The Grand Overland Journey – 30 Days

For the extraordinary beauty and seek for a chance to visit Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, this tour package within 1-month itinerary will take you to top highlights and unspoiled gems of these four countries. Back to the long history of Khmer people with all magical Angkor temples in Cambodia; browse colourful markets, donate alms to the robed monks of Laos; enjoy mystically but purely indigenous life of ethnic minority, feel the tranquility in some remote villages and taste the savory authentic Vietnamese cuisine and explore golden pagodas dominating the landscapes of Myanmar.

Duration: 30 Days/ 29 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Siem Reap/ Yangon
Tour Route: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom – Battambang – Chau Doc – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Cu Chi Tunnels – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa – Dien Bien – Muang Khua – Muang La – Pakbeng – Houeixay – Inle Lake – Indein – Red Mountain Winery – Bagan – Yangon
Tour Categories: Indochina Holiday Packages, 4 Countries – 1 Destination
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us about your specific requirements
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles

Brief Itinerary

CAMBODIA
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival – Angkor Wat at Sunset
Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom
Day 3: Siem Reap – Drive to Battambang
Day 4: Battambang – Phnom Penh
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Speedboat to Chau Doc
VIETNAM
Day 6: Chau Doc – Can Tho
Day 7: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Cai Be
Day 8: Cai Be – Saigon
Day 9: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Danang – Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An Eco Fishing & Eco Tour – Walking Tour
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Hue
Day 12: Hue – Thuy Bieu Village – Fly to Hanoi
Day 13: Hanoi City Tour
Day 14: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 15: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night Train to Sapa
Day 16: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van Homestay
Day 17: Homestay – Sapa – Overnight at Hotel
Day 18: Sapa – Drive to Dien Bien Phu
Day 19: Dien Bien Phu – Tay Trang Border – Crossing to Laos – Muong Khua
LAOS
Day 20: Muang Khua – Muang La
Day 21: Muang La Activities (Optional)
Day 22: Muang La – Oudomxai – Pakbeng
Day 23: Pakbeng – Houeixay
Day 24: Houeisai – Thailand – Myanmar – Fly from Keng Tung to Heho
MYANMAR
Day 25: Inle Lake – Indein – Red Mountain Winery
Day 26: Inle Lake – Kakku – Overnight Bus to Bagan
Day 27: Bagan Temple Tour
Day 28: Bagan and Surrounding – Fly to Yangon
Day 29: Yangon City Tour
Day 30: Yangon Departure

Cambodia Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival – Angkor Wat at Sunset (D)

Welcome upon arrival by local tour guide and driver, transfer to the hotel while receiving an interesting briefing about the history of Angkor Complex, its culture, people, and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit the amazing Angkor Wat which was constructed to express the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire at the time. Come and find out secrets of Angkor with our experienced guide, reveal the stories and legends behind the sandstone carved bas-reliefs, gables, and lintels. Stroll around this massive monument to admire the Khmer architectural masterpiece and engineering.

Next, head to temples of Angkor, and in the late afternoon, we climb to the top of the remains of an imposing temple for a truly memorable sunset. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Angkor Complex: Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm – Tonle Sap Lake (B, L, D)

After breakfast, begin the magical day at the ancient city of Angkor Thom to explore the treasures of this ancient walled city and visit the mystical Bayon Temple adorned with its smiling faces. Then head further into the temple complex and visit Baphoun, a hilltop pyramid-temple, consecrated to the God Shiva. Later discover the Elephant and Leper King Terraces, the royal enclosure temple of Phimean Akas and the serene Preah Pithu groups of smaller temples. After that, walk along the ancient walls of this city to enjoy the extraordinary scenery and enjoy a hot Cambodian style picnic lunch in a shaded area or alternatively have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, go straight to the mystical Ta Prohm temple where ancient stones and massive tree roots engulf the ruins. The exploration will take approximately one hour, walking through this jungle temple. Later today, spend the time admiring sunset time and magnificent sightseeing of Western Baray, Angkor Wat, dense jungle of Angkor Thom at the top of the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng, and Tonle Sap Lake. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Drive to Battambang (B)

After breakfast, head to Battambang to experience the daily life of local people and learn how to make some of the traditional products firsthand. A boat trip along the poetic river will take us to Battambang province. Once arrived, spend the whole afternoon socializing with locals and witnessing their brilliant craftsmanship.

