A 3-week journey to explore Southeast Asia through 3 countries of former French Indochina: Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. From the majestic temples of Angkor to the stunning terraced rice fields of Pu Luong and the enchanting countryside of Kuang Si waterfalls, you'll experience the highlights of these three countries while immersing yourself in the unique and endearing cultures of their respective populations.
Welcome by your driver upon your arrival at the airport. Transfer and installation at your hotel. Rest of the day free.
Rooms available from 2 p.m. If you arrive a little early and your room isn't ready yet, you can drop off your bags at reception before going for a walk in town or relaxing by the pool.
By tuk-tuk we do a first tour of exploration and location of Siem Reap: city tour, market, surrounding fields, etc
Overnight at La Niche D'Angkor Boutique
Before visiting the temples, at the entrance to the archaeological site, fly away in a hot air balloon to enjoy a breathtaking view of the site of Angkor and its surroundings.
Note: vertical ascent of approximately 10 minutes; possible modification according to the weather.
Day visit in a tuktuk of the marvelous temples of Angkor located around and inside the Angkor Thom .
You will notably discover Angkor Wat, symbol of the apogee of the Khmer Empire under the Angkorian era. Inside Angkor Thom, discover Bayon and its many towers with gigantic faces, Baphuon and its gigantic 40m reclining Buddha statue, Phimeanakas, the Terrasse des Elephants and its wide variety of sculptures, but also the Terrasse du Roi Leper.
Continue by Ta Prohm famous for its huge trees with sprawling aerial roots and conclude with a sunset from the heights of Phnom Bakheng.
Possibility of making the visits in the opposite direction to avoid the crowds. Just let your guide know at the start of the day.
Temples are sacred places, avoid short clothes, cover your shoulders and wear pants or a long skirt.
In order to preserve these fragile monuments, it is forbidden to touch the sculptures or to sit on elements of the temple.
In Cambodian culture, it is offensive to heckle inside a sacred place, calm and respect are key words.
It is not recommended to buy items or sweets from child sellers, this only encourages begging and the practice of skipping school, prefer a donation to an association if it is important to you.
If you wish to photograph the monks (called Bonzes), you must obtain their permission beforehand. In addition, you must not touch them, they have the right to touch you but not the opposite.
English-speaking guide included on this day
The rivers that flow through Angkor have their sources in the mountain of Phnom Kulen. It is in this very extensive natural site that the Khmer kingdom was born in 802 proclaimed by King Jayavarman II who made his country independent from the tutelage of Java. We therefore suggest that you visit the cradle of the Khmer Kingdom.
Climb by car to the top of Phnom Kulen or "mount of lychees", a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians thanks to the presence of a large statue of Reclining Buddha. A refreshing swim in the natural pool of a pretty waterfall rewards your effort. On weekdays, you will also have the opportunity to visit the bottled water factory "Kulen Water" (closed on Sundays and public holidays).
After lunch, continue with a visit to Banteay Srey, a human-sized temple compared to the gigantic Angkor Wat or Bayon. This pink sandstone temple nicknamed "The Citadel of Women" is known for the refinement of the bas-reliefs and sculptures that adorn its walls and columns. Your discovery continues with a visit to the Banteay Samre temple.
Before returning to the city, visit the Golden Silk silk farm and factory where you will discover the whole process that leads to the production of magnificent fabrics and garments, from raising silkworms to weaving.
In the evening, attend an unforgettable a circus show with artists of incredible talent!
Note: Class B seat included
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer to the village of Kampong Pluk located on the lake Tonlé Sap about 1 hour by car from Siem Reap. You embark on a private boat to discover and visit the floating village. During the excursion, small canoes will take you around in the middle of the mangrove forest.
Note: during the dry season (from March to September), the excursion can be replaced by another visit depending on the water level.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the outlying pockets of Tonle Sap Lake to spot many rare birds. You will have the chance to see, among others, cormorants, gray or purple herons, humpback ducks, spot-billed pelicans, storks, milk storks, small adjutants…
You will be able to discuss with the inhabitants of the community of Chreav who take care of the protection of the birds on the site.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer to Preah Vihear or more exactly the city of Sra'em not far from the temples.
Upon arrival at the hotel, installation and rest/free time.
Discover Koh Ker, capital of Cambodia for a short time in the 10th century. You visit in particular the Prasat Thom, temple-mountain 30 m high.
In the afternoon, visit the temple of Preah Vihear. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, this remarkable masterpiece of Khmer architecture is located on the Thai border.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Transfer by road to Steung Treng, a quiet little town located near the Laotian border on a sandy bank overlooking the Mekong, at the confluence with the Sé Kong River. Installation at your accommodation.
Along the way, take a small detour to the natural border between Cambodia and Laos to admire the mighty Sopheakmit Falls.
Embark on a boat trip of about 1 hour to discover the Mekong and its trees with gigantic aerial roots. Maybe bring earplugs if you can because the engine is quite noisy. You may be lucky enough to see its many water birds such as the lapwing, the river tern, the great stone curlew or the Mekong wagtail, a species discovered in 2001.
Day accompanied by French speaking guide
English-speaking guide included on this day
After breakfast, short transfer to Nong Nok Khiene border post.
Once the administrative formalities have been completed, you join your local English-speaking guide who will be waiting for you on the Laos side.
Transfer to Khone Phapheng Falls, for a visit. They are among the most impressive waterfalls in this region of Asia and are also recorded as the largest in the world.
You will then proceed to Ban Nakasang pier before boarding a motorized canoe that will take you among the "4000 islands" of the Mekong.
Arrival at Done Khone, installation in your room, then you can, by bike, discover the Lippi Falls, locally called Tad Sompamit (very easy level, flat route) while taking the peaceful pace of the island. An ideal and calm way to observe, capture and soak up the local and rural life.
Free dinner and night on Done Khone.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast at the hotel, then recrossing the Mekong to reach the mainland before driving to the village of Champassak which we will reach at the end of the morning. A first stop will be made in the village of Taoy de Ban Phon Sa At where there are many craftsmen who make bamboo baskets and containers.
Continuing our journey, we will stop at the temple of Uomo which is older than Vat Phou, then at the village of Ban Nong Beung which is famous for its wood carvings.
We will cross the Mekong once again, before joining the Nakhorn Café restaurant for lunch, on the banks of the Mekong.
It will then be time to explore the jewel of southern Laos: the temple Vat Phou, classified as a World Heritage Site since 2001. Its style is pre-Angkorian. After discovering the site, you can visit its museum.
Transfer to the hotel for your installation. Possibility also of massage and treatments (not included) at the Champasak Spa (we recommend that you book your service the day before).
Free dinner. We recommend the restaurant "Champassak with Love which offers quality Laotian cuisine.
Overnight in Champasak.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Early breakfast. Then you will leave at 7:00 a.m. for the Plateau des Bolavens, renowned for its waterfalls, its fertile land offering the best teas and coffees in the country or even the Indochinese peninsula. You will not miss a few tastings, on the advice of your guide…
At the end of the morning, you will take the direction of Ban Bang. You will find Soviet or Chinese Jeeps there for a real immersion in the heart of the Plateau between rivers, tracks, villages and coffee plantations. You will join the Tad Moun waterfalls for your lunch in the form of a picnic.
After relaxing for an hour, you will take the road to Mr. Khamsone's farm, who will give you a demonstration of coffee roasting, which will end with a tasting to test the various flavors of the different types of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typical…).
In the middle of the afternoon transfer by Jeep to Paksong (13km / count 1 hour drive) where we will leave our vehicle to join the minivan which will take us to the Resort.
Whether dusty or muddy, your stay off the beaten track will be a lasting memory. Plan clothes with which you will not regret seeing them soiled, because life in the countryside involves concessions in order to be able to take full advantage of this field experience in total immersion.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast, departure from your hotel this morning around 8:30 a.m. to go 11km north of Thatheng to the village of Kop Pung Tai which is home to the Katu and Alak ethnic communities.
Meeting with "Captain Hook" for a visit to his coffee plantation and his farm to learn more about the methods of producing organic coffee but also about the plants used daily on the set.
Then, start your hike for the day with Mr Hook for a discovery of the natural environment which covers this region of the plateau between fertile soils used for market gardening, coffee or tea, but also through forests which are full of medicinal plants. still widely used by the local populations to heal themselves.
