Images of Indochina – 14 Days

Luang Prabang, known as the most picturesque and captivating city in Laos, offers a wealth of experiences. Today, explore the Dala Market and some of the town’s stunning temples, including the significant Wat Xieng Thong. We'll also visit a village renowned for its textile weaving and paper-making, tour the Royal Palace, and take a boat ride on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves. Before sunset, make a short ascent to the summit of Mount Phu Si for breathtaking views of the town and river.

Today, we start early to witness one of Asia’s remarkable sights: numerous Buddhist monks in robes gathering morning alms. After a break, we’ll head to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, making a stop en route at a Hmong village to gain insight into one of Laos’s prominent ethnic groups.

Spend your free morning further exploring the captivating Luang Prabang, then catch a flight to the timeless city of Hanoi in neighboring Vietnam. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a meal out and familiarize yourself with the area as you prepare for tomorrow's activities.

Our day begins early with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake to witness the morning tai chi and badminton sessions. Next, we'll explore the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the modest 'house on stilts' where Ho Chi Minh led North Vietnam until his passing in 1969. We will also tour the Presidential Palace, the impressive Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the 11th century. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy some last-minute shopping or personal exploration.

This morning, we head east to Halong Bay, renowned as Vietnam’s most magnificent natural wonder. We’ll spend the day cruising among the limestone islands that jut out from the sea and discovering stunning caves. Weather permitting, you can take a swim and savor a delightful seafood lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Hanoi, with a stop at a ceramic village along the way. The evening is yours to unwind or explore at your leisure.

Today, take a flight to Hue, the historic imperial capital of central Vietnam. We’ll visit the remnants of the ancient citadel, and in the evening, enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most sacred religious sites.

Visit the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, then drive south across the Hai Van Pass. Along the way, make stops at the Marble Mountains—where an interior cave served as a hospital during the Indochina wars—and the Cham Museum in Da Nang. Arrive in the charming town of Hoi An by late afternoon, one of our top picks in Vietnam.

Today, we visit a morning fish market, a Chinese assembly hall, and some charming shops in Hoi An. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and admire the picturesque rural landscape.

The My Son temple ruins, originating from the fourth century, were once the heart of a major Cham empire settlement. Surrounded by coffee plantations and overlooked by the dramatic Cat’s Tooth Mountain, we explore these ancient remains. Return to Hoi An in the afternoon and enjoy some leisure time.

Fly to Siem Reap, home to Asia's most impressive temple complexes, including the iconic Angkor Wat. After settling into your hotel, take a trip to the old town of Siem Reap to pick up any necessary film for your upcoming exploration of the Angkor temples.

The Angkor temples showcase over 600 years (802-1432) of Khmer civilization, representing one of Asia’s greatest kingdoms. Spend the day exploring these magnificent temples, starting with an early sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Next, see the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, flanked by 54 stone figures on each side—gods to the left and demons to the right. Continue to the impressive Angkor Thom fortified city and admire the intricate central towers of The Bayon (12th century). Explore Ta Prohm, a temple enveloped by jungle that has remained largely untouched since its rediscovery by French explorers in the 1850s. Finally, drive to the 10th-century Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the 'Citadel of the Women,' widely celebrated as a gem among Angkor’s treasures, providing a grand conclusion to your temple tour.

This morning, take advantage of some leisure time in Siem Reap town before embarking on a scenic cruise across the stunning Tonle Sap Lake. During the trip, we'll pass by a floating village, where you'll see floating schools, restaurants, and even a hospital. In the late afternoon, we'll head back to our hotel and later explore one of Siem Reap's excellent dining options for dinner.

Today, you'll be taken to the airport for your next flight.