12 Days in Indochina: Ancient Temples & Northern Peaks

Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor and the starting point of your journey through Indochina.

On arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center, about an hour away, for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, set off on a full day among the ancient temples of Angkor. Beginning at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its vast complex is known as the “City of Temples.”

Continuing to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most atmospheric temples, left much as it was found and famously embraced by towering tree roots — a location in the film Tomb Raider. Then journey to Angkor Thom, the great walled capital established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, exploring the captivating Bayon Temple with its serene stone faces, along with the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Baphuon Temple.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cambodia and a free morning at leisure. For those who love nature, optional excursions are available, such as Phnom Kulen to swim by the waterfall and see the River of a Thousand Lingas, a boat trip among the stilted houses and floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, or a visit to a lotus farm.

After check-out, transfer to the airport (driver only) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be met by your driver and guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Known as Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl,” the Mekong Delta is a fertile region where life revolves around rivers, canals, and orchards.

In the morning, set off on a nearly two-hour drive through lush rice fields to My Tho, then board a scenic Mekong River cruise, taking in the life along the riverbanks and the four legendary islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix. At Unicorn Island, visit a coconut candy workshop, enjoy a rowing boat ride through natural canals, and sample seasonal tropical fruits to the sound of traditional Southern Vietnamese music. Stop at a local bee farm to taste fresh honey.

In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest in the Mekong Delta, with its striking blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese architecture.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy free time until your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, a vibrant city on Vietnam’s central coast.

On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this coastal city at your own pace — relax on My Khe Beach, browse the Son Tra Night Market, or stroll along the Han River to admire the illuminated Dragon Bridge (which breathes fire and water at 9:00 PM on weekends). You may also opt for an evening Han River dinner cruise past the city’s sparkling skyline.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Around midday, set out for Cam Thanh Coconut Village, gliding through its peaceful coconut forest water aboard a traditional bamboo basket boat. Learn local fishing techniques and enjoy the hands-on activities that offer an authentic glimpse of village life.

Continue to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its timeless charm. Visit the colorful Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, browse the Central Market, and step inside the beautifully preserved Phung Hung or Tan Ky Ancient House, once home to prosperous merchants. Explore the Museum of Folk Culture, enjoy a performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, and pause at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, built more than 400 years ago.

As evening falls, enjoy a boat ride on the Hoai River and release a flower lantern with a wish for good fortune, then wander the lantern-lit night market before returning to your hotel in Da Nang.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, travel to Ba Na Hills, at an altitude of 1,487 meters, and ascend by a record-setting cable car, taking in marvelous mountain scenery along the way.

Admire the world-famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, along with Le Jardin D’Amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort, then take a second cable car to explore the French Village, a romantic replica of classical France, and the many rides and attractions of Fantasy Park. Return by cable car to Da Nang in the afternoon.

Please note: certain attractions at Ba Na Hills, including the Wax Museum, wine cellar, and some paid games, are not included.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Enjoy free time until your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time from 2:00 PM).

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace — wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and the lively Old Quarter, enjoy a coffee and photo stop at Train Street, discover the Temple of Literature and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, or shop at Dong Xuan Market.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast and check-out, depart Hanoi for Sapa by sleeping bus, travel along the expressway with comfort breaks in Phu Tho Province and Lao Cai City.

On arrival in Sapa, a charming mountain town where the H’mong, Dzao, and Tay peoples are known for their vibrant traditional dress, check in and set out on a trek to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’mong community. Visit the picturesque Cat Cat Waterfall and the French-built hydro-power station from the 19th century, and call on a local H’mong family to learn about their customs. Return to Sapa town, with free time to explore the center at your own pace.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the cable car station for a scenic ride up Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.” At around 2,800 meters, take time to admire the breathtaking views and visit the pagodas, then climb the remaining 600 steps to reach the summit (3,143m) for hiking and photos.

Return by cable car to Sapa town and check out, then transfer back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Please note: the cable car is included; the funicular railway is at your own expense.

Meals are on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, featuring thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

In the early morning, your guide will collect you from the hotel for the drive to Halong Bay along the expressway. Arriving around midday at Tuan Chau Harbor, board your day cruise for a journey of several hours among the bay’s striking islets, with lunch served on board.

Visit Sung Sot Cave (the “Surprise Cave”) to admire its remarkable stalactites, then climb Titov Island for a panoramic view over the bay. Later, enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave to discover its hidden lagoon, followed by a sunset atmosphere with tea and cakes on the sundeck. Return to the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi in the evening.

Please note: swimming at Titov Island depends on the season; the cruise itinerary may be adjusted according to weather and operating conditions.

Overnight in Hanoi.

On the last day of the journey, enjoy free time at leisure until your private transfer to the airport (driver only, without guide) for your departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, this final day offers a chance to relax or reflect on the unforgettable experiences gathered throughout your Cambodia and Vietnam journey.

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