Vietnam, Load & Cambodia Adventure
Embark on a vibrant journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, exploring cultural gems, cruising Ha Long Bay, and savoring local cuisine.
Adventure through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, starting in Hanoi and culminating in Siem Reap. Highlights include exploring Hanoi's cultural gems, cruising Ha Long Bay, experiencing Luang Prabang's Golden Temple, and a scenic Mekong River journey.
In Cambodia, discover Siem Reap's temples, engage in a cooking class, and explore the floating village of Kampong Phluk. Unwind in Nong Khiaw and witness the morning routine of elephants in Kulen Elephant Forest. Enjoy comfortable stays at boutique hotels and resorts, savouring local cuisine.
This trip ensures a seamless blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, leaving you with lasting memories of Southeast Asia's diverse landscape and culture.
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The itinerary…
Day 1: Time to go!
Head to the international airport and board your flight to Vietnam to begin an incredible adventure through Southeast Asia.
Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, enjoy a smooth transfer to your Palago Boutique Hotel. Refresh after a long-haul flight.
Day 3: Hanoi City Tour
Embark on a captivating day in Hanoi with a delightful morning that begins with a satisfying breakfast, followed by an exploration of the Ho Chi Minh complex, encompassing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, his wooden house, garden, and the One-pillar Pagoda. A leisurely walk takes you to Tran Quoc Pagoda on the West Lake. Continue the cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, delve into the rich heritage of the city by exploring the Museum of Ethnology before immersing yourself in the bustling ambiance of the Old Quarter.
Day 4: Visit Ninh Binh
After breakfast, depart to Ninh Binh Province. Visit Hoa Lu - Vietnam’s former capital and the remains of Dinh & Le Kings’ Temples. Travel along the canals amid local villages, and green fields. Enjoy the beauty of Tam Coc which is also called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a picturesque journey by car, winding through countryside roads and rice fields to Bich Dong, a mere 2 km from Tam Coc, bestowed with the title of "Vietnam's second most beautiful grotto" by a King. Ascend Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha's Palm Mountain) and be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, encompassing mountains, rivers, and pagodas.
Day 5: Calypso Cruise
Start your day with breakfast, then embark on a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 3,000 limestone islands. Board a boat around noon for a leisurely cruise through the bay, enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. Navigate through limestone rocks and islets, savor another exquisite dinner on board, and consider the optional night fishing activity. Retire for the night aboard the peacefully anchored boat in a serene bay.
Day 6: Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos
Indulge in a delightful morning as your breakfast or brunch is served while continuing your cruise to further unravel the enchanting beauty of the bay, culminating in a return to the Wharf. Post breakfast, disembark from the boat and make your way back to Hanoi. The its time to catch your flight to Luang Prabang in Laos, where upon arrival, our dedicated guide will warmly welcome you. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel Le Bel Air for check-in, setting the stage for a restful 3 night stay in the charming city of Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Town of the Golden Temple, Laos
In Luang Prabang, the charming town of the Golden Temple, start with a captivating dawn ceremony - the almsgiving ritual, where you can witness orange-robed monks gracefully collecting offerings from residents as the sun rises. After breakfast, delve into the city's cultural richness at the National Museum in the former Royal Palace and explore the vibrant Morning Market. The city tour continues with Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, and Wat Mai. In the afternoon, visit the ancient temples of Wat Sene and the majestic Wat Xieng Thong. Climb Phousi Mount for a sacred stupa exploration and a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Conclude the day at the Street Night Bazaar. Overnight in the serene city of Luang Prabang at Le Bel Air Hotel.
Day 8: Waterfalls and swimming
Embark on a scenic drive from Luang Prabang after breakfast to explore the mesmerizing Kuangsi Waterfall, found within the beautifully preserved National Park. En route, make a stop at the Talad Phosi fresh produce market and visit Ban Na Oune, a quaint village inhabited by the Hmong hill-tribe group. Just before reaching Kuangsi Waterfall, explore another village, Ban Tha Pane, home to the Khmu minority group. For a change of pace, it's time to visit a butterfly garden. Conclude the journey with a rejuvenating swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Kuangsi (don't forget your swimsuit!). Relax and enjoy the falls at your leisure before returning to your hotel.
Day 9: Mekong River
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic boat journey along the tea-coloured waters of the Mekong River to reach the enchanting Pak Ou Caves. Depart from there to Nong Khiaw, making stops along the way to explore villages, including Ban Nayang, celebrated for its authentic preservation of Leu ethnicities and traditional Algonquin textile production. Upon arriving in Nong Khiaw, check-in at Mandala Ou Resort and take some well-deserved rest in the picturesque town of Nong Khiaw.
Day 10: Nong Kiaw boat trip
Begin with breakfast, then enjoy a river cruise to Muang Ngoi, stopping at ethnic villages, including Ban Sop Jam known for traditional Lao silk and cotton weaving. After exploring, backtrack to Muang Ngoi. Take a coffee break before a trek through picturesque landscapes with limestone cliffs, mountains, and rice paddy fields. Visit a historical cave used as a bomb shelter. Return to Muang Ngoi, and board a boat for a sunset cruise back to Nong Khiaw, arriving just before dusk. Enjoy the mesmerizing sunset over Nong Khiaw
Day 11: Fly to Siem Reap
Return to Luang Prabang for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. En route, make a fascinating stop in a village to witness the traditional brewing of Lao Lao, with an opportunity for a tasting. Enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel Navutu Dreams where you stay for four nights. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a hotel pickup for a welcome dinner and the mesmerizing Apsara Show.
