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The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
Tour Description:
A thoughtful journey back in time to the days of ancient Indochinese civilizations linked by the life-giving Mekong River...
...where multi-night stays in Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City promise in-depth exploration of historic sites, hands-on opportunities to do as the locals do and the luxury of immersing in cultural traditions and treasures from gracious grand hotels. A new day is dawning in the countries of Indochina, inviting with a mystical kaleidoscope of unique sights that resonate with a historic past and celebrate an exciting future. In cities like Hanoi, streets named for the products they sell... Pickled Fish, Wooden Bowl... buzz with vespas, and human-pedaled cyclos past colonial buildings, storied squares, temples and historic sites. Prayers and well wishes fill the air in Luang Prabang blessed with riverside beauty and rich with cultural traditions from rice to silk to gold leafed monasteries. Cambodia's Angkor Wat, ancient temples have defied time – and the jungle growth – remaining steeped in royal hospitality. Cyclos lead the way to a Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and "killing fields" chronicle a more turbulent time. Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with culinary treats and the fertile Mekong Delta thrives with local life – and promise. It's all underscored by a rich heritage and a river that share histories millennia old.
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Dates & Pricing
| Sunday 25 Jan 26 — Monday 09 Feb 26 | Starting at $12,590 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 10 Feb 26 — Wednesday 25 Feb 26 | Starting at $12,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 27 Sep 26 — Monday 12 Oct 26 | Starting at $11,990 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 13 Oct 26 — Wednesday 28 Oct 26 | Starting at $12,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 30 Oct 26 — Saturday 14 Nov 26 | Starting at $12,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Sunday 15 Nov 26 — Monday 30 Nov 26 | Starting at $12,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Tuesday 01 Dec 26 — Wednesday 16 Dec 26 | Starting at $12,590 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Friday 18 Dec 26 — Saturday 02 Jan 27 | Starting at $12,990 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
A thoughtful journey back in time to the days of ancient Indochinese civilizations linked by the life-giving Mekong River...
Highlights
Engage in hands-on rice farming at The Living Land Farm, learning traditional techniques from planting to harvesting, gaining insights into Laos' agricultural heritage and sustainability practices
A foodie after-dark tour of the street markets of Saigon – by Vespa
Experience the Mekong Delta on a visit to a local home for insights into daily life, traditions, and the close connection to the waterway
Multiple-night stays at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Pullman Luang Prabang, Park Hyatt Saigon, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor and Rosewood Phnom Penh, each offering distinctive luxury, cultural immersion, and unforgettable Southeast Asian hospitality
Morning cruise on the Mekong River, longest river in Southeast Asia; as a lifeline to many, culturally significant to the locals, it accounts for up to 25% of the global freshwater catch and tens of millions of peoples livelihood
Visit a silk farm cooperative to see what's involved with the silk making process
Witness a traditional alms ceremony as Buddhist monks begin their daily rituals with the sunrise
Explore APOPO in Cambodia, an innovative organization training 'HeroRATS' to detect landmines, save lives, and contribute to safer communities
...where multi-night stays in Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City promise in-depth exploration of historic sites, hands-on opportunities to do as the locals do and the luxury of immersing in cultural traditions and treasures from gracious grand hotels. A new day is dawning in the countries of Indochina, inviting with a mystical kaleidoscope of unique sights that resonate with a historic past and celebrate an exciting future. In cities like Hanoi, streets named for the products they sell... Pickled Fish, Wooden Bowl... buzz with vespas, and human-pedaled cyclos past colonial buildings, storied squares, temples and historic sites. Prayers and well wishes fill the air in Luang Prabang blessed with riverside beauty and rich with cultural traditions from rice to silk to gold leafed monasteries. Cambodia's Angkor Wat, ancient temples have defied time – and the jungle growth – remaining steeped in royal hospitality. Cyclos lead the way to a Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and "killing fields" chronicle a more turbulent time. Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with culinary treats and the fertile Mekong Delta thrives with local life – and promise. It's all underscored by a rich heritage and a river that share histories millennia old.
Highlights
Engage in hands-on rice farming at The Living Land Farm, learning traditional techniques from planting to harvesting, gaining insights into Laos' agricultural heritage and sustainability practices
A foodie after-dark tour of the street markets of Saigon – by Vespa
Experience the Mekong Delta on a visit to a local home for insights into daily life, traditions, and the close connection to the waterway
Multiple-night stays at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Pullman Luang Prabang, Park Hyatt Saigon, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor and Rosewood Phnom Penh, each offering distinctive luxury, cultural immersion, and unforgettable Southeast Asian hospitality
Morning cruise on the Mekong River, longest river in Southeast Asia; as a lifeline to many, culturally significant to the locals, it accounts for up to 25% of the global freshwater catch and tens of millions of peoples livelihood
Visit a silk farm cooperative to see what's involved with the silk making process
Witness a traditional alms ceremony as Buddhist monks begin their daily rituals with the sunrise
Explore APOPO in Cambodia, an innovative organization training 'HeroRATS' to detect landmines, save lives, and contribute to safer communities
ITINERARY
ITINERARYWelcome to Hanoi
Tour begins: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi at 6:00 PM. A transfer from Noi Bai International Airport to your historic landmark hotel is included. Please join us this evening to meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
History in Hanoi… and the people of Vietnam
Begin your exploration of Hanoi with a visit to Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh complex, the Presidential Palace, Ho's "house on stilts," and the One-Pillar Pagoda, as well as a guided visit to the ancient Temple of Literature. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a water puppet show this afternoon; these shows have been a part of Vietnamese culture since the 11th century when rice farmers would entertain their communities in flooded rice fields. Please note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is closed each year for annual renovations from September to December; Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda remain open for viewing.
