Itinerary Brief:
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Prabang (Domestic Flight)
Day 3: Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (International Flight)
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 6: Hanoi City Tour
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (Domestic Flight)
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An Tour
Day 10: Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon (Domestic Flight)
Day 11: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 12: Saigon – Siem Reap (International Flight)
Day 13: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
Day 14: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (Domestic Flight)
Day 15: Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 16: Phnom Penh Departure
Summary:
This tour combines the highlights of three great Indochina countries and cultures. You start in Vientiane, the capital of Laos with a tour of the city. You visit some of the many temples here, as well as all the important monuments in this relaxed and unhurried city.
From Vientiane you fly to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, known for its beautiful scenery and large number of ancient temples. At the end of your temple tour you enjoy an outstanding view of the city and a magnificent sunset from high atop Mount Phousi. The Royal Palace Museum (1904) is also on the agenda.
You say goodbye to Laos as you fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. That evening you have your first taste of Vietnamese food in a fine restaurant. A deluxe cruise on the emerald-green waters of the fantastic World Heritage site of Halong Bay with a delicious seafood lunch is also included. Back in Hanoi you take a city tour that includes a visit to the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" POW prison.
After the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, you fly to the ancient imperial city of Hue, where you explore the sights of the city, including the Imperial Palace. The next day you take a cruise on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Leaving Hue, you take a drive along the coast to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. This was once a thriving international port during the 15th to the 19th centuries, and has many small shops, cafés and handcraft workshops along the narrow winding streets. Your guided walking tour is the best way to see Hoi An.
Then its a short drive to Da Nang for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). In Saigon you take a tour of this economic powerhouse of Vietnam, and also take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels used in the Vietnam War.
From Saigon you fly to the ancient Angkor Empire in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You visit the Roulous Group of temples, see a spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore the ancient Angkor temples, and watch a beautiful sunset from atop a mountain temple.
After you explore Angkor, you fly to the capital, Phnom Penh. You can be sure there is a tour of this teeming city, capped off by a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
However, all to soon it will be time to leave these fascinating countries you have come to have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for.
Trip Grade: Moderate - Suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness and mobility. However, some walking and hiking is required.
Comfortable Tours are designed as a mid-range tours. Travel Loops designs custom tours with all levels of accommodation and service. Just let us know your trip requirements, and we can design a custom made tour for you!
Great Indochina Loop - 16 Days
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
When you arrive in Vientiane you will be met by our professional staff who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in, and that afternoon you will have a tour of the city. Even though Vientiane is the capital of Laos, it has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are not congested of traffic, and with the many temples there, the city is relaxed and unhurried. Our tour includes visits to the major temples of Wat Sisaket and Wat Phrakeo. We also see the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument, as well as the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum, and the main market. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner.
Overnight in Vientiane hotel. Dinner included.
Day 2: Vientiane - Luang Prabang (Domestic Flight)
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Luang Prabang. The ancient capital of Luang Prabang is best known for its beautiful scenery and large number of old temples. After checking in to our hotel, we take a tour of the town visiting Wat Xieng Thong, and the Golden City Monastery. We also visit the temples of Wat May, Wat Vixoun and Wat That Luang. Later in the day we climb Mount Phousi to the temple and to enjoy the outstanding view and a magnificent sunset
Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3: Luang Prabang
In the morning we take a trip to the Royal Palace Museum. Built in 1904, it is relatively new by Luang Prabang standards and is a mix of traditional Lao and French colonial design. Afterward we visit the morning market and the weaving village of Ban Phanom. The afternoon will be free for leisure activities or optional tours.
Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Hanoi (International Flight)
After breakfast in the hotel, today we go to the airport to fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On your arrival, you will be met at the airport, and transferred to your hotel in the city center. That night we will have dinner at a fine restaurant in town.
Overnight in Hanoi hotel. Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay
This morning we travel to the beautiful World Heritage site of Halong Bay. When we arrive, we board our cruise boat for a 5-hour voyage around this incredible seascape of fantastic islands in emerald-green water. We cruise to Dog Islet, Cockfighting Islet, Turtle Islet, and will stop to visit Dau Go and Thien Cung caves. While we enjoy the magnificent scenery, a delicious seafood lunch will be served onboard. At the end of our cruise, we disembark and head back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 6: Hanoi City tour
After breakfast, we have a full day to explore the city of Hanoi. We begin our tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's House on stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then we visit the so-called "Hanoi Hilton" POW prison. The real name is Hoa Lo Prison, and was built by the French at the turn of the century (1901). This was the prison where American pilots were held when their planes were shot down during the war.
After that we visit the Temple of Literature, and then we go on a 1-hour cyclo (pedicab) tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. In the evening we enjoy a unique Vietnamese water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends from 8am to 11pm. It is closed on Monday and Friday. The mausoleum is also closed for two months of the year, usually October and November, for maintenance.
Day 7: Hanoi – Hue (Domestic Flight)
In the morning after breakfast, there is free time until we transfer to the airport for a 1-hour flight to the ancient imperial city of Hue. Arriving in Hue, we transfer to the hotel and check in. After settling in to our hotel, we go to explore the sights of the city. These include the Citadel, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Dong Ba Market. That evening we have dinner in the restaurant.
Overnight in Hue hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An
This morning we take a trip down the Perfume River, and stop at the most beloved pagoda in Vietnam, the Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda). After visiting this majestic edifice, we continue to the elaborate Tu Duc Tomb. In the afternoon we drive to Hoi An along the coast on Highway 1A. We stop at China beach, and Marble Mountain along the way, and we pause at Hai Van Pass to take in the incredible view of the countryside and the ocean.
