17-Nights Signature: Vietnam, Laos & the Temples of Cambodia - National Geographic Signature from $10,999

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1724653

THE EXPERIENCE REVEALED
Traverse the heart of Indochina from Vietnam’s imperial cities to the spiritual quiet of Laos and the temples of Angkor. Cruise the Mekong, witness the sacred alms ritual in Luang Prabang, and explore the jungle ruins of Cambodia. Guided by experts, connect with conservationists and monks on a journey through the soul of Southeast Asia.

Highlights

Mekong Delta Private Roundtable - Engage in an intimate discussion on the delta’s future with a leading environmental expert.
Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch - Master local noodle traditions in Hoi An while supporting a youth empowerment project.
Alms Giving & Old Town Morning - Participate in the sacred morning tradition of offering sticky rice to monks in Luang Prabang.

17 nights from $10,999 per person

Featured Destinations

Siem Reap

Luang Prabang

Ninh Binh

The provincial capital of Ninh Binh, 62 mi/100 km south of Hanoi, is worth a two- or three-day visit on its own, rather than the usual day trip from Hanoi. It is a bit off the trodden tourist trail, and there the life of contemporary Vietnam is visible without the prepackaged spin that most resorts put on the traveler's experience.

The haunting landscapes of Tam Coc are 6 mi/9 km from Ninh Binh. In scenery reminiscent of classic Chinese scroll painting, tiny wooden rowboats will take you on a river journey through brilliant green rice fields farmed by men and women wearing the traditional Vietnamese conical straw hats and country dress. Rising from the fields are sheer-sided limestone karsts very similar to those found in Halong Bay, but hung with tropical vegetation and home to darting cliff swallows. Three of the karsts are so large that naturally occurring caverns pass through them, and the effect of the vibrant landscape framed by the arched openings of the tunnels is breathtaking.

This is no commercial conceptualization—it is the real, rural life of Vietnam happening alongside the narrow river. At the end of the journey, your oarsman will most probably offer you examples of the high-quality local embroidery on tablecloths, napkins or T-shirts—at amazingly low prices, though as always, a certain amount of bargaining is expected.

Cuc Phuong National Park is 28 mi/45 km from central Ninh Binh, measures 106 sq mi/275 sq km, spans three provinces and protects some of the oldest forests in Vietnam. An hour's trek takes you to the Big Tree, an ancient forest giant with roots so widespread, 16 people must join hands in order to circle it.

Up several steep flights of stairs is the vast Cave of Prehistoric Man, where an estimated group of 25 protohumans lived together at the edge of the sea. Dinh May Bach (Silver Cloud Peak) has rugged hiking trails up its 2,125 ft/648 m height.

The Endangered Primate Resource Center near the entrance is a kind of mental and physical rehabilitation center for gibbons, several kinds of languars and lorises, all of which have been rescued from cages or illegal traders. The center's breeding program has been a great success, and infant monkeys are a common site as they cling to their mother's fur. The park has basic cabins for rent within the grounds, where visitors can experience the vibrant, complex life of the jungle at length.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.

Excursions

Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port

Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)

Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi

Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi

SHORE EXCURSION HALONG - HANOI

Destination: Ha Noi
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Code: MDHANSE004

Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Cai Lan where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 3.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming capital city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Begin your tour of the highlights of Hanoi with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to the Port of Cai Lan and board the ship.

Notes:

There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:

Private transfer
Port pick-up and drop-off
Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
Entrance fees
Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Exclusions:

Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
Other meals where not mention in the program
Drinks/ waters on meals
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Other services not listed

Hue

Hue is at the heart of central Vietnam. The landscape – with its misty Perfume River and pagodas – has long been a source of poetry and paintings. Always an important cultural, intellectual and historical city, Hue remains one of Vietnam’s main attractions.

Excursions

Hoi An’s Countryside & Ancient Town – 8 hours - Hue

Hue - Full Day Hue Classic Tour / Chan May Port

FULL DAY HUE CLASSIC TOUR / CHAN MAY PORT

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port) disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Upon arrival Hue, enjoy a short cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enter through the towering main gate and appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored.

Lunch is on your own.

After lunch, drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is one of Vietnam’s most recognizable icons.