Several stops will be made along the way to discover local life or even waterfalls where it may be pleasant to swim. Lunch en route where there will also be time to enjoy a country lunch and cook it like locals in bamboo.
As the day progresses and your trek continues, it will then be time to return to your vehicle after this busy day discovering a unique natural and cultural heritage that will also benefit the village.
Note: flexible program depending on the weather, the state of the slopes but also the capacities and desires of the customers.
This afternoon, we will take the direction of the impressive twin falls of Tad Fane, before going to Paksé. On arrival, climb the Phu Sa Lao (Golden Buddha) to admire the city of Pakse and the Mekong. The place is accessible both on foot (stairs), and by vehicle. We recommend access on foot.
Free dinner and night in Pakse.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer (without guide) to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang
Lao Airlines flight QV 514 PKZ-LPQ 1410-1550, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (Flight subject to change without notice from the airline). Flight not included in the main quote; air fares are provided separately.
Arrival in Luang Prabang, welcome by your guide and transfer to the hotel.
You will begin your tour in a “Deluxe” tuktuk of the main monuments of the city of Luang Prabang, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Starting with the former Royal Palace which has become the National Museum, with its fine collection of old cars in the garage, a precious state gift from the United States with a fragment of moonstone, the attributes of the royal power, etc. without forgetting of course the Vat Prabang which houses the sacred statue of Buddha Prabang which gives its name to the city.
And then the adjoining royal Vat Mai.
Then go to the Traditional and Ethnic Arts Center (TAEC) to discover in a superb exhibition all the richness of the ethnic cultures of northern Laos in particular. a local magistrate.
The Vat Xieng Mouane and the Heritage House (Heuan Chan Heritage House) which will provide a better understanding of the protection, enhancement and preservation policies of the city of Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Mouane will also be a unique opportunity to discover a training center for certain manual trades related to Buddhist art.
At the end of the afternoon, it will then be time to go to ** Wat Prabat Tai ** to admire the sunset over the Mekong River.
Before, why not, take part in a game of petanque with the locals near Ban That Luang, for example. A real local experience guaranteed, full of fun and a unique moment to share! Be careful, Laotians are excellent players!
Return to the hotel.
Diner at your discretion, we recommend the Tamarind restaurant which is probably one of the best Laotian tables in the country with its fresh products which retransmit sometimes ancestral Laotian culinary traditions through the dishes.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
English-speaking guide included on this day
If early morning awakenings (around 5:15 a.m.) don't scare you, attend the offering to the monks, an ancestral ritual locally called "Tak Bat". The monks wander from the pagodas and collect in their bowl the alms presented to them by the faithful.
Then go to the outdoor “fresh produce market” in the alleys around the former Royal Palace before returning to the hotel for breakfast. You will surely spot unsavory rarities such as nutria, bats, ant eggs, and many other curiosities.
Breakfast at the hotel then you will visit the Vat Xieng Thong. This is one of the most beautiful temples in the region before disembarking at the pier to start your private cruise on the Mekong, heading for the Pak Ou Caves, at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Ou River. Count 1h45 of navigation. It is in these legendary caves that hundreds of Buddha statuettes are piled up. These caves remain a privileged place of pilgrimage for Laotians, in particular at the time of the Lao New Year in mid-April.
Lunch on board your boat on the way back down to Luang Prabang.
This afternoon, you will be introduced to making wooden spinning tops. These toys are popular with children of the Hmong ethnic group. This is a game that has also been used for decades by adults in spinning top throwing competitions, especially during the Hmong New Year, usually in December. You will make your own wooden spinning top, before the villagers propose to have a few games playing together in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere, in complete privacy. Smiles and giggles will certainly be there!
Then you will participate in a Shaman Hmong ceremony.
Laos is the land of establishment of several ethnic groups whose wealth of diversity is distinguished by a multitude of social behaviors, rituals and beliefs, gastronomy, clothing, languages and dialects throughout the territory, but more particularly in the North of the country.
The Hmong represent about 10% of the population of Laos and are the largest ethnic minority.
