Overview

Indochina, originally Indo-China, is a geographical term originating in the early 19th century for the continental portion of the region now known as Southeast Asia. The name refers to the lands historically within the cultural influence of India and China and physically bound by India in the west and China in the north. It corresponds to the present-day areas of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and (variably) peninsular Malaysia. This unique journey covers three Ancient Kingdoms of Indochina & Thailand which will be a lifetime trip. Taking part of this trip, you will explore intriguing cultural customs, local cuisine and nightlife, stay at luxury hotels and experience off the beaten track activities, excursions in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (flight to be advised/own tickets)

Welcome to Thailand!
Upon arrival, meet your guide and will then be transferred (approx. 45 minutes) to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. Lunch and Dinner are on your own arrangement.

Hightlights: Arrival and welcome
None
Select hotel in Bangkok

Guided tour of Bangkok city: After breakfast, take a guided tour of Bangkok’s royal and religious highlights, including; the Royal Grand Palace, Golden Mount at Wat Saket, Wat Pho temple and the Reclining Buddha, and Bangkok’s lively and colourful flower market.
 
Afternoon, discover the original Bangkok riverside neighbourhood by private 007 boat today. Cruising through Thonburi, Thailand’s former capital and see how the Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blend with Thai communities along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River. The journey passes through Wat Arun or “Temple of Dawn”, one of the city’s earliest temples. Continue with a short stop at the Royal Barge Museum where these elaborately decorated and skilfully crafted barges are maintained in dry dock by the Royal Thai Navy alongside boats formerly used in battle.
 
Bangkok Street Food Tour: This is your chance to experience Bangkok come alive at night! With your guide, walk through markets, historic districts and narrow alleyways, sampling some great local food as you go. The street food in Thailand is some of the most popular in Asia, a seventh heaven for food aficionados because of the exotic ingredients and various aromatic spices used in cooking. It is flavourful, fresh, and delicious. Tonight, head to the bustling street in Chinatown, Yaowarat. The road is about 1.5 kilometers in length and is the most significant trading center for the Chinese community. There is a seemingly endless stretch of food vendors lining the fluorescently lit street, with the scents of the various dishes wafting into the air, and busy walkways of locals and visitors alike – it is an experience on all the senses! Sample the various street food from tried and tested vendors, which prepare traditional Thai cuisine in the open night air. Your guide will be able to advise on dishes to try and local specialties that should not be missed. Wander the many small alleyways “Soi” and end the night in a local authentic Thai restaurant.

Hightlights: Bangkok city and street food tour
Breakfast and Dinner
Select hotel in Bangkok

Guided tour of ancient Ayutthaya city: After breakfast, depart your hotel around 08.30am and drive towards the Ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. We will stop at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet which was for a long time considered to be the spiritual center of Thailand. Then, head to Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya which is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the history of Ayutthaya as it housed the Buddha’s holy relic. The temple is most famous for the Buddha head situated in a Bodhi tree root. Continue to visit Wat Ratchaburana which houses a large number of Buddha images and gold artifacts. Enjoy simple lunch at local restaurant. Afterlunch, continue on to the Chao Samphraya National Museum. Admire the most important objects here including the Buddha relics found inside the crypt of Wat Mahathat and other golden treasures like the golden sword, the golden headgear (hat), the miniature royal regalia, golden sculptures, and more. We will visit Wat Lokaya Sutharam to see the 42-meter-long reclining white Buddha. End our trip at Wat Chaiwattanaram located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Learn about how the temple was ordered to build in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother featuring the architectural style influenced by the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. After the visit, drive back to Bangkok
The remainder of the day is free at leisure

Hightlights: Explore Ancient city of Ayutthaya
Breakfast & Lunch
Select hotel in Bangkok

Private transfer: After breakfast, free at leisure. 12.00pm check-out of the hotel and free on your own. 13.00 transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Sukhothai. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel and the remainder of the day is free at leisure

Hightlights: Move to Sukhothai
Breakfast
Select hotel in Sukkhothai

Guided tour of Merit Making Session at Wat Traphang Thong: Early morning, at 05.00am – 05.30am join the locals and lined up along the bridge connecting the temple to the city, with bags of food and necessities packaged into individual bags. Once the bells rang, the monks made their way out and past us, where we would carefully put the bags into their baskets and offered our well wishes. At the end of Merit making session, the monks lined up in front of all of us to express their gratitude before returning back.
***It is also important to note physical contact with the monks, their baskets or even the strap is completely forbidden, so do take extra care when presenting the offerings

 

