Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart this evening for Ho Chi Minh City, via Hong Kong.
Arrive in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city at your own pace, before indulging in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
We begin our day in lively Ho Chi Minh City, strolling Dong Khoi Street and visiting colonial landmarks, the Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum. In Cholon, explore Binh Tay Market and experience the city’s dynamic mix of history, culture, and daily life.
This morning, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels—an ingenious 200 km underground network used by the Viet Cong. Later, fly to Hanoi.
Discover Hanoi’s charm, from the Temple of Literature to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Memorial Complex, including his preserved stilt house. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, then enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Afterwards, experience a hidden café to sample Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, followed by dinner featuring Bun Cha, a Michelin recommended local specialty.
We depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay, where we board a charming wooden junk. As we cruise through the bay, we marvel at rock formations and visit the stunning Thien Cung and Dau Go caves.
We return to Hanoi to explore the fascinating Ethnology Museum before flying to Vientiane, the vibrant capital of Laos.
We explore Vientiane, Laos’ relaxed capital, with its golden stupas, treelined boulevards, and vibrant markets. Highlights include That Luang, Patuxai, Ho Phra Keo, and Talaat Sao the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics.
Today we travel north through the scenic province of Vang Vieng, enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Nam Ngum Lake, a serene man-made reservoir surrounded by mountain scenery. Continue to Nam Song River for a private longtail boat cruise (2 passengers per boat), gliding past dramatic limestone cliffs, lush jungle, and rural river life.
Our first stop is Tham Chang Cave, set high in the cliffs with spectacular panoramic views. We later board the new high-speed train to beautiful UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. Tonight, we experience traditional Lao Cultural dance performances with dinner.
Luang Prabang is a charming town where golden temples meet French colonial charm. Visit Wat Visoun and Wat Xieng Thong, stroll temple-lined streets, and explore the Royal Palace Museum for insight into Laos’ royal heritage and rich cultural traditions. Later, visit the Ock Pop Tok Craft Centre.
This morning, we visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary—feeding elephants, exploring the village grounds, and watching a Mahout demonstration. In the afternoon, cruise the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves and make a final stop at a traditional Saa paper-making village.
This morning, we visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls, passing rice paddies and small villages along the way. Admire the cascading falls and turquoise pools before returning to Luang Prabang for lunch. Later this afternoon, we fly to Siem Reap and transfer to our hotel for check-in.
This morning, we cruise Tonle Sap Lake by traditional wooden boat, passing stilted homes and floating villages. In the afternoon, we explore Angkor Thom, including Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. This evening, enjoy dinner with a cultural dance show.
We visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world, surrounded by a vast moat and impressive exterior walls. In the afternoon, explore the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots weave through ancient stone ruins.
We drive to Phnom Penh, crossing ancient laterite bridges and passing through Kampong K’dei, before visiting the remarkable pre-Angkorian monuments of Sambor Prei Kuk, with over 100 temple ruins.
We begin with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum, powerful reminders of Cambodia’s recent history. After lunch, we explore Phnom Penh’s blend of past and present, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, before a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
We fly home to Canada, via Hong Kong.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
