Experience the mystical ruins of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, the Buddhist temples of Luang Prabang in Laos, and the dragon-like islands of Vietnam's Lan Ha/Halong Bay on this unique journey through Southeast Asia. Explore lost vine-covered cities, steep limestone hills, lush river valleys, and mysterious caves. Slow down and enjoy genuine encounters with locals, all accompanied by your seasoned MT Sobek guide. Have a go at tai chi, take a cooking class — even ride a jeep around Saigon. Delight in a scenic voyage on the Mekong River and an enchanting overnight cruise. Rest in comfort at elegant hotels and experience our most comprehensive adventure tour through Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Experience the mystical ruins of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, the Buddhist temples of Luang Prabang in Laos, and the dragon-like islands of Vietnam's Lan Ha/Halong Bay on this unique journey through Southeast Asia. Explore lost vine-covered cities, steep limestone hills, lush river valleys, and mysterious caves. Slow down and enjoy genuine encounters with locals, all accompanied by your seasoned MT Sobek guide. Have a go at tai chi, take a cooking class — even ride a jeep around Saigon. Delight in a scenic voyage on the Mekong River and an enchanting overnight cruise. Rest in comfort at elegant hotels and experience our most comprehensive adventure tour through Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Explore six major UNESCO World Heritage sites revered for their cultural significance and natural beauty
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Witness sacred ceremonies and visit bustling markets on this immersive MT Sobek adventure
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Experience three breathtaking countries in two weeks guided by Southeast Asia expert Sylvain Curtil
Welcome to Southeast Asia! Since most flights arrive in Bangkok in the evening, we encourage you fly in at least one day ahead of schedule to help overcome jet lag before your tour begins. You may even choose to fly in a few days early to explore this fascinating city, which has many sightseeing possibilities. From the airport, catch a complimentary hotel shuttle or take the five-minute walk via an air-conditioned underground walkway to your accommodation.
Meet your MT Sobek representative this morning and transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, capital of the first Lao kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the Mekong River in a lovely mountain-encircled setting, Luang Prabang is renowned for its historic Buddhist temples, about 32 of which date from the 14th century. Luang Prabang is unhurried, relaxed, and perfect for strolling its ancient lanes and alleyways. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a city walking tour, beginning at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, rich with golden doors, ornaments, and colorful murals. Celebrate your first day with a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace Hotel Accommodation: Maison Dalabua Hotel
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Experience the Taak Baat Ceremony & Cruise the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves
Day 3
Rise early this morning for the chance to witness the Taak Baat ceremony. Every morning, devoted residents of Luang Prabang wait on the sidewalks to offer food to the monks as they walk in line clad in their saffron-orange robes. Board a private boat for a scenic two-hour ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, being one of the only means of transport and commerce. Savor a Lao Picnic Lunch on board. Back in Luang Prabang, stop at Ock Pop Tock's non-profit organization that seeks to preserve traditional silk weaving techniques, a trade which was once an important source of income for many Lao families but is slowly fading out as modern technology has evolved. Relax on the terrace with one of the best views on the Mekong and enjoy some free time before visiting the night market.
Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace Hotel Accommodation: Maison Dalabua Hotel
Transportation: 2-hour Mekong River cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy Kuang Si Waterfalls & Fly to Cambodia
Day 4
After breakfast, leave the city behind and see some of Laos' stunning landscapes on the drive to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Walk around the cascading falls and gorgeous turquoise pools surrounded by lush forest. Back in Luang Prabang, explore Phosi Market, where fresh foods and daily life items are sold. After lunch, board your flight to Siem Reap where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel with time to freshen up before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Treeline Urban Resort
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Majestic Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
Day 5
Nothing prepares you for your first view of Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious edifice, which you behold today in the morning light. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat was designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside, the temple walls are covered with stone bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and more than 2,000 Apsara dancers. Take a break at the hotel during the hottest part of the day. In the late afternoon, explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. Enter through the impressive stone South Gate and cross the forest to the grand Bayon Temple where enigmatic stone faces gaze down from 54 towers. See the bas-reliefs of the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King before completing your day with a sunset cruise on the moat surrounding Angkor Thom. This entire region of temple complexes is one of the world's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Accommodation: Treeline Urban Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Beautiful Banteay Srei & Ta Prohm Temples
Day 6
Today begin by exploring the "precious gem" of the Angkor area: Banteay Srei, or Citadel of the Women. This well-preserved temple is built of pink sandstone seen nowhere else in Angkor and displays some stellar examples of classical Khmer art. Stop at a local pagoda for a private blessing ceremony with Buddhist monks—a memorable experience! Continue to explore the incredible site of Angkor at Ta Prohm, a temple which remains atmospherically overgrown by jungle, as most Angkor temples were when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Treeline Urban Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Vietnam & See Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
Day 7
This morning board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a short walking tour of the vibrant city, including the Cathedral, the 19th-century post office, opera house, and the City Hall. Your evening is free to explore on your own or relax, as you wish.
Accommodation: Mai House Saigon
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ride a Speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels & a Jeep through the City
Day 8
The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River where you will board a private speedboat, streaking along the riverside scenery to Cu Chi, the site of the famed labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers used by Viet Cong soldiers to hide underground during the Tet Offensive. Hear the remarkable stories of residents' resilience and view wartime weapons and other relics, and if you wish, try a short walk in a tunnel to understand firsthand what underground life was like during the war. As you cruise back to Hi Chi Minh City enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. As the night falls, take to the streets on an exciting ride around Saigon in an open-air US Army Jeep! Crisscross the city to the flower market, bustling alleys of street food vendors, where locals come to eat at night, old popular residential areas, and Bui Vien, the famous pub street.
Accommodation: Mai House Saigon
Transportation: 3-hours Saigon River cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Danang & Drive to UNESCO-Protected Hoi An on the Coast
Day 9
Begin today's journey with a flight to Danang, where you will visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Next enjoy a short drive to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The influence of Chinese traders appears in the beautiful buildings lining the riverside. Walk to a restaurant in Old Town for dinner.
Accommodation: Almanity-Hoi An, Vietnam
Transportation: 1-hour flight transfer, 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
UNESCO-Protected Hoi An
Day 10
In the morning, set off on a walking tour of the old city. Start at the colorful local market, where everything from fresh produce to silk lanterns and souvenirs. Visit a former merchant's home, a Chinese temple, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, each a testament to the port's rich trading history. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, shop, or explore on your own.
Accommodation: Almanity-Hoi An, Vietnam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Historic Hanoi
Day 11
Drive to Danang for your flight to Hanoi, a governmental center of almost three million people. Founded in 1010 as Thang Long, Hanoi's old town is a maze of streets that specialize in hardware, funerary items, carpentry, and textiles, vibrant with local life, while the French Quarter's tree-shaded streets and avenues are filled with lovely examples of French colonial architecture. Today, start the first part of your visit of Hanoi.
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Opera
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer, 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Revel in the Wonders of Hanoi
Day 12
After breakfast, delve into renowned sights and immersive experiences of the city. See Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and learn about Vietnam's independence. Visit the "Hanoi Hilton" Prison, used by North Vietnam during the war. Spend time exploring the French Quarter on foot and the Old Town to watch a slice of local life. Explore Hang Be Market, selling produce and street food, and stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.
Accommodation: Hotel de L’Opera
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a Lan Ha/Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
Day 13
Drive to Halong Bay and step aboard for an overnight cruise. From the deck, enjoy spectacular views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its emerald-green waters and its mystical landscape of 3,000 towering limestone islands. Cruise among the spellbinding islets to Lan Ha Bay—a separate section of Halong Bay. Here you can kayak or simply enjoy a swim. Later, catch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin and then join a traditional cooking class onboard before savoring dinner.
Accommodation: Orchid Cruise
Activity: Optional 1-hour walk, swimming, and kayaking
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer, overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Back through Lan Ha/Halong Bay & Return to Hanoi
Day 14
Greet the day with a morning tai chi exercise on the deck and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone, and then return to the boat for a final glimpse of Lan Ha/Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Head back to Hanoi and enjoy an optional water puppet show before your farewell dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Opera
Activity: Optional 1-hour walk
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Hanoi
Day 15
It's time to say so long to Vietnam and transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
This popular MT Sobek adventure has been refined over 20 years, and captures the best of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
In 15 well-paced days, you will discover iconic World Heritage Sites and exciting hidden gems, and cruise magical Lan Ha/Halong Bay.
Our team of local guides, including trip leader Sylvain Curtil, are true experts with decades of experience, so you'll come away knowing the people as well as the place.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Sylvain C.
Sylvain is a French national but lives in Thailand and has guided in Southeast Asia for over 30 years. His speciality is leading classic MT Sobek adventures in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and throughout the Himalayan countries (Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet). Along the way he has learned about Buddhism, Hinduism, Asian history and art, and brings significant insight to the adventures he leads. Sylvain speaks French, English, Thai, Lao, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.
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Meet your MT Sobek representative this morning and transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang, capital of the first Lao kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the Mekong River in a lovely mountain-encircled setting, Luang Prabang is renowned for its historic Buddhist temples, about 32 of which date from the 14th century. Luang Prabang is unhurried, relaxed, and perfect for strolling its ancient lanes and alleyways. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a city walking tour, beginning at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, rich with golden doors, ornaments, and colorful murals. Celebrate your first day with a welcome dinner.
Rise early this morning for the chance to witness the Taak Baat ceremony. Every morning, devoted residents of Luang Prabang wait on the sidewalks to offer food to the monks as they walk in line clad in their saffron-orange robes. Board a private boat for a scenic two-hour ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, being one of the only means of transport and commerce. Savor a Lao Picnic Lunch on board. Back in Luang Prabang, stop at Ock Pop Tock\'s non-profit organization that seeks to preserve traditional silk weaving techniques, a trade which was once an important source of income for many Lao families but is slowly fading out as modern technology has evolved. Relax on the terrace with one of the best views on the Mekong and enjoy some free time before visiting the night market.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip is ranked easy to moderate. Although none of the walking on this trip is particularly difficult, you will be on your feet a significant part of most days while sightseeing and the trip packs in a lot of sights and activities. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 13
Optional 1-hour walk, swimming, and kayaking
Day 14
Optional 1-hour walk
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Elegant lodges and luxury resorts in scenic locales — all carefully selected by our Asia experts — plus an overnight stay on a classic junk.
A five-minute stroll via the underground walkway, Hyatt Regency Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is about as convenient to the airport as one can get. Comfortable rooms include eco-friendly amenities, Wi-Fi, bottled water, blackout curtains, and double-glazed windows for a restful night's sleep during your stopover. Unwind in the bar or plunge into the pool - there is also a spa and eight restaurants to choose from, including a 24-hour cafe.
Set in the heart of Hoi An old town, within walking distance of old town sights, the Almanity is an oasis of calm. The resort prides itself on superior service and surroundings, including a beautiful outdoor pool, spa, gym and multiple dining options. The Almanity features Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
Indulge in the luxurious ambiance of Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi, where French colonial-inspired opulence meets modern comfort. This award-winning hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi. It has individually decorated air-conditioned guest rooms with all the amenities There are two on-site restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool with a view, spa, a fitness center, and a terrace with sun loungers - perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing!
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Halong Bay aboard a thoughtfully designed cruiser, elegantly decorated with rich dark wood and Indochine details. Your spacious cabin looks out on enchanting scenery through floor to ceiling windows and opens onto a private balcony with seating. The stone-tiled bathroom includes a soaking tub with a view. Relax on the sundeck, cool off in the plunge pool, or visit the spa for an indulgent massage.
Set adjacent to famed Wat Xiengthong, neat white colonial-style buildings are nestled among plumeria trees and lotus ponds at this well-located hotel. Stroll over to the spa for an indulgent massage or relax in the gardens. Your spacious room is tiled in terracotta and decorated with rosewood furnishings and Lao craftwork. Many of the rooms have private balconies, and all are air-conditioned.
Treeline Urban Resort boasts 48-rooms in a cleverly designed boutique hotel on Siem Reap's riverside. At Treeline, you will enjoy proximity to the temples of Angkor as well as a respite from the rest of busy Siem Reap. The resort includes several restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and contemporary art throughout the property.
Indulge in the luxurious ambiance of Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi, where French colonial-inspired opulence meets modern comfort. This hotel is a Best Boutique Hotel in Asia winner in 2015, located in the heart of Hanoi. It has individually decorated guest rooms with amenities such as Wi-Fi, A/C, a 32-inch LCD TV, a coffee and tea bar, and a desk. There are two on-site restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a terrace with sun loungers - perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing!
Surrounded by lily ponds and lush tropical gardens, Maison Dalabua is a delightful boutique hotel blending classic Lao architecture with contemporary style. Lounge under palm fronds and banana leaves around the refreshing pool or soothe away the day with a traditional Lao massage or foot scrub before retiring into comfortable air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities. The small property is committed to sustainability, reducing waste and sourcing locally.
Step into a glamorous space where grand staircases curve and arched windows tower in deco-inspired elegance. Plush rooms cocoon you in soothing tones and the graceful lines of a bygone era. Unwind at the Four Elements Spa or make a splash in the Fifth Element pool. Explore the in-house collection of art and artifacts, sip Vietnamese coffee in the refined lounge or take in the skyline from the rooftop bar.
Weather
The weather varies in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, but from October - March the weather is relatively dry and not too hot. It can be cool in Hanoi and Halong Bay in November and December.
Feb
Mar
Nov
Dec
Angkor Wat
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Angkor Wat
91
73
94
77
88
75
87
71
Hanoi
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Hanoi
70
60
74
65
78
66
72
59
Luang Prabang
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Luang Prabang
90
60
95
65
85
64
81
58
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader, Sylvain Curtil, will meet you on arrival at Luang Prabang Airport.
Will anyone meet me on arrival in Bangkok?
No, but it is very easy to take the free shuttle to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel, located just a few minutes from the terminal.
Do I need visas for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam?
Yes, American citizens need visas for all three countries. Each country offers a streamlined e-visa process online. When you book with MT Sobek, we include details on obtaining your e-visas in your preparation materials.
What internal air is included?
The internal air includes flights from Bangkok - Luang Prabang - Pakse - Siem Reap - Saigon - Hue and Danang - Hanoi.
What airline do you use for the internal flights?
We use Vietnam Air, Lao Airlines, Thai Airlines and Bangkok Airways.
What if I do not want to ride a scooter or kayak?
All activities are optional!
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.