Overview
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the sun, women carrying goods to market by yoke basket, young monks in saffron robes—the visual images of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are striking. In Luang Prabang, Laos’ timeless temple town, we boat along the Mekong and meet hill villagers. In Vietnam, we take a bike-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 an enveloping forest. Our incredible Trip Leaders ensure an unforgettable cultural immersion in these ancient lands.
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
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos’ royal capital until 1975, Luang Prabang is a tranquil oasis of golden temples, colonial-era villas, and hundred-year-old frangipani trees along the winding Mekong River. We visit its 15th century pagodas, boat along the Mekong River to a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and visit Hmong villages. At sunrise one morning, we’ll “make merit” by giving alms to the monks.
Days 5-7
Hanoi, Vietnam / Bai Tu Long Bay
Taking in the marvels of Hanoi’s Old Quarter by rickshaw and on foot, we stop for a delicious lunch of cha ca, Hanoi’s famous fish and noodle dish, and visit the studio of a local artist. In Bai Tu Long Bay, less crowded than nearby Halong Bay, we overnight aboard our private “junk” (boat) in a stunning UNESCO-listed karst landscape.
Days 8-12
Hoi An / Hue / Saigon
We walk the charming riverside lanes of Hoi An, with its tea houses, mansions, and Chinese temples dating from the era when it was a major trading port. In Hue, we explore 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.
Days 13-16
Siem Reap, Cambodia / Temples of Angkor
With intricate bas-reliefs, pavilions, and reflecting ponds in a park-like landscape, Angkor is a breathtaking expression of the glory of the Khmer Empire. Timing the order of our visits for the least crowded times, we explore massive stone temples, including Ta Prohm, where huge fig, banyan, and kapok trees have grown through the temple’s walls. Depart on Day 16 via Siem Reap.
Indochine
