Compare Discover Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia tour by Audley Travel vs Indochina Essence by Exotic Voyages

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Luang Prabang.

Day 2 : Luang Prabang

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang you're greeted by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your guide can give a short introduction to the city en route. The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. If you are not too tired after your flights you may want to try out one of our suggested restaurants.

Day 3 : Luang Prabang

Join your guide for a full day exploring the charming town of Luang Prabang on a private tour. Begin by visiting some of the magnificent temples which the saffron robed monks of the city call home. Witnessing the daily alms giving ceremony is a real highlight. Later, visit the small cultural museum, local galleries and craft shops before venturing round the colourful night markets.This evening it is worth dining with the locals along the riverfront where Laos BBQ is the favourite choice of dish.

Day 4 : Hanoi

This morning is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. You may wish to visit the market again to take home some souvenirs or simply relax by the hotel's pool.Drive to the airport this afternoon by private transfer to catch a flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On arrival you're met and escorted to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter.The hotel sits close by to Hoan Kiem Lake, a good spot for restaurants and exploring the old quarter. You may wish to try out one of our suggested dining options this evening.

Day 5 : Hanoi

After breakfast, go on a private cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter exploring the hustle and bustle of the Vietnamese life. The cyclos not only give you a unique perspective but allow you to make interesting stops while navigating through Hanoi's uncompromising traffic. Acccompaned by your own experienced guide, the tour can be tailored to your interests.The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Day 6 : Halong City

After breakfast, you're collected from your hotel and transferred to Halong City with a private driver and guide. The journey here takes around three to four hours. Upon arrival, board your traditional Vietnamese Junk for an afternoon cruising around the thousands of islets that make up this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.This evening you can enjoy drinks on board while watching the sunset over the bay. All meals are included whilst on board.

Day 7 : Hoi An

Rise early to view the sunrise over Halong Bay's stunning limestone islets from your cabin before driving to back to Hanoi by private transfer this afternoon in time for your flight to the World Heritage Site of Hoi An. This evening enjoy a stroll around the town and enjoy any one of Hoi An's many restaurants and perhaps get measured up for a new outfit by a recommended tailor.

Day 8 : Hoi An

Join your guide for an interesting tour around the Hoi An area on a private walking tour. Begin by driving out to the pre-Angkorian temples at My Son, built by the cham people and portraying incredibly intricate carvings the site was heavily bombed during the Vietnam conflict. It is now, however, being fully restored and makes for a fascinating experience. This afternoon you'll return to Hoi An and enjoy a private guided tour around the old town.This evening you may want to try one of our many recommended restaurants.

Day 9 : Saigon

This morning you'll be picked from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport for your hour long fight to Saigon. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driver for a visit to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels en route to your city hotel. This allows for an insight into the Vietnam War and how it was fought by the Vietnamese. Accompaned by a private guide, you can enter a section of the tunnel opened up for visitors.Upon checking in to your hotel the rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.Saigon is a huge frantic city, however, due to the excellent location of the hotel you're in close proximity to many of the capital's main attractions. There are also many good restaurants nearby.

Day 10 : Phnom Penh

This morning you will have more time to explore Saigon before taking an afternoon flight to Cambodia's riverside capital Phnom Penh, having been driven to the airport by private transfer.Upon arrival in Phnom Penh and checking in to your hotel you have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own leisure.Phnom Penh is home to many markets, the most famous being the central Russian Market. During your free time you may wish to explore and barter for some souvenirs.

Day 11 : Phnom Penh

Today sees you explore Phnom Penh with your private guide and driver including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, the former prison of the Khmer Rouge.With the rest of the day at your leisure, you might want to test out the hotel's spa or relax by the pool.

Day 12 : Siem Reap

This morning drive the five to six hour journey alongside the Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap. Accompaned by a guide as well as private driver, it's possible to stop along the way to explore.Upon arrival and checking in to your hotel you'll have some time to settle in before venturing out to explore the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex with a private guide. Arrive just in time to navigate the stunning temple before witnessing an unforgettable sunset.

Day 13 : Siem Reap

An early rise today to visit the charming temple of Pre Rup with your private guide before moving on to Ta Phrom. By far the most atmospheric of all the ruins, Ta Prohm has been reclaimed by the jungle and is being crushed by massive tree roots. Seeing this temple early in the morning avoids the crowds and allows you to witness the temple emerge slowly from the dark until it reveals itself in all its ruined finery. From Ta Prohm visit the impressive fortified city of Angkor Thom with your guide. The most famous temple in this complex is the Bayon, with 216 enigmatic smiling faces. Rest of the day is free at your own leisure - as you have your own guide, you can take as long exploring today's sites as you wish.

