The treasures of Indochina offer an authentic journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, designed for travelers seeking meaningful encounters, unspoiled landscapes, and ancestral cultures. From Hanoi to the wild Lan Ha Bay, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the historic pages of Dien Bien Phu, this nature and culture itinerary reveals the rich diversity of Northern Indochina.
In Laos, the journey continues along the Nam Ou River, between Muang Mai and Muang Ngoi, immersed in pristine nature and the daily life of local ethnic communities, before reaching Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed jewel. The tour concludes in a grand finale with discovering the heritage of Indochina through the majestic temples of Angkor – spiritual and architectural masterpieces that embody the timeless soul of Cambodia.
Meaningful encounters with ethnic minority communities in the highland regions of Vietnam and Laos
The discovery of Indochina’s rich and diverse cultures and traditions
Picturesque landscapes of the northern mountains, featuring terraced rice fields and remote valleys
An unforgettable cruise and overnight stay aboard a comfortable junk in the unspoiled Lan Ha Bay
Pristine nature and authentic local life of ethnic communities along the Nam Ou River in Laos
The discovery of ancient temples in Luang Prabang, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The majestic temples of Angkor, spiritual and architectural jewels of Cambodia
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, a thousand-year-old capital
Day 2: Discovering the capital of Vietnam
Day 3: Cruise and overnight stay in Lan Ha Bay
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi, overnight train to Sapa
Day 5: Walking tour in the surroundings of Sapa
Day 6: Sapa – Dien Bien Phu
Day 7: Visit of historical sites in Dien Bien Phu
Day 8: Dien Bien Phu – Muang Xai (Laos)
Day 9: Muang Mai – Muang Ngoi
Day 10: Walking tour in the surroundings of Muang Ngoi
Day 11: Muang Ngoi – Luang Praba
Day 12: Luang Prabang and its treasures
Day 13: Exploring the surroundings of Luang Prabang
Day 14: Luang Prabang – flight to Siem Reap
Day 15: Discovery of the Angkor temples
Day 16: Banteay Srei Temple & Kbal Spean River
Day 17: Discovery of Tonlé Sap Lake
Day 18: Last moments in Siem Reap
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, a thousand-year-old city
Xin Chao! Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your English-speaking guide and private driver, then transferred to the city center. Formerly known as Thang Long, meaning “the city of the rising dragon,” Hanoi boasts over 1,000 years of history and charms visitors with its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Located in the heart of the Red River Delta, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, stands as one of the first treasures of Indochina and a must-see highlight of this authentic journey through the region.
Hotel check-in and free time for a first personal discovery of this millennial city at your own pace, allowing you to gently immerse yourself in its atmosphere.
Transportation: 30 km – Overnight: Hotel
Day 2: Discovering the capital of Vietnam (B)
This day is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Hanoi, a key stage of the Treasures of Indochina and a major gateway to discovering the heritage of Indochina. You will begin with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), a unique institution showcasing the cultures, traditional costumes, and lifestyles of the country’s 54 ethnic groups—at the very heart of an authentic journey focused on local people and ancestral traditions.
The exploration continues with the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, followed by Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. You will then visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, before strolling through the lively alleys of the Old Quarter, offering a true immersion into the daily life of the capital.
A stop is planned at the famous Train Street to witness the impressive passage of the train (coffee at your own expense). In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an iconic art form of Northern Vietnam and a highlight of this nature and culture itinerary across Indochina.
Day 3: Cruise and overnight stay in Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for Lan Ha Bay, one of the natural jewels of the Treasures of Indochina. This stage offers a full immersion into a nature and culture itinerary, where the sea meets unspoiled karst landscapes. Upon arrival on Cat Ba Island, embark aboard a traditional wooden junk.
Cruise through the heart of the bay, discovering floating villages and local seafood farming activities. Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, enjoy free time on the wild Van Boi beach or relax on the junk, before setting out on a kayaking excursion to Hang Ca or Dau Be caves.
