Timeless Highlights of Indochina: Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

Meet your guide at the hotel after breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City for a journey to the serene Mekong Delta, where daily life flows to the rhythm of the river.

As you reach My Tho, step aboard a traditional boat and cruise along the Mekong River, gliding past riverside villages and local craft workshops. Witness how coconut candy and rice popcorn are made, then hop into a small sampan for a tranquil paddle through narrow palm-shaded canals.

Continue to Thoi Son Islet, where you’ll explore its lush gardens and gain insight into life along the delta. 

A countryside-style lunch awaits, featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients.

After your meal, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the quiet village paths or relax at a riverside café, soaking in the slow rhythm of delta life.

In the late afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, bringing back serene memories of one of Vietnam’s most iconic and timeless landscapes.

Once finish your breakfast, set out to uncover Ho Chi Minh City’s rich history and culture. Begin with the Reunification Palace, a time capsule of the Vietnam War era, before stepping into the War Remnants Museum, where compelling exhibits tell powerful stories of the nation’s past. Continue to the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral and the nearby Central Post Office, both architectural gems from the French colonial period.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading out of the city to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network once served as a vital base for Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Crawl through narrow passageways, see hidden chambers, and learn how the tunnels were ingeniously designed for survival and defense.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, with the rest of the night free to relax or explore its vibrant streets. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your driver takes you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in, with your room available from 14:00.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace until evening, when the adventure resumes with a guided Hanoi street food tour

Eat as you go, walking through the maze of bustling streets. Try iconic options include pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken) or the famed Hanoi dishes such as Bun Cha Ta (a grilled pork and noodle dish) and local but world famous desserts such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), sweet treats like che (dessert soup) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and watch as the skilled chefs demonstrate how this tasty dish is put together. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Enjoy a full breakfast and meet your guide starting to uncover the history and spirit of Hanoi.

Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam's beloved national leader. You will have a chance to view the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh, then walk down to the peaceful garden and visit the stilt house and the Presidential Palace, where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969

Pause at the One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped sanctuary that has stood as a symbol of purity for centuries, before moving on to the Museum of Ethnology that you will admire interactive exhibits reveal the vibrant traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Break for a delightful lunch at the local restaurant, featuring authentic Vietnamese flavors

This afternoon, you will head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, beautifully reflected in the waters of West Lake, blending ancient architecture with a serene lakeside setting. At the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, stroll shaded courtyards and ancient pavilions that offering a glimpse into the depth of the Vietnamese people's studious spirit that stretches back nearly a thousand years.

Conclude at the thought-provoking Hoa Lo Prison, once used by French colonists and later by North Vietnam, where exhibits bring to life powerful stories of endurance and resilience.

By late afternoon, return to your hotel to unwind and reflect on the day’s journey. Overnight in Hanoi.

NOTE:

• The Ho Chi Minh Complex is closed on Mondays to Fridays, and from June to August. Only exterior photography is allowed during these periods
• The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is an alternative to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, which is closed on Mondays

After finishing your breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you’ll head out on a comfortable drive to Halong Bay, about 200 kilometers from Hanoi. Once you arrive at the port, step aboard your cruise, where the friendly crew will greet you with a cool welcome drink. A delicious lunch will be served as the boat sails through towering limestone formations and emerald waters.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in optional activities like exploring a local fishing village, visiting the majestic caves and islands in the bays, or thrilling water activities, depending on the cruise's itinerary. As the day winds down, return to the ship and relax on the sundeck to take part in a Vietnamese cooking class or in your cabin. Later, enjoy a cozy dinner on board and fall asleep to the gentle sway of the bay beneath you.

Wake up to the first light of dawn and savor breakfast on board as the sun slowly rises over the emerald bay.

Your morning continues with a leisurely cruise past some of Ha Long’s most iconic limestone islets, where every turn reveals another breathtaking seascape. After check-out, enjoy a delightful brunch while taking in the final views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to the harbor.

