Extraordinary tour to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 25 Days

Xin Chào Việt Nam! Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you will be taken to your hotel in Hanoi. The hotel will offer you a welcome packet containing all of the information you’ll need for your tour. Your experience will begin tomorrow morning, when you meet with your tour director.

Immerse yourself in the cityscape of Vietnam’s capital, where timeless pagodas coexist with ornate French colonial buildings and a nonstop street scene. You are free to explore at your own pace during the remainder of the day. In the evening, you are free to explore the Old Quarter on an optional street food tour and indulge in some traditional specialties, taking in the city’s fantastic culinary culture. On the other hand, you could get tickets to a spectacular water puppet show and join a tradition that has been going strong for a thousand years.

Overnight in Hanoi

Your own guide and driver will show you Hanoi’s top sights today. Travel off the beaten path to some of the city’s most authentic restaurants to dine with locals and enjoy traditional Vietnamese food.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex in the morning to learn about its significance to Vietnam and its people. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to witness his embalmed body and his House on Stilts to learn about his rise to power. The eleventh-century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda is near to his home.

From HCM Complex, wander leisurely toward Huu Tiep Lake amid meandering alleys. You can walk through medieval market streets to reach the lakeside B52 crash site after seeing a 400-year-old temple. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 Ha Noi bombings, a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s recent past.

On Hanoi’s outskirts, the curious Museum of Ethnology displays relics from Vietnam’s 54 official ethnic groups as a public museum and research center. They may appear on your Sapa trip.

Pho will be your lunch spot today. Due to its popularity in this region, some locals call it “Mac-Noodles.” At the restaurant, your guide will explain Vietnamese lunch rituals and offer any necessary ingredients.

Good afternoon.

The Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple and university spanning millennia, is one of several ancient places to visit after lunch. After that comes Hoa Lo, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, a penitentiary that housed political prisoners during French colonial rule in Vietnam and later as a US POW camp.

You can see the French Quarter’s beautiful French colonial architecture on fun cyclo rides past French-style homes, the Vietnam History Museum, the Metropole Legend Hotel, the Opera House, and more.

Enjoy Egg coffee and stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the surrounding surroundings at Pho Co Café.

To finish the day, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter (not the French Quarter) to learn about its street food culture, which sells everything from noodle soup to barbecued pig. Your guide will explain each dish’s herbs and ingredients on little plastic seats in a dark alley. Try Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that exhibits Vietnam’s culinary history), and Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles), a Hanoi specialty.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Hanoi Street Food

After breakfast at your accommodation, take a picturesque drive south to Ninh Binh, an area of incredible natural beauty commonly nicknamed ‘Ha Long on Land’. Your adventure begins in Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, where you’ll visit monuments linked to old emperors of the Dinh and Le Dynasties. Most of the citadel is gone, but the surviving temples and stone foundations still resound with the spirit of Vietnam’s early emperors.

Take your time to stop and take pictures of village life and the stunning scenery as you continue through the beautiful countryside to Tam Coc. Here you can hop on board a classic wooden sampan for a peaceful ride over the twisting canals. Emerald rice paddies and looming limestone karsts will soon have your boat sailing past them, and you’ll soon see why this area is so famously nicknamed.

Upon returning to shore, transfer back to Hanoi. The evening is free to rest and enjoy at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Halong Bay, a UNESCO–recognized World Natural Heritage site, in about 3 hours.

Board your typical junk-style vessel and set sail for an overnight trip in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Sit back in your deck chair and sail over emerald waters while seeing the towering limestone karst islands.

Enjoy a seafood lunch, then participate in some afternoon activities such as swimming, relaxing on a remote beach, climbing to the top of a lookout for an amazing panoramic view, or enjoying a ride on a rowing boat into a secluded bay. Sail further into the bay to a pearl farm. Watch a cooking demonstration of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and have dinner on board. Set anchor late in the evening for an overnight stay amid the stunning limestone peaks.

Note: We recommend that you bring an overnight bag for your cruise. The rest of your luggage will be safely stored, or you can bring all your possessions with you if you like.

