Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

Welcome to choose this 22 days Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia tour itinerary! Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, meet your private driver, and then you’ll be escorted to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day recovering from jet lag or exploring the surroundings on your own, as the laid-back Chiang Mai is perfect for meandering around.

➤ Recommended Activities in Chiang Mai
Hop on a songthaew, a classic truck-shaped vehicle, and head to the vibrant Nimman Promenade to browse street markets with exquisite handicrafts, Thai restaurants, specialty cafes, and massage shops. Savor an authentic northern Thai meal at the nearby Tong Tem Toh Restaurant, where grilled pork ribs, minced meat omelette rolls and charcoal-grilled pork intestines are all highly praised. The average cost is THB 200-300 (USD 6-9) per person.

➤ Tips:
1. Temple sites apply strict attire rules, so please pack clothes covering the shoulders, belly and knees.
2. Since most areas of the Indochinese Peninsula feature hot weather all year round, and mosquitoes are rampant, sun-protection gear and insect repellent are necessities.
3. The traffic conditions in Indochina are rather complex, especially with frequent motorcycle accidents. Please follow our guide closely and stay alert when crossing the road.

Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

★ Bond with Gentle Elephants in the Jungle!

Elephants are the national treasure of Thailand, and today, you’re going to spend a wonderful day with them. After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at the hotel and enjoy a 1.5-hour drive to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (join-in). On arrival, a volunteer will share with you the elephants’ living habits, as well as some dos and don'ts when playing with them. Then, put on the traditional Karen costume, and fill your basket with bananas and sugarcane to feed them. It must be magical to watch them use their trunks to roll food away from your hands! Elephants here are never forced to do anything, so if they don’t feel like eating, please let them be.

At noon, savor a buffet lunch and fruits at the reserve. You’ll also enjoy a leisurely walk by the riverbank with these gentle giants, and give them a mud bath if they’d like. Elephants regulate their body temperature by wallowing in mud, which also protects them from insects. After a simple rinse, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.
➤ Tips:
1. Bring your swimsuit and a towel if you plan to give the elephants a mud bath.
2. The outdoor sanctuary is sparsely shaded, so please wear generous sunblock and bring an insect-repellent spray.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to wander around the Warorot Market, tucked away amidst the old Chinatown. Browse stalls brimming with cotton and linen products, spices, local snacks, fresh and dried fruits, etc. Sample the food first, and if it suits your taste, just bargain for a great deal! Then, take a unique tuk-tuk vehicle through the bustling old town to the Tha Phae Gate, the best-preserved gate of Chiang Mai Old City. Walk through the gate northwest to admire the Three Kings Monument, commemorating the three kings who founded Chiang Mai, and the over-600-year-old Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city’s most prestigious temples. Marvel at the Lanna-style pagoda, which was originally over 80 meters (260 feet) high but is about 60 meters (200 feet) now after a serious earthquake and war suffering; however, it’s still the tallest building in the ancient city.

Then, round off your Chiang Mai tour with Wat Phra Singh, which is on par with Wat Chedi Luang in status. Admire the Phra Buddha Sihing, one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images; exclaim over the 20-meter (66-foot) high golden pagoda; and appreciate the elaborate murals portraying ancient local clothes and customs. From April 13th to 15th, citizens gather here and celebrate the Songkran Festival, aka the Water Splashing Festival, when this laid-back ancient city is even more atmospheric, as the streets are bustling with people splashing water on each other, Buddha statue parades, and music events. Grab a water gun and join the water-splashing battle if you visit at that time!

After that, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Bangkok. Your local guide will pick you up at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Your Bangkok tour begins with the Wat Pho, home to Bangkok's largest reclining Buddha, 46 meters (150 feet) long. Being the first university in Thailand aside, the temple is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Wander around the yard to see interesting statues in yoga and massage poses.

