Indochina Heritage & Senses Journey
From: 2,545 USD | 21 Days
Active level: Easy
Vientiane - Vanvieng - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Your journey at a glance
A 21-day journey through Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, from the peaceful beauty of Luang Prabang, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Halong Bay, to the wonders of Angkor and floating villages of Tonle Sap. Each day offers multi-sensory experiences that deeply connect you with nature, culture, and local people, leaving unforgettable memories of Indochina.
Brief
Day 1: Arrival In Vientiane - Buddha Park
Day 2: Vientiane Exploration – Vang Vieng (By Train)
Day 3: Vang Vieng Exploration
Day 4: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Ancient City (Train)
Day 5: Mekong River - Pak Ou Caves - Ban Chan Pottery Village
Day 6: Morning Alms Giving - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Butterflies Park
Day 7: Luang Prabang - Fly to Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi City Tour
Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay/Peony Cruise
Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Danang - Hoi An/Peony Cruise
Day 11: Hoi An - Red Bridge Cooking Class - Cycling in the countryside
Day 12: Hoi An – Hue City Tour/The Impression of Royals
Day 13: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city - Ho Chi Minh city tour
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh /Cai Be
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh city - Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 17: Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 18: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Day 19: Siem Reap Angkor Wat
Day 20: Banteay Srei & Rolous
Day 21: Tonle Sap Lake - Departure
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Vientiane - Buddha Park
Day 1: Arrival In Vientiane - Buddha Park
Vientiane: Serenity by the Mekong
Upon arriving in Vientiane, you immediately sense the city’s slow, peaceful rhythm along the languid Mekong River. Strolling around the golden That Luang square and admiring the majestic Buddhist architecture, you feel enveloped by a sacred, tranquil atmosphere rarely found elsewhere. In the afternoon, as the last rays of sunlight gild the river, you walk along the Mekong’s banks, listening to temple bells echo and feeling the gentle breeze carrying the scents of grass and earth. In that moment, all worries fade, replaced by a profound sense of peace soaking into your soul. As night falls and the city lights up, you sip a cup of Laotian tea, savoring its delicate sweetness on your tongue, and realize that Vientiane asks for no rush—only for you to quietly feel each heartbeat, each gentle breath of this gentle land.
Day 2: Vientiane Exploration – Vang Vieng (By Train)
Day 2: Vientiane Exploration – Vang Vieng (By Train)
Vientiane – Vang Vieng: Golden Splendor and Verdant Horizons
In the morning, you’re dazzled by the radiant gold of That Luang in the sunlight, gaze over the city from atop Patuxai, and are moved by the ancient beauty of Wat Sisaket. As the train glides through mountains and forests, majestic natural scenery unfolds—cliffs, rivers, and endless green fields stretching to the horizon. Arriving in Vang Vieng, you feel the shift in atmosphere: crisp air, birdsong, the scent of fresh grass and damp earth after rain. In the afternoon, sitting by the Nam Song River, you let your thoughts drift with the current, feeling freedom, excitement, and a gentle anticipation for adventures ahead. Vang Vieng welcomes you with freshness, promising moving and unexpected experiences in the days to come.
Day 3: Vang Vieng Exploration
Day 3: Vang Vieng Exploration
Vang Vieng: Touching Underground Wonders, Drifting with the River
Exploring Tham Jang and Tham Nangfa caves, you run your fingers along cool stone walls, feeling the strength and mystery of nature shaped over millions of years. In the silent darkness, only the drip of water and faint light illuminating magical stalactites remain—you feel transported to another world, every sense awakened. In the afternoon, you relax on a boat along the Nam Song River, cool breezes in your hair, the scent of grass and water mingling as you gaze at mountains mirrored on the river’s surface. A sense of serenity and contentment washes over you; all worries seem to dissolve, leaving only a deep connection with nature and with yourself.
Day 4: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Ancient City (Train)
Day 4: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Ancient City (Train)
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang: Where Past and Present Meet
A morning train brings you to Luang Prabang, where the ancient beauty of the Royal Palace, Wat Xiengthong, and Wat Mai appears under soft sunlight. Wandering the old town, you listen to temple bells, footsteps on old bricks, and feel the city’s slow, tranquil rhythm. In the afternoon, you visit a traditional papermaking village, trying your hand at making flower-embedded paper and feeling the softness and finesse of each fiber. As sunset descends on Mount Phousi, the whole city glows golden in the evening light, and you realize you stand in a place where past and present harmoniously blend, every sense filled with beauty and cultural depth.
