Compare Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2019 by Tauck vs Authentic Cambodia and Vietnam In 14 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi

Tour begins: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at 6:00 PM. Transfers are included from Hanoi Int'l Airport to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

PORTOFCALL : Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 2 Highlights of Hanoi, Old and New

Leave your preconceived images behind as you become acquainted with gracious Hanoi, ranking among the world's most attractive and interesting cities. Walk and take a buggy ride through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Opera House and other local sights. Go inside infamous Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"), where Senator John McCain and Douglas "Pete" Wilson were once imprisoned, and continue on to Da Ba Dinh Square to view Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Attend a traditional water puppet performance this evening before dinner on your own. Please note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is closed each year for annual renovations from September to December; Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda are still open for viewing.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

PORTOFCALL : Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 3 An overnight Cruise on Ha Long Bay

Head north to Ha Long Bay for an extraordinary glimpse of rural life by land and sea. See villagers working in rice paddies, water buffaloes grazing in the open and ancient temples standing as testaments to history. Limestone islets, some 3,000 of them, line Ha Long Bay on the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Board the Paradise Elegance, combining traditional oriental design and modern amenities, for an overnight cruise among the limestone islands. After lunch onboard ship and more sightseeing on the bay, enjoy some free time to go swimming or kayaking, followed by a cooking demonstration before dinner onboard this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Paradise Elegance

PORTOFCALL : Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Day 4 From the bay to Hoi An via Da Nang

After spending part of the morning cruising on Ha Long Bay, disembark Paradise Elegance and return to Hanoi to catch your flight to the city of Da Nang on the South China Sea. From there, you'll travel a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, where you'll spend the next two nights in Grand Deluxe rooms in your MGallery Collection hotel, the Hotel Royal Hoi An.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Royal Hoi An

PORTOFCALL : Hoi An, Vietnam

Day 5 Exploring Hoi An, a World Heritage Site

A busy international trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is known for having preserved the traditional streets, temples and housing that reflect its multicultural heritage. Highlights include an 18th-century Japanese-style bridge with its own pagoda, the Phung Hung House and a riverside street market. After touring Hoi An's historic highlights via cyclo, spend the rest of the day and evening exploring this living museum as you wish, or simply relaxing at your hotel.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Royal Hoi An

PORTOFCALL : Hoi An, Vietnam

Day 6 To Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City this morning; upon arrival, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Duoc for a close-up look at the Vietnam War. Stretching out in a 120-mile underground network of meeting rooms, triage centers and kitchens, Cu Chi offers a unique look at the wartime life of Viet Cong guerillas and peasant soldiers. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : InterContinental Asiana Saigon

PORTOFCALL : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Day 7 Discovering Ho Chi Minh City

You may remember this former French colonial city as Saigon; today, Ho Chi Minh City bustles with forward-looking energy in glittering skyscapes, street vendors and open-air cafés. See vestiges of its past on a sightseeing tour that includes Reunification Hall, formerly the presidential palace of South Vietnam, the Post Office and the Cathedral. After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring as you please in Ho Chi Minh City.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : InterContinental Asiana Saigon

PORTOFCALL : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Day 8 Life in the Mekong Delta

From Ho Chi Minh City, drive to the Mekong River town of Cai Be and board a motorized sampan to cruise through small villages along the banks and floating markets for an authentic look at daily life along the river and the Mekong Delta. Stop at a local rice paper workshop and a fish sauce factory to sample their wares. Lunch at a local farmer's home provides a look at daily life before you return by land to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : InterContinental Asiana Saigon

PORTOFCALL : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Day 9 Fly to Phnom Penh

Take a morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon, visit the Apsara Arts Association, dedicated to the preservation of traditional Cambodian dance and culture. Dine in style this evening at one of the city's top restaurants for fine French cuisine. Your home for the next two nights is the landmark Raffles Hotel Le Royal, where French colonial ambiance has been welcoming royalty, celebrities and jetsetters for over eighty years.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Raffles Hotel Le Royal

PORTOFCALL : Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 10 The Many Faces of Phnom Penh

Explore Phnom Penh's Royal Palace complex this morning, where you'll find solid silver tiles on the floor of the Silver Pagoda, which today serves as a repository for religious and cultural treasures; the architecture of the various buildings in the complex is extraordinary. Visit the National Museum, housing the world's premier collection of Khmer art, including bronzes, ceramics and sculpture, and chronicling Cambodia's history and culture. After lunch, join us for a poignant, optional trip to the infamous "Killing Fields" of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Museum, memorializing the victims of the infamous "S-21" prison operated at the site.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Raffles Hotel Le Royal

PORTOFCALL : Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 11 Fly to Siem Reap & visit Angkor Wat

Drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. More than 1,000 archeological sites have been identified at what were the ancient Khmer metropolitan areas. Begin exploring some of them today on a guided visit to Angkor Wat, said to be the largest temple ruins in the world; the bas-reliefs that adorn the massive temple are among the finest examples of 12th-century Khmer art. Dine at your hotel, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

PORTOFCALL : Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 12 Ancient Temples of Angkor

View amazing sculpted monuments celebrating the ancient Khmer Empire on a guided tour that takes you to the root-shrouded Temple of Ta Prohm, imperial Angkor Thom, elaborate Elephant Terrace and the incomparable Bayon Temple. After lunch at a popular local restaurant, the rest of the day is free to spend as you please; dine at your hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

