Selected: fully customisable World Heritage IndochinaIf you’re only going to visit Indochina once, why not pack the highlights of all three countries into one trip?Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – three beautiful countries with distinctive yet intertwining cultures, histories and cuisines. This itinerary will take you through the best of the region in just over two weeks, on an anti-clockwise loop from Saigon to Siem Reap. Fancy lengthening your exploration or spending time on the beach? We’ll customise your holiday any which way you wish.Read more LocationMulti-country Suggested Length17 days /16 nights Activity Level Fully customisable Every trip is unique Ratings LightLight mobility requirements as sightseeing activities are done predominantly by vehicle, with light walking SteadyIdeal for most fitness levels. Sightseeing involves walking and being on your feet for a couple of hours at a time, with down-time included too ActiveRequires a moderate level of fitness. Activities and sightseeing will generally involve walking and being on your foot for much of the day. Often includes light activities such as cycling, kayaking, or hands-on experiences AdventureDemands higher fitness. Most days will include a substantial amount of walking and/or activity throughout the day. EnergeticFor people who love being active. We reserve this rating for active itineraries with substantial movement and adventure activities almost every day. Trip highlights Itinerary Is this trip for you? Reviews What's included Discover Vietnam’s cities on tours of Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi with top-notch guides, a local scholar and a conservation expert Spend the night aboard a traditional junk in Lan Ha Bay, Halong’s peaceful neighbour Cycle around Luang Prabang and make stops at the ethnology centre and a weaving workshop Finish at the mighty temple complex of Angkor, and take a gondala cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom ItineraryAll itineraries are fully customisable. Our destination experts created this trip as an example of a cultural adventure: combining remarkable sights, guided experiences and a slice of everyday local life. Choose us, and we’ll create you a custom holiday where every detail reflects your pace, passions and preferences. Take as much or as little from this trip idea as you want, talk to us when you’re ready. Plan my trip Image Image Day 1-2Ho Chi Minh City Highlights: Get the lowdown on Vietnam’s history with a local scholar See colonial architecture and important landmarks in the US-Vietnam War Explore off-the-beaten-track sights - a private house and an opium factoryWelcome to Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon, a thriving, youthful metropolis on the edge of the Mekong Delta, and a great place to get to grips with Vietnam’s recent history. Dive straight into the US-Vietnam War at the former Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum. This lays the foundations for an afternoon with a well-respected local scholar who’ll show you hidden history spots off the tourist trail. Visit Pho Binh, a private house where the Viet Cong Commanders gathered to plan the infamous Tet Offensive in 1968. You’ll also see a restored opium factory which played an important role in Vietnam’s power struggles during the first half of the 20th century. Accommodation Ho Chi Minh City • Vietnam Moderate Silverland Ben ThanhUpon checking into the Silverland Ben Thanh, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've maybe arrived in Morocco, or a futuristic space ship when you enter the iron-clad restaurant. Vietnamese, it is not, but well-located and welcoming it is. Ho Chi Minh City • Vietnam Superior La Siesta Premium SaigonThis is the La Siesta brand's fourth hotel in Vietnam, and the first in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City • Vietnam Deluxe Hotel des Arts Saigon, MGallery CollectionThe chic Hotel des Arts is reminiscent of French Indochina in the 1930s, modernised with all the comforts of the 21st century. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 1:Car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to airport (30 minutes) Day 3-4Hue Highlights: Learn about life under the Nguyen dynasty on a cyclo tour Visit the private residence of Khai Dinh, Vietnam’s last emperor Explore Hue’s garden houses, once home to members of the Royal CourtAfter the skyscrapers and car horns of Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, on the banks of the Perfume River, is a breath of fresh air. Women in conical hats tend market stalls laden with tropical fruit, students pour over textbooks in cafes and Buddhist monks and nuns gather to pray in the pagodas. Hop in a cyclo to explore the Imperial City, once the seat of the Nguyen dynasty. The last emperor, Khai Dinh, built a beautiful palace just outside the city which you’ll visit with a knowledgeable