Indochina in Depth 19 days

Day 01: Ha Noi – Arrival 

On arrival at Ha Noi Airport, you are greeted by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer.

Ha Noi – The capital of Vietnam, also known that “The cradle of Vietnam’s culture”. Lies besides modern constructions are many hidden gems that still retain their charm and culture from thousands years ago.

Depending on your arrival flight schedule, you either have the opportunity to rest at your hotel if the room is available (please note the check-in time is at 14.00 pm), or take your own exploration of the town. Overnight in Ha Noi. 

Day 02: Ha Noi – City discovery (B)

Today, we start our exploration of Hanoi, seeing the most notable landmark of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri. and Oct. to Nov). This imposing marble and granite monument was built towards the Ba Dinh Square. We visit follow the footpath to the One Pillar Pagoda rising from the center of a square lotus pond, ascending on a single pillar and resembling a blossoming lotus flower.

The next place will be the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Hoa Lo Prison which once known as “Hanoi Hilton”

We continue the trip to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

Then, sip a cup of coffee at the trendy railway coffee, where you has an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness massive train passing through tiny residence of local people.

Final touch of the day is a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.  

Day 03: Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)

After breakfast, take a 3.5 hour drive to Ha Long Bay, one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO with thousands of spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. 

Upon arrival, welcome aboard. Enjoy a welcome drink before check-in your cabin. While the boat is passing many rocky islets, caves, floating villages and beaches, a tasty lunch will be served on board with fresh seafood. Relax on the sundeck. Later on, the boat moves to a quiet area to dock for overnight stay. 

Lunch and dinner with Vietnamese food is served on board. 

Overnight stay on board 

Note: The itinerary of boats in Ha Long may change without prior notice depending on situation.

Day 04: Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Fly to Danang - Hoi An  (Brunch)

The boat cruises around Ha Long Bay, passes by many islets named by their shapes such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger, etc. Breakfast or brunch is served while the boat then continues cruising towards the wharf. 

After disembarkation, travel back to Ha Noi city. Then going straight to airport for the short flight to Danang.

Upon arrival, you are met and driven to Hoi An town, known in the past under its name "Faifo", was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 05: Hoi An - City discovery & lantern making (B)

After breakfast, we enjoy the morning walking tour to explore the tiny town of Hoi An with stops at a 400 year – old Japanese Bridge. This structure was first constructed in 1590s by the Japanese traders to link them with the Chinese quarters. We head towards the typical Phung Hung House, a gem with a mixture of Japanese and Chinese architectural elements. 

And continue visiting the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. This colorful building is one of the five well-known halls in Hoi An and dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of sea who protects sailors from the danger. 

The next visit is to the home of a craftsman in the old streets. Here you’ll have a brief introduction to the history, shapes and colors of the lantern, as well as stages of making them. After that you can make a lantern on your own, decorate, pack and keep it as a souvenir of your time in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 06: Hoi an – Hue (B)

This day, set off on our drive alongside one of Vietnam’s most scenic highways and yet with several stops en route such as Hai Van Pass, which gives you a quick look towards Lang Co Beach; one of the most beautiful peninsulas in Vietnam. 

Arrival in Hue city and start to visit the town with the  the massive Hue Citadel where Kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, including Flag Tower, Nine Holy Cannons, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, and the Forbidden Purple City. 

We embark on a traditional boat for a relaxed excursion on the Perfume River. Along the way, we visit the riverside Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous landmarks of Hue. ,. Continue driving to the tomb of Tu Duc, the ‘poet Emperor’, set in an elegant garden with a magnificent lake and pavilion complex.

If time permitted, we will pay a visit to the Dong Ba Market, which sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. We pass by many fantastic eating spots, all of which are ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Overnight in Hue. 

Day 07: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh city - City discovery  (B)

Morning transfer to airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh city. 

Upon arrival, you are welcomed and driven to hotel, the check in time is at 14.00pm

The afternoon city tour will acquaint us with visiting the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later, of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Ho Chi Minh city on Apr 30, 1975. Walk down to see Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office which are beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period. 

