Indochine Timeless is a 20-day itinerary in Vietnam - Laos – Cambodia - that offers you from magnificent Nature to Heritage – recognized as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. It is home to numerous ancient sites and is surrounded by a number of well-known tourist destinations. Back in the time in Luang Prabang to explore the nature Khuang Si Waterfalls, and Pak Ou Cave on the Mekong River.
Vietnam Timeless as the name suggests, includes the most fascinating and traditional attractions of Vietnam, from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta.
Walking through the streets of beautiful Hanoi and visiting the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, the imposing monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, the hidden charm and antiquity of the old quarter with the wonderful cuisine and the renowned show of puppets on the water.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, surrounded by spectacular karst mountains.
Visit the historic former capital Hue, the ancient trading port town of Hoi An with millions of lanterns, and cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City.
Experience the enchantment of the Mekong Delta, sometimes known as the "rice bowl of Vietnam", as you sail aboard a traditional sampan between floating cities and colorful riverside markets.
Immerse yourself in the ancient temples of beautiful Angkor Wat and the breathtaking scenery of sunrise or sunset over the timeless Angkor Wat.
Visiting historic Angkor Thom translated into English as the “Great City” and was the longest-lasting capital of the ancient Khmer Empire.
Experience the enchantment of The Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is an ecological treasure trove. The Tonle Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons.
The proposed itinerary can be adapted to your specific travel needs and combined with additional routes.
Group tour: Yes
Data: As you wish
Arrival - Departure: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Type of tour: Heritage and Landscape
Tailor-made tours: Absolutely yes!
Itinerary
Day 01: Vientiane - Arrival
Day 02: Vientiane - City tour - Buddha Park
Day 03: Vientiane - highspeed train to Luang Prabang - city tour - Sunset over Mekong river
Day 04: Kuang Si waterfall - Pak Ou Cave
Day 05: Luang Prabang - morning free time - afternoon Hanoi flight at 5:25pm
Day 06: Hanoi - city tour
Day 07: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Day 08: Hanoi - Halong
Day 09: Halong - Hanoi - flight to Hue
Day 10: Hue - city tour
Day 11: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Day 12: Hoi An - My Son - city tour
Day 13: Hoi An - Da Nang - flight to Saigon - Cu Chi tunnel
Day 14: Saigon - city tour - Mekong Delta - Can Tho
Day 15: Can Tho - floating market - transfer to Chau Doc
Day 16: Chau Doc - speedboat to Phnom Penh - city tour
Day 17: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Day 18: Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom
Day 19: Banteay Srei & Roluos Group
Day 20: Siem Reap - Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Vientiane
The guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.
Free time for rest after a long flight and walking to night market and the quiet capital of Laos on the banks of the Mekong River you can see in Thailand.
Dinner at Khua Lao Restaurant
Free time at your disposal.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: dinner
Day 02: Vientiane – city tour – high speed train to Luang Prabang.
In the morning, we drive to Buddha Park which takes around 45 minutes away. On the way, stop and take photos of the Friendship Bridge which was built by the Australian government in 1994 and links Laos and Thailand.
Arrive at Buddha Park and enjoy a walk around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The quiet and tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures which were built in 1958 by a Laos’s shaman. The concrete sculptures are bizarre but intriguing, sitting majestically in the peaceful park.
After visiting Buddha Park, start the drive back to Vientiane, we continue to visit Vientiane, the quiet capital of Laos on the banks of the Mekong River. We visit the most significant landmarks such as Wat Si Saket, known for its thousand’s images of Buddha that, according to local belief, protected the temple during the Siamese invasion of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues. We continue to Wat Ho Prakeo, built in 1865 to house the famous Emerald Buddha but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane, and then continue to visit That Luang Stupa, considered the most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha, according to local belief, it was brought over in the 3rd century BC.
We conclude our visits to Vientiane at the Patuxay or Arch de Triumph, built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane.
Overnight in Vientiane
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 03: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si waterfall.
After breakfast, we transfer to the station for the highspeed train to Luang Prabang.
On the arrival, we drive to the city center and begin to visit the city of Luang Prabang, we start the Royal Palace, characterized by the combination of French Beaux-Arts styles and traditional Laotian architecture. The palace is now used as a National Museum (closed every Tuesday) which houses the precious collections of royal artefacts.; afterwards, we visit some ancient temples of Luang Prabang: Wat Xieng Thong – a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood in traditional Laotian style; Wat Vitsoun - the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the ancient and steel statues of the Buddha of Prabang.
