INDOCHINA UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
Trip Overview
Discover the UNESCO wonders of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. While these captivating destinations are undoubtedly popular tourist hotspots, we are committed to making your holiday both authentic and memorable. Your knowledgeable Topas guide will expertly navigate you away from the crowds, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Take advantage of our curated tips to savor the finest local dishes, adding a delightful culinary adventure to your journey.
Trip type: Relaxed
Duration: 13 Days
Highlights
- Diving into a vibrant and unique cultural hub of Indochina
- Visiting to the most sacred sites of Cambodia: Angkor Thom, Ta Pronh, Angkor Wat, etc.
- Experiencing the tranquil life along the river in Luang Prabang and exploring Kuangsi Waterfalls, Laos
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the ancient UNESCO monuments of Hue, the picturesque UNESCO ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam
This Tour is Perfect for
- Seeing the most stunning and unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in Indochina
- Diving into the local culture
- Active travel in a relaxed way
- Couples, groups of friends, and families with children of all ages
Detailed Itinerary
Topas Travel creates tailor-made tours for our guests according to their specific requests. This itinerary has been designed to show you just one of many options
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival
On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport you will be met by your guide and driver before being transferred to your hotel to check in (early check-in subject to availability)
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status thanks to its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural environment and ancient architecture.
The arrival day is free for you to spend at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll and exploring some of the hidden corners of this charming city.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: leisure, 15-minute drive.
Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves
After breakfast we will head to the first stop on our itinerary, the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
We will then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which affords breathtaking views of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious 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 will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is made.
After heading back to the city, we will visit the old Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong – a superb piece of Lao temple architecture featuring a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. If time permits, we will drive out of the city to visit Ban Xangkhong, a Thai Lue village famous for its arts and crafts. We will also visit the nearby village of Ban Xienglek where traditional Saa paper is handmade. The village is relaxed and friendly and you may have the chance to join a petanque game with the local team.
In the late afternoon we will make a stop at Wat Prabath to explore the temple and enjoy the sunset. The tour will end after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find stunning examples of handmade textiles made by locals and people living in the hill tribe areas surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. Please note – lunch is not included and will be taken by your own arrangement while back in the city.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: Mekong river cruise, arts and craft, night market
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfalls
Waking up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos – the daily morning alms giving which began as early as the 14th century. Each morning, around 200 Buddhist monks leave their temples and collect their daily meal from residents sitting quietly on the streets.
Next stop will be a visit to the morning market near the former Royal Palace. Market traders crouch on the ground to sell their fresh produce to the local people who come here to barter.
After breakfast back at your hotel, we will climb the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.
We will then head out of the city to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall – the biggest waterfall in the area. Three tiers of rushing water cascade 50 metres into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are popular swimming holes with both tourists and locals. From here you can walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore the hidden waterfalls less visited by tourists.
After relaxing at the waterfalls, you will have the option of a short visit to the Bear Rescue Centre, which houses a small group of animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.
On the way back to town, we will visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Centre. Nestled in verdant grounds on the Mekong riverbank, weavers, spinners and batik makers produce high-quality traditional fabrics. Free tours every half-hour offer the chance to see the artisans at work in the traditional style workshop. The centre is also one of the best spots from which to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang. Transfer back to your hotel late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. Please note – lunch is not included and will be taken by your own arrangement while back in the city.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: Morning alms giving, Phousi Hill visit, Kuangsi waterfall.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Flight to Hanoi
Today will be free for you to explore the city sights at your leisure or simply take time to relax before heading to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Xin chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Topas guide to the capital before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is yours to spend at your leisure discovering Hanoi, perhaps wandering the streets and alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and enjoying the evening promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake. You can of course speak to your guide for some tips on what to do.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: 1-hour drive
Day 5: Hanoi Culture and History
Experience the morning like a true Hanoian at Hang Be Market, one of the Old Quarter’s liveliest “wet” markets. Wet means fresh, so expect picture-perfect mountains of vegetables, a rainbow of exotic, tropical fruits, and all manner of other items.
After the market, pass the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the way to the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in the country that also functions as a place of prayer, especially for students during exam week). Then head to the Citadel and Flag Tower, a true testament of Vietnam’s strength, resilience, and beauty.
Browse the superb exhibits at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, an essential stop on any visit to Hanoi. Learn about the heroines of Vietnamese society, especially in regards to ethnic minorities, war, and modern exhibitions before heading back to the Old Quarter for a tasty lunch in one of the Old Quarter’s most picturesque houses, with tiled flooring, ancient wooden beams, and antique furniture. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: 4 hour sightseeing tour
Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ha Long Bay for your overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay. At midday we will arrive at Sunworld International Harbor in Ha Long City where you will transfer by tender to your Tonkin cruise boat. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before checking in to your cabin.
After settling in you will begin cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay while enjoying a delicious set menu lunch. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to kayak to explore some of the picturesque lagoons, swim in the bay and relax at Cap La beach. Back on board, you will have the chance to unwind with happy hour drinks (from 5h30pm- 7h30pm), taking in the sun setting over the bay, while the boat gently cruises to Cong Dong-Cong Do area where it will anchor overnight.
At 7pm a BBQ dinner will be served on the sundeck (weather permitting). After dinner you will be free to try your hand at squid fishing or relax with some activities onboard the boat, such as playing board games or guitar, watching a movie or even indulging in some karaoke (please request in advance), or simply enjoy some beverages at the luxury sky bar which stocks a good selection of wines, cocktails, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance and activities: 3-hour drive, kayaking, swimming, squid fishing
Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoi An
Wake up early to experience Tai Chi aboard your boat.
