Limestone Peaks to the Mighty Mekong – Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Itinerary
Day 1-3 – Flavours of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll stay in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter and during your stay you’ll embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hanoi with your private guide. You’ll learn all about local legends, admire the ancient architecture and taste a range of delicacies from grilled pork to vermicelli dumplings as you wander the streets of the Old Quarter.
Days 3-4 – Drift between limestone peaks
This morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and travel by minibus for approximately 4 hours to the harbour where you’ll board the junk boat. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. Rich in stunning views, you’ll drift between emerald karst islets and laze on tiny beaches. You’ll stay aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the water.
Days 4-7 – Classic Hoi An
Back on dry land you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi for your flight to Danang, the airport which serves Hoi An, taking just over an hour. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Watch lanterns twinkle along the river and meet the local tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam’s most atmospheric town. A jumble of crumbling Chinese shop houses, artist studios and riverside restaurants, it’s crammed with charm. The pace is slow and the food is scrumptious. In recent years, Hoi An has become something of a national treasure with its day dreamy, timeless atmosphere. While there, you’ll join a small group for a cooking class, starting with a visit to the vibrant local market to pick up fresh ingredients. After learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch of your creations, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore.
Days 7-9 – Scooting through Saigon
After your stay in Hanoi you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City in south Vietnam, this takes around 75 minutes. Scoot through Saigon on a vintage Vespa, searching for hidden street food hotspots. Zip through the backstreets after dark, sample the best traditional snacks in the city and listen to live music as you sip on Vietnamese coffee. It’s a night tour and foodie adventure rolled into one. After all, Ho Chi Minh is a city that comes alive as night falls. You’ll stay in a comfy hotel near the central market.
Days 9-11 – Along the Mekong to Cambodia
Today you’ll start your journey into Cambodia along the mighty Mekong river. You’ll travel by bus and boat with a small group over the next 2 days. Visit riverbank villages and riotous floating markets as you drift through the Mekong Delta into Cambodia. As you sail between small islands you’ll watch daily delta life unfold around you, and you’ll stay in two of the Mekong’s most important cities. En route, you’ll explore Tiger Island by rickshaw and watch some stunning Mekong sunsets. Before you know it, you’ll be in Cambodia, where the adventure continues.
Days 11-13 – Past and present in Phnom Penh
On arrival in Phnom Penh you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Explore Phnom Penh, a city that pulses with energy, history and survival. It’s a colourful riot of sights, sounds, monks, motorbikes and tangy aromas, packed with character. During this trip, you’ll visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, both scenes of unthinkable atrocity that bring the horror of Cambodia’s past to life. You can also explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as they sparkle in the sunshine.
Days 13-16 – Amazing Angkor!
Today you’ll be transferred to the bus station to catch the bus to Siem Reap, taking around 6 hours. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your central hotel. Get lost amongst the overgrown jungle temples and giant carved reliefs of Angkor, one of the man-made wonders of the world. During this trip, you’ll spend three days exploring the temples of Angkor, using Siem Reap as your base. You’ll learn about the ruins with a friendly local guide, but there will also be plenty of time for you to clamber between jungle temples independently.
Days 16-19 – Experience Luang Prabang
Next you’ll be transferred to the airport for your 90 minute flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. When you arrive you’ll be met by a local driver and taken to your hotel. Step into a heady, spiritual world of golden spires, saffron-robed monks, frangipani flowers and crumbling French mansions. Prepare to be instantly caught in the spell of Luang Prabang, a heartwarming place slung along the banks of the Mekong River. You’ll spend four days getting lost in the magic of Luang Prabang, watching monks file into the temples at sunrise and floating down the Mekong at sunset.
Days 19-21 – Vive Vientiane
You’ll make your own way to the airport today for your quick 45 minute flight to Vientiane. When you land you’ll be met and transferred to your final hotel. Explore Vientiane, a sleepy, scenic capital curled around a bend in the Mekong River, packed with tuk-tuks, French bakeries and friendly monks. Marvel at temples crammed with thousands of Buddha statues, watch daily life unfold over a croissant in a pavement cafe and stroll along the riverfront. Vientiane feels more like a village than a capital city, with laid-back locals and a languid pace of life. During this trip, you’ll explore the city’s cuisine on a food tour through the colourful markets.
It’s time to wave goodbye to Laos as you’re transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Limestone Peaks to the Mighty Mekong -In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