Finish of the day will be the visit the retail Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 08: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben tre – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)

After breakfast, drive south of the city to the Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. 

On arrival in Ben Tre province, we board a private boat to explore the Mekong Delta. Cruise among the river islands which have whimsical names such as Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. We make some stops at local houses to taste seasonal fruits, listen to traditional music performed by a villager ensemble, and sample honey tea. The interlaced canals are truly a lifeblood of the Mekong Delta; however, many channels can be accessed only by small boats. 

We enjoy a short sampan trip rowing under the palm grove to venture into this maze of canals before we continue our motorboat to the coconut kingdom of Ben Tre. We will either take a horse cart or motorbike pulling cart to discover the traditional lifestyles, culture, and history of local people and visit some industry cottages. They may be brick-kiln ceramics, coconut candy and coconut handicrafts, etc.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Day 09: Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Vientiane (B) 

The next destination of our trip will be Vientiane via flight from Ho Chi Minh city.

Upon arrival in Vientiane,our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.  Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure getting acquainted with the city.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 10: Vientiane – City Discovery (B)

Spend this pleasant day exploring some of Vientiane‘s highlights. We visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where are laying almost 7,000 Buddha statues in all sizes. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. 

We continue visiting the Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure stands in Lane Xang Avenue and provides a beautiful view over the town center. The current national symbol of Laos That Luang Stupa which is  the  most venerable Buddhist monument. The golden stupa  of this structure was  built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs

We follow it with a walk around the vibrant Morning Market, a flagship shopping destination in Vientiane. The market interior is crammed with shopping malls that sell everything from medicinal herbs, electronics equipment, silver jewellery, hand make  silks to everyday sundries.

Finish the day enjoying a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life.

Day 11: Vientiane – Fly to Luang Prabang (B)

Enjoy your free time then being transferred to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. 

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting and take you to the hotel for check in. 

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. 

Free time after checking in hotel

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luang Prabang – City Discovery (B)

Today, we spend a full day exploring the key highlights that make the elegant tranquility of the charming town of Luang Prabang. Visit the Royal Palace featuring the combination of the French beaux-arts styles and traditional Laos architecture. The palace is now turned to a National Museum (close every Tuesday) boating the precious collections of the Royal artifacts. 

Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk on through the peaceful tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples including Wat Xieng Thong, a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style; Wat Vitsoun, the most ancient temple of Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the Prabang Buddhas ancient statues and steles.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai, one of the town's most sumptuous monasteries, famed for its classic Laos architectural style. 

Climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and admire the panoramic sunset view of the Mekong and Khan rivers as well as the mountain range. At the end of the day, opt to stroll around the Street Night Bazaar where you can find the various handicraft collections.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Alm giving - Kuangsi Waterfall – Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm (B)

Early risers may join a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents

Return to hotel for breakfast and depart to the picturesque Kuang Si waterfall. Follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest to reach different levels of natural blue pools, some are shallow and one central pool has a rope swing. 

Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, home to more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from dire circumstances. Stroll along with the wooden viewing platform and view the adorable beasts as they lazily lounge or play together or search for foods. 

Additionally, a stop can be made at the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday)

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 14: Luang Prabang – Fly to Siem Reap (B)

Free time will be transferred to airport for an afternoon flight to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at airport, meet our guide who is waiting for us right outside of the arrival terminal. Transferring to our hotel and checking into our hotel’s room.

Free time for your first glimpse of town.

Overnight in Siem reap

Day 15: Siem Reap – Full day Angkor Temples (B)

We start this day tour with Angkor Thom, an epic collection of striking structures encompassed in quadrangle area. The walkway leads us to the Royal Enclosure where remains some mysterious ruins, including the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas Temple, and  Royal Terraces. These structures built from perishable materials have long vanished. The memorable climax of our visit is Bayon Temple built in the centre of Angkor Thom. This enigmatic complex contains  54 towers, each topped off with the four faces of  Compassion Buddha. 

Upon leaving Angkor Thom Area , we take a short drive to  the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat - one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th Century, around the time when the temple was built.

