Essence of Indochina

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Cruise the maze of khlongs and visit magnificent Wat Pho, which houses both Thailand's most extensive collection of Buddha images and the world's largest reclining Buddha. At 46 m in length and 15 m in height, this enormous gold-leafed statue is sure to impress.

Days 3-4 Vientiane

Explore laidback Vientiane by bike, on foot or by jumbo. Gaze up at the tapered golden stupa of Pha That Luang, an important symbol of Lao nationhood, or perhaps visit the insightful Lao National Museum. Be sure to visit the vibrant morning market - it's open all day.

Days 5-7 Luang Prabang

Cool off by the spectacular Kuang Si Falls before boarding a riverboat to the revered Pak Ou Caves, filled with hundreds of images of Buddha.

Day 8 Hanoi

From French-colonial buildings and graceful boulevards to rich cafe au lait, Hanoi has an elegant timelessness. See it on a stroll or taste the East-West blend at a restaurant.

Day 9 Halong Bay

Cruise beautiful Halong Bay amid magnificent limestone karsts. Dive into the bay's turquoise waters before devouring a mouth-watering seafood feast.

Days 10-11 Hanoi

See a traditional water puppet performance and pay respect to the father of modern Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex. Catch an overnight train to Hue.

Day 12 Hue

Discover an imperial past while wandering the great walled citadel, the Nguyen emperors' tombs and the stately Thien Mu Pagoda.

Days 13-15 Hoi An

Travel past iridescent rice paddies and peaceful fishing villages en route to ancient Hoi An, famed for traditional architecture, talented artists and tailors.

Days 16-17 Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the buzz of Vietnam's economic hub from a slow-moving cyclo. Hunt for bargains in the historic Ben Thanh Market or sample some regional fare at one of the city's atmospheric villas.

Days 18-19 Phnom Penh

Cross the border into Cambodia and reflect on a tragic past at the Killing Fields. See the American War from another perspective in the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Days 20-22 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

The awe-inspiring temples of Angkor are an awesome finale to this Indochina adventure. Believed to represent the cosmic world, these amazing structures boast extraordinary architectural design and exquisite carved ornamentation.