From Luang Prabang to Ancient Hanoi and Angkor Wat
Treasures of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia
Overview
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, young monks in saffron robes, women carrying goods to market by yoke basket—the visual images of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are striking. In Luang Prabang, Laos' romantic temple town, we boat along the Mekong and meet hill villagers. In Vietnam, we take a bicycle rickshaw through 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 the palaces of the Nguyen emperors in Hue. Our final treat is Angkor, Cambodia's surreal “lost city,” where the stone towers of a medieval metropolis rise out of a subtropical forest. Our incredible Trip Leaders ensure an unforgettable cultural immersion in these ancient lands.
Arrive: Luang Prabang, Laos
Depart: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Highlights
- Explore Luang Prabang's ethereal golden temples, meet hill tribe people
- Discover Hanoi's Old Quarter by bicycle rickshaw
- Experience surreal Bai Tu Long Bay on an overnight cruise
- 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 winding Mekong River. We visit its 15th century pagodas and boat along the Mekong River to a Buddhist pilgrimage site. At sunrise one morning, we'll “make merit” by giving alms to the monks.
We'll explore Hanoi's Old Quarter by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) and on foot, then head to Bai Tu Long Bay, where our private “junk” (traditional boat) brings us into a stunning UNESCO-listed landscape of sheer limestone islands.
We walk the riverside lanes of Hoi An, and in Hue, see the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors. 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.
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.
Review Trip Level Details
Laos in November and March should be warm-to-hot (80°Fs) during the days, with pleasant evening temperatures (60s). Laos in December-February will be cooler (70s), with cool-cold nights (50s) and cool, foggy mornings. Normally, there is only a small chance of rain from November through early March, and weather for the most part should be sunny.
Vietnam lies within various climate zones. Hanoi during November-March should be warm (70s) during the day with pleasant evening temperatures (60s), while in December through February can be chilly (50s-60s) during the days with cold nights (50s). During winter (November-March), Hanoi has the possibility of drizzle or rain. Bai Tu Long Bay weather is similar to that of Hanoi.
Hue during November-March has a very varied climate (different from all other regions) that may include some drizzle and rain. Hoi An during November-March should be pleasant, sunny, and warm (70°F-80°F) with nice sea breezes but on occasion it can also be rainy. Saigon during November-March (their “dry” season) will be hot and steamy during the days with warm, pleasant evenings (70s), similar to the climate of Bangkok.
Cambodia (Angkor) during November-March is likely to be hot and sunny during the days (80s-90s) with warm, pleasant evenings (70s). The climate at Angkor is dryer and hotter than Hanoi and Laos. Our trips schedule temple visits in the early morning and late afternoon with a rest break during the midday heat.
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
"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
"I don't think I have ever been so comfortable in my surroundings, or treated so well on any trip."
Gerry F.
Windsor, CA
"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
"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
"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
"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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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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.