Overnight on the boat in Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck, breathing in the crisp sea air as the sun rises over the karsts. Enjoy a short cooking class where you will learn to prepare local delicacies such as spring rolls. Enjoy a light brunch on board, followed by a relaxing trip back into port, then transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

groups. As soon as you are picked up from your hotel in Hoi An, you will begin your journey to the neighborhood market, where you will shop for the ingredients you will need for the day. In order to prepare for the culinary lesson that will take place later, you need follow the guide and head to the village of Cam Thanh to purchase organic veggies. On the other hand, before we start this session, let’s go on our boat and go on a river tour. During this trip, we will get the opportunity to interact with local fishermen and have a firsthand experience of traditional net fishing. As you navigate the canals of the coconut palm paradise, you will also have the opportunity to paddle the one-of-a-kind bamboo basket boat that is traditional to Vietnam.  By taking this tour, you will have the opportunity to gain a cultural perspective on the ways of life of both our farming and fishing communities.

You will then be able to enroll in a cooking lesson, during which you will learn how to prepare dishes such as deep-fried spring rolls, papaya salad with shrimp crackers, pork or fish cooked in a clay pot with steamed rice, and Banh Xeo, which is a rice pancake topped with fresh salad combined with seasonal fruit for dessert.  It is now time for lunch.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Today is free to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Explore tailoring shops, pedal to An Bang Beach, or unwind at a riverfront café. Those interested in learning more about the region’s culture and cuisine can take advantage of optional tours.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

This morning is your time to enjoy the last day in Hoi An

After check out the hotel, a private car to head to Hue.  You can enjoy wide views of the coast and mountains as you drive along the lovely Hai Van Pass.  Take a short break at the beautiful Lang Co Beach along the way.

Hue is a lovely city in the middle of Vietnam that is famous for its long history, beautiful scenery, and imperial architecture.  During the Nguyen Dynasty, it was the capital of Vietnam. The many palaces, churches, and tombs that are spread out across the city show how important it was historically. When you get to Hue this afternoon, check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, go on a tour of Hue.  To get to the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, take a boat ride on the calm Perfume River in the morning.  The pagoda is an important sign of Vietnam and Hue. It was built on a hill with a view of the Song Huong (Perfume River), 4 km southwest of the Citadel.  It is called Thap Phuoc Duyen and is 21 meters tall. It was built in 1844 during the rule of Emperor Thieu Tri.  Each of the building’s seven floors is named after a manushi-buddha, which means a Buddha who took on human form.  After that, take a car to the beautiful tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. He was the fourth emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyễn dynasty and ruled from 1847 to 1883. After that, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Go see the Imperial Citadel in the afternoon.  There are palaces, ornate rooms, libraries, residences, and colleges inside the beautiful Citadel, which was built according to strict geomancy rules.  After seeing the citadel, keep going to Dong Ba Market, which is the oldest market of its kind in Hue. It has hundreds of shops selling cheap clothes, household items, crafts, and fresh food.  The tour will end at your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day however you want.

Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Morning

You will be collected after breakfast and transferred to Hue Airport for a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the people. It is the biggest city in Vietnam. It sits near the Mekong Delta.

Arrive and check into your accommodation in the city centre.

Afternoon

We go to the Reunification Palace. This is where, on 30th April 1975, the war came to an end, as tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the mansion of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

You will then continue to visit outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French colonists during their settlement. Across the street lies the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural landmark that is regarded as one of the primary tourist attractions in the city.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast

Start the day with a healthy breakfast, and then go on a trip to the Mekong Delta.  Around 7:15–7:30 am, the guide will meet you in the hallway of your hotel. You will then be taken to My Tho, which is on the left bank of the Mekong River.

When you get there, get on the sampan and take a ride down the river between the four beautiful islands, which are called Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.  Take a break at Unicorn Island, stroll through the country roads, and check out the flower farms.  View fruit farms and enjoy tropical foods and music played by locals in the form of folk songs.

Then, take a sampan that you row by hand through Thoi Son canal and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.  You can try honey tea and coconut candies at the honey-bee farm and family workshops.

After a traditional Vietnamese lunch to get some energy, you can ride your bike around the Tan Thach town and meet the people who live there to learn about their daily lives in the Mekong Delta.  Feel free to spend some time in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze if you don’t want to go on a bike trip.  After that, you’ll go back to where you are staying.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll leave for the Cu Chi caves. It will take about an hour and a half to drive there. When you get there, there will be a short introduction and then a movie about how the tunnels were built and how the people who lived there during the war did it.