In the late afternoon, anchor in the heart of the bay. Dinner and overnight stay on board, in a peaceful atmosphere ideal for an authentic journey, close to nature and far from the crowds.
Transportation: 150 km / 3 hrs – Overnight: Junk
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi, Overnight train to Sapa (B, L)
Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the bay, weather permitting. Breakfast on board, followed by gentle navigation among the karst pinnacles toward the Viet Hai pier. Enjoy a short bicycle ride or electric vehicle tour to explore this isolated fishing village, a living testimony to authentic local life and an essential part of discovering the heritage of Indochina.
Return to Hanoi in the afternoon. In the evening, board the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to the northern mountains of Vietnam. Overnight in an air-conditioned four-berth sleeping cabin.
Transportation: 150 km / 3 hrs – Overnight: Train
Day 5: Walking tour in the surroundings of Sapa (B, L, D)
Early morning arrival in Lao Cai, followed by a scenic mountain drive to Sapa. This iconic region represents one of the highlights of the Treasures of Indochina, offering the perfect setting for an authentic journey in close contact with ethnic minority communities. After breakfast, transfer to Y Linh Ho to begin a walk through spectacular mountain landscapes.
You will visit the villages of Y Linh Ho, San 1, and San 2, still little visited, then pass through hamlets inhabited by the Hmong people. Lunch will be served as a picnic or in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, descend into the Muong Hoa Valley, home to Black Hmong, Giay, Tay, Hani, Thai, and Red Dao ethnic groups. Immersion in their daily life offers a powerful moment of discovering the heritage of Indochina, deeply rooted in ancestral traditions. The walk ends in Ta Van village.
Transportation: 40 km – Overnight: Homestay
Day 6: Sapa – Dien Bien Phu (B)
In the morning, depart from your host’s home toward the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, whose highest peak is Mount Fansipan (3,143 m). This spectacular stage of the treasures of Indochina perfectly illustrates a nature and culture itinerary, where lush vegetation covers the slopes and misty landscapes create a timeless atmosphere.
You will walk through several typical and little-known villages, discovering the daily life of Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay communities, an essential highlight of an authentic journey into the heart of ethnic minority cultures.
Continue by road to Lai Chau via the Hoang Lien Son Pass (2,047 m), with a panoramic stop to admire Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.” The journey then continues toward Dien Bien Phu via Muong Lay and Muong Cha, with several stops to meet Thai, Hmong, Khmu, Mang, and Dao ethnic groups, further enriching your experience of discovering the heritage of Indochina. Late arrival in Dien Bien Phu.
Transportation: 270 km / 5 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Visiting the historical sites of Dien Bien Phu (B)
This day is dedicated to discovering the heritage of Indochina through the historic sites of Dien Bien Phu, an emblematic place in contemporary history. Your guide will recount the key episodes of the Indochina War, including the famous 56-day battle between the French forces and the Viet Minh.
Visits include Eliane 2 Hill, the GONO Headquarters (Northwest Operational Group Command Post), and the Dien Bien Phu War Museum—powerful witnesses to the region’s historical past and a significant stage of the Treasures of Indochina.
Transportation: 30 km – Overnight: Hotel
Day 8: Dien Bien Phu – Muang Xai (Laos) (B)
In the morning, enjoy a short drive to Tay Trang, the new border crossing between Vietnam and Laos. After completing border formalities, you will be welcomed by your local Lao guide before continuing the journey to Muang Xai.
This crossing marks a new chapter of the Treasures of Indochina, extending an authentic journey through the mountainous and remote border regions of Laos. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free at leisure.
Transportation: 200 km / 5 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 9: Muang Mai – Muang Ngoi (B)
In the morning, transfer by road to Nong Khiew, a picturesque village located along the Nam Ou River. Upon arrival, board a local boat to continue the journey to Muang Ngoi.
This river journey is a highlight of the Treasures of Indochina, perfectly illustrating a nature and culture itinerary and an authentic journey into the heart of rural Laos.
Along the way, stop at Ban Houy Hoi village for a hike to the Khamu village of Ban Sop Khoun (approximately 2–3 hours), offering insight into daily life and local traditions. Continue cruising to Muang Ngoi. Check-in at a local guesthouse with simple comfort. Meals at your own expense.
Transportation: 200 km / 5 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 10: Walking tour in the surroundings of Muang Ngoi (B, L)
After breakfast, board local boats again to travel downstream along the Nam Ou River. At Sopkhan village, enjoy a walk through karst landscapes to a Hmong village. Lunch is provided.
Continue with another walk to a Khmu ethnic village, then cross the Nam Ou River before returning to Muang Ngoi. This full day completes the exploration of Indochina’s heritage, an essential stage of the Treasures of Indochina, combining wild nature with meaningful human encounters.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 11: Muang Ngoi – Luang Prabang (B)
Simple breakfast at the local guesthouse. Begin the walk to discover Ban Na village (approximately 2 hours), passing through green rice fields (depending on the season) and beautiful rural landscapes—perfect examples of an authentic journey in Laos.
Return to the center of Muang Ngoi, then travel downstream along the Nam Ou River by boat to Nong Khiaw. Continue by road to Luang Prabang, a major stage of the Treasures of Indochina.
Stops are planned along the way to visit several villages. Visit the Pak Ou Caves, Buddhist sanctuaries housing thousands of Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xang Hai village to discover the traditional distillation of Lao rice alcohol.
Transportation: 140 km / 4 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 12: Luang Prabang and its treasures (B)
Early morning suggestion: around 5:00 a.m, opportunity to attend the alms-giving ceremony to the monks, a spiritual moment emblematic of Luang Prabang, followed by a visit to the morning market.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then begin discovering Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage gem and a key highlight in the exploration of Indochina’s heritage within the Treasures of Indochina.
Visit Vat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao religious architecture, followed by Vat Visoun, Vat Aham, and Vat Saen, the city’s earliest monasteries.
In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, home to the famous sacred golden statue of Pha Bang. Discover Vat May, then enjoy free time strolling through the Hmong Night Market, a vivid reflection of a nature and culture itinerary.
Transportation: 20 km – Overnight: Hotel
Day 13: The surroundings of Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast, drive south to reach the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls, located within a protected national park. This nature excursion fully reflects the spirit of the Treasures of Indochina, combining lush landscapes with local traditions.
Stop at Talad Phosy Market, known for its fresh produce. Along the way, visit Ban Na Oune village, home to the Hmong ethnic group. Upon arrival, enjoy a walk around the Kuang Si Waterfalls, offering a spectacular natural setting.
Return to Luang Prabang with a stop at the Ok Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, dedicated to traditional Lao weaving and illustrating the richness of discovering Indochina’s heritage. Free time at the end of the day.
Transportation: 60 km – Overnight: Hotel
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Flight to Siem Reap (B)
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for a final personal exploration of Luang Prabang before transferring to the airport. Flight to Siem Reap, marking the continuation of the Treasures of Indochina in Cambodia.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel. Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples, is considered the country’s main tourist hub. The rest of the day is free for a first introduction to the city.
Transportation: 40 km / 1 hr – Overnight: Hotel
Day 15: Discovering the temples of Angkor (B)
Depart by road along the river to reach, from the western side, the mythical Angkor Wat, the ultimate symbol of discovering the heritage of Indochina and the highlight of the Treasures of Indochina. This iconic site stands as a timeless testament to Khmer civilization and a key moment of this authentic journey through Southeast Asia.
Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Angkor Thom, the former Khmer capital, entering through the South Gate. Discover the famous Bayon Temple, the Baphuon, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Return to the hotel in Siem Reap.
Transportation: 20 km – Overnight: Hotel
Day 16: Banteay Srei temple & Kbal Spean river (B)
This full-day excursion is fully dedicated to discovering the heritage of Indochina, representing a major highlight of the Treasures of Indochina in Cambodia. Depart in the morning for Kbal Spean, the famous “River of a Thousand Lingas,” located about 30 km north of Angkor.
