25 days. A great journey (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) – For Howard Cook

Day 1. Vientiane (arrival) 26/10

Arrival in Vientiane airport. Our driver welcomes and transfers you to hotel for your stay.

• Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
• N/A

Day 2. Vientiane (leisure)

Leisure day in Vientiane

• Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
• B

Day 3. Vientiane (city tour)

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, which is very famous for its supernatural power.
After that drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with
over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth
information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area
and the efforts underway to clear them.
Start the afternoon with a visit to That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the
temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.
Then, enjoy a panoramic view over the city as you climb the stairs to the top of Patuxai, Vientiane’s own “Arc de Triomphe”.
Continue down Lane Xang Avenue the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828.
Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and
Khmer works of art.
End your tour of the capital along the banks of the Mekong River as the sun begins to set. Stroll along the river, stop to enjoy a
cold drink, or sample a snack from one of the many local food

• Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
• B,L

Day 4. Vientiane → Vang Vieng

Early in the morning, we depart from the capital for our journey northbound to Vang Vieng. En route, we’ll witness breathtaking
scenery, passing through spectacular countryside as we approach the mountainous region. Our arrival in Vang Vieng is expected around noon.
During the afternoon, we embark on a tour through paddy field areas, making our way to Tham Nangfa, also known as Angel Cave. This cave is adorned with massive limestone formations and boasts spectacular stalactites in various unique configurations. Along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures by greeting villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle.
Following our exploration of Tham Nangfa, we visit the renowned Blue Lagoon, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water or leisurely stroll around to explore the nearby surroundings.

• Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng.
• B,L

Day 5. Vang Vieng

Today, you will embark on a journey to explore the diverse aspects of Vang Vieng. At 9:00 AM, a local English-speaking guide will pick you up, and we’ll head north out of town to the Nam Song Riverside, where our adventure begins. After a brief safety briefing, we’ll set off on a relaxing kayaking trip along the Nam Song River, surrounded by breathtaking limestone formations.
After about an hour, we’ll arrive at a local Khmu village, where you’ll have the chance to learn about Lao and Khmu customs and traditions. We’ll explore the village and visit a traditional knife smith, who uses age-old techniques to craft knives. Be amazed by his craftsmanship, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even give it a try yourself!
Next, we’ll visit a Khmu family, where you’ll enjoy a typical Khmu lunch in their garden or home. (If the weather doesn’t permit, lunch will be served indoors.) During the meal, your hosts will share insights about animist traditions practiced by many ethnic minorities in Laos and introduce you to “Lao Hai,” a locally- produced rice wine.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey with a trek through rice paddies on the other side of the Nam Song River, passing farmers hard at work in the fields. Along the way, we’ll take a break at a local rice hut, where you can sample some rice wine and learn more about the vital role of agriculture in Laos.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll make our way back to the village and then return to your hotel, arriving by late afternoon.

• Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng
• B,L

Day 6. Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang 31/10

Morning, breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time to explore the city on your own.
We then transfer out to the train station to take the speed train to Luang Prabang (ABOUT 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B

Day 7. Luang Prabang (city tour)

Begin your day with a visit to a community-based rice farm near Luang Prabang, where you can participate in farming activities or observe from a traditional Lao rice house. Explore nearby artisan workshops and learn about traditional medicine in an organic garden. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls, perfect for swimming, followed by a stop at the Bear Rescue Center.
End your day at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where artisans create high-quality fabrics, before returning to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B,L

Day 8. Luang Prabang (boat trip)

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, then enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues.
Stop at Ban Xanghai village to sample local rice wine before returning to visit Wat Sene and Wat Xiengthong, known for its stunning architecture and mosaics. Explore Heuan Chan, a 19th-century mansion showcasing Lao culture, and enjoy authentic Lao coffee or tea. End the day with sunset views from Phousi Hill and a visit to the vibrant Night Market in Luang Prabang.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B,L

Day 9. Luang Prabang → Hanoi 03/11

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time for the shopping, coffee time or your own discovery.

Our driver arrives promptly at the scheduled time to transfer you to the airport for your departure.

Your leisure time until we transfer you to airport for flight to Hanoi

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B

Day 10: Hanoi → Mai Chau

07:10 – 07:30 : Pickup at your hotel in our comfortable van/bus

10:00: Short break

11:30 – 12:30 : Scenic photo stop of Mai Chau valley/arrive in Mai Chau

12:30 – Traditional lunch in our home (vegetarian available)

14:30 – Bicycle ride with your tour guide, see farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit surrounding peaceful villages.

17:00 – Free time for cycling, walking, shopping

19:00 – Enjoy the the dinner, you will have a chance to Enjoy traditional dishes prepared in the style of the native Thai and watch the Thai’s traditional Dance show and drink traditional wine “ruou can”.