PORTOFCALL : Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 13 Fly to Colorful Luang Prabang in Laos

The beguiling Laotian city of Luang Prabang captivates with gold-leafed monasteries, French architecture, fragrant flowers and flavorful spices. Enjoy dinner at your luxurious hotel after settling in for a three-night stay.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Luang Say Residence

PORTOFCALL : Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 14 Alms in Luang Prabang & local rural life

Shortly after dawn in Luang Prabang, a gong announces the end of morning prayers and the beginning of a procession of monks emerging from the temples to seek alms; rise early this morning to experience this extraordinary ritual. After breakfast, explore the National Museum, preserved from its days as a royal residence at the turn of the 20th century and depicting day-to-day life for the rich and royal; visit the Wat Mai temple; and take an orientation tour of the city. Then, a scenic drive through the countryside leads to the multi-tiered cascades of the Tad Kouang Si waterfalls, tumbling over limestone formations to create turquoise-colored pools; the wildlife-rich jungle surrounding the falls entices with natural footpaths perfect for hiking. Return to your hotel in Luang Prabang for an evening spent at as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The Luang Say Residence

PORTOFCALL : Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 15 Waterfalls, visit to a special village and a traditional Lao Baci ceremony

Morning sightseeing takes you to picture-perfect Tad Kouang Si waterfalls. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Luang Prabang, then join us this afternoon for a visit to an elephant village for an educational opportunity - and time spent interacting with the elephants! Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner that is highlighted by a special Lao welcome and a traditional Lao Baci well-wishing ceremony, complete with music and dance.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Luang Say Residence

PORTOFCALL : Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 16 Life in the Laotian countryside & journey home

Spend the morning on a community based living rice farm in the countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. You'll have an opportunity to experience the life of local rice farmers and try your hand at some of their daily activities, or view them from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony, surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. There will also be time to visit local handicraft workshops featuring crafts including bamboo weaving, blacksmithing, and sugar cane processing, and a tour of an organic garden offers insights on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Return to your hotel for lunch, then a late-day flight brings you back to Hanoi. Tour ends: Hanoi. Fly to Hanoi International Airport to connect with your flight home, arriving early evening; international flights should depart no earlier than 9 PM. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B, L

PORTOFCALL : Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 1 Welcome to Cambodia - Siem Reap Arrival

Your Cambodia and Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 Explore The Capital Of Ancient Khmer (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready to explore the famous Angkor complex. Start your exploration with the visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the best-preserved holy Buddhist gateway to Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century. Then visit Bayon Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanaka, the Elephant Terrace, and Leper King Terrace. Continue to Ta Prohm, a famous temple covered by trees growing out of the ruins. This temple is where the most impressive scenes of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed.

In the afternoon, you will visit Hindu temples Thommanon, Chaosay Tevoda, and Ta Keo, the small, attractive temples in a good condition, built all the same time as Angkor Wat. Then continue to Angkor Wat - one of the “7th Wonders of the World” and a World Heritage Site since 1992. Famous for its beauty and splendor Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. After visiting Angkor Wat, you will get to the top of Bakheng Hill for sunset viewing. Bakheng is the first temple constructed in the Angkor area. This mountain temple offers extraordinary views of the Tonle Sap and Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3 Siem Reap - Travel to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Sightseeing (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your transfer to Phnom Penh by air-conditioned bus. In the afternoon you will visit the Royal Palace, which is currently a residence of His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal family. The palace looks like a small town of royal dynasties. Continue to Silver Pagoda, which serves less as a functioning temple than a repository for cultural treasures such as 90 kg golden Buddha encrusted with 2086 diamonds. Finally visit Wat Phnom Temple, one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh It was built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 4 Phnom Penh Sightseeing - Flight To Ho Chi Minh (B) - flight included

Have breakfast at the hotel, then visit Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeng Ek to be executed. Then visit Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market). Here you can find everything: clothing, a large selection of Buddha images and woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry, and classic musical instrument. Then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 5 Discover The Fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels (B) - group tour

Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for Cu Chi tunnels around 8:00-8:30 am. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.

Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served. Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 6 Sailing Through Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L) - group tour

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.

Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farms, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.

Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 7 Flight From Vibrant Ho Chi Minh to Graceful Hue (B) - flight included

Relish the remaining moment in Ho Chi Minh before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Hue. When you arrive at Hue airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city center. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8 Hue City Tour (B/L) - group tour

Hue City is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Thua Thien Hue province, and used to be an old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. During this time, the most remarkable architectural monuments were constructed, which now are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 8:00-8:30 am.

Start your exploration with the boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, which is the oldest pagodas in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you will also visit the Royal Antiques Museum to see the collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Then head to the bustling Dong Ba market.

Have delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, which represents the Confucian style. On the way, you will also visit conical hats and incense sticks villages. You will be back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9 Travel from Hue To The Most Picturesque Old Town Hoi An (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 10 Hoi An Basket Boat and Fishing Tour - group tour Flight to Hanoi (B/L)

Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you for a cycle trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside, you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way and enjoy the beautiful views of the neighborhood. After that, you will board a boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Later, you will take a paddle boat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise. After the boat trip, have delicious lunch and cycle back to your hotel. Later our driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11 Excursion To The Natural Wonder Of The World - Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 12 Halong Bay - Back To Tranquil Capital (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 13 Getaway From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.

Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc's life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.

Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.

Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields. Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village. Later, enjoy a transfer from Ba Vi back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 14 Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Trip Ends.