Day 12: Local Cooking Class & Floating Village trip
This morning, partake in a hands-on Cambodian cooking class in a purpose-built village pavilion, complete with a visit to the local market. Rest at your hotel until 2 pm, when you will journey to Kampong Phluk, a floating community known for stilted-house villages and a flooded forest. Explore Rolous Market, witness local daily life, and sail down the Rolous River to Kampong Phluk. Experience the unique lifestyle with houses on stilts, fish farms, and an island pagoda. Explore the flooded forest, then head to Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia, before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Day 13: Full Day Temple Tour & Circus
Today you will journey through Siem Reap, starting at 8 am with the serene Bayon temple, adorned with 54 towers featuring Avalokiteshvara's faces. Explore the masterpiece that is Angkor Thom, including the Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of Elephants. Continue to the Baphuon temple and admire the iconic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building. Visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm temple, showcasing nature's relentless power, and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. Conclude the temple tour with a visit to the serene and less-visited Banteay Kdei. In the evening, watch the Cambodian circus by Phare Ponleu, featuring acrobatics, music, dance, and storytelling.
Day 14: Kulen Elephant Forest
This morning, you'll get pickup from your hotel to Kulen Elephant Forest. There, you'll learn about the elephant morning routine. In the mornings, help the elephants with breakfast and see them get ready for their day before heading into the forest together. Experiencing the elephants’ mornings is a great way to understand better how to care for them. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal at the same time as our large residents before bidding them farewell and heading back to Siem Reap.
Day 15: Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast, the morning is at your leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Farwell Cambodia!
Day 16: Arrive home
Look back and enjoy the incredible memories made on this trip.
Duration: 15 nights
Location: Vietnam holidays, East and Southeast Asia
Price: £3630pp
From £3,630pp based on two people sharing, excluding international flights.
The trip includes all accommodations and activities specified above. Rooms and meals as follows:
- 2 nights at Hanoi Palago Boutique Hotel Senior Deluxe - breakfast and lunch included.
- 1 night at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Superior Room - breakfast included.
- 1 night at Night Ha Long Bayn Calypso Cruise Deluxe Room – breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
- 3 nights at Luang Prabang Le Bel AirGarnier Room - breakfast and lunch included.
- 2 nights at Nong Khiaw Mandala Ou Resort Riverside Bungalow - breakfast included.
- 4 nights at Siem Reap Navutu Dreams Explorer Room – breakfast and dinner.
Also includes:
- Internal flights and all transfers.
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Private guides where mentioned in the itinerary.
This trip excludes:
- Single Supplements.
- International flights to/from your home country.
- Any activities, meals, or drinks not mentioned as included.
- Anything else e.g. park fees not mentioned as included.
Tailor this trip around your preferred dates, your budget and your ideas.
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When to go to Laos
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Laos
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is one of the driest months in Laos, with pleasant temperatures. Celebrate the Lao New Year, known as "Pi Mai Lao," with water festivals, parades, and traditional ceremonies. It's a joyous time to experience Lao culture.
February
Similar to January, February boasts comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Visit the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang, where locals gather to celebrate the annual Pak Ou Festival. It's a unique blend of spirituality and festivity.
March
Dry season continues with temperatures rising between 19°C and 32°C, offering pleasant weather.
Witness Boun Khoun Khao in Vientiane, a harvest festival celebrated with religious ceremonies and a traditional boat race.
April
April marks the onset of the hot season with temperatures between 23°C and 35°C River will be at an annual low.
May
May is the peak of the hot season with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C. It can be quite warm.
Explore the Vat Phou Festival, held at the ancient temple of Vat Phou near Champasak, featuring traditional dances and religious rituals.
June
The wet season begins in June with temperatures between 25°C and 34°C. Expect occasional rain showers. Experience the Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai) in various locations, where locals launch homemade rockets to encourage rainfall.
July
The wet season continues, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. Be prepared for frequent rainfall.
August
Rainfall is at its peak in August, with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C.
Witness boat races and other festivities during the That Luang Festival in Vientiane, which celebrates the iconic That Luang Stupa.
September
The wet season lingers with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C.
Attend the colourful Elephant Festival in Sayaboury, celebrating the province's deep connection with elephants.
October
The rainy season starts to subside, with temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. This is a great time to visit as it is less crowded and the lush landscapes are at their best.
November
November marks the start of the dry season, offering pleasant temperatures between 19°C and 30°C.
Witness the That Ing Hang Stupa Festival in Savannakhet, which includes almsgiving, temple fairs, and parades.
December
December offers cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C. Celebrate Christmas and the New Year with festive decorations and special events in tourist areas.
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A tailor-made itinerary just for you.
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Alistair
Managing Director