Witness the convergence of ancient cultures, tantalising cuisine, and gorgeous wilderness, creating a true gem of travel. Indochina brings together majestic landscapes and meaningful spiritual identities making this region so intriguing. Encounter these remarkable aspects and more on a BODHI tour of Vietnam & Cambodia & Laos.
A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures, this 13-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore traditions, ruins, urban culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Ninh Binh and witness the heights of Cambodia's past at Angkor Wat. And although many activities are included, there is still plenty of time to explore on your own and create the ultimate adventure.
Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the House on Stilts.
Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style.
Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. If desired, also visit Hanoi's top museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum.
One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha (barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). Also attend a performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppet show, or attend a performance at the landmark Hanoi Opera House.
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Today we are picking you at the airport (Time to be confirmed)
In the afternoon/evening we’re doing a foodie walk tour of the Old Quarter. This takes up to 4 hours and all foods are included in the trip price. This neighbourhood of Hanoi is a bustling and vibrant area filled with narrow streets, French colonial architecture, traditional markets, and delicious street food.
A must-visit for those interested in experiencing the unique charm of Hanoi's culture and history.
Tonight’s hotel: Hanoi Siva Luxury Hotel & Travel similar
8.30 am : Visiting Temple of Literature - The first and the oldest University in Hanoi
10.30am: Visit Museum of Ethnology
12.30 pm : Back to Town. Lunch on your own (we can offer some recommendations)
3.00 pm : Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple. One Pillar Pagoda and the House on Stilts.
5.00 pm : Bus taking guests back to the hotel. Tonight’s hotel: Hanoi Siva Luxury Hotel & Travel similar
Welcome to Ninh Binh
Placed in the North of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is the country’s ancient royal capital and the home of the historic Tran dynasty. Most of the city’s buildings are credited to King Le Dai Hanh of the tenth century dynasty.
Rather than a destination in its own right, Ninh Binh is an excellent location from which to explore the breathtaking and quintessentially Vietnamese countryside that surrounds it.
Undoubtedly the regions greatest allure is the small village of Tam Coc. Meaning the ‘three caves’, Tam Coc is often referred to as ‘Halong Bay on land’ for its dramatic limestone formations that rise out of rice paddies. The Ngo Dong River flows through the area and floats through three natural caves, Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, which are home to stalagmites and stalactites, wild vegetation and often, monkeys.
The best way to experience this striking region is with a languorous row- boat ride down the river.
8.30 am : On Bus travelling to Ninh Binh
10.30 pm : Visit the Ancient Capital – Hoa Lu
12.00 pm : Lunch at the restaurant with the local cuisine (Included – vegan/vegetarian available)
1.00 pm : Visit the UNESCO’s World Heritage sites – Trang An complex. Take the boat ride along the river to experience the magnificent scenery
3:45 pm : Visiting Mua Cave – take a short hike up to the mountain to enjoy the view of Ninh Binh
5:30 pm : Take the bus to leave for Tam Coc – Ninh Binh Tonight’s hotel: Tam Coc Serenety hotel or similar
Tonight’s hotel: Tam Coc Serenety hotel or similar
Next, travel to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions.
Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples.
Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, cooking lessons and farm visits, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern- making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.
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8.30am: Check out. Bus boarding to Noi Bai Airport. Take the flight from Hanoi to Danang
Arrive to Danang at around 5pm. Bus boarding to Hoi An Get checked in at Hoi An Hotel
Free evening in Hoi An
Hotel for tonight: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel or simliar
8.30 am : Bus boarding to Linh Ung Pagoda
10.00 am : Bus boarding to Marble Mountain
12:00: Lunch at a restaurant with local cuisine (included).
1:00 pm : Bamboo boat ride along the Coconut Jungle
3:00 pm : Bus boarding to head back to Hoi An Ancient Town,
Visiting the Japanese Bridge, Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky House
Free at leisure to explore Hoi An Ancient Town Hotel for tonight: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel or simliar
Today you will have a free day in Hoi An to explore the amazing city by your own.
In the morning we can offer you a day trip to the closest beach for sunbathing and relaxing.
In the evening we will arrange for you a Teh Dar Show wich is a contemporary performance show by the Lune Production, rooted in the tribal culture of Vietnam's Central Highlands. It combines acrobatics, tribal instruments, and storytelling to present ethnic traditions in a visually captivating way. A must see in Hoi An
Optional: My Son Sanctuary or Bicycle ride to Tra Que country side to learn about the villager activities
Hotel for tonight: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel or simliar
Made famous by its proximity to the legendary Temple of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers a step into the crumbling world of the lost Khmer Empire. Whilst Siem Reap has its charms, the showpiece is naturally Angkor. Encircled by tropical forest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is adorned with grand lotus towers and ornate carvings and reigns as the largest religious monument in the World.
