Compare Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2019 by Tauck vs 14 Days Authentic Vietnam and Cambodia by S Vietnam Adventures

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: Hanoi arrival- Airport transfer- Check in hotel in the center (No meal)

You will be welcomed by a warm driver at Noi Bai International Airport and transferred to hotel in Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free on your own and relax at the hotel.
Please note:
– Check in time is 14.00
– Can be arranged early check in with additional cost.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi\

Day 2: Hanoi- Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)

07.45 – 08.30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Then we will head to Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta along the way

11.30: Upon arriving in our lobby in Tuan Chau Marina, you may take a short stretch while our staff arranges all registration with the local government.

12.00 – 12.30: The cruise captain and staff will welcome you onboard after a short tender transfer. While enjoying a refreshing welcome drink, a short cruise briefing and safety instructions will be given.

12.30 – 13.00: The voyages to Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Nature Wonders of the World. Lunch is served on board while the cruise passes via amazing limestone karst formations that rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.

14.00 – 14.30: You will leave the cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise/ Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.

15.00: Returning to cruise, the trip will continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can watch the magnificent view over either the Gulf of Tonkin or swim in the emerald green and cool water.

17.00: After a long day, this is the ideal time to enjoy energizing drinks and snacks by joining ‘Happy Hour’ or Cooking Class on the sundeck

19.30: Sumptuous Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff.

20.30: After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Distance Hanoi – Ha Long: 180 kilometers (~3 hours)

Note: Itinerary/ activities may be changed due to the weather or other reasons.

Please be advised: This is an overnight cruise, so kindly check out of your hotel room. You may leave your large luggage at the hotel lobby or bring it along with you. Additionally, it's recommended to have some Vietnamese Dong cash on hand for potential use during stopovers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board

Day 3: Ha Long Bay- Hanoi- Recheck in hotel (B, L)

06.15 – 07.00: Breakfast is served. It can be a great idea to enjoy the meal with the magnificent view of the sunrise in Ha Long Bay.

8.00 -9.30: The cruise gets closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join our guide on a short trip to Luon Cave. This magic work of nature shows you the formation of karst mountains. You can discover this time masterpiece by kayaking on your own. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs.

9.30: Crew welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

10.00: Whilst cruising back, delightful lunch will be served.

11.35: We return to the quayside in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark in Tuan Chau Marina. And leave for Ha Noi on our shuttle.

15.30 – 16.00: You will get back to your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter

*Due to cruising conditions, slight program modifications may occur due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice to guests. While Wi-Fi is available, please note that internet connectivity may be limited due to the geographic characteristics of the bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: 12.00pm check out- Night Train to Da Nang - Overnight on train (B)

12:00pm: check out then free time for your own activities
You will have free time till 19.00PM, the driver will take you to the train station and you will take the night train to Ha Noi. Stay overnight on the train.
The train is about 14 hours journey and it is Vietnamese Government Train which has local/ tourist. 4 berths share 1 cabin, shared toilet.
Please note: You should have Dinner period or take away Dinner, Additionally, consider bringing snacks, water, and fruits with you for the train journey. It's worth noting that shared train toilets can be uncomfortable, so please prepare accordingly for this aspect of the journey.

If you prefer not to opt for the overnight train, you have the option to select a flight instead. Kindly inform us of your preference, and we will assess any additional charges and provide you with the details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 5: Da Nang arrival- Train station pick up- Check in hotel in Da Nang (No meal)

The train is scheduled to arrive at approximately 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we'll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the enchanting a livable Da Nang city. You'll check into a hotel in the heart of the ancient town, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Overnight in Da Nang

Day 6: Check out - Amazing Sunset My Son Holyland - Drop off at Hoi An (B)

13:00 –13:30: Our guide picks you up at your hotel and departs to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking through the landscape, exploring Champa cultures and the remaining structures with our local English– speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.
17:15: Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people’s activities along the river
18:30: Arrive at Hoi An and we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Free and easy (B)

Free and easy to enjoy the ancient town on your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Airport transfer- Fly to Ho Chi Minh city- Check in hotel (B)

Today, you'll have leisure time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Please remain at the hotel, and our driver will transport you to the airport when it's time. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnel Half day (B)

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze–like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
Return to Saigon. End trip.

Please be advised that lunch is not included in the itinerary. You will return to the hotel around 3:00 PM, so it is recommended that you have a substantial breakfast to sustain you until your return.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh- Bus to Phnom Penh- Check in hotel (B)

You will be transferred to Phnom Penh by bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Flight upgrades are possible at an extra charge. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at the hotel and enjoy leisure time at your own pace. Kindly note that arranging a visa to enter Cambodia is your responsibility and can be done upon arrival. Please have a photo and $45 USD in cash per person prepared for this purpose.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 11: Phnom Penh city tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then drive to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit Killing Fields " Choeung Ek"15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture, and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during the Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). The last site is Russian Markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and silver products. Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 12: Phnom Penh- Bus to Siem Reap (B)

You'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing by bus at 8:30 AM. Today's journey takes you to Siem Reap, where upon arrival at the bus station, our driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Distance: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: 320km – 5.5–6 hours

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a private car for $140 USD per group (up to 4 seats). The driver will make stops at Spider Market and Naga Bridge for sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 13: Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (B, L)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 14: Airport transfer- Siem Reap departure- Trip ends (B)

Today, you will take the flight back home as per your schedule. Please provide us with your departure time from Siem Reap International Airport, we will arrange a car to the airport for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No