Destinations: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho...
Destinations: Bangkok
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Ben Tre, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang...
Step into a world of ancient temples and breathtaking natural beauty on a small-group discovery tour of Southeast Asia. Glide between limestone giants on an overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay, wander the picturesque streets of Hoi An’s Old Town, then drift down the jungle-fringed waters of the Mekong Delta. In Cambodia, unearth the secrets of Angkor Wat temple and witness the power of nature as it reclaims the walls of mysterious Ta Prohm. Travel with ease thanks to your included internal flights, jetting you off to Laos to participate in Luang Prabang’s dawn alms-giving ceremony.
Taste the uniquely fragrant flavours of Vietnam and Laos with local dining experiences and immersive market visits. Trust in your knowledgeable local guides to bring history to life, then lose yourself in the myriad cultures and stories of this incredible corner of Asia, with plenty of time for unexpected adventures.
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Ben Tre, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang...
Destinations: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho...
Destinations: Bangkok
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you will be transferred to your hotel, where you’ll check in and receive your welcome packet.
The rest of the day is yours to spend in Vietnam’s electric capital. With layers of Chinese and French influence, gaggles of scooters and a wealth of world-class restaurants, there’s a new discovery around every corner in this bustling metropolis.
Today you’re free to lose yourself in the charming streets of Hanoi. Choose to visit the revered Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and the site of the country’s first university, or wander through the notorious Hoa Lo Prison Museum, once filled with American prisoners of war.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers to discuss the exciting adventure ahead as you savour a delightful welcome dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant, served with your choice of two glasses of house wine or two bottles of local beer (per person.
Rise and shine early today as you set a course for the incredible Ha Long Bay.
Your driver will meet you at your hotel this morning for a scenic drive through the countryside to the Tuan Chau Marina, stopping along the way to stretch your legs and browse local souvenir shops. After a brief meet and greet with the captain and crew of your overnight cruise, enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious lunch as you embark through the striking emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Take in the majesty of the bay’s jungle-topped islands, watch the sun fall magnificently beneath the horizon and enjoy an evening stay floating among the striking limestone peaks.
Greet the dawn with tai chi on the sundeck and ease into the day with complimentary tea and coffee. Sit down to a hearty breakfast as you cruise through Ha Long’s serene waters. Drifting into Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll disembark and transfer back to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward flight to Da Nang (DAD). From here, you’ll be transferred on to your Hoi An hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure in this mesmerising town.
Once a bustling Southeast Asian trading port, Hoi An is still a powerful melange of cultures, influences and traditions. Marvellously preserved Japanese merchant houses and historic Vietnamese trading warehouses rub shoulders with grand Confucian temples and modern office buildings to form a colourful tapestry.
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Wander Old Town’s storied streets and be sure to bring an appetite – the banh mis here are considered the best in the country. The real treasure is a chance to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed district that brilliantly preserves the synthesis of cultures that led the city to flourish. Other highlights include the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in the 16th century and surviving even the French fascination with the automobile, and the masterfully preserved merchant residence, Tan Ky House.
Four exciting optional activities are on offer today (all at additional cost). Choose to join a bike tour for a taste of market life and an exclusive cooking class in Tra Que, or travel to My Son for a tour of the abandoned temples. Perhaps you’ll join an electric scooter adventure, whether it’s an evening foodie tour or a half-day ride through the countryside.
After breakfast, you’ll have another full day to absorb the sights and sounds of Hoi An at your leisure. Visit the Hoi An Night Market, the perfect place to pick up a cherished souvenir to commemorate your Vietnamese escape, walk the golden sands of An Bang Beach, taking in the moored fishing boats or catch a glorious cultural performance at the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts.
If you’re feeling adventurous, considering one of two optional tours for the day (at additional cost). For those seeking natural beauty, you can set off on a full-day tour to the Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge, taking in thrilling views from the cable car and the climbing train as you rise to the top of the mountain. Alternatively, choose to get to know the local culture with a visit to a nearby fishing village, gaining the chance to meet the villagers and see traditional fishing practices in action.
After breakfast, wave goodbye to Hoi An as you transfer to Da Nang Airport (DAD) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the rest of the day is spent at your leisure in Vietnam’s dazzling southern metropolis. Take the time to explore this city and you’ll be rewarded – the streets and thoroughfares run loud and fast and the perpetual motion of the city’s markets set the stage for a haggler’s delight.
Perhaps opt to attend an AO show, depicting the captivating contrast of country calm and racing city life through a blend of circus, dance and visual arts. Or maybe you’d prefer to join a vintage Vespa tour of Saigon after dark, catching the city’s thriving live music scene and delicious culinary offerings.
After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is once more yours at leisure.
Explore the city at your own pace or join an optional excursion (at additional cost). A half-day city tour will take you to see European-style landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Opera House, as well as Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market. For those seeking to step outside the city rush, you can visit the countryside on a half-day discovery of the Cu Chi Tunnels, learning how they were constructed and how people survived under harsh wartime conditions. In the evening, you may wish to experience Saigon’s nightlife from the harbour on a dinner cruise – see the illuminated sights of Ho Chi Minh City over dinner, while Vietnamese folk music plays.
This morning, meet with your guide and embark on a scenic cruise through the islands of the Mekong Delta, drifting towards the market towns of My Tho and Ben Tre. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit lush fruit orchards and coconut groves, stopping for a moment to see all the different ways that coconuts are used by villagers in the region. Travel the Vam Xep canal and admire the local handicrafts, then take a short motor cart ride to the home of nearby residents and share homemade honey tea. Take a flat-bottomed sampan through the smaller canals and catch a glimpse of life on the Delta, stepping ashore for the chance to walk the riverbanks. Later, sit down to a fragrant homemade lunch prepared for you by the locals.
After a busy day, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a restful evening.
Your time in Vietnam has come to an end today, as you rise early and cross through Moc Bai Border Station toward Phnom Penh, your first stop in Cambodia.
The country’s cultural epicentre, riverside Phnom Penh is home to ornate temples, fascinating museums and aromatic cuisine. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure, whether you decide to visit the city’s legendary temples – abandoned centuries ago by the ancient Khmer kingdom – or head to the Royal Palace for a glimpse into how the historic nobility once lived.
Please note that a guide may not be present during transfers on this day.
After breakfast, you’ll have another full day to catch the sights and sounds of Phnom Penh at your leisure.
You may choose to discover Cambodia’s tragic past with an optional Killing Fields tour (at additional cost). Beginning at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, used as a prison in the days of the Khmer Rouge regime, you’ll travel to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This poignant memorial marks the site where over a million people are thought to have been executed during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Take time to reflect on this horrific history. Your visit will include a traditional local lunch and the chance to view the city from a different angle with a cruise along the Mekong River, admiring the city’s architecture rising from the banks as daily life unfolds.
Today, watch the scenery roll by as you journey north to Siem Reap, gateway to the grand Angkor Wat temple complex. This exciting city juxtaposes ancient history with contemporary culture, from chic hotels to top-notch dining. On arrival, check in at your hotel and soak up the atmosphere, enjoying a restful evening in anticipation of tomorrow’s adventures.
Siem Reap’s famous temple complex awaits you today – a bucket-list attraction for travellers across the world.
Begin with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat. Rising majestically from the jungle, this 12th-century Buddhist temple complex spans 400 acres and is rich in archaeological treasures. One of the world’s most wondrous destinations, this incredibly well-preserved site is an architectural triumph.
Explore Bayon Temple, with its collection of smiling stone faces, and explore the hauntingly beautiful remains of Ta Prohm, a 12th-century Buddhist temple reclaimed by nature, with winding vines weaving around its crumbling walls. Along the way, unearth the secrets of this sprawling complex.
