20-DAY INDOCHINA ODDYSSEY SMALL GROUP: SOLO ADVENTURES IN VIETNAM – CAMBODIA – LAOS
Price
Duration
Max People
Min Age
09-13476
Overview
Take a thrilling trip from Vietnam to Cambodia, ending in Laos. Your adventure includes sleeping on a Ha Long Bay cruise, gliding in a rowboat in Trang An, and a picturesque train journey from Hanoi to Da Nang. Zoom through Saigon's streets on a Vespa, float along the Mekong Delta, and visit its vibrant floating market. Marvel at Angkor Wat, the largest ancient city, and witness stunning waterfalls in Siem Reap and Luang Prabang, and partake in the spiritual Baci Ceremony.
Included/Excluded
- 3-star hotels
Tour Plan
DAY 1: Ha Noi Arrival – Free at Leisure Day
Welcome to Vietnam!
Our driver will greet you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Take your free day for leisure.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
DAY 2- 3: Ha Long Bay Discovery in Luxury Cruise
DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY – SUNG SOT CAVE – TITOP OR SOI SIM ISLAND (L/D)
08:00 - 08:45: Tour guide from Cruise will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
10:15:nTake a short break halfway for 20 minutes to relax.
12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.
12:30: Welcome aboard Cruise with a complimentary drink. Receive a brief introduction about the cruise and safety guidelines. Check into your air-conditioned room.
13:00: Enjoy a special lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes while cruising through the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations.
Afternoon Itinerary:
15:00: Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave).
16:00: The cruise will take you to Titop or Soi Sim Island. Here, you can hike to a viewpoint at the peak for splendid views of Halong Bay or enjoy swimming on the romantic sandy beach.
17:30: Return to Cruise. Relax on the sundeck, watch the sunset from comfortable lounge chairs while enjoying a cocktail or reading a book in the magical atmosphere.
18:00: Participate in the Sunset Party and Cooking Class, where you will learn to make fresh noodle rolls and enjoy your creations.
Evening Relaxation:
19:00: Enjoy a romantic dinner with a sea view from the dining area.
20:30: Engage in evening activities such as squid fishing, karaoke, or simply relaxing on the sundeck.
Overnight: Stay overnight on the boat in a clean, air-conditioned room.
DAY 2: HALONG BAY – PEARL FARM VISIT – KAYAKING – HANOI (B/L)
06:00: Wake up early to watch the sunrise from the sundeck.
07:00: Enjoy a morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee, followed by a buffet breakfast.
08:00: Visit Luon Cave, a popular spot in Halong Bay for kayaking. If you prefer, you can also explore the cave by bamboo boat. Capture beautiful photos, especially if you spot the mischievous monkeys on the cliffs.
09:30 – 10:00: Check out of your room and enjoy a scenic cruise around the bay.
10:45: Savor lunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Harbor.
12:00: Disembark from Cruise at Halong Bay harbor. Bid farewell to the crew and end the cruise.
12:30: Board the bus for the return trip to Hanoi via the Expressway.
14:30: Take a short break halfway through the journey.
16:00: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
DAY 4: Ninh Binh Exploration: Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave
07:30 – 08:00: Get picked up by our friendly guide and depart for Ninh Binh province.
09:15: Have a short break for 15–20 minutes to relax.
10:30: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Learn about Vietnamese history during the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.
Enjoy a cycling tour around the village for sightseeing and discovering the life of the local people.
12:30: Have a buffet lunch at a restaurant with a variety of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available.
13:30: Visit Trang An, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. Explore its stunning tunnel cave system, featured in the 2016 movie "Kong: Skull Island." Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip and be captivated by the beauty of the area.
15:45: Return to the Limousine Bus and head to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc.
17:00: Board the bus to return to Hanoi.
19:00 – 19:30: Arrive back and get dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 5: Ha Noi – Ha Noi City ½ day morning tour – train to Da Nang
Have breakfast at your hotel.
Our first destination is Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Second on our itinerary is the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you'll have the opportunity to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Next, we'll visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda, which venerates the Goddess of Mercy.
Finally, visit the Temple of Literature. This is the combination of the Confucius Temple worshiping Confucius which was built in 1070 and the first Royal National university in Vietnam built 6 years later in 1076.
Having lunch at a local restaurant.
7:00: Our private car will pick you up at the lobby of hotel and take you to the Train Station
Overnight on Train
DAY 6: Da Nang Arrival – Da Nang City Afternoon Tour - Da Nang by Night in Cruise
12:30 pm, after 16-hour, arrive at Da Nang. Our driver will pick you up and transfer to Da Nang Hotel for check-in.
2:00–2:30 PM: We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Danang City.
2:40 PM: Our van will transfer you to Monkey Mountain. Here, you’ll be captivated by the giant statue of Lady Buddha set against a backdrop of mountains and a beautiful garden of bonsai. Enjoy a peaceful walk, take in the gripping stories, and breathe in the fresh air.
3:40 PM: Discover the Marble Mountains. Walk along the site to see local factories of stone sculptures, the most impressive handicrafts village in Danang.
4:00 PM: Explore the Marble Mountains by climbing to the top (elevator is optional). Also known as Ngu Hanh Son, this group of five limestone and marble hills resembles five fingers lying close to the sea. The mountains feature caves, caverns, pagodas, stairs, and two viewing points. They are home to Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes, popular places of worship for the local population. It's a must-see destination for nature lovers seeking a respite from busy urban areas.
5:00 PM: Visit the largest and most fascinating cave, Am Phủ Cave. Learn about the interesting philosophies of Buddhism and take photos of the amazing natural formations.
6:00 PM: Return to our van and head to a local restaurant for dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal with a cold beer or a soft drink.
7:30 PM: After dinner, experience the magic of the nightlights on a cruise along the Han-Da Nang River. This is a great way to enjoy the modern and sparkling vibe of the city.
9:00 PM: Witness the Dragon Bridge’s fire and water show. The Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Danang, entertains visitors with a display that lasts for 10 minutes. The show happens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
9:30 PM: Transfer back to your hotel.
DAY 7: Coconut Jungle & Hoi An Ancient Exploration
About 8:00- 8.15 AM. : The driver and tour guide will collect you at your hotel in Danang to start your journey to discover Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Lantern making class
You will visit craftsmen with skillful hands, showing you how to create brightly colored lanterns. Expertly guided you could make yourself a lantern as a gift to your family.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Cam Thanh Village. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip through the beautiful coconut forest. Participate in traditional fishing activities and catch beetles with local experts.
Enjoy a hands-on experience of round-net and cast-net fishing done by local fishermen.
Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat rowing
You will see the basket-boat performance.
Go to catch the crabs and drop the net.
Return to Fisherman’s house and join the cooking show with a fire performance by the master Chef ( where the cooking class takes place)
Have lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy lunch (7 local dishes) and mineral water.
12.30 PM: Transfer you back to your hotel.
About 1.15 -1.30 PM – The van will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang Center and start the Hoi An City Tour.
2.30 PM Firstly, you’ll visit Hoi An Market which is always bustling. It offers an unmissable shopping experience. This market is full of sights, colors, sounds and smells. Next to Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings. You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses: Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House - That have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. After that, go to the Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An - A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life in a 150-year-old Chinese merchant house. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
- Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
- Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
- Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for luck to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.
6.30 pm: Finish the Hoi An city tour and transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang
7.30 – 7.45 PM: Drop you off at your hotel.
DAY 8: Da Nang Morning Free at Leisure – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city
Have breakfast at hotel.
Having your free day to relax or shopping.
Our driver will pick up you and transfer to Da Nang Airport. Take a flight to Saigon.
Arrive to Saigon. Get picked up by our driver and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Saigon.
DAY 9: Ho Chi Minh & Cu Chi Tunnel Full-Day Tour
07:30 – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel.
Morning:
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): Visit this iconic landmark built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu: Admire the beautiful French Colonial architecture.
Central Post Office: Another stunning structure from the French Colonial era.
War Remnants Museum: Explore the extensive displays related to the Indochina wars.
