Highlights of Indochina in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

Today, you will depart from your selected airport. Your flight will take you to the serene town of Luang Prabang in Laos, with connecting flight(s) along the way. 

You’ll land in Luang Prabang, Laos – one of Indochina’s most enchanting gems.

Upon arrival, you’ll make your way through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, your guide will be waiting for you, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy to spot. You’ll then be driven to your hotel, which is about a fifteen-minute drive away. Once you arrive at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Luang Prabang offers a unique blend of traditional Laotian architecture and French colonial charm – one of the reasons the city is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Life here moves at a gentle, unhurried pace, exuding a quiet dignity that makes it truly special.

The old town is set on a peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Surrounding Luang Prabang is a breathtaking natural landscape, with forested mountains, cascading waterfalls, and hidden caves. Vibrant greens weave between golden temples and peaceful, picturesque streets.

As the sun begins to set, you can wander through the vibrant night market that springs to life along the city’s main street every evening. Here, you’ll discover everything from handmade souvenirs and silverware to colourful scarves and bustling street food stalls serving grilled snacks and noodle soups.

Today offers an action-packed full-day excursion in and around Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you. You’ll begin by exploring several of the former royal capital’s cultural highlights. Among your stops are Wat Xieng Thong, one of the city’s largest and most ornately decorated temples, and Wat Mai, celebrated for its beautifully gilded façade.

Next, your tour will take you to the former Royal Palace, constructed in 1904 during the colonial era for King Sisavang Vong. Today, the building houses the National Museum, where you can experience the well-preserved royal quarters along with a range of rare religious and cultural artefacts. It’s easy to imagine how life once unfolded on these polished palace floors.

Your journey will then continue to Mount Phousi, just one kilometre away. Here, 328 steps await, leading you all the way to the summit. Along the way, you'll pass small temples and Buddha statues where you can pause to catch your breath and take in the views. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic vista over Luang Prabang, with the rivers, temples, and lush landscapes – all beautifully framed by rolling, green-clad mountains.

After a lovely lunch, you'll head 30 kilometres south to visit the Kuang Si Waterfall. Surrounded by lush, tropical jungle, the water tumbles down a steep hillside across three levels. The highest drop is an impressive 60 metres, and at the lowest pool, you can take a dip in the calm, turquoise-blue waters.

The day concludes with a visit to the nearby Sun Bear Reserve. Run by the organisation Free The Bears, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for endangered Malayan sun bears, whose bile is unfortunately used in traditional medicine. Here, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the centre’s work to protect and care for these wonderful bears.

You will then be driven back to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

Every morning, in the early hours, a truly unique ritual unfolds in Luang Prabang. Hundreds of monks move quietly through the city’s streets, gathering alms. Each family sends a member outside with food or drinks, which are then distributed into the monks’ bowls. It’s hard not to be moved by the respectful silence and immense dignity that surrounds this daily act.

Today is yours to spend as you wish. Stroll through the charming streets, where old French colonial houses and traditional Lao wooden villas stand side by side, and where little cafés and art shops are tucked away behind colourful shutters and softly glowing lanterns. Take your time to simply wander and perhaps get a little lost in the city’s laid-back atmosphere.

A wonderful spot to pause is by the banks of the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a freshly-made smoothie or a robust Lao coffee as you watch the boats drift past. If you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture, the city offers several small museums and workshops, where you can experience traditional textile weaving, papermaking, or try your hand at Lao cookery.

In the evening, you can explore the night market, pick up any last souvenirs, or feast your way through the wide array of local dishes on offer.

Today, you will bid farewell to Laos. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Luang Prabang International Airport, from where you will fly to Hanoi in Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors. Look out for their TourCompass uniform and sign to easily spot them.

You’ll then be transferred to your hotel, and after checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy your first impressions of the Vietnamese capital at your own pace.