We also climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred golden stupa and enjoy the panoramic sightseeing of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 04: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si waterfall
In the morning, we take a traditional boat ride on the Mekong River, passing by isolated villages and temples. Explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, often known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. This sacred place was the place where thousands of Buddhas were hidden and treasures were stored to preserve them from the numerous invasions that grip the country.
On the route back to Luang Prabang while cruising, we make a stop at Ban Xang Hai hamlet, which specializes in making traditional rice alcohol, visit at the town of Ban Phanom, which is well-known for the Hmong people’ s handiwork.
Go back to the Luang Prabang. Visit the Kuang Si waterfall in the afternoon, about 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang amid verdant tropical forest. A tiny permanent exhibition on black bear conservation in South East Asia is housed at Kuang Si Waterfall. Go back to Luang Prabang.
Overnight at Houny Vilai hotel 4* in Luang Prabang
Overnight in Luang Prabang
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 05: Luang Prabang – Alms Giving Ceremony – flight to Hanoi.
Luang Prabang**:** Set your alarm clocks for an early morning, 5:30am visit to view the Alms Giving Ceremony more than 137 Buddist monks.
Experience the best of Laos culture alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang. In the laotian Buddhist ritual, monks accept food offerings at surise. This ancient tradition occurs every day with the sunrise, when monks silently line the streets Experience the best of Lao culture, this trip also includes a pecail encounter with a Buddhist Monks. while local put gifts of food into the bowls carried by the monks.
Wander through the french quarter if this historic UNESCO town and perouse the shop where you can buy some speacial souvenirs for family and friends and waliking through the morning market to see the traditional Laung Prabang life style.
Back to hotel for breakfast.
Free day.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the international flight to Hanoi – Vietnam.
End of program in Laos.
You will be picked up by the guide and the driver. Check in and free time.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 06: Hanoi – city tour
Hanoi – the cultural and political capital city of Vietnam, was the imperial capital since 1010 with a lot of history and different names after different periods, but Hanoi – the present name which in Vietnamese means "the internal river", is located on the banks of the River Red and home to around 7 million people.
The Hanoi city tour will begin with a visit to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), the first university in Vietnam built in 1070. We will head to Ba Dinh National Square where you can see Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the ancient Mot Cot Pagoda – Pagoda on a Pillar to represent the purity of the lotus flower.
We return to the center for a walk to the Sword Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple, the old quarter with 36 streets of its own goods, the ancient house of Hanoi.
During the tour here, you might taste some Hanoi specialties such as Egg Coffee. Our local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi's best kept secrets, a hidden cafe with breathtaking views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find cafe is one of the few remaining in the city that still serves egg coffee, a delicious local delicacy that we'll sample while admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee isn't your style, a cold beer or fresh coconut awaits you!
We relax after the day with a water puppet show that reflects the daily life of Vietnamese farmers (growing rice and catching fish), community entertainment (swimming competition, dragon dance) and historical legends.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 07: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – ex-capital
After breakfast, we start the day with a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, also known as "Ha Long Bay on the mainland", the scenery is very similar to Ha Long, but surrounded by beautiful rice fields instead of the sea.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, a visit to the temples of King Dinh and King Le dating back to the 10th century, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both beautiful historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era. We continue heading to Tam Coc to make a climb to the Dancing Caves (Mua Caves) where they offer a stunning panoramic view of Ninh Binh. (Note: You have to climb 486 steps)
Then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your cycling adventure to explore the hidden corners of Ninh Binh. Explore the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh with a visit to the famous Bich Dong Pagoda. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred place, guided by knowledgeable experts who will enlighten you about its rich heritage and traditions. Travel through picturesque valleys, capture breathtaking views of the limestone mountains, and capture timeless photos of authentic Vietnamese rural life.
Afterwards, boarding traditional rowing boats that float down the winding river in Tam Coc, passing three majestic caves. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rural villages and the lush landscapes that open up before your eyes.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 08: Hanoi – cruise to Halong Bay
After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay – the eighth wonder of the world through the rice fields and countryside of the Red River Delta. Arrive in Halong at around noon, boarding a boat for a magnificent cruise in the bay. During this cruise, you will be able to admire many karst mountains, caves, lagoons in all forms. Furthermore, the light, clouds and fog create a magical atmosphere. Free time to swim or discover the bay by kayak. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor for the night in the bay. After your seafood dinner on board, you can participate in squid fishing or sing karaoke.
Overnight stay on board in a private cabin.
NB: The program will be as on the website of the boat you choose
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver (the private guide does not come on board)
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch and dinner on board
Day 09: Sunrise at Halong Bay – flight to Hue
In the morning at 6:00, those who get up early can participate in doing Taichi in the middle of the bay and admire the sunrise. After breakfast, we leave our junk and with sampans (typical boats) and leave to visit a famous cave/island or we will have time for a few swims in these small and splendid beaches (if the climate allows). After brunch (early lunch) on the junk, we return to the port of embarkation. At the end of the morning, we return to Hanoi. On the way, we make a stop to visit the Phu Lang pottery village.
Arriving at the airport in Ha Noi, we take the direct flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, meeting with private driver and transfer to hotel in the center (about 15 km).
Overnight in Hue.
(The cruise itinerary will vary depending on the type of junk used and the sea conditions. The common guide on board will be in English/French)
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver/ private driver in Hue
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch on board (brunch)
Day 10: Hue – city tour
Hue - a charming city located on the banks of the Perfume River, where the last feudal Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam was located, offers a tour of cultural heritages and royal architecture.
After breakfast, we begin to visit Thien Mu Pagoda - Celestial Woman Pagoda - one of the oldest religious buildings in Hue and Vietnam. Next, we head to visit the imperial citadel which was the home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty. It is composed of three distinct parts: the capital city, the imperial city and the forbidden city with the Pavilion of the Five Phoenixes, the Palace of Supreme Peace and the Dynastic temple The Mieu: grandiose buildings arranged in a harmonious succession according to the principles sanctioned by science geomantics.
Before leaving Hue city to visit Khai Dinh's Tomb, we make a stop along the way to visit Conical Hat Village and Incense Production Village and a visit to Tu Duc's Tomb – a place of peace carefully planned and rest that reflects the peaceful and contemplative spirit of the emperor of the same name.
Overnight in Hue.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 11: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
In the morning, we head towards the city of Hoi An with a stop along the way and we will admire the splendid landscapes on the pass of Hai Van (Cloud Pass) where the climate of the north and south divides.
Along the coast and we will stop in Da Nang to visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, located on the Son Tra peninsula, leaning against it and overlooking the East Sea. An exploration to Tho Quang fishing village in Son Tra district where its local residents take pride in their catching skills and solidarity. Furthermore, Tho Quang fishing village is also known for preparing fish sauce.
In the following, a climb to the Marble Mountains - each mountain is named after the five natural elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The largest and most famous Thuy Son (water) is open to the public. At his feet, in the village of Dong Hai, hundreds of families still dedicate themselves to the ancient art of stone working. We go up a short stone staircase, halfway up the hill, where, leaning against the stone wall, during the reign of King Minh Mang, the Linh Ung Pagoda was built, one of the most important places of worship in the region.
Arrival in the town of Hoi An, located about thirty kilometers south-east of Da Nang, on the banks of the Thu Bon River. In the 16th century, this ancient port of Champa was called Faifo. You can take a walk in the historic center to admire the glittering and most romantic town with millions of lanterns in Vietnam.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 12: Hoi An – My Son sanctuary – Hoi An – city tour
In the morning visit to the ancient "Holy Land of My Son" of the Kingdom of Champa, the My Son Sanctuary, a group of ruined temples and sanctuaries built about 30 km from Hoi An, which was contemporary and antagonist of the great Empire of Angkor, classified "World Heritage" by UNESCO. In a magnificent rocky amphitheater surrounded by thick wild vegetation, the ancient Cham rulers have them built brick and sandstone sanctuaries between the 6th and 14th centuries, where they venerated the gods Shiva and Vishnu. Ceremonies in honor of the gods have been celebrated for centuries.
