UNESCO Sites Uncovered: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam 26 days

Morning

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you are warmly greeted by a knowledgeable guide and skilled driver, who assist you in transferring to the hotel for check-in.

The standard check-in time is 14:00, and early check-in will be arranged for an additional fee. After that, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant at our own expense.

Afternoon

After the lunch break, the journey continues with a drive down the hill to visit Banteay Srei Temple. This exquisite structure, crafted from pink sandstone, showcases a stunning array of sculptures, lintels, pediments, and friezes that captivate the eye. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women, as the intricate details are deemed too delicate for the hands of men.

On the return journey, a stop at Pradark Village offers a glimpse into daily life in the countryside. Here, villagers can be seen skillfully producing palm sugar and creating handicrafts for selling.

Dinner can be enjoyed at a local restaurant on your own account.

Morning

At the hotel, you will meet our tour guide for an exciting sightseeing tour beginning at Angkor Wat, which is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex famous for its ancient attractiveness and breathtaking grandeur. When you arrive at this archaeological site, come to witness the beauty of Angkor Thom, and the South Gate - one of the most well-preserved entrances of the complex with enormous statues illustrating the churning of the ocean of milk.

After that, head to Bayon Temple, a unique temple in Cambodia with 54 gigantic towers adorned with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. You will pass by other outstanding attractions such as the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

At noon, have lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Afternoon

Your adventure continues with an exhilarating visit to Ta Prohm - an ancient Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. The temple amazes countless visitors with its jungle atmosphere - massive tree roots have grown through cracked stone and corridors showing a jungle atmosphere, which makes this an ideal place for photographers.

After having dinner at a local restaurant on your own account, you will take a flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you are transported to the hotel for checking in and resting.

Angkor Thom, famous for its series of stone-carved colossal human faces

Morning

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, your city tour in Phnom Penh will start with a visit to Killing Fields "Choeung Ek", which is 15km southwest of Phnom Penh. Choeung Ek is a memorial with more than 5,000 human skulls of victims killed by Khmer Rouge soldiers, showcasing the brutal history of Cambodia.

To delve deeper into Cambodia history, you will continue the journey through Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison), which used to be a high school and then became a prison by Pol Pot security forces. Now, this spot has become a museum, displaying the madness and inhuman crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Lunch at a local restaurant on your own account.

Afternoon

The next destination you will explore this day is the Russian Market, which is also called Psah Tuol Thom Pong. The market is a vibrant outdoor market selling various goods such as antiquities, jewelry, gems, silk, kramas, and wood carvings where you can buy some as souvenirs to bring home. This visit provides a glimpse of the trading activities and daily life of local people. 

The venture resumes with a stop at the Royal Palace, which serves as the residence of the Kings of Cambodia well-known for its dignity of Khmer monarchial architecture. Located inside the palace complex, there is an outstanding attraction you shouldn’t miss - Silver Pagoda, named for its charming floor covered with glistening silver.

You will have dinner at a local restaurant at your own expense.

After the hotel’s breakfast, you have some free time to relax before catching a flight to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Upon arrival, you will join a new journey in this fascinating city, starting at Wat Sisaket, one of the most crucial temples in Vientiane, where visitors can witness countless invaluable Buddha sculptures of diverse sizes. Then tourists move to Wat Prakeo, named after the sacred Buddha statues it once housed - the Emerald Buddha carved from a single jade stone.

En route, you will pass by That Luang Stupa, an astonishing gold-covered Buddhist stupa, and take some photos of the war monument Patuxay. 

A welcome dinner will be served at a restaurant.

Morning

When you finish savoring your breakfast, you are transferred to Buddha Park, an intriguing sculpture park with over 200 huge religious statues of both Buddha and Hindu deities. If time permits, Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong will be the next destinations, where you can observe lively local lives and traditional handicrafts.

Afternoon

After that, an express train transfers you to Vang Vieng, a serene town on a bend of the Nam Song River famous for its unspoiled, poetic beauty of lush forests and limestone mountains. This is a perfect haven for nature lovers and rejuvenators.

The day ends with fabulous sunset scenery reflecting over the Nam Song River.

The Namsong River

Morning

This day begins with an excursion to Tham Jang Cave, an untouched natural cave once used as a hideout for locals from Chinese invaders.

Subsequently, a drive will take you through verdant rice paddy fields to Tham Phoukham Caves, where you can explore its beautiful formation of glimmering stalactites and the huge bronze reclining Buddha. The cave also has a small pristine pool in the front, allowing visitors to submerge in the cool water and relax.

Morning

After completing your breakfast, you will take an express train to Luang Prabang, and then be transferred to your booked hotel.

Have a short rest, and begin the exploration today at the National Museum, which once served as the residence of King Sisavang Vong during the French colonial era. Nowadays, this attraction has become a timeless historical astonishment displaying artifacts, providing visitors understanding of Lao culture.

Afternoon

Following that, you will have an adventure at Mount Phousi by climbing to the mountain’s top to relish the breathtaking panoramic view of the city in the sunset. From there, head to Night Market, a must-experience when you come to Luang Prabang. The market offers a variety of local products, handicrafts, mementos, and delicious street food for you to try.

