The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

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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.


 

Map for The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
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Dates & Pricing

Friday 09 Jan 26 — Saturday 24 Jan 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 25 Jan 26 — Monday 09 Feb 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 10 Feb 26 — Wednesday 25 Feb 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 27 Feb 26 — Saturday 14 Mar 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 15 Mar 26 — Monday 30 Mar 26Starting at $11,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 27 Sep 26 — Monday 12 Oct 26Starting at $11,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 13 Oct 26 — Wednesday 28 Oct 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 30 Oct 26 — Saturday 14 Nov 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 15 Nov 26 — Monday 30 Nov 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 01 Dec 26 — Wednesday 16 Dec 26Starting at $12,590Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 18 Dec 26 — Saturday 02 Jan 27Starting at $12,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon 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

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.

 



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

Welcome 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 in Da Ba Dinh Square, where you'll view Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho's "house on stilts," and the One-Pillar Pagoda. 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.  

Mount Phousi & Fly to Siem Reap
Nature is at her best in Luang Prabang, where scenic mountains and riverside landscapes are picture perfect and close by for exploring. If you wish, join a local guide for a morning hike on Mount Phousi, a sacred hill rising up in the center of the city – the stunning views of the city are rewarding. Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, this afternoon for a three-night stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel.  

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. Conclude the evening with dinner at a popular local restaurant, leaving you with a deeper connection to Saigon's flavors, energy, and spirit.

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.

Check Mark 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.

FAQ Tauck Travel Frequently Asked Questions FAQ for Tauck tours. Includes Tauck Guest Protection Plan.

People have asked, What's the relationship between Pavlus and Tauck. It's simple, Pavlus Travel is the Worlds largest seller of Tauck tours. We enjoy a close working relationship. Another question, Are Tauck tours worth the money? They sure are. Yes, Tauck is a bit more expensive. Everything is taken care for you on your tours. Tauck tour directors are all employees of Tauck unlike virtually every other escorted European Tour Company. We highly recommend Tauck verses any other tour company. There are two other questions asked often of our staff, What is the Tauck guest protection plan and what is the Tauck cancellation policy? Our staff will be pleased to provide complete answers to you. We always welcome questions on any travel topic.