- Vietnam Escorted Tours
- Grand Tour of Indochina
Discover the cultural treasures, natural beauty, and fascinating history of Southeast Asia on this immersive journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. From the striking limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay and spiritual tranquillity of Luang Prabang to the awe-inspiring ancient temples of Angkor and the vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta, this tour combines iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences. Rich in history, culinary traditions, and diverse cultures, enjoy an unforgettable exploration of one of the world’s most captivating regions.
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi.
Breakfast & Dinner
On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, begin your adventure with a tour of Hanoi, an atmospheric and energetic city which blends classic French elegance with the cosmopolitan style of modern Vietnam. Your tour includes the Presidential Palace, built by French colonialists in the early 20th century as the residence of the Governor-General of French Indochina; Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts; and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, renowned for its unique lotus-inspired architecture. Travel to the Museum of Ethnology, designed to conserve the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 different ethnic groups. Explore Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter by cyclo, a two-person cycle carriage: this bustling district has been a commercial centre since King Ly Thai To built his palace there in the 11th century. Skilled craftsmen followed, and artisan guilds were formed on the famous "36 Streets". Each street historically carried the names of the items produced and sold there, and many retain these same names. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet performance.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, transfer to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise through one of Vietnam’s most impressive landscapes. Board your ship and set sail, exploring scattered islands, picturesque beaches, intricate limestone rock formations, and hidden wave-eroded grottoes. Along the way, anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and visit one of the many hidden caves beneath Ha Long Bay’s towering cliffs.
Brunch & Dinner
Wake as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters. Cruise through the bay’s magnificent rock formations towards port, where you’ll disembark and return to Hanoi for dinner and your overnight stay.
Breakfast & Dinner
Fly from Hanoi to Vientiane, Laos, and transfer to your hotel. From its laid-back tuk-tuk drivers to its location beside the meandering Mekong River, this former French trading post is renowned for its peaceful, small-town atmosphere. Enjoy time at leisure to stroll around the town.
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, visit Wat Si Muang, a Buddhist temple steeped in local culture and legend. Known for its sacred pillar, this atmospheric temple is said to bring luck and prosperity to the city. Drive to Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, an unusual sculpture park filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues built to unite the two religions. Returning to town, visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims: here you can learn more about the legacy of the Vietnam War, the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO), and the ongoing efforts to clear them. In the afternoon, spend time at That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthathirat in the 16th century, the temple glows golden in the sun as it shines upon its towering spire. Enjoy panoramic views over the city as you climb to the top of Patuxay, Vientiane’s own version of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Continue along Lan Xang Avenue to the serene Wat Sisaket, one of few temples left largely intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. Continue to nearby Wat Phra Keo, now used as a religious museum displaying a collection of Lao and Khmer artworks. Your day concludes along the banks of the Mekong River. As the sun begins to set, stroll along the riverbank, stop for a cold drink, or sample snacks from one of the many local food stalls.
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy time at leisure this morning before transferring to the train station and boarding an express train to Luang Prabang. On arrival, visit the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular turquoise pools. These pools make great swimming spots, and are very popular with both tourists and locals. You may also walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene and explore waterfalls which are rarely visited by other tourists. If you wish, you might choose to visit the Bear Rescue Centre, which houses animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Returning to town, ascend Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang’s sacred 100-metre-high hill, to admire the dazzling gilded stupa at the summit and soak up panoramic sunset views of the city and the Mekong River. Your day concludes at the famous Night Market, where you can browse a collection of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill tribe communities.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Awake as the sun rises and prepare to join the most sacred tradition in Laos - a daily morning almsgiving dating to the 14th century where more than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to receive their daily meal from faithful residents. Visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace which offers a glimpse into daily life in Laos, with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and textiles, a unique and authentic cultural experience. Return to your hotel for breakfast before embarking on a leisurely cruise on the iconic Mekong River. Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding tranquil countryside, meander along the winding waterway to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves filled with thousands of gold Buddha statues left here by pilgrims. Along the way, stop at Ban Xanghai village, where traditional Lao rice wine is produced, before returning to Luang Prabang. Spend time at Wat Sene and the nearby magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a superb example of Lao temple architecture with a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 during the French colonial era, and stop at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Centre, nestled by the Mekong River. Here you can admire artisans crafting high-quality fabrics using traditional techniques, before returning to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax and explore your surroundings.
Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your day at Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer empire. Beginning at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, explore Bayon Temple, famed for its 54 towers carved with serene stone faces, before continuing through the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Preah Khan Temple, built by King Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his father. A huge monastic complex, the building served as a Buddhist monastery and school, once home to more than 1,000 monks. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the enchanting Ta Prohm temple complex, where tree roots wind around ancient ruins surrounded by dense jungle. Continue to the iconic UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure covering an area of 200 hectares. Watch the sun set over the complex, a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the ancient stone towers glow in the golden light.
Breakfast & Dinner
Begin today with a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake. Linked to the Mekong River by the Tonlé Sap River, this freshwater lake is one of Southeast Asia’s most important waterways. Spend time in a floating village complete with floating schools, and a floating police station - the village even moves from place to place following water levels and the current. Transfer to Phnom Penh to check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia and royal family. Continue to the Silver Pagoda, a repository for cultural treasures, such as a 90kg golden Buddha encrusted with over 2,000 diamonds. Explore the National Museum, browsing over 5000 artefacts, before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Cambodia’s poignant history at the Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 prison). This former school was used as a prison by Pol Pot’s security forces: more than 17,000 people imprisoned here were later taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek. Continue to the haunting Killing Fields, where thousands of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime were executed and buried. While tragic, this visit gives you an immersive insight into Cambodia’s complex past.
Breakfast & Dinner
Following breakfast, spend time at leisure in Phnom Penh before travelling to the boat pier, where a speedboat awaits to carry you to Chau Doc, Vietnam. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Spend a morning relaxing at your hotel. This afternoon, transfer to Can Tho city, where you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today begins with a boat trip from Ninh Kieu boat station, cruising along the Can Tho river through bustling waterways. Arrive at the famous Cai Rang floating market, the largest of its kind in the Mekong Delta. Capture colourful photographs as you watch locals in a variety of boats carry goods to market for sale and advertise their products on bamboo poles. Travel to Ben Tre, visiting coconut processing workshops located along the canal and taking a short walk to spend time with a local family. Enjoy fruit and tea as you chat with local people and learn about their rural life. Take a motor cart (xe lôi) ride past picturesque rice fields and lush farmland, before lunch at a local house near the canal. Return to the pier by rowboat and motorboat. Transfer to Saigon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive tunnel system which served as the headquarters of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This immense labyrinth of tunnels housed supply routes, hospitals, weapons factories, and living quarters. In the afternoon, delve further into the history of Saigon with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which documents the impact and legacy of the Vietnam War. Continue to the nearby Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 and still a major centre of Catholicism in modern Vietnam, as well as being one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire Saigon Post Office, a classic French colonial structure.
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure before flying to Hue, where you’ll have time to relax at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your first stop in Hue is the Hue Citadel, a large fortress built in the 18th century which blends the architectural style of Beijing’s Forbidden City with the military principles of the French army. Visit the partially ruined Dien Tho Residence, once the lavish apartments and audience halls of the Queen Mothers of the Nguyễn dynasty, and Thai Hoa Palace, an ornate timber-roofed hall that was the site for the Emperor’s official receptions. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Tu Duc, before spending some time at leisure in Dong Ba market, where you can purchase traditional crafts and local culinary delicacies.
Breakfast & Dinner
En route to Hoi An, make a stop at the Marble Mountains, a group of five marble and limestone peaks revered by locals as a spiritual site. Your afternoon is at leisure until dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy free time this morning before an afternoon walking tour of Hoi An, taking you past the city’s renowned traditional Japanese merchant houses and ancient Chinese tea warehouses, before finishing at the iconic Japanese Pagoda Bridge, an early 17th-century bridge spanning a narