A Private Luxury Tour of Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos  – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap – HCM City

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi (Welcome to Vietnam)

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital, where you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to your luxury hotel for a three-night stay. Settle in and enjoy the lively energy of the city at your doorstep. 

Day 2 Hanoi (History, Culture & Flavor)

This morning, delve into Hanoi’s layered heritage at the Temple of Literature, pause at the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, and reflect on poignant wartime history at Hoa Lo Prison, where the late John McCain was held captive for over five years during the Vietnam War. 

In the afternoon, shift from history to flavor. Stroll through Tay Ho district, where steaming bowls of phở, delicate bánh cuốn (rice rolls), and rich Vietnamese coffee await. A simple but delicious lunch will be served at Bún Chả Hương Liên – affectionately known as Bún Chả Obama, forever remembered as the place where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared a casual Hanoi meal.

Later this afternoon, step into the past with Sofitel Legend Metropole’s exclusive “The Path of History” tour, which reveals the hotel’s storied heritage and its secret underground bomb shelter, rediscovered in 2011. The evening culminates with a set dinner at Le Beaulieu, the Metropole’s celebrated French restaurant, where timeless elegance and exquisite cuisine create a truly memorable dining experience. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Hanoi (Urban Heritage or Countryside Serenity)

Today, choose your experience from two immersive adventures crafted around your interests. 

Option 1: Hanoi Epicurean Adventure – Your morning begins with a visit to Dong Xuan Market, a vibrant hive where locals bargain for herbs, spices, and produce, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life. Continue to Thom Culinary School, a garden sanctuary in the city where you’ll prepare  a few Vietnamese classics, then savor your creations with homemade desserts, herbal infusions, and rice wine. Afterward, your guide and car will be at your service to visit additional sites around Hanoi based on your interests (such as the Imperial Citadel of Thanh Long, The National Fine Arts Museum, Train Street, etc.). Return to your hotel for a rest or sip a cocktail before venturing out this evening to hunt for the best street foood around town led by a master chef. (B,L,D)

Option 2: Experience Ninh Binh’s Breathtaking Countryside – A two-hour scenic drive takes you to Ninh Binh, also known as “Halong Bay on Land”. Here, you’ll hop on an e-bike gliding between limestone karsts, quiet village lanes, and emerald rice fields. Visit the artisan hamlet of Van Lam, stop at Bich Dong (Pearl Cave), and ride toward Thai Vi Temple and the remnants of Hoa Lu—the 10th-century capital of the Dai Co Viet Kingdom. In the afternoon, step aboard a hand-rowed sampan and drift along the Boi River, flanked by sheer cliffs and mirror-still paddies. The boat slips through cave tunnels and beneath stone arches, offering intimate glimpses of riverside life: fishermen casting nets, ducks herded downstream, and farmers leading buffalo across the fields. Return to Hanoi for a leisurely evening afterward. (B,L)

Day 4 Hanoi / Halong Bay (From City Lights to Dreamy Seascape)

This morning, set out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay.  Upon arrival, board your intimate luxury vessel and begin a tranquil voyage through the emerald waters of Halong and Lan Ha Bay, where nearly 2,000 limestone karsts rise in dramatic, sculptural forms. Each turn reveals new vistas of misty cliffs, hidden lagoons, and quiet coves.

Enjoy curated shore excursions to picturesque islands and ancient caverns, with opportunities to kayak or swim in calm, sheltered waters. Onboard, savor freshly prepared lunch and dinner inspired by regional flavors, paired with sweeping views of the bay. As evening falls, the gentle motion of the ship and the stillness of the water create an atmosphere of romance and deep relaxation. A gourmet dinner is served on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Halong & Lan Ha Bay (Serenity & Indulgence in The Bay)

Begin your morning with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, explore the famed Sung Sot Cave—an expansive grotto shaped by millions of years of natural artistry. Return to the cruise and continue gliding through the bay’s quiet waterways before enjoying a leisurely kayaking session in sheltered inlets. Later, visit a floating pearl farm to learn about the intricate craft of cultivating and harvesting Vietnam’s celebrated pearls.

Back onboard, savor dinner while the sun dips behind the limestone peaks. This evening, try your hand at squid fishing under the starlit sky, or simply unwind before retiring for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Halong Bay / Luang Prabang (From Emerald Waters to Spiritual Calm)

Begin your final morning on the bay with a visit to Ti Top Island. Enjoy a refreshing swim along its crescent beach or, for something more active, ascend the 400 steps to the summit for sweeping panoramic views over the karst-studded seascape. Return to your vessel to freshen up and savor the last tranquil stretch of cruising as you make your way back to the harbor. After disembarkation, transfer to Hanoi Airport for your late afternoon flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. After a long day of travel, you’ll be greeted by your friendly Laotian guide and transferred to your hotel. If time permits, enjoy dinner around town and stroll through Luang Prabang’s charming night market. (B)

Day 7 Luang Prabang (Dive Into the Soul of Laos)

For early risers, witness Tak Bat, the serene dawn ritual where saffron-robed monks collect alms in silence—one of Luang Prabang’s most moving traditions. Stroll through the lively morning market and enjoy a cup of Lao coffee before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later, visit Wat Phonxay for a monk blessing ceremony, followed by the National Museum and the exquisite Wat Xieng Thong, famed for its sweeping roofs and iconic “Tree of Life” mosaic. If you wish, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views over the town. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to soak up Luang Prabang’s serene atmosphere. (B)

Day 8 Luang Prabang (Cruising the Mekong)

This morning, travel north along the Mekong’s banks, pausing at Ban Xang Hai, a rustic riverside village known producing traditional Lao-Lao rice whisky. Sample a sip if you wish, then cross the river to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred sanctuary where thousands of Buddha images have been placed by devoted pilgrims since the 16th century.

