Journey Through Indochina

(15 days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Saigon & environs, Hoi An, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap (Angkor)

On this exceptional private tour through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, experience the history, culture and natural beauty of Indochina's most evocative places.

Begin in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. With an expert private guide and driver, learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. Perhaps stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee, or snack on a typical Vietnamese banh mi (baguette sandwich). If desired, browse the boutiques of Vietnamese designers and renowned art galleries and museums. One day, visit the Mekong Delta, a vast network of islands and waterways where the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea. Cruise by private sampan (traditional boat) through the canals, visiting floating markets, fruit orchards and rural villages. Alternatively, take an excursion into the countryside to tour the Cu Chi Tunnels and observe a colorful religious ceremony at the Cao Dai Temple. One evening, enjoy a private street food tasting tour by Vespa. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities such as meeting with historians, visits to private homes, private musical performances, philanthropic activities, art and design touring, private cooking classes and tasting tours, and more.

Continue to Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialtyr. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as visits to local villages, cooking lessons and farm visits, an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside, or a silk lantern-making lesson at a Confucian temple. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Next, travel to Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi's incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. If desired, also visit Hanoi's top museums, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”) and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. One day, meet a culinary expert to tour one of Hanoi's excellent markets and sample local street food specialties like bun cha(barbecued pork with noodles) and pho cuon (fresh herb and beef rolls). One evening, if desired, attend a performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppet show.

Continue to Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed town along the Mekong River in northern Laos. During private touring, experience the unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture lining the streets of this former royal capital. Visit major sites such as the National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, a revered 16th-century temple. Enjoy unique cultural experiences such as interacting with monks at a local temple, participating in a baci ceremony (a traditional Lao celebration) and visiting local hill tribe villages. Tour markets, meet local silk weavers and learn about the fascinating Buddhist culture. One day, enjoy a private boat excursion on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves and riverfront villages. Another day, walk with elephants at a nearby elephant sanctuary.

Finally, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore incredible Angkor, the wondrous ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. With your private guide, tour the most interesting parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone; Angkor Thom, an ancient capital filled with iconic sites such as the Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King; Ta Prohm, a temple being devoured by the jungle; and serene Preah Khan, a former monastery and school. Also perhaps visit Banteay Srei, a petite temple with elaborate carvings in pink sandstone, and other lesser-known temples. One day, enjoy an excursion to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and an ecological wonder, for a private boat cruise among the lake's floating villages, markets and gardens. Additional special-interest activities can also be arranged, such as bike riding, Khmer cooking lessons, private yoga sessions, visits to orphanages and children's centers, Khmer dance performances, photography excursions, shopping, village tours or chartering a helicopter to remote jungle temples.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Saigon, Vietnam VIP airport assistance. Private transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Saigon Full-day private city tour. Evening private Vespa street food tour Day 3 Saigon & environs Full-day private excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta Day 4 Saigon – Hoi An Private transfer to airport for flight to Da Nang. Private arrival transfer to resort for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 5 Hoi An             Half-day private tour Day 6 Hoi An – Hanoi Private transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Hanoi. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon begin private touring Day 7 Hanoi Full-day private city tour. Evening water puppet show Day 8 Hanoi Morning private market and culinary tour. Afternoon at leisure Day 9 Hanoi – Luang Prabang, Laos Private transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 10 Luang Prabang Morning private city tour. Afternoon private boat excursion to caves and riverfront villages Day 11 Luang Prabang Half-day private excursion to elephant sanctuary Day 12 Luang Prabang – Siem Reap, Cambodia Private transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Fast-track assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Sunset private tour of ruins Day 13 Siem Reap Private touring of temples and ruins Day 14 Siem Reap Morning private touring of temples. Afternoon private cruise on Tonle Sap Lake Day 15 Depart Siem Reap Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Luang Prabang: Amantaka Siem Reap: Amansara

Cost

From $30,450 Per person (double occupancy)