Embark on an unforgettable crossing of Indochina on this active cultural, culinary, and outdoor exploration. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam by boat, bicycle, and foot as you witness the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Cycle through Angkor Wat, wander through the neighborhoods of Hanoi, and cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to observe one of the world’s largest caves. Explore the colonial charm of Luang Prabang before getting your hands and feet dirty as you learn how to plant, grow, and harvest rice, Indochina’s staple food. Meander south to relax in Pakse, southern Laos, where you’ll explore coffee plantations alongside an expert guide and watch the sun dip down over the horizon as you glide across the surface of the Mekong River on a long-tail boat. On this active exploration of the pearls of Indochina, you’ll discover the hidden, the classic, and the beautiful.
Begin your adventure with a warm Vietnamese welcome after passing through customs. After transferring to your hotel for check-in, spend the afternoon exploring the remarkable city of Hanoi.
About Apricot Hotel
Set by the fabled Hoan Kiem Lake, Apricot Hotel is inspired by classic French architecture mixed with Vietnamese art, Apricot makes for your exquisite home away from home in the capital city of Vietnam. The hotel boasts a striking marble façade and elegant art work, all blending sophisticated elegance with modern beauty all while preserving its oriental spirit. The hotel is made up of 123 rooms all fitted with modern technology and free Wi-Fi access to provide both comfort and convenience. Enjoy the roof top pool overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, a maze of streets dating back to the 13th century. The Old Quarter is the vibrant hub of Hanoi, home to buzzing motorbikes, bicycles, and hawkers. From the Old Quarter, make your way to the Temple of Literature and a visit to gorgeous West Lake, a large freshwater lake in the center of Hanoi. Surrounding the lake are several historic temples and pagodas.
Take a shuttle to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and home to the world’s largest marine karst landscape. Board a wooden junk built in the style of old Vietnamese court vessels and weave through the majestic bay, taking in the sights and grandeur of one of Vietnam’s most recognizable destinations. Explore floating fishing villages, take a kayak out for a paddle, or swim in the warm water. Evenings offer cooking demonstrations on deck, movies in the lounge, or squid fishing off the back of the junk
About Orchid Cruise
Sail in style on the Orchid Cruise, a modern recreation of the traditional Vietnamese junk ship design that’s been in use for thousands of years. The three-decked boat, adorned with bright, colorful sails, features rooms with private balconies, perfect for gazing onto the bay. All cabins are well designed with beautiful large windows opening toward the sea, and select cabins even feature their own private balconies which bring in a full spectrum of spectacular views.
Wake to the astonishing landscape of Ha Long Bay and an optional Tai Chi lesson on deck. Begin cruising leisurely back to harbor, enjoying the breath-taking views. Stop along the way to swim at a secluded island or explore one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. Disembark and take the shuttle back to your hotel in Hanoi.
Fly to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and then meet your guide and explore the historic and charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a walking tour of the city featuring Wat Xieng Thong and the National Museum. Zig zag down the narrow side streets and discover hidden corners. Walk the 328 steps to the top of Phousi Mountain and watch the sunset over the city.
About 3 Nagas
Located in Luang Prabang’s Old Quarter, The 3 Nagas is a charming boutique hotel within walking distance of the city’s major attractions. It is also on the path of the morning alms giving procession. Housed in 3 restored UNESCO Heritage buildings, the hotel’s 15 rooms blend contemporary style with historic architecture. A gorgeous courtyard garden, which is beside the Nam Khan River, and wonderful fine dining restaurant, makes 3 Nagas the perfect place to enjoy the idyllic Lao lifestyle.
Rise early to watch the giving of the alms and visit the morning market. Drive to the Living Rice Farm and learn how to plant, plough, harvest, and even cook rice in a fun half day experience
Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with rescued elephants as your companions. Guides and mahouts will teach you how to understand the ways in which elephants and humans communicate with one another. End the day by escorting your elephant friends to their feeding grounds before honoring them with your friendship and bidding them farewell until you meet again!
Transfer to the airport and transfer to your hotel in Pakse, the gateway to Si Phan Don, the land of 4,000 islands. Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Don River and is known for its Mekong River-town lethargic charm. Pakse’s main appeal lies in sipping a cold Beerlao on the riverfront, soaking up the laid back vibe. In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River while enjoying a sundowner.
About River Resort
Nestled between a former royal orchard and the Mekong river, the River Resort is a gorgeous eco-friendly resort. Furniture is made in traditional Lao style with local bamboo, the rice paddy and vegetable gardens are cultivated with matter from the compost, and the kitchens use solar heating. Each of the 14 Deluxe RiverFront Rooms have extraordinary, panoramic Mekong River views from the bedroom. There’s free wifi, an infinity pool, complimentary bicycles, and a spa.
Cruise the Mekong River to the peaceful islands of Don Det and Don Khone, on the way there are small and larger islands, waving children, small boats of local people. Once ashore hop on bikes to explore Don Khone Island’s rice fields, hills, vegetable gardens and small villages.
Head to the cooler highlands to explore the Bolaven Plateau, famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. First stop is at Jhai Coffee House, a philanthropic coffee roaster dedicated to producing high quality, fair trade beans, and empowering the local communities. Team up with one of Jhai’s knowledgeable guides and head off on a morning tour of the plantations, warehouses, and villages that Jhai works with. Drive to the majestic waterfalls of Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. Finish your day with a visit to the Khmer complex of Wat Phou. This temple complex predates Angkor Wat and remains a fascinating contrast.
Head to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Visit the famous temple of Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women.” The walls are dense with some of the most beautiful and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. It is said they could only have been carved by the hands of women. Its relatively small size, pink sandstone walls, and ornate design give it a magical aura and a distinct feel from other Khmer temples.
About Jaya House River Park
Located along the Siem Reap river, Jaya House River Park offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. Jaya House River Park is located about a 6-minute tuk-tuk journey from town in the direction of the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. The hotel features two swimming pools, in-house restaurant and bar, and full spa. Rooms include homegrown teas, an espresso machine, Bluetooth connectivity, high-speed wireless internet, a well-stocked complimentary mini bar.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
Jaya House River Park
Day 12
Day 12:
Bike Angkor Wat
Full day exploration of the Angkor Wat complex. Wake before sunrise to arrive at Angkor before most other tour groups with an unforgettable bike right on the back trails of Angkor Wat. Explore the main site before driving to Ta Phrom, a jungle-clad temple that has been left in much the same condition in which it was found.
Cycle through a small village along earthen paths between stilted houses and gardens then across the Tonle Sap floodplain to where your kayaks wait at the water’s edge. Free from engine noise, with just the cry of the birds above and croak of frogs below paddle slowly between pools until you come to a small island where in the shade of ancient trees for a picnic.
Your trip begins on Day 1 with your arrival into Noi Bai International Airport. On arrival, you will be met by an Austin Adventures representative who will transfer you to Apricot Hotel for check-in. On Day 14, you will be transferred to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home approximately 3 hours prior to check-in.
Activities
Hanoi
Cycling Angkor Wat
Halong Bay
Luang Prabang
Morning alms
Rice experience
Elephant experience
Pakse
Longtail Boat on the Mekong
Coffee Tour
Tonle Sap lake
Angkor Wat
Banteay Srei
Cultural Discoveries
Cycle through Angkor Wat, wander through the neighborhoods of Hanoi, and cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to observe one of the world’s largest caves. Explore the colonial charm of Luang Prabang before getting your hands and feet dirty as you learn how to plant, grow, and harvest rice, Indochina’s staple food. Meander south to relax in Pakse, southern Laos, where you’ll explore coffee plantations alongside an expert guide and watch the sun dip down over the horizon as you glide across the surface of the Mekong River on a long-tail boat.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Accommodations on twin share bed and breakfast basis as listed
All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner]
All transfers and transportation per the itinerary
Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees per the itinerary
Local onsite guides in cities
Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities
Not Included in the Trip Price
International or domestic airfare
Vietnam Visa (payable upon arrival)
Tips and gratuities
Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above
Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control
Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
Any other items not mentioned above
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Southeast Asia Expert
Curtis Fox
Curtis brings more than 10 years of professional travel experience to Austin Adventures. During this time he has explored some of the world’s most distinctive and culturally rich destinations. Highlights include riding the rails of India, teaching rural health education in the Peruvian Andes, learning to scuba dive in Australia, gorilla trekking in Uganda, mentoring students in Costa Rica, trekking through Asia’s Golden Triangle, exploring Cuba’s countryside by horseback, and learning to tango in Buenos Aires. Curtis’s professional resume includes years on the ground in Southeast Asia supervising a destination management company as well as roles in product development with several of North America’s largest young adult and adventure travel companies.