After exploring these timeless caverns, board your private boat for a serene Mekong River cruise back toward Luang Prabang, drifting past misty mountains and tranquil village life along the riverbanks. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

*For travelers seeking a more active experience, the Mekong cruise can be substituted for a Kuang Si Waterfall adventure, with tailored options including hiking, kayaking, or biking. Please consult your travel specialist for detail 

Day 9 Luang Prabang / Siem Reap (Journey to Cambodia)

Today, a short 1.5-hour flight brings you to Siem Reap, the cultural heart of Cambodia. Time permitting, visit the Angkor National Museum, which offers a modern, beautifully curated introduction to Khmer civilization, featuring artifacts, sculptures, and immersive exhibits that illuminate the artistry and history behind Angkor’s temples. Check-in to your hotel for a brief rest before heading out for dinner at the acclaimed Cuisine Wat Damnak (or similar). (B,D)

Day 10 Siem Reap (The Magnificent Angkor Wat and Beyond)

For those up for an early start, begin the day before sunrise, where the first light breaks slowly across Angkor Wat, revealing its towers in soft gold – a quiet and deeply atmospheric introduction to Cambodia’s most celebrated monument. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, venture into Angkor Thom, the former royal city, where the Bayon’s serene stone faces watch over grand processional terraces once used for imperial ceremonies.

Continue to Ta Prohm, its corridors wrapped in massive tree roots, offering one of Angkor’s most evocative atmospheres. Later, return to Angkor Wat for an unhurried, in-depth exploration, appreciating its balanced design, narrative bas-reliefs, and the sheer ambition of this 12th-century masterpiece. Conclude the day with a sense of the scale and sophistication that defined the Khmer Empire. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 11 Siem Reap (From Elephant Sanctuary to Floating Villages)

This morning, head to the foothills of Kulen Mountain for an unforgettable elephant experience. Spanning 1,100 acres of protected forest, the Kulen Elephant Forest is home to retired elephants who once carried visitors around Angkor’s temples. Today, these gentle giants roam freely, interacting on their own terms. A relaxed 2-km observation walk offers peaceful moments to watch the herd in their natural environment.

After lunch, embark on a culturally rich boat journey into the Kampong Kleang region of Tonle Sap Lake, one of Cambodia’s most traditional and least developed fishing communities. 

Weathered stilt houses, floating platforms, and narrow wooden boats tell the story of a life lived in constant rhythm with the water. Children paddle between homes, fishermen mend nets by hand, and floating farms support families—offering a rare and unfiltered glimpse into a lake-based way of life. (B, L)

*For travelers seeking deeper history and art, the Kulen Elephant Forest may be substituted with visits to Banteay Srei & Banteay Samré, or with an insightful look into Cambodia’s war history at the Landmine Museum and APOPO HeroRats project. 

Day 12 Siem Reap / HCM City (From Ancient Temples to Modern City Lights)

Your final stop touches down in Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, enjoy an introductory tour of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the neo-Romanesque façade of Notre Dame Cathedral, trace the nation’s modern history at the Reunification Palace, appreciate the ornate French-colonial elegance of the Hôtel de Ville, and explore the Fine Arts Museum, set within three graceful colonial villas showcasing traditional, modern, and contemporary Vietnamese art. Conclude the day at the lively Bến Thành Market, where tradition mingles with the city’s modern rhythm. (B)

Day 13 HCM City (Explore The Cu Chi Tunnels)

This morning, venture beyond the city to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200-kilometer underground network that offers a vivid glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime resilience. Return to Saigon for a relaxed afternoon at your hotel or time to explore independently.

This evening, enjoy the acclaimed A-O Show at the Saigon Opera House, followed by dinner at the elegant Mandarine Restaurant—or opt for riverside sophistication at The Deck, where contemporary cuisine meets chic Saigon ambiance. (B,D)

Day 14 HCM City (Cruise The Mekong)

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s fertile “rice bowl,” unfolds as a tapestry of winding rivers, coconut groves, and timeless traditions. From Saigon, journey into a world where daily life flows on water. Step aboard the Cai Be Princess, your private sampan, and drift between islands where villagers craft rice paper, weave hyacinth mats, and tend lush orchards much as their ancestors did. Pause to cycle shaded village paths or glide by sampan along quiet canals, waving to children on the banks. By midday, an elegant lunch awaits in a colonial-style villa surrounded by tropical gardens. Upon disembarkation, before returning to the bustle of modern Saigon, wander through a vibrant fish market, where locals haggle over the day’s freshest catch in a lively, colorful scene. (B,L)

Day 15 Depart HCM City (Farewell Indochina)

Your private transfer brings you to Tân Sơn Naht International Airport, where your guide ensures a seamless departure for your flight—concluding a Indochina journey of comfort, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. (B)