Afterward, admire the Grand Palace, the luxury royal chambers built from 1782 to 1946, and also the country’s largest and best-preserved palace in existence. Be smitten by the astonishing buildings, such as the two golden towers standing in front of the Royal Pantheon, built by King Rama I to honor his parents. The images of the yaksha and the divine monkey on the tower bases are extremely lifelike. In the northeast corner sits Wat Phra Kaew, housing the holy Emerald Buddha statue, one of Thailand’s three national treasures. It is highly venerated by Thai people, considered to bring prosperity to the nation and the Thai king reverently changes the attire of the Buddha at the beginning of each season.
➤ Tips:
1. The scenic spot is always crowded with tourists, so please follow your guide closely and ignore those who intend to peddle things to you.
2. As the palace is less shaded, we highly suggest preparing sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the scorching sun. Besides, you need to take off your shoes when entering Wat Phra Kaew and bring a pair of socks to cope with the hot floor in summer.

In the afternoon, hop on a boat to float around Khlong Bang Luang, a waterside community packed with boutiques, art studios, temples, authentic eateries and canal views. Stop at the Baan Silapin Artist's House, where you can enjoy DIY activities, like painting or bracelet-making. Then, return to the downtown area to visit Wat Arun, a royal temple in memory of King Taksin, who once expelled enemies and saved the country. Climb the steep stairs and closely appreciate the symbolic stupas adorned with colorful porcelain and shells.
➤ Tip: There are shops outside the temple offering costume renting, makeup, and hairstyling services, and your guide can help you if you want to rent one at your own expense for mesmerizing photos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a hassle-free excursion to Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand’s second dynasty, the Sukhothai dynasty (1350-1767). Unlike the bustling and modern Bangkok, Ayutthaya embraces a profound historical sense and tranquility. It’s hot in Ayutthaya in summer, so equip yourself with a sun hat and sunscreen.

We’ll visit the grand Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, an ancient Buddhist temple built in the mid-14th century. Stroll inside the huge stupa and toss a coin into the wishing well for good fortune! Then, head to Wat Mahathat and witness the “Buddha Head in Tree Roots”, one of the seven wonders of Thailand. It’s said that, in 1767, the temple suffered a great disaster when the Burmese army captured Ayutthaya. One of the Buddha heads, chopped off by invaders, rolled under a Bodhi tree, and hundreds of years later, the Buddha’s head was unexpectedly entwined by the Bodhi roots, creating a spectacular scene! To show respect, people need to squat to keep their heads lower than the Buddha’s head when taking photos. Afterward, admire Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the imperial palace, before it was converted into a temple. The distinctive three Ceylonese stupas in the center contain the ashes of three royal members.

Then, after strolling around the Muslim Quarter, we’ll take a cruise on the Chao Phraya River (shared base) for the return trip to Bangkok, allowing you to take in scenic views including historical temples and local dwellings along the bank and the tremendous city skyline. Lunch will be served onboard. After the cruise, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel, and the rest of the day is for your own arrangement.

➤ Recommended Activities in Bangkok (at your own expense)
After two days of temple visits, you can enjoy a wander around the Siam area, the city’s shopping mecca, to experience the modern side of Bangkok. It’s overwhelmed with huge malls, and alleys brimming with boutiques, eateries, shops for clothes by local designers, as well as famous scenic spots like Erawan Shrine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Centre Point Plus Hotel Silom, Bangkok (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a private transfer to the Bangkok airport and board a 1.5-hour flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by the local guide and then escorted to the hotel.

In the afternoon, head to the Royal Palace Museum, once the official residence for successive Laotian kings since 1904. Admire imperial and religious articles, gifts from various countries, and precious Buddha statues, including the Phra Bang Buddha, which is regarded as a national emblem. It’s said that the princess of the Khmer Empire (now Cambodia) married the founding monarch of the Lancang Kingdom, an ancient Lao kingdom, with the golden Buddha statue as her dowry. With the hope that the statue could be a blessing to his people, the newly married king renamed the city after it.
➤ Tips:
1. Photo-taking isn’t allowed inside, and you can store your camera in the locker.
2. Footwear and hat removal are required when entering the museum.

Next, the Buddhist temples Wat Mai, featuring the typical Laotian multi-tiered wooden roof, and Wat Siphoutthabath, one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, will be visited in succession. Afterward, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel and rest.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

In Luang Prabang, the day begins with an early morning alms giving, Tak Bat, a local Buddhist tradition for over 600 years. From 5:30 to 6:30, monks in orange robes holding their alms bowls walk out of the temples, rain or shine, to receive alms from believers. The monks barely talk with people or express gratitude, as giving alms is considered the common way to accumulate blessings for local people. You can mingle with the locals, take off your shoes and sit by the roadside waiting for the monks.
➤ How to Give Alms:
1. Slightly lower your head and avoid looking directly at the monks.
2. Hand the offerings respectfully to the monks with both hands and avoid touching them.

Then, on your way back to the hotel for breakfast, wander around the ancient town to take in the vivid local morning life. Afterward, let’s admire Wat Xieng Thong, a typical representative of Lao art and craftsmanship. Marvel at the luxury decorations and the mosaic mural called “the Tree of Life”, which is seen as a symbol of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Next, enjoy a cruise down the Mekong River, and stop by Ban Xang Hai Village, famed for local rice whiskey called Lao Lao. And the traditional Laotian tube skirts can also be found here. As the cruise continues, we’ll reach the Pak Ou Caves, where over 2,000 Buddha statues are enshrined in two caves at the cliffs’ bottom. Buddhism stipulates that old Buddha statues shouldn’t be discarded. Some people began to put old ones in the caves, and then others followed suit, making the current prosperous scene. When returning, proceed to Ban Xang Khong Village to view the traditional weaving process.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Xieng Thong Palace, Luang Prabang (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and set out for an ethnic H’mong village named Ban Ouay, and then continue our tour to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Pass by a butterfly garden and a black bear sanctuary before reaching the fairyland. Upon arrival at the waterfalls, immerse yourself in the breathtaking tropical rainforest landscape, splash in the turquoise pools, and find the lovely swing atop the waterfall.
➤ Tips:
1. Wear sports footwear when hiking up the hills in case of slippery rocks, and bring a pair of slippers for water adventures.
2. A mosquito repellent can be helpful, especially in the rainy season (May-Oct.).

Afterward, pay a visit to Ban Phanom Village, once a royal weaving village. Then, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Meet your professional guide and the driver upon arrival, and then you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Hanoi (at your own expense)
After a short rest, you can enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine at Madam Tran Restaurant. Try the signature grilled meat noodle soup, which is seasoned with fish sauce and lemon, and tastes sweet and sour. The crispy Vietnamese pancakes, spring rolls and seafood hot pot are also highly praised.
Average Cost per Person: VND 100,000-200,000 (USD 4-8)
Address: 42B P. Dao Duy Tu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam’s founding father. In the glass coffin, he seems to be sound asleep, and you can clearly see every strand of his hair and beard. But please note: the mausoleum is usually closed on Mondays, Fridays and for annual maintenance, and we’ll admire it from the exterior then. Afterward, stroll around the nearby Presidential Palace, where President Ho once worked, and admire his Stilt House inside the palace. You’ll also appreciate the One Pillar Pagoda, a delicate Buddhist temple supported only on a single pillar, built in a pond.

Afterward, the Taoist Quan Thanh Temple or the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda, both located in the West Lake area, will be visited to your liking. And then, head to the Temple of Literature, a traditional Confucian temple boasting Vietnam’s earliest state-run academic institute. Then, you can choose either of the two museums according to your preferences, either learning about the minority customs and culture at the Museum of Ethnology or gaining an overview of Vietnam’s prehistory and modern history at the National Museum of History.

Late in the afternoon, you’ll watch a unique Water Puppet Show, a traditional drama originating from the locals' agricultural life. With a small pool as the backdrop, puppets in the water perform folk stories and mythological tales, manipulated by the puppeteers with bamboo rods behind the scenes, accompanied by musicians alongside the pool.
➤ Tip: The puppets are small and hard to see from the back row, so please book the tour as soon as possible so that we can scramble for a front seat for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi (4 stars) or similar

The breathtaking Ha Long Bay, one of the World’s New Seven Natural Wonders, will be one of the highlights of this tour! After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at the hotel and enjoy a 2.5-hour private drive to the Ha Long Bay Wharf to board the Signature Royal Cruise. On the vast emerald water, stand more than 3,000 towering karst islets and islands of various sizes and shapes. Along the way, your guide will point out for you the interestingly shaped Stone Dog Islet, Incense Burner Islet, Fighting Cocks Islet, etc.

You’ll also get rid of the highly commercialized area and head off the beaten track to explore Bai Tu Long Bay, and board a kayak or a sampan to tour around the Vung Vieng Floating Village. Elaborate colorful houses built on rafts, with small wooden boats surrounding them, undulating hillocks cloaked in lush greenery, and calm water, together with simple but friendly villagers, all make up the local community’s rustic charm. Fishing and pearl farming are means of locals’ livelihood, offering you a chance to learn about the pearl cultivation process.

Afterward, return to the ship and have fun with various activities on board, like a traditional Vietnamese cuisine class, swimming, and night squid fishing. Today, enjoy an overnight at sea.
➤ Please note: The itinerary can be subject to changes according to the cruise ship company.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Signature Royal Cruise (4 stars) or similar

Today, be an early bird to practice Tai Chi on the deck and enjoy a stunning sunrise over the sea while sipping morning coffee or tea. Then, head to Thien Canh Son Cave by rowboat to admire the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The cave also provides a panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay and a white sandy beach to soak up the laid-back atmosphere! Afterward, return to the ship and enjoy a hearty brunch before disembarking at Ha Long Bay Wharf. Then, your guide will transfer you to Hanoi airport to catch the 1.5-hour flight to Hue. Upon landing, you’ll be escorted to the well-selected hotel, and the rest of the day is at your disposal.

➤ Recommended Activities in Hue (at your own expense)
Take your chance and unveil the mysterious Cao Dai Temple on Hung Vuong Street. Cao Dai, a special native religion in Vietnam, believes that all religions are derived from one origin. Caodaists revere Jesus, Confucius, and even William Shakespeare, Victor Hugo, etc. Then, head to Nguyen Thai Hoc Street and enjoy Hue dishes at the retro-styled Com nieu Chan Restaurant. Try the richly filled Hue spring rolls, delicious lemongrass chicken, bamboo shoots soup, and Hue braised duck. It costs VND 100,000-200,000 (USD 4-8) per person on average.

Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: White Lotus Hotel, Hue (4 stars) or similar

Hue was once Vietnam’s capital for three dynasties, including the last Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Today, your sightseeing begins with a visit to the Imperial City and its inner Hue Royal Palace. Wandering around the halls, royal temples and gardens, appreciate the dragon-shaped carvings on the eaves, red columns, elaborate Baroque decorations, and indigenous bright yellow walls, which are eloquent testimony to the subtle blend of Chinese, European and Vietnamese styles. You’ll also encounter people dressed in the royal costume or Ao Dai, Vietnam’s traditional attire, taking photos here.

Afterward, admire the iconic 400-year-old Thien Mu Pagoda. We will specially arrange a boat ride on the Perfume River for you, enabling you to soak up the scenic views along the river and appreciate a fine vista of the pagoda from afar. Upon arrival, disembark to appreciate the octagonal Phuoc Duyen Tower, which features seven floors, representing the Buddha’s seven incarnations.

Later, proceed to the Tomb of Tu Duc, the resting place of the Nguyen Dynasty’s fourth emperor. As Vietnam’s most beautiful imperial mausoleum, it boasts fascinating gardens, pavilions, a lake, and lush greenery, showcasing the emperor’s aesthetic sensibility.