To finish the day, climb to the upper terraces of one of these ancient buildings for a spectacular sunset not to be missed.
This morning, it’s time to gather your energy over breakfast, then transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Luang Prabang (LPQ) in astounding Laos. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel for check-in and the chance to rest or explore as you desire. Known for its historic architecture, abundant temples and breathtaking natural beauty, Luang Prabang is the perfect place to get a taste for Laos’ unique charms.
Today is yours to spend however you desire, whether you choose to uncover the delights of Luang Prabang on your own time or join an optional full-day tour of the city and its scenic surrounds, including the graceful cascade of Kuang Si Waterfall (at additional cost). On this optional adventure, you’ll also pay a visit to Free the Bears’ Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Returning to town, you’ll visit the National Museum, among other historic sites, then conclude with a memorable sunset at Mount Phousi.
Wake early to join an alms-giving ceremony at sunrise, in which Buddhist monks receive food offerings to start the day. Starting at a local market for a look at Laotian life, you’ll embark on a guided city tour to uncover Luang Prabang’s best sights.
Upon returning to your hotel, enjoy time to yourself before joining your fellow travellers for one last farewell dinner. Reminisce on memorable moments over a set menu of Laos’ classic cuisine at 3 Nagas Restaurant, accompanied by traditional live music, and enjoy your choice of two glasses of house wine or two bottles of local beer (per person).
It’s time to bid farewell to spectacular Southeast Asia as you savour one last breakfast before check-out. Wave goodbye to new friends as you transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), where your journey of discovery concludes.
Glide over the misty emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and absorb the bay’s beauty aboard your overnight cruise. Bask in the sun’s embrace, surrounded by striking white limestone karsts, and take a moment’s pause to appreciate the astounding beauty of Vietnam’s most beloved natural wonder.
Savour onboard dining with an unbeatable view, watch the starry canvas of the sky as it drifts by, then greet the dawn with tai chi on the sun deck.
Unearth the awe-inspiring majesty of Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece that stands as a reminder of the grandeur of the Khmer civilisation. As you step into the ancient grounds, be transported back to the regal era of a 12th-century kingdom. Uncover epic tales of Khmer mythology carved into the stone walls throughout the temple, then witness the haunting beauty of Ta Prohm and the smiling stone faces of Bayon Temple.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.
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Update 25 July 2024, 10am AEST: Accomodation in Hanoi has been updated, changing based on departure date.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Please note on the following departure dates, Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture (Classic Wing Room) will be replaced with:
The Q Hotel (Deluxe Room)
The Ann Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Le Jardin (Classic Wing)
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and ends at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) with roundtrip airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) by 2pm on Day 1 and depart from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) any time on Day 17, or from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) any time on Day 19.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
You must complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Vietnam
Time zone: GMT+7
Telephone: +84
Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: Vietnamese
Climate: Vietnam has a tropical climate which is dominated by the monsoon season. The temperature in Vietnam typically ranges between 21°C and 35°C throughout the year.
Cambodia
Time zone: GMT+7 (Indochina Time)
Telephone: +855
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) but USD is often accepted at tourist sites
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within cities. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas. There is a shortage of small change; large bills can be difficult to break.
Language: Khmer
Climate: Cambodia has a tropical climate and monsoon seasons. The maximum temperature in Cambodia typically ranges from 21° to 35° throughout the year.
Laos
Time zone: GMT+7 (Indochina Time)
Telephone: +856
Currency: Laotian Kip (LAK)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.
Language: Lao
Climate: Laos has a warm, tropical climate, experiencing a rainy season (May-Oct) and dry season (Oct-Apr).
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Thailand
Time zone: GMT+7 (Indochina Time)
Telephone: +66
Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.
Language: Thai
Climate: Thailand has a tropical climate, experiencing a dry season (Nov-Mar) and rainy season (Jul-Oct)
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Optional experiences