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.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An
Your G for Good Moment: Dinner at Spoons Restaurant, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant Visit and Lunch, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: Travel to Conservation D'Angkor by Lady Tuktuk Drivers, Siem Reap
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet your Expedition Leader and Group, Ho Chi Minh City
Your Foodie Moment: Pho Lunch, Ho Chi Minh City
Your Local Living Moment: Cacao Farm Experience, Tỉnh Tiền Giang
Signature Moment: Private Roundtable with Dr. Nguyen Huu Thien, Cần Thơ
Your Foodie Moment: Private Dinner at Mango Restaurant, Hoi An
Signature Moment: Behind-the-Scenes Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An
Your Foodie Moment: Hanoi Elevated Street Eats Tour, Hanoi
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Reception, Briefing & Dinner, Luang Prabang
Your Local Living Moment: Home Experience & Baci Ceremony in Ban Nongkham, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Conservation Center Visit, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Conservation D'Angkor Visit, Siem Reap. Arrival & departure transfer. Reunification Palace Visit. Social Impact Dining at ST25 by KOTO. Free time in Ho Chi Minh City. Walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Welcome Dinner at One River Restaurant. Vintage Camera Photography Experience. Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour. Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market. Free Time in Can Tho. Hoi An Guided Walking Tour and Exploration. Free Time in Hoi An. Private Dinner & Concert at Ben Xuan Garden House. Royal Tombs Visit. Hue’s Heritage by River & Citadel. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Complex, and One Pillar Pagoda. Foot Massage at Dao's Care Spa Social Enterprise. Long Bien Bridge Guided Visit. Night Tour at the Temple of Literature. Van Long Wetlands Boat Trip. Session on Vietnamese Wildlife with National Geographic Grantee. Cuc Phuong Conservation Experience. Emeralda Resort dinner. Cultural Foundations at Wat Xieng Thong and Monk Chat. Ock Pop Tok Founder-Led Visit & Hands-On Dyeing Workshop. Alms Giving & Old Town Morning. Free Time in Luang Prabang. Dinner and Night Market Visit in Luang Prabang. Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple Visit. Boat Ride through Kampong Kleang. Bensley’s Bar with Lady Drum Show farewell dinner. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Engage in an intimate discussion on the delta’s future with a leading environmental expert, Master local noodle traditions in Hội An while supporting a youth empowerment project, Gain exclusive after-hours entry to Hội An’s iconic bridge with a conservation specialist, Visit primate and wildlife rescue centres to learn about protecting Vietnam’s species, Tour a local cacao farm to meet growers and taste fresh chocolate and cacao wine, Visit a National Geographic-funded sanctuary with a conservationist to see rescued bears, Go behind the scenes at Conservation D’Angkor to view rare artifact restoration, Join a local family for a traditional Lao ritual that gathers and protects the soul, Savor a six-course feast at Embassy Restaurant while hearing the chef’s personal journey, Participate in the sacred morning tradition of offering sticky rice to monks in Luang Prabang.
How large will the group be?
Max 22
What meals are included in this trip?
17 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, Walking, Boat, Tuk tuk, Electric Car, Train, Plane.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (17 nights)
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Vietnam. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Ho Chi Minh City, where the tropical heat mixes with the electric hum of a metropolis on the move. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. The evening is free to rest and refresh, preparing for the upcoming expedition.
Ho Chi Minh City
Meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and Expedition Expert for a welcome briefing before visiting the Reunification Palace. Walk the time-capsule rooms of the 1970s and descend into the wartime bunker, feeling the heavy silence of the past. For lunch, experience social impact dining at ST25 by KOTO, hearing inspiring stories of how hospitality training transforms the lives of disadvantaged youth. Explore the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office before a nostalgic coffee stop at a communist-era themed café. Conclude with a welcome dinner, celebrating the start to your expedition through Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
See the city through a new lens — literally. Join an immersive photography workshop using vintage film cameras to capture the texture of Saigon, framing shots of hidden cafés, peeling colonial facades, and bustling markets. After a classic pho lunch, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the underground network with a Vietnam War veteran, gaining a visceral understanding of resilience and survival in the cramped, silent earth. Return to the city by scenic speedboat, letting the river breeze cool you as the skyline comes into view, transforming the ride back into a visual experience of life on the water. The evening is free to dine on your own.
Ho Chi Minh City/Cần Thơ
Leave the city for the lush, green world of the Mekong Delta. Stop at a local cacao farm to trace the stages from pod to bar, smelling the roasting beans and tasting unique specialties like cacao wine. After lunch surrounded by tropical foliage, transfer to Can Tho by speedboat, gliding deeper into the river’s arteries past stilt houses and fishing boats. Settle into your resort with high tea by the pool. Join the group for a discussion and introduction to Life along the Mekong river, preparing for tomorrow’s immersion in the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam.
Cần Thơ/Hoi An
Rise early to witness the Cai Rang Floating Market, where the river teems with boats piling high with tropical fruit — pineapples, watermelons, and dragon fruit hanging from bamboo poles. Navigate the colorful chaos as the sun rises over the water, revealing the daily life of river traders. Later, engage in a discussion delving into the challenges facing the Delta’s ecosystem. Return to the city and fly to Da Nang and transfer to the ancient town of Hội An. The evening offers a culinary introduction to Central Vietnam with dinner celebrating the unique regional flavors in a beautiful, atmospheric setting.
Hoi An
Walk the vibrant streets of Hội An, smelling the street food and admiring the yellow merchant houses draped in bougainvillea. Join a workshop at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported partner, to learn the art of making local noodles while supporting youth empowerment. Later this evening holds an exclusive after-hours access to the Japanese Covered Bridge. Accompanied by a conservationist, walk the silent, lantern-lit structure without the crowds, learning about the efforts to preserve this icon. Conclude with a light dinner in the old town, watching lanterns float down the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An/Huế
Board the Heritage Train for a scenic journey to Huế, watching the dramatic coastline and lush Hai Van Pass unfold through the window — a route often called one of the most beautiful in the world. Arrive in the former imperial capital and settle in. The evening brings an exclusive experience at the Ben Xuan Garden House, the residence of an imperial descendant. In the candlelit garden villa, surrounded by antiques and orchids, enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by an intimate musical performance. It is a moment of pure connection to the refined cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Huế/Hanoi
Cruise the Perfume River to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city rising from the mist. Explore the vast Imperial City by electric car, stopping for a traditional tea tasting to learn the nuances of royal blends and the philosophy of Vietnamese tea culture. Savor a vegetarian lunch at a historic restaurant, honoring the Buddhist roots of the city. Visit the tomb of a Nguyen Emperor, admiring the harmony of architecture and nature in the pine forests. After, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital where ancient temples sit beside French villas.
Hanoi
Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Complex before enjoying a restorative foot massage at Dao’s Car, a social enterprise supporting visually impaired therapists. Walk the historic Long Bien Bridge and hear stories of resilience from the Expedition Leader. In the afternoon, hop on a cyclo for an ‘elevated street eats’ tour, weaving through the traffic to sample bun cha and egg coffee while learning about a unique initiative supported by the G Value Fund. Conclude the day with an atmospheric night tour of the Temple of Literature. Watch a cultural performance in the ancient courtyards, illuminated by soft light that highlights the stone stelae of scholars past.
Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Travel to the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land." Glide through the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve on a small boat, the only sound being the dip of the oar and the call of birds. Search the limestone cliffs for the critically endangered Delacour's langur. After a family-style lunch, check into your resort. The afternoon features an exclusive session with a National Geographic Explorer. Gain rare insight into Vietnam’s ecosystems and the fight to protect its most vulnerable species, deepening your appreciation for the natural world around you before a relaxed dinner.
Ninh Bình
Witness conservation in action at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife organizations which were founded by National Geographic Explorer, Thai Van Nguyen. Walk the quiet paths to see the meticulous care given to pangolins and langurs, learning about the challenges of rehabilitation and release. Return to the resort for a celebratory farewell dinner. Toast the expedition and the people working to protect the country's unique heritage, reflecting on the path from the bustling south to the wild beauty of the north.
Ninh Bình/Luang Prabang
Bid farewell to tranquil Ninh Binh and drive to Hanoi for your flight west to the spiritual heart of Laos. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception setting the stage for the next chapter of your expedition, followed by a welcome dinner to celebrate your arrival in the Land of a Million Elephants.
Luang Prabang
Step into the serenity of Wat Xieng Thong, the "Golden City Monastery," admiring its sweeping roofs and intricate glass mosaics that catch the morning light. Engage in a special monk chat, learning directly from a resident about monastic life and the path of enlightenment. Continue to Ock Pop Tok for an exclusive founder-led tour, diving into the colorful world of Lao textiles. Try your hand at natural dyeing, creating a scarf to take home. The day culminates in a profound cultural exchange: visit a local family in Ban Nongkham for a Baci ceremony. Tie white cotton threads around wrists to call back the spirits, then share a traditional family-style dinner and warm conversation in their home.
Luang Prabang
Rise in the mist of dawn to participate in Tak Bat, the sacred alms-giving ritual. Kneel quietly on the sidewalk to offer sticky rice to the silent procession of saffron-robed monks—a timeless rhythm of Luang Prabang. Wander the morning market, smelling the fresh herbs and river fish, before boarding a boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong. Transfer to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle. Here, visit the Free the Bears Rescue Centre. Guided by a conservationist, learn about their efforts to protect sun bears and Asiatic black bears, even helping to prepare their food. Return to town to explore the vibrant night market after dinner.
Luang Prabang/Siem Reap
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Luang Prabang, perhaps visiting a French colonial café. Enjoy Lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Khmer Empire. Settle into your hotel, transitioning from the quiet of Laos to the historic energy of Cambodia. This evening, dinner at the hotel is included, but at your leisure.
Siem Reap
Wake in the pre-dawn hours to witness the silhouette of Angkor Wat’s lotus towers against a violet sky. As the sun rises, explore the world’s largest religious monument, marveling at the intricate bas-reliefs that tell Hindu epics in stone. Continue to the Bayon Temple, where 216 giant stone faces smile enigmatically from the towers, watching over the forest. Take a mid-day break for lunch at a local restaurant inside the complex then walk through the jungle-claimed ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, where massive silk-cotton tree roots strangle the stone walls in a slow-motion embrace. Head back to the hotel for some time at leisure before connecting with the local culture at a family-style dinner, tasting the distinct flavors of Khmer cuisine and reflecting on the empire you have walked through.
Siem Reap
Begin with a scenic boat ride to Kampong Kleang, observing life in the stilted villages hovering over the water. Visit the New Hope Project, a G Adventures-supported initiative providing healthcare and education to youth. Meet a co-founder to see the impact firsthand then enjoy lunch at the community restaurant. In the afternoon, gain exclusive access to Conservation D’Angkor. Step behind the scenes to see how looted artifacts are restored, a vital effort to preserve Khmer heritage. Travel between sites with the Lady Tuk Tuk drivers, a project empowering women in tourism. The expedition concludes with a farewell dinner and a Khmer drumming show performed by lady drummers, celebrating the depth of history and the resilience of the people you have met along the way.
Siem Reap
Your expedition through Southeast Asia concludes today. Transfer to the Siem reap airport, provided at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
