Best of Indochina Tour: Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia (14 Days Tour)

Venturing into the Imperial City 

After breakfast you will take a private transfer to the airport and soon find yourself within the ancient imperial city of Hue situated along the banks of the Perfume River. The quaint scenery near the water looks out over the rolling mountains in the distance, filled with lush greenery and set beside the impressive architecture of the city and country’s history. Step aboard a dragon boat, where the vibrant colors of the dragons’ faces help ward away spirits, and float down the calm waters. Soon you will come to the rising hill of Thien Mu Pagoda. 

The faded red color wraps around the seven stories of hexagonal tiers, each one representing a step to enlightenment.  The sanctuary was constructed in the 17th century and when you step through the open pillars and around the modest temple you can see the monks going about their daily tasks of cleaning and stacking wood. The scent of ginger and lemon grass drifts from the monastic buildings. Your introduction to the river and the city has already brought serene landscape and culture allowing you to witness tradition. 

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer, tour, accommodation 

Showing Imperial Stature

After breakfast you will follow your guide through the rich history of Hue where the regal architecture continues to carry the name of the emperors for whom grandiose tombs were built. The Tomb of Tu Duc sits on the edges of Luu Khiem Lake bringing tranquility to the impressive complex spreading through the trees. Walk along the pathway leading through the entrance and the lakeshore to the Honor Courtyard. Standing proud and on guard are stone elephants, horses, and Mandarins, eternally keeping watch over the Stele Pavilion at the far end of the plaza. It isn’t hard to find the beauty within the striking design of the complex, from the encompassing nature to forceful temples and stoic statues. 

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch

Charming Old Merchant

The new day arrives over the city of Hoi An which wraps around the Thu Bon River. What has become emblematic of the city is the Japanese Covered Bridge that connects the two sides of the river in the heart of town originally constructed in the 16th century. The stone archway is covered with wooden panels and a sloping, angled roof adorned with traditional geometric shapes. At either end of the bridge you will see statues of monkeys and dogs; they are eager to defend the structure from spirits. The Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese Congregation shows a strong brick façade with green tile along a triple gateway. You can see the right hand mural displaying a Thien Hau, the goddess, lighting her own way across a stormy sea by lantern.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, tour, accommodation

Arrival in Wonders

Today you will leave behind the charismatic streets of Hoi An with a private transfer to the airport. Soon you will find yourself within reach of the Angkor Wat, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After settling into your accommodation you will be on the verge of bursting with anticipation, so close to the cultural majesty of the 12th century temple. Siem Reap is a city that feels like a sleepy traditional town with pockets of modern luxury along the main streets near the Siem Reap River.

You will be met by a private guide who will soon have you journeying through the Angkor complex for your first experience with the impressive stone architecture. The preserved Khmer architecture is wrapped in the grand display of the five rising towers that arch in a hive formation. The temple was dedicated to a royal deity and has maintained its pilgrimage status within the Buddhist community. You can still see the vibrantly robed monks stroll through the outer courtyard along the lily pond and disappear within the hidden niches of the temple.

The scent of a tropical jungle afternoon mixes with aroma of spiced incense and stone. Step into the third gallery to find five shrines enclosed on a raised terrace. A carved snake glides along the roofing and ends in the head of a garuda or a lion. The imagery is captivating and the atmosphere of the ancient city makes you feel like an explorer discovering the grand cities of old. In the evening you will return to Siem Reap to taste the traditional cuisine of the region and witness the cultural dances that tell the stories of passing time.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, transfer, tour, accommodation

Red Stone and Detail

Today the fragrant delicacies of breakfast come from the fresh tropical flavors of jackfruit and oranges accompanied by delightfully pressed coffee. After your meal you will step outside of Siem Reap to visit the surrounding sites that have added to the history of the region, from Tonle Sap Lake’s delicate dependence on the water, living on stilt homes, to the almost glowing red sandstone temples of Banteay Srei. Swaying trees open to the bright coloration of the temple complex, which dates back to the 10th century, leaving you speechless. The collection of temples rise with sophisticated construction and delicate carvings surround almost the entirety of each temple. The pediments run larger than the entrances and are guarded by old-fashioned dvarapalas, warrior faces or fearsome giants. The walkways are quieted with the unique moment when everyone becomes absorbed with the exquisite detail of the ancient site, a moment which will be a treasured memory of the day and of the surrounding complex.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour, accommodation

Time within Time

Just after sunrise you can hear a soft gong chime in the cool, misty morning. The daily procession of monks has begun. You can watch as devout Buddhists, and even those not so devout, line the street to offer alms to the monks, from rice to cookies, money to tea. Their orange robes are vivacious as the mist begins to dissipate leaving a sunny blue sky in its wake. The rich collection of temples and palaces has given Luang Prabang the title of “best preserved example of an ancient city.” The Royal Palace Museum is set within the former palace that blends traditional Laotian and French styles dating back to the early 1900s.

Walk along the Italian marble steps and into the building where you will find the gilded dais at the center of the gallery. The luxurious décor is no more apparent than in the dedicated treasure Pha Bang, a Buddha image over two and a half feet tall made from gold-alloy arriving to the city in the 16th century. The atmosphere is cool and shimmering. There is a definite energy that sweeps off of Pha Bang, from its luster, fame, and charm. It is within the old palace that you can find the past extolled through relics while the rest of the city brings the past to life.

What’s Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour, accommodation 

More than an Introduction

Enjoy the morning with the scent of rich coffee and fresh pastries reaching through the streets beside the dawn’s procession of monks. You can see the glinting stupa at the summit of Mount Phousi, the hill that stands over 300 feet tall at the city center. Spend your morning strolling along the ancient streets or indulging in the sweet, buttery pastries. Soon your private transfer will escort you to the airport to begin  your journey home. From imperial cities to quaint streets, decadent mountains to rich history, you have been introduced to the splendor of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, and will always be ready for another visit.

What’s Included: breakfast, transfer