Back to hotel for breakfast, after breakfast, visit Sukhothai Historical Park which is the remains of ancient Sukhothai, the capital of Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries. Covering an area of about 70sqkm, this impressive UNESCO-listed park includes numerous historical ruins, large ponds, and trees surrounded by old walls. Strolling through the grounds of the historical park, you will encounter some classic lotus-bud chedi in Sukhothai architectural arts, Lanka styled stupas or Hindu shrines, as well as learn more about the Thai history from each site. Take time at some main highlights such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Phra Phai Luang, and Wat Si Chum.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure

Hightlights: Merit Making Session at Wat Traphang Thong
Breakfast & Lunch
Select hotel in Sukhothai

Private transfer to Chiang Mai: After breakfast, around 08.30am – 09.00am depart Sukhothai for Chiang Mai, we stop en route for a simple lunch at local restaurant. Arrives in Chiang Mai around 01.30pm – 02.00pm and transfer to the hotel for checking in.
 
Chiang Mai Street Food Tour: In sharp contrast to the glitzy lights of Bangkok is Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city. Set in the foothills of the Himalayas it is cooler and greener than Bangkok and has a pedestrian friendly old town of quaint alleys and side streets where you can lose yourself in Thai culture. In the evenings, the night market and food market are well worth a browse. This evening head out with your guide to explore the night bazaar by tuk tuk. Some of the best Thai food can be found in markets and street stalls. In Chiang Mai, the night market at Prathu Chang Puak or Chang Puak Gate market, is one of the best food markets in the country. You’ll find fruit vendors, juice and coffee stands, and dishes including a range of noodle soups and fried noodles, all the usual chicken, pork and duck dishes, and cooked-to-order classic stir-fries such as pak boon fai deang (morning glory — either vegetarian or with crispy pork), pat kha pao (the ubiquitous stir-fry with chilli and basil), pat prik gaeng (hot and spicy), tom yam and standard fried rice. And that’s just for starters. Taste-wise, many of these dishes, served up on aluminium tables while you’re seated on plastic chairs — are as good as you’ll find in any top hotel restaurant.

Hightlights: Drive to Chiang Mai and Evening Street food tour
Breakfast
Select hotel in Chiang Mai

Guided tour of Chiang Mai city: Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. and start with a visit to a local North Thailand food and flower market where local Thais will be busy buying and selling their produce. Then, take a 20 minute rickshaw ride to Wat Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai town. Afterwards, drive to Wat Suan Dok where ashes of former Kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family are kept and take the opportunity to talk with the monk about all aspects of his religion. Gain valuable insights from somebody who has devoted his life to a serene and simple lifestyle.  After bidding farewell to the monk and drive to Doi Suthep and visit the most secret temple of Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat, which was founded in 1383 A.D. In 1935 a road was built to the top, but nowadays people climb the 309 steps from the car park to the top or take a tram (included). The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the city. Afterwards, experience and enjoy ‘Khao Soi’ lunch (Chiang Mai Noodles) at authentic local restaurant. It is one of the famous dishes in Chiang Mai. Khao Soi is a curry noodle dish from the northern part of Thailand. It is often made with chicken, served over Chinese Bah-mi egg noodle, and garnished with fried noodles, shallots, cilantro, pickled mustard greens, fried whole chillis and a squeeze of lime juice. The dish is a seeming cacophony of taste, each strong and distinct yet they blend into one beautifully harmonious bowl and delicious bowl, when done right, of course.
 
After lunch, visit Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city built in 1286 when King Manglei was on the throne. There are 20 ancient relics in and around the ancient city of Wei Gonggan, including buildings and temples, which date back to the 21st-22nd centuries of Buddhism. Continue to visit Wat Umong is a 700-year-old Buddhist temple located at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountain range, on the outskirts of the city of Chiang Mai. Nestled in the greenery of the mountain, the temple is the only forest temple in the Chiang Mai region. Return to the hotel for relaxing and enjoying hotel’s facilities in late afternoon. 
 ***Note: Ladies should wear short-sleeved top with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts.  Gentlemen should wear trousers and short-sleeved shirts for religious reasons. No sandals or flip-flop allowed.

Hightlights: Chiang Mai city tour
Breakfast and Lunch
Select hotel in Chiang Mai

*** Mighty Waterfalls, Rural Life and Royal Chedis on Thailand’s Highest Peak
*** Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail And Thundering Waterfalls.

