Indochina Classic: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

Arrive in Phnom Penh International Airport on your own. After clearing immigration and custom, meet our representative at the arrival gate (if you have booked the meet and greet service, $ 50 for a car with a driver and an English speaking local guide).  

In the afternoon, your guide and driver will take you for sightseeing of Phnom Penh- a vibrant, energetic, and fascinating city with elegant, tree-lined boulevards and riverside boardwalks reminding of the bygone eras. Today they are full of life and activity, as motorbikes speed in and out of traffic, vendors yell to sell their wares, and pedestrians scurry about their business.

We begin the tour from Royal Palace- Cambodia's cultural heritage, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi. Adjacent to the palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha.

Next, we visit the graceful National Museum, which contains a wide-ranging collection of Khmer Art, and then the Central Market- one of the two most vibrant markets of Phnom Penh. Central Market is a maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produces, groceries, CDs, and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry, and what not!

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport in time for the flight to Siem Reap (55 minutes). Upon arrival, meet your local guide. You will have time to settle into your accommodations before you proceed for sightseeing of Angkor.

Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and a national symbol of Cambodia. It is the highlight of any trip to Cambodia and in fact, in entire Indochina. It is the largest, the best-preserved and the most revered of all Angkor Temples; so impressive with its perfectly balanced layout and delicate artistry in carvings.

We approach the temple first crossing the vast moat and then continue along the wide walkway lined with naga balustrades – stone, seven-headed serpents. We enter the main structure and then ascend through a series of galleries and a courtyard to reach the central sanctuary, which affords beautiful views back over the walkway and across the surrounding country. On the way, we’ll want to stop enjoy the elaborate stone carvings that embellish nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, carved out of walls. The outer gallery exhibits the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which tells the stories of Hindu mythology, including the most-told 'Churning of the Ocean.' Angkor Wat is spectacular at any time of the day, but the reflections of the light during sunrise and sunset are amazing.

Then Angkor Thom, a fortified city, enclosed by a fence and wide moats that covers an area of 3.86 square miles and protects many of Angkor's most famous monuments.

We enter from the massive South Gate over a walkway lined on either side by various demons and gods statues, each carrying a giant serpent. We then continue to two terraces, for public gatherings and functions, both decorated with dramatic bas-reliefs. We also visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before heading to the mysterious Bayon Temple. Bayon is one of the most popular and compelling temples in Angkor. We explore the galleries of wonderfully preserved bas reliefs and climb narrow stairs and reach to the central sanctuary. Here we can see the giant stone faces smiling mysteriously down from every angle.

Besides Angkor, there is more that we explore today.

Banteay Srei Temple: Although small compared to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is regarded as the jewel of classical Khmer art. Its pink sandstone walls are full of intricate carvings and details, with extraordinary quality of Khmer sculpture. It is a favorite temple for many visitors. 

Banteay Samre: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Bantey Samre is a mid-12th-century temple. 

Ta Prohm temple: Ta Prohm is very much in its original state as when discovered, and it is among the most popular attractions of Angkor. Much of the area still maintains its wilderness qualities, with trees growing out of the temples. 

Ta Keo: It has a reputation as the first Angkor monument to be built entirely of sandstone. Built by Jayavarman V (968 to 1001), the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a 50-meter tall central summit amidst four lower towers.

After breakfast, we continue exploring Angkor, which will include:

Chau Say Tevoda: Built during the second quarter of the 12th century, Chau Say Tevoda is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. This temple enshrines the unique type of female deities, as well.

Banteay Kdei Temple: This is a massive Buddhist temple surrounded by four concentric walls, the outermost measuring 1640 by 2296 feet. It was built during the second half of the 12th century.

Neak Pean Temple: Built by King Jayavarman VII of the late 12th century, Neak Pean Temple is a Buddhist temple. It consists of a square-shaped pool with four other smaller square pools arranged on each axis. The main central repository has a circular island with two nagas with intertwined tails.

