15 Days in Indochina: Between the Sea, the Cities and the Mountains

Your journey begins in Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where everything is set for a smooth and easy start. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind — take a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a relaxed stroll nearby, or simply rest and recharge after your flight.

Ease into the rhythm of your trip at your own pace before the adventures ahead begin.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, you’ll set out to explore the Angkor complex, beginning with Angkor Thom – the ancient royal city. Here, you’ll visit Bayon Temple, known for its many smiling stone faces, before continuing to Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots grow over the ruins, creating one of the most atmospheric sites in Angkor.

There will be time for a lunch break inside the archaeological park before continuing to Angkor Wat, the largest and most iconic temple in Cambodia, admired for its grand scale, intricate carvings, and cultural significance.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head to Phnom Bakheng for sunset, where you can enjoy a wide view over the surrounding landscape – a calm and memorable way to end the day before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

The morning begins with a scenic drive through the countryside, where your family can enjoy views of green and golden landscapes depending on the season. Along the way, you will pass villages, schools, pagodas, rice fields, palm trees, as well as mango and cashew farms, before continuing about 58 km north to Phnom Kulen.

Known as Mahendraparvata, this sacred mountain holds deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is also considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, where King Jayavarman II declared independence in 804 CE.

At Kulen National Park, your family will explore both natural and cultural highlights. A large waterfall flows through the forest, attracting many local visitors, while the River of a Thousand Lingas features carvings in the riverbed dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. A short climb leads to the country’s largest Reclining Buddha statue, set on a massive boulder and regarded as one of the holiest sites. From the viewing platform, you can take in wide views over the surrounding jungle and hills.

After the visit, return to your hotel, arriving in the afternoon (around 3:00 – 4:00 pm), with time to rest and unwind.

Overnight in Siem Reap

The morning is free at your leisure, giving you time to relax and enjoy a slow start to the day before moving on to the next part of your journey – Vietnam.

At the appropriate time, your driver (no guide) will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Check-in will be arranged according to the hotel’s standard time (approximately 14:00–15:00), allowing you to settle in comfortably.

The rest of the day is free, offering you time to unwind, recharge, and gradually ease into the lighter, more relaxed pace of your upcoming beach journey.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, you will embark on a comfortable journey to My Tho (about 2 hours), passing through lush countryside landscapes. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a scenic Mekong River cruise, where you can observe daily life along the riverbanks and pass by the legendary islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix.

At Unicorn Island, the experience becomes more immersive. You will visit a traditional coconut candy workshop to see how local products are made, followed by a gentle rowing boat ride through narrow, shaded canals. Here, the calm surroundings offer a quiet contrast to the main river. The visit continues with a tasting of seasonal tropical fruits, accompanied by live Southern Vietnamese folk music.

You will also visit a local bee farm, where you can learn about beekeeping and taste fresh honey. On your return, a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda offers a chance to admire its unique architectural blend and tranquil setting.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The morning is free for you to enjoy at your own pace, whether it’s a relaxed start to the day or simply spending a little more time together before your flight.

At the appropriate time, your driver (no guide) will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, marking the next part of your journey.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be there to welcome and accompany you to your hotel. Check-in will be arranged according to the hotel’s standard time (approximately 14:00–15:00), giving everyone time to settle in comfortably.

Meals are on your own, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your preferences.

Overnight in Da Nang, as your journey continues in a more relaxed coastal setting.

Your day begins as your guide picks you up and takes you to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where a peaceful countryside experience awaits.

Here, you will explore the water coconut forest on a traditional bamboo basket boat. As you glide through the calm waterways, local fishermen will introduce you to their daily life, including round net and cast net fishing (occasionally). You will also learn how to paddle the basket boat and take part in a fun boat race, followed by a chance to try crab-catching before enjoying a drink at a local fisherman’s house.

In the afternoon, continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, where your guide will lead you through its historic highlights. Visit the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, known for its colorful architecture and cultural significance, then explore either Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House, both over 200 years old. A stop at the Japanese Bridge offers a glimpse into one of the town’s most iconic symbols.

Take some time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant at your own expense, soaking in the charming evening atmosphere of Hoi An.

As evening falls, enjoy a boat ride along the river and release flower lanterns, sending wishes for luck and prosperity while taking in the magical atmosphere of Hoi An at night. Return to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, you will take a scenic journey from the coastline to Ba Na Hills, where the world’s longest Hon Thom cable car ride offers breathtaking views of mountains and lush landscapes.

At the top, you will walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, explore the charming French Village, and enjoy a variety of attractions in a cool, refreshing climate. You also can admire the beautiful Linh Ung Pagoda and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The experience offers a perfect contrast to your beach stay while maintaining comfort and exclusivity.

A carefully arranged lunch with Indian-friendly options ensures a delightful experience before returning to the coast.

Overnight in Da Nang.

The day begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Da Nang, setting out for a half-day experience that gently combines nature, views, and cultural highlights.

Your first stop is Monkey Mountain, where the towering Lady Buddha statue overlooks a scenic backdrop of mountains and a beautifully maintained bonsai garden. The fresh air and open views create a calm and easy start to the day. Continue to the Marble Mountains, with a stop along the way to visit local stone sculpture factories, one of Da Nang’s most well-known handicraft villages.

Also known as Ngu Hanh Son, the Marble Mountains rise close to the sea, often compared to five fingers reaching out from the coastline. With a round-trip elevator ride included, you can comfortably explore caves, caverns, pagodas, stairways, and viewpoints at your own pace. The area is home to both Buddhist sanctuaries and Hindu grottoes, offering a quiet, reflective atmosphere away from the city.

The journey continues to Am Phu Cave, the largest and most striking cave in the area, where you can learn about Buddhist philosophies while taking in its dramatic natural formations.

After the visit, return to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the coastal surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight in Da Nang

The day is free at your leisure, giving you time to enjoy a slow and relaxed morning before leaving the coastal city behind. Your driver (no guide) will then pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, marking the next stage of your journey.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will be there to welcome you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Your rooms will be available according to the hotel’s standard check-in time (approximately 14:00–15:00), allowing you to settle in comfortably after your flight.

Meals are on your own, giving you the flexibility to explore local dining options at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi, as you ease into the rhythm of the capital.

Today offers a closer look into Hanoi’s history and everyday life. In the morning, get ready to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays), along with his stilt house and fish pond. You then continue to explore Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, peacefully located by West Lake.

In the afternoon, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a long-standing symbol of learning and tradition. The journey then moves to Dong Xuan Market, where the energy shifts, and you can experience local trade, small shops, and street food in a lively setting.

To close the day, you can take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where narrow streets, historic buildings, and the rhythm of everyday life come together in a way that feels both vibrant and authentic.

Tour Duration: Approximately 7 – 7.5 hours

Overnight in Hanoi, ending the day with a deeper sense of the city’s character.

Your day begins with a private transfer and guide taking you from your hotel to Sapa. The journey follows the highway to Lao Cai with a short comfort break along the way, before continuing on a scenic mountain road where valleys and terraced fields gradually come into view.

Upon arrival in Sapa, you will notice the vibrant presence of ethnic groups such as the H’mong, Dzao, and Tay in their colorful traditional costumes. You will have time to enjoy lunch with local Vietnamese dishes (at your own expense) and complete your hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, take a short walk to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’mong people, located at the foot of Fansipan Peak. With your local guide, explore daily life in the village and trek down to the valley to visit a waterfall and a historic hydraulic power station built by the French. There will be time to take photos before trekking back uphill to Sapa, enjoying the beautiful scenery in the late afternoon.

The trekking distance is approximately 2.5 km and takes around 2 hours. Afterward, your driver will pick you up and bring you back to Sapa town.

The evening is free for dinner and personal activities at your own pace.

Overnight in Sapa.

Today brings one of the most memorable highlights of your time in the north, with a journey to Fansipan Peak, also known as the highest point in Indochina.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the cable car station and begin your ascent. The ride itself is a key part of the experience, offering wide, uninterrupted views over the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. As the cabin rises above the valleys, you’ll see layers of forest, terraced hillsides, and clouds drifting across the landscape, creating a calm and scenic start to the day.

Upon reaching the upper station, you’ll have time to explore the area at your own pace. A series of stone paths and stairways lead you through temple complexes and viewpoints, with opportunities to pause, take photos, or simply take in the fresh mountain air. If you feel comfortable, you can continue up the final steps to the summit, where a panoramic view awaits. This is a rewarding moment, but entirely optional depending on your preference and energy level.

After descending by cable car, you’ll return to Sapa town for a short break before beginning your journey back to Hanoi by private car, with comfort stops along the way.

You’ll arrive in Hanoi in the evening, after a full yet well-paced day that combines natural scenery with a comfortable travel experience.

Overnight in Hanoi.

The day begins with a private transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay, where your coastal experience gently unfolds. Upon arrival, you will check in at the lounge before boarding the cruise.

As the journey begins, enjoy a light breakfast while the cruise glides past thousands of limestone islets across Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, setting the tone for a relaxing day on the water.

The first stop is Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, known for its impressive formations of stalactites in a variety of shapes. From there, continue to Titov Island, where you can take a refreshing swim in the turquoise water or climb to the top for panoramic views over the bay.

Back on board, lunch is served as the cruise passes by some of Halong Bay’s most scenic landscapes, allowing you to fully take in the surroundings at a comfortable pace.

In the afternoon, visit Luon Cave, where you can choose to explore by kayak or enjoy a peaceful bamboo boat ride (additional cost), taking in the quiet beauty of the area.

As the day continues, you may relax on the sundeck with live music or join a cooking demonstration at the restaurant, adding a light and enjoyable touch to the experience. The cruise returns to the harbor in the late afternoon, after which you will transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. Dinner is on your own.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather and cruising conditions. Wi-Fi is available in selected areas on board, though connectivity may be limited.

Today, enjoy some free time at your own pace before your driver (no guide) transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.

As your journey comes to a close, we hope you leave with beautiful memories, shared moments, and meaningful experiences from your time in Vietnam. With Vietnamtour.in accompanying you along the way, may this trip be one you will always look back on with warmth.