Our expert guides will bring the history of Angkor Wat to life as you meander through peaceful Buddhist temples, getting up close to exquisite bas-reliefs as the sun rises over huge smiling faces. However, it’s not just the spectacularly moated temple that this ancient city boasts. Venture further afield to unearth the less visited Beng Mealea where vines interweave through columns and trees thrust out of towers. Or for a touch of rural Cambodian daily life, glide along Tonle Sap Lake to see floating and stilted villages.
Meanwhile, Siem Reap itself is quickly rising as a sanctuary for relaxation and experiencing a renaissance in Khmer cuisine and culture. Discover its interesting blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, various pop-up galleries or just relax in the tranquil surrounds of your boutique hotel.
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In the morning we’ll be heading to Danang airport.
The time of the flight to be confirmed. We will be arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia in the evening. From there we’ll be heading to the hotel. Dinner arrangements are left to your discretion.
We’d like to welcome you to Cambodia. This place is famous for its magnificent ancient temples such as Angkor Wat and Bayon, and offers a unique blend of traditional Khmer culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Hotel tonight: 4* Khmer House Resort or similar
Today we’ll visit the temples of Angkor Wat and we’ll experience the Tuk Tuk. It’s the best way to drive between the popular temples inside de complex.
We’ll be spending the afternoon exploring the town. Visiting the War Musem, Siem Reap Art Center , Old Market, Pub Street to enjoy shopping, drinking, and tasting some of the delicious Cambodian cuisine
Today we’re taking our bicycles and riding through the back roads and unpaved paths beyond Angkor temples. We’ll be exploring rural villages, rice paddies and along the way we’ll meet the locals and experience local snacks and foods.
This immersive experience can provide a deeper understanding of Cambodia's rich and diverse heritage beyond its popular tourist destinations. The ride will be around 8km.
After this we will be boarding the bus and heading back towards town. We’ll stop along the way to interact with villagers and to admire the scenery.
Following that we’ll experience the traditional Apsara Dance Performance.
Hotel tonight: 4* Khmer House Resort or similar
Deep in the centre of Laos, the former capital city of Luang Prabang boasts UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its vividly coloured temples, rich heritage and is also surrounded by a mountainous landscape filled with cascading waterfalls and caves ready to explore.
The city itself is a shimmering patchwork of golden temple roofs, burnt orange monks’ robes and teak-bordered French-colonial architecture. Wander down the busy streets and discover the ancient monasteries, hunt for bargains in the night markets and cycle throughout the area, from the old quarter to the rugged mountains beyond the city limits.
As the countryside surrounding the city offers a large menu of active pursuits; visit various waterfalls such as Kuang Si and Tad Sae. These don’t have the biggest descents, but instead meander through multiple, step-like pools, many of which you can bathe in. Or venture into the depths of the Pak Ou Cave system, trek along the forest-shrouded Tiger Trails and kayak along the winding waterways.
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Take the flight from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang – Laos Arriving to Luang Prabang, we will take the bus to our hotel
After check in explore the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local people and hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Hotel for tonight: Villa My Dream Boutique Resort or similar
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents.
This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. After breakfast, we’ll visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum (closed Tuesdays) where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well as artefacts including the Prabang, a large holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa Ngum.
We also have time to explore the Central Market, before we drive to visit the Hmong hill tribe at Ban Nam Ouay, and also Ban Ou, a village famous for its cotton production. We then spend the remainder of the day at the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls, where the water tumbles 60 meters over multi tiered limestone formations into a cool and clear pool, this makes a refreshing escape for when the heat becomes unbearable.
Hotel for tonight: Villa My Dream Boutique Resort or similar
Heading out of the town, we take a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.
Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make local rice wine having FUN and chit chat with the locals asking about how their days are...then we boarding the bus back to our hotel in Luang Prabang in the afternoon , then free at leisure and dinner are on your own.
Hotel for tonight: Villa My Dream Boutique Resort or similar
It’s hard to say goodbye but we’re at the end of our trip.
Saying goodbye to Indochina can be bittersweet as it means leaving behind the stunning scenery and the vibrant cultures and cuisines of this charming countries.
But you’ve also made memories that will last you a lifetime of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
After breakfast you have free time for last minute shopping, enjoying the hotel swimming pool or just chill before we head towards the airport to take the flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi at 18:00 o’clock, and in the evening towards (23:00) back to Europe.
13 day tour
price per person in double shared room
Important We require a 30% deposit to confirm a booking, with full payment due 14 days prior to trip departure.
