20-Day Classic Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you are warmly welcomed by our friendly tour guide and then transfer to hotel for check in & refresh.

Siem Reap province is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). The proximity of the Angkorian ruins turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade. Siem Reap is a safe, friendly, and pleasant town.

Tonight enjoy our welcome dinner with Apsara Dance Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at hotel.

Start our visit of Angkor by an elephant trek from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the Preah Pithu temples, passing Bayon temple. Visit the former capital Angkor Thom home to dozens of temples including the enigmatic faces of Bayon, the imposing Terrace of the Elephants, and the three-tiered Baphuon.

Late afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat, built for king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre - first Hindu, then Buddhist - since its foundation. We end the excursion by climbing up Bakheng Mountain for stunning sunset and panoramic views of Angkor Wat and its environs. 

Overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel. Drive through the Cambodia countryside (approx. 2 hours) towards Beng Mealea Temple, built under Suryavarman II (1112-1152), Beng Mealea shares the same design as Angkor Vat, but on a single level instead of a multilayered one. Left to the devouring jungle, it is not yet scheduled for restoration and remains in the same condition as the Angkor Temples when they were discovered by the 19th century explorers. Picnic lunch. 

On the way back, visit the famous temple of Bantey Srey which is 36 Km far from Siem Reap and loosely translates to “the Citadel of Women”. This small pink sandstone temple (late 10th century) is considered as the crown jewel of classical Khmer art with the delicate beauty of its carvings. Continue to Bantey Samre (mid 12th century), which has been admirably restored. Our last stop at some local village and see how local make sugar palm.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

After breakfast, depart on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it is swelling to about four times its size during the wet season.

Board a local boat and visit the village of Kampong Kleang, where only few tourists venture. Embark on a boat ride through the village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses among the petrified mangrove forests and waterways. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

We then transfer back to Siem Reap to take the afternoon flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient city of the Lanexang Kingdom. It is now the hottest tourist spot in Laos.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. 

We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  
Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. 

On arrival back in the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.  

If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, the Thai Lue village, which is famous for its arts and crafts. We also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek specializing in making the traditional Saa paper. 

You can either get to the nearby village and join a petanque game with the local team.

Late afternoon, we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the ideal place to catch the last beauty of the day. 

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

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. 

If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.

Then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall 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

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, 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

Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, transfer to the meeting point in town and take the boat at Ban Wat That and journey across the Mekong River to reach the 40 hectares of Pha Tad Ke. 

The garden staff will welcome you to the garden and ensure that you have maps and the information you need to make the most of your visit. 

Simply follow the map provided to embark on a self-guided stroll around the unique collection of the flora of Laos. 

Look out for gingers, orchids, ferns, bamboos and palms clustered around the limestone cliffs. There are plenty of signs provided to explain the medicinal, handicraft and spiritual significance of the plants on show. 

For those wanting a more challenging trek, take the path to the Buddha Cave (1 hour round trip). In addition to the flora, the Garden contains a Permaculture Demonstration Farm and a Slow Food Garden.

There are free workshops available on tea-tasting (all day at the Cafe), bamboo handicraft (10-11am and 2-3pm), a conservation talk (10am) and an orchid talk (3pm). 

For a cultural and artistic focus visit the exhibitions at Project Space - Pha Tad Ke. Exhibits here combine contemporary art, museum-quality textiles, photography, tribal sculpture and crafts.

After wandering around the gardens relax at the quiet cafe overlooking the lotus pond. Enjoy sipping tea and savouring the Lao dishes as part of your set lunch. This is an opportunity to sample some of Chef Chan’s classic Farm to Table Lao cuisine including Pomelo salad and pumpkin curry.

At the end enjoy a leisurely cruise back to the peninsula with drop off at Ban Wat That. 

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before transferring out to the airport to take the flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning be picked up at 08:30 at the hotel for an off-the-beaten-track Hanoi city tour. Drive pass the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945.

Driver drops off at Lenin Garden – a communal space for locals. Enjoy taking an easy walk through before strolling through areas where family generational sewing shops line the streets and people still practice the old ways. Admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi.

Proceed to the millenia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to an oriental feel. For music lovers, there are opportunities to play some notes under the guidance of the artists.

Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Then stop at a Hanoian’s home for tea break and listen to family stories that stretch over decades.

Later this afternoon, take part in a hands-on cooking class with the charming Ms Ai, a renowned local chef. Shop for ingredients at the neighbourhood wet market and step into the kitchen of Chef Ai’s family home.  

Prepare and dine on authentic North Vietnamese cuisine during this afternoon of culinary and cultural discovery. Learn all about the secrets behind North Vietnam’s most popular foods. Using Chef Ai‘s recipes, slice, dice and cook delicious dishes. Enjoy the self-made dinner with Chef Ai.

Overnight in Hanoi 

Pick up at your address in Hanoi at 8:30 by Van and drive to Halong.

Arrive at 12:00. At Halong port, our Crew welcomes you on Ha Long Cruise, enjoy welcome drink and check into your cabin. Lunch with seafood will be served right after.