guide, who’ll also show you the tombs of eunuchs who lived in the Royal Court. In the afternoon, discover Hue’s garden houses, designed to create harmony between architecture and nature. Accommodation Hue • Vietnam Superior Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & SpaLocated in a secluded spot a few miles from the centre of Hue, close to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, Pilgrimage Village is a verdant oasis of calm and relaxation. Hue • Vietnam Deluxe Ancient Hue Garden HousesLocated in the leafy Kim Long Village adjacent to Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Ancient Hue Garden Houses offer a journey into Hue’s authentic mandarin residential area. Hue • Vietnam Deluxe Azerai La Residence, HueThe elegant, art-deco La Residence is widely considered the finest accommodation in the historic city of Hue. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 3:Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue (1.5 hours) Day 5-6Hoi An Highlights: Take the scenic high road to Hoi An, known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds See historic architecture through the eyes of a conservation expert Spend a day at leisure under the lanterns of the old town or on the beachWelcome to Hoi An, a place of mouth-watering cuisine, backstreet tailors, gondalas and tea shops. But it’s the 15th century architecture that makes it so special. Find out how the Japanese merchant houses and Chinese temples have been preserved on a walking tour with a conservation expert. He’ll explain the difficulties Hoi An faces – annual flooding, urbanisation, overcrowding – and you’ll get a glimpse inside the preservation work of a 300-year-old mansion. You’ve also got a day entirely at leisure here. Spend the day on An Bang beach, have a suit made to measure or simply soak up the restaurant scene beneath hundreds of coloured lanterns. Accommodation Hoi An • Vietnam Moderate Cozy Savvy Boutique Hoi AnThe Cozy Savvy Boutique hotel is excellently located just outside of the main pedestrianised section of Hoi An Ancient Town and features gorgeous décor, a wonderful restaurant and rooftop pool. Hoi An • Vietnam Moderate Legacy Hoi An ResortSituated a five minute drive from the beach and from the centre of town, the Legacy Hoi An Resort offers a warm welcome in amongst the tropical gardens. Hoi An • Vietnam Superior La Siesta Hoi An ResortThis Oriental-styled boutique hotel is situated just outside of Hoi An’s Old Town and the hotel is within easy walking distance to the Old Town itself. Hoi An • Vietnam Superior Boutique Hoi AnLocated on a quiet stretch of Cua Dai Beach, ten minutes by car from the historical UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, the Boutique Hoi An Resort is a fusion of French style and modern, Vietnamese elegance. Hoi An • Vietnam Deluxe Namia River RetreatOn the quiet Cồn Ba Xã Islet in Hoi An overlooking the Thu Bon River, the Namia River Retreat is waiting to welcome you for a wellness-inclusive stay in central Vietnam. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 5:Car transfer from Hue to Hoi An (2.5 hours) Day 7Hanoi Highlights: Whistle through 1,500 years of history on a Hanoi city tour Learn about the life and legacy of Uncle Ho Do breakfast the Hanoian way at your hotel – a bowl of steaming pho noodlesNext up is Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Life plays out on the streets here; you’ll see haircuts on street corners, pho noodle stalls at every turn and whole families balancing on the back of scooters. A half day tour with a Hanoi insider will help you get your bearings, historically as well as geographically, starting with the Temple of Literature built in 1076. You’ll also see Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969, and pass by his final resting place, an imposing mausoleum. As the sky gets dusky, catch a breeze by West Lake, home to sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Accommodation Hanoi • Vietnam Moderate La Siesta Classic Hang ThungSituated on the edge of Hanoi's Old Quarter, the La Siesta Hang Thung is well located for morning strolls around Hoan Kiem Lake and shopping and dining in the heart of Hanoi. Hanoi • Vietnam Superior La Siesta Premium Hang BeLa Siesta Premium Hang Be overlooks the Old Quarter’s vibrant streets and at just 200m from Hoan Kiem Lake, this boutique hotel is ideally located for you to get out and explore Vietnam’s bustling capital. Hanoi • Vietnam Deluxe Sofitel Legend MetropoleThe iconic Metropole, located in the centre of Hanoi close to the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, ranks amongst Vietnam’s finest and most distinguished colonial hotels. Hanoi • Vietnam Deluxe Capella HanoiFrom the famed Asian design studios of Bill Bensley, the Capella Hanoi offers 47 individually designed rooms and suites, redolent of 1920s opera in New York. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 7:Car transfer from Hoi An to Danang Airport (45 minutes)Flight from Danang to Hanoi (1.5 hours)Car transfer from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi (45 minutes) Day 8-9Lan Ha Bay/Hanoi Highlights: Cruise through the islets and outcrops of tranquil Lan Ha Bay Spend the night on the water in a traditional junk boat Choose from an array of watery activities from kayaking to tai chi on deckSet sail for a day and night aboard a traditional junk boat. We'll whisk you away from the crowds of Halong to Lan Ha where you can really soak up the scenery without all that rowdy company. Across the emerald sea, hundreds of limestone outcrops rise vertically from the water like dragon’s teeth. Watch the scenery drift past your balcony, or try your hand at some of the activities on offer, like kayaking or squid fishing. Learn how to make spring rolls with the head chef, join in tai chi on the top deck or take a trip to one of the islets to swim off the snow-white beach. After 24 hours at sea, you’ll retrace your steps for another night back in Hanoi. Accommodation Lan Ha Bay • Vietnam Moderate Peony CruiseBuilt in traditional wooden style, the Peony cruises the beautiful waters of Lan Ha Bay, with 24 spacious and comfortable cabins with large windows, giving you spectacular views across the water Lan Ha Bay • Vietnam Superior Orchid Classic CruiseBuilt in traditional wooden style, the Orchid Cruise offers 14 spacious and comfortable en-suite cabins with large windows, giving you spectacular views across the water. Lan Ha Bay • Vietnam Superior Orchid Trendy CruiseThe Orchid Trendy Cruise offers 20 spacious and comfortable en-suite cabins with balconies and large windows, and is built in the traditional junk style. Lan Ha Bay • Vietnam Deluxe Ginger CruiseOne of the best ways to explore Lan Ha Bay is on the Ginger; part of Heritage Line’s luxurious fleet. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 8:Car transfer from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay (2.5 hours)Day 9:Car transfer from Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi (2.5 hours) Day 10-12Luang Prabang Highlights: Explore Luang Prabang’s old town on a guided cycle tour See traditional Lao weaving at Ock Pop Tok, a beautiful non-profit boutique Wander the banks of the Mekong at leisure and see the sun set from Mount PhousiIt’s now time for Luang Prabang, the spiritual centre of Laos. Buddhism is the heartbeat of daily life here, as you’ll discover on a gentle cycle tour around the old town, filled with temples, monasteries and saffron-robed monks who collect alms every morning. You’ll visit the former Royal Palace, the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, as well as Ock Pop Tok, a non-profit centre for traditional Lao weaving. On your second day, you’re free to wander independently, exploring the gorgeous cafés and boutiques. We love climbing 100m high Mount Phousi for a bird’s eye view of the old town peninsula, and a great spot to see the sun sink over the Mekong. Accommodation Luang Prabang • Laos Moderate Homm Souvannaphoum Luang PrabangThe Homm Souvannaphoum Luang Prabang was once the residence of the late Prince Souvanna Phouma, four-time Prime Minister of Laos. Luang Prabang • Laos Superior Maison DalabuaTucked away just a short stroll from the UNESCO-listed old town of Luang Prabang, Maison Dalabua is a serene retreat that feels a world apart. Its name, meaning “Princess of the Lotus”, is no accident—this boutique hideaway is cradled by tranquil lotus ponds, shaded by frangipani trees, and steeped in the gentle rhythms of Laotian life. Luang Prabang • Laos Superior Satri HouseSatri House is certainly one of the most charming boutique hotels in Luang Prabang. Beautifully decorated with antique Laos furniture, vibrant colours and traditional prints, we wish we could live in this hotel. Luang Prabang • Laos Deluxe Sofitel Luang PrabangThis historic building was originally built to serve as the local prison, but since then was used by the Luang Prabang Governor as his local residence before being refurbished as a stylish and modern hotel. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 10:Car transfer from Hanoi to Hanoi Airport (45 minutes)Flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang (1.25 hours) Day 13-16Siem Reap Highlights: Discover Angkor’s greatest temples with a guide who’ll help you sidestep the crowds Take a sunset gondala cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom Explore Siem Reap independently, shop for souvenirs and soak up the nightlifeFinally, feast your eyes on Angkor, the most magnificent ancient city in Asia. Each monument has a different flavour, from vine-tangled Ta Prohm and the enigmatic stone faces of Bayon Temple, to Angkor Wat reflected in the lily pond beneath. We’ll pair you with an expert guide who’ll bring the archaeology to life, pointing out intricate