Royal Cities and Natural Wonders of Indochina (2026/2027/2028)

starting at 5.350 €

(If you booked without flights, your trip begins on Day 2)

A warm welcome to Laos! After arriving in the capital, Vientiane, you'll stay at the Komfort Hotel tonight. Enjoy your welcome dinner at a local Laotian restaurant. (D)

Today, your journey takes you to Laos’ national symbol, the golden stupa Pha That Luang. The country’s most significant religious monument is also a fantastic photo opportunity. Once you’ve captured that shot, you’ll head to the Patuxai Triumphal Arch, which is reminiscent of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In the afternoon, you’ll board your comfortable boutique ship and settle into your cozy cabin. If the water level is low, you’ll spend another night at your comfortable hotel in Vientiane before your Mekong River cruise begins the next day. (FA)

Today it’s time to set sail! You’ll begin your spectacular journey upriver—to sections of the Mekong River that were once unnavigable. Stroll around the spacious decks and visit the stylish bar and restaurant area on board! You’ll spend the night on a beautiful sandbar, surrounded by a mostly clear starry sky and unspoiled nature. During low water, you’ll experience today’s leg of the journey overland and aboard a traditional Laotian longboat. You’ll stay on your comfortable boutique ship. (FMA)

Today, further north, you’ll experience some of the most extraordinary scenery along the untamed Mekong River. The passing landscape becomes increasingly spectacular: mountains covered in tropical rainforest, impressive rock formations, and the fascinating contrast between slow-moving and wild currents create a unique natural spectacle. You’ll feel as if you’re on a true Mekong expedition, yet you’ll enjoy all the amenities of your comfortable boutique ship. On your next shore excursion, you’ll visit the idyllic little town of Sanakham. (FMA)

Enjoy the wonderful view while you have a leisurely breakfast and then relax on board. Perhaps you’ll spot a local fisherman on the riverbank? Today’s shore excursion takes you to the farming village of Ban Don Saingam. Marvel at the seemingly endless rice fields and the bizarre-looking karst landscape. After a half-hour walk, you’ll reach today’s highlight: Khao Hao Cave. Continuing upstream, you’ll enjoy an atmospheric barbecue on the banks of the Mekong in the evening. (FMA)

You’ll experience Laos’s largest hydroelectric power plant at the massive Xayaburi Dam. The passage through the dam is particularly spectacular from the deck. After passing through the dam’s lock, you’ll meet the residents of a small village that is regularly visited by our guests and supported with donations. At dinner, you’ll say goodbye to your friendly crew. (FMA)

Today you’ll take an excursion to the Kuang Si Falls, which are undoubtedly among the most impressive waterfalls in Laos. Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Luang Prabang, once the royal capital of Laos and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll stay at the KomfortHotel in Luang Prabang tonight and tomorrow. (FM)

Early risers have the opportunity in the morning to witness monks on their traditional alms round. Luang Prabang enchants visitors with its world-renowned Buddhist cultural monuments and well-preserved buildings from the French colonial era. In the afternoon, you have the option of taking an excursion to the famous Pak Ou Caves, which house over a thousand Buddha statues (optional excursion). In the evening, you can stroll through the charming night market, where beautiful arts and crafts and colorful textiles are offered to you without any pressure. (FM)

Today you'll fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where you'll stay at a comfortable, centrally located hotel. (FA)

In the morning, you’ll visit the Temple of Literature. In 1076, Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, was founded within a temple. It was reserved for Vietnamese kings and members of the elite. The university existed for an incredible 700 years. The gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. You’ll then continue to the One-Pillar Pagoda, which was originally built in the 11th century in the shape of a lotus flower atop a wooden pillar. You’ll take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi. Surrounded by trees, old colonial buildings, and the Old Quarter, this beautiful lake—which, according to legend, is home to a turtle that lent King Le Loi a magical sword—is a popular gathering place for Hanoi residents. On the northeastern shore of the lake lies the Ngoc Son Temple on the small Jade Island. The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. Your tour guide will be happy to provide recommendations for your own explorations. In the evening, you’ll attend a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, which tells stories about Vietnamese beliefs and typical customs. (FA)

On your way to Halong Bay, enjoy the view of rice fields, water buffalo, and everyday Vietnamese village life. You’ll also cross the longest bridge in Southeast Asia! Upon your arrival in Cat Hai, not far from Haiphong, you’ll board a traditional Vietnamese boat. Here you’ll experience one of the world’s great natural wonders! According to legend, dragons spat out enormous jewels that formed a gigantic barrier of islands and rocks—thus creating today’s Halong Bay, which offers an incredible landscape of bizarre limestone cliffs, small islands, caves, and jade-colored water. Also very charming is Cat Ba National Park, featuring the island of the same name and the magnificent Kom Giao Forest (a biosphere reserve). (FMA)

Don't miss the sunrise early in the morning—the fog that forms then gives the bay a particularly enchanting and mystical atmosphere. Away from the crowds, you'll explore this fairy-tale world today. You'll even have the chance to take an island excursion and go swimming. (FMA)

How about starting your day with some tai chi on board? After brunch, we’ll head back to Hanoi in the morning. From there, you’ll fly to Hue, the capital of the last Nguyen imperial dynasty from 1802 to 1945. (B)

Hue is known for its countless temple complexes and tombs. After breakfast, you’ll begin your sightseeing tour of the citadel and the famous imperial tombs of Tu Duc. In the afternoon, enjoy the amenities of your hotel. If you’d like, you can take an excursion into the countryside around Hue: cycle through small villages and discover everyday rural life. In Tan My, you’ll marvel at elegant villas and magnificent tombs that feature Confucian, Buddhist, and Catholic stylistic elements (optional excursion). (B, L)

The route takes you over the Cloud Pass, offering magnificent views of Vietnam’s picturesque coastal landscape, before you arrive in Hoi An. Historic Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric city of all. Once a major port and trading city, it boasts magnificent architecture and a charming riverside promenade. Hoi An owes its carefree, provincial character and its harmonious old town more to luck than to planning. When the Thu Bon River dried up in the late 19th century, merchant ships could no longer reach the city, which transformed the cityscape. However, the well-preserved Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), along with the Japanese trading houses, ancient Chinese temples, and warehouses, still convey a vivid impression of its former heyday. (FA)

Spend the morning in Hoi An exploring and doing some last-minute shopping before saying goodbye to Southeast Asia and your fellow travelers. (B) (If you booked without flights, your trip ends on Day 17)