Guided tour of Doi Inthanon National Park & Karen village: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. around 08:00am, meet with your guide at hotel and you will be transferred about 1.5 hours to Doi Inthanon National Park. This trip is about rural life, Royal chedis and Doi Inthanon waterfalls. In the rainy season, nature is at its best in this national park. The waterfalls genuinely are spectacular. Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain of Thailand (2,565 m). It became a national park in 1972. The park boasts the highest diversity of forest types and bird species found in any single park in the country and has many beautiful waterfalls. We will drive up to the summit of Doi Inthanon where we will visit the two chedis, one called Naphamethinidon, meaning “by the strength of the land and air”, and the other, Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning “being the strength of the air and the grace of the land”. These temples were built to honour the 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1987, and the 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit in 1992, respectively. After this, we will visit the Karen village Ban Mae Klang Luang. Along the way, we will stop at the Hmong market where products from the Royal Project are for sale. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

Hightlights: Fly to Pakse
Breakfast
Select hotel in Four Thousand Islands

****The direct flight CNX-LPQ is NOT operated on Tue/Thu & Sat
Private transfer: After breakfast, free at leisure. 12.00pm check-out of the hotel and at 01.00pm transfer to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for check-in or dropping off your luggage (Early check-in is NOT included & subject to hotel’s availability). The remainder of the day is free at leisure

Hightlights: Fly to Luang Prabang/Laos
Breakfast
Select hotel in Luang Prabang

Guided tour of Luang Prabang city: After breakfast, visit this sacred city of temples with a visit to the National Museum (closed on Tue), the former Royal Palace which was built in 1904 by the French in a fusion of European and Lao design, now is housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other must-see places include Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Continue to visit Vat Phou and Vat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa.. If time permitting, visit the UXO Laos visitor centre, a museum explaining the devastation Laos suffered in the Second Indochina War and how nearly 40 years later death or injury from unexploded ordnance remains an everyday reality in several provinces. Late afternoon, free at leisure OR optional to visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill which dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang offering the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang, and is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
 
Private Baci Ceremony: Evening, attend private Baci Ceremony arranged at a very traditional Laos house on stilt and guests can interact with home owner. This evening you will participate in a Baci ceremony, a Laotian tradition that predates Buddhism. Baci ceremonies are an integral part of Lao culture. Held to celebrate a special event, marriage, a homecoming, or a departure, they are based on an ancient belief that the human being is a union of 32 organs with the ‘kwan’ (or soul) watching over each of them. The Baci ceremony re-aligns the kwan and the body. A village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. In Laos, white is the colour of peace, good fortune and warmth. Evening, free at leisure or you can walk to the buzzing night market

Hightlights: Luang Prabang city and Baci Ceremony
Breakfast
Select hotel in Luang Prabang

Early morning today, you have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight for many travelers. During the ceremony, devoted residents of Luang Prabang kneel on the sidewalk, bearing food in their hands, which they offer to the monks as they walk by in a procession. Please tell your guide if you wish to make an offer so he/she can prepare some food for you. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then return to hotel for breakfast.
Note: With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulder, chest and legs should be covered.
Countryside of Luang Prabang and sunset cruise: After breakfast, we will visit The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) is a non-profit museum and resource centre dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos. Its goal is to promote understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Laos’ ethnic cultures. An interaction with one of the directors, which is a great way to further your understanding of the varied lifestyles and traditions of Laos’ ethnic diversity. One of the directors has a BA in Anthropology of Southeast Asia and also spent a significant amount of time in Lao rural villages conducting tourism surveys and developing community activities. At around 14.00 hours depart your hotel for a river cruise on the Nagas Mekong to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves which are located in the side of a limestone cliff, opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimetre to two meters in height. On the way back visit a typical Lao village and enjoy sunset on Mekong River as your cruise back to Luang Prabang with snack and cocktails arranged onboard Nagas Mekong cruise

Hightlights: Countryside of Luang Prabang and sunset cruise
Breakfast
Select hotel in Luang Prabang

****The direct flight LPQ-REP is NOT operated on Tue & Sun
After breakfast, free at leisure. 12.00pm check-out of the hotel and free on your own until transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
 
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for check-in or dropping off your luggage (Early check-in is NOT included & subject to hotel’s availability).  The remainder of the day is free at leisure 
 
Evening tickets to Phare: Enjoy a Cambodian Circus: Tightrope walkers, contortionists and acrobats take to the stage for a dynamic artistic spectacle. Blending visual arts, traditional music, modern dance and classic circus skills, this circus set-up has toured internationally to critical acclaim, assuring an impressive and entertaining performance. Performance runs from 8pm – 9pm.

Hightlights: Fly to Siem Reap/Cambodia
Breakfast
Select hotel in Siem Riep

***Please check with your guide to see what time you would like to enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat and your guide will be flexible to you and accommodate as per your request
Sunrise over Angkor temples: In the early morning around 06.00am we wake up early to take a trip to Angkor Temple architectural marvel. In the pond that surrounds it we see reflected mintra see the sunrise. Then, we walk to the backdoor to visit Angkor Wat Temple at level 1, level 2 and level 3, an architectural marvel, one of the world’s most impressive ruins to understand in depth Khmer Culture and Civilization. The temple has fine carvings of Apsaras in stone made during the Angkor period. Return to the hotel for your own breakfast.