From here, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving around 15:00. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free at your leisure, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the bustling Old Quarter, or simply relax in one of Hanoi’s charming cafés.

Savor your final morning in Hanoi with free time to relax or wander the lively streets of the Old Quarter at your own pace. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival, a local representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Nestled between mountains and rivers, Luang Prabang is considered the best-preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia. Its serene atmosphere, timeless charm, and stunning blend of natural scenery and sacred cultural landmarks make it a truly enchanting destination. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Rise early to witness the morning alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat), Laos’s sacred morning ritual, as saffron-robed monks move silently through Luang Prabang, receiving rice and offerings from locals and mindful travelers. For those wishing to participate, local vendors provide the essentials, including a Lao sash (sabai) and sticky rice. If you prefer to observe, please do so from a respectful distance and refrain from flash photography to preserve the sanctity of this centuries-old ritual. Afterward, stroll through the lively morning market before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

The day continues with visits to some of Luang Prabang’s most treasured temples: the ancient Wat Visoun with its graceful stupa, the tranquil Wat Aham, and the richly decorated Wat Mai.

Later, step aboard a boat for an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, gliding past peaceful landscapes and riverside villages. A highlight of the day is the Pak Ou Caves, two impressive limestone grottoes that house thousands of Buddha images left by devoted pilgrims over centuries. Along the way, stop at Ban Xanghai to taste traditional Lao rice wine and Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade Saa paper crafted from mulberry bark. Return to Luang Prabang for an overnight stay.

Your day begins a guided exploration of Luang Prabang’s spiritual heart. Step inside Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and followed by the elegant Wat Xieng Thong, its walls gleaming with the famed Tree of Life mosaic in colored glass. At the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, you’ll walk through rooms filled with artifacts that tell the story of Laos’s royal past and timeless culture.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to wander through the town’s charming streets and artisan shops before we set off to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls. Here, you can swim in turquoise pools, stroll shaded forest paths, or simply admire the cascades tumbling through lush greenery.

Lunch is on your own.

Returning to Luang Prabang, board a gentle Mekong River cruise, and soaking up panoramic views of the tranquil countryside as the sun begins to dip. As the day draws to a close, climb Mount Phousi, long celebrated as the most beautiful place to catch the sunset in Laos. From the gilded stupa at its summit, capture sweeping views of the city and the sky shifts through shades of gold and crimson while the Mekong winds silently below. End the day browsing the vibrant Night Market, where stalls brim with handmade textiles and local crafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Spend your final hours in Luang Prabang at leisure before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, our local representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, with check-in available from 14:00. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind or begin discovering the vibrant charm of Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.

At 08:30, set out to explore the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, beginning with Ta Prohm, the atmospheric jungle temple made famous by Tomb Raider. Unlike most other monuments, Ta Prohm has been left largely in its natural state, with giant tree roots entwining ancient stones, offering a glimpse of how the temples first appeared to early explorers.

Continue on to Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire, established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Within its walls, discover the iconic Bayon Temple with its enigmatic smiling faces, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the grand Baphuon Temple.

Lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense. 

In the afternoon, prepare to be awed by Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the pride of Cambodia. This UNESCO-recognized masterpiece is celebrated for its perfect harmony of composition, balance, and intricate reliefs. Wander through soaring towers, graceful galleries, and expansive courtyards, where every wall is adorned with carvings depicting epic tales from Hindu mythology. Unlike other temples in the Angkor complex, Angkor Wat has remained an active place of worship, housing centuries-old Buddha statues dating from the 15th century, which is a testament to its enduring spiritual significance and a truly unforgettable finale to your temple journey.

Return to town in the early evening, your heart full and your camera brimming with memories. Meals are on your arrangement. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to the timeless wonders of Siem Reap. Depending on your flight schedule, a private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey or flight home. Please note that hotel check-out time is at noon. End of services. Vietnamtour.co.za wishes you safe travels and hope to welcome you again on another adventure.