Return to Hoi An for a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town, one of the most precious jewels of Vietnam's historical heritage, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hoi An is a city full of buildings from this period, including the famous Japanese bridge built in the style of a pagoda in the 16th century, meeting halls where locals gathered for celebrations, and traditional houses that still stand today, still the descendants of the first owners still live here. We stop at a workshop to learn about silk production and crafts in Hoi An. You have a chance to make a bamboo and silk lantern and you could take home as a beautiful memory of this romantic town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 13: Hoi An – Da Nang - flight to Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang for the flight to Saigon - the vital city but also rich in testimonies of the past.
Arrival and transfer to visit the Cu Chi tunnels located 60 km from Saigon. The tunnels connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapons factories during World War II. The famous underground fortress of the Viet Cong who built an incredible underground network of warehouses, dormitories, armories, kitchens, medical departments and command posts, connected by 250 kilometers of tunnels, and resisted every bombing and attack by American forces for years. The visit begins with a documentary on the tunnels and wars of the 60s and 70s. Then we enter underground tunnels, which are only large enough for one person at a time, where there are offices, kitchens, conference rooms, an armory and even a hospital. Return to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 14: Saigon – city tour – Mekong Delta – Can Tho
In the morning, we visit six of the city's most important places: the War Museum, designed to denounce American aggression in Vietnam; Central Post Office, with rich colonial reliefs, gracious shuttered windows, and a vast concourse with arches resembling those of a Victorian railway station; Notre Dame Cathedral, an elegant combination of red brick and white stone, overlooks a large tree-lined square; Chinatown with Thien Hau pagoda.
In the following, departure towards Can Tho, along the way we stop to visit the ancient house of Binh Thuy, which is filmed in the romantic and famous movie of “the Lover” (1992). The house contains a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, the place of worship inside the house is still purely Vietnamese. This demonstrates the sophistication and aesthetics of the family owner: absorbing new things but still retaining the soul of the nation.
Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon and check in.
Overnight in Can Tho.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 15: Can Tho - Floating Market – transfer to Chau Doc
In the morning visit Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Here we have the opportunity to see the hustle and bustle of hundreds of boats of different sizes, canoes, boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, rice, spices, clothes and goods of all kinds. A beautiful background for photos and impressive memories of lively life Mekong Delta.
Next, visit a local orchard where we can taste many tropical fruits.
After the visit, return to Saigon and you will head to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, to continue the trip to Cambodia.
Upon arrival Siem Reap International Airport, you will be met our tour guide and driver and transfer to the hotel for check in.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 16: Chau Doc – speedboat to Phnom Penh
After breakfast, transfer to the pier to leave by boat and sail towards Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, where we will arrive after about 5 hours. Upon arrival, customs procedures, meeting with our guide and driver then we head towards the center.
In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the main detention camp under Pol Pot's regime. Afterwards, visit the Royal Palace of Cambodia on the banks of the Mekong River, its architecture is a unique blend of styles traditional Cambodian and French colonial influences.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 17: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 18: Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom
After breakfast at the hotel, we start to visit the Angkor Thom by starting from South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous giant stone faces Bayon temple which was built in late 12th early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, Baphuon temple - the huge temple-mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Phimean Akas temple, and other two Leper King Terrace and Elephant Terrace which were built by King Jayavarman VII in 12th century.
After, we will start exploring the Wonder of the World “Angkor Wat temple” which was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II and is considered as a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Overnight in Siem Reap.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 19: Banteay Srei & Roluos Group
In the morning, we visit to the small and charming Banteay Srei temple – the Citadel of Women which is showcasing the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture. On the way back, we visit another temple – Banteay Samré.
After lunch, we visit to the small and charming Banteay Srei temple – the Citadel of Women which is showcasing the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture. On the way back, we visit another temple – Banteay Samré.
Afternoon, continue road to visit the early Angkor-era temples of the Roluos, the first city created by the kings of Cambodia inclusive of Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei temples.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
- Assistance: private guide & driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 20: Siem Reap – Departure
The driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for the return flight to your home, or the flight to continue your trip.
- Assistance: private driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
End of program
The tour includes:
• Tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 bottles of water/per day/person
• All domestic flights – with Vietnam Airlines (23kg hold and 7kg carry-on)
• All overnight stays with daily breakfast in selected hotels
• Private guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B=breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• Boat cruise as indicated
• Entrances and permits for all places visited
• Mineral water and towel
• Government taxes and service charges
The tour excludes:
• International airfare and airport tax
• E-Visa in Cambodia and Laos
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• Tips