Highlights of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia - Set Itinerary

Touch down in Luang Prabang, a city where tradition and tranquillity meet. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel, giving you a first glimpse of the town’s serene charm. Nestled between mountains and rivers, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its golden-roofed temples, colonial architecture, and peaceful pace. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and soak up the atmosphere, perhaps with a quiet walk along the Mekong or a sunset drink overlooking the river.

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Begin your day exploring the cultural heart of Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple architecture, known for its sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics. Nearby, Wat Mai impresses with its gold-detailed façade, while the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, offers insight into the once-powerful Lan Xang Kingdom through its collection of royal artefacts. Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views over the city and the Mekong River, a rewarding perspective on this UNESCO-listed town.

In the afternoon, head into the countryside to visit the Living Crafts Centre, where you’ll learn about traditional Lao weaving and textiles. Continue to Kuang Si Waterfalls, a series of cascading turquoise pools surrounded by jungle. Take a refreshing swim or simply enjoy the scenery. Nearby, the Sun Bear Reserve offers a chance to see rescued bears in a protected environment. On the return journey, stop at a Hmong village to glimpse rural life in northern Laos. (B,L)

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Begin your day with one of Luang Prabang’s most moving traditions: the morning almsgiving ceremony. As the sun rises, saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets collecting offerings of sticky rice from locals. It’s a peaceful and humbling ritual that reflects the deep spiritual roots of Lao culture. Afterwards, wander through the bustling morning market, where locals shop for fresh herbs, tropical fruits and daily essentials, a great way to see everyday life in motion.

Later, board a boat and cruise along the Mekong River, passing forested banks and riverside villages. Your destination is the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site filled with hundreds of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. Along the way, stop at a traditional weaving village where artisans still work on handlooms, preserving age-old techniques. Enjoy lunch by the river before returning to town, with the afternoon free to relax or explore more of Luang Prabang at your own pace. (B,L)

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After breakfast, leave the calm of Luang Prabang behind and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Vietnam’s capital, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken directly to your hotel. This is your first introduction to a city that blends centuries of history with a fast-paced modern energy. From tree-lined boulevards and French colonial buildings to vibrant street markets and lakeside cafés, Hanoi offers a rich contrast to the slower rhythms of Laos. Settle in and take the rest of the day to relax or begin exploring the city’s unique character at your own pace. (B)

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Start your day in Ba Dinh Square, where Vietnam’s modern history began. This is where Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945, and where his mausoleum now stands as a symbol of national pride. From here, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. Its peaceful courtyards and ancient pavilions offer a glimpse into the country’s scholarly traditions and Confucian roots.

Next, visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, one of the most insightful museums in the country. Through personal stories, photographs and traditional dress, it highlights the vital role women have played in Vietnam’s cultural and political life. End the morning with a visit to a local café for a demonstration and tasting of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee: a rich, creamy drink that’s become a symbol of the city’s inventive spirit. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch of Bun Cha, a beloved Hanoi dish of grilled pork and noodles. (B,L)

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Travel to Halong Bay and board a traditional wooden junk boat to begin your overnight cruise through one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. The bay is known for its towering limestone islands and calm, green waters - an area recognised by UNESCO for its natural significance.

After lunch on board, visit Titov Island, where you can hike to a viewpoint overlooking the bay or swim at the beach. Continue to Luon Cave, a quiet lagoon surrounded by cliffs, accessible by bamboo boat or kayak. Back on the boat, enjoy the sunset from the deck and take part in a cooking demonstration led by the onboard chef. Dinner is served on board, with the evening free to relax as the boat anchors in a peaceful part of the bay. (B,L,D)

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Begin the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises over Halong Bay. After a light breakfast, visit Sung Sot Cave - the largest in Halong Bay. Inside, you’ll walk through vast chambers filled with limestone formations shaped over thousands of years. From the cave’s exit, there’s a wide view across the bay, one of the best vantage points of the trip.

After brunch on board, return to the harbour and travel back to Hanoi. In the evening, board the overnight train to Da Nang. The cabins are private and comfortable, offering a slower, more local way to travel through Vietnam. As the train moves south, you’ll pass through rural towns and farmland, waking up the next day in central Vietnam. (B)

Arrive in Da Nang and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, a town known for its preserved architecture, riverside charm, and strong culinary identity. In the late afternoon, set out on a guided street food tour that introduces you to the flavours that define central Vietnam.

You’ll visit local eateries known for their specialities, starting with a banh mi from a long-standing local favourite, followed by white rose dumplings, a dish unique to Hoi An. Try crispy banh xeo pancakes and the region’s signature cao lau noodles, made with water from ancient Cham wells. Along the way, you’ll stop at a historic home to learn more about daily life in the old town. The evening ends with a taste of green bean cake and a strong Vietnamese coffee. This is a relaxed, flavour-focused introduction to Hoi An’s food culture, guided by locals who know it best. (B,D)

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Spend the day exploring Hoi An’s well-preserved old town, once a major trading port that welcomed merchants from across Asia and Europe. The town’s architecture reflects this layered history, with Chinese temples, French colonial buildings, and Japanese wooden houses lining its quiet, lantern-lit streets.

