Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand Discovery

After breakfast at the hotel, meet our guide and driver for a full-day exploration of Hanoi, a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader. A short walk takes you to the Presidential Palace, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture, followed by a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, which offers insight into the simple lifestyle of the man who shaped modern Vietnam. Before leaving the complex, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic temple known for its unique lotus-shaped structure.

Next, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars. The well-preserved architecture and serene courtyards give you a glimpse into Vietnam’s academic traditions.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before choosing to visit one of the followings:

– Hoa Lo Prison Museum, commonly known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where American pilots were held during the war.

–  Or museum of Ethnology, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Explore displays of traditional customs, religious ceremonies, and full-scale replicas of ethnic minority homes in the museum’s outdoor area.

Late afternoon continues with an exploration of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where a traditional cyclo ride takes you through the bustling, maze-like streets of the city’s historic trading hub. This slow-paced journey offers the perfect opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of ancient shopfronts, modern cafes, and street vendors.

As the day winds down, experience the magic of a traditional water puppet performance, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings folklore and legends to life on a water stage. After the show, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meet your guide and driver, then depart for Halong Bay – a World Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO twice. Upon arrival, embark on the cruise and enjoy a welcome drink while having the tour briefing and safety instructions. A seafood lunch will be served on board while the ship sails out to the Bay, with time to admire its dramatic karst formations.

Take a rest at your leisure on the sundeck or relax in your cabin. In the afternoon, decide whether to swim in the warm, calm water or get on kayaks to discover the wonders. Our expert and experienced guides will surely instruct you on the basics of paddling before leading you to explore the extraordinary beauty of Halong Bay. After 01 hour exploring the bay, you will embark on the cruise again before attending a cooking class in the late afternoon.

Enjoy the superb dinner and stay overnight on board.

Note: The detailed itinerary of the cruise will be provided upon confirmation. The program may be subject to change depending on the weather or management.

Enjoying Halong Bay in the early morning with a Tai Chi Class on the sun deck is a must-do that you should not miss on an overnight cruise. Then relax on the upper deck, enjoy the best sightseeing, and take photos of the magnificent beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water.

After breakfast, you will explore Sung Sot cave – one of the finest and widest grottoes in Halong Bay.  Go back to the boat and keep cruising through the fishing village, and witness its unique way of life.

10.30: The boat cruises back to the jetty. Enjoy your last time on the bay before having a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

11: 30: Disembark the cruise, get ashore, meet your guide and driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Take your opportunity to visit the rice fields and villages on the way if the flight time permits.

Upon arriving in Da Nang, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Hoi An by your tour guide and driver.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Please note: The final Halong Bay itinerary may vary based on the specific cruise selected at the time of booking

Tra Que is a charming little village on the edge of Hoi An, named after the sweet-scented vegetables that spice up the everyday meals of the Pho Hoi people. Here is a new spirit for traditional Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau, and Quang noodles, enjoy the cooking class served by the host with the local ‘Tam Huu’ spring roll, primarily made from Tra Que vegetables and cake with meat (Banh Xeo). Experience a day of living and working with the local people in the Tra Que vegetable village, in which you will have a chance to discover the daily life of farmers.
08:30: You can either leisurely cycle on the village roads through the fields or take our car towards Tra Que vegetable village. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden, and then you can join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilizing it with seaweed from the local lake. The following steps are raking the ground, sowing, watering, picking vegetables, and other gardening activities. After all these activities, you will rest before lunch. Your lunch will consist of many local delicacies, including ‘Tam Huu’ spring roll, Banh Xeo, or local pancakes of the people in the middle region. You can join the cooking demonstration with the chef for the meals.
14.00: Farewell & back to Hoi An and do a walking Tour: Explore Hoi An’s charming World Heritage ancient town, renowned for its preserved architecture, car-free streets, and local cuisine. Stroll past old merchant houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Chinese Assembly Halls. Visit the bustling market and enjoy the town’s atmospheric sights. Go back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hoi An

Free for shopping, strolling around, or resting on the beach before being transferred to the Danang airport for flying to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, meet our guide and drive to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, discover an extensive underground tunnel network stretching over 200 kilometers, once used as shelters, living quarters, and strategic hideouts by Vietnamese guerrillas during the Vietnam War.

