Three Kingdoms: From Hanoi to Luang Prabang — 15 Days

This full day highlights the exceptional cultural richness of the millennial capital. We begin at the venerable Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 in honor of Confucius and home to Vietnam's first national university. Its stone turtle steles and serene courtyards reflect ancient scholar traditions. We continue to historic Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake and the Ba Dinh historical complex bordering the Presidential Palace.

In the afternoon, visit the outstanding Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the traditional architecture, costumes, and cultures of the country's 54 ethnic groups. At the end of the day, attend a traditional water puppet performance, a poetic folk art born in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Morning departure southward toward Ninh Binh province, widely known as the terrestrial Halong Bay. We first visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's 10th-century royal capital, where ancient temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le stand sheltered within an impressive natural amphitheater of towering karst peaks.

We then embark on a memorable sampan rowboat ride in Tam Coc: gliding along the tranquil Ngo Dong River through shimmering rice fields, the boat passes beneath three spectacular natural caverns carved through the cliffs. A delightful bicycle ride along rural paths to the cliffside cave pagoda of Bich Dong completes this bucolic day before returning to Hanoi.

Drive: approx. 2 hours each way (95 km). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

We travel toward the Gulf of Tonkin to reach legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Upon arrival at the harbor, board a traditional wooden junk for an exceptional cruise. While a delicious fresh seafood lunch is served on deck, the vessel glides between thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically above emerald waters.

The afternoon features guided exploration of an impressive stalactite sea cave, sea kayaking along limestone walls in a sheltered cove, and swimming in tranquil waters. In the evening, watch the sunset over the seascape before enjoying a refined dinner and night squid fishing on deck.

Drive: approx. 3 hours (170 km). Overnight on board the junk in private air-conditioned cabin.

Dawn unveils a poetic atmosphere over the calm waters of the bay. Early risers can participate in an invigorating Tai Chi session on the upper deck facing the karst silhouettes. Following a final sampan visit to a floating fishing village, enjoy a hearty brunch on board while the junk cruises leisurely back to port.

Disembark in late morning and transfer directly to Hanoi airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty. Warmly welcomed upon arrival by your local French-speaking guide and check into your boutique hotel.

Transfer: 2h30; domestic flight: 1h15. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

This day is dedicated to Hue's UNESCO-listed imperial treasures. We begin at the majestic Imperial Citadel, built in the early 19th century following feng shui principles and Vauban military architecture: Ngo Mon Gate, Supreme Harmony Palace, The Mieu ancestral temple, and the evocative ruins of the Purple Forbidden City.

We then board a traditional dragon boat for a peaceful cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda with its iconic seven-tiered octagonal tower. In the afternoon, explore Emperor Tu Duc's royal mausoleum, a serene landscape of pine groves, lake pavilions, and lotus ponds, followed by an artisanal conical hat and incense-making workshop.

Overnight at hotel in Hue.

We leave Hue to journey south along the scenic coastal route. We stop for a contemplative pause at Lang Co Lagoon, a picturesque fishing haven with turquoise waters, before winding up the dramatic hairpins of the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds). From the summit at 500 meters altitude, panoramas take in the indented coastline and Da Nang Bay.

We then reach the UNESCO-listed ancient port town of Hoi An. Following check-in, set out for a first stroll along lantern-lined pedestrian alleys framed by yellow-walled heritage shophouses. At nightfall, the town glows with thousands of multicolored silk lanterns reflecting in the Thu Bon River.

Drive: approx. 3h30 (140 km). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the fascinating sanctuary of My Son, the ancient spiritual capital of the Champa Kingdom tucked inside a lush valley surrounded by sacred peaks. Admire the exquisite fired-brick towers and sandstone carvings dedicated to Shiva, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage treasure.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An for a guided walking tour of its preserved historic core: the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Fujian Chinese assembly hall, and the centuries-old merchant timber residence of Tan Ky. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free morning in Hoi An to relax by the hotel pool, have bespoke garments crafted by renowned silk tailors, or savor coffee in a courtyard cafe. In the afternoon, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your direct regional flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon landing in Siem Reap, you are warmly welcomed by your Cambodian French-speaking guide and driver and transferred to your boutique hotel near Angkor. Settle in and enjoy an evening stroll around the vibrant Old Market area.

Regional flight: approx. 2 hours. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

An unforgettable day exploring the supreme monuments of the Khmer Empire. Enter the walled city of Angkor Thom through its monumental South Gate flanked by statues of gods and demons. At the heart of the royal city, the Bayon temple welcomes us with 54 towers carved with over 200 giant serene faces smiling with mysterious grace. We also discover the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, explore the largest religious monument in the world: the grandiose Angkor Wat, the supreme masterpiece of classical Khmer architecture. We walk its vast concentric galleries adorned with bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics, before watching its five lotus towers reflect in the moat at sunset.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Depart early morning to experience the magic of Ta Prohm, left largely as discovered by 19th-century explorers. Giant banyan and silk-cotton tree roots envelop moss-covered stone walls, collapsed galleries, and celestial devata carvings in a breathtaking embrace between nature and architecture.

Continue exploring the Grand and Petit Circuits: the lovely sanctuary of Banteay Kdei, the royal pool of Srah Srang, and the vast temple-monastery of Preah Khan with its labyrinthine corridors. In late afternoon, visit the fair-trade workshops of Artisans d'Angkor.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

The morning is dedicated to Great Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater reserve and Cambodia's vital biosphere. Board a traditional boat to cruise to the stilt-house village of Kompong Phluk, discovering how families live in harmony with dramatic seasonal water shifts, and take a peaceful canoe ride through flooded mangrove forests.

Return to Siem Reap for your transfer to the airport and your scheduled regional flight to Luang Prabang, the spiritual and former royal capital of Laos. Welcomed by your Laotian French-speaking guide and check into your charming boutique hotel.

Regional flight: approx. 1h30. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

In the morning, board a private traditional longtail boat to cruise up the majestic Mekong River. Reach the sacred Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Theung), set dramatically inside limestone cliffs above the river and housing thousands of gilded Buddha statues deposited by pilgrims over centuries.

Cruise back to Luang Prabang for an afternoon discovering its architectural jewels: venerable Wat Xieng Thong with its sweeping tiered roofs and glass mosaics, the Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful monastery of Wat Mai. In late afternoon, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic sunset views over the town and river, followed by a walk through the evening handicraft market.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

At first light, early risers can witness with quiet reverence the ancient Tak Bat ceremony, where a long line of saffron-robed Buddhist monks walk barefoot through town collecting daily morning alms. After breakfast, visit the vibrant morning market.

Travel into the countryside to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls, where turquoise pools cascade through lush tropical forest. Enjoy gentle walks, photography, and swimming in designated clear pools. Return to town for an evening at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy your final free morning in the timeless atmosphere of Luang Prabang. Savor Laotian coffee at a riverside terrace overlooking the Mekong, stroll past French-Indochinese villas, or pick up handwoven silks and handicrafts.

According to your international flight schedule, private transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for departure formalities, concluding a grand fifteen-day journey through the Three Kingdoms of Indochina.

Airport transfer and end of our services.