With 20 day excursion, tourists can visit most special and unique sights in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. There’s few regions in the world that can claim as rich in culture and history, but these four countries have what we are looking for.
We will travel to Southeast Asia in another route by starting from Luang Prabang – where numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries are waiting for your exploration. Being a largest city of Laos, Vientiane is on the Mekong river and near the border with Thailand with a lot of attractions. A short flight will then bring you to Hanoi to continue tour part in Vietnam with all spectacular landscapes from the North to the South.
The gateway to the temples of Angkor will be waiting for you right after you land off in Siem Reap. Then the journey lets you explore Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai with many temples, historical sites as well as stunning view in the rural areas.
Thank you very much for your kind arrangement and support during our trip. We will contact you again if we plan to travel Southeast Asia again.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (G)
Welcome to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Situated along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this charming city is the spiritual and cultural capital of Laos. Filled with dozens of elaborate temples, French colonial architecture, and friendly locals, this magical town is enjoyed by all. Climb the 328 stairs at Mount Phousi this evening for spectacular views over the town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Cave (B, L , G)
Soak-in the beautiful scenery as you travel aboard the elegant Nava Mekong boat up to the Pak Ou caves where thousands of golden Buddhas are crammed in to limestone caves. Moor in the middle of the Mekong for a lunch of fresh Lao dishes and enjoy the views. Travel back down river to Luang Prabang where you have time to explore more of this quaint town including its famed Royal Palace and majestic temples.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (B, G)
This morning, head to Ban Xang Khok, where the local villagers specialize in the weaving of silk and cotton and the making natural paper products. Then fly to the country’s capital, Vientiane. A city tour will take you from the peaceful Wat Sisaket to the golden stupa of That Luang. Also stop at Laos’ own ‘Arc de Triomphe’ and also visit Wat Ho Phra Keo to see their display of Lao and Khmer art. The blend of French architecture, tree lined boulevards, and Buddhist temples make Vientiane and unique capital city.
Overnight in Vientiane
Day 4: Vientiane/Hanoi (B, G)
Start this morning with a visit to Buddha Park, a tranquil park near the Thai border filled with bizarre Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. Continue to COPE, a center working to rid the country of landmines, where you will learn about the recent history of Laos and the lasting impacts of war. This afternoon, fly to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi city tour (B, L, G)
An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Viet Nam dating back to the 11th C), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ethnology Museum and the centre of Hanoi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter with a complex of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings and the colonial houses. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Viet Nam). Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi/Halong (B, L, D, G)
A morning drive to Ha Long Bay, (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine ‘karst’ landscape). Travel by traditional-style boat to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming, fishing, hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews, exploring sea level caves in a small sampan, etc. All meals will be provided on board and your accommodation will be on the boat in a twin room with en suite toilet and shower.
Day 7: Halong/Hanoi (B, L, G)
Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Hanoi/Hue (B, L, G)
Noon flight to Hue, check-in, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda (beside the Perfume River – very tranquil), boat cruise to King Minh Mang’s Tomb (the most majestic of the Royal Tombs) and drive to visit the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue (B, L, G)
Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Antiquity Museum. Afternoon drive to visit King Tu Duc’s Tomb (the poet King, the simplest Royal tomb set in a beautiful garden) and visit to Garden Houses – (a cultural characteristic in Hue). In the evening you’ll be picked up to enjoy a Hue musical show on a boat in the Perfume River for about one hour. Overnight in Hue.
Day 10: Hue/Hoi An (B, L, G)
Morning drive to Danang (excellent views from high mountain pass). On arrival in Danang, you’ll have a brief visit to Cham Museum, then continue to travel to Hoi An. After lunch, a guided visit to the Ancient Town. Overnight stay in Hoi An.
The town is an ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina and a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings.
Day 11: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L, G)
You’ll be free until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.
In the afternoon, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC ‘Oc Eo’ civilisation), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the ‘American War’: not for the squeamish). You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City/Vinh Long (B, L, G)
Drive to Vinh Long, cruise on Mekong River, Cai Be floating market, fruit orchards, traditional family-run brick kilns, wide range of varied cottage industries, e.g. manufacture of fish sauce, (distinctive feature of Vietnamese cuisine), construction of massive coffins (unique to Mekong). Afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap (B, G)
Enjoy a morning at leisure in the cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh, taking in some sightseeing or making the most of the variety of shopping opportunities available to you. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Airport for a flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 14: Siem Reap (B, L, G)
A morning tour of the temples starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom City. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer empire and its massive 8 meter high walls surround an area filled with temples. Set in the center of this area is Bayon, whose massive towers are carved with enigmatic faces. End your day at Angkor Wat and explore the intricate carvings and passageways of this 12th century temple. Watch the sun set over Angkor Wat’s five towers and marvel at its wonder.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 15: Siem Reap (B, L, G)
This morning, head out to Banteay Srei, a petite pink sandstone temple, before continuing on to Kbal Spean. Here, the water rushes over a riverbed that is carved with Hindu symbols, giving it the name ‘River of 1000 Lingas’. Return to the heart of the Angkor complex this afternoon as you visit the temples along the ‘Grand Circuit’, including the evocative Preah Khan.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 16: Siem Reap/Bangkok (B, G)
For your last day in Siem Reap you have three options to choose from. Drive out to the great Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest, and take a boat trip amongst the floating villages. Or, visit one of two unique projects in the city. One option is the workshops of Artisans d’Angkor where traditional techniques like wood and stone carving are being taught to locals. Or visit the Landmine Museum of Mr. Aki Ra, where you can learn more about the ongoing effort to rid the country of landmines and unexploded ordinances. Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.
Day 17: Bangkok/Ayutthaya (B, L, G)
Meet your private guide at the lobby of your hotel and depart to Bang Pa In. Visit the former summer palace of Thai royalties, then continue to Ayutthaya by motorized long-tail boat. Disembark at Wat Panan Choeng and continue by van to visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol. From here it is a short drive to Pludhaya Resort & Spa, where you will spend the night. Check-in and lunch at the resort. In the afternoon, visit some of the outstanding historical sites, such as Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanpeth, and Wat Phra Mahathat. Also included is a visit to the interesting Boat Museum. You’ll spend the night in Ayutthaya.
Day 18: Ayutthaya/Khampheng Phet/Sukhothai (B, L, G)
Depart for Khampheng Phet (290 km). Visit Khampheng Phet National Museum (closed on Monday and Tuesday) or the Kampheng Phet Province Museum. Tour Khampheng Phet Historical Park (Aranyik & Khampheng Phet area). Upon arrival in Sukhothai, visit Wat Si Chum, and then continue on back-roads local style on an ox-cart, passing rice fields and rural homes to Wat Chang Lom.
You’ll spend the night in Sukhothai.
Day 19: Sukhothai (B, L, G)
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning touring the Sukhothai Historical Park on bicycle (if you do not wish to ride a bicycle, our van will take you to the various sites instead).
Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Sangkhalok Museum and if you wish, continue sightseeing of the sites in the historical park (Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Chetupon). Alternatively, spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at your resort’s pool and garden
You’ll spend the night in Sukhothai.
Day 20: Sukhothai/Si Satchanalai/Bangkok departure (B, G)
Breakfast at the resort. Excursion to Si Satchanalai Historical Park and Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Centre. Lunch at Gaeng Luang Restaurant. Return to Sukhothai airport for a late afternoon flight back to Bangkok for your departure flight.
Price includes:
Price does not include:
Hotel list for Five Star standard:
Hotel list for Four Star standard:
Hotel list for Three Star standard:
If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.