Day 5: Mekong River - Pak Ou Caves - Ban Chan Pottery Village
Day 5: Mekong River - Pak Ou Caves - Ban Chan Pottery Village
Mekong – Pak Ou Caves – Pottery Village: Sacredness Among Thousands of Buddhas
In the morning, you drift along the Mekong, cool breezes in your hair, gentle waves lapping the boat, and the earthy scent of river water calming your mind. At Pak Ou Caves, you’re awestruck by thousands of tiny Buddha statues stacked in sacred darkness, feeling the faith and devotion of the Lao people in each figure. On the way back, you stop at a rice wine village, sipping a warm, spicy glass and feeling the heat spread through you. In the afternoon, you mold clay at Ban Chan pottery village, feeling the connection between your hands and the earth, leaving your personal mark on traditional crafts.
Day 6: Morning Alms Giving - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Butterflies Park
Day 6: Morning Alms Giving - Kuang Si Waterfalls - Butterflies Park
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si: Morning Peace, Afternoon Refreshment
Waking early, you join the almsgiving procession, quietly offering rice to monks in the dawn light. The silent atmosphere, gentle footsteps, and monks’ saffron robes create a tranquil scene, helping you deeply appreciate gratitude and sharing. Later, at Kuang Si Falls, you immerse yourself in cool turquoise water, letting all fatigue wash away with the cascading streams. The sound of rushing water, birdsong, and the freshness of nature cleanse your soul, leaving you light and full of energy.
Day 7: Luang Prabang - Fly to Hanoi
Day 7: Luang Prabang - Fly to Hanoi
Luang Prabang – Hanoi: Where Two City Spirits Meet
Bidding farewell to Luang Prabang, you fly to Hanoi and immediately sense the contrast between two cultures. In the afternoon, you wander leafy old streets, hearing the sounds of traffic, street vendors, and the aroma of coffee in the air. Every corner is a patchwork of memories, where modern life blends with a thousand years of tradition. As night falls, you enjoy egg coffee in a cozy café, listening to Trinh music drifting from afar. Hanoi greets you with familiarity, warmth, and a hint of nostalgia—a city both classic and youthful, awakening your curiosity and excitement for discovery.
Day 8: Hanoi City Tour
Day 8: Hanoi City Tour
Hanoi: A Thousand Years of Breath in Modern Rhythm
Exploring Hanoi, you circle Hoan Kiem Lake, gaze at the Turtle Tower standing quietly in the water, and visit the Temple of Literature, a repository of Vietnamese scholarly tradition. The chime of pagoda bells, the jingling of bicycle bells, and the lively laughter of students all blend into the city’s symphony of ancient and modern. Your eyes follow mossy rooftops, old trees, and the busy crowds, feeling more keenly the interplay of tradition and modernity, of stillness and ceaseless movement in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay/Peony Cruise
Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay/Peony Cruise
Hanoi – Halong Bay: A Wonder Amidst Vast Sky and Water
Leaving Hanoi, you arrive at Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise from emerald waters. Kayaking through caves, you feel the coolness of the sea, the gentle breeze, and the majesty of nature. As sunset falls, standing on the deck watching the golden light spread across the bay, every sense is awakened. Your soul quiets, leaving only awe and freedom in the face of nature’s magnificence—a living painting etched deep in your memory.
Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Danang - Hoi An/Peony Cruise
Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly to Danang - Hoi An/Peony Cruise
Halong – Danang – Hoi An: Stillness and Fairytale in the Ancient Town
At dawn, you practice Tai Chi on the cruise deck, filling your lungs with fresh sea air. After exploring magical caves, you fly to Danang and then Hoi An. In the evening, strolling under rows of colorful lanterns, you feel the peace and poetry of the old town by the Hoai River. The gentle light, rippling water, and scent of bougainvillea make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale, where all worries vanish, leaving only serenity and nostalgia.
Day 11: Hoi An - Red Bridge Cooking Class - Cycling in the countryside
Day 11: Hoi An - Red Bridge Cooking Class - Cycling in the countryside
Hoi An: The Taste of Home and Tranquil Rhythms
This morning, you join a cooking class, preparing Vietnamese dishes with your own hands and sharing laughter with your companions. In the afternoon, you cycle through the countryside, passing green rice fields, hearing roosters crow and children play. The fresh air, slow pace, and friendliness of the locals make you feel truly “healed,” forging a deep connection with Hoi An’s land and people.
Day 12: Hoi An – Hue City Tour/The Impression of Royals
Day 12: Hoi An – Hue City Tour/The Impression of Royals
Hoi An – Hue: River, Citadel, and Imperial Memories
Leaving Hoi An, you cruise down the Perfume River, quietly admiring the poetic scenery. Arriving in Hue, you visit Thien Mu Pagoda, savor royal cuisine, and stroll through the Imperial City. Your eyes follow mossy rooftops and imposing walls, feeling the solemnity and depth of history. The sound of pagoda bells and the river’s gentle lapping bring your soul to stillness, reflecting on a golden past.
