Explore the highlights of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam while staying in some of the world’s finest hotels. We designed this tour to show off the incredible sights, flavors and culture of four unique destinations – Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Saigon, and Can Tho – with accommodations as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you appreciate incredible service and attention to detail (like we do), you’ll love these properties!
Day 1 – Luang Prabang: Arrival and Orientation Tour
Make your own way to the airport in time to catch your flight – Bangkok Airways PG941 departing from Bangkok at 09:25 & arriving in Luang Prabang at 11:35.
After your arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be picked up from the airport and driven to the main part of town for a quick orientation tour. Your guide will give you an introduction to the city, showing you the main roads, some restaurants and the night market area, before dropping you off at your hotel to check in.
Meals Included: None
Overnight at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel – 1 Double Avani Deluxe Room
Day 2 – Luang Prabang: Sunrise to Sunset
Wake up at sunrise to offer Buddhist monks their morning alms. You’ll be accompanied by your guide who can demonstrate the proper method of alms giving and explain this daily Buddhist ceremony. Return to your hotel for breakfast, after which your guide will take you on a tour of the city, including visits to The National Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visun, Wat Aham and Wat Sen. Enjoy lunch at the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center located on the Mekong River surrounded by a garden and artisans on the outskirts of town. Enjoy the early afternoon relaxing or walking around before you continue your tour, visiting the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum and finishing with a hike up Mt. Phou Si in the late afternoon to see a sweeping view of Luang Prabang and watch the setting sun.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel – 1 Double Avani Deluxe Room
Day 3 – Luang Prabang: Temples and Villages on the Mekong
Today you will explore the villages and livelihoods of the locals living off of the Mekong River. After breakfast you will meet your guide and be transferred to the boat pier to board a traditional longtail boat. You will cross the river for Xieng Mien, in the district of Chomphet. Even though the Mekong River creates a short distance between Xieng Mien and Luang Prabang, you will quickly be able to see the differences between the two. You will take a stroll through the village lanes and visit three historic temples Wat Xieng Mene, Wat Chomphet and Wat Long Khoune. Board the boat and head downstream to the village of Ban Jan. Take a walk around to observe this village which is centuries old and known for their production of pottery. You might even want to further support the village and pick up one of the fun handmade trinkets sold by the locals. Afterwards, head further down river and take in the lush hilltops and serene river while on the less traveled stretch of the Mekong. Once you reach the fishing village of Ban Chompjua you will transfer to one of the local families’ fishing boats to join them as they check traps. The styles and traps will vary depending on the season and level of the Mekong. Learn how time consuming the art of fishing is from the locals as they demonstrate the making of one of their gigantic fishing nets. You will then return to your long tail boat for a picturesque coast while you enjoy some traditional Lao dishes prepared right on the boat by the boat driver’s wife. Finally, head for Ban Xing, the Lion Village, for your last village stop. This farming and fishing village, believed to have been settled since the 16th century holds some of the oldest traditional homes near Luang Prabang. You will then join your village hosts’ home for a Lao baci ceremony. Your guide will explain this traditional blessing ceremony as you receive well wishes from elders in the village. After the ceremony you will travel up river back to Luang Prabang while taking in the setting sun.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel – 1 Double Avani Deluxe Room
Dec. 4 Luang Prabang: Kuang Si Waterfall and Tamarind Evening Class
After breakfast your guide will take you on a scenic drive to visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. Driving through the countryside you may wish to stop along the way to visit a local village to observe a traditional Lao community. Before reaching the waterfall you can visit the Kuang Si Butterfly Park and the Free the Bears Projects to learn about these local organizations plight to educate on and protect native species. Once you reach the falls you can hike up to the many levels of the waterfall or take a dip in the serene pools before heading back to town.
Enjoy learning the secrets of Lao cuisine in an early evening cooking class at the Tamarind Cooking School. You will have a hands-on opportunity to cook your own Lao feast, including how to make the local staple-Lao sticky rice. You will be instructed by the owners of Tamarind Restaurant in the lush and beautiful surroundings of their cooking center just outside of town. After you learn about local ingredients and preparation methods, you’ll cook your own version of these local dishes and afterwards sit to enjoy your well-deserved dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel – 1 Double Avani Deluxe Room
Dec. 5 Siem Reap: Arrival and Orientation Tour
You will be transferred to the Luang Prabang airport in time for your flight – Lao Airlines QV525 departing from Luang Prabang at 13:40 & arriving in Siem Reap at 15:40.