Afternoon, take a tuk tuk ride to explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Enter at the Victory Gate before uniquely walking along the 8m high wall through the forest to the less touristy Death Gate. Passing behind the Terraces of Elephants and Leper King walk though the shaded parkland to Phimeanakas and Baphuon temples, learning about the trees and fruits used locally. End our sightseeing this afternoon with a visit to Bayon temple with its iconic carved faces.
Then enjoy sunset drinks with a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems whilst hearing the sound of bird song

 

Hightlights: Sunrise Angkor and tuk tuk ride
Breakfast & Lunch
Select hotel in Siem Riep

Rise early and beat the crowds at the photogenic Ta Prohm temple of “Tomb Raider” fame, the temple that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Undisturbed by crowds of tourists you can better appreciate the interplay of man and nature at this magical site. Then, walk through the Sra Srong village – just behind Ta Prom temple exploring the villagers making wooden carvings and palm leave weaving. Enjoy a coffee break at one of the villager’ house and opportunity to interact with the local family. Back to hotel after the visit for late breakfast
 
After breakfast, drive over rural roads out of Siem Reap towards Banteay Srei to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. 
 
Special dinner: Late afternoon, enjoy the Cambodian countryside complemented by fine Khmer dining beneath the stars at Chandara Villa. We will take you on an adventure the tourist crowds cannot follow: To an enchanting one–of–a– kind rural experience set in the landscaped gardens of a private dining villa favored over the years by visiting personalities of stage and screen who value anonymity and discursion. Early in the afternoon, embark on a private boat to take full advantage of the many activities provided by the villagers as they share ancient rural skills with you. Explore the village by ox cart, select ingredients from our herb garden for evening cocktails and enjoy a foot massage, your drink in hand as the sun sets over the rice paddies. Enjoy Khmer celebratory dinner is served by the award–winning team of DineBeyond beneath the stars and by candlelight for a truly memorable occasion. 

Hightlights: Sunrise Angkor and dinner at Chandara Villa
Breakfast & Dinner
Select hotel in Siem Riep

Private transfer: Today is at leisure in Siem Reap to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. 
 
Airport DEPARTURE Assistance Service: Representative will collect your tickets and your passport in order to help you to check-in the airline. Following he will also help you with immigration procedure and give you back the boarding pass and passport with immigration stamped ready.

Breakfast
End of services

Start/Finish

  • Chiang Rai (Thailand)
  • Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)

Duration

15 days – 14 nights

Traveling dates: 

Year round and best time from December to September of next year

Price from

US$12,789

included/excluded costs

Places visited

Chiang Rai, Siem Riep, Phom Penh, Luang Prabang

  Recommended Hotels

Best hotels in Cambodia recommended by TONLE Journeys

Inclusive of:

Accommodation with daily breakfast in the program *Check-in & Check-out time: generally, check-in time is after 02.00pm and Check-out before 12.00pm (noon). Eerly check-in and late checkout are subject to room availability and may generate additional full rate room rate.
Private cruise in Halong/Lan Ha: **cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change upon weather conditions.
Transportations with guide services: all transfers and transportation on tour by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and stationed English speaking guide in each city.
Air-tickets as mentioned in the itinerary: REP-HAN, HAN-DAD, DAD-CXR & CXR-SGN (Economy class and included airport taxes, 20-23kg checked luggage and 7-12kg hand luggage).
Entrance fees of the scenic spots as per program
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Not include drinks in the meals
1 bottle of mineral water (500 ml) per pax on airport pick-up and see-off day
2 bottles of mineral water (500 ml) per pax per tour day

Non-inclusive of:

Visas and visa stamping fees
Early check-in or late check-out at all hotels
Meals where not indicated in the program
All drinks
One-way sharing seaplane flight from Hanoi to Ha Long
Other air-tickets and train tickets not mentioned in the program and in the inclusion column
International airport taxes       Overweight luggage
Gratuities/ Tipping to guides, drivers, boatman, bellboys...etc (*we recommend USD5-8 per traveller per day as tips for your guides and USD3-5 for your driver, however you might pay more or less depending on their services)
Travel insurance (*we strongly recommend you to buy full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin in advance)
Personal expenses (such as room services, laundry, optional activities …etc)
Optional tours and extra activities
Other services not mentioned in the program and in the inclusion column