Begin at Ba Mu Gate, a historic entrance to the old town, before continuing to the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic symbol of Hoi An and a reminder of its international past. Visit a lesser-known communal house, still used by local families, and step inside a traditional home that has stood for generations. These stops offer a deeper look at how people have lived and worked here for centuries. You’ll also visit the Folklore Museum, which brings local stories and traditions to life through textiles, tools, and performances. End the walk at a tucked-away café, a quiet spot to reflect on the town’s history over a strong Vietnamese coffee. (B)

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Today is yours to enjoy Hoi An at your own pace. You might choose to wander the old town’s quiet lanes, browse local markets, or visit one of the many tailor shops the town is known for. (B)

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Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel before heading out to explore the city’s layered history. Begin at the Reunification Palace, once the seat of South Vietnam’s government. Walk through the preserved war rooms and official halls that witnessed key moments in the country’s modern history. Nearby, visit the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral, both reminders of the city’s French colonial past.

Continue along Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, and stop at the Saigon Opera House and the former CIA building, tied to the final days of the Vietnam War. At the War Remnants Museum, gain a deeper understanding of the conflict’s impact through powerful exhibits. End the day with a drink at the rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel, overlooking the city’s central boulevard. (B)

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Travel south to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, where life flows with the river. Board a wooden sampan and cruise past floating fish farms and houseboats that have anchored here for generations. Step ashore to meet local fishermen and learn about the region’s fishing traditions before switching to a rowing boat to navigate narrow canals shaded by water coconut trees.

Continue by bicycle through fruit orchards and small farms, stopping to meet families who grow mushrooms and raise livestock. At Mr. Hai Phuong’s garden, enjoy fresh fruit and a home-cooked lunch featuring Mekong specialities, including banh khot, crispy mini pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk. Visit cottage industries producing moonshine, honey, and handwoven crafts, each with stories passed down through generations. This day offers a close-up look at rural life in southern Vietnam, shaped by the river and sustained by community. (B,L)

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Venture into the heart of Vietnam’s wartime history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. As you travel through the countryside once held by the Viet Cong, the landscape begins to tell its own story, marked by craters left by B-52 bombers. At the site, gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived and fought underground. These narrow tunnels once served as homes, hospitals, and supply routes, playing a crucial role in the Tet Offensive and other key operations. You’ll see remnants of daily life, from hidden trapdoors to makeshift kitchens, and begin to grasp the harsh realities faced by those who lived here.

Later, stop at a peaceful organic farm where you’ll explore the vibrant world of Vietnamese herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms. Learn how sustainable farming supports local cuisine, then enjoy a fresh, nourishing lunch made with ingredients grown just steps away. (B,L)

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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. On arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and taken to your hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. You might choose to unwind by the pool or take a walk along the riverside promenade, where locals gather in the evenings and street food stalls begin to open. This is a good opportunity to ease into the rhythm of Phnom Penh before the next day’s deeper dive into its history and culture. (B)

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This afternoon, explore Phnom Penh on a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi still used by locals. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll pass key landmarks like Wat Phnom, the city’s founding temple, and the Independence Monument, built to mark Cambodia’s liberation from French rule.

Along the way, you’ll also see the city’s everyday life unfold, markets, street vendors, and colonial-era buildings that hint at Phnom Penh’s layered past. The pace is slow and relaxed, giving you time to take in the details and ask questions. The tour ends at Botumvatey Pagoda, a peaceful spot near the Royal Palace. From here, you can choose to continue exploring on your own or return to your hotel with help from your guide. (B)

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Today you’ll travel overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, passing through Cambodia’s rural heartland. Along the way, stop at the 12th-century Kampong Kdei Bridge, also known as Spean Praptos. This remarkable laterite structure, with its seven-headed Naga balustrades, is one of the oldest and longest surviving Angkorian bridges, an impressive example of Khmer engineering.

Continue the journey with a break for lunch in Kampong Thom (at your own expense), before arriving in Siem Reap by late afternoon. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax, perhaps with a swim at the hotel or a quiet evening stroll through the town’s laid-back streets. (B)

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This morning, set out by tuk tuk to explore the temples of Angkor, beginning with Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and Cambodia’s national symbol. Its five lotus-shaped towers rise above a series of galleries and courtyards, built to reflect the Hindu universe. The scale and symmetry are striking, and the detailed carvings reveal stories from mythology and royal life.

Next, visit Bayon, known for its towers carved with more than 200 serene stone faces. The temple’s bas-reliefs depict scenes of daily life and historic battles, offering a vivid look into the Khmer Empire. End the morning at Ta Prohm, where tree roots grow through crumbling stone walls. Left largely unrestored, it offers a powerful sense of nature reclaiming the past. Lunch is at your own leisure, with the afternoon free to rest or explore more of Siem Reap on your own. (B)

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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Depending on your departure time, you may have a final moment to enjoy the hotel or take in a last glimpse of Siem Reap before your journey home begins. (B)