details in the rock carvings and weaving stories of sun-worshipping kings. As your first day draws to a close, take a private gondala ride on the moat of Angkor Thom to see the sun set over the ruins, glass of wine in hand. You have a final day of leisure in Siem Reap, a chance to explore Cambodian markets, shop for crafts and try amok, the national curry. Accommodation Siem Reap • Cambodia Moderate Saem Siemreap HotelWith a traditional Khmer design, the hotel wraps around a salt-water pool and is filled with traditional features and furnishings. Siem Reap • Cambodia Superior Lynnaya Urban River ResortSurrounded by tropical gardens, the resort offers a peaceful retreat from bustling Siem Reap, despite being only a 15-minute walk to the popular Pub Street area of restaurants and shops. Siem Reap • Cambodia Superior Viroth's HotelBoasting a sleek design inspired by the 1950s, all rooms have a private patio or balcony and are decorated with locally sourced materials and art, making Viroth's Hotel is a firm favourite of ours. Siem Reap • Cambodia Superior Anjali by SyphonThe Anjali is a sleek contemporary boutique hotel, located just a short tuk tuk ride away from the bustling town and ancient temples of Angkor. Siem Reap • Cambodia Superior Shinta Mani AngkorThe Shinta Mani Angkor was designed by the acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, and the space is designed to reflect the famous Angkor temples, making use of minimalist square design with dark wood, granite and stylish orange accents. Siem Reap • Cambodia Superior Heritage Suites HotelTucked away on a quiet street a short walk from the restaurants and markets of Siem Reap is one of the most delightful retreats in town. Siem Reap • Cambodia Deluxe Phum BaitangPhum Baitang is a beautiful property designed to look like a traditional Cambodian village. Siem Reap • Cambodia Deluxe Park Hyatt Siem ReapThe Park Hyatt is one of the top 5* hotels in Siem Reap; a tranquil homely hotel environment centred around a garden courtyard. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 13:Flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap (1.5 hours)Day 16:Car transfer from city to Siem Reap airport (20 minutes) Is this trip for you? What's greatThis trip packs in the most spectacular landscapes and monuments Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have to offerWe’ve included lots of time with tried-and-tested guides and knowledgeable experts who’ll give you a deep insight into each destinationThe world and his wife descend on Halong Bay these days. Instead, we recommend Halong’s quieter neighbour Lan Ha Bay, where the scenery’s just as spectacularFancy extending your trip with some time on the beach? Let us know and we’ll add a Cambodian Island (November to March), or some more time in Hoi An (March to August)Things to considerExploring Indochina’s greatest hits means you’re never far from the tourist trail, although our guides are skilled at helping you avoid the crowdsThere's a lot of fascinating temples, each one different to the last, but all that history might not be everyone’s cup of teaYou’ll only have time to dip a toe in Laos and Cambodia, both countries which have lots to offer. It’s like visiting London and skipping the rest of the UK – completely understandable if time is of the essence ReviewsOur trips start with listening. These honest, unedited reviews show how we put people first - because making customers happy is what we’re here to do.Read more reviews I would highly recommend Inside Japan and Inside Asia. This is our third trip with them. Their support and advice at the planning stage are excellent. They made suggestions for places to visit that even my Japanese sister in law was impressed with in terms of unusual and unique places [...] What's included? What's includedBreakfast every dayThree lunches: one on the Lan Ha Bay cruise; one during the Luang Prabang cycling tour; one in a traditional villa in the Angkor Temple ComplexOne dinner: on the Lan Ha Bay cruiseThree full-day experiences: city tour of Hue & visit to the Garden Houses; tour of Luang Prabang by bike; tour of the classic Angkor templesFour half-day experiences: Ho Chi Minh City tour; Saigon’s hidden history; Hoi An tour with a conservation expert; city tour of HanoiOne evening experience: gondola cruise on the moat of Angkor ThomOvernight cruise on Lan Ha Bay with activitiesAll entrance fees to sites included in guided experiencesAll internal transport & accommodationNot includedVisasInternational flightsMeals not mentionedEntrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiencesTips for guides & porters
I would highly recommend Inside Japan and Inside Asia. This is our third trip with them. Their support and advice at the planning stage are excellent. They made suggestions for places to visit that even my Japanese sister in law was impressed with in terms of unusual and unique places [...]