Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have incredibly varied and beautiful landscapes. Their climates vary from the relative cold of Hanoi in the north to the tropical climate of Saigon and Phnom Penh in the southern reaches of the peninsula.
Each country has its own highlights from the amazing temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the UNESCO heritage sites of Hoi An in Vietnam and Luang Prabang in Laos. The great link between them all is the huge snaking Mekong river which provides some awe inspiring river cruising options, particularly between My Tho in Vietnam and Tonle Sap lake, a few hours drive from Angkor Wat (Siem Reap).
Aside from the majestic river systems supporting all kinds of human and wildlife, there are mountains to the north (Laos and Vietnam) and a particularly interesting diversion to Sapa, north Vietnam.
The ancient cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos showcase some great colonial architecture (like Phnom Penh and Battambang in Cambodia), and temples to rival the best in Cambodia. Laos is very laid back and possibly the most authentic Asian experience around right now, along with Myanmar (Burma).
Once you have absorbed the culture and sights of each country, choose from a stunning selection of beach escapes. We love the amazing new Song Saa private island off the south coast of Cambodia, and in Vietnam, the rustically luxurious but altruistic paradise island of Six Senses Con Dao.
TOUR DETAILS
- 14 nights (plus 4 night Laos extension)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The Reunification Palace
- Dragon Boat cruise along the timeless Perfume River
- Hoi An
- Angor Wat temples
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) x 2 nights
- Hue x 2 nights
- Hoi An x 2 nights
- Ha Noi x 2 nights
- Jasmine Cruise x 1 night
- Siem Reap x 3 nights
Laos Extension
- Luang Prabang x 2 nights
- Vientiane x 2 nights





day one
Depart UK
Depart UK and fly to Ho Chi Minh international airport.day TWO
Arrive Ho Chi Minh and explore the city
Officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City after reunification in 1975, most people here still prefer to use the old name, Saigon. On arrival in Ho Chi Minh you will be transferred to your hotel, after which you can explore the city at your own pace. Overnight at the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh, or similar.day THREE
Escorted tour of Ho Chi Minh city (Vietnam)
Tour Ho Chi Minh city. Visit the Reunification Palace (formerly South Vietnam’s Presidential Palace), War Remnants Museum, the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral and the Gustav Eiffel-designed Central Post Office. The rest of the day is free to explore. Overnight at the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh, or similar.day FOUR
Fly to city of Hue (Vietnam)
Fly to the city of Hue which served as Vietnam’s capital from 1801 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. The city has a serene and classical character that sets it apart from all other provincial Vietnamese cities. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the Gerbera Hotel, Hue, or similar.day FiVE
Sightseeing in Hue (Vietnam)
Begin the day with a leisurely dragonboat cruise along the timeless Perfume River. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (1847-1883). In the evening visit the citadel to spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s ancient royal walled city and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within. Finish your exploration of Hue with a cycle ride through the leafy side streets to the vibrant Dong Ba market. Overnight at the Gerbera Hotel, Hue, or similar.day SIX
Drive to Hoi An (Vietnam)
Scenic drive to Hoi An through a region of Vietnam blessed with magnificent rural and coastal scenery. Hoi An is Vietnam’s number one tourist destination, largely due to the fact that UNESCO has listed the Old Town as a World Heritage Site with its quaint narrow streets packed with ancient Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese styles of architecture. These have changed little from their heyday when the city was a major trade port. After lunch, take a walking tour of the Old Town where you can visit an Ancient House, a Chinese Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge and a Museum. Overnight at the Hoi An Boutique Hotel, or similar.day SEVEN
At leisure in Hoi An (Vietnam)
Today is free at leisure. You could rent bicycles and set off to explore the surrounding countryside, take a boat trip on the Tu Bon River, relax on the nearby beach or enjoy the wonderful cuisine on offer at some of the town’s numerous cheap cafes. Overnight at the Hoi An Boutique Hotel, or similar.day EIGHT
Fly from Hoi An to Ha Noi (Vietnam)
Fly from Hoi An to Ha Noi. The drive from Hoi An to Da Nang airport takes approximately 45 minutes and on the journey you will pass the former US airbase that supported the South Vietnam war. There is an opportunity to stop en-route to visit the Cham Museum that houses the finest collection of Hindu-Cham sculptures in the world. On arrival in Ha Noi you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at the Prestige Hotel, Ha Noi, or similar.day NINE