Continue to visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Make a stop for a drink at Vong Canh hill which offers an amazing view of breath-taking scenery and ancient relics. The hill itself is now covered with pine trees and daisy.

Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.

Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Royal Culinary & Historic Landmark - Hue

ROYAL CULINARY & HISTORIC LANDMARK

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Code: MDHUISE004

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port), disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The delicate ingredients, preparation, and presentation of Hue Royal cuisine have long been considered cultural hallmarks of the ancient imperial city. It is considered not only a sophisticated work of culinary art but the embodiment of the philosophy of the ancestors. Hue royal food not only has a delicious taste but is also eye-catching. It creates a harmony between color, and taste, between yin and yang, between hot and cold. Meet your experienced chef in her late 60s who was born and grew up in a Royal family. Stroll through a fresh market. Learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the Royal cuisine and watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. Then get to her home for a hands-on cooking class of the food of the Imperial Court. Share her life and experiences, and enjoy what dishes you have made. Then enjoy an electric cart ride through the Imperial Citadel, once the exclusive residence of the royal family and its entourage. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily during the 60's and 70's, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.

Notes:

Availability: Morning, Afternoon.
There is an extra charge for transfer to/ from other ports.

Inclusions:

Private transfer
Port pick-up and drop-off
Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
Entrance fees
Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Exclusions:

Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
Other meals where not mention in the program
Drinks/ waters on meals
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Other services not listed

Hue - Home Hosted Lunch & Historic Landmark

HOME HOSTED LUNCH & HISTORIC LANDMARK

Destination: Hue
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Code: MDHUISE005

Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Chan May port), disembark and meet your guide. Then drive 1.5 hours to Hue along a scenic coastal route passing mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. There is nothing more interesting than visiting a local family in Hue which still preserves the traditional virtues dating from the feudal time under the Nguyen Emperors. Meet and greeted by your host to learn about traditional culture and lifestyle of people at the former Royal land. Visit the family ancestral temple to learn about the customs associated with ancestral worship. Optional accompanying the hosts to a fresh market to purchase ingredients and help them to prepare lunch. Then enjoy a home-hosted meal in the cozy family setting over interesting life stories shared by the hosts. Then enjoy an electric cart ride through the Imperial Citadel, once the exclusive residence of the royal family and its entourage. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily during the 60's and 70's, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.

Notes:

Availability: Morning, Afternoon.
There is an extra charge for transfer to/ from other ports.

Inclusions:

Private transfer
Port pick-up and drop-off
Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
Entrance fees
Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Exclusions:

Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
Other meals where not mention in the program
Drinks/ waters on meals
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Other services not listed

Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient port town that was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the rare places in Vietnam to discover genuine Vietnamese architecture. Walk through the Old Quarter and get a glimpse of a medieval Vietnam that no longer exists in the other areas of the country. Visit the Phuc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful bazaar

Excursions

Hoi An - Full Day Hoi An Town with Lantern Making

FULL DAY HOI AN TOWN WITH LANTERN MAKING

Destination: Hoi An
Tour Duration: 08 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival in Danang (Tien Sa port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive for 1 approximately hour to the ancient town of Hoi An. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Lunch is on your own.

After lunch, meet with Mr. Huynh Van Trung who was born in a traditional lantern making family and learn about the silk lanterns. Silk lanterns, the simple yet colorful handicraft is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It has really made a comeback thanks to an experienced man - Trung inherits valuable skills in making lanterns from his father - the well-known artisan Huynh Van Ba. Chat with him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir. Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with Local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and boat rides if any
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips & gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Hoi An Culinary Experience at Market Restaurant

Can Tho

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often referred to as Vietnam’s jewel and the Pearl of the Orient. Located in south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. Under the current regime the city is once more being rebuilt. Whole blocks are disappearing, being replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture. The city is divided into two sections: Saigon, the municipal and historical district, and Cholon (Chinatown), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and in general the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle and activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the whole city.

Excursions

Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Saigon Port

Saigon City Highlights

Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence

Saigon - Retracing The Past

Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car

Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit

Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience

Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/02/2027 - 12/26/2027

from $10,999 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $10,999 per person

Length

17 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.

Remarks

Advertised from price was quoted on 09/22/26 and based on 03/06/27 departure date. Prices listed may vary by departure dates. Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change. Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by G Adventures.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1724653

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