitting, enjoy onboard activities such as kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on deck while taking in the scenery. As evening falls, savor a dinner featuring fresh local seafood. Afterward, unwind at the bar or try squid fishing before retiring for the night.
*Note: This cruise operates on different ships, depending on the departure date. Contact us for more details.
Wake up to a peaceful morning on Ha Long Bay and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as you take in the stunning surroundings. After breakfast, visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rustic rowboat, where you can meet local fishermen and pass by a floating school and fish farms.
Lunch will be served on board as you make your way back to the harbor. Disembark around noon and transfer back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival in Laos, complete visa formalities if needed and meet your private guide for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Rise early to the sound of monastery bells tolling at dawn. Head to a village outside the city, where few tourists venture, for a rare opportunity to respectfully witness the sacred almsgiving ritual. Observe as barefoot monks walk in long, silent lines to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. You will be provided with alms to offer traditionally. Please maintain a respectful distance and ensure that photography does not interfere with this highly revered ritual.
Afterward, visit the bustling Morning Market to see an array of fresh produce, meats, and spices locals use in their daily cooking. Return to the hotel for breakfast before setting out on a city tour by e-bike.
Hop on an e-powered bike and explore Luang Prabang’s historical and cultural highlights. Visit the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, for a glimpse into Laos’ rich history. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its intricate golden bas-reliefs. Ride along the Mekong to Ock Pop Tok, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving traditional silk weaving techniques. Learn about the dyeing and weaving process before heading to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, where exhibits showcase the diverse ethnic groups of Laos. Drop off your bike and take a tuk-tuk to Tamarind Restaurant for a delicious Lao lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic cruise of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, a mystical pilgrimage site filled with more than 3,000 Buddha statues. Explore the dark recesses of the caves before cruising downstream. Stop at Ban Xang Khong, a riverside village known for its traditional silk weaving and handmade mulberry paper. Continue to Ban Xang Hai, where villagers produce Lao rice whiskey—try a sip of this potent local specialty before returning to Luang Prabang.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a half-day adventure to the famous Kuang Si Falls. Drive 30 minutes to Long Lao, a community of Hmong and Lao people, where your trek begins. Hike through diverse landscapes, including forests and open fields, before reaching the top of the falls. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the falls and take a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools. Kuang Si is believed by locals to have medicinal properties.
Visit the bear sanctuary near the falls, operated by Free the Bears Fund. This organization rehabilitates rescued Asiatic Black Bears, protecting them from poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Learn about their conservation efforts and observe these playful creatures in a safe environment. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon for leisure time. Explore the town, visit local markets, or unwind with a traditional Lao massage.
In the evening, climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River at sunset. Choose between two staircases: a direct 328-step ascent from Sisavangvong Road or a more scenic route from the Nam Khan Riverside.
Kuang Si Trekking Time: 3.5 hours Hiking Distance: Approximately 5 miles / 9 kilometers, flat terrain
This morning, drive to the airport for your flight south to Vientiane, the capital of Laos and a commercial hub. Drive to your hotel for check-in and to rest up a bit. In the early evening, join a Lao cooking class at Full Moon Cafe. Learn to incorporate traditional ingredients into various dishes with guidance from an experienced chef. Once the meal is ready, sit down and enjoy the feast you’ve created.
After dinner, explore Chao Anou Park and the lively night market along the Mekong River. Sample local snacks, discover hidden food stalls, and get recommendations from your guide on where to stop for a drink. Chic wine bars and lively karaoke spots line the area. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Depart Vientiane early for a scenic drive to Ban Nam Yarm village, the starting point of today's trek. Hike through Phou Khao Kway National Park, a rugged landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and sandstone cliffs, while searching for wild orchids. Led by local guides from Ban Hatkhai, this community-based project supports orchid conservation and local livelihoods.
Spot a variety of orchid species and wildlife along the way, including the possibility of wild elephants. Pause for a picnic lunch by the river before continuing to Tad Xay waterfall, a refreshing swimming spot. Return to Vientiane in the late afternoon, stopping at Dong Mak Kai Market to browse unique local foods like ant eggs and insects.
*Please note that wild orchids are rare plants. Most bloom only once a year and often for only a few days. Various species bloom during different months from January through June. During other months, this hike is still a great choice for viewing the flora and fauna of the region. During the rainy season, a boat ride may be used to get to the starting point.
Hiking Time: 5 hours, approximately Hiking Distance: 7 miles / 12 kilometers
Spend the morning at leisure until it’s time to transfer with your guide to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening. If time allows, explore the lively Siem Reap night market, where you can browse a variety of local goods. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to Angkor, the legendary ruined city and former capital of the Khmer Empire.
This morning, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII. Enter through the stone South Gate, flanked by 54 gods and demons holding the sacred Naga snake. Inside the walls, discover intricately carved figures of gods, demons, and elephants, many representing the empire’s provinces. At Bayon Temple, 54 towers with four faces symbolize the unity of the Khmer Empire. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both adorned with intricate bas-reliefs. Conclude the morning with a private Buddhist blessing ceremony, wishing you health and a safe journey. Return to the hotel for a midday break.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat by vehicle before sunset, when the site is less crowded. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of Suryavarman II, the temple represents Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Intricate bas-reliefs depict Hindu mythology and the king’s battles, while more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorate the walls. Thought to have taken 30 years of labor, Angkor Wat remains the soul of the Khmer people. Explore the ruins before returning to the hotel in the evening.
*Note: Visiting temples or other religious sites in Cambodia, visitors are advised to follow a dress code consisting of long trousers or skirt which covers the knees as well as covered shoulders. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops and revealing clothing are culturally insensitive and not allowed.
Spend the morning exploring the temples of the Small Circuit, starting with Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots weave through ancient stone walls, creating a scene straight out of Tomb Raider. Left largely as it was discovered, this temple offers a striking contrast between nature and architecture. Continue to Banteay Kdei, a 12th-century Buddhist monastery with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. End the temple visits at Srah Srang, also known as the Pool of Ablutions, a serene reservoir once used by Angkor’s royalty.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet the guide and driver after clearing customs. Transfer to the hotel for check-in at 2 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore the city at leisure.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City | Return Home
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Start the morning at Tao Dan Park, where locals gather for exercise and fresh air. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee at the Bird Café, a popular spot where bird owners showcase their prized songbirds. Then, sit down for a local breakfast featuring one of Vietnam’s signature noodle soups. Navigate the hidden alleyways and bustling streets of Cho Lon, the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown. Explore a secret bunker and the former Revolutionary Headquarters, offering a glimpse into the city's storied past. Stop for lunch at a favorite local spot to try southern Vietnamese specialties.
After lunch, take a stroll through central Saigon, stopping at The Café Apartment, a unique nine-story building transformed into a collection of trendy cafés and boutiques. Relax with tea or coffee before returning to the hotel.
Enjoy free time until your driver picks you up for your flight home or onward to your next destination.
Note: Check-out time varies by hotel. Please confirm the details with your Trip Planner.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum) + Internal flight cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to surcharge and a maximum $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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