We round out day tour with a walk up the Pre Rup Temple to enjoy the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Day 16: Siem Reap – Full day Angkor Temples (B)

Today, drive out to visit the Banteay Srei that translates to “the Citadel of the Women”. Originally constructed in the 10th Century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been remarkably well preserved. 

Continue on your exploration of the famous jungle temple of Ta Prohm where several shots of the adventure movie “The Tomb Raider” were filmed. This beautiful Buddhist temple was not restored and looks just as it did when French explorers stumbled it in the 1860s. The magnificent tree roots have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. 

Visit the Angkor Silk Farm 15 km west of Siem Reap, where you can witness the entire process of silk creation from the breeding process and life cycle of the silkworm to the spinning of the silk, the dying process and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms.

Overnight in Siem Reap 

Day 17: Siem Reap – Phnom penh  by road (B)

After breakfast you will drive overland to Phnom penh (6 hours). En-route visit Sambor Prei Kuk, the most important pre-Angkorian site in the country that has recently been bestowed UNESCO World Heritage Site honors. Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Chenla period between the 6th and 7th centuries and there are over 100 well preserved temples scattered in the forest. The three main sites are linked by small and shady tracks. Enjoy a beautiful walk through the jungle with breathtaking views.

The villages around the temple complex still practice the ancient art of craft making, using materials such as bamboo and rattan. Stop at one village to observe the local production. The community runs the Isanborei Craft Hut next to the temples and sells their products there as part of a community-based tourism project. You will have the chance to visit and contribute to the sustainability of the people’s livelihood as the local community will prepare a simple but very tasty lunch for you near the temple.

On arrival into Phnom Penh, you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 18: Phnom Penh – City discovery (B)

Start your day with the visit to the Royal Palace, originally built in 1866s by the grandfather of the current Cambodian King. It includes the official residence of the royal family with parts of the massive palace compound, partially opened to the public. 

Wind your way to the nearby Silver Pagoda that houses many national treasures including many golden and jeweled Buddha statues. Perched within the Royal Palace compound, this is the most sacred temple in the country. 

Visit the National Museum, which is designed in Khmer style by a French archaeologist and painter in 1917, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. Gain insight into Cambodian history from Cambodia's "Golden Age" of Angkor, with an excellent collection of Khmer art and sculpture from archaeological sites across Cambodia. 

Take your time to learn about the turbulent Khmer Rouge years with the visit to Tuol Sleng, a high school turned interrogation prison known as S-21 during the Khmer Rouge era and now a genocide museum dedicated to showcasing the sad story of the thousands of innocent Cambodian people who were tortured on its grounds. 

Overnight in Phnom penh

Day 19: Phnom penh – Departure (B)

Trip ends after being transferred to airport for your departure flight

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 stars at the international standard, and comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are correct, clean, and equipped with a bathroom, satellite television, and air conditioning.

+ Superior category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious, and the services and facilities are more numerous.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious and have a wide choice of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels are of excellent comfort and have a wide range of excellent services. (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi…).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with the locals and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar in the program with daily breakfast as mentioned 
• Meals are provided in local restaurants of typical Vietnamese cuisine (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)
• The English-speaking guide for each city.
• All entry fees to tourist sites
• All the permission to enter the tourist areas
• Boat tours as described in the program
• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0,5 (l)/person/day
• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, boat trip, etc...)
• All fees for all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our services exclude:

• Airfare on all domestic and international flights (quote separately)
• Drinks and surcharge for special requests on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Surcharge for other language-speaking tour guides (upon request)
• Travel insurance 
• Vietnam visa stamping fees 
• All other services are not stated in the program.

More information:

Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you an estimated price per person on our website for the group of six people in low season with standard 2 and 3-star hotels.

The price of this trip varies according to the services chosen (category of accommodation, activities during the trip,...), the tourist seasonality of the year (Christmas and end of year holiday, Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam), the booking delays and especially the number of participants of your group you wish to travel with.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private "tailor-made" trips for groups from 2 persons. We generally propose an offer including all the services on the spot from your arrival until your departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content and departure date.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the best price/quality ratio.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting good rates, especially for air services, think about it!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget

To obtain a detailed and personalized estimate, please contact us to request an estimate.