Hanoi Hilton & the Museum of Ethnology
A morning visit to Hoa Lo Prison evokes solemn memories of the Vietnam War and the troops that were imprisoned inside. Continue on to the Museum of Ethnology, one of the most beautiful museums in Hanoi, where a guided tour of its exhibits provides fascinating insights into the lifestyles of Vietnam's 52 different ethnic groups. Following lunch, the remainder of the day is free to explore as you please.
Fly to Luang Prabang in Laos
Board a flight for Luang Prabang today, landing in this royal city for a four-night stay; it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich architectural and artistic heritage set amidst stunning mountain and riverside scenery. Arrive at your hotel late this afternoon and join us for a special dinner this evening.
Artisans & Rice Farming
Experience life like the locals during a visit to a silk farm cooperative to see what's involved with the silk making process. After lunch, visit the Living Land Rice Farm to learn about this important sustainable agriculture tradition, with an opportunity to work alongside the farmers and their water buffaloes. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure this evening.
Buddhist blessings & elephants
Wake up before dawn to witness a traditional alms ceremony as Buddhist monks begin their daily rituals with the sunrise. Stop at a morning market en route back to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, take a boat across the river to an elephant conservation center where you will have the opportunity to feed these gentle giants, and hear about the efforts being undertaken on their behalf in Laos by the expert researchers.
The Mekong River
A morning cruise on the Mekong River brings you to multi-tiered Kuang Si Falls. Enjoy time at leisure here and have lunch in a local restaurant. Sightseeing this afternoon showcases the city's historic sites including 16th-century Wat Xiang Thon, the National Museum, and Wat Mai. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Fly to Siem Reap
Nature is at her best in Luang Prabang, where scenic mountains and riverside landscapes are picture perfect. Depart Luang Prabang today and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to the extraordinary temples of Angkor. Depending on the day of the week, flights may be direct or may connect through Bangkok – no visa is required for the connection. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, the historic Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Opened in the 1930s and set amid landscaped gardens, the hotel remains one of Southeast Asia's grand landmarks. Its French colonial architecture, shaded verandas, and gracious hospitality provide a memorable introduction to Cambodia, while its location places you just moments from the wonders of Angkor Wat. After time to settle in, gather for dinner at the hotel this evening.
Angkor Wat & the hero rats of Apopo
Visit the temple complex of Angkor with an expert local guide who shares insights during a walking tour. Your day unfolds with a look at modern history in Cambodia at APOPO, an organization that trains "HeroRATS" to help detect landmines. Have lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon and evening of cultural discoveries.
Ta Phrom, Elephant Terrace & Bayon Temple
Return to Angkor Wat for a guided visit to root-covered Ta Phrom Temple, 12th-century Angkor Thom, the giant Terrace of the Elephants, and Bayon Temple. After a lunch of local specialties, board a boat for a cruise on Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. View the lake's floating villages and see fishermen plying their trade before returning to your hotel for time at leisure.
Phnom Penh
Drive through the countryside to Phnom Penh, nicknamed the "Pearl of Asia" for its early 20th century colonial French architecture and Art Deco works, today gleams with skyscrapers that tower over its ancient sites. Spend the next two nights at a luxury hotel enjoying panoramic views of the city and fabled Mekong River. Dine at your leisure at the hotel this evening.
Exploring Phnom Penh
Step aboard a traditional cyclo and ride through the vibrant and bustling Street 240, known for its boutique shops and charming architecture, as you make your way to the iconic Royal Palace. Once there, marvel at its majestic Khmer-style structures and explore the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its gleaming silver-tiled floor and priceless treasures, including the Emerald Buddha. Following lunch, the afternoon is yours to unwind and take in Phnom Penh at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to embark on a deeply moving and reflective journey to the 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek, a somber memorial site that commemorates Cambodia's tragic past, and then visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a haunting reminder of resilience and history. The evening is free to spend as you please.
Sightseeing, a flight to Vietnam, and "Saigon After Dark"
A morning of sightseeing precedes an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Experience the vibrant energy of Saigon after sunset on an unforgettable "Saigon After Dark" tour – by Vespa (or by car, if you prefer). This evening adventure immerses you in the city's buzzing nightlife and rich culinary scene. Hop aboard a motorbike and weave through lively streets illuminated by neon lights, as your guide introduces you to Saigon's local treasures. Savor a variety of authentic dishes during stops at bustling street food stalls and hidden eateries, tasting everything from sizzling Vietnamese pancakes to flavorful noodle soups. Along the way, soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere and discover its local culture.
Life in the Mekong Delta
Head to the Mekong Delta, known as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam for an in-depth look at daily life along the Mekong River. Visit a private home and a local business to meet with the owners and enjoy a traditional homestyle lunch. Learn how candy is made – and tastes – from coconuts grown in the delta for a sweet ending to today's excursion. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening on your own.
Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City
Embark on a locally guided city sightseeing excursion that includes bustling Ben Thanh market; Reunification Hall; the neo-classical Post Office and the French-built Cathedral. Tonight, join us for a farewell reception and dinner.
Journey Home
Tour ends: Ho Chi Minh City. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Saigon to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You should allow three hours for check-in at the airport.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
