Compare Off the beaten track Laos & Cambodia by Audley Travel vs Indochina Essence by Exotic Voyages
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 4,095 | $ 5,959 |
| Price Per Day | $ 256 | $ 397 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
please check meal details of the tour on our website |
| Description |
Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. |
As the name suggests, this Indochina tour is truly the essence of the region. Visit the historically and culturally significant sites of the three countries Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia to understand their people, their way of life, as well as the natural wonders that these countries hold dear. Start off exploring Southern Vietnam featuring busy Saigon and the mighty Mekong Delta. Go northwards through the ancient town Hoi An and Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam with its unique architecture and cuisine. Spend 1 night on a luxury cruise along Halong Bay - one of the World Wonder. Then, explore Laos with the amazing province of Luang Prabang and finish with Cambodia's city of heritage, Siem Reap. |
Day 1: International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane
On arrival you will be met for a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and we can recommend some great places to eat.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 3: Vientiane
Today you will explore the city by bicycle. This takes in the most famous colonial and religious architecture and also contrasts that with some peaceful 'local' areas. In the early evening your guide will take you down to one of our best-loved spots on the banks of the Mekong so that you can enjoy a cold drink as the sun sets. As the evening moves on you will explore the riverbank further, mixing with the locals as you try various local delicacies.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 4: Hin Boun
Your road trip begins with a journey to the Hin Boun National Park.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 5: Hin Boun
Full day exploring the stunning Kong Lor Cave and the surrounding villages.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 6: Nam Theun National Protected Area
Journey on to Nam Theun Protected Area via the small town of Lak Sao, where you will stop for lunch. This afternoon you will take a long tail boat into the heart of the protected area. Overnight in a simple beach camp.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 7: Langkhang
Enjoy a morning trek before journeying back to Thalang. Afterwards you will continue on to Langkhang where you will be spending the night.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 8: Thakhek
This morning you will have an adventure exploring one of the least-known areas in Indochina at the Xe Bang Fai Cave. Travel by boat and car onto the sleepy town of Thakek this afternoon to be reacquainted with the Mekong River.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 9: Champasak
Wat Phou Temple's Southern Palaces, Champasak
Today you will be driven south to the peaceful town of Champasak which is famous for one of the most impressive temples in Laos; Wat Phou. This evening you can enjoy one of the best views in Laos as the sun sets over La Folie Lodge.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 10: Champasak
This morning you will uncover the secrets of Champasak with a private walking tour before returning to your hotel. You may wish to have an afternoon by the pool or take out bikes to explore the island.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 11: Phra Wihan
After breakfast you will travel to Wat Phou as the early morning is a nice cool time to climb the many steps of the temple complex and avoid the crowds. Then travel on the border to cross into Cambodia, stopping en route for lunch. Upon completing immigration formalities you will meet your Cambodian guide and transfer to nearby Preah Vihear where you will be spending the night.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 12: Siem Reap
Explore Preah Vihear this morning. Considered by many to be among the most impressive temples in Asia, it is a privilege to be able to visit again after it was off-limits for many years due to a border dispute with Thailand. Continue south to another off the beaten track area at Phnom Kulen, before reaching Banteay Srei. Here you will overnight in a local homestay.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 13: Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Banteay Srei, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Young Cambodian girl leading water buffalo, Cambodian countryside, Siem Reap
Sunset over Cambodian countryside, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Wake early to discover Banteay Srei at dawn. Other highlights will be taken in on the way to Siem Reap.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 14: Siem Reap
Today is a busy one, full of the must-see attractions within the temples of Angkor. Highlights include Ta Prohm which was made famous by the Tomb Raider film. The imposing faces of The Bayon are not to be missed and the day ends at Angkor Wat itself. As with all of our touring we go to great lengths to get the best guides and plan things in such a way as to avoid crowds when possible and see things in the best light of the day.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 15: International return flight
The atmospheric streets of Siem Reap at night
Houseboat on Tonle Sap Lake, near Siem Reap
Intricate stone carvings at Angkor
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Day 16: International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
DAY 1 SAIGON
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your flight or taking a stroll along the busy streets of the city.
DAY 2 SAIGON
Today's highlights
Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon Landmarks
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the tunnel network of Cu Chi which was sheltered to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina with historic landmarks like the Old Saigon post office and Notre Dame Cathedral (under construction until 2027). Visit Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government in the 60s, and the War Remnants Museum to learn some more about the Vietnam War's history.
DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA & RIVER
Today's highlights
Follow the waterway to discover Ben Tre's local businesses
Hotel: Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, depart from Saigon to Ben Tre, the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Follow the waterway to discover different local family-owned businesses including a brick factory. Stop at a small village, where you get to know the locals specializing in carpet weaving. Visit traditional farms, rice fields and vegetable plants, before stopping at a small local restaurant to taste a delicious lunch made of regional specialties. Check-in at the hotel. Later, hop on the bike and get around the village. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 HOI AN
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get on a boat and see the commercial life on the water with loaded boats transporting goods. Visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple as well as the busy local market. Head back to Saigon and stop by the Ancient House Cai Be, and listen to the host about the history of this land. Have lunch in the lush garden. Then, transfer directly back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for a short flight to Danang. Meet your driver, head to Hoi An, and check in at the hotel.
DAY 5 HOI AN
Today's highlights
Get refreshed by a visit to Tra Que herb village
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautiful countryside of Hoi An today. Breathe in the fresh aroma of many kinds of herbs when you come close to Tra Que herb village. Here, ride a bike through the village and help the local farmers with their garden. After lunch at a local house, drive back to the Old Town. Take a leisure stroll to see Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and an ancient bridge.
DAY 6 HOI AN
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own leisure, seeing what interests you. Along with the historic buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town captivates millions of visitors with its charming vibe and mouthwatering food. Banh mi, Com ga, Cao lau,... you make your own list.
DAY 7 HANOI
Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hanoi and transfer to your next hotel. After spending time for yourself, meet your guide to get acquainted with Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology - two of the best attractions in the city. Later, a cyclo will take you around the Old Quarter to listen to the music of Hanoi that comes from its architecture, small pagodas nestled in crowded streets, and lively sounds from sidewalk restaurants and cafes.
DAY 8 HANOI
Today's highlights
A hanoi's morning tour on a scooter
Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at around 5.30 and discover the charming city from dawn on a scooter tour. Explore the wholesale flower market, the 100-year-old Long Bien Bridge, and other typical morning sites, and witness the local life at the early stage. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast and then an Egg Coffee or Cafe Sua Da, just as the way the locals start their day. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest at your leisure.
DAY 9 HA LONG BAY
Hotel: Ginger Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. You will board the luxury cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site from your cabin then followed by a fresh seafood meal as you watch the amazing sunset over the dramatic seascapes.
DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise among the islands to discover more about the bay. Return to the dry land after a hearty lunch and drive to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to Sofitel Luang Prabng. This poetic city is your next destination.
DAY 11 LUANG PRABANG
Today's highlights
Picnic lunch at Kuang Sy Waterfall
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to discover some treasures of Luang Prabang. You will visit the Royal Palace and gorgeous Kuang Sy Waterfall where you have a picnic lunch. Return to Luang Prabang and start exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River by visiting some of the most beautiful temples like Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phou, Vat Aham, and a Hmong Night Market.
DAY 12 LUANG PRABANG
Today's highlights
Discover Pak Ou cave by boat
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early for the Buddhist ritual of 'Tak Bat' at Vat Nong temple. Next stop is a local market where your senses are awakened. Sample some tasty snacks before breakfast at a local restaurant. Relax by the Mekong with a cup of coffee. Embark a traditional boat to cruise along the Mekong River to visit the sacred cave of Pak Ou which is home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Hai to discover how Lao people make their traditional rice wine.
DAY 13 SIEM REAP
Today's highlights
Cycle to learn about the most ancient temple sites in the region
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambodia. Arrive at the airport and meet your local guide who will drive you to your hotel. After a short rest, explore by bicycle one of the most ancient temple sites in the region: the Roluos Group. You will visit a 9th-century Bakong temple, impressive Preah Ko, and Lolei which today houses a small monastery. Continue your ride to a local house where you will try Khmer pastries and talk with the locals.
DAY 14 SIEM REAP
Today's highlights
Private lunch at a secret temple
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It's famed for extraordinary ruins and bas-reliefs that feature the great architectures of the Khmer Empire. Meet your guide this morning to explore the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk. Your visit includes the famous Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the raised terrace of Leper King. A private lunch at a secret temple will make your day unforgettable.
DAY 15 SIEM REAP
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the magic city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
