Explore the relaxed capital city of Laos, Vientiane! Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane charms with its tree-lined boulevards, interesting temples, and colourful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa, perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple that's now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket; and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe and constructed with Lao motifs.

Nestled between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. Begin your tour at Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest temple in Luang Prabang dating back to 1513. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng, the crown jewel of monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at a few of the many temples that lining the street including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop, and Wat Sene.

Experience Laos' natural beauty! Mount Phousi is Luang Prabang's highest point offering 360 degree views over the temples and river. Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phousi. While getting to the top requires a bit of effort, the sunset views are guaranteed to be worth it.

Begin by visiting Talat morning market in Vientiane, then head to the National Museum and Wat Mai. The former royal residence is now a museum providing a unique insight into the history of Laos. The turn-of-the century residence combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs and has been expertly preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here.

You'll then see Hor Phrabang, a collection of the palace's most prized art pieces including the massive Phrabang Buddha staue cast of gold, silver, and bronze alloy. Continue to Wat Mai, constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath. This was the former residence of Phra Sangkharaj, the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy.

Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves, your next destination. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style, size, and material imaginable. On the way to Pak Ou Cave, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, a local rice wine whisky.

End the day with a visit to the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong near Luang Prabang, known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.

From Luang Prabang, travel south to Kuang Si waterfalls. Located in an idyllic natural setting, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Swim in the clear water or just relax in the natural environment. Visit a local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane) before returning to Luang Prabang.

Explore the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, a picturesque city nicknamed the "Paris of the East." Tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture give the city an air of elegance while narrow lanes and traditonal shop houses make it distinctly Vietnam. 

Visit The Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Also the site of Vietnam's first university, the grounds have a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways that are perfect examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.

Then stroll through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 to his death 1969. The bare bones two-room home has been preserved in the same condition as during his life, and can be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, rebuilt after being destroyed by the French army in 1954.

End the day with an hour-long tour of Hanoi city center by electric car. Ride through the city, a blend of long established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. See Quan Su Pagoda, Silk Road, Hanoi Railway Station, Hoa Lo Prison, and Hanoi Opera House as you zip through tree-lined boulevards and narrow lanes brimming with daily life.

Visit the peaceful Phat Tich Pagoda, built between the 7th and 10th century in the typical Vietnamese architecture style. Then, visit the highly praised and architecturally stunning Do Temple, built during the Le Dynasty! These historic structures are just as culturally rich as they are breathtakingly beautiful.

Board a traditional wooden junk and begin cruising through the beautiful Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch while passing interesting rock formations including Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong) and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). Visit one of the caves in the centre of the islands such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto). Cruise back to Halong Pier and disembark.

As the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years, Hue was and still is an important city in Vietnam's history. Home to ancient temples, imperial buildings, and French-style edifices, it's also one of the most visually stunning cities in Vietnam.

Tour the tomb of Emperior Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty constructed between 1920 and 1931. It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. Walk up the long staircase flanked by dragons and admire the ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes found inside. 

Next, visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, designed and built by the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor Tu Duc during his lifetime. It was used as a retreat for meditation, reading, and theatre performances. Take time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere while you wander the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards, and lotus ponds.

Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial City, a vast walled complex built in the early 19th-century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched over a mile and were surrounded by a wide moat. While most of the buildings were destroyed during the Vietnam War, the remaining monuments provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure.

Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived. Visit Thai Hoa Palace, the Halls of the Mandarins, the original Nine Dynastic Urns, the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, and more.

Arrive at Toa Kham Wharf then board a boat for a cruise down Perfume River. Stop at Dong Ba Market to select fresh ingredients for your cooking class, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda before heading to Thuy Bieu Village. Upon arrival, choose between an optional walking or biking tour around the village to visit a garden house and an old ancestral temple. Once you've toured the village, get your apron on and prepare a traditional Hue specialty lunch! With a rich culinary history, Hue is famous for its dishes like Bun Bo Hue, round rice noodles in a rich and savory meat-based broth. After making and enjoying your culinary creation, experience a traditional foot treatment!

Tour the merchant town of Hoi An with its colorful shop houses and temples dating back to the 16th and 17th century when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and is best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets as you pass low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market, and the small harbor where colorful boats are docked.

The walking tour includes a visit to a private house where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting. See one of the family chapels built by prominent merchants and official families as centers for ancestor worship. Continue to Sa Huynh Museum, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, containing exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Visit a handicraft workshop where local products are being made by the industry itself.

Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the river. In the afternoon, cruise down the Thu Bon River by boat, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a pottery and woodcarving village before returning to Hoi An harbor.

Hidden from American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the Vietnam War. Stretching over 75 miles, this expansive underground network dug by hand out of hard laterite connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories during the war. Today, walk through the area and learn about the daily life of the Vietcong. See the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors.

Embark on one of the local boats to explore the riverside village in which local families are running age-old cottage industries. Pay them a visit and see how the delta residents make traditional treats including dried longans, rice pancakes, and puffed rice candies - you'll have plenty of chances to sample these local delicacies!

Continue the trip across a main flow of the mighty Mekong then follow narrow waterways through peaceful lush green orchards and also lively scenes of well inhabited canals. Disembark at Vinh Long and return to Saigon.

As Vietnam's largest metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity, and motion. Everywhere you go, you will see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin the tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s-eras building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Unmissable are the original tanks that remain on display near the entrance gates.

Afterwards, drive to the city's historic center and visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's signature pagodas. Pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, then pass classic European-style landmarks like the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville) and the old Opera House. End the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts.

Take a stroll through the amazing Angkor Wat temple, considered the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. As the national symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is not only the best preserved and largest of the Angkor temples, it is also the most religiously significant. Surrounded by a moat, fantastical statues, and lined with galleries and courtyards before you can even reach the central sanctuary, Angkor Wat's expansive grounds offer stunning views of the countryside, and its only the first stop.

Next is the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Protected by a wall and wide moats, statues of demons and gods look over the entrance and stand guard. Visit the Bayon Temple within and explore beautiful royal enclosures, ancient public squares, and old artworks standing the test of time all across the city.

Last on this stunning tour is Preah Khan, a striking temple with narrow corridors, towering walls, and a protected temple in the heart of it all, surrounded by jungle on all sides.