• Overnight at hotel in Mai Chau
• B,L

Day 11: Mai Chau → Hanoi

07:30 – Breakfast time

08:30 – Go with a local Thai tour guide, we will cycling for 2km before start the trek to visit more remote rural villages: Na Meo, Na Mo and Xam Pa villages to see the rice terraces and understand more about their culture and customs

12:00 – Back to the homestay, check-out and go for lunch

13:00 – Free time for shopping and relaxing.

15:30 – Get on the van/bus to drive back to Hanoi.

19:00 – Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter. Drop you off at your hotel

Your leisure time in the city on your own.

• Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
• B,L

Day 12. Ha Noi (City tour)

Explore the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the rich history of Vietnam’s first university. Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake. Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Take a cyclo tour for sightseeing around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Watch video.

• Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
• B,L

Day 13. Hanoi → Halong bay

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00am.

Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we will board the vessel and partake in a delectable lunch. During the meal, we will cruise through thousands of stunning islands and islets. Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the Surprising Cave, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Later, return to the vessel, get a drink and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay. Halong photo

• Overnight on Cruise in Ha Long Bay
• B,L,D

Day 14. Halong bay → Hanoi → Hue 08/11

In the morning, breakfast will be served on board. We will then proceed to cruise to a Pearl Farm village and continue exploring the enchanting Halong Bay, navigating through numerous captivating islands and islets.

During lunch on board, we will make our way back to the pier before transferring back to Hanoi.

Your leisure time to explore the city until we transfer you to airport for flight to Hue

• Overnight at hotel in Hue
• B,L

Day 15. Hue (city tour) → Hoi An

Your breakfast at hotel. Start a city tour in Hue.
Get a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda. We then continue our visit at the Citadel & Hue Royal Antiques museum. Visit Dong Ba Market and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch, visit tomb of King “Minh Mang” and Tomb of King “Khai Dinh”. Proceed our tour at a nearby village where people making incense stick and conical hat.e for walking around the Old Town for shopping and relax in Hoi An.

Afternoon, we transfer you Hoi An. Rest of the day is your leisure time in Hoi An

• Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
• B,L

Day 16. Hoi An (visit My Son Sanctuary)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Today, we start the tour by visiting My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon, visit Hoi An town on foot: Hoi An’s Colorful Local Market, Old House of Tan Ky, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
• B,L

Day 17. Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh 11/11

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time in Hoi An

Afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, head to Ho Chi Minh center

• Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh
• B,

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh (Cu Chi & city tour)

Morning, we explore the Re-Unification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and played a pivotal role in the war’s end. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and learn about its unique history. Continue your tour at the War Remnants Museum, which provides a thought-provoking look into the harsh realities of the Vietnam War.

Afternoon, we leave the city and drive 60km to Cu Chi, where you can delve into the intricate system of tunnels and explore the Cu Chi Tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering that played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war). Once the tour is complete, we will make our way back to the city.

• Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh
• B,L

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh → Mekong Delta

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Ho Chi Minh and head towards Ben Tre. Our journey will include a boat trip along the Mekong River, during which we will visit a family-run business that exemplifies the idyllic rural lifestyle. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through the fruit plantation village.

• Overnight at hotel in Can Tho
• B,L

Day 20: Mekong Delta → Chau Doc

Around 6.30am, we pick you up to visit the Cai Rang floating market which is wholesale market of fruit and vegetable at its busiest at this time of the day. Keep cruising through the small channels system and visit a rice noodle making village. Experience the “Monkey Bridge” in the Delta.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We then head to Chau Doc.

• Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.
• B,L

Day 21: Chau Doc → Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. After that, take a speed boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Arrive at Sisowath tourist quay in Phnom Penh around 2.00pm.

Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

• Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh
• B,L

Day 22: Phnom Penh (city tour)

Morning, visit the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda. Next, you will have the opportunity to explore either the Khmer Rouge Killing Field and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. These sites offer a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s turbulent history and provide a deeper understanding of the country’s rich culture and heritage. You can visit the Wat Phnom insteadly, depending on your preference.

• Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh
• B,L

Day 23: Phnom Penh → Siem Reap 17/11

Your leisure in Phome Penh to explore the city on your own.

Afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap.

• Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
• B

Day 24: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)

In the morning, you will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Then, you will continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a stunning temple complex with trees and vegetation growing around and through its structures. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples in Angkor. Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world.

In the evening, enjoy buffet dinner and watch Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant.

• Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
• B,L

Day 25: Siem Reap (departure) 19/11

Morning, your breakfast at hotel.

Your leisure time until we transfer you to airport for flight back to your country.

• NA
• B,

End of service!