We highly recommend exploring the narrow, bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where each alleyway is alive with tantalising scents, sounds, and everyday snapshots of Vietnamese life. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, whose shady trees and local atmosphere make it a popular oasis in the heart of the city.

Today, an exciting tour awaits, taking you to some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.

You’ll be collected from your hotel by your guide, and the day will begin with a classic Vietnamese coffee at a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – the city’s green heart and a natural gathering place for young and old Hanoians alike.

From here, you’ll cross the iconic Huc Bridge to the Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on an island in the midst of the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge’s name means 'place touched by the morning sun’s rays'. Here, you’ll hear the legend of the emperor, the magical sword, and the giant turtle, gaining insight into how the lake got its name and why it holds such special significance for the city.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven to the Temple of Literature, a tranquil complex built in the 12th century by students of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With nearly a millennium of history, the temple stands as a rare and beautifully preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, complete with colonnades, ponds, and verdant courtyards – a spot where young students still come to pray for luck in their exams.

You’ll enjoy lunch at KOTO, which is more than just somewhere to eat. KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” and is a restaurant that trains and supports young Vietnamese people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing professional training and a fresh start in life with the vocational and personal skills needed for lasting employment, all while serving delicious Vietnamese dishes in peaceful surroundings. You can read more about the restaurant here.

The adventure will continue with a ride in a cyclo – a cycle rickshaw – weaving through the old quarter’s maze of narrow streets and vibrant, bustling trade. This historic district is famed for its 36 streets, originally named after the goods once sold there: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Many of these old street names remain, and the area is alive with local charm, as Hanoians still barter, chat, and serve up steaming bowls of pho from bustling street kitchens.

After an exciting cyclo ride, you’ll visit the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark from the French colonial era, built in the early 1900s. The distinctive iron bridge spans the Red River and was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, yet today it stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. From the bridge, you’ll get a vivid glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi, with locals riding scooters to and from work alongside cyclists and pedestrians. Look down from the bridge and you’ll see the bustling Long Bien Market, alive from the early hours, while the river views offer a calm counterpoint to the city’s pulse. The bridge is a favourite subject for photographers and travellers keen to capture Hanoi’s soul.

Today’s sightseeing tour concludes with a performance at the water puppet theatre, a centuries-old Vietnamese tradition where puppets dance across the water’s surface accompanied by live music and classical storytelling.

After an exciting day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, and the evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Today, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital city – at your own pace. You might like to join one of our optional tours, or perhaps you’d rather set off and discover the city independently.

Begin your morning early with a visit to the famous Train Street, when there are fewer people around and the atmosphere is calm. Here, the train passes right next to the street’s small cafés, offering a unique glimpse of daily life before the city properly stirs to life.

Afterwards, make your way to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. The narrow streets and French colonial buildings here conceal charming shops, colourful art galleries, and cosy cafés. Settle down with a Vietnamese coffee and watch everyday life unfold, as locals and visitors cross paths. Not far away stands the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral – with its Gothic façade and lively square, it’s a popular meeting place for both locals and travellers.

For lunch, head out in search of Hanoi’s famous street food. Try a steaming bowl of pho, enjoy the aroma of grilled bun cha, or grab a crispy banh mi to eat on the go.

From here, you can continue towards the area around the Long Bien Bridge and the nearby Long Bien Market, where the trade in fruit, vegetables, and flowers spills out into the streets, offering a vibrant glimpse into daily life in the city. The pace is lively and the atmosphere authentic, no matter the time of day.

If you’re curious about Hanoi’s history, you can also visit the ancient Imperial Citadel, which stands as a fascinating reminder of the city’s past. In the same area, you’ll also find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks and a key site in Vietnam’s modern history.

When night falls, Hanoi truly comes alive. The streets glow with the flames of street kitchens, and the air fills with the aromas of grilled meat, fresh coriander, and fragrant broth wafting through the narrow lanes. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, or settle at a rooftop bar to enjoy a view of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Today, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and set off for one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders – the legendary Ha Long Bay. The drive will take around 3 hours, with a stop en route, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and grab a refreshment.

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most distinctive natural areas. Here, hundreds of lush limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea, which shifts in colour throughout the year from deep blue to jade green. For travellers, Ha Long Bay is first and foremost a world-class natural wonder; for the Vietnamese, it is also a place steeped in legends of dragons and epic tales. Covering an area of around 1,500 square kilometres, the bay was granted UNESCO world heritage status in 1994.

You will arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll check in and, before boarding your mini cruise ship, take some time to relax in the lounge.

Once on board, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink while the crew gives a short introduction to your mini-cruise. Afterwards, a delicious lunch is served as the boat quietly glides out onto the emerald-green waters. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic rock formations, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island. Later, you can settle into your cabin and make yourself comfortable.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. To reach it, you’ll climb around 800 steps, but the effort is well worth it for the mesmerising landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have taken millions of years to form. We recommend wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes, especially in wet weather.

Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to explore Luon Cave, either by kayak or bamboo boat.

Back on board, you can unwind with a drink at the bar before the crew invites you to a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

In the evening, a delicious dinner is served with a selection of local dishes prepared by the ship’s chefs.

Please note that all activities are optional. You can therefore simply choose to enjoy the view from the ship and relax on the sun deck.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather or storms, the authorities in Vietnam reserve the right to suspend sailing in Ha Long Bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year. In such cases, the mini cruise will be replaced by a hotel stay and an excursion.

Begin your day by experiencing Ha Long Bay bathed in the soft light of the morning mist.

After breakfast, you’ll head to Ti Top Island, a small limestone island with one of Ha Long Bay’s finest sandy beaches. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the emerald-green waters or climb to the island’s summit for a magnificent panoramic view of the bay.

When you return to the boat, there’s time to pack and get ready for check-out before an early lunch is served. Meanwhile, the ship quietly sails back towards the harbour, giving you one last chance to take in the bay’s stunning scenery from the deck.

You’ll disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, where your guide and driver will be waiting to greet you. From here, you’ll return to Hanoi, where you’ll have a few hours at your leisure before boarding the night train to Da Nang. We recommend having dinner in Hanoi – perhaps in the Old Quarter, where you can also pick up snacks and drinks for your journey.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Railway Station, you’ll board the overnight train to Da Nang – a simple, yet atmospheric way to travel south through the night. By default, you’ll stay in a shared 4-berth sleeper cabin, but for an additional fee, you may upgrade to a private cabin if you’d like a little extra peace and quiet along the way.

If you’d like a more comfortable tour and extra time in Hoi An, you can opt to fly from Hanoi to Da Nang instead of taking the train. This upgrade is available as an optional extra and includes transfers to and from the airport, as well as an additional night’s stay in Hoi An.

Hoi An is an experience in itself – a town that’s easy to fall in love with. The old quarter, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is especially known for its beautifully preserved architecture, proud silk production, and talented tailors. Life here moves at a gentler pace, and history can be felt in every street, facade, and little shop.

The Thu Bon River flows through the heart of the town and, in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a bustling hub of international trade. Today, its banks offer a serene backdrop to daily life, with small boats still gliding gracefully across the water. Not far away lies the local market, a lively mix of scents, colours, and activity, where stalls overflow with fresh produce and local goods.

Beyond the river spreads a maze of charming narrow streets. Here you’re met by a vibrant mix of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese assembly halls, French colonial buildings, and the town’s distinctive merchant houses. Cars are not permitted in the old quarter, allowing you to explore the town more peacefully on foot. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands above the streets, creating a magical atmosphere – especially as evening falls. Shops and restaurants line the streets inviting you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the moment. Hoi An is also renowned for its unique coffee culture, and across town you’ll find cosy cafés where you can settle in and savour a Vietnamese coffee – perhaps the classic variety with condensed milk.

The days are yours to spend as you please, and Hoi An offers endless possibilities – whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture.

Perhaps a peaceful day by the sea appeal to you? Hire a bicycle and ride out to one of the nearby beaches, Cua Dai or An Bang, where soft sand and swaying palms create the perfect setting for a swim in the warm sea. You could also go cycling through the lush rice fields outside the town, where small villages and everyday glimpses of local life offer a wonderful insight into the Vietnamese countryside.

In Hoi An, you can also immerse yourself in the local cuisine on a cookery course, take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, or see the town from a different perspective as the lanterns light up towards the end of the day. You might even fancy visiting a local tailor to have an outfit made – a lovely keepsake to take home.

If you’re curious about the area surrounding Hoi An, you can choose from one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

Today marks your farewell to Vietnam as you head to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Da Nang International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. From here, your flight to Siem Reap will depart.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you’ll make your way through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting just outside the arrivals hall, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy for you to spot. Right from the start, you’ll notice the warm and welcoming spirit of the proud Cambodian people. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in central Siem Reap – a journey of around one and a half hours.

After arriving and checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Siem Reap is a charming, laid-back town, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the French Quarter or beneath the shady trees along the Siem Reap River. You’ll discover small shops, cafés, and bustling markets. In the evening, be sure to explore the vibrant night market, where the aroma of Khmer delicacies is truly tempting. Sample some delicious grilled meat or a spicy noodle dish and join the locals on a stool to enjoy a snack. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, why not try some grilled crickets on a skewer?

An extraordinary day awaits, with a visit to one of the world’s truly great wonders: the magnificent Angkor Wat, set within the ruined city of Angkor, a UNESCO world heritage site.

After a hearty breakfast, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you roughly fifteen minutes outside the city to this awe-inspiring temple area. As the site is vast, you’ll travel between the main locations by car, exploring each attraction on foot in the company of your guide.

Your day will begin at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of good and evil gods flank the entrance. From here, continue to the iconic Bayon temple, celebrated for the hundreds of smiling faces adorning its lofty towers. The intricate bas-reliefs are particularly striking, depicting scenes of everyday Khmer life as well as great battles between the Khmers and the ancient Thai.

You’ll also visit Phimeanakas, a pyramid-shaped temple with two pools behind it that were once used for religious rituals. Climb to the top of the temple for wonderful views across the Angkor area.

Discover the Elephant Terrace, where a long wall is adorned with intricately carved elephant heads. From here, King Jayavarman could once observe his army. Nearby, you’ll find the Terrace of the Leper King, featuring a statue of Yama, the Hindu god of death.

After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Ta Prohm, a temple that stands apart from the rest. Here, massive trees have taken root among the ruins, creating a mesmerising fusion of nature and ancient stone.

You’ll return to Siem Reap for lunch and a welcome break from the midday sun.

In the afternoon, the highlight of the day awaits: the iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and Cambodia’s best-preserved temple. Few visitors fail to be awe-struck by this spectacular building, which rises majestically in three tiers and is crowned with five lotus-shaped towers. Wander through the temple’s inner courtyards and vaulted corridors to admire the endless bas-reliefs and marvellous carvings. From the top level, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views across the grounds.

Your day will conclude with a sunset over the jungle from the top of Phnom Bakheng temple, before you return to your hotel.

Today is yours to do as you please – whether that means unwinding by the pool, exploring the city, or joining one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

If you choose to explore the city, you might like to visit the small Royal Gardens park, for instance. Or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming side streets, where you’ll come across small temples with golden roofs and exquisite gardens. Alternatively, settle in at one of the many cosy cafés along the riverside and watch the world go by.

In the evening, Pub Street comes alive with energy. Packed with restaurants and bars, it’s the city’s natural meeting point.

Today marks the end of your Indochina adventure. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, where you’ll board your flight to Europe, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll touch down at your selected airport, your suitcase brimming with memories from some of Indochina’s most enchanting destinations.