Then, take your time visiting the rest of the area and tunnel systems. These included the bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and storage areas, as well as military facilities such as weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and storage areas. All of this was done to help the people who lived in the caves meet their basic needs. Also, for safety reasons during the war, there are a lot of secret trap doors and dangerous traps in the maze-like tunnels. After that, there will be special tea and cassava, which was used as a wartime food by guerillas.

Then you’ll go back to your Ho Chi Minh hotel.

Afternoon

A half-day guided trip provides an excellent introduction to living in Saigon.  Zip through traffic on the back of a motorcycle in groups of no more than 10.  Explore the bustling streets, vibrant marketplaces, must-see attractions, hidden lanes, and ancient residences.  Explore the picturesque alleyways where Vietnamese folks work, live, and socialize.  Visit the famed Chinatown, the world’s largest and oldest, to learn more about Saigon’s traditional values and mixed-culture lifestyles.

Discover city landmarks like the French Quarter’s Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.  Admire the architecture of the Saigon Opera House, the city hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and take a wonderful photo with the magnificent apartment cafes.

Discover hidden beauties in the city, such as the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument.  Explore the Cambodian Market with a cool drink and food

Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda (Mother of the Sea), which was established by the Chinese in 1760 to introduce their religious ideas to Vietnam.  On your walk back to your hotel, pass Nguyen Trai Street in District 5, which is known for its hundreds of designer shops.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: Breakfast, street food

Enjoy your breakfast

Today, Our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast

Spend a half-day learning about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Visit the Killing Fields, where over 1 million people were killed, and the Genocide Museum, which houses relics from the time.

Start your tour in Phnom Penh, where you’ll meet your guide. Sit in the air-conditioned vehicle and listen to a presentation about Pol Pot and his government as you drive to the Killing Fields.

The bones and garment scraps left by the victims at the Killing Fields will let you appreciate the tragedy more fully. Visit the mass graves and the memorial stupa to pay your respects to those who have died.

Then return to the city center to visit the Genocide Museum. Learn more about the dictatorship and the people that were imprisoned. See the little chambers and cells where the prisoners lived, as well as historical photographs.

You will then have the opportunity to meet a few of the survivors. Hear their stories of what they went through and how they survived. At any time, you can ask your guide for further information.

At the end of the tour, your guide will take you back to the meeting location.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Meals: Breakfast

Morning

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at the airport, you are transported to the hotel to check in and rest.

Afternoon

You will continue your tour by driving downhill to see the Banteay Srei Temple.  A breathtaking variety of sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes adorn this magnificent pink sandstone edifice.  The complex features of the temple are believed by the Khmers to be too delicate for men to create, hence, they attribute the carvings to women.

Pradark Village, a halt on the way back, gives you a look at country life.  People in the village make palm sugar and other wares with great competence.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Morning

Meet our tour guide at the hotel for an exciting day of sightseeing that starts at Angkor Wat, a Hindu and Buddhist temple complex that is famous for its old beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur.  When you visit this ancient site, you should see the beautiful Angkor Thom and the South Gate, which is one of the best-preserved entrances to the complex and has huge statues that show the ocean of milk churning.

Then, go to Bayon Temple, which is one of a kind in Cambodia. It has 54 huge towers with more than 200 happy Avolokitesvara faces painted on them.  Some other great sights you will see are the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

At noon, have lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Afternoon

The next exciting part of your adventure is a trip to Ta Prohm, an old Buddhist temple dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother.  A lot of people are amazed by the temple’s jungle-like atmosphere. Huge tree roots have grown through cracked stone and passageways, creating a jungle-like feel that makes the temple a great spot for photographers.

After going to a place in town on your own for dinner, you will fly to Phnom Penh.  When you get to Phnom Penh, you’ll be taken to the hotel to check in and rest.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Take a bus to the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in South-east Asia, you will have the opportunity to obtain a fascinating insight into the way of life in Cambodia.

The dock will be brought to you after you have been picked up from a hotel in Siem Reap.  To go to the floating hamlet, which is located outside of Siem Reap, you can take a private boat.

