14-Day Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Culture Discovery Tour

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the enigmatic jungle temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the quaint yet bustling town of Siem Reap, a hidden gem of word-class wining and dining, kind locals, and charming markets.

After breakfast at your hotel, your awe-inspiring tour of Angkor begins. Entering through the grand South Gate, you’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the jungle to the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm. Here you’ll witness the monstrous jungle vines and sprawling tree roots that seem intent on claiming the ruins as their own. We cap off our day of adventuring with a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Apsara dance performance at Angkor Village Resort.

After breakfast*, you will witness the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, in all its glory. This incredible twelfth century monument stands testament to the dedication and skill of the ancient Khmer people and is truly a wonder of the world.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll savour the remote peace of Banteay Srei, or the ‘Citadel of Beauty,’ some 20 km away. This less-frequented woodland temple is beautifully preserved and is incomparable with any other in Angkor. En route to your hotel, we stop at a rural Khmer village to give you insight into the everyday lives of the friendly local people. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap some more.

After breakfast you’ll head for the Tonlé Sap, dominating the map of Cambodia as the largest freshwater lake in southeast asia. While here, you’ll observe life on the lake for the fishermen and their families who make their homes on the stilt-housing in the water. Once back on dry land, you’ll have the chance to stroll through Psar Chas, a bustling old market, where you’ll find your pick of souvenirs to treat loved-ones back at home. After the tour, you’ll be taken to the airport for your departure, leaving Cambodia with the fondest of memories. Your next stop is Pakse, a city rich in history to the country’s south a mere stone’s throw from the borders with Thailand and Cambodia. After check-in at your hotel, you’re free to wander this entirely walkable city, perhaps checking out the vibrant New Market and its hundreds of vendors.

After breakfast in your hotel, you’ll be driven to explore the enigmatic Wat Phou, a collection of ancient ruins scattered on the slopes of 1,500-metre high Phou Asa Mountain near the Cambodian border. The ruins are some of the the most exquisite of Khmer temples outside of Cambodia, the mountain having been thought of as prime real estate by the Khmer Empire when it was at its mightiest. None of the other Khmer temples can compete with the views from this one, which are utterly incredible. Allow a gentle giant from a nearby elephant camp help you to the top for endless views of the surrounding jungle scenery. Once you’ve descended, there’s time for lunch at a local restaurant before your guide will drive you to 4,000 Islands. The evening is yours to unwind in your hotel.

You’d be right in thinking that Laos is entirely landlocked, but that’s not to say the country has been deprived of islands, with some 4,000 having been carved out in the mighty Mekong. Enjoy a day-long cruise, soaking in the beauty and serenity of this bewitching, little-visited location. You’ll arrive at Don Khon Island, where a small group of Irrawaddy dolphins are known to frequent (if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of these curious freshwater mammals). The island itself is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Asia; Khone Phapheng and Li Phi Falls. After lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is yours to do some exploring at your leisure, or simply relax in this river-island paradise.  

After breakfast in your island resort, your guide will take you back to Pakse, where on arrival you will complete a short hike to the Bolaven Plateau, passing by local villages, the ‘Hanging Bridge’, huge boulders and incredible epiphytes. After the tour you will be driven to the airport for your ongoing flight to Luang Prabang, a sleepy blend of red-roofed Buddhist temples and French-colonial architecture nestled in the lofty green mountains. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to soak in the mystique of this former mountain kingdom.

This morning, your journey of discovery begins with a serene cruise down the Mekong, idling past scenes of rural riverside life and spectacular mountain scenery until you reach the Pak Ou Caves. Nestled among the limestone cliffs where the Mekong and and Nam OU rivers meet, the caves are split into two: one called Tham Ting; and the other Tham Theung. Both are filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been deposited here over the centuries.

A short distance away from Pak Ou Caves, we visit the village of Ban Xang Hai, which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays, the village also specialises in producing a wide range of ‘Lao Lao’ whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ wine. Be sure to try just a little before we head back down to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

After your trip to the caves, enjoy private tour of the city, calling in at Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang’s stunning Golden City Temple, Wat Aham, with its depictions of Buddha’s life painted on the walls, and the Royal Palace Museum, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about Lao history and culture. In the evening, you’re free to relax, or do a little exploring on your own.  

You’ll start the day by observing the early-morning alms ritual of the saffron-robed monks that call this city home, perhaps even receiving a blessing. After breakfast at your hotel, you will head to explore more of Laos’ natural beauty at the stunning Khouang Si Waterfalls. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a variety of Lao Minority Group villages, learning about their unique traditions and cultures, experiencing a totally different way of life. Spend the evening relaxing in your hotel, or venture out on your own.

Today is yours to relax until it’s time to head for airport for your ongoing flight to Vietnam, leaving this beautiful country with many wonderful memories and stories to share with your loved ones back home.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a lovely morning touring around Hanoi city. You will begin with a visit to The Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace and Museum. Then, you will discover the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple which rises from the centre of one pillar and is said to be have been built in the shape of a lotus. Finish your day with a stroll around the Fine Arts Museum; showcasing pieces from a range of historical periods.

Following a delicious local lunch, your afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Ethnologic Museum, where you can learn a bit about the many different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. After this, you'll be taken to visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will learn about the interesting mythology that surrounds it. Today’s tour ends with a special tour where you may discover the picturesque Old Quarter by cyclo or rickshaw.Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax. This evening, enjoy a cultural treat! You will be attending a famous Water Puppet Show at the theatre.

Today, you will be whisked away early in the morning to Halong Bay where you will board your Bhaya Cruise!  Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking day-long journey. After a brief check-in and orientation, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as we set sail into the mystical Halong Bay.

You will be given a buffet lunch as the boat cruises southeast, passing by Trong Mai Islet and Titov Island. You will then transfer to a small local sampan boat to discover the floating village of Vung Vieng. Once returning to the ship, if weather permits, you will be given kayaks to further explore the surrounding area.

Next, you will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck. The bar opens at 17:30 with a “buy one get one free” happy hour. A set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, watch a movie in the restaurant, or enjoy a 30% discount at the bar. Overnight on cruise at Halong Bay.

Today, you will begin your early morning with some spiritual and relaxing Tai Chi on the sundeck. Complimentary tea and coffee will be served as your ship cruises through the mysterious and majestic caves of Trong, Trinh Nu, Me Cung, and Sung Sot, along with the islet of Coc Ngoi. A buffet brunch will be served on board as the ship cruises back towards the harbour. You will disembark at Tuan Chau Marina where you will be transferred back to the airport to continue your journey onto Ho Chi Minh City.Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will start your day with a fascinating tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels made by the Viet Cong during the war. These mysterious tunnels functioned as underground cities, complete with living quarters, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and supply routes. On the way back to the city, you will join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, including a charming trip to a local market where you can pick your own ingredients. At the end of the lesson, you may sit down to enjoy your delicious meal!

After lunch, drive back to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing, which will include admiring the architecture of the Central Post Office, a taste of a local marketplace at the Binh Tay Market, learning more about the wars of Vietnam and their effects on the country at the War Remnants Museum and finally visiting the impressive French colonial-style City Hall.When the time comes, your guide will take you the airport for your onward or return flight home after a memorable tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

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