Lunch:
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Cu Chi Tunnels: Depart for Cu Chi district, a 1.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, watch an introductory video about the tunnel construction and wartime survival. Explore the remaining tunnel systems including living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Discover hidden trap doors and traps used during the war.
Special Tea and Cassava: Sample the guerrilla’s food during the war.
Break Time: Relax or try shooting a real gun (optional).
Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
19:00: Drop off at your hotel.
DAY 10: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta Cai Be - Can Tho
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Experience the Mekong Delta with a visit to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. After absorbing the market's energy, explore local workshops creating rice paper and coconut candy, with a chance to taste them.
Wander village roads for a taste of rural life and enjoy honey bee tea. Your tour includes a trip to a lush island, offering sampan rowing and a walk through fruit gardens. Indulge in a flavorful local lunch before transferring to Can Tho, immersing yourself in the region's natural and cultural beauty.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 2: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – HCMC (B/L)
Breakfast: Have breakfast at the hotel
Boat Ride: Take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River) and visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area
Local Tour: Walk through a local noodle factory and visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple famous for its unique structure. Continue by boat to the Con Son tourist area, visit a fruit plantation, and enjoy seasonal fruits
Lunch: Have lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 11: Can Tho – Chau Doc
Have breakfast at hotel. You can take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, then visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area.
Next, engage in a hands-on experience by visiting a local workshop where you can try making rice noodles yourself.
Follow this with a leisurely cycling tour around the village, allowing you to intimately explore the rural landscapes and daily life of the locals.
Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local home, savoring homemade dishes and experiencing genuine hospitality. Transfer to Chau Doc.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
DAY 12: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh by Waterway
Have breakfast at hotel.
06:30 am, transfer to the harbor and start the journey to Phnom Penh by waterway.
01:30 pm, reach to Phnom Penh harbor. Our driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Enjoy your free time after long journey.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 13: Phnom Penh City Full-Day Tour
Have breakfast at hotel.
We’ll pick you up at your hotel and start our day of visiting these sites, in no specific order:
Wat Phnom: Founded in 1372, this pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. Standing 27 meters (88.5 ft) above the ground, it is the tallest religious structure in the city and the central point of Phnom Penh.
Royal Palace: A complex of buildings serving as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia since the 1860s. It has been the home to the Kings of Cambodia, except during the turmoil of the Khmer Rouge reign.
Silver Pagoda: Located on the south side of the Royal Palace, also known as Wat Preah Keo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Named for its floor covered with 5 tons of gleaming silver, it houses lavish Buddha statues made of precious metals.
Cambodia National Museum: Built in 1917, this museum is an exceptional example of traditional architecture, devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures, including hundreds of pre-and post-Angkorian pieces.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and relax before leaving the city center.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek: Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 men, women, children, and infants were transported from S-21 prison to this extermination camp. They were often bludgeoned to death to save bullets. Human bone fragments and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8,000 skulls are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memorial Stupa, erected in 1988.
Tuol Sleng Museum: Formerly Tuol Svay Prey High School, it was converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21) by Pol Pot’s security forces in 1975. It became the largest detention and torture center in the country. Over 17,000 people were taken from S-21 to Choeung Ek for execution. The museum displays photographs of the detainees, most of whom were later killed.
Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong): A lively outdoor market offering antiquities, silver and gold jewelry, gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-shirts, CDs, and other souvenirs.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 14: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap by Bus
Have breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to bus station and start to visit Siem Reap.
After 6-hour, arrive to Siem Reap.
Having your free time to relax or explore Siem Reap by night.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 15: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Full-Day Tour
Pickup: 7:40 - 8:10 AM
Departs: 8:30 AM | End: 6:30 PM
Explore Angkor's ancient wonders with a new group of friends! The first stop is the
Angkor Thom complex. Within these magnificent walls, you'll discover the fascinating beauty of Bayon and the world-famous Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) Temple.
Following that, satiate your hunger at one of the many local restaurants within the Angkor Complex with some delicious Cambodian cuisine!