The tall, stilted buildings, the floating hospital, the fisheries, the traditional way of life in the nation, and the natural environment of the flooded mangrove forest are all things that you should explore.

You can take a break on your way to Tonle Sap by participating in an optional tour that takes you through the flooded mangrove forest on a small boat. This tour is a terrific opportunity to explore the local flora and animals.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be taken to Battambang, a town that has been shaped by its past as a French colony. Upon arrival at the hotel, take a leisurely drive down the scenic Sangker River to the Wat Slaket Pagoda, the former home of the Buddhist patriarch of the province. Keep going until you reach the Ek Phnom Temple, a Hindu temple that dates back to the Angkorian period in the 11th century. A platform with several remarkably intact carvings serves as the basis of the temple’s prasats.

The scenic river road journey from Battambang to Ek Phnom takes you via picturesque rural towns and paddy terraces. Come back to town for lunch (not included) and then see a bamboo train village while riding this one-of-a-kind train.

Travel on to the legendary Phnom Sampeau Mountain, where you will spend the afternoon visiting a network of caverns used as “killing caves” by the Khmer Rouge and seeing the iconic Wat Sampeou at its peak.

Kindly be informed that in the event that the border issue between Cambodia and Thailand is settled before your departure, there is a possibility that your itinerary may be adjusted to include two nights in Battambang, followed by a coach transfer to Koh Chang via Pailin (Pakkad border). Your Travel Pack, which is sent out around four to six weeks before your journey, will reflect this.

Overnight in Battambang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart from Sisophon province for Siem Reap in the morning after breakfast. Take a detour to the Preah Net Preah neighborhood to see a family-run stone cutting workshop. Before your transfer to the airport for your journey to Bangkok, Thailand, you have the option to stop in town for lunch (not included).

Your transfer to the airport hotel for the night will be arranged upon your arrival. The rest of the afternoon will be free at your leisure.

Overnight in Battambang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning – Grand Temples & Riverside Life

Begin your day after breakfast with a private guide and explore Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Step inside the magnificent Grand Palace, the heart of Thai royalty, and admire the sacred Emerald Buddha within its golden halls.

Continue on foot to nearby Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha and birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Along the way, pass through charming old streets lined with wooden houses, local markets, and spiritual shrines.

Enjoy a scenic lunch by the river at a local restaurant overlooking the bustling Chao Phraya River, soaking in the vibrant energy of the city.

Afternoon – Temples, Canals & Local Life

Cross the river by ferry to visit the striking Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), famous for its riverside silhouette and beautifully decorated spires.

Then, experience Bangkok’s hidden side with a long-tail boat ride through the khlongs (canals), passing stilt houses, local communities, and floating vendors that reveal the city’s traditional riverside lifestyle.

Continue to Wat Traimit, home to the magnificent Golden Buddha, a powerful symbol of Thailand’s spiritual heritage.

Return to your hotel for a rest.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your guide will collect you from your Bangkok hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle after breakfast and take you to Wat Lokayasutha, the first destination in Ayutthaya. Being one of the few structures here that has survived, this temple is well-known for its large painting of a reclining Buddha.

Next up on your tour is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a royal temple that has historically served as a place of worship for the king and queen. Many consider it the most important religious building in all of Ayutthaya.

Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya is the place to visit afterward. This temple is one of the most ancient and significant in Ayutthaya’s history since legend has it that it once housed the precious relic of the Buddha. Stop and marvel at the famous Buddha head carved into the base of a Bodhi tree.

The next stop is a cozy Thai restaurant for a hearty lunch, where your knowledgeable guide may suggest dishes that highlight the area’s specialties.

Along the river, you should find the stunning Wat Chaiwattanaram, where your adventure should end. Keep an eye out for the stunning architectural style, which was influenced by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia, as you wander across the enormous grounds.

Ovetnight in Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Your morning in Bangkok will begin with breakfast at the hotel. After a short journey, you will leave the city’s busy streets behind and enter a lush, rural paradise. Samut Songkhram Province is just an hour outside of the city, so guests may experience the rustic charm of the Thai countryside on this full-day excursion.