When you arrive at the airport in Siem Reap, you will be met by a Journeys Within representative just outside the airport exit doors and will be driven to the main part of town for a quick orientation tour. You will be given a quick introduction to the city, and the Journeys Within representative will point out the main roads, markets, some recommended restaurants and Wat Bo, before dropping you off at your hotel to check in.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Junior Pool Suite
Dec. 6 Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom Sunset Cruise
Wake up early and head out to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, taking some time to explore this temple during the cool morning hours and before the crowds arrive. Follow this with a delicious breakfast set amidst the grounds of a beautiful traditional wooden house, overlooking the royal bathing pool of Sra Srang.
After lunch head to Angkor Thom, the famous walled city, and see the many temples within its borders, including the fascinating Bayon temple with its many magnificent faces smiling out. Walk between the temples as your guide shows you detailed reliefs and hidden wonders.
At the South Gate of Angkor Thom you will board a traditional long tail boat and set off on the waterway surrounding the ancient city. The waters are calm and peaceful with the only sounds coming from the birds in the surrounding trees. As you come to the perfect spot, your guide will pour you a glass of chilled champagne. After a long day of touring you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing colors of the Cambodian sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Junior Pool Suite
Dec. 7 Siem Reap: Hidden Temple and Volunteer at Journeys Within Our Community
This morning your guide will meet you at the hotel at 7am and you will head into the temple complex via a special hidden road. Here you will find a smaller temple rarely visited by tourists. Despite being inside the Angkor temple complex, this is a quiet escape from the noise and bustle of some of the other temples. Once at the temple relax and do some exploring. When you’re ready to move on you can walk to a nearby Ta Keo Temple. Climb to the top and enjoy the amazing views! From Ta Keo head to the Angkor Thom Gate and take a walk along the Angkor Thom wall. Again, no one visits this beautiful area and it’s quiet and peaceful. At the end of the wall you will get to the East Gate, which was used for taking dead bodies to be cremated in Angkorian times. A beautiful gate with Bayon faces and you’ll be the only tourists there to see them. Return to your hotel for lunch or have your guide help you find a good place to eat in town. Remember to take a look at our Cheat Sheet which lists a number of our favorite restaurant recommendations! After lunch and a rest, come and spend an hour in JWOC’s Community Library where you’ll get to meet some of the children from the surrounding communities. Between 3pm and 4pm you can help the younger children complete a puzzle, engage in some arts and crafts, or perhaps enjoy constructing a castle from the building blocks, while helping them practice their basic English. Or if you prefer something quieter, there’s always someone looking for story time. You will also have a chance to meet with our scholarship students and gain a greater understanding about the work we do within our community.
Please note: You should arrive at 2:30pm so you can get an overview of JWOC before jumping in to help!
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Junior Pool Suite
Dec. 8 Siem Reap: Happy Ranch Horseback Ride and Village House Dining
The Happy Ranch Horse Farm has lovely horses available for all riding levels. You will be transferred from your hotel to the ranch, and after some brief safety instructions, you will begin your two hour trail ride which will allow you to experience a unique side of Cambodia. Ride through the rice fields and villages and see the real Siem Reap. You will also be able to visit a temple where you can have a break and explore before continuing off the beaten track, eventually ending up back at the ranch. Say goodbye to your new friends before transferring back to your hotel.
You will be met at your hotel at 4pm and taken to the beautiful Kompheim village, located just outside Siem Reap. Here you can enjoy a short stroll through a traditional village with one of the local guides, finishing with sunset drinks at the beautiful and unique Village House. Relax and enjoy your very own private dining experience, surrounded by nothing but rice paddies and accompanied by traditional music. After enjoying your very special culinary experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 9pm.
Please note: The walk at the beginning of this experience is 45 minutes, please be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Your guide & driver for this tour will be different than your temple guide
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight at Jaya House River Park – 1 Double Junior Pool Suite
Dec. 9 Saigon: Arrival and City Tour
Your driver will meet you at your hotel for your private transfer to the airport, where you will arrive in time for your onward flight – Cambodia Angkor Air K6 808 departing from Siem Reap at 11:35 & arriving in Saigon at 13:05.
Arrive in Saigon where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Our guides are the experts so we leave you in their capable hands to discuss and decide what you want to see and do with your day. There are some great markets if you are in the mood to shop or you can visit some of the museums like the History Museum, or some pagodas, like Thien Hau Lady Goddess Pagoda and Jade Emperor Pagoda. If you are interested in the history of the Vietnam War, then we recommend that you take the time to visit the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. The Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Museum gives another insight into Vietnamese culture. Chat with your guide and decide what suits you!
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Des Arts – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Dec. 10 Saigon: The Artist’s Saigon Half Day and Opera House Experiences with A O Show
Your guide will meet you at your hotel reception at 8:30am. Discuss and agree together the plan for your half day.