Sras Srang: Sras Srang is a reservoir east of Banteay Kdei Temple. It has a small island in the middle with a stone base, the remains of a wooden temple. Many people come here to view the sunrise.

Prasat Kravan: This temple features five brick towers. The interior walls exhibit bas-reliefs cut into the bricks. The temple was built in 921.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the airport for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver and transfer to the hotel in the city.

Following breakfast, our guide will take us for a half-day of sightseeing in this bustling city. Saigon, also called Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant metropolis, full of energy, activities, and motion where the culture and traditions meet modern life. We begin our tour from the historic center, browsing through Dong Khoi Street, formerly the Rue Catinat. It's the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. As we continue walking, we will see typical European-style landmarks such as the elaborate City Hall (Hotel De Ville) and the old Opera House. We will take a quick look into the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office as well.

Next, we visit the Reunification Palace- the palace of the South Vietnamese President that was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, when South Vietnam fell the forces of North Vietnam. However, attempts have been made to preserve the palace in its original state. We will still see the original tanks by the entrance. We continue to the War Remnants Museum that documents in detail the Vietnam-American War, including detailed photographic exhibitions and a collection of tanks, planes, and weapons. It can be an emotional visit. At the end of the morning tour, we visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda, which is among the Saigon's most interesting pagodas.

In the afternoon, we take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels- a network of 125 miles, manually dug tunnels- the base for the Vietcong (Communist-led armed forces of South Vietnam) during the Vietnam-American War. The tunnels connected command posts, hospitals, shelters, and weapons factories. A walk through the area gives you the flashback on the daily life of Vietcong soldiers. Many people get awe-stricken to see how smartly the entrances and booby-traps were disguised. If you wish, you could creep in the tunnels, which are slightly modified for the tourists.

Today, we immerse ourselves fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta by taking an excursion to the rustic Ben Tre- a two and half hour journey from Saigon city.

The area is peaceful with lush orchards, green rice paddies, and coconut fields. The coconut juice produced here claims to be the best in the country, and the locals make use of coconut in many other ways, including household items and cosmetics.

Take a bike ride along the serene paths and visit the home of Uncle Six, who is a local antique collector who also sells ceramics. We continue our exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. We board on a rowing boat that takes us along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then we switch to a motorized canoe and visit a family where we enjoy a delicious homemade lunch. We will have options for visiting some workshops to see how local people make rice paper and sticky coconut.

Late afternoon, we retrace our travel back to the city.

This morning we take a flight to Hue (1 hr. 20 m), the former capital of Vietnam. It was the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. This 17th-century town is a home of ancient temples, imperial buildings, and French-style edifices.

Settled into the room and refreshed, we proceed for sightseeing. We first visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor. This elegant tomb was designed and built during his lifetime, and it was used as a retreat for meditation, reading, and theater performances. We can wander the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards, and lotus ponds and feel the tranquil atmosphere.

Our next stop is at the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, which is in a dramatic location and was the last of the series of monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty to be built. This tomb features distinct European elements within the traditional Vietnamese architecture.

After breakfast, we take a relaxed boating trip down the Perfume River, with a stop at the iconic and elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, which is a Hue landmark. The pagoda is seven-tiered and has an octagonal tower. We continue cruising to the countryside and visit the majestic Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, which is a complex of courtyards, pavilions, and temples, all in a beautiful natural setting.

Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City: The Old Imperial City is a vast complex built in the early 19th century, and its layout and architecture resemble the Forbidden City of Beijing. The original fences stretched for 10 km (6.25 miles), and a broad moat surrounded them. During the American War, most of the buildings were bombed and destroyed. But what survives is a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. We approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where an enormous Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the impressive Ngo Mon Gate. This gate is the main entrance to the Imperial Citadel. As we enter the fortress, we see spacious courtyards and calm lotus ponds. Stroll through the Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace), the residence of the Queen-mother; visit the Thai Hoa Palace. And also the admirably decorated reception hall; the Halls of the Mandarins; and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites.

