Indochina Explorer – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Guided Tour

Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hoian - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh -Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Duration

21 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£3,980 pp

Overview: Indochina Explorer – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Tour

This 21-day guided tour brings together the contrasting cultures and landscapes of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, with a mix of mountain trekking, river and boat journeys, ancient heritage, traditional communities, and hands-on experiences.

Tour Highlights:

Trek through the rice terraces around Lao Chai and Ta Van, visiting family homes and learning about the traditions and daily life of the Dzao and Day communities
Spend a night aboard a luxury junk in Halong Bay, with opportunities for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and Tai Chi among its dramatic limestone formations
Discover the extraordinary Angkor temples, including Angkor Wat, the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, and the ancient city of Angkor Thom with its famous Bayon
Cruise through the stilted communities of Tonle Sap and visit Kompong Khleang to see how local life adapts to the lake’s changing water levels
Experience Thailand’s Damnoen Saduak floating market before travelling on the historic Death Railway and visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai
Spend a full day at Patara Elephant Camp learning about elephant care and communication before walking with the elephants and bathing them in a waterfall

From Vietnam’s mountain landscapes and ancient traditions to Cambodia’s remarkable heritage and Thailand’s diverse experiences, this tour offers a fascinating journey through three very different countries.

Day 1 - UK - Vietnam

Day 1 - UK Departure

Today we begin our private tour of Indochina by departing London Heathrow for our international economy flight to Hanoi.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Hanoi Arrival

On arrival you will meet your guide and take private transfer to your hotel, centrally located in this amazing city, for check-in.

If time permits, we’ll take an orientation tour and a chance to acclimatise ourselves.

A welcome dinner awaits us tonight.

Dinner

Day 3 - Hanoi

Today we’ll be touring the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. First, we pay a visit to the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh to understand the amazing life of the founder of modern Vietnam. We then continue to the Temple of Literature to gain an understanding of one of the driving forces in Vietnam culture.

Our next stop is the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artefacts about the 54 ethnic groups in the country.

This afternoon enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers still trade the way they have done for centuries. The rickshaw tour ends up at an old house on Ma May Street, an example of dwellings in the 19^th century.

To complete our first day enjoy a performance of water puppetry, the famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region – unique but widely known.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Hanoi - Sapa

Day 4 - Hanoi to Sapa

After an early breakfast we’ll be transferred to Victoria Lounge to take the deluxe Victoria coach for a 5-hour journey to Sapa. The journey affords English-speaking host, individual tablets with headphones, bottled drinking water, free WIFI on board, and beautiful sights of Northern Vietnam’s hilly and mountainous landscapes.

Once arrived in Sapa, we settle in to the hotel and relax.

Late afternoon, we take a walk around the little town to get acquainted with the different ethnic hill tribes such as the H’mong, Red Zao, Zay, and others.

Breakfast

Day 5 - Sapa

This morning we enjoy a short drive to Lao Chai where we start a hike through rice terraces on the side of forested mountain ranges to feel the peace and splendour of this canyon. Visit some family homes in Lao Chai and Ta Van villages and learn about the culture and lifestyle of Dzao and Day people.

Enjoy lunch then trek from the town down to Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Along the way, we will be passing by traditional houses and seeing locals doing their daily work such as weaving, embroidering, logging, herding buffalo or tilling the field… The return to the town will be by vehicle.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 6 - Sapa to Lao Cai / Train to Hanoi

Today we’ll be visiting one of the colourful hill tribe markets in the region, where we’ll see people ethnic minority groups gather for not only trading but also drinking local whiskey and socialisation.

Later, visit some more villages nearby.

Mid-afternoon, we transfer to Lao Cai and tour the gate to China before we board the night train back to Hanoi.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 7 - Hanoi - Halong Bay

Day 7 - Hanoi to Halong Bay

Back in Hanoi early this morning, we’ll be met and transferred to a hotel for 03-hour use including bed & breakfast. Following a well-earned rest, we journey east through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, the greatest natural wonder of Vietnam.

