21 Days Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand Highlights Tour

This action-packed adventure includes a whole range of unforgettable experiences with 28 days through the most beautiful and exotic parts of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It is designed to feed the wanderlust of curious travelers. Explore the jungle to a remote waterfall, feed playful elephants, and swim amidst crystal island. Experiences that will stay with you forever.

Highlights:

  • Vietnam: Cruise on Halong Bay, visit Hoian Ancient Town, relax on the sandy beach, explore the colonial Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), and boat cruise to Mekong Delta.
  • Cambodia: Discover the splendid temples of Angkor. Walk along the stilted houses of a floating village at Tonle Sap
  • Laos: Experience the elephant camp and excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls.
  • Thailand: Stroll street in Bangkok and explore in Chiang Mai

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
  • Day 2: Hanoi
  • Day 3: Hanoi-Halong Bay
  • Day 4: Halong Bay-Hanoi-Danang
  • Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Day 6: Hoi An-Saigon
  • Day 7: Saigon-Mekong Delta-Saigon
  • Day 8: Saigon-Siem Reap
  • Day 9: Siem Reap
  • Day 10: Siem Reap
  • Day 11: Siem Reap-Luang Prabang
  • Day 12: Luang Prabang
  • Day 13: Luang Prabang-Chiang Rai
  • Day 14: Chiang Rai
  • Day 15: Chiang Rai
  • Day 16: Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
  • Day 17: Chiang Mai – Bangkok
  • Day 18: Bangkok
  • Day 19: Bangkok
  • Day 20: Bangkok- Ayutthaya – Bangkok
  • Day 21: Departure from Bangkok

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi

Sightseeing and Activities: Hanoi City
Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: None
Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel for check in. Then rest are at your leisure.
You will be free to explore Hanoi City by your own.

Day 2 Hanoi – the 100 Year Old City

Sightseeing and Activities:The Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Tortoise Tower, the Old Quarter, the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Temple of Literature
Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Day 3 Hanoi/Cruise along Halong Bay (Shuttle Bus Arranged by Cruise Company)

Sightseeing and Activities: Halong Bay, Paloma Cruise, Bai Tu Long Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Dam
Accommodation: Halong Bay
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

7:30 – 7:45 Our bus or private car will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

12:30 Arrive at Paloma office in Halong City. Transferred by tender to Paloma Cruise – Enjoy welcome drink. Receive cruise briefing, check in cabin and start the cruise.

13:30 Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; Start sailing among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.

15:15 – 15:40 Visit and explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave) where you can hiking to the middle of the mountain to see the wild and mysterious beautiful cave, contemplate numerous sparkling stalactites appear like ‘hanging lamps’ inside the Cave. ( No swimming)

After the exploration of Thien Canh Sơn Cave, enjoy kayak activities around magnificent karst mountains or back cruise for sunset party.

18:00 Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by islets in Cong Dam.

19:15 Having dinner on board.

21:00 Relaxing or joining activities on boat as : Squid Fishing, Movie Night, Board Games, Massage & Spa services or relax at the leisure then overnight at private cabin at Cong Do area.

Day 4 Halong Bay/Return to Hanoi/ Flight to Danang

Sightseeing and Activities: Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Vietnamese cooking class, Hoi An Old Town
Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight: Internal flights include in quotation and will be arranged by Trans Asia Discovery

06:15 Starting your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served.

07:00 Have breakfast.

07:45 – 09:00 Exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Guest choose to discover the daily life of the fisher communities by bamboo boat (one hour). Short visit to the Pearl Farm to learn how natural pearls are grown. ( No Swimming)

09:45 Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

10:00 Check out cabin. Then return to dining room for Vietnamese cooking class.

10:30 Enjoy Set Menu for lunch in the dining room. We will settle bills after lunch. Relax and enjoy the rest of Halong Bay before getting back to harbor.

11:45 Arrive at Hon Gai Harbour. Get on a van or a car back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 4:30 PM.

Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Danang, upon arrive , you will escort to Hoi An for hotel check in.

Day 5 Hoi An Ancient Town

Sightseeing and Activities: the My Son Holy Land, the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the Old Tam Ky House
Accommodation: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China’s influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Day 6 Hoi An- Flight to Saigon | Half Day Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

Sightseeing and Activities: Cu Chi District, the Ben Dinh section of the tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight: Internal flights will be arranged by Trans Asia Discovery

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, after meeting your guide, leave the busy streets of Saigon on a 1.5 hour drive to Cu Chi district. You will be taken through the typical countryside of southern Vietnam. On arrival, the visit starts with a short video documentary before spending the next 3 hours exploring the Ben Dinh section of the tunnels. You will learn more about the history, incredible tenacity and ingenuity of the Cu Chi inhabitants. More adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and to fire off some rounds from AK-47 or M-16 assault rifles at the shooting range.

Day 7 Ho Chi Ming City-Mekong Delta-Ho Chi Ming City

Sightseeing and Activities: the Mekong Delta, Vinh Trang Pagoda, An Khanh Village
Accommodation: Ho Chi Ming City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights: Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life

This morning, transfer to remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the “rice basket of Vietnam”. First visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens overflowing with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Continue on a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.

After lunch, visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island or explore the island on foot (the island is flat and relatively small). Return to Saigon hotel and rest of the day on your own leisure.

Day 8 Full Day Saigon Highlights Tour | Flight to Siem Reap

Sightseeing and Activities: The Reunification Palace, Notre Dam Cathedral and General Post Office, The Opera House,  Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market
Accommodation: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flights: Domestic Flights will be arranged by Trans Asia Discovery

At 8.30am your tour guide and car will pick you up from your hotel and will start our tour of Ho Chi Minh City. You will get to know its history and culture by stopping at: The Reunification Palace – on April 30th, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of VietnamWar Remnants Museum – formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching and is dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. Notre Dam Cathedral and General Post Office were built around 1877 and 1883 respectively. These two iconic buildings are fine examples of French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in the building of the Notre Dam Cathedral was shipped from France to Vietnam.

The Old Post Office is also the country’s largest post office. The Opera House, after the lunch at local restaurant, we take you to see Chinatown and the Chinese market Binh Tay. We then move on to Thien Hau Pagoda, a temple entered through an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese religion and legends. Lanterns and wooden models of Chinese theaters hang over the entrance. Our final stop before taking you back to your hotel is Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnams largest markets and a real heart beat of Ho Chi Minh culture.

Transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at airport and escort to hotel for check in.

Day 9 Angkor Thom Ancient Capital

Sightseeing and Activities: the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, and Baphuon and Bayon, The Sunset view of Angkor
Accommodation: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, visit the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Angkor Wat as you pass by. However, we’ll save the best for last as you continue today to see some other equally impressive ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure hidden under a canopy will leave you feeling as if you’d stepped into an adventure movie set.

Then visit Banteay Kdei (“Citadel of Chambers”). Continue on to the Victory Gate, the Terrace of the Leper Kingthe Royal Palace, and Baphuon and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon offers many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, enjoy a sunset view from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Day 10 Siem Reap

Sightseeing and Activities: Angkor Wat & Banteay Srei: Citadel of Women, Apsara Dancing Show, Khmer Apsara Dancing Show
Accommodation: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Be prepared today for one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. Enter Angkor Wat and to view its amazing architecture and history. Angkor Wat possesses some of the longest and most intricate stone carving. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning exploring through the many passages, levels, and chambers that once housed many treasures of the ancient world.

Continue on to the remote temple of Banteay Srei: set deep in the jungle. The Citadel of Women, Banteay Srei was carved from red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are well preserved to this day. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale in comparison to the other colossal temples around Siem Reap, unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. This temple is considered the jewel of Khmer art.

In the evening, enjoy the dinner with traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show.

Day 11 Siem Reap-Luang Prabang

Sightseeing and Activities: the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Phluk, Ox Cart Ride, Flight to Luang Prabang,
Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flights: Domestic Flights will be arranged by Trans Asia Discovery

In the morning, a half day excursion to the biggest Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water lake – Tonle Sap Lake. You’ll take a fun ox cart ride through the countryside,. Continue on a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful lake views and mangrove forests. Spend rest of the morning at Kompong Phluk, the largest village on the lak , to discover the fascinating daily lifestyle of the local people who live on the water.

After lunch, transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang. upon arrive , guide will meet and escort you to check in. Rest of your own leisure.

Day 12 Luang Prabang

Sightseeing and Activities: the Morning Almsgiving, Luang Prabang City Highlights,  the Royal Palace, the monasteries of Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Saen and Vat Visoun, Kuang Xi Waterfall, Wat Phousi
Accommodation: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:30 am and transferred to a street where a single-file line of silent, saffron-clad Buddhist monks walk with their alms bowls each morning. Observe or participate in this serene Buddhist ritual of almsgiving, known as tak bat. Luang Prabang’s many monastic communities are sustained by the local Buddhists who place sticky rice in the monks’ bowls during the daily ritual. Take the opportunity to make a rice offering with the help of your guide, or simply watch in awe as dozens of monks emerge to stroll past laypeople offering flowers and incense in reverence for this sacred observance.