After Tai Chi, you can enjoy a light breakfast before hopping aboard a bamboo boat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village where you will discover the daily life of the fishing communities, before heading back to the main boat.
Check-out is at 9.30am, after which you can relax on the sundeck enjoying the last scenery of Ha Long Bay over an early lunch while the boat makes its way back to shore.
Just before midday you will disembark and relax in the cafe lounge before transferring to Hanoi to take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, where you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: Fishing village tour, 4.5-hour drive, 1h20’ flight
Day 8: Hoi An Ancient town
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Hoi An this morning with a short walking tour through some of the city’s most historical architecture, including the Chinese Assembly and Japanese covered bridge. Then, take some time to admire French photographer Rehanh’s exquisite regionally-divided exhibits in the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, a culmination of seven years of his hard work in Vietnam documenting the 54 ethnic groups of the country.
Pause for lunch at Orivy, a gorgeous family-run restaurant with a large garden, serving up traditional Hoi An cuisine. After lunch, join an art workshop at Timing Masks, learning about the history of traditional Vietnamese theatre and its symbolic Tuồng masks. Choose from building the mask from scratch or just painting it before enjoying the rest of the day free at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: 5-hour sightseeing, 2-hour art workshop.
Day 9: Hoi An – Free day
With its bright pink bougainvillea spilling over the yellow walls of the ancient houses that line the picturesque streets, Hoi An is undoubtably one of Vietnam’s most charming towns. Enjoy the day at your leisure, ambling through the quaint alleyways and getting to know the restaurants, cafes, and tailors situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. We suggest popping into Reaching Out Teahouse, a lovely ancient house providing work for the hard of hearing and serving delicious teas and homemade snacks.
Included meals: Breakfast
Distance and activities: Leisure time
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang. Flight to Siem Reap
After breakfast you’ll spend your rest time in Hoian before heading back to Danang Airport for flight to Siem Reap
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our tour guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel to check in.
You will have some free time to explore and enjoy an evening meal (by your own arrangement), before staying overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: leisure, 3-hour drive.
Day 11: Angkor Thom – Ta Promh – Angkor Wat
After breakfast, we will head to the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat to begin our exploration. We will first reach the South Gate of Angkor Thom, before visiting Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Pimean Akas. We will then continue on to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy incredible views of Ta Promh temple, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will visit Angkor Wat itself where we will spend time exploring the temple site and learning more about the history of the ancient Khmer culture. We will then head up to the Bakheng Hill temple where we can enjoy the sunset views across the area. We will return to Siem Reap where you can enjoy an evening meal and relaxation time at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Distance and activities: temple visit, ancient Khmer culture.
Day 12: Banteay Srei – Grand Circuit
After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, we will set off to visit Banteay Srei temple. Though comparatively small, this temple is considered by many as the finest example of art and architecture of the Classic period of the Angkor civilization. The splendour of Banteay Srei lies in its incredibly intricate stone carvings and the pinkish sandstone used to build it. We will have plenty of time to marvel at the astonishing level of craftsmanship that went into creating this temple, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant in the Srah Srang area.
In the afternoon, we will take a tour of the main temples on the ‘Grand Circuit’ for a chance to delve deeper into the rich and fascinating history of the temple complex. The temples include Pre Rup, Eastern Mebon, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan. We’ll then head back to Siem Reap to wind down and enjoy your final night in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Distance and activities: Grand Circuit, history, art and architecture
Day 13: Siem Reap
Today you can enjoy breakfast at your hotel followed by some free time to relax or explore, before your transfer (without your guide) to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight.
Included meals: Breakfast.
Distance and activities: 1 hour drive
Tour Inclusions
- Local English-speaking guide(s) on excursion days
- All indicated accommodation (Double/twin room)
- All private airport and land transfer as indicated
- Sharing 8-seater vehicle from Hanoi – Thanh Phu Bridge/ Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi
- Shuttle bus Thanh Phu Bridge – Topas Riverside Lodge – Topas Ecolodge
- Overnight boat in Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (shared boat, private cabins)
- Boat trip in Luang Prabang
- Indicated meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All entrance fees to indicated sites
- Flight ticket: Luang Prabang – Hanoi, Hanoi – Danang, Danang – Siem Reap (Economy class on Vietnam Airlines or similar)
- Government tax
- Service charge
Tour Exclusions
- Drinks and alcohol
- Vietnam visa – Please refer to the Passport and Visa section in our Terms and Conditions
- Travel insurance – Compulsory. Please refer to the Travel insurance and Risks section in our Terms and Conditions
- Upgrades to higher standard rooms or single supplements.
- Early check in or late check out at all hotels/boat (Standard check-in time: 2pm, check-out time: 12pm)
- Personal travel items
- Tips
- Other services not mentioned in the itinerary and optional extra activities
Essential Information
- Surcharge may be applicable during peak season and public holidays
- This program utilizes comfortable accommodation in the form of carefully curated hotels, lodges, and homestays. Hotels and lodges have been selected with the active traveler in mind, offering standard services and located as close to nature and local engagement as possible. Homestays are simple and equipped with western toilets and amenities such as fans and mattresses. If you have a specific property in mind you wish to stay at, please let your travel designer know so they can work it into your program.
- All bookings are made with and through Topas Travel. By booking a trip with Topas Travel, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth here.
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