Your final two stops will be at the massive and gorgeous Angkor Wat, followed by a stunning sunset view from the top of Phnom Bakheng. The temples on this tour are among the largest in the Angkor Complex, and Phnom Bakheng has a 300-person limit
at the peak, so we keep the temple count low to ensure enough time at each spectacular stop!
We'll return to town once the sun has set (around 6:30 p.m.)
DAY 16: Siem Reap - Full Day Tour Phnom Kulen Water Fall Full-Day Tour
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Discover Phnom Kulen's sacred wonders: the serene Kulen Waterfall, the impressive reclining Buddha, and the River of a Thousand Lingas with its ancient carvings. Journey through lush landscapes, take a dip in the waterfall, and feel the spirituality of the land. Hike to the mountain's peak to see the majestic Pagoda and reclining Buddha. End your day with a peaceful drive back to the city, returning around 5:00 p.m
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 17: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang Arrival – Bamboo Weaving with Master Weaver and Home-cooked Dinner
Have breakfast at hotel.
Our driver will transfer you to the airport. Take flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Known as the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang's tranquility and charm, coupled with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights, make it a delightful destination in Laos. At 2:00 PM, start your exploration of the UNESCO Heritage town by Tuk Tuk, visiting the National Museum, former Royal Palace, and the magnificent Wat Xieng Tong temple. In the early evening, travel to a picturesque rural setting to participate in a bamboo weaving class with a Master Weaver, creating a small bamboo coaster as a souvenir. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner to honor your arrival in Laos.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 18: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Falls and Mulberry Saa Paper Workshop
Having breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Kuang Si Falls (approximately a 45-minute drive). Enjoy swimming and relaxing amidst verdant jungle surroundings in the turquoise pools at the base of the falls. Visit the bear sanctuary near the falls, which cares for Asiatic Black Bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade or habitat degradation. Return to Luang Prabang for lunch.
After lunch, visit a family-run workshop in Ban Xang Khong to discover the ancient home-made Saa paper process. Try your hand at making your own Saa paper decorated with flowers and leaves from the garden, and create a souvenir such as a lantern or notebook to take home.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 19 Luang Prabang – Pottery Village Cycling Tour and Hmong Batik
Rise early this morning to see robed Buddhist monks collecting morning alms, following a centuries-old ritual, visit Mount
Phousi for sunrise and enjoy the panoramic view of Luang Prabang, Stroll down the local morning Market before return to
your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, be met by your guide at the hotel lobby at 8:30 am, for the short transfer to the
bike shop. Begin your short cycling to the Mekong River where you will board the local car ferry to across the river to the
quiet district of Chomphet. Over there you will not see many, if any, other tourists and very little traffic. Enjoy a day
discovering local village life and visiting Old temples then, continue your cycling trip to pottery village that used to make
pottery for the Royal Family. Disembark the ferry and cycle the south-west direction of Luang Prabang towards Ban Chan,
the pottery village where you will participate in the hands-on pottery making class. Upon arrival you will be shown around
the village to learn more about village life and the technique of pottery making that passed by for many generations. After
the class, you will visit Ban Nakham a famous Sugar cane making village where you will enjoy a home-host lunch prepared
by Mr Phaeng and his family. They normally invite you for a game of Petanque the popular sport for Locals. Take your bike
and cycle back to Luang Prabang, stop en route to visit the old temple Wat Chomphet, Wat Long Khoun to see the view of
Luang Prabang in the opposite side of the Mekong.
In the afternoon, learn the ancient art of Hmong Batik by attending one of our workshops with our last master batik in
Laos and our two young master batiks. Under the expert guidance of the Master Batik, you will create a beautiful Hmong
design drawn with beeswax on handwoven hemp using traditional tools and materials.
DAY 20: Luang Prabang – Departure
Having breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy free time for your own exploration of Luang Prabang. Spend the rest of the morning at your leisure until your departure flight.
This itinerary offers a balanced mix of cultural experiences, traditional crafts, and natural beauty, providing a comprehensive and enriching overview of Luang Prabang and its surroundings.
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