Indochina ~ the Grand Tour

Experience the best of Indochina Adventure Travel with this fabulous exploration of three unsurpassable UNESCO World Heritage sites: the otherworldly landscapes of Vietnam’s Halong Bay, the gleaming Buddhist temples and evocative French colonial architecture of Luang Prabang, Laos and Cambodia’s mystical Angkor temples. An ever-unfolding wonder, this journey is steeped in history, culture, stunning landscapes, fine class cuisine and more than a few delightful surprises! We stay at hotels specially chosen for their comfort, service, ambiance and location. Our local adventure travel guides share a wealth of knowledge, experience and fascinating stories about each of the three destinations. We have personally overseen every aspect of the itinerary, setting the stage for Indochina to capture your heart!

The magic begins in Hanoi. We tour its historic sites, explore the bustling Old Quarter, and enjoy its best and most unique restaurants. From there we head to Halong Bay, where our classic, junk-style private yacht transports us through a wondrous maze of fantastically shaped limestone islets. Swimming, kayaking and cave explorations are all on the menu, as is the finest Vietnamese cuisine, lovingly prepared by our onboard chef.

A short flight takes us to Northern Laos and Luang Prabang, a perfectly preserved French colonial settlement that redefines the meaning of atmospheric. Temple drums and gongs at dawn, saffron robed monks silently padding through the streets to collect alms, a dazzling array of local produce at the traditional market, the wide reach of the majestic Mekong River and ethnic villages set in the soft green folds of surrounding hills: such delights await us each day as we set out from the beautiful refurbished royal residence in the heart of the old town.

Finally we arrive in Siem Reap to discover one of the most astonishing accomplishments of mankind: the colossal temples of Angkor. A carefully crafted itinerary ensures we experience each temple at the right time of day – when the light is just right and when the crowds are busy somewhere else. Our expert guide brings alive the enthralling background stories of these awe-inspiring sites. At the end of each day, your luxury hotel is a perfect oasis to relax and reflect on the wonders of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Experience the best of Indochina with this luxury exploration of three unsurpassable UNESCO World Heritage sites: ethereal Halong Bay, evocative Luang Prabang and mystical Angkor Wat. An ever-unfolding wonder, this journey is steeped in history, culture, stunning landscapes, fine cuisine and more than a few delightful surprises! From the historic hotels, chosen for their comfort, ambience and location, to our hand-picked local guides who enthrall you with their stories and knowledge, we personally attend to every detail, setting the stage for Indochina to capture your heart.

Day 1 — Hanoi

Arrive in the bustling heart of Hanoi and check into the country’s best hotel. In the evening, a welcome dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants awaits you.

Day 2 — Hanoi

Visit the city’s famous sites, including Ho Chi Min’s Mausoleum and the Confucian Temple of Literature, take in a Water Puppet Show and experience a truly unique local restaurant.

Day 3 — Halong Bay

Embark our luxurious mothership, cruise through jade-coloured waters past fantastically shaped islets to the far reaches of Halong Bay. Swim, kayak, toast the sunset with fine wine and feast on a sumptuous dinner of fresh seafood.

Day 4 — Halong Bay

Paddle far into sea caves with the sound of water gurgling and booming in their dark depths. Relax on a white sand beach below a towering cliff and explore colourful Ba Men Temple tucked into the greenery close by.

Day 5 — Halong Bay/Hanoi

Drift through a magical misty dawn back towards port. On your return to Hanoi, head for a tiny traditional restaurant where locals have been enjoying the same house-special for over a hundred years.

Day 6 — Luang Prabang

Arrive in this magical city that was once the home of royals and check into a historic 5-star hotel. Take in the atmosphere as you sip the best espresso you’ve ever had and savour a delicate pastry at our favourite French colonial café.

Day 7 — Luang Prabang

Rise early to see lines of saffron clad, barefoot monks streaming out of ancient temples of the the royal quarter. After breakfast jump aboard a traditional, long riverboat heading up the mighty, swirling Mekong River to Pak Ou cave, and light joss sticks to appease the river gods.

Day 8 — Luang Prabang

Walk with an elephant through bamboo forests to a beautiful waterfall for lunch.

Day 9 — Siem Reap

Fly to Cambodia, check into our favourite hotel there and put your feet up or indulge in the spa.  Your  afternoon visit to the Angkor treasures in the National Museum sets the scene for our adventures ahead.

Day 10 — Siem Reap

Start your exploration of the ancient Khmer temples at first light to watch the sun creep up above the spires of Angkor Wat and reflect off the lotus lake. Follow our top local guide as he coordinates our visits of Angkor’s highlights to make sure we miss the crowds.

Day 11 — Siem Reap

Hike through fragrant, tropical jungle to the banks of Kbal Spean where clear, cool water rushes over sacred sculptures carved into the riverbed. Explore Banthey Sre Temple when the afternoon light brings out the details on its fine stone carvings.

Day 12 — Siem Reap

Run your hands over huge tree roots that engulf Bayon temple and contemplate the passage of time and civilizations. Take in the sunset from the top of a remote and hardly visited temple.

Day 13 — Siem Reap

Say farewell to your fellow travelers and embark on your flight home or onward journey.
Please note: this itinerary serves as an example of trip highlights and is subject to change.

Sample Itinerary