At 13:00, boat starts 3.5 hours cruising into Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster’s face) islet, But Moc islet, Cap De islet, Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu cave, to a Floating Fishing village to see this unique way of life and then explore Luon Cave (from 16:40 to 17:30).

There will be lots of time for swimming, sunbathing. Enjoy a great sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin. 

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes with a cup of tea, coffee, fresh fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.

The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

And then explore Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave (8:00 to 9:00), swim and relax at Titop Beach. 

At 9:24, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will served from 10:30 to 11:30, check out procedure at 11:35. 

Arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, drive directly to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang, the biggest city of central Vietnam

Arriving in Da Nang, take another 1-hour transfer directly to Hoi An, where we will spend the night.

In the morning, go on a walking tour in Hoi An, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretches of clean white sand. 

In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best tailors. 
Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. 

The walk will lead you around the center of the ancient town to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.

In the afternoon, take a 15 minutes’ drive from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cua Dai Estuary. 

Upon arrival at Duy Hai Fishing Village, enjoy the bustling morning fish market and then visit a family-run fish sauce workshop under the guidance of the owner to learn about this essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. 

Get on a boat and go upstream the ‘Mother River’ from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. These villages are well-known for traditional weaving sedge mat. This land was created by three Alluvium Rivers such as Thu Bon, Truong Giang and Ly Ly which provides the perfect land to plant the materials for the sedge mat. 

Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse about agriculture river life.

Depending on the season (from Feb to Apr and from Jul to Sep), see golden paddy fields during harvest season or green groves of jute along the banks of the Thu Bon River. 

Upon arrival at Ban Thach Mat Village, where abundant sources of raw rush used to weave mats have allowed the villagers to develop their own handicraft and improve their lives for 400 years and start cycling to explore the beauty of a typical village in the Central of Vietnam. 

Learn the full process of sedge mat weaving from cutting sedge on the field to a finished mat following traditional method. See the way locals manage to keep their traditional occupation in a modern and constantly evolving time. Display personal creativity with unique patterns! 

End the trip sharing a simple yet friendly home-hosted brunch and return to Hoi An by bike across Cam Kim Bridge. 

Transfer back to your hotel after that and stay relax by the pool or continue the exploration on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An

Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Its mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects.

The ancient Citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The Royal Citadel was severely damaged in the latter stages of the war but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. 

Overnight in Hue.

At 08:30 this morning, depart from the hotel in Hue for a city tour of the ancient town. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City.

Stop for a visit to Tran Dinh Son private museum with a collection of everyday items that past Kings have used. Learn how royal descendants are keeping the family’s traditions alive today.

Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601, the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha.

In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime, the photo of his self-immortalization was captured and was one of the most well-known images of the war.

Lunch at a local restaurant for an authentic Hue style cuisine.

Continue to former emperor Minh Mang’s tomb located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds, inspired by the Chinese Confucianism, a harmonious design of balance and symmetry for the emperor’s resting place.

Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.

Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet somber, investigate Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pick up at your hotel and depart for Ben Tre.

After arriving at Ham Luong dock, board the boat & cruise along Ham Luong River, a tributary to the Mekong River. The cool breeze from the river and lush tropical islands along its banks will immediately get you excited to explore all the great things ahead.

Arrive and visit various local workplaces to find many wonderful examples of how local people use ageless techniques to create their crafts, including activated charcoal, dried coconut, handy coconut husk brooms, and many family businesses using coir, or coconut fiber, to create amazing art. 

Cruise around the village roads by “Xe Lôi”, the local vehicle, which is a kind of motorized rickshaw. Kayak through the natural canals to get a unique experience of the peaceful beauty of the Mekong River as well as the rural life there.

Perfect your morning with a delicious and filling lunch at a local host house.

You will have some break time before continuing with more activities- cycling around the village or treating yourself to a relaxing time to relish the beautiful countryside, fishing, and cooking with the locals.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight homestay experience.

Early wake up to enjoy the peaceful countryside in the morning, and then have breakfast.

Bike to the local market, and shop for fresh vegetable and ingredients to later be prepared for your lunch. Visit to Hung Nghiem pagoda; it is also a chance to learn how to make natural soy sauce by an in-house nun. Visit a small family’s business workplace producing raw material for coconut fiber.

Later, it is time for cooking and enjoying lunch at the homestay.

After lunch, visit a local fruit plantation, enjoy some seasonal fresh fruit, and spend more enjoyable time on the rowboat through the natural canals. Treat yourself to a relaxing time to get a sense of the beautiful countryside. Embark on the sampan and return to the dock. 

You have ample time to walk around the village before transferring back to Ho Chi Minh

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the flight to Phu Quoc, the island of pearl.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

You have the next three day to relax and enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand of Phu Quoc Island.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Free to stroll for your own exploration or just relax by the sea.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Free to stroll for your own exploration or just relax by the sea.

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Free to stroll for your own exploration or just relax by the sea.

We then take the flight back to Saigon and take another onward flight back home.