Sightseeing in Ha Noi (Vietnam)
Enjoy a morning city tour of Ha Noi, showcasing some of Ha Noi’s most interesting attractions. Begin by visiting the One Pillar Pagoda which is near to the Soviet-inspired Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Afterwards, visit the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070, it was Vietnam’s first institute of learning. Finally visit the Hoa Lo Prison, better known to many as the ‘Ha Noi Hilton’. Your afternoon is at leisure. We recommend wandering around the city’s Old Quarter, situated to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake – a great (and easy) place to get lost in for a couple of hours. Overnight at the Prestige Hotel, Ha Noi, or similar.day TEN
Drive from Ha Noi to Ha Long and board the Jasmine Cruise (Vietnam)
The images of red sailed junks navigating through the 3,000 limestone karsts (islands) jutting out of Ha Long bay are nothing short of spectacular. It is approximately a three-hour drive from Ha Noi to Ha Long port where you board the boat and head out into the bay, enjoying a seafood lunch on the way. During the cruise, you will stop to visit a cave and enjoy a swim and perhaps do some kayaking. After mooring up in the bay for the night, the crew will prepare a superb dinner whilst, weather permitting, you watch an incredible sunset. Overnight on board the Jasmine Cruise.day ELEVEN
Disembark the Jasmine Cruise, return to Ha Noi and fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia)
In the morning, cruise back to Ha Long port where you disembark and drive back to Ha Noi. The afternoon is at leisure. In the early evening transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Prince D’Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, or similar.day TWELVE
Sightseeing at Angkor Wat and Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Start the day with a healthy breakfast before sightseeing in Angkor. The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is a must see. Continue the visit with a look at Ta Prohm and Ta Som followed by Neak Pean temple. Afterwards discover Preah Khan, a temple with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Overnight at the Prince D’Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, or similar.day THIRTEEN
Sightseeing in Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Another exciting day of sightseeing with the Roluos group of temples. Continue to Lolei and later discover Preah Ko. Afterwards visit the Banteay Srei temple, considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art because of its small size. You will also see Pre Rup temple. Overnight at the Prince D’Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap, or similar.day FOURTEEN
Fly from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang (Laos)
Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Siem Reap airport for your onward flight to Laos. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day at leisure to explore the city. Overnight at the Maison Hotel, Luang Prabang, or similar.day FIFTEEN
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang (Laos)
Visit the Royal Palace (national museum) and the beautiful temple Wat Xiengthong. Then embark on a boat trip up the mighty Mekong to visit the Buddha cave of Pak Ou. Lunch at a local restaurant in Pak Ou village opposite the cave. After lunch return by boat back to Luang Prabang with a stop at Ban Sanghai to observe how Lao rice whisky is distilled. Late afternoon you arrive in Luang Prabang and climb up to the top of Phousi mountain to catch the finest panoramic view of the city and to watch the sun set. Later stroll along through the night market and back to the hotel. Overnight at the Maison Hotel, Luang Prabang, or similar.day SIXTEEN
Fly from Luang Prabang to Vientiane (Laos)
Early morning visit to the fresh market before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to Luang Prabang airport for a short flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival at Vientiane airport you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Late afternoon explore the town by the river bank and watch the sunset. Overnight at the Green Park Hotel, Vientiane, or similar.day SEVENTEEN
Sightseeing in Vientiane (Laos)
Visit the historical temple of Wat Sisaket then Hor Prakeo, the former residence of the emerald buddha, and visit Laos’s national symbol, Thatluang stupa. Then visit Victory Gate Pratuxai. End the morning tour by visiting the centre market (Morning market) and transfer back to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. Overnight at the Green Park Hotel, Vientiane, or similar.day EIGHTEEN
Fly from Vientiane to your departure airport then fly home to UK
Following breakfast at your hotel, your time is at leisure until you transfer to the airport for your onward flight home to the UK.Itinerary
Flight information
Direct flights from the UK to Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam in approximately 14 hours