After that, travel to the bamboo train to enjoy some fresh air and cool breeze of Cambodian countryside before having dinner at Smoking Pot Restaurant, a well-known local restaurant. Overnight in Battambang.

Day 4: Battambang – Phnom Penh – City Tour (B, L)

This morning, enjoy breakfast before your journey to the beautiful capital of Cambodia – Phnom Penh. The charming city welcomes you with its incredible marvels. The first stop on this tour would be Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, followed by the National Museum. Witness the grandeur of classic Khmer art and sculpture, from the 9th to 15th century. In fact, some of the artifacts are from the 4th century.

Explore the private quarters of the Royal Palace, home to the royal family, and the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple of Cambodia. Return to the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Speedboat to Chau Doc (B, )

After breakfast, start to arrive Chau Doc, Vietnam by speedboat in the morning. As you get closer to Chau Doc, the scenery becomes much more interesting. That branch of the river narrows and you get a good view of the villages along the riverfront. In the afternoon, you will have free time to walk around the street, have the meal and overnight at Chau Doc.

Vietnam Itinerary 14 Days

Day 6: Chau Doc – Can Tho – Can Tho Rustic (B, L)

Leave Chau Doc today to head to Can Tho. After breakfast, visit the traditional noodle house and study about home-made chocolate at the cacao farm, go cycling tour is the best way to discover untouched peaceful villages, tropical orchards, small canals, and countryside life. In the late afternoon, transfer back to Can Tho city.

Day 7: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Cai Be (Mekong Lodge) (B)

In the morning, cycle to visit the blacksmith family who is working for 50 years and made thousands of knives and learning this experience by communicating with local people. Then continue to visit some local activities and communicate with local people who will share culture in Cai Rang Floating Market and have an opportunity to talk to the sellers on their boats. After that, stop at the traditional house with 3 generations and learn how to make and enjoy the special banana cake with local people. In the late afternoon, get back to Mekong Lodge for dinner. Overnight in Mekong Rustic Can Tho.

Day 8: Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The first stops would be the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Next enjoy visiting the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (return by van) – Fly to Danang – Hoi An

In the morning, pay a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels that are located nearly 60 km away from the city by speedboat. A light breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed is served on the boat while the tour guide shows the life on the riverbanks. Upon arrival Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a brief introductory video of the area before digging into this site, including the weapon storage and trap systems, underground makeshift kitchens, meeting rooms…which were made by Viet Cong soldiers in Vietnam War.

Until noon, enjoy a tasty local lunch near the river then leave Cu Chi to return Ho Chi Minh City. Free time in the hotel room until the driver comes to take you to the airport for a flight to Danang – Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An Farming, Fishing & Walking Tour (B, L)

Wake up the morning with a Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Start at Tra Que Village the local farming communities. Then join in preparing the land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden and watering it using huge cans loaded behind the backs.

After that, take a cycling tour through the countryside seeing Vietnamese rural life. Late morning, go on a river cruise. En route, meet local fishermen doing their daily work. Later, transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm. Lunch is prepared on the boat with vegetables which are carefully selected from Tra Que Village. After lunch, free time to walk around Hoian town before getting back to the hotel. Chill out the afternoon and overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Hue – Imperial Citadel (B, L)

After breakfast, farewell Hoi An ancient town and transfer to Danang. Then transfer to Hue via Hai Van tunnel, stop at Lang Co beach on the way. Arrive Hue and take a look forward to exploring the superb sights of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City.

Day 12: Hue – Thuy Bieu Village – Fly to Hanoi (B, L)

Start our day with Thuy Bieu Village after breakfast. Then pay a nice walking or cycling around the village. After that, spend time exploring the local garden, an old ancestral temple and interacting with local people as well as discover the daily life of them while they are working strenuously with joy and enthusiasm. One interesting point is to visit a joss paper making a family to know more about a traditional custom of Vietnamese people and know why they use joss paper, also known as ghost money for the dead people.

Come back to Thuy Bieu restaurant for a cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction. Have lunch with Hue traditional dishes you have just cooked. Relax by soaking your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice. Back to hotel and prepare for the flight to Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)

Today, roll into the more details of the capital of Vietnam. Start with Ho Chi Minh Complex that’s included a lot of valuable historical sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his former stilt-house, President Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. Later, let’s go to the first university of Vietnam – Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a Confucius temple.