Lunch at a local restaurant

Drive back to HCM City, then you will take a tour to discover the city by visiting the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. This fascinating building is filled with history and evidence of the former Saigon government. The tour also includes the War Remnants Museum, the Old Post Office.

Drive back to your hotel, and then you are free to relax.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on the trip to Cai Be pier from HCMC via Trung Luong Freeway.

Arrive at Cai Be town, embark the sampan and start to discover Mekong river delta. Visit the local workshops to see the locals making rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice… it will be so amazing to take a bike ride on village paths to see the local daily life: orchards, school, church, pagoda, traditional. Then, take a rowing boat ride to go deeper into the countryside on canals to enjoy the peaceful time. 

Lunch at a local home restaurant and then keep cruising back to the Pier, meet our bus, and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free at your leisure, sightseeing, shopping, buying souvenirs, and taking photos until you are transferred to the airport for your noon flight to Siem Reap (03 hours before your flight time).

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). Enter through the South Gate, flanked by impressive statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. Visit the iconic Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers adorned with over 200 serene, smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Continue to the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each offering fascinating insights into Angkor’s grandeur.

Next, explore the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, where ancient ruins are dramatically intertwined with massive tree roots. This temple, known for its mystical atmosphere, gained international fame as a filming location for Tomb Raider.

Afternoon Visit to Angkor Wat & Sunset at Bakheng Hill

In the afternoon, discover the breathtaking Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and one of the most spectacular monuments of Southeast Asia. Admire its intricate carvings, including the world’s longest continuous bas-relief, which vividly depicts scenes from Hindu mythology.

As the day comes to an end, head to Bakheng Temple to witness a stunning sunset over the Angkor complex, offering an unforgettable panoramic view of the jungle-covered ruins.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Drive to Ta Prak Village, 25 minutes out of town. A packed breakfast from the hotel will be taken, and on arrival, you will meet and sit down with a local family and share it with them, and learn about local village life early in the morning.
From here, take a 30-minute ox cart ride through the village to a local market. Take a short walk through this bustling center and be introduced to Cambodian vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other local produce. Continue 1 km by foot through the picturesque countryside village, stopping to meet the local community on the way to observe whatever seasonal activity is happening at that time, such as rice planting, weaving thatch roofs, planting or harvesting vegetable crops, making fish traps, etc. Each tour will be different and the activities will depend on the time of the year, the family, and the needs of the local village. The surrounding countryside, paddy fields, and sugar palm trees are typical of Cambodia. End the morning at the local pagoda, where a special water Blessing by Buddhist Monks awaits.
At the end of your ride, have fresh coconut juice.
Travel out to Kampong Phluk in Tonle Sap Lake, a village a bit further away but which receives very few tourists. Thus, this village is the best place to see the authentic life of the local fisherman and their families who live amongst the flooded mangrove forest. At Kampong Phluk, board a local boat for a ride on the lake. On the way, see houses on stilts submerged by the lake, pass by floating houses and impressive flooded forests, and get a good feel for life on the water. Enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake. You will have lunch at a local restaurant during your tours.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Free for your leisure, sightseeing, shopping, buying souvenirs, and taking photos until you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok (03 hours before your flight time).

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, your guide picks you up and takes you to Thailand’s largest flower market, Pak Klong Talad. Stroll through the market, sample local snacks, watch flower garland making, and even get hands-on at creating your own garland and lotus flower decorations, following the Thai tradition for temple visits.
Next, hop on a tuk-tuk to visit one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, Wat Pho – famous for its impressive 45-meter (14-foot) reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness and listen to the soothing chants of the monks.
Following Wat Pho, visit the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue, made of jade or jasper. Then, embark on a longtail boat ride along the picturesque canals of Thonburi to experience local life, with a stop at Wat Arun along the way.
Return to land and enjoy a TukTuk ride to explore the vibrant Chinatown. Walk along Yaowarat Road, where shops offer a variety of goods, including gold. Explore the bustling Talad Kao Market, known for its diverse selection of fresh and dried fruits, Chinese herbs, and culinary delights.
Finally, we’ll drop you off at your choice of MBK (a popular shopping mall), the weekend market (open only on weekends), or your hotel. Please note the dress code for temple visits, and be aware that the monks’ chanting ritual occurs in the morning and may be subject to change. Go back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Explore Ayutthaya, a rich Heritage, captivating destination, steeped in history on a fascinating day trip from bustling Bangkok to the historic city of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital. It is located just 76 kilometers north of the capital.
Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya served as Thailand’s capital for over four centuries. During this excursion, you’ll discover a wealth of ancient ruins and artworks that witness to its storied past. We will discover the followings:

Wat Sri Sanphet, a remarkable monastery once served as a royal palace during King Ramathibodi I’s reign.
Wat Phananchoeng (Wat Mahathad) – home to a revered 19-meter-tall Buddha image, this sacred site is beloved by Ayutthaya’s residents.
Wat Mahathad, known for its Buddha head intertwined with tree roots, a hauntingly beautiful spot for photographs.
Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, one of Ayutthaya’s largest chedis, constructed by King Naresuan in the late 16th century. Discover numerous Buddha images and a serene garden.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, showcasing exquisite Thai architecture.

Go back to the hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Enjoy your free time before being transferred to the airport for a short flight to Chiang Mai. Explore Chiang Mai, a city of stunning landscapes and a rich culinary heritage that blends traditional and modern elements. Known as a food lover’s paradise, Chiang Mai offers a unique taste of Northern Thai cuisine, influenced by Burmese and Lao flavors.
Join in a street food adventure centered around the Three Kings Monument in the heart of the city. Sample an array of dishes, from Northern Thai noodle soup and savory stir-fries to iconic favorites like Phad Thai, khao man gai (chicken rice), and khao soi. Satisfy your sweet cravings with Thai desserts and fresh tropical fruits.
Choose between morning and afternoon tours, each including a delightful lunch or dinner. Immerse yourself in the diverse and delicious flavors that define Chiang Mai’s culinary scene.

Drive back to the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Start your day with a visit to one of Chiang Mai’s lively local markets, where colorful flowers, fresh produce, and local food come together to create a glimpse of everyday life in the city.

Continue to Wat Suan Dok, a peaceful temple known for its striking white chedis and royal cemetery. From there, head up to Doi Suthep Mountain for beautiful views over Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the city’s most important and revered temples, and take some time to enjoy the atmosphere and panoramic scenery.

Back in the Old Town, relax with a short rickshaw ride through the charming streets of Chiang Mai before returning to your hotel.

In the evening, experience the traditional Lanna way of dining with a Khantoke dinner. Enjoy a selection of Northern Thai dishes while watching colorful cultural performances inspired by the traditions of the region.

The show features graceful Finger Dance, energetic Sword Dance, and other traditional performances that bring Northern Thailand’s culture to life.

After the show, return to your hotel.

Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest mountain and one of Chiang Mai’s most scenic destinations. The journey takes you through peaceful countryside and picturesque rice fields before reaching the cooler mountain landscapes.

Visit the King and Queen Pagodas, built to commemorate the 60th birthdays of the Thai King and Queen. From the surrounding viewpoints, enjoy sweeping views across the mountains and valleys.

Continue to a Karen hill tribe village and browse the local Hill Tribe Market, where you can discover handmade products and get a glimpse of everyday life in the mountain communities.

The adventure continues at Wachiratharn Waterfall, one of the park’s most impressive waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountain air.

For nature lovers, take the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail, a scenic 3-kilometer hike through the forest, with streams, waterfalls, and beautiful viewpoints along the way. The trail offers a closer look at the rich flora and peaceful atmosphere of Doi Inthanon.

Later, explore the quieter Mae Klang Luang Nature Trail, a less-traveled route through the park’s diverse landscapes and local coffee plantations. Visit a village coffee house to learn how locally grown coffee is prepared and enjoy a freshly brewed cup while taking in the relaxed mountain atmosphere.

After a full day of nature, local culture, and mountain scenery, return to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Transfer from the hotel to Chiang Mai Airport for your departure.

Thank you for choosing LuxeTravel Asia. We hope you had a memorable journey and look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam or Indochina.