Amazing Cambodia Vietnam Laos Itinerary 3 weeks

 Start your 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 visit 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.

 Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Then continue to visit Roluos Group.The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89. Preah KO erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.

Visit Royal Palace is a royal residence now where His Majesty, the King of Cambodia, and the royal families live. it is like a small town of royal dynasties.

Continue to Silver Pagoda, 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 is one of the most important pagodas in Phnom Penh. Built in 1373 on an artificial hill by the wealthy widow Daun Chi Penh.

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 drive to visit the “Killing Fields” of Choeng Ek (15 km south of Phnom Penh). Between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners) were detained and tortured at the S-21 prison and transported to extermination camp of Choeng Ek.

Visit Russian Market (Toul Tumpong Market), the Market has gained reputation for cheap clothing, a large selection of Buddha images and woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewelry, and cflassic music instrument. Enjoy Sunset Cruise on the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers in Phnom Penh, it bursts into 4 branches.

Free at your won leisure time until transfer to airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, our guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.

7h00 am you set off for a drive through the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark the Cai Be Princess sampan to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats.

Visit of some local home factories such as rice paste making, rice pop corn, coco candies, and longans drying processing. The trip continues along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be.

8h00 cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by rowing boat, we will see the unique Cai Rang - Phong Dien floating market. Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily life in Mekong River and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop.

You now travel by land to Chau Doc, on the way you will pass Thot Not to visit Bang Lang Bird Sanctuary (Stork Garden) or Crocodile Farm. You continue your journey to Chau Doc, close to the Cambodian border. While here you head up Sam Mountain for a birdseye view over the rice paddy fields toward Cambodia.

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day. A boat trip to visit the floating fish breeding farms reveals the amazing highlight of Chau Doc, a Cham minority village, whom still again employment from traditional weaving.

The last stop in Chau Doc is to a local Islamic Mosque. You have lunch at local restaurant before going back to Ho Chi Minh City. 

This morning you will you will have a half day excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels at 07:00 am. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from former Saigon .

At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like.

The tunnels have been widened for our benefit (otherwise we would not be able to enter them!) For those interested there’s even the opportunity to try an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range.

After lunch, you will be transfered to the airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will be greeted by our guide who will begin by escorting you on a tour to the Marble Mountains , where there will be the opportunity to climb to the top and admire the temples that have a commanding view over the surrounding district. 

You will continue to the delightful town of Hoi An, approximately 30km away. Once in Hoi An, you will check into your hotel and have some time to explore Hoi An on foot. Hoi An is now one of five UNESCO-designated World Heritage sites in Vietnam. 

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in high grade silk, which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics.

Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century.

You will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Following the tour there will be free time to shop or relax before an overnight stay.

You will bid Hoi An farewell this morning and continue your north-bound journey. The destination for today is the old imperial city of Hue about four hours away.

Along the way you will travel over the Hai Van Pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue.

In the afternoon you embark on a tour of the city. A visit to Hue would not be complete without taking in attractions such as the Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum and the Dong Ba market.

Rising up in the ancient land, you will have breakfast at the hotel before you board a private traditional boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River.

Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day.

From here you will rejoin your car to visit ornate Minh Mang's Tomb and Tu Duc's Tomb before heading to Hanoi for the night.

The colonial capital city Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental pagodas and temples. Today you will embark on a city tour from 08:00 am, including the Ho Chi Minh complex and the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, at 14:00 you will visit the Military history museum, dedicated to the long history of  Vietnam wars from first century to 20th century, and then drive to Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple, and the Old Quarter for shopping.

Foodie walking tour

05.00 pm – 05.30 pm: Pick you up from the hotel and we move to the Hanoi Old Quarter Area to start the journey discovering the local food world and local life of Hanoi.

Then we will walk through streets in Hanoi Old Quarter while listening to our professional English-speaking tour guide introducing the culture and the daily life in the evening of the local there.

The first course of our food discovering journey is “Nom Bo Kho” (dry beef salad), a very tasty and favorite food of the Hanoian before you take some steps to tasting “Nem Ran” (Spring Roll) voted as one of Top Ten greatest street foods in Hanoi for tourist to enjoy.

During the tour, you not only have a chance to enjoy wonderful local foods but also get the instruction from our tour guide about the ingredients and the process to make this local tasty dish.