Animists, they perceive life as a perpetual circle of birth and rebirth around two physical worlds that coexist together. These beliefs include different types of spirits including those of the ancestors, those of the home and those of the natural world. According to their beliefs, the human body is the lair of a certain number of souls which coexist and if one or more of these souls were to become isolated, then the human can face several evils, evil- being and more or less serious illnesses, which can even cause death.
Faced with these troubles, the Hmong believe in healing by Shamans who can come into contact with the gods and spirits and act in their favor by making various offerings generally around an animal sacrifice. Indeed, for the Hmong, the souls of sacrificed animals are in connection with the souls of humans in order to protect them.
You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with these beliefs and practices by participating in a Shaman Hmong ceremony within a host community. This ritual involves a relationship to money, so don't be surprised if you are asked to contribute symbolically with a donation. Through this unique experience, whatever your personal beliefs, you will be able to better understand this singular cultural heritage which persists vividly today but which remains little and poorly known to Laotians themselves.
Return to the hotel in Luang Prabang and end of the day at your disposal.
Free dinner (not included). We recommend the refined and very fresh local cuisine of chef Linda, who will seduce you, in this small Bamboo Tree restaurant that she runs with passion along the Nam Khan River, in the heart of the old town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast at the hotel, then this morning heading to the countryside. After about thirty minutes on the road, you will reach the farm of Mr Lee, a Hmong ethnic farmer who will warmly welcome you and his family for a jovial morning around rice cultivation and the artisanal process of making rice noodles that you will enjoy this afternoon in the form of a soup accompanied by very fresh herbs full of flavors. The products are all from Mr Lee's organic garden, which you will criss-cross choosing the ingredients you want for your lunch.
You will try your hand at some demonstration activities such as plowing the land with the water buffalo, pecking rice and harvesting it, among others.
Good humor guaranteed for this moment in the heart of the rice fields, before kneading the dough that will be used to produce the noodles that will end up in your bowl. Enjoy your food !
This afternoon, continue your journey to the superb Kuang Si waterfalls, located 32km from the city. Beautiful landscapes of rice fields will be offered to you. The falls are also home to a small permanent exhibit on the conservation of Southeast Asian black bears, a good opportunity to understand the threats to them.
In addition to the waterfalls, the natural basins of turquoise water and crystalline will invite you to swim.
Back in town, you will then stop for a visit “Laos Buffalo Dairy (farm)”. Laos, with the aim of increasing its livestock, has decided to set up prevention and reproduction programs. In order to benefit from sound advice, the government has called on the Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm** in the Luang Prabang countryside "Laos Buffalo Dairy (farm)" to carry out its research programs in partnership with the local breeders. This farm was born from the desire of a group of friends from Singapore to escape the urban world to settle in the countryside. Noting an almost non-existent dairy and cheese industry in particular, the challenge led them to create this farm… after all, mozzarella is originally made from buffalo milk!
A visit of about 30 minutes in this center can only be enriching. You will start by receiving several explanations on the situation of buffaloes in Laos, the care required and then the program. You will have the opportunity to approach the buffaloes but also to give the bottle to the little ones.
And do not miss, at the end of the visit to taste the homemade ice cream from buffalo milk. Depending on the season, they are flavored with fruit, lemongrass or even sesame.
Return to the hotel in Luang Prabang and end of the day at your disposal.
Around 5 p.m., by your own means, access the Mekong side of the hotel The Belle Rive on the peninsula and board the ** Khopfa boat ** and enjoy great landscapes at sunset on the Mekong, in downstream from Luang Prabang. With something to eat on board.
Free dinner (not included). We recommend the Bouang restaurant, with Julie and her Laotian comrades who will cook up super colorful and ultra-fresh dishes. Right on the main street, perfect for continuing to the night market or having a drink in one of the many cafes / bistros / restaurants / lounges nearby.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will learn a little more about the secrets of bamboo, which is omnipresent in Laotian culture. You will enjoy, on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, the surrounding nature with its rice fields.
Your discovery will begin with a bamboo weaving course given by an experienced weaver. Some activities will follow that will make you aware of the usefulness of bamboo-based products in everyday life (fishing and hunting equipment, musical instruments, dance, among others). Then you will attend your cooking class on the theme of dishes made from bamboo. You participate in the preparation of the dishes that you will taste in the sala overlooking a magnificent landscape (Group activity).
