Days 1-4 – Bright lights of Bangkok
You’ll arrive in the bustling capital of Bangkok and stay in a charming hotel close to Chao-Phraya, with a rooftop pool, and just a short walk to the famous Khao San Road. The following morning we’ll arrange a thrilling full day excursion that will give you a taste of life in Bangkok. You’ll discover local communities, learn about the history and finish the afternoon with a refreshing drink at a roof-top bar.
Days 4-6 – Elephant encounters in Chiang Mai
Today you’ll make your way to the railway station to catch the sleeper-train up to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The journey takes around 13 hours and you’ll have a comfy bed in a shared air-conditioned couchette. If you would prefer the option of a private cabin just let your Travel Specialist know. When you arrive in Chiang Mai, you’ll make your own way to your hotel in the centre of the city. With a laid-back, spiritual atmosphere, Chiang Mai is a walkable city scattered with sacred temples and shrines. If you have time, it’s worth stopping at the night market, packed with souvenirs and aromatic street food stalls.
Next you will learn all about the gentle giants of the Elephant Nature Park. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Chiang Mai and transferred to the park an hour away. You will learn all about the issues faced by elephants in Asia and the personal stories of those rescued by the park. You will have the chance to observe these majestic animals and aid in their rehabilitation before returning to Chiang Mai in the early evening for another night in the city.
Days 6-9 – Experience Luang Prabang
Today you’ll start your adventure into Laos with a flight to Luang Prabang. Step into a heady, spiritual world of golden spires, saffron-robed monks, frangipani flowers and crumbling French mansions. Prepare to be instantly caught in the spell of Luang Prabang, a heartwarming place slung along the banks of the Mekong River. You’ll spend four days getting lost in the magic of Luang Prabang, watching monks file into the temples at sunrise and floating down the Mekong at sunset.
Days 9-11 – Vive Vientiane
Today you travel by plane to Vientiane. Explore Vientiane, a sleepy, scenic capital curled around a bend in the Mekong River, packed with tuk-tuks, French bakeries and friendly monks. Marvel at temples crammed with thousands of Buddha statues, watch daily life unfold over a croissant in a pavement cafe and stroll along the riverfront. Vientiane feels more like a village than a capital city, with laid-back locals and a languid pace of life. During this trip, you’ll explore the city’s cuisine on a food tour through the colourful markets.
Days 11-13 – Flavours of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll stay in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter and during your stay you’ll embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hanoi with your private guide. You’ll learn all about local legends, admire the ancient architecture and taste a range of delicacies from grilled pork to vermicelli dumplings as you wander the streets of the Old Quarter.
Days 13-15 – Drift between limestone peaks
This morning you’ll be transferred to Halong Bay, approximately 4 hours outside of Hanoi. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. Rich in stunning views, you’ll drift between emerald karst islets and laze on tiny beaches. You’ll stay aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the water.
Days 15-18 – Classic Hoi An
At Halong, a minibus will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. That evening you’ll catch the overnight sleeper train to Danang. It’s a 15 hour train journey south with some incredible scenery to see along the way. From the train station you’ll be transferred the 45 minutes further south to your next stop, Hoi An. Watch lanterns twinkle along the river and meet the local tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam’s most atmospheric town. A jumble of crumbling Chinese shop houses, artist studios and riverside restaurants, it’s crammed with charm. The pace is slow and the food is scrumptious. In recent years, Hoi An has become something of a national treasure with its day dreamy, timeless atmosphere. While there, you’ll join a small group for a cooking class, starting with a visit to the vibrant local market to pick up fresh ingredients. After learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch of your creations, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore.
Days 18-20 – Scooting through Saigon
This morning you’ ll leave Hoi An, probably with a whole new wardrobe, and continue with your holiday in Vietnam. We’ll arrange your transfer from your hotel to Danang airport where you’ll take a quick 90 minute domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Scoot through Saigon on a vintage Vespa, searching for hidden street food hotspots. Zip through the backstreets after dark, sample the best traditional snacks in the city and listen to live music as you sip on Vietnamese coffee. It’s a night tour and foodie adventure rolled into one. After all, Ho Chi Minh is a city that comes alive as night falls. You’ll stay in a comfy hotel near the central market.
Days 20-22 – Along the Mekong to Cambodia
Today you’ll be picked up by minibus and travel about 2.5 hours to the Mekong Delta, where you’ll then head out to spend the rest of the day on the water. Visit riverbank villages and riotous floating markets as you drift through the Mekong Delta into Cambodia. As you sail between small islands you’ll watch daily delta life unfold around you, and you’ll stay in two of the Mekong’s most important cities. En route, you’ll explore Tiger Island by rickshaw and watch some stunning Mekong sunsets. Before you know it, you’ll be in Cambodia, where the adventure continues.
Days 22-24 – Past and present in Phnom Penh
Your journey by boat into Cambodia takes roughly 3 hours, stopping at the border to organise your Cambodian visa. On arrival into Phnom Penh you will be met by a local driver and transferred to your hotel. Explore Phnom Penh, a city that pulses with energy, history and survival. It’s a colourful riot of sights, sounds, monks, motorbikes and tangy aromas, packed with character. During this trip, you’ll visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, both scenes of unthinkable atrocity that bring the horror of Cambodia’s past to life. You can also explore the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as they sparkle in the sunshine.
Days 24-27 – Amazing Angkor!
Today you’ll travel by bus to Siem Reap, which takes about 6 hours. During the trip you will see locals going about their daily lives, houses high up on stilts, endless rice paddies and children playing. Get lost amongst the overgrown jungle temples and giant carved reliefs of Angkor, one of the man-made wonders of the world. During this trip, you’ll spend three days exploring the temples of Angkor, using Siem Reap as your base. You’ll learn about the ruins with a friendly local guide, but there will also be plenty of time for you to clamber between jungle temples independently.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today your Indochina trip must draw to a close. Depending on what time your flight home departs, you can spend the last day of your trip taking one last look around Siem Reap. Finally, you’ll be transferred to the airport and catch your flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Indochina Loop – Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia - In Style Accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.