After lunch, depart to the Museum of Ethnology which is famous as the best in this field of the country. The museum exhibits a huge series of objects of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. The tour’s followed by a visit to Hoa Lo Prison – one of the most horrifying places in Indochina War. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 14: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D)

After breakfast, travel northeast Quang Ninh province to enjoy our time in the tranquil of Halong Bay. Arriving at Tuan Chau pier at midday, you are welcome by crew team then check in the tender which transfers us to the cruise. Checking in the room before we enjoy the first delicious seafood lunch.

The cruise takes you deeper into the Bay passing thousands of islands and islets with various shapes of Fighting Cocks, Dog islets. The cruise also passes and stops at the floating village that is free from busy traffic, electric lights, houses, shops, and buildings. Our activities this afternoon including kayaking, cooking demonstration, relax or swim at the beach or climb up to the top of the island to catch the panorama of the Bay. Enjoying dinner and relax in the evening on the cruise.

Day 15: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Overnight Train to Sapa (B, L, D)

After the boat trip, transfer back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, reach the Royal city to visit and do some shopping in the biggest business center in Hanoi. There are some options for visitors such as do skiing, swimming in the biggest indoor Water Park in Vietnam or just walking around and do shopping. Before transferring to the train station for Sapa trip, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town. Overnight on train.

Day 16: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van Homestay (B, L, D)

The train will arrive in the early morning; you’re then welcomed by the local guide and taken to Sapa for breakfast. Afterward, discover Lao Chai Village. Go trekking from Sapa to Lao Chai, via Cat Cat Village and Y Linh Ho then spend an afternoon learning the techniques of traditional weaving from the women in the village.

Complete the day with a night homestay for an awesome and authentic Hmong experience. You can cook dinner together with the host. Overnight at the homestay in Lao Chai.

Day 17: Homestay – Sapa – Overnight at Hotel (B, L, D)

After returning from homestay to Sapa, drive up to the mountain to Sapa town, stop on the way to catch the sunrise view at nice places. Later, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and start exploring the beautiful mountain city. Next, venture the Ham Rong Mountain, come closer with thousands of flowers, cloud, and nature; enjoy the traditional music performance by H’mong or Red Dao girls and boys.

After lunch, walk down to the valley to visit Cat Cat village, home of Black H’mong people. You can stop whenever we want to take photos, talk to small boys or girls or see the stunning view of the valley… On the way back, try “xe om” services if we are tired or we walk back to the town with the tour guide. Dinner with Salmon hot pot in a local restaurant and overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Sapa – Drive to Dien Bien Phu (B, L, D)

After transferring from Sapa to Dien Bien, our guide will help you visit Dien Bien Phu Museum, where the memorabilia related to the national heroic Dien Bien Phu campaign, then the delegation continues to visit the meaning. Martyrs of the hill A1, Muong Thanh Bridge, Nam Ron River … places have gone to the history of the Dien Bien Phu campaign, lunch at the restaurant.

Visit the Central Airport, French Army Command Post – Do Cat General, Hoang Cong Chat Temple, Noong Nhai Village. Then back to the hotel to take a rest and have dinner at the restaurant and overnight in Dien Bien.

Laos 5 Days Itinerary

Day 19: Dien Bien Phu – Tay Trang Border – Border Crossing to Laos – Muong Khua (B, L, D)

In the early morning, head to Tay Trang Border, one of the evitable border gate between Laos and Vietnam. You will have a chance to watch the local villages along the border and see the first differences but a little bit shared similarities between the two countries. Upon arrival Muong Khua, enjoy free time, relax after a border journey, have dinner and overnight in Muong Khua.

Day 20: Muang Khua – Muang La (B, L)

We start the day with the trip in Muang Khua where you can enjoy the surprisingly picturesque, visit the local market and nearby riverside road, take slow boats to admire one of the most spectacular riversides in Southeast Asia along the Nam Ou River between Muang Khua and Muang Ngoi and Nong Khiaw. Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon, spend more time trekking in the surrounding mountains. After the trekking tour, move to Muang La, relax and have dinner.