Note: As per local regulations, vehicles over 16 seater are not allowed in the city of Luang Prabang

Day 8 starts with a fascinating adventure upstream of the Mekong River on a cruise, providing an opportunity to enjoy the countryside’s serene attractiveness. En route, you will visit one of the must-see attractions in Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves. Located on the west side of the Mekong River, this cave oozes a unique amalgam of natural magnificence and spiritual richness with a myriad of Buddha statues inside.

After the visit, you also stop by some local villages - Ban Muangkeo, which is renowned for its flavorful local rice wine, then head to Ban Xiengmene. Wat Chomphet is the next attraction, where you can relish the spectacular scenery of Luang Prabang from above as the temple is built on the top of a hill.

Return to Luang Prabang, a short drive will transport you to two small regional villages well-known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking - Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek

Morning

If you have free time this day, you can visit the Phosi Market, which offers you a glance into the local lifestyles and diverse local products here such as saltpeter, local teas, and hill-tribe textiles.

Enjoy the exploration before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, and you will be taken to your hotel by a 45-minute drive. The time for check-in is 14:00; if you require early check-in with a surcharge, please contact your travel consultant. After processing check-in, the rest is your leisure time.

Morning

Have breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a sightseeing day in Hanoi's capital.

8:00: Our guide will meet you at the lobby and start taking visit top-rated historical Hanoi landmarks on the car or motorbike up to your interest. 

• Drop in Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam symbolizes Confucianism during the Ly Dynasty and is the birthplace of many outstanding individuals in Vietnam across many generations.
• Continue to Ba Dinh Square, where you can admire Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and listen to our guide’s narration about a significant historical event in Vietnam, the day President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on this square.
• Stroll along poetic Thanh Nien road and pop in the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Here, take lots of photos as the architecture and beautiful setting of the temple in the middle of West Lake will make you fall in love.

Afternoon 

Rest and have a tasty lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Then walk back to your hotel to refresh and be ready to explore Hanoi by night on yours. 

Morning

Pick you up at your hotel and head to Mai Chau by van. Arrive at midday, and enjoy the traditional lunch in the village (vegetarian available)

Afternoon 

Join the bicycle ride with your tour guide around the village to see how life here goes on and immerse in the peacefulness. Go cycling, walking, or shopping on your own 

Return to your place for an outdoor BBQ party and Thai ethnic traditional dance show. Have a chance to try one of the famous local specialties called “ruou can” — overnight in the communal stilt house or valley view bungalow

Morning

Go with a local tour guide to visit more remote rural villages Na Meo and Na Mo villages, to understand more about their culture and customs. Back to the homestay for lunch and check-out

Afternoon

Free time for shopping and relaxing. And 15:00-15:30 Say goodbye to the family to get on the bus to drive back to Hanoi (3.5 ~ 4 hours drive)

Arrive in Hanoi, drop you off at your hotel

Na Meo Village

Morning 

8:00 - 8:30: A luxury limousine will pick you up at your hotel after fulfilling breakfast at World Heritage Site Halong Bay. You can relax for 2,5 hours on transfer before starting the trip. We will have a stop halfway.

Upon arrival at the cruise’s waiting lounge in Halong, you will be warmly greeted by cruise staff and do check in quickly. Transfer to a speedboat to get the cruise, and the cruise manager will give you some exciting bay stories during this time. 

Embark cruise at 12:15, and receive a friendly welcome smile from the captain and cruise crew with a welcome drink. Please check in your room, and a delicious lunch is ready at the restaurant. 

Enjoy lunch while admiring thousands of limestones and islets on the sparkling green water. 

Afternoon

When your energy is in full charge, engage in water activities that bring you closer to the bay's natural beauty. Depending on each cruise itinerary, you will conquer the island's peak, caving and kayaking through islets and caves. 

Return to the cruise, have a short rest and try your cooking skill Vietnam cuisine with the chef or sip on cocktails while waiting for charming dusk down in Happy hour, “Buy 01 get 01 drink,” at 17:00 - 17:30 

Evening

A deluxe dinner is served at the restaurant.

This night on the cruise is more vibrant, with activities like squid fishing, watching movies, battle wits with board games, and night bars. 

Morning

6:00: Early birds who want to improve their health can practice Tai Chi Class or just feel the fresh air from your room. Then a light breakfast is prepared enough to recharge to continue the excursion. 

Discover more spots to understand the lifestyle in the fishing village or chill out and swim under the water. Back to the cruise and refresh with the last complete brunch. Please process the check out at 10:00 - 10:30 while cruising towards the pier.

Transfer to a speedboat to get to the pier, say goodbye to the captain and cruise crew, and arrive at the port around 11:15.

Afternoon

Back to Hanoi on a luxury limousine. It is your free time until transfers you to Hanoi train station for a Dong Hoi overnight train.

Morning

Arrive in Dong Hoi in the early morning and meet our driver at the train station. Then head straight to Phong Nha, there will be a stop at a local restaurant for breakfast.