Return to the hotel, free time, then transfer at 3:00 p.m. to Luang Prabang International Airport for your flight to Hanoi
Lao Airlines flight QV313, 5:10-6:30 p.m. Flight not included in the main quote; air fares are provided separately.
Arrival in Hanoi. Welcome by the guide and the driver, transfer to the city center and installation at the hotel. Free time for rest after the long flight.
Rooms available from 2 p.m.
English-speaking guide included on this day
A mountainous road will take you to the Mai Chau basin where the white Thais have long dominated.
HoaBinh marks the entrance to the North West region. Along the road, you will meet the ethnic groups: Thai, Muong, Dzao, Hmong… Rice terraces and traditional dwellings on stilts: typical scenes of Vietnam.
Lunch at Mr Cuong, then you will leave by bicycle to discover the pretty basin of Mai Chau. Bicycles will allow you to penetrate inland, to discover an authentic countryside really unknown to mass tourism. You will be charmed by the traditional houses on stilts, the smiles of the Thais, the warm welcomes and the greenery of the rice, vegetable gardens and bamboo forests near your path. Crossing villages: Chieng Sai, Cha, Cha Long, Na Tang, Tong Dau… where people still live like their ancestors 100 years ago.
Dinner and night at the inhabitant.
English-speaking guide included on this day
Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hong Ngoc Dynastie
Lunch: Lunch at Mr Cuong's
Dinner: Homestay dinner
Accommodation: Chez l'habitant / Homestay
After breakfast, drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Stop at Co Luong to visit a bamboo chopstick factory.
Stop at the village of Ban Hang to start a hike to discover nature and the local life of ethnic minorities in the heart of the Pu Luong nature reserve. You will cross authentic villages, rice terraces and vegetable gardens.
Your car is waiting for you at the village of Eo Ken to take you to the mini lodge of Pu Luong Retreat.
English-speaking guide included on this day
After breakfast, you will leave the pretty nature reserve of Pu Luong to reach Tam Coc – named Halong Bay on land. The Ho Chi Minh trail will cross an immense region dominated by the Muong. Sugar loaves along the way.
Upon arrival, you will take a bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda located on the side of a karst mountain.
The afternoon is devoted to the discovery by local sampan of a magnificent region adorned with limestone peaks and rice fields. You will pass through the 3 caves of Tam Coc which pierce the mountains… a spectacle that is both sublime and relaxing.
Night at the hotel.
English-speaking guide included on this day
You will take the road towards Halong. The journey will reveal a countryside landscape where rice predominates. Arrival at the pier.
Boarding the grouped junk with welcome drink. Presentation of the Junk team and regulations on board. Then, installation in the cabin and beginning of the magnificent cruise.
Lunch on board while the junk enters Halong Bay crossing Bai Tu Long Bay. You take a rowing boat to visit the village of Vung Vieng.
Back on the boat. Rest time on board. The junk heads for the Cong Do area where it anchors for the night. Delicious dinner at the restaurant on board. Free time to feel the very pure and calm atmosphere of the bay in the evening. A sweet night on board in private and comfortable cabins in the middle of the bay.
Cruise with English-speaking guide
You enjoy the sunrise in the bay. Visit Thien Canh Son cave.
Return to the boat before the release of your cabins. You have some time to relax on board. The international "brunch" is served in the dining room while the boat heads for the dock. Enjoy the stunning scenery.
Arrival at the quay and disembarkation of the boat.
Drive back to Hanoi with a stop on the way to visit But Thap Pagoda.
Arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon. Night at the hotel.
Day of in-depth discovery of the capital of Vietnam, filled with timeless grace. You will start with a visit to the captivating Ethnographic Museum which brings together costumes, tools, musical instruments and exhibits some typical houses of the 54 ethnic groups of the country (closed every Monday).
Continuation of your day of discovery with the Temple of Literature which is the "first university of Vietnam".
A walk through the alleys of the old quarter of Hanoi will allow you to fully understand the local life of the capital, end the walk at Ngoc Son temple on the banks of the central Hoan Kiem lake.
Finally, transfer to Hanoi airport for the departure flight.
English-speaking guide included on this day