Overnight in Hoi An hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 9: Hoi An Tour
Hoi An is a very picturesque riverside town that used to be a thriving international port during the 15th to the 19th centuries. It has many different architectural influences, and has many small, old cafés and shops along the narrow winding streets. It is a World Heritage site, and some parts of the town have changed little in over a hundred years. In the morning we take a walking tour through the streets of the old town which is the best way to see this part of town. We visit the FuKien Assembly Hall, the 200 year old Tan Ky house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum, and also several handcraft workshops.
Overnight in Hoi An hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 10: Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon (Domestic Flight)
After breakfast we drive to Da Nang Airport for a morning flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). When you arrive in Saigon, our stall will meet you, and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then we have a tour around the city to see the important sights including: Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, the Former Presidential Palace, the Museum of War Remnants, and the Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City hotel. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 11: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were dug by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Our guide will probably be a former soldier and their insight and personal experience will be invaluable in telling this tragic part of Vietnamese history. Some parts of the tunnels have been widened for easier access by those of larger stature. Also, if you are into guns, you can try shooting a few rounds from the famous AK47 assault rifle.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City hotel. Breakfast included.
Days 12: Saigon – Siem Reap (International Flight)
This morning we get ready to go to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon our arrival in Siem Reap, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, we head out to explore the majestic temples of Angkor. In the afternoon our first visit is to the Roulous Group of temples; including Preah Ko, Ba Kong and Lo Lei. Later we also explore the world famous, magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel. Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 13: Siem Reap - Angkor Temples
If you want to take the option to watch the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, you need to get an early start before dawn. Later we explore Angkor Thom starting at the South Gate, and we see the Bayon Temple, Baphoun, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimeanakas. That afternoon we visit Srah Srang, Bantey Kdei, Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevoda, Thammanon and the Ta Prohm Temple. Then we go to the nearby balloon station where we ride in a tethered balloon for a panoramic view of Angkor, and see a fantastic sunset.
Overnight in Siem Reap hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 14: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (Domestic Flight)
Early this morning we drive out to the Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples. After exploring these historically significant temples, we return to Siem Reap and visit a local market for shopping. Then in the afternoon we head to the airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. When you arrive, you will be met by our staff, and taken to your hotel in the city.
Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 15: Phnom Penh City Tour
Today after breakfast, we start off on our tour of the city which includes the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. In the afternoon we visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Cheung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields. Then we go to the famous Russian Market for browsing and shopping. This is followed by a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
Overnight in Phnom Penh hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 16: Phnom Penh Departure
Today it is time to say goodbye to the three fascinating countries and cultures you have come to experience, and have a little more insight into. After breakfast in the hotel, it is time to get ready for your departure transfer for your trip home, or for your onward travel.
Breakfast included.
End of Trip. This is a suggested itinerary. We specialize in custom tours designed to fit your needs and requirements. Let us know how we can design an individual Indochina tour for you.
Great Indochina Loop - 16 Days
Trip Price Includes: - English speaking guide (Other languages available on request)
- Private transfer and transport in safe, clean, well maintained vehicles
- Breakfast in hotel, and other meals as noted in the itinerary in restaurant
- All entrance fees & permits during guided tours
- Laos domestic airfare: Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Cambodia domestic airfare: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
- Vietnam domestic airfare: Hanoi – Hue, Da Nang – Saigon
- International airfare: Luang Prabang – Hanoi, Saigon – Siem Reap
- Accommodation in 2 or 3 star hotel w/ 2 person room share. Tax included
- International & domestic airport taxes for flights stated in itinerary
Not Included in Trip Price:
- Airfare and all taxes not included in tour
- Food and drink not noted in the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Entrance fees and permits not part of itinerary
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory for all travelers)
- Personal expenses (ex. telephone, laundry charges, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
* Please Note: Hotel accommodation is subject to change due to availability or other conditions. However, in the event that hotel accommodation is changed, the same level of accommodation will be maintained.
Contact us for current costs regarding this tour. We will price the tour according to your particular tour details and your travel period (Low & High season).
Cambodia
.jpg)
Leaving Hue, you take a drive along the coast to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. This was once a thriving international port during the 15th to the 19th centuries, and has many small shops, cafés and handcraft workshops along the narrow winding streets. Your guided walking tour is the best way to see Hoi An. .jpg)
see a spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore the ancient Angkor temples, and watch a beautiful sunset from atop a mountain temple. 
.jpg)
 11.jpg)
Arriving in Hue, we transfer to the hotel and check in. After settling in to our hotel, we go to explore the sights of the city. These include the Citadel, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Dong Ba Market. That evening we have dinner in the restaurant. .jpg)
After visiting this majestic edifice, we continue to the elaborate Tu Duc Tomb. In the afternoon we drive to Hoi An along the coast on Highway 1A. We stop at China beach, and Marble Mountain along the way, and we pause at Hai Van Pass to take in the incredible view of the countryside and the ocean.
It has many different architectural influences, and has many small, old cafés and shops along the narrow winding streets. It is a World Heritage site, and some parts of the town have changed little in over a hundred years. In the morning we take a walking tour through the streets of the old town which is the best way to see this part of town. We visit the FuKien Assembly Hall, the 200 year old Tan Ky house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum, and also several handcraft workshops. .jpg)