Continue to explore the street culinary world in Hanoi by walking to Ma May Street to enjoy “Pho Cuon” (Stuffed pancake), one of Top Ten local foods of Hanoi which any tourist should try once when visiting this city. Get the chance to visit Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street and learn how traditional medicine was made and used there.

We will have a short walking discovery Hanoi life by night and enjoy “Pho”– the most famous food of the Vietnamese before visiting “Nha Tho Lon” (St. Joseph’s Cathedral) to see the architectural style of this place which is described as resembling Notre Dame de Paris.

One more local food you will taste during the tour is “Banh Mi“ (Vietnamese Sandwich), the pride of Vietnamese cuisine that has recently surged in popularity worldwide.

The last taste of Hanoi local food tour we would like to offer you is a famous Vietnamese coffee – “Ca Phe Trung” (egg coffee).

08.00 pm: You will then transfer to Hanoi Railway station to take night train of Victoria Express on private 2 berth cabin to Lao Cai for Sapa at 22:00.

The train will arrive at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 06:00. There will be a vehicle waiting to transfer you to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is 33 km and takes roughly 1.5 hours. Once at Sapa, you will check into your hotel in order to freshen up, have breakfast and then enjoy a free morning to explore the town.

After a pickup from the hotel, there will be a walking tour of the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Black H'mong minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local people on their way to and from Sapa.

Here you will have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area, followed by an overnight at stay at the Victoria Sapa Hotel.

Following breakfast, you’ll explore the Sapa Sunday market and then set out on a 3-4 hour trek that will take you along buffalo paths and trails.  We’ll also pass through the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to the H'mong and Dzay people.

This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery, inhabited by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. We will stop for a picnic lunch on the way to Ta Van village. In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Lao Cai for the Victoria Express train journey back to Hanoi. The train departs at 21:15 and is an overnight journey.

Hanoi- Halong Bay (165km): 3h30 

5.30 – 6:00 Victoria Express arrive to Hanoi, the guide will escort you to private car for a breakfast at local restaurant before driving aheat to Halong Bay.  Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta country side. 

11:30 Arrive at Tuan Chau island – Take break and welcome drink at Pelican Halong Cruise Lounge then transfer to Pelican Halong Cruise.

Welcome drink - receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Enjoy buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes served while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island.

In the afternoon, visiting Tung Sau area, is covered by the leaping rocks, cultured pearl fishery. You can wit yourself the process of the jewel, from culturing to harvesting and sculpting, Moreover, you have a chance to do kayaking based on your preference. Enjoy busy space with pearl maker, you can experience the completion of pearl.

Visiting the beautiful Ti Top beach for swimming (if the weather permits), Ti Top Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance for tourists to relax or passengers can take steps to reach on the top of  Ti Top beach to have a whole panorama view of Halong Bay.

Back to the boat and free time while sailing to Luon Bo area, and anchor overnight.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly

Attend the Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls - traditional Vietnamese food. Then enjoy Happy Hour (Buy one drink-get one free). It is time for chit chat and relaxing. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay. 

06.00 – 08.00 The day starts early onboard with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi also called Tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements.

08.00 – 11.30 Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.

Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most biggest cave in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.

12.00 – 17.00 Back to Pelican Halong Cruise. Check out and settle your bill at reception.

Have a buffet brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery while approaching the wharf.

Disembark to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye  to the crew. Take a private car return to your hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast you will transfer to Vientiane, capital city of Laos. You will transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic and with its many temples, the city retains the feel of another age.

Our tour includes visits to the major temples of Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument.

You will also see the city’s version of the Arc de Triomphe, the National Museum and the morning market, before an overnight stay in Vientiane.

In the morning you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Today you will visit Wat Xieng Thong, then take a traditional boat trip upstream on the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak-Ou.

Located on the side of steep cliff on the bank of the Mekong River, the caves house hundreds of Buddha statues. En route, you will visit a local rice-wine distillery and Ban Phanom weaving village. You will then continue to visit Wat Phousy on the top of the hill overlooking the Mekong River. You will have an overnight stay in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.

After breakfast, we visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.

We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.

You have the rest of the afternoon to refresh at the cool clear water, or hiking to the top of the waterfalls.

There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, we will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang.

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

There is no activity planned for today, so enjoy your free time for souvenir shopping until transfer to the airport for your onward flight