From Luang Prabang to Ancient Hanoi and Angkor Wat
Treasures of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia
Overview
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, young monks in saffron robes, women carrying goods by yoke basket—the visual images of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are striking. In Luang Prabang, we boat on the Mekong and meet hill villagers. In Vietnam, we explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, overnight on a private boat in Bai Tu Long Bay, stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, and marvel at Hue’s Nguyen palaces. Our final treat is Angkor, Cambodia’s surreal “lost city.” Our Trip Leaders ensure an unforgettable cultural immersion in these ancient lands.
Arrive: Luang Prabang, Laos
Depart: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Highlights
- Explore Luang Prabang’s golden temples and artisan shops, roam the night market
- Take a private boat ride along the Mekong and climb up to a Buddhist cave shrine
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot
- Cruise surreal Bai Tu Long Bay by private boat, with options for kayaking
- Enjoy the majesty of Cambodia’s temple-city of Angkor
Itinerary
Luang Prabang is a tranquil oasis of golden temples, colonial-era villas, and frangipani trees along the Mekong River. Several of the town’s temples date to the 15th century, including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong (“Golden Temple”). We’ll visit pagodas and roam the photogenic outdoor market, a venue for the Hmong hill tribe communities and their unique cross-stitch and appliqué work. We’ll take a private boat ride along the Mekong to a Buddhist cave pilgrimage site. At sunrise one morning, we can rise early to “make merit” by giving alms to the monks.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the perfect place to explore on foot. We’ll also visit “Uncle Ho” in his final resting place deep within the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Heading south to Bai Tu Long Bay, we board our private “junk” (traditional boat) for a stunning overnight cruise in this UNESCO-listed landscape, awaking to dawn among sheer limestone islands.
We walk the riverside lanes of Hoi An, a bustling port between the 15th and 19th centuries, during which time many splendid houses were built by prosperous European, Japanese, and Chinese merchants. In Hue, we stroll among the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, and in Saigon, we visit the historic Reunification Palace, forever associated with the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
Angkor is a breathtaking expression of the glory of the Khmer Empire. We plan our visits for the least crowded times as we explore iconic temples including Ta Prohm, where huge banyan trees have grown through the walls. Depart on Day 16 via Siem Reap, or join our Bangkok extension.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 1+, or Easiest, according to our trip grading system. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.
Laos in November and March is warm-to-hot (80°Fs) during the days, with pleasant evening temperatures (60s). December through February is cooler (70s), with chillier nights (50s) and cool, foggy mornings. There is only a small chance of rain in either season.
Hanoi during November to March is warm (70s) during the day with pleasant evening temperatures (60s), while December through February can be chilly (50s-60s) during the days with cool nights (50s) and the possibility of drizzle.
Hoi An during November to March is sunny and warm (70°F-80°F) with nice sea breezes and the chance of occasional rain. Saigon during November to March (their “dry” season) is hot and steamy during the days with warm, pleasant evenings (70s), similar to the climate of Bangkok.
Cambodia (Angkor) during November to March is hot and sunny during the days (80s-90s) with warm, pleasant evenings (70s). Our trips schedule temple visits in the early morning and late afternoon with a rest break during the midday heat.
Our accommodations range from historic colonial properties to deluxe modern hotels with a pool and spa. They are charming and comfortable, chosen for their location and authentic atmosphere. On Day 7, we spend one night on an elegant, 40-passenger ship—each spacious cabin features an en-suite bathroom, and we’ll share the ship with other non-WT guests. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible as space can be limited in hotels.
We travel primarily on private buses during this journey’s day trips. You need only carry a daypack for daily necessities—our buses will transport the rest of your luggage. We’ll take four internal flights throughout the trip, all of which are handled by WT.
Please show respect for the cultures we visit by observing local customs concerning appropriate dress, particularly in sacred places. Your Trip Leader is always available to answer questions you may have regarding this. If it is necessary to use a cell phone during the trip, please do so privately. Smoking is rarely an issue these days, but if you do smoke, please do so only away from the group.
Client Testimonials
"This was a very memorable experience. The logistics were absolutely seamless and we learned a great deal."
Alan W.
Bedford, MA
"This was the perfect getaway. The Trip Leader was the perfect host, and the individual country leaders were also great."
Anna B.
Mt. Kisco, NY
"Our Trip Leader was outstanding. His extensive knowledge, charm, patience, and delightful sense of humor made for a memorable trip."
Anne W.
Riverside, CT
"This trip was one of the highlights of my life—jam packed with wonderful sights and experiences."
Carol M.
Bronxville, NY
"It was a great trip with a great group of people. A lot of care was put into everything. So many special experiences were lined up for us and I loved that. All the burden of travel was alleviated, and we felt very taken care of. The fulsomeness of what we saw was wonderful. This was the first time we traveled in a group and we were very, very impressed!"
Catherine H.
Toronto, ON Canada
"It was a great trip with a great group of people. A lot of care was put into everything. So many special experiences were lined up for us and I loved that. All the burden of travel was alleviated, and we felt very taken care of. The fulsomeness of what we saw was wonderful. This was the first time we traveled in a group and we were very, very impressed!"
Catherine H.
Toronto, ON, Canada
"We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company."
Charlene H.
Palm Springs CA
"We had a fantastic time on this trip...one of the best ever! The itinerary was perfect—great places with so much to see and do and just the right amount of time in each."
David and Linda G.
Wilton, CT
"This trip was a fantastic experience in which everyone could participate and find those moments of discovery, challenge, and reflection."
Deborah B.
Los Gatos, CA
"This was an adventure that my husband and I will long remember. Thanks to WT for yet another outstanding trip. You really know how to run a good trip."
Essie H.
Santa Monica, CA
"We packed-in the highlights of the region and enjoyed the diverstiy, from urban museums and markets, many local waterways and an amazing cruise, local villages and must-see temples and ruins. It was an adventure to be sure."
Gail D.
Bethesda, MD
"I don't think I have ever been so comfortable in my surroundings, or treated so well on any trip."
Gerry F.
Windsor, CA
"Matt's leadership strongly contributed to my feelings and feedback about the trip. He set the tone, a positive attitude, a love of the culture, history and knowledge of the region, which greatly impacted the group's enjoyment."
Ina G.
New York, NY
"Matt's leadership strongly contributed to my feelings and feedback about the trip. He set the tone, a positive attitude, a love of the culture, history and knowledge of the region, which greatly impacted the group's enjoyment."
Ina G.
New York, NY
"It was a phenomenal journey, with plenty of variety, historical significance, and exposure to local life. Having grown up during the Vietnam war era, it was an emotional journey as well. It was wonderful to see how these countries are now thriving after experiencing such horror and tragedy. We really felt that we got exposure to how people currently live in addition to learning about their history. Thank you, Wilderness Travel, for creating this wonderful experience and itinerary!"
Jan K.
La Jolla, CA
"Sharing Indochine with Andrew was a gift. His extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience in the area made it all come alive. It was a magnificent adventure that taught me so much about the cultures and history, far more than I could have imagined."
Jane S.
Santa Fe, NM
"Excellence is what I've come to expect from Wilderness Travel, and this trip was all that and more. David Henley, Chan, Long, and Khet were quite simply the best—incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The places we visited took my breath away. There were numerous cruises to take us to more remote sites. And I particularly loved the personal touches of visiting villages and schools. What a joy to have Khmer children serenade us with ‘If You Miss the Train I'm On.’ This is a trip I may need to take a second time!"
Jeannee S.
Milwaukee, WI
"The trip was simply amazing. Even after being home for a week I'm still processing all that we saw and the fabulous people we met in each country! Bravo to Widerness Travel for another outstanding adventure!"
Jody Kaufman L.
Denver, CO
"A great way to see three countries in 2.5 weeks. Very enjoyable and educational."
Joseph L.
Acampo, CA
"This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time."
Judith M.
Albuquerque NM
"An incredible variety of activities was packed into the trip, yet we never felt rushed. It would be impossible to do what we did in the same period of time without the expertise of WT guides."
Kay M.
Cle Elum, WA
"We had many wonderful experiences during this trip! Each country had its own special events that helped us better understand its people and the ways they live. As we learned more, we developed increasing respect, knowing about the glories of their pasts and their visions for the future."
Linda L.
San Antonio, TX
"Well planned and well executed, this met all my expectations (and the bar is high because I've so much enjoyed every trip I have taken with WT!)."
Lucia C.
Santa Fe, NM
"Experiencing different cultures; viewing beautiful scenery within the cities and in rural areas; learning Indochine's incredible contemporary and ancient histories; and meeting its beautiful people made this trip extraordinary. Every day brought unique experiences. My world view has been profoundly changed by the experience."
Marjo K.
Bend, OR
"The itinerary was well put together, the accommodations were outstanding, meals were great, and our leaders were terrific--what more could you ask for?"
Marv P.
Oakland,California
"What a fabulous trip!! We saw and did so much—it is going to take me a while to absorb and process it all. Loved every minute of it!"
Patricia B.
Laredo, TX
"The trip was wonderful. I am impressed not only with the itinerary, hotels, and food, but also with how smoothly the trip runs."
Robert B.
Berkeley, CA
"What an excellent adventure! Besides the delicious food and superb hotels, our lead guide was outstanding. His historical, cultural, and anecdotal knowledge is wonderful. The local guides in each country added to our understanding of the individual country."
Sharon S.
Presque Isle, WI
"It was the BEST trip my husband and I have ever taken! WT will be the only way we will travel from here on out."
Terry H.
Kalispell, MT
"Everything was great about this trip from start to finish."
Tish P.
Ashland, OR
"This was a fantastic trip. I was able to learn so much about the history and culture of this region that I would never have gotten traveling by myself."
Tom G.
Chicago, IL
"The trip was part Indiana Jones, part Anthony Bourdain, and another part adventure in a land of amazing beauty and culture. The trip itinerary, coupled with David and the three assistant guides, provided a nice immersion into the culture of each country. It wasn’t just about seeing touristy things but being able to visit the villages and schools provided so much depth to the trip."
Tom N.
Pittsburgh, PA
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.