Day 14 : Siem Reap

Final full day to see more of the area, or enjoy time seeing the town.Your hotel also has wonderful facilities should you wish to relax by the pool.Siem Reap is home to a number of great restaurants and you may wish to try out one of our personal suggestions.

Day 15 : International return flight

Today is a free day for you to further explore the temples at leisure, relax by the hotel pool or wander around the town and indulge in a bit of shopping! Later in the day you will head to the airport for your flight home.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

DAY 1 SAIGON

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your flight or taking a stroll along the busy streets of the city.

DAY 2 SAIGON

Today's highlights
Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon Landmarks

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the tunnel network of Cu Chi which was sheltered to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina with historic landmarks like the Old Saigon post office and Notre Dame Cathedral (under construction until 2027). Visit Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government in the 60s, and the War Remnants Museum to learn some more about the Vietnam War's history.

DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA & RIVER

Today's highlights
Follow the waterway to discover Ben Tre's local businesses

Hotel: Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, depart from Saigon to Ben Tre, the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Follow the waterway to discover different local family-owned businesses including a brick factory. Stop at a small village, where you get to know the locals specializing in carpet weaving. Visit traditional farms, rice fields and vegetable plants, before stopping at a small local restaurant to taste a delicious lunch made of regional specialties. Check-in at the hotel. Later, hop on the bike and get around the village. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get on a boat and see the commercial life on the water with loaded boats transporting goods. Visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple as well as the busy local market. Head back to Saigon and stop by the Ancient House Cai Be, and listen to the host about the history of this land. Have lunch in the lush garden. Then, transfer directly back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for a short flight to Danang. Meet your driver, head to Hoi An, and check in at the hotel.

DAY 5 HOI AN

Today's highlights
Get refreshed by a visit to Tra Que herb village

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautiful countryside of Hoi An today. Breathe in the fresh aroma of many kinds of herbs when you come close to Tra Que herb village. Here, ride a bike through the village and help the local farmers with their garden. After lunch at a local house, drive back to the Old Town. Take a leisure stroll to see Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and an ancient bridge.

DAY 6 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own leisure, seeing what interests you. Along with the historic buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town captivates millions of visitors with its charming vibe and mouthwatering food. Banh mi, Com ga, Cao lau,... you make your own list.

DAY 7 HANOI

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hanoi and transfer to your next hotel. After spending time for yourself, meet your guide to get acquainted with Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology - two of the best attractions in the city. Later, a cyclo will take you around the Old Quarter to listen to the music of Hanoi that comes from its architecture, small pagodas nestled in crowded streets, and lively sounds from sidewalk restaurants and cafes.

DAY 8 HANOI

Today's highlights
A hanoi's morning tour on a scooter

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at around 5.30 and discover the charming city from dawn on a scooter tour. Explore the wholesale flower market, the 100-year-old Long Bien Bridge, and other typical morning sites, and witness the local life at the early stage. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast and then an Egg Coffee or Cafe Sua Da, just as the way the locals start their day. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest at your leisure.

DAY 9 HA LONG BAY

Hotel: Ginger Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. You will board the luxury cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site from your cabin then followed by a fresh seafood meal as you watch the amazing sunset over the dramatic seascapes.

DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise among the islands to discover more about the bay. Return to the dry land after a hearty lunch and drive to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to Sofitel Luang Prabng. This poetic city is your next destination.

DAY 11 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Picnic lunch at Kuang Sy Waterfall

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to discover some treasures of Luang Prabang. You will visit the Royal Palace and gorgeous Kuang Sy Waterfall where you have a picnic lunch. Return to Luang Prabang and start exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River by visiting some of the most beautiful temples like Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phou, Vat Aham, and a Hmong Night Market.

DAY 12 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Discover Pak Ou cave by boat

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early for the Buddhist ritual of 'Tak Bat' at Vat Nong temple. Next stop is a local market where your senses are awakened. Sample some tasty snacks before breakfast at a local restaurant. Relax by the Mekong with a cup of coffee. Embark a traditional boat to cruise along the Mekong River to visit the sacred cave of Pak Ou which is home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Hai to discover how Lao people make their traditional rice wine.

DAY 13 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Cycle to learn about the most ancient temple sites in the region

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambodia. Arrive at the airport and meet your local guide who will drive you to your hotel. After a short rest, explore by bicycle one of the most ancient temple sites in the region: the Roluos Group. You will visit a 9th-century Bakong temple, impressive Preah Ko, and Lolei which today houses a small monastery. Continue your ride to a local house where you will try Khmer pastries and talk with the locals.

DAY 14 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Private lunch at a secret temple

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It's famed for extraordinary ruins and bas-reliefs that feature the great architectures of the Khmer Empire. Meet your guide this morning to explore the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk. Your visit includes the famous Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the raised terrace of Leper King. A private lunch at a secret temple will make your day unforgettable.

DAY 15 SIEM REAP

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the magic city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.