At last, round off today with the bustling Dong Ba Market. Browse the countless stalls dotted in numerous sections, overwhelmed with all kinds of specialties like bamboo hats, shrimp paste, and silk paintings, as well as snacks including rice noodles and grilled chicken rice paper rolls. Haggle for whatever tickles your fancy!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: White Lotus Hotel, Hue (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Hoi An via Da Nang by a comfortable private drive. En route, stop by Hai Van Pass. Be smitten by the breathtaking winding road flanked by perilous mountains and the vast sea covered with swirling mists and clouds! Then, continue to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture to learn about Vietnam’s ancient Champa Kingdom (2nd-19th century). The historical stone and pottery carving relics hint that the Champa revered Hinduism.

Afterward, take in the relaxing ambiance at Non Nuoc Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Da Nang. Then, hike up the Marble Mountains, where many Buddha statues are enshrined in hidden ancient temples and naturally formed cliff caves, some of which even feature peculiarly shaped stalactites! We’ll finally arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town in the late afternoon. Your guide will help you check into a local hotel, and the rest of the day is at your disposal.

➤ Recommended Activity in Hoi An (at your own expense)
As night falls, the streets, the river and the boats are all lit up by thousands of colorful lanterns, coating the ancient town with an elegant and vibrant ambiance. You can stroll around the town and enjoy some serene moments on a boat ride on your own. For your information, a 20-minute boat ride costs around VND 150,000 (USD 6), including a water lantern and a cup of herbal tea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Resort, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we’ll visit some landmarks in Hoi An Ancient Town. As Hoi An used to be a vital trading port in Southeast Asia during the 15th-19th centuries, the town is dotted with buildings that blend Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese cultures. Head to the nearly 400-year-old Chua Ong Pagoda, which enshrines Guan Yu, a god of loyalty, benevolence and justice revered by Chinese. Next, let’s walk west to admire the Chinese Assembly Hall, where Chinese expatriates worship Mazu, the sea goddess. Afterward, visit the exquisite Tan Ky Old House, the residence of a merchant family for seven generations. Appreciate the Chinese couplets, Japanese-style beams and the flood level records of Hoi An’s Thu Bon River. Then, proceed to the Japanese Covered Bridge, built by the Japanese in 1593 and later reconstructed by the Chinese, and glimpse the small temple atop the bridge.

In the afternoon, embrace nature through an eco-tour in the rural area around Hoi An! Enjoy cycling through the country road until we arrive at an organic vegetable village. And a comfortable private drive awaits if you don’t like riding. Immerse yourself in the tranquil environment and get to know a wide variety of vegetables and herbs, as well as traditional farming tools and methods. Besides, a fantastic water buffalo ride offers you another indigenous experience! After that, board a peculiar bamboo basket boat, a small round-shaped boat, put on a bamboo hat, and navigate the narrow canals flanked by lush water coconut groves. Watch the boatmen’s skilled fast boat-spinning performance, which will get your adrenaline levels soaring! Moreover, the fisherman will show you how to fish with a traditional fishing net. Why not give it a try?

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hadana Boutique Resort, Hoi An (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the Da Nang airport for your onward 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Upon arrival, the local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

The city features numerous French-style buildings as it was once colonized by France. After settling down, you’ll be accompanied to admire some of the iconic ones. First, head to the Tan Dinh Church, which was painted pink from the inside out. Next, proceed to the historical European-style Old Continental Hotel. It was once a residence of French colonists in the late 19th century and has hosted many notables, like the Indian poet Tagore, and some celebrated journalists, politicians and foreign merchants during the Vietnam War. Then, walk to the diagonally opposite Opera House to appreciate fine goddess sculptures and various reliefs on the exterior walls. At last, admire the French-style City Hall, aka the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to the hotel.

➤ Recommended Activity in Ho Chi Minh City (at your own expense)
The Opera House is famous for its signature AO Show, a performance by the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus that combines acrobatics, modern dance, music and drama, depicting Vietnam's history, rural life and urban development. If interested, you can enjoy it by yourself. Check the timetable on the official website and book it in advance.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll have a morning excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground military camp during wartime, stretching for 250 kilometers (155 miles). On the ground, there are some captured tanks and planes used during the war, which you can even climb inside for close observation. Parts of the tunnels are open to the public, and your experienced guide will lead you to explore a section. While crawling along the cramped passage, you’ll find the complex network covers so many rooms for both military uses and living facilities.

In the afternoon, continue delving into the country’s tragic past at the War Remnants Museum. It displays numerous military weapons, tiger cages and tanks, but the photos showing devastating injuries made by the poisonous Agent Orange during the Vietnam War speak even louder! Besides, the photos of war refugees and the long list of missing war correspondents all silently recreate the poignant times. Then, walk across a block to visit the Reunification Palace, a historic landmark that witnessed the French colonial era, the country’s striving for independence and final reunification.

Afterward, head to the Central Post Office to learn about the city’s postal history and appreciate precious stamps, postal equipment and the distinctive Miss Saigon perfumes. Then walk southeast for several minutes to hang out along Dong Khoi Street and experience modern Saigon charm by witnessing one of its most prosperous streets, packed with high-end brands, local boutiques, eateries, and architectural monuments like the Saigon Opera House. Finish the visit, and you’ll be transferred back to the hotel. However, if you want to explore the energetic local nightlife, feel free to soak up here and return on your own!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, the primitive dense forest in the Mekong Delta awaits! After an early breakfast, we’ll head to Ben Tre and stop by one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Vietnam along the way, Vinh Trang Pagoda. It boasts exquisite decorations, giant gilded statues, serene gardens and shrines, showcasing a mix of styles that combine Eastern and Western cultures. When we arrive at Hung Vuong Tourist Wharf, board a cruise and sail along the Ben Tre River. Explore narrow canals by hand-rowing boat, with the iconic water coconut trees standing just beside you! En route, fun activities including fishing and water transfers await. Have a blast! You’ll also disembark and visit a brickwork factory to learn about how bricks are made in traditional ways; a bee-keeping site, where you’ll be treated to fresh tropical fruit and honey tea; and a coconut candy factory, where you can witness the producing process and savor sweet samples! Coconuts are a treasure, as they can be made into sugar and jam, and their branches and leaves can be used to build houses, make brooms, etc.

Afterward, enjoy the natural beauty of scissors creeks. Going along the narrower creeks, we’ll arrive at a local family workshop and have insights into the indigenous life, such as how they make sleeping mats. After that, enjoy a traditional motorized cart or bicycle ride and fully soak up the idyllic atmosphere.

At noon, have lunch at a local restaurant, and sample the fried elephant ear fish, a signature local dish! Then, go on with a rowboat ride along the waterways before you take a boat to Hung Vuong Pier, and a 2-hour private car ride will take you to the hotel in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4 stars) or similar

Today, to experience the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, bustling from 5:00 to 8:00, your guide will pick you up at around 6:00 and escort you to the busy fair by private speedboat. The vast water is teeming with various boats of different sizes. The cargo ships are overloaded with bulk wholesale goods, while the small wooden boats are packed with fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and even Vietnamese coffee and rice noodles for retail. You may wonder how buyers know what vendors sell from afar on the vast water. The long poles hanging high with samples are the answers! How wise and interesting! Due to the land market’s convenience, the hundred-year-old floating market is no longer as prosperous as before, but it still presents a unique indigenous charm. Drifting continuously, you’ll also drop by some villages to take a glance at the local life.

After the visit, your private Vietnam tour comes to an end, and you’ll be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport for a 1-hour flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Meet your professional Siem Reap guide after landing and enjoy a comfortable ride to the hotel.