Day 13: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city - Ho Chi Minh city tour
Day 13: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city - Ho Chi Minh city tour
Hue – Ho Chi Minh City: The Vibrant Mosaic of Saigon
Flying to Saigon, you immerse yourself in the city’s bustling, sleepless energy. Visiting the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office, you sense the fusion of East and West, old and new. The honking horns, street vendors’ cries, the aroma of roasted coffee, and the scent of milk flowers on the breeze all create a modern symphony, lively yet still tinged with the charm of old Saigon.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh /Cai Be
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh /Cai Be
Mekong Delta: The Sweetness of the Waterways
Cruising through the Mekong’s canals, you watch orchards heavy with fruit, listen to the water’s flow, the rhythmic paddling, and the laughter of locals. Stopping at a coconut candy workshop, you taste a warm, sweet treat, its flavor soaking into your senses, blending with the generosity and friendliness of this fertile land. Every moment on the water is a sweet, simple, and unforgettable experience.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels
Cu Chi: Underground – Strength and Will of Vietnam
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, you crawl underground, feeling the cramped darkness and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese during wartime. Every inch crawled, every breath taken reminds you of sacrifice, creativity, and patriotism. This experience deepens your understanding and appreciation of peace, freedom, and the enduring strength of the Vietnamese people.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh city - Fly to Phnom Penh
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh city - Fly to Phnom Penh
Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh: The Interwoven Colors of Indochina
Leaving the vibrant bustle of Saigon, you fly to Phnom Penh and immediately sense the unique cultural fusion of Cambodia. Strolling along tree-lined boulevards, you admire stately French colonial architecture interspersed with dazzling golden pagodas. The chime of temple bells, the lively hum of tuk-tuks, and the aroma of street food mingle in the humid air of the Land of Temples. As evening falls, golden sunlight bathes the Tonle Sap River, and you sit by the riverside, feeling tranquility seep in as you listen to the city’s gentle, unhurried rhythm. Phnom Penh unfolds before you like a vibrant painting, where past and present walk side by side, leaving a lasting impression of a capital that is both contemplative and radiant.
Day 17: Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 17: Phnom Penh City Tour
Phnom Penh: Silent Reflection Amidst Painful Memories
Visiting the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, you cannot help but fall silent before the tragic stories of Cambodia’s history. The quiet space, the wind rustling through the trees, and the somber eyes of the locals allow you to deeply feel the pain, loss, and extraordinary resilience of the people here. Every photograph, every artifact is a poignant reminder of the value of peace, of compassion, and of the indomitable will to live. Returning from this place, you cherish the present more, feel grateful for simple things, and sense more clearly the strength of faith and humanity in the journey to overcome the shadows of history.
Day 18: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Day 18: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: The Colors of Traditional Markets and Craft Villages
Leaving the capital, you head to Siem Reap, stopping in roadside villages where the simple rhythms of life reveal themselves through the laughter of children, the scent of wood fires, and the vibrant hues of traditional markets. You taste rustic local dishes, touch exquisite handmade crafts, and feel the creativity, dexterity, and warmth of the Cambodian people. The journey by road passes through rice fields, sugar palm groves, and artisan villages—each moment a vivid slice of real life, nurturing in you empathy and a deep appreciation for the richness of local culture.
Day 19: Siem Reap Angkor Wat
Day 19: Siem Reap Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat: Awe in the Presence of an Eternal Wonder
Wandering among the Angkor complex, you are overwhelmed by the grandeur of ancient temples looming amidst the jungle. The morning sun shines through the stone towers, highlighting intricate bas-reliefs that tell Khmer legends. You lay your hand on mossy stones and feel the endurance and pride of a civilization. The whispering wind and your footsteps echo through the sacred space, prompting contemplation on humanity’s smallness before time and the universe. Angkor is not just a destination but a journey into the depths of consciousness and the heritage of mankind.
Day 20: Banteay Srei & Rolous
Day 20: Banteay Srei & Rolous
Banteay Srei & Rolous: The Gem of Khmer Art
At Banteay Srei, you are mesmerized by the pink sandstone and the astonishingly delicate carvings. Touching each relief, you sense the soul of ancient artisans in every motif and myth. In the afternoon, visiting the venerable Rolous temples, you listen to the wind rustling through the trees and watch the golden sunlight bathe the stone walls. Each moment is a new connection with the past, leaving you with admiration, reverence, and gratitude for the Khmer cultural legacy.
Day 21: Tonle Sap Lake - Departure
Day 21: Tonle Sap Lake - Departure
Tonle Sap Lake – Departure: The Endless Rhythm of Life on Water
On your final day, you board a boat to explore Tonle Sap Lake—the heart of Cambodia. As you glide through floating villages, you listen to the rhythmic splash of water against the hull, the laughter of children, and the steady beat of paddles. Life on the water comes alive through floating houses, schools, markets, and the optimistic smiles of the locals. A sense of peace, adaptability, and resilience permeates every moment, leaving a deep impression of the vitality and limitless creativity of the people here. The journey ends, but the echoes of river life and the warmth of Cambodia will stay with you for a long time.
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