Day 21: Muang La – Leisure Day (B)

This morning, our journey to Muong La will lead you through some scenic landscape. Here we have the fantastic chance to visit Wat Pha Singkham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. This legendary Buddha image is said to have many supernatural powers and is widely worshiped among the faithful local Buddhists. The rest of the day is your leisure. Overnight in Muong La

Day 22: Muang La – Oudomxai – Pakbeng (~147km) (B, L, D)

Welcome to Pak Beng town, situated on the narrow banks between the Mekong and Beng River, in the south-west of Oudomxay province. Pak Beng, which means “mouth of Beng River”, offers a variety of tourism services including numerous hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. It is a popular location for taking a rest after a long boat cruise on the Mekong. During your stay, visit the colorful market and the temples in town, and discover the unknown hinterland of the district. Travel to the nearby then Phachao Khamtan Cave (Buddha Cave) on a half-day trip or in combination with a one-day trekking tour. Overnight in Pakbeng

Day 23: Pakbeng – Houeixay

Upon arrival in Pakbeng, visit the local market; experience the daily lifestyle of colorful hill tribe traders exchanges their goods. After that, cross the Mekong River by Friendship bridge to HoueiSay. After that, transfer to the boat pier and board a private traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. As your journey downriver stop to visit some tribal minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Lunch on boat and dinner at the hotel in Houeixay. Overnight in Houeixay.

Myanmar Itinerary 6 Days

Day 24: Houeisai – Border Crossing to Thailand (Mae Sai – Chiang Rai) – Border Crossing to Myanmar (Tachileik) – Fly from Keng Tung to Heho (B, L)

Start the day with crossing border form Houeixay to Thailand and arrive in Myanmar. Next, take the flight from Keng Tung to Heho. Upon arrival, go straight to Inle Lake – one of the largest freshwater lakes in Myanmar and also the ideal destination in Myanmar vacation. Overnight in Inle

Day 25: Inle Lake – Indein – Red Mountain Winery (B, L, D)

Wake up in the morning and visit Indein with many temples and ruins left over from the earthquake. In the afternoon, you will have a chance to enjoy the original wine of Myanmar. Situated on the hillside overlooking Nyaungshwe town and lake, Red Mountain Estate is clearly the only vineyard in Myanmar.

Using French winemakers, they make different wines that can only be sampled in Myanmar or possibly in China. Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 26: Inle Lake – Kakku – Overnight Bus to Bagan (B, L)

In the morning, see Kakku Pagoda, Htan-Pha-Ya cave and the daily life of the local people in the area. Later, travel one hour by road to Taunggyi then continue for about one more hour to Kakku, (depending on road and weather conditions). Visit the Kakku Pagoda complex of over 2000 stupas. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Then continue to visit Htan-Pha-Ya village and cave. Unknown Shan Buddha images of various sizes are kept on the wall of the small shallow Htan-Pha-Ya cave. Visit a typical Pao village including their plantations on the way back to Taunggyi. Return to hotel and take an overnight bus to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan

Day 27: Bagan Temple Tour (B, L)

Start the Bagan trip from your hotel in Bagan, proceed to visit the most significant pagodas and temples of Bagan including Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; Ku Byanuk Gyi, a temple with superb murals of Jataka scenes.

Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its panoramic view of the area’s numerous monuments and Ananda Temple, with four standing Buddha images. See the Bupaya Pagoda or Mingala Zedi Stupa at the end of the journey.

Day 28: Bagan – Yangon (B, L, D)

Today, continue our exploring the ancient city by taking an exotic horse cart ride to the Nan Paya Pagoda, one of the biggest temples in Bagan and many other interesting sites nearby. After that, stop at Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, take note of the architectural difference in MyaZedi Pagoda then head to Manuha Temple. Before transferring to the airport to take a flight back to Yangon, take a tour of a local lacquer ware workshops, learn how this traditional piece of art is made. Greetings at the Yangon airport then we transfer to hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 29: Yangon City Tour (B)

Yangon city is a must-see city for tourists who want to see a different Asia. It’s the largest city in Myanmar with the combination of nature and cultures and communities. This city was found in 1755 by King Alaungpaya and Yangon means “End of Strife”.

Taking a close look at the local life of this historical city today by vehicle and partly on foot, visit the Sule pagoda in the center of the city. Walk around the Mahabandoola Park to see the colonial courthouse and the city hall. Then visit BogyokeAung San Market (former Scott’s Market), where shopper’s favorite place. Later today, we visit the world-famous golden Shwedagon Pagoda, a breathtaking and colorful sight visited by Buddhists from all over Myanmar. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 30: Yangon Departure (B)

Have breakfast. Free & easy to transfer to the airport. Cambodia Vietnam Laos Myanmar itinerary 1 month ends.