➤ Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
If you desire Khmer cuisine, Changkran Khmer Restaurant is a good choice. The signature dishes include fish amok, stir-fried chicken with lemongrass, and beef and veggies fried with red ants. Having some fried bananas or refreshing coconut ice cream for dessert will be a delight. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere on a terrace seat, and the attentive staff will provide you with mosquito repellent.
Average Cost per Person: KHR 60,000-80,000 (USD 15-20)
Address: Mondol 3 Village, Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today, your Siem Reap tour begins with the sunrise at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building complex and the peak of Khmer classical art! The immense complex consists of square altars, cloisters and pagodas, with steep stairs at about 70 degrees! At sunrise, the silhouette of the towering stupas against the faint light would definitely be one of the most unforgettable scenes of the whole journey. We’ll leave the choice to you to watch it on any day during your stay in Siem Reap, depending on the weather conditions.

Next, let’s proceed to Angkor Thom, the old capital of the Khmer Empire. Entering from the South Gate to the center, stand in awe of the Bayon Temple, where 216 smiling faces were carved on 54 stupas! That’s the famous “Khmer Smile”! No matter where you are in the temple, you can see the gentle, firm smile. A few yards away are the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, featuring vivid reliefs of gods and devils.

After leaving the ancient city, continue to the Ta Prohm Temple, built by Jayavarman VII for his mother. Marvel at the python-like tree branches and roots blending in perfectly with old buildings. Then, we’ll climb uphill to the Phnom Bakheng Temple and take in the great sunset views.

Afterward, round off the day with an Apsara Dinner Show. Apsaras are fairies transformed from the waves of the Ocean of Milk in Hindu mythology, and the UNESCO-preserved Apsara Dance showcases the essence of Khmer classical art. Dancers, wearing a golden crown and dressed in splendid traditional costumes, use elegant and intricate gestures to perform the growth, germination and fruiting of plants. Their flexible and supple hand movements will leave you awestruck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Today's Angkor exploration starts with the Preah Khan Temple, dedicated by Jayavarman VII to honor his father. Passing through layers of doorways, soak up the sacred aura of the small stupa lit by sunlight in the central hall. Along the corridor, find the graceful carving of Apsara holding a mirror.

Then, enjoy a hassle-free private drive northeast, during which some local villages will be visited, to the gorgeous Banteay Srei Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Angkor. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. However, because of its delicate layout, vivid carvings and red limestone, the temple was mistaken for a lady’s residence when it was rediscovered.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to visit the Roluos Group, an ancient capital constructed during the 9th century. Nearly a hundred years earlier than Angkor Thom, Roluos is regarded as the beginning of Khmer art. The group boasts temples including Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei, among which the largest one, Bakong, was the Khmer Empire’s earliest national temple, and also the first building to resemble Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hinduism. Afterward, if time permits, have a short stay at an orphanage school before driving back to the hotel.

➤ Recommended Massage Shop (at your own expense)
After two consecutive days of temple visits, let a massage at the Relax Spa help you unwind. It features excellent service and reasonable prices; for example, a 90-minute traditional Khmer massage costs around KHR 80,000 (USD 20). You may also enjoy a discount, free mango and tea.
Address: Next to Park Hyatt Hotel, Sivutha Blvd, Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

This morning, a hands-on experience of the traditional Cambodian cooking class awaits! Follow a local chef to find seasonal ingredients in a market and soak up the indigenous lifestyle. Then, head to a cooking kitchen, where the chef will teach you to make several authentic Khmer delicacies. For example, Amok Fish, is Cambodia's national dish. Wrap the fish in banana leaves, add coconut water, coconut milk, lemongrass and Khmer curry sauce, and then bake or steam it. After the class, enjoy the elaborate dishes you made as lunch.

In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake to visit a floating village. Having been nourished long by the lake, villagers here built houses, schools, hospitals, crocodile and fish farms, and even churches on the lake. During the rainy season (Jun.-Oct.), the water level rises and the stilt houses seem to float on the surface, while during the dry season (Nov.-Apr.), when the water level drops, the houses’ pillars and stairs come into view. As you need to take a boat and walk on dusty roads, it is recommended to wear simple clothes and avoid white shoes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (4 stars) or similar

Your holiday package of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia ends today. According to your flight schedule, your guide will transfer you to the airport and see you off. Wish you a nice journey home!

Meal: Breakfast