The day begins with a trip to a local rail station, which has been turned into a bustling country market that follows the tracks. One of Thailand’s largest fresh fish markets is located in Maeklong, which is bisected by the Maeklong Railway. If a train is coming or going from the station, the sellers’ booths will be immediately deconstructed and then put back together again.

Next up comes the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a popular venue for sightseers. Despite its somewhat touristic status now, the market remains the finest example of a floating market from its original shape some decades ago. As you glide leisurely down the intricate system of canals, you may take in sights of the floating market’s ancient area and the canal bank residents’ way of life. Once you get off the boat, you should spend some time exploring the lively floating market, where vendors offer delicious exotic fruits and other goods.

At the floating market, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Your flight to Chiang Mai departs after lunch. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, a private vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel for check-in. Make the most of your stay at the hotel.

Be advised that on weekends, you will have the option to visit either Damnoen Saduak or Tha Kha, a smaller and less touristic floating market. During your brief paddle boat tour of the backwaters at Tha Kha, you will stop at a traditional Thai home where coconut palm sugar is made.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Get your day started well with some breakfast and some fresh air at your hotel.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you at an elephant rescue center nestled in the jungle not far from Chiang Mai. Indulge in a refreshing swim in a waterfall, savor a Thai-style lunch, and then spend the day tending to elephants as you feed, play with, and observe them in their native environment.

Starting after breakfast, depart from your hotel. Travel to the southwest of Chiang Mai and take in the breathtaking landscape as you go by hill tribe villages, rice paddies, and local farms.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and cool off, you should visit the Mae Wang Waterfalls. You will reach Elephant Sanctuary, tucked away in the heart of the bush. Upon entering the sanctuary, a host will welcome you, and a guide will explain everything in detail.

Don the traditional Karen hill tribe attire, like that of an elephant caretaker. Learning about the sanctuary’s history and getting an orientation on Asian elephants are the next steps. Stop by and feed the rescued elephants some bananas; they’re rather friendly. Accompany the elephants as they forage for food on their journey up the hill through the forest. Watch the dynamics between elephant families as they exist in the wild. Join the elephants for a swim in the river for a refreshing bath. As you bid farewell to the elephants and accompany them on their journey back to the sanatorium, take a moment to remember your time with them.

The day will come to a close with a bamboo rafting excursion along the Mae Wang River, a river famous for its beautiful landscape, before you are taken to your Chiang Mai hotel.

You will be dropped off at your accommodation after a one-hour ride back to Chiang Mai. You have the remainder of the day to accomplish anything you like.

Please remember to include extra clothing, shoes that are comfortable and may get dirty, a camera, shampoo, soap, and bug spray or repellent.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning – Hot Springs & the White Temple

Start your journey early with a scenic drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, passing through northern Thailand’s countryside. Stop at the natural Mae Khachan Hot Springs, where you can relax your feet in warm mineral pools or try boiling eggs in the geothermal waters.

Continue to the iconic Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a dazzling contemporary masterpiece designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its intricate white façade, mirrored details, and symbolic artwork make it one of Thailand’s most unique spiritual landmarks.

Enjoy a local lunch near the temple, surrounded by peaceful countryside views.

Afternoon – Blue Temple, Black House & Local Culture

Visit the striking Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple), known for its vivid blue-and-gold design and beautifully detailed murals that blend traditional Buddhist themes with modern artistic expression.

Continue to the intriguing Baan Dam Museum (Black House), an artistic complex created by Thawan Duchanee. Its dark wooden structures, unusual art pieces, and powerful symbolism offer a fascinating contrast to the White Temple.

Next, visit a local Karen hill tribe village, where you can learn about traditional lifestyles and cultural heritage. Visitors may interact with the community or simply explore local crafts, cafés, and small shops at their own pace.

End the day at the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Enjoy panoramic views over the Mekong River and take an optional boat trip to see the borders from the water.

For those who prefer staying on land, explore the riverside viewpoints, visit the impressive Golden Buddha statue, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic region.

After a full day of exploration, return comfortably to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After you have finished your breakfast, your private shuttle will meet you at the hotel and take you to Chiang Mai International Airport. Once there, you will either catch your aircraft back home or continue on to more exciting adventures; we will assist you with the planning process.