Jewels of Indochina

Located on the banks of the Mekong River, the Laos capital is a relaxed place that has a feel more similar to a provincial town than a capital city. Weathered French Colonial mansions give way to golden temples, and the languid pace of life makes it an ideal place to explore by bicycle.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet us in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Vientiane at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Watty International Airport (VTE) which is a 15-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to see the unique Buddhist stupa of Pha That Luang before enjoying a Beerlao by the river at sunset. This is the best way to end the day, start your adventure and meet your fellow explorers.

This morning, we'll set out on a sightseeing tour around the city. Vientiane is a low-built, red roofed capital city, with a French feel and a relaxed atmosphere. We'll explore some of the best sights including the Victory Gate which is a Triumphal Arch with good views of the town, the That Luang stupa which is said to contain a hair of the Buddha, and Wat Sisaket, a beautiful temple packed with fine Buddha images.

This afternoon is free for you to explore more solo. You might like to visit the nearby Buddha Park, a vast green expanse just 30 minutes from the city that houses a selection of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Alternatively, you could visit the COPE Museum, a not-for-profit organisation set up to provide prosthetic limbs to the many victims of the unexploded ordinance (UXO) left behind from the Vietnam war. The museum does an excellent job of giving some of the background to the bombing campaign, along with showcasing the important work the COPE foundation is doing. Most report it to be a sobering, emotive but rewarding experience that enhances one's understanding of this fascinating country.

This evening, why not head out to see the lively night markets that line the Mekong River. They offer a variety of local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture, shop for unique items, and enjoy tasty Lao dishes while watching the sunset over the river.

This morning, we make our way to Vientiane railway station to board the newly constructed Boten-Vientiane Railway for the short two hour journey to Vang Vieng. The recently-opened railway connects a series of rural villages in Laos using a fleet of modern trains that travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h. Upon arrival, the afternoon has been left free to explore our new surroundings.

This evening, why not take a short stroll down to the riverbank as the sun sets, where you can sit and take in dramatic scenery. Watch people float down the river as the sun starts to dip behind the mountains and the sky turns a burnt-orange - be sure to bring a camera to catch some sunset snaps.

Vang Vieng enjoys an idyllic setting. Perched on the banks of the Nam Song River, it's surrounded by a patchwork of lush rice paddies and set to a backdrop of towering jagged limestone cliffs. Once known as a party-town for backpackers, present-day Vang Vieng has re-invented itself as the home of adventure travel in Laos, where its setting lends itself to a host of activities for anybody from casual walkers to adrenaline thrill-seekers.

Today has been left free for you to choose from a number of optional excursions, such as a guided walk past rice paddies to nearby minority villages, a visit to the underground cave network, or kayaking along the gentle Nam Song River.

We make our way back to the train station this morning for the second leg of our train journey through the heart of Laos. This journey takes us through the mountains in a series of newly constructed tunnels, with some spectacular mountain scenery to take in in-between tunnels. We arrive into Luang Prabang around two hours later, a journey which used to take a full day when travelling by winding mountain road.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is nestled in a valley of lush rolling hills and sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Khan and the mighty Mekong. Influence from its French occupiers is peppered all over the city, with grand white-washed Indochinese villas lining its leafy streets, oddly complementing the golden-tipped wats (temples) found around almost every corner. Time moves so slowly here that it almost stands still, and a must-do is grabbing a Lao coffee, sitting down outside one of the many cafes and just watching the world go by, in traditional Lao-style.

This evening there is chance to walk to nearby Mount Phousi and climb its 328 steps in time for sunset, offering excellent panoramic views over this sleepy city and beyond.

Today, we'll get to have a closer look at Luang Prabang. All the main sights of interest are close together and we'll walk around the various wats (temples) including the splendid Wat Xieng Thong, which is strikingly decorated in brilliant red and gold designs, with an imposing tiled roof and mosaic dragon motifs. We'll also visit Wat Sen and the Royal Palace Museum.

Afterwards, we will board a traditional long-tail boat for the short journey up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. There a number of steps to climb here as we make our way up the limestone cliffs to reach the sacred Buddhist shrine - the view at the top makes the walk worth it. Although now abandoned by the monks, there is an altar for incense burning, flower offerings and numerous rock shelves crammed with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes. After returning to Luang Prabang, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Early this morning, we have the chance to witness the alms giving of Luang Prabang. The alms-giving ceremony is a serene daily ritual where locals and visitors offer food to rows of saffron-robed monks at dawn, symbolizing generosity and spiritual reflection.

Afterwards, we'll travel to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, a 45-minute drive from Luang Prabang. Passing forested hills and several ethnic minority villages, we'll arrive at the limestone falls that cascade into several turquoise pools below.

This afternoon there is an opportunity to take an afternoon bicycle trip to the Lao Loum village at Ban Phanom. Approximately 6 km from Luang Prabang, the road gently undulates through cultivated scenery and arrives at a well-kept scenic village on the banks of the Nam Khan River. We will spend time meeting the locals and learning a little more about the everyday life of rural Lao before returning to Luang Prabang for a well-earned Beer Lao.20

This morning is free to explore more of Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we fly to Hanoi in Vietnam.

This evening you can take a walk through the bustling streets and markets of the Old Quarter. The shops themselves have very narrow frontages, but are actually quite deep; they are known locally as 'tube' shops, while on the pavement food vendors sell noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers.

This morning, we'll take a walking tour of Hanoi, taking in the main sights such as the Presidential Palace and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Our tour leader will fill us in on the history as we go.

In the afternoon, there's the option to take a cyclo tour to discover Hanoi's Old Quarter. You'll notice that the streets here are named after various crafts or specialities; Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street and so on. You'll also notice food vendors selling noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers - it's the perfect time to try some street food.

Take some time to soak in your surroundings as the tempting smell of the food mingles with the scent of incense from the local temples.

Alternatively, there's the option to see a water puppet show. This is a centuries-old art form where wooden puppets dance across the water to live folk music.

Today, we say goodbye to Hanoi and drive for two-and-a-half hours to the island of Cat Ba, the largest island in the Bay of Tonkin and a UNESCO Biosphere site. The island is made up of rolling hills and towering cliffs and has a lush-forested interior pocketed with natural cave systems.

After settling into our hotel, we'll have time to explore Cat Ba's green interior and some of its best caves. We first take a short, forested walkway to Trung Trang Cave which extends into the side of one of Cat Ba's many limestone cliffs.

Next, we visit Hospital Cave, so-called as it was used as a shelter by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and its 17 separate rooms included a working operating theatre and even a cinema.

This morning, we discover Lan Ha Bay, a lesser visited but nonetheless beautiful extension of stunning Halong Bay. The greater Halong Bay area is one of Southeast Asia's greatest natural attractions and is listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the world. The landscape is made up of hundreds of limestone islands that rise from the jade-green waters of the bay like the scales of a submerged dragon. Halong actually means 'where the dragon descends to the sea', and local legends talk of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a dragon as he ran from the mountains into the waters of the bay below.

Later today, we'll board the Reunification Express overnight train to Hue. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we choose to travel by train instead of flying - cutting carbon emissions and enjoying a more authentic experience of local life along the way. We'll travel in comfortable 'soft-sleeper' four-berth cabins with bunk beds - all bedding is provided. Each carriage has both Western and Asian-style toilets, plus a basin.

Please note, our tour leader will assign beds and do their best to keep our group together, but we might need to share cabins with other travellers.

We'll arrive in Hue this morning. A quietly impressive place, the city is one of the great cultural and religious centres of Vietnam. The Perfume River divides the city in two and has been the inspiration for poets and painters for many centuries.

This afternoon, we'll take a boat trip along the Perfume River from Hue to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This serene temple is the oldest in Hué and also the symbol of the city.

This morning, we'll explore Hue's incredible Imperial Citadel, a stunning palace built by Vietnam's last emperors. Even though parts were damaged in the past, the impressive walls and buildings still give a real sense of the city's royal history and charm.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You could check out the famous Emperor's Tombs, each with its own unique vibe and beautiful surroundings. Or head to Dong Ba Market to dive into local life and taste some amazing street food.

This morning, we'll set off on a breathtaking drive along the Hai Van Pass, also called the Ocean Cloud Pass. Along the way, enjoy charming rural scenes with thatched wooden houses and lush rice paddies, all framed by stunning sea views.

Next, we'll explore the Marble Mountains - five striking peaks that represent the elements of water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Inside, you'll find peaceful Buddhist grottoes and beautiful temples carved into the stone.

Afterward, we'll stop at My Khe Beach, once known as China Beach by American troops, to relax on its soft, white sands.

From there, it's a short drive to the enchanting UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, where history and vibrant culture await.

Today is yours to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

This historic merchant town was once one of Southeast Asia's busiest trading ports in the 17th and 18th centuries. First settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Hoi An still charms visitors with its beautifully preserved medieval streets and architecture.

You might want to stroll across the iconic Japanese Bridge or explore the intricate Chinese temples and meeting halls scattered throughout the Old Town. The town is full of vibrant shops, cozy cafes, lively bars, and excellent restaurants - perfect for souvenir shopping, getting custom clothes tailored, or simply relaxing by the river and watching the world go by.

For something hands-on, consider joining a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients - a delicious way to dive into the culture. Or, you could completely unwind with a traditional massage.

This morning, we'll visit My Son, one of Vietnam's most sacred and captivating Cham sites. The Cham people were ancient rulers who broke away from Chinese control in 2 AD to build their own kingdom. The journey to My Son is a bit bumpy as we wind through lush, wooded hills, but it's well worth it to explore the impressive clusters of Cham temples scattered around the site.

The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy more of Hoi An. You might want to try a famous banh mi from one of the local vendors or take part in a lantern-making workshop, crafting the colourful lanterns that light up the town. If you prefer, the beach is just a short taxi ride away, or you could take a peaceful boat trip on the river.

We're starting the day early to catch our flight to Saigon. After a quick drive to Danang Airport, we fly into Ho Chi Minh City - known as Saigon by the locals - and then head down to the amazing Mekong Delta. This area is one of the most unique spots in Vietnam, with its endless rivers, coconut palms, and small villages that feel like a whole different world.