Reach the Phong Nha - Ke Bang attraction complex and deep into the Vietnamese jungle. This is truly a unique chance to enjoy the real wilderness of Vietnam. After a 25-minute boat trip, arrive at Phong Nha Cave. Take your time exploring and admiring the beauty of the cave.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Take an excursion to Paradise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the world and the longest dry cave in Asia, and back to the hotel in town.

Phong Nha Cave

Morning

Pick you up at your hotel in Dong Hoi, and take you to Vinh Moc Tunnel. Stop along the way to see a small church showing the signs of a mortar attack in the area and visit former US Bases 

• Go through the DMZ, where some of the bloodiest battles were fought during the Vietnam/American War
• Walk across the Ben Hai River on Hien Luong Bridge which used to demarcate the division between North and South Vietnam (1954-1975)

Afternoon

Arrive at the fascinating Vinh Moc Tunnels and join the tour. Take into the tunnels and explore the complex, walk past huge bomb craters and an amazing fighting trench.

Venture into the tunnels and explore the tiny living rooms, food and weapon storage, and school that villagers would have survived on.

End trip and transfer to Hue

Morning

8:00: Join a half-day tour to Thien Mu Pagoda, which lies on a hill overlooking the picturesque Perfume River.

• Visit Imperial Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam, during the Nguyen dynasty.
• Go shopping at Dong Ba Market, the largest commercial center in Hue.

Finish your breakfast and process check out at the hotel to take 

8:00: Transfer to Hoi An via Cloudy Pass by shuttle bus or private car. On the way, we will stop at some spots for sightseeing as Hai Van Gate, the lonely pine tree, and turtle rock (there can be a bit of a surcharge).

Arrive at Hoi An Ancient to check in at the hotel.

Morning

7:00: Drive to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a collection of Champa ruins nestled amongst the mountains in  Quang Nam province

Follow a tour guide exploring the groups of temples and learn more about the history of the Champa Kingdom. Stop to visit the Sa Huynh Champa Culture Museum in Tra Kieu

Return to your hotel

After breakfast is free for travelers to see Hoi An from their own experience, if it has yet to have an idea for your expedition, there are several packages to learn deeply about Hoi An culture and lifestyle. 

Morning 

After full recharge with breakfast, please process check out your room, and our driver will transfer you to Da Nang Airport to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 

When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh, our transfer will take you to the hotel for check-in and refreshments, ready to uncover the dynamic city on your own. Besides, you may learn more about life in South Vietnam through the ages or find a special dinner under shimmering lights when you join these optional.

Morning

Delight breakfast in rare Ho Chi Minh’s fresh morning 

08:00: Get ready at the lobby, and our guide will spend the day with you visiting the city with many historical landmarks recounting the history of the Pearl of the Far East once.

• The first stop on our trip is Reunification Palace, formerly the official residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, which shows the period of French colonialism through the architecture of the building you will admire
• Set off on War Remnants Museum, the oldest museum in the city containing precious artifacts about the brutality of the Vietnam War.
• Get to Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, with the French colonial architecture listed as the most iconic and oldest buildings in this bustling city.
• Keep your soul peaceful and pray in Jade Emperor Pagoda, a historic Chinese temple with brightly colored decorative designs.

Wander at a local market, where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping from sandals to a beautiful silk Ao Dai, and consider purchasing a souvenir there. Return to your hotel around 12:30 and say goodbye to the guide after an exciting morning.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation until 2027.

Morning 

Please process check out the room at the hotel after breakfast. 

8:00: Our driver and guide will meet you and start traveling to Cai Be in less than two hours. Coming to Cai Be dry market, you will witness local people's trade and may purchase local products. Then we board a wooden boat, sail to Mekong Delta, and get lost in fascinating surroundings. On the way drifting along the canal, we drop by a local family factory and watch the production of several local products, including coconut candy, rice paper, pop rice, jackfruit wine, banana wine, and souvenirs. Moreover, you will learn how to make products and buy some to take home. 

On a sampan, we continue to head to Tan Phong Island and relish Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional Southern Vietnam music genre, try tropical fruits, and listen to locals share their culture.   

Afternoon

Have lunch at a local restaurant called Mr. Vo's ancient house and be served renowned dishes, elephant ear fish, also known as fried giant gourami, a specialty in the Mekong Delta.

Ending the first day of the authentic Mekong Delta exploration, drive to the hotel in Can Tho by car to check in and relax. And you can taste varied local dishes at the night market for yourself this night.

Morning 

Please wake up early to finish breakfast and check out the hotel. We will say goodbye to Can Tho and get to Cai Rang floating market in the early morning. 

08:00: We arrive at Cai Rang, where seeing the bustling trade life along the riverbanks and how locals transfer passengers and goods by the waterway. You will be surprised by how locals hang products on a pole to advertise. 

After the tour, you will back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Cai Rang Floating Market

Day 25: Ho Chi Minh City Freeday 

Fulfill your breakfast at the hotel, and you will have Ho Chi Minh discovery on your own when the dawn rises. Here are some suggestive options that you should consider in your plan

Enjoy the last meal in Ho Chi Minh; after that is your free time. Please check out before 12:00, and our driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Hope you have had a great time with BestPrice Travel in recent days, and see you on the next trips!