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Rivers, Beaches and Lakes of Indochina

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Rivers, Beaches and Lakes of Indochina

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This holiday itinerary is a fantastic way to experience the highlights and soak up the atmosphere of Indochina with a particular focus on its lakes, rivers and beaches. Spend three weeks discovering some of the most picturesque corners of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, taking in the best of the region at a relaxed pace.

You’ll experience the contrasts of Indochina as you watch the scenery change along the Mekong River, from the dramatic gorges of northern Laos down to the delta in Vietnam. Take in southern Laos' peculiar 4000 islands en route and veer west into Cambodia to explore Angkor, the Tonle Sap lake and to include some beach time.

Enjoy fantastic hotels, river cruises and our unique signature experiences to see Southeast Asia at its finest.

 Highlights include

  • Enjoy a picnic breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls near Luang Prabang; a tranquil morning setting before the crowds arrive
  • Explore rural Don Khone Island in southern Laos by bike, with its gorgeous scenery and freshwater dolphins
  • Marvel at Angkor Wat as well as some of the less explored Angkor temples
  • Relax on Cambodia’s Koh Russey island, white sands and in turquoise waters.
  • Cruise the lesser-visited tributaries of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta aboard the comfortable Bassac Cruise

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Day 2 -5 Luang Prabang, Laos    

Your guide will meet you on arrival in Luang Prabang for the short transfer to your hotel. The first evening is free for you to relax and take in the peaceful setting. The effect of Luang Prabang's ornate Buddhist temples and Indochinese architecture set against a jungle backdrop is spellbinding. During your stay in Luang Prabang, you’ll spend time with your guide getting a feel for the magical town itself as well as the surrounding countryside, Mekong riverside villages, and caves. A highlight will be the early morning visit to Kuang Sii Waterfalls, where a special permit will allow you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast there before the crowds arrive.

There will be free time too, to absorb the scenery, explore the sleepy backstreets of the UNESCO town, take in the picturesque night markets and perhaps play a game of petanque with the locals (a popular sport here: a legacy of the French!)

Day 6-10 Southern Laos and the 4000 islands, Laos

After a flight south to Pakse, you’ll join your guide for a short drive and boat cruise to Don Daeng Island where you stay for two nights. There will be plenty of time for relaxing in this riverine archipelago and also for a full-day tour of this unique island discovering abandoned railways, colonial mansions and beautiful waterfalls, and searching for rare freshwater dolphins in the surrounding waters.

Following your time on Don Daeng, you’ll transfer to River Resort near Champasak (exploring the impressive Khmer ruins of Wat Phou Temple en route). With a sandy river beach and infinity pool, this is an excellent spot in which to kick back in comfortable surroundings.

Day 11-13 Siem Reap, Cambodia       

Southern Laos and Siem Reap are geographically very close, so it's just a one-hour flight from Pakse to the Angkor Temple gateway, surely Indochina’s most remarkable archaeological site. You’ll spend three days here taking in Angkor Wat itself (we recommend beginning your tour in the moonlight for an almost fairytale experience). Other highlights include the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom and Ta Phrom, amongst quieter, less well-known temples. Our tours here are carefully timed and constructed to ensure you get the most out of your visit and enjoy some relaxation time too.

Beyond the temples, Siem Reap has some lovely restaurants to enjoy, and you’ll also have a chance to visit the villages on the lake of Tonle Sap.

day 14-16 Koh Russey, Cambodia     

Next, it's down to Cambodia’s sleepy south coast, specifically the island of Koh Russey, where you’ll spend three days enjoying white sandy shores and clear waters.

Day 17 & 18 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam   

The last stop on this holiday itinerary is Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon), where you’ll spend two days exploring the city (and two days aboard a boat on the Mekong River).

During your time in the city, you’ll go exploring with your guide, including on a tour of both the commercial and traditional districts. This flexible tour is a great way to get a sense of Vietnam’s past and present and feel how both its traditions and the pace of development compare to those of its sleepier Indochinese neighbours.

Day 19 & 20 The Mekong Delta, Vietnam    

You will leave Ho Chi Minh City today and drive into the Mekong Delta region, where you board the Bassac Cruise for a fantastic two-day journey through some of the smaller canals of the Mekong between Cai Be and Can Tho. Pass small villages, rice fields, and local boats and stop at a farmer's house for fresh fruit. Accommodation is on board the converted rice barge in a deluxe cabin, and all meals (delicious!) are included. On the afternoon of Day 20, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City for a final night and meal.

Day 21 Fly Home

Depart Vietnam on your flight back to the UK.

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bassac Cruise

Bassac Cruise, Can Tho

Explore the mysterious, mesmerising Mekong Delta in comfort and style onboard the Bassac.

Koh Russey Villas & Resort

Koh Russey Villas & Resort, Koh Russey

A contemporary, open-plan resort with stylish rooms and villas on the peaceful island of Koh Russey.

Le Sen

Le Sen, Luang Prabang

Le Sen is a stylish and well designed small hotel on the edge of Luang Prabang.

Pavillon D'Orient

Pavillon D'Orient, Siem Reap

A superb small property set amongst lush gardens providing great service and value.

River Resort Champasak

River Resort Champasak, Pakse

A small relaxed resort on the banks of the Mekong. The views are fantastic, the infinity pool spectacular, the experience unforgettable.

Sala Done Khone

Sala Done Khone, 4000 Islands

A lovely village-feel hotel on the Mekong island of Done Khone, one of the Mekong River’s ‘4,000 Islands’.

Villa Song

Villa Song, Ho Chi Minh City

Fabulous colonial hotel just outside of Saigon on the river, with great facilities and beautiful decor.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls

Breakfast at Kuang Sii Waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Contrasts of  Saigon - Urban Walking Tour

Contrasts of Saigon - Urban Walking Tour, Ho Chi Minh City

Take a privately guided walk through the lovely suburbs of Saigon to see the contrast with the city centre.

Evening Game of Petanque

Evening Game of Petanque, Luang Prabang

Join the locals for a friendly and fun evening game of Petanque (Boules). Trust us on this!

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Carefully crafted experience to ensure you get the most out of this iconic temple away from the crowds.

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Highlights (History Museum and Presidential Palace) (4 hours) - the basics of Ho Chi Minh

Off-The Beaten-Track Angkor

Off-The Beaten-Track Angkor , Siem Reap

Visit some of the less-explored temples of the region. Majestic structures off the obvious tourist trail.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang

Home to many thousands of Buddha images since the 16th century.

Tak Bat (Alms Giving)

Tak Bat (Alms Giving), Luang Prabang

Picturesque early morning procession of monks through Luang Prabang.

Temples of Luang Prabang

Temples of Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang

Wander through the magical temples and sights of Luang Prabang on this full day tour.

Tonle Sap Floating Villages

Tonle Sap Floating Villages, Siem Reap

Visit the floating villages of the Tonle Sap lake, the largest in South East Asia and home to these unusual dwellings.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Rivers, Beaches and Lakes of Indochina'

More Holiday Suggestions

Cambodia & Vietnam Classic

Cambodia & Vietnam Classic

The perfect combination of the main highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam with some hidden gems and plenty of relaxation.

Cambodia & Vietnam via Mekong

Cambodia & Vietnam via Mekong

Watch the scenery change as you travel from Cambodia to Vietnam along the Mekong River. Magical.

Classic Vietnam and Pandaw Cruise

Classic Vietnam and Pandaw Cruise

A luxury holiday exploring both Vietnam and Cambodia, taking in the Mekong region aboard a delightful small cruise.


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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
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  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
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    • Reviews
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  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
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