On arrival, we board a beautiful junk (ancient Chinese ship) and set sail for a cruise deep into the protected area of Halong. Bask in the tranquillity and beauty of the unique seascape made up by magnificent rock formations out of the emerald waters. We’ll have the opportunity to challenge ourselves with swimming and kayaking and even fishing.

Spend the night on our luxurious boat and enjoy a wonderful seafood dinner prepared by our onboard chef.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8 - Halong Bay - Hoian

Day 8 - Halong Bay to Hoian

Rise early this morning to catch the sublimating sunrise with the backdrop of Halong Bay’s mountainous landscape and partake in a Taichi class.

After some morning activities and a wholesome brunch, the boat takes us back ashore. We’ll drive straight to Hanoi airport for a short flight to Danang in Middle Vietnam.

Upon arrival, we’ll be met by our guide and driver and escorted to the quaint town of Hoian, just 30 km away, for the night.

Brunch

Day 9 - Hoian

This morning we’ll be on foot exploring the ancient quarter of Hoian, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. We’ll focus on the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the 200-year-old Tam Ky House, the Ong Pagoda and the vibrant Central Market.

The balance of the day will be for independent exploration. The town has so much to offer: sandy beaches, peaceful countryside, numerous restaurants and bars and massage saloons, souvenir shops, and especially tailors’.

Breakfast

Day 10 - Hoian - Siem Reap

Day 10 - Hoian to Siem Reap

Enjoy some free time before our driver collects us from the hotel to transfer us to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap, the land of Angkor temples!

We will meet up with our local guide at Siem Reap airport and drive to the hotel, located in the centre of this fascinating city.

Rest of day is free at leisure, exploration of the Pub Street is highly recommended!

Breakfast

Day 11 - Siem Reap

Today we start exploring the wonders left by a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries. First, visit Angkor Thom – the last capital of the great Khmer Empire, taking in the sprawling Terraces of Elephant and the Leper King and the enchanting Bayon. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur.

Afternoon, we continue with the fascinating jungle-clad temple of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei as the Citadel of Chambers, the mountain temple of Takeo, the elegant Hindu temple of Thommanon, the badly ruined temple of Chau Say Thevoda, and the Royal Bath of Sras Srang.

This evening, sit back and relax as we enjoy dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 12 - Siem Reap

We break the temple tour today with a visit to Kompong Khleang, one of the largest settlements on the Tonle Sap Lake. Over 20,000 people live in high stilt houses which tower up to 10 meters over the water. It is a spectacular place which only gets a small number of visitors. There is a small island at the centre of the village which has a bustling market.

We take a boat tour to see life on the waters of the Great Lake of Tonle Sap and get a taste for life ruled by monsoonal rains and water-based agriculture. One of the world’s most productive bodies of fresh water, Tonle Sap was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997.

We return to the hotel for a noon break. This afternoon, we’ll be exploring Angkor Wat, a vast rambling complex of diverse temple structures dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Many are adorned with exquisite carvings and bas-reliefs; some are so entwined with trees and vines that they almost returned to the jungle. Angkor Wat is the apogee of classical Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the national flag, and stands on par with such other monumental achievements as Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramid.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Day 13 - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Today we depart Siem Reap for Phnom Penh, a friendly riverside city with loads of Khmer charm and faded French-colonial style.

Meet up with our local guide at Phnom Penh airport and pay a visit to the infamous Cheoung Ek Killing Fields en-route to the hotel.

At the end of the day, we stroll along the Sisowath Boulevard to see the busy river life and stalls selling local culinary delights including spiders and crickets, and so on.

Breakfast

Day 14 - Phnom Penh

After breakfast we set out to further explore the capital of Cambodia Kingdom. Wander throughout the serene Royal Palace to admire its beautiful garden and opulent buildings, especially the dazzling Silver Pagoda. Delve deeper into Khmer history at the National Museum.

