Authentic Indochina

Experience local life in the cultural heart of Laos, discover new delights on the back streets of Hanoi and delve into an unspoiled part of rural Vietnam to enjoy cycling and hiking to colorful hill tribes. Finish off by heading to Cambodia to experience Asia's most famous ancient civilization, Angkor, and meet the people living there today.

1. Days 1-4: Luang Prabang, Laos

   The journey begins in Luang Prabang, the cultural heart of sleepy Laos. Explore this tiny gem of a town with your friendly guide, as you peep into temple courtyards, marvel at the intricate gold leaf mosaics and listen to the evening chanting of saffron-clad monks. In the evening, why not pop into the night market that stretches all through the town where friendly locals will gently greet you with ‘sabaidee’ the Laotian greeting meaning ‘be soothed’ or ‘be well’. Rising early in the morning, you can watch the silent monks process through the streets to receive their daily alms from the townspeople, before you head off to the magical Kuang Si waterfall, to marvel at the sky-blue water cascading from the jungle high above your head.

   Accommodation: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang (3 nights)

2. Days 4-6: Hanoi

   Next stop is Hanoi, the quaint, cobbled capital of Vietnam just a short flight away. Accompanied by your expert guide, explore the winding streets and inward leaning houses of the Old Quarter, and sample an egg coffee in one of the city’s oldest coffee shops. Hanoi is overwhelmed with colonial and communist history, as well as a truly unique local flavor that is all its own.

   Accommodation: The Apricot (2 nights)

3. Days 6-8: Mai Chau & Pu Luong

   From Hanoi you’ll head by road to Mai Chau, a region carpeted in luminous paddy fields and peppered with traditional stilted houses, home to welcoming ethnic groups. It's here where you'll find Hmong and White Thai hill-tribes. This area is a fantastic alternative to more commercialised Sapa that has seen increases in tourist numbers in recent years. Explore the area with your guide by bicycle or on foot, trekking to far flung corners where you can meet with local villagers. Expect to see people busy planting rice or herding buffalo through the tiny lanes.

   Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge (2 nights)

4. Days 8-9: Ninh Binh

   A four-hour drive from Mai Chau takes you to Ninh Binh, an area of unrivalled beauty. Just two hours away from the capital, the region has remained relatively untouched offering striking limestone karst scenery, similar to that found in busier Halong Bay. Enjoy a traditional sampan ride through the flooded mountain scenery and try to spot the troop of endangered langur monkeys that live in the area.

   Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden (1 night)

5. Days 9-13: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

   From Ninh Binh it's a scenic drive back to Hanoi before flying over to Siem Reap in Cambodia; the access point to Angkor Archaeological Park. Spend four nights here with your expert guide who specializes in taking you away from the crowds and to hidden parts of these breath-taking temples that have become swallowed by jungle. The sprawling temple complex is so large, there could be times when you are alone in a ruin, with just the birds and sounds of the forest around you. For total serenity, you can also take a private boat onto the tranquil Tonle Sap to explore traditional floating villages and wildlife on Southeast Asia’s largest lake. In the dry season when the water levels drop, we instead offer an exhilarating speedboat tour of the margins, on a boat originally used by park rangers to catch poachers.

   Accommodation: Sala Lodges (4 nights)

• Angkor Wat at Sunrise

  Experience the majesty of Angkor Wat with a short sunrise tour, the best time to visit this ancient monument and one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites.

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• Art and Cocktail Reception

  Enjoy uncovering the heart of the artistic center of Vietnam with a unique look at the blossoming art scene in the city.

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• Half Day City Tour of Hanoi

  Start this fascinating historical tour at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho' resides. You will then visit Ho Chi Minh's House, where he lived and worked.

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• Hanoi by Cyclo

  This fun but fascinating half day tour takes in some of the key historical sites of Hanoi, as well as the city's famous Old Quarter. Traveling by cyclo allows you to experience the hustle and bustle up close and soak up the city's wonderful atmosphere.

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• Hanoi Street Food Experience

  Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Enjoy strolling the bustling alleys and streets and savour regional specialties in favorite local spots.

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• Kuang Si Waterfalls

  Visit local markets and villages before heading out to the glorious Kuang Si Waterfalls, an idyllic spot that's ideal for swimming.

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• Luang Prabang Full Day Tour

  Enjoy a full day tour of the fascinating UNESCO protected city of Luang Prabang, exploring the Royal Palace, shimmering temples, ancient streets and traditional art and ethnology center. The day culminates in a climb to the top of Phousi Hill.

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• Mai Chau Cycling Adventure

  Jump on your bikes for a leisurely two hour cycle through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Pass through towns and villages, and wind your way through lush forest and rice paddies, admiring the scenery and perhaps getting to know some of the locals.

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• Tam Coc Boat Trip

  Tam Coc is an area within Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on Land'. A local rower will take you on a leisurely two-hour boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, which winds its way between dramatic limestone karsts.

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• Temples of the Forest

  This fantastic tour is geared around avoiding the crowds, getting you to Ta Prohm, Ta Nei and Ta Keo at the quietest time of day. Ensconced in jungle, these temples are ideal for adventurous families and couples wanting an Indiana Jones experience!

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• The Quintessence of Tonkin

  Vietnam's most spectacular cultural performance with more than 180 skillful performers presenting to you the culture and history of Northern Vietnam on the largest water stage of Vietnam.

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• Tonle Sap on Ella (private boat)

  Experience the Tonle Sap in style! Our wonderful wooden boat, Ella, has been designed from scratch to experience the wildlife and absorb the unique floating villages on the margins of the lake.

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• Water Puppet Show at Dao Thuc

  Completely unique to Vietnam, water puppetry is a wonderful example of this country’s vibrant cultural heritage. During this exclusive experience, you will meet one of the country's best puppet artisans and enjoy a private 30-minute show.

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Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau & Siem Reap