We recommend beginning your day at art galleries or the Fine Arts Museum depending on your time and preference. We like the Apricot Gallery, San Art or Tu Do Art Gallery and your guide may have other ideas for you to consider as well. At the Fine Arts Museum appreciate the artwork and its beautiful French colonial architecture. The museum exhibition rooms have a range of art that can give you a good introduction to the development of art through the ages in Vietnam.
Spend some time at Ky Long Art Villa – a private artist home where you will have the chance to admire this collection and participate in a short artist-lead workshop. The artist in residence, Mr. Ly Khac Nhu, has been awarded many recognitions from Vietnam’s art community and for his contributions to teaching and for keeping traditional skills alive. Take some time to enjoy the galleries and studio areas before sitting down for tea with him to understand more about traditional Vietnamese art and his personal works.
Your guide and driver will return you to your hotel between 12:30 pm and 1pm.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this evening for your Saigon Opera House experience. The Saigon Opera House was completed on 9th Dec 1911, and certified as a National Relic on its 100th birthday. Begin the evening with an insightful, 40 minute historical walk of the local area taking in your surroundings from street level. Arrive at the Opera House for a guided tour of its interior, which will take you behind the scenes to set the mood. In the reception area you may enjoy a welcome drink 20 minutes prior to the show beginning. The A O Show, which translates phonetically as the aah! ooh! Show, is being touted as the first performance using a contemporary circus approach in Ho Chi Minh City. It depicts the charming beauty that Vietnam is known for, the richness of its culture through its eventual and inevitable urbanization. The show is a mix of athleticism, acrobatic acts, and theatrical visual drama. Live traditional music, which echoes the Southern work songs, staging and lighting design makes the A O Show, worth seeing when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. Once the show concludes, your guide will take you to one last special stop of historical significance. From here you can take in the twinkling skyline as your guide tells you the story of this truly special location. When you are ready, your guide will assist you back to your hotel, or to the restaurant of your choosing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Hotel Des Arts – 1 Double Deluxe Room
Dec. 11 Saigon to Can Tho
This morning you will be driven to Cai Be Village in the Mekong Delta (approx. 2 ½ hours from Saigon). At Cai Be board a private boat to explore Cai Be Floating Market and visit local families making popped rice (a favorite of the team!), coconut candies, rice paper, and various other local homemade Vietnamese products from the Mekong area. Then you’ll have lunch in a beautiful traditional garden house where you will be presented with local dishes, such as Elephant Ear Fish rolled and wrapped with rice paper, as well as different Vietnamese vegetables and fruits served with tamarind dipping sauce. After lunch, you’ll carry on with your boat trip to Vinh Long, passing small and beautiful canals with peaceful tranquil villages. Time permitting you can even visit a local brick/pottery factory. After this your private transport will pick you up in Vinh Long and will drive you to your hotel in Can Tho for check in and your evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Azerai Hotel – 1 Double River View Room
Dec. 12 Can Tho: Floating Markets & Waterways
Can Tho is the largest city on the delta and considered to be the “economic capital” of the south of Vietnam. It also boasts the largest floating market in the region. This morning will be an early start at 5am in your reception for a road transfer to Phong Dien. On arrival enjoy a morning fruit drink, tea or coffee and explore the area. Your return journey will be by private boat to catch the hustle and bustle of both Phong Dien and Cai Rang floating markets. Watch the poles on the boats to see what the traders are selling today. Ask your guide to stop and step on board some local traders’ boats to sample some of the fruits they can freshly prepare for you, or to enjoy some banter with local sellers and learn of their stories. We can request a take-away picnic breakfast along the way if you wish, or some snacks to tide you over until you return for breakfast, and after some more exploring we’ll head back to the hotel for some leisure time. You may like to enjoy the spa or relaxation time poolside during the heat of the day. Mid-afternoon transfer by road to explore the local waterways (small canals) by local sampan where you can hop and off to see rice paddies, gardens and fruit farms in the fertile countryside. Return to your hotel just after sunset for time at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Azerai Hotel – 1 Double River View Room
Dec. 13 Can Tho: Day at Leisure
You have today free to relax or explore on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Azerai Hotel – 1 Double River View Room
Dec. 14 Can Tho to Saigon
Enjoy your morning at leisure and relax at your hotel before setting off on your return journey to Saigon early afternoon. It is a long drive (around 3 – 4 hours) between Can Tho and Saigon, so we recommend stopping en route for a quick comfort break. You will be transferred on to the Saigon airport for your onward departure flight –
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is currently in progress and does not reflect hotel room availability. The pricing is not final until the itinerary has been confirmed and booked.
Tour Rate: $ 6,500 per person based on two people traveling.
Price includes:
- Air tickets Bangkok – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – Saigon
- Boat tickets as specified above
- Accommodation as specified above
- Air-conditioned car/van with driver
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
- Meals as specified in itinerary, including water
Price excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Drinks (except water) and meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips
