Indochina
13 Days, From US$4200pp
Private
JOURNEY
Overview
Overview
Join this breathtaking journey to four of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing destinations, each with their own world class attractions. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay and its extraordinary limestone pinnacles, the tree-lined boulevards and colonial villas of Hanoi and vibrant Saigon. Marvel at the extraordinary ancient temples of Angkor and the sleepy pace of Luang Prabang. The adventure culminates in buzzing Bangkok where you’ll soak up the river views at your landmark hotel. At every turn you’ll enjoy the fresh flavours of the subtly spiced local cuisine and be warmly welcomed by some of the friendliest people on the planet.
Vietnam: A southeast Asian country well known for its bustling cities, cultured cuisine and iconic bicycles. With an estimated 90.5 million inhabitants and almost 3,500km of coastline, this slimline country boasts sensational beaches, dynamic landscapes and compelling history to entertain the most avid of travellers.
Laos: The south-east Asian country of Laos is covered in thickly forested landscape punctuated by rocky mountains, jagged limestone cliffs and some plateaus.
Cambodia: The tropical country of Cambodia is bursting with colourful celebrations, ceremonies and festivities, many of which are based on the Buddhist lunar calendar and influences from Indian culture.
JOURNEY
Highlights
- Experience the complex history of Vietnam, north and south, from the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you meet with a former Vietcong soldier
- Discover a tranquil corner of Ha Long Bay, gliding among its stunning limestone islands and watching sunset and sunrise, on a relaxing overnight cruise
- Rise early for a cyclo ride through Ho Chi Minh City’s streets, observing local life, stopping for coffee and savouring sensational pho at a little-known culinary hotspot
- Spend two days in Siem Reap with your expert local guide, exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple
- Connect with serene Luang Prabang, joining locals in their home for a baci ceremony and taking part in an alms-giving tradition that immerses you in the community’s spiritual life
Highlights
- Experience the complex history of Vietnam, north and south, from the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you meet with a former Vietcong soldier
- Discover a tranquil corner of Ha Long Bay, gliding among its stunning limestone islands and watching sunset and sunrise, on a relaxing overnight cruise
- Rise early for a cyclo ride through Ho Chi Minh City’s streets, observing local life, stopping for coffee and savouring sensational pho at a little-known culinary hotspot
- Spend two days in Siem Reap with your expert local guide, exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple
- Connect with serene Luang Prabang, joining locals in their home for a baci ceremony and taking part in an alms-giving tradition that immerses you in the community’s spiritual life
JOURNEY
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and transfer to your colonial-style hotel.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi | Exploring the Historic Old Quarter
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple structure that served as home to the revolutionary guerrilla leader. After lunch, visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once confined. Ride Like a Local by cyclo through the city’s Old Quarter. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Meals: B/L/D
Day 3: Ha Long Bay | Cruising Among the Karsts
Travel to Hai Phong, where you board ‘Orchid’ for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Relax on deck as ‘Orchid’ snakes her way past countless islets, their striking karsts (limestone formations) rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Disembark on Cat Ba Island and discover Trung Trang Cave’s intricate features, formed over millennia. Back on board ‘Orchid,’ view the sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline, followed by dinner aboard.
Orchid Cruise | Meals: B/L/D
Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Ho Chi Minh City | Sunrise Tai Chi
Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi overlooking the bay. Set out for an early morning kayak excursion among the towering limestone pinnacles. Return for brunch on board as ‘Orchid’ sails home to port in Hai Phong. Back on terra firma, proceed to Hang Kenh temple and take in a local water puppet show. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, where you settle in at your hotel.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B/L
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City | Vibrant, Evocative Saigon
Recently experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a lively, evocative hub of activity. Rise early for a carefully curated, A&K-exclusive experience that starts with a cyclo ride through the streets as the city slowly comes to life. Stroll through Tao Dan Park, a neighbourhood gathering place, and then enjoy specialty Vietnamese coffee at a local shop. Changing from cyclo to vehicle, continue along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street to visit a little-known, hard-to-find weapons bunker. Round out your morning exploration of local life by sampling some of the city’s most sensational pho at one of its best-kept-secret restaurants.
Return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. At lunch, participate in a Chef ’s Table experience where you try your hand at making banh koht, a savory Vietnamese pancake. This afternoon, view examples of the city’s colonial legacy, including Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office, and then explore a Cao Dai temple to get in touch with southern Vietnam’s spiritual side. Tonight, gather for dinner at a local culinary hot spot.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B/L/D
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City | Design Your Day
Today, venture outside of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and speak with a former Vietcong soldier, learning how this vast subterranean network was used to conceal and support a stealthy underground fighting force.
This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
– Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist.
– Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors.
– Stroll Ben Thanh Market & Craft Boutiques to discover the latest in trendy shops and local market life.
– Return to your hotel, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are at leisure.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B
Day 7: Siem Reap, Cambodia | Mysterious Ta Prohm
Fly to Siem Reap, the town nearest to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Begin your exploration of Ta Prohm, where the roots of great trees seem to have spilled over the roof of this iconic stone temple. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap| Meals: B/L
Day 8: Siem Reap | Sunrise over Angkor Wat
Rise early this morning to experience the incomparable serenity and inspiration of watching the sun rise over mystical Angkor Wat before exploring the vast temple complex with your expert local guide. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time to relax.
This afternoon, visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer kingdom, and Bayon Temple, its 172 large-scale faces — bearing beguiling smiles — representing gods, goddesses, and other beings from classical poems and mythology. This evening, take a tranquil gondola cruise on the Angkor Thom moat while sipping a cool drink on a Scenic Sundowner.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap| Meals: B/L
Day 9: Siem Reap | Hidden Temples & Treasures
Today, explore a less-visited temple: Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Learn about the essential work of the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an A&K Philanthropy project that builds pumping wells in rural communities throughout the country. After lunch at a local restaurant, bid farewell to Cambodia as you fly to Luang Prabang.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: B/L
Day 10: Luang Prabang, Laos | Living Temples
Step back in time for a day as you explore charming Luang Prabang and its tranquil streets. Begin with a visit to the National Museum, once a royal palace. Then, follow quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. After a refreshing tea in the gardens, proceed to the enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple noted for its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic, and then visit Wat Khili. Later, join your fellow guests for a relaxing sunset cruise along the tranquil and iconic Mekong River before dinner.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: B/D
Day 11: Luang Prabang | Giving & Receiving
Rise very early to give alms to Buddhist monks, putting you in touch with the local culture and community. Return to your hotel with some time to relax and pack. After lunch, join locals in their home for a baci ceremony — a good-luck ritual for a safe journey that is part of the local culture — before flying to Bangkok.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B/L
Day 12: Bangkok, Thailand | Along the Chao Phraya River
Visit the sprawling Grand Palace, a complex that is the historic Siamese court and home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to view a dazzling array of finely detailed local fabrics. Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner of Thai specialties.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B/D
Day 13: Depart Bangkok
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to begin your Myanmar post-tour extension or depart for home.
Meals: B
View full itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and transfer to your colonial-style hotel.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi | Exploring the Historic Old Quarter
Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s house, a simple structure that served as home to the revolutionary guerrilla leader. After lunch, visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once confined. Ride Like a Local by cyclo through the city’s Old Quarter. This evening, gather with your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Meals: B/L/D
Day 3: Ha Long Bay | Cruising Among the Karsts
Travel to Hai Phong, where you board ‘Orchid’ for a cruise of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Relax on deck as ‘Orchid’ snakes her way past countless islets, their striking karsts (limestone formations) rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Disembark on Cat Ba Island and discover Trung Trang Cave’s intricate features, formed over millennia. Back on board ‘Orchid,’ view the sunset framed against the Gulf of Tonkin shoreline, followed by dinner aboard.
Orchid Cruise | Meals: B/L/D
Day 4: Ha Long Bay & Ho Chi Minh City | Sunrise Tai Chi
Greet the day on deck with sunrise tai chi overlooking the bay. Set out for an early morning kayak excursion among the towering limestone pinnacles. Return for brunch on board as ‘Orchid’ sails home to port in Hai Phong. Back on terra firma, proceed to Hang Kenh temple and take in a local water puppet show. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, where you settle in at your hotel.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B/L
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City | Vibrant, Evocative Saigon
Recently experiencing a resurgence of art and culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a lively, evocative hub of activity. Rise early for a carefully curated, A&K-exclusive experience that starts with a cyclo ride through the streets as the city slowly comes to life. Stroll through Tao Dan Park, a neighbourhood gathering place, and then enjoy specialty Vietnamese coffee at a local shop. Changing from cyclo to vehicle, continue along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street to visit a little-known, hard-to-find weapons bunker. Round out your morning exploration of local life by sampling some of the city’s most sensational pho at one of its best-kept-secret restaurants.
Return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. At lunch, participate in a Chef ’s Table experience where you try your hand at making banh koht, a savory Vietnamese pancake. This afternoon, view examples of the city’s colonial legacy, including Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office, and then explore a Cao Dai temple to get in touch with southern Vietnam’s spiritual side. Tonight, gather for dinner at a local culinary hot spot.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B/L/D
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City | Design Your Day
Today, venture outside of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and speak with a former Vietcong soldier, learning how this vast subterranean network was used to conceal and support a stealthy underground fighting force.
This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
– Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs from Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist.
– Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors.
– Stroll Ben Thanh Market & Craft Boutiques to discover the latest in trendy shops and local market life.
– Return to your hotel, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are at leisure.
The Reverie Saigon | Meals: B
Day 7: Siem Reap, Cambodia | Mysterious Ta Prohm
Fly to Siem Reap, the town nearest to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Begin your exploration of Ta Prohm, where the roots of great trees seem to have spilled over the roof of this iconic stone temple. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap| Meals: B/L
Day 8: Siem Reap | Sunrise over Angkor Wat
Rise early this morning to experience the incomparable serenity and inspiration of watching the sun rise over mystical Angkor Wat before exploring the vast temple complex with your expert local guide. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time to relax.
This afternoon, visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer kingdom, and Bayon Temple, its 172 large-scale faces — bearing beguiling smiles — representing gods, goddesses, and other beings from classical poems and mythology. This evening, take a tranquil gondola cruise on the Angkor Thom moat while sipping a cool drink on a Scenic Sundowner.
La Résidence d’Angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap| Meals: B/L
Day 9: Siem Reap | Hidden Temples & Treasures
Today, explore a less-visited temple: Banteay Srei, known as the “Citadel of Women.” Learn about the essential work of the Cambodia Clean Water Project, an A&K Philanthropy project that builds pumping wells in rural communities throughout the country. After lunch at a local restaurant, bid farewell to Cambodia as you fly to Luang Prabang.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: B/L
Day 10: Luang Prabang, Laos | Living Temples
Step back in time for a day as you explore charming Luang Prabang and its tranquil streets. Begin with a visit to the National Museum, once a royal palace. Then, follow quiet back lanes to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House. After a refreshing tea in the gardens, proceed to the enchanting Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist Temple noted for its “Tree of Life” wall mosaic, and then visit Wat Khili. Later, join your fellow guests for a relaxing sunset cruise along the tranquil and iconic Mekong River before dinner.
La Résidence Phou Vao, A Belmond Hotel, Luang Prabang | Meals: B/D
Day 11: Luang Prabang | Giving & Receiving
Rise very early to give alms to Buddhist monks, putting you in touch with the local culture and community. Return to your hotel with some time to relax and pack. After lunch, join locals in their home for a baci ceremony — a good-luck ritual for a safe journey that is part of the local culture — before flying to Bangkok.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B/L
Day 12: Bangkok, Thailand | Along the Chao Phraya River
Visit the sprawling Grand Palace, a complex that is the historic Siamese court and home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to view a dazzling array of finely detailed local fabrics. Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner of Thai specialties.
The Peninsula Bangkok | Meals: B/D
Day 13: Depart Bangkok
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to begin your Myanmar post-tour extension or depart for home.
Meals: B
JOURNEY
Dates & Prices
Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. But remember: each and every Destination Indochina trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do so tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
Dates & Prices
Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries. But remember: each and every Destination Indochina trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do so tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
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Image of Indochina: From Angkor Wat to Luang Prabang
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