Afternoon, we take a scenic drive via the mountainous road, cross the Haivan Pass down to the Danang, and a further to Hoi An. It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Hoi An. The dramatic Hai Van Pass serves as a dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam is perhaps the highlight of this drive.

We will settle into our accommodation and later explore this picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. It served as one of South East Asia's major international ports from the 17th through the 19th century. We visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed by the Japanese community in the late 16th century to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. We will also visit the Sa Huynh Museum near the bridge. It houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history.

Next is the 200-year-old Tran Family Chapel, a place for ancestor worship, and also a Chinese pagoda dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen. We will take a quick sneak-peek of a Lantern Making Workshop.

Balance of the afternoon is for a free stroll in this UNESCO cultural heritage town.

A 45-minutes' drive to Danang followed by an hour 15 minutes long flight brings us to Hanoi- the capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and proceed for sightseeing of Hanoi.

The sightseeing begins with a drive by the Ho Chi Minh President's Mausoleum (only viewed from the outside). We stop to visit the Temple of Literature that has walled courtyards and graceful gateways. This 11th-century temple is associated with Confucius, and it also claims to be Vietnam's first university.

Now, it's time for a stroll through the Old Quarter of Hanoi. It is a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses, also known as 'The 36 Streets.' Each street here is being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and from medicines to tombstones.

Enjoy Vietnamese coffee at a local coffee shop during your stroll. Stop at the Ancient House on Ma May Street, an excellent example of traditional Hanoian style architecture from days gone.

Late afternoon, transfer to Halong Bay (3.5 hrs.).

After breakfast, transfer to the Tuan Chau Marina Port for an excursion on the Halong Bay. You will board a traditional wooden junk and begin cruising through the beautiful Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch while passing interesting rock formations, including Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). Visit one of the caves in the center of the islands, such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto). Cruise back to Halong Pier and disembark.

Afternoon, retrace our drive to Hanoi.

Transfer to the airport in time for a flight to Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos. It's about the one-hour long flight. Our Laotian Guide and driver will take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, sightseeing of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang, set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, is a captivating town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. UNESCO designated the entire city as the World Heritage Site in 1995. We begin our tour from Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), which is perhaps the oldest active temple in Luang Prabang. The temple dates back to 1513 and preserves a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Nearby, Wat Aham is in a tranquil setting. Next, we visit Wat Xieng, which is for many people the crown jewel of all the monasteries and temples of Luang Prabang. It's a complex of buildings that feature superb mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From here, we stroll down Wat Street. If time allows, we may stop by a few other temples, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop, and Wat Sene.

Late afternoon, we can climb Mount Phousi for sunset viewing. It’s a 150-meter- (492-foot-) high hill situated in the middle of the town. We climb 328 steps starting from the entrance to the opposite side of the National Museum.

The boat takes us up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The cliffs are known for the extraordinary Tham Pak Ou Caves. There are Buddha images of every style and material imaginable installed inside. On the way, if time allows, we stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village known for the production of Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey.

We might stop at the weaver's village of Ban Xang Khong, well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk fabrics, as well as local paper made up of Sa (mulberry plant).

The morning tour begins from the National Museum at the Royal Palace. Although a modest building, the palace has an elegant look, and it links the traditional Lao arts with the French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the-century royal residence has been preserved in its original form. It offers unique insights into the history of Laos, including the palace's most precious art – the Phra Bang, the cast of a gold, silver, and bronze alloy. This Buddha image stands nearly a meter tall and weighs around 110 pounds.

The afternoon tour also takes us to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated in a perfect natural setting near the town, with multi-level cascades over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. If you wish, you can enjoy swimming in the clear water or soak up in the pristine environment. If time allows, we stop at a local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane) on the way back to our hotel in the town.

After breakfast, the service ends. Take transport to the airport on your own or request an airport transfer at an additional cost.