Continue toward the sacred Phnom Kulen massif, rising to 487 meters above sea level, to visit an emblematic pagoda perched at the summit, an important spiritual site of Khmer culture.
In the afternoon, discover the remarkable Banteay Srei Temple, dedicated to Shiva. Its refined architecture and delicately carved pink sandstone sculptures make it one of Angkor’s artistic jewels. The reflection of the sunset on the temples offers an unforgettable spectacle, a defining moment of this nature and culture itinerary and a lasting memory of this authentic journey.
Transportation: 100 km / 2.5 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 17: Discovering Tonlé Sap lake (B, L)
Continue your journey at the heart of the Treasures of Indochina with the discovery of Tonlé Sap Lake, Cambodia’s vast inland sea and a key element in discovering the heritage of Indochina. Drive to Kampong Kleng, a traditional floating village located along the lake.
Board a wooden boat for a cruise along the river and across Tonlé Sap Lake, encountering the daily life of Khmer communities living on the water. Observe traditional fishing activities practiced by all generations, offering a vivid illustration of an authentic journey in close contact with local inhabitants.
Lunch with a local family, then return to Siem Reap. Free time at the end of the day.
Transportation: 100 km / 2.5 hrs – Overnight: Hotel
Day 18: Last moments in Siem Reap (B)
Depending on your return flight schedule, enjoy free time for a final personal exploration of Siem Reap, the last stage of the Treasures of Indochina and the conclusion of this nature and culture itinerary across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Transfer to the airport without a guide.
End of our services.
Transportation: 30 km – Overnight: On board
From $ 1,959 per person
Price include
Accommodation with breakfast in carefully selected hotels or homestays
Meals clearly mentioned in the program
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
Services of English-speaking Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian guides throughout the tour, except during free time indicated as “without guide”
All land transportation by private, air-conditioned vehicle with driver, except during free time indicated as “without driver”
One liter of drinking water per person per day
Domestic flight Luang Prabang – Siem Reap in economy class
All logistical services required for the smooth organization of the journey
Price exclude
International flights and airport taxes to/from your home country
Visa fees for Laos and Cambodia
Transportation services not mentioned in the program
Meals not mentioned in the program
Tips for local guides, drivers, boat crews, porters, etc.
Drinks, telephone expenses, laundry, and all personal expenses not mentioned under “Price Includes”
Don’t let organizational details spoil your enjoyment: here are a few essential tips to help you make the most of your journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as part of the Treasures of Indochina tour.
When to pack for this trip
The regions covered by the Treasures of Indochina journey (Northern Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) feature a tropical to subtropical climate, with variations depending on altitude and season.
Best time to travel: November to April
Generally dry and pleasant weather in Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay, Sapa, Dien Bien Phu, Luang Prabang, and Angkor.
Ideal conditions for mountain trekking, cruises, cultural visits, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Good alternative period: May to October
Occasional showers, mainly in the late afternoon, especially in the tropical areas of Laos and Cambodia.
Lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, offering a more authentic Indochina journey, particularly appealing to travelers seeking nature and local encounters.
Trip Price
All payments in US dollars (USD) are converted according to the exchange rate in effect on xe.com on the date of payment.
The price includes the entire program as indicated, accommodation, mentioned meals, transfers, and the services of a French-speaking guide.
Payment Terms
Payment for your trip can be made using several methods, according to your preference: cash, bank transfer, credit card, or payment apps (Wise, Revolut, OnePay, etc.).
Cash payment: made directly at the QASIA TRAVEL office in Hanoi, with no additional fees.
Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB.
Any bank fees are the responsibility of the client.
Bank transfer: payment possible in euros (€) or US dollars (USD).
Contact QASIA TRAVEL for any information request, a personalized quotation, or to book your Treasures of Indochina tour – Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia.
Our team designs a tailor-made Treasures of Indochina journey, combining authenticity, comfort, and elegance – perfectly suited to your budget, your pace, and your travel desires.
Feel free to get in touch for a customized offer and experience the Treasures of Indochina to the fullest, through nature, cultures, and iconic heritage sites.
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