In the afternoon, we confront the tragic history of Cambodia on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum. Tour the hilltop temple Wat Phnom then immerse in the vibrant local life at the Central Market housed in a distinctive domed Art Deco building, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewellery and more.

Breakfast

Day 15 - Phnom Penh - Bangkok

Day 15 - Phnom Penh to Bangkok

Today we leave Phnom Penh for Bangkok, Thailand, on a morning flight.

Upon arrival, meet up with our local guide and drive to the hotel in the centre of Thailand’s busy capital.

This afternoon, we’ll visit Wat Po – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and home of the famous 45-meter reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage, and Wat Trimit, home to the Golden Buddha. Immerse in a world of exotic aromas and colours at the Flower Market of Pak Klong Talad and then explore the Chinatown – one of the most dynamic and vibrant commercial districts of Bangkok.

Breakfast

Day 16 - Bangkok

After breakfast we step back into the Old Kingdom of Siam through the Grand Palace, a sprawling compound of ceremonial halls, gilded spires, and ornate buildings. The ancient city’s defining landmark since 1782, the palace became the centerpiece of a new Thai capital called Krung Thep (city of angels), known outside of Thailand as Bangkok. The focal point of the palace is the Emerald Buddha carved out of jade and adorned with gold.

The rest of the day will be free to explore on your own.

Breakfast

Day 17 - Bangkok

We depart the hotel by 7:30 and drive southwards 110 km (for approximately 02 hours) to Rachaburi. On arrival, get on a boat and weave our way through hundreds of other boats to explore Damnoen Saduak. Being the biggest floating market in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak is great for photographing, local food tasting, and recalling a bygone way of life.

Next, we head to Kanchanaburi province. After lunch we try a ride on the Death Railway Train through the lush forest, and visit JEATH War Museum as well as the famous Bridge over River Kwai.

At the end of the day, we return to Bangkok for the night.

Breakfast

Day 18 - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Day 18 - Bangkok to Chiang Mai

This morning we take a short flight to Chiang Mai, the second largest commercialised city of Thailand. Upon arrival, we will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon we will visit Wat Doi Suthep, which is tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056m, reachable via a 290 step staircase. The monastery at the top houses relics of the Lord Buddha.

Afterwards we drive a little further to see Meo Tribe village at Doi Pui nearby.

Free time in the evening provides opportunities to reveal the colours of the night market that Chiang Mai is famous for.

Breakfast

Day 19 - Chiang Mai

After breakfast we travel to Chiang Rai via Doi Saket, one of the most scenic routes in Northern Thailand. In Chiang Rai, we visit Wat Rong Khun or the “White Temple”, a unique Buddhist Temple created by Chalermchai Kositpipat.

After that, we travel on to Mae Sai on the border with Myanmar (1 hr drive from Chiang Rai town). We will visit Mae Sai market to see vibrant local commerce and seek for shopping opportunities.

After lunch we head to the Golden Triangle where borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. Enjoy the panoramic view over the three countries from a hillside viewpoint and learn about the violent opium trade in the area in the old day. On the way back to Chiang Mai, we’ll visit a Karen village if time permits.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 20 - Chiang Mai / Elephant Safari

This morning we drive out to Patara Elephant Camp where we will befriend with elephants for a whole day.

On arrival we register and get the training outfit and have a class on the farm management, the breeding program, finding elephants in the forest, approaching them safely, reading elephant temperament, and an introduction to the elephants at the farm. Our mahout will teach us how to take care of our elephant and how to communicate with it through different spoken commands. Having mastered the necessary commands, we will walk our elephants to the river for a bath.

Next, we set off on an uphill trip through the jungle. Enjoy lunch en route and bathe our elephants one more time in a waterfall. At the end of the day we bid farewell to our giant friends and return to Chiang Mai.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 21 - Chiang Mai Departure