Back to hotel to have breakfast and take a short rest then go to visiting the museum at the former Royal Palace and the monasteries of Vat Xieng ThongVat Saen and Vat Visoun. After enjoying lunch , the next stop is the incredibly scenic Kuang Xi Waterfall which is surrounded with turquoise blue pools and an ideal place for swimming! Back in Luang Prabang we will visit Wat Phousi to enjoy the rewarding view of the city.

Day 13 Luang Prabang-Mekong River-Pakbeng

Sightseeing and Activities: the Mekong River Cruises to Border of Laos and Thailand | Transfer to Chiang Rai
Accommodation: Pakbeng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Luang Prabang – Pakbeng: We will pick you up at your hotel in Luang Prabang. The boat leaves the main pier at 7 am. For the cruise upstream to Pakbeng we stop to visit the Pak Ou caves. There are two caves ‘Tham Ting’ and ‘Tham Phoum. There are thousands of Buddhist images and a great view of the Mekong cruise. A buffet lunch is served on board. You will arrive at Pakbeng to check in at your hotel.

Day 14 Pakbeng-Mekong River-Chiang Rai

Sightseeing and Activities: the Mekong River Cruises to Border of Laos and Thailand | Transfer to Chiang Rai
Accommodation: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pakbeng – Huay Xai: Wake up early in the morning. After breakfast the boat leaves at 7 am and you will enjoy the Mekong River view along the way. We will show you the Khmu village (hill tribe) after that. A buffet lunch is served on board. The boat arrives in Huay Xai before 5 pm.

Upon arrive in Huay Xai pier, you will transfer to Chiang Rai for hotel check in.

Day 15 Chiang Rai: Doi Mae Salong – Discover Golden Striangle

Sightseeing and Activities: the Long Neck Karen village, Cock Fighting, Mt. Doi Mae Salong, Lahu and Akha village, Doi Tung temple
Accommodation: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.

Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fighting near the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother’s frigid flower Garden. Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture over looking the entire northern rice field plain. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 16 Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

Sightseeing and Activities: the White Temple, the Meow Hill Tribe Village, the Temples in Chaing Mai such like Wat Phra Singh; Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Doi Suthep
Accommodation: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, visit the White Temple, is an unusual Thai temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who mixes traditional Buddhist temple architecture with pop culture references.

Upon arrive Chiang Mai, start to visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temples in Chaing Mai such like Wat Phra SinghWat Chedi Luang and Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset.

Day 17 Chiang Mai- Bangkok

Sightseeing and Activities: the Elephant Camp at Mae Taman Camp, an orchid farm and the bamboo rafting
Accommodation: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flights: Domestic Flights will be arranged by Trans Asia Discovery

A fun and memorable Indochina tour is not complete without the experience of elephant. Today you will visit the Elephant Camp at Mae Taman Camp. You will see how the elephants works, and you will have chance to ride the elephant across the river and through the forest around 1 hour. Return by Ox Cart to the elephant village for lunch.

After Lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river for about 45 minutes and visit an orchid farm after the bamboo rafting ride.

In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok, upon arrive , guide meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in.

Day 18 Bangkok City Highlight

Sightseeing and Activities: the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho temple, cruise the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum
Accommodation: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, start to visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs(canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.

Day 19 Bangkok – Kanchanabury- Bangkok

Sightseeing and Activities: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai
Accommodation: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you will experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits and products from their boats. Explore the market before continuing on to Kanchanburi to learn about the region’s storied past and present-day culture. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to get an understanding of the deadly, Herculean task many Thais were faced with decades ago.

Enjoy a scenic long-tailed boat trip along Maeklong River to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of Death Railway constructed by Allied POWs.

Day 20 Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Bangkok

Sightseeing and Activities: the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Chai Wattanaram
Accommodation: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Your tour begins at one of Ayutthaya’s oldest markets where you’ll sample traditional boat noodles from a local vendor, among other authentic bites. Next, visit emblematic temples, such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkol with its 196-foot-tall (60-meter) stupa. See the ancient ruins of Buddha images at Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relics), and stop by Ayutthaya’s most historically important temple, Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Then have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most renowned temples. Go behind the scenes of the production of roti sai mai to see how this spun sugar dessert is made and taste some yourself. Then discover another local snack at a temple market.

Then take some time to just relax here, before making your way back to Bangkok.

Day 21 Departure from Bangkok

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Bangkok
Accommodation: Home
Meals:Breakfast
Flights: Domestic Flights will be arranged by your own.

Departure from Bangkok.
Today transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.
Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

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Hanoi
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Hoi An
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Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Two bottles of mineral water each day;

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs;
  • Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on economy class mentioned in the program.