We take a boat to our guesthouse where we enjoy traditional food from the Delta and then we hop on a local ferry to a nearby village and explore by trishaw, weaving through lively streets and local markets. Then, we jump onto traditional wooden sampan boats to cruise through the narrow canals, soaking in the peaceful vibe and watching everyday life float by.

We'll spend the night in a guesthouse, giving you a real feel for the laid-back, authentic charm that makes the Mekong Delta such a special place.

This morning, we have even more time to explore the winding canals of the Mekong Delta. As we glide along the peaceful waterways, there's a chance we'll meet some of the locals going about their days. We might also catch a glimpse skilled workers turning fresh coconuts into tasty treats and useful products.

After soaking up the tranquil atmosphere and rural charm, we'll hop back in the vehicle and make our way back to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, carrying with us the unforgettable sights and stories of the Mekong Delta.

This morning, we'll dive into the sights of Old Saigon, now known as District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, our tour leader will point out landmarks like the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the grand General Post Office, and some iconic French Colonial hotels like The Rex.

Next, we'll visit the Independence Palace - also called the Reunification Hall - and the powerful War Remnants Museum, which offers a gripping look at Vietnam's turbulent history.

In the afternoon, we'll explore a different side of the city by wandering through Old Saigon's narrow back alleys. Here, you'll see everything from quirky local shops and bustling markets bursting with colourful fruit and everyday goods, to churches, schools, and cozy homes all packed into tight spaces.

Our walk finishes at Saigon's 'Secret Weapons Bunker' - a discreet tube house hiding a trapdoor leading down to a basement stocked with rifles, grenades, and ammunition. This bunker was a crucial part of the 1968 TET Offensive. You'll have time to explore the hidden rooms, filled with decommissioned weapons, photos, news clippings, and other wartime memorabilia.

This morning, we'll take a short drive out of the city to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground command base which was a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're up to experiencing the claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong lived in, there's the opportunity to crawl through a small, specially adapted section of the tunnels.

Afterwards we bid farewell to our tour leader who continues back to Ho Chi Minh City while you continue by road into Cambodia. Border formalities take place at Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) crossing point.

Our final destination is Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Our total driving time today if five to six hours, including stops.

Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as Cambodia's capital city in the 1440s. It's now a lively city with many French colonial buildings and plenty to see. Accompanied by a local guide, we'll visit the National Museum, a treasure trove of beautifully preserved carvings and lintels rescued from Angkor; the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the temple of Wat Phnom.

This afternoon, we'll visit the emotive Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a high school that became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation centre; and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - the memorial stupa is a glass tower filled with human skulls - a gruesome reminder of the scale of Pol Pot's atrocities before returning back in the city.

Our optional excursions close to the city include a trip to Silk Island, Chiso Mountain or the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Each of these takes up half a day and can be combined, our tour leader will discuss it in more detail. Silk Island or Koh Dach is reached by a short boat journey along the Mekong where the majority of villagers on the island earn a living producing handicrafts. It's a great opportunity to learn more about traditional ways of life and interact with locals as you learn about silk weaving. Chiso Mountain (380 meters/1247 feet), located in Sia village about 62 kilometres/38.5 miles south of Phnom Penh, is topped by the ruins of an 11th-century Khmer Brahmanic Temple with views of the surrounding paddy fields. Oudong is around one hour north of the capital and offers the opportunity to explore historic temples and stupas.

We set off into the countryside this morning, driving out of the city and towards Siem Reap. The drive is very picturesque, taking us through rural Cambodia, past vast rice fields and through stilted villages.

This morning, we have an early start for our drive to Siem Reap, stopping somewhere for lunch on the way. Later in the day, we'll journey to nearby Tonle Sap Lake where we board our charter boat for a leisurely cruise through a fascinating floating village to see stilt houses, floating markets and an array of boats.

It's worth noting that our tour leader might change our itinerary over the next three days to avoid crowds and coincide with the sunset etc.

Angkor was a series of cities, built between the 9th and the 13th centuries by the Khmer kings, with a population of 750,000 in its heyday. The Angkor complex is spread out over 155 square kilometres, scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas-reliefs.

We'll visit the Rolous group, which are some of the earliest temples, as well as the temples of Banteay Srei. Finishing up the day at East Mebon, with a visit to Pre Rup temple, we hope to catch the sunset over Angkor.

Our exploration continues today with a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll. The fortified city of Angkor Thom, which he built at the end of the 12th century, is enclosed by a square wall with five monumental gates. Originally, crocodiles inhabited the moat and huge statues of gods protected each gate. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems - The Bayon, known for its maze of corridors, gothic-style towers and magical central temples. We'll explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan.

On our final day, we pay a visit to the second Angkor capital, which includes the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A highlight for many is a visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. We save the most breathtaking of all the sights, Angkor Wat, to last - staying until the sun sets on the final night of our adventure.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Siem Reap International Airport (SIA), which is approximately 60-80 minutes from the hotel. If you have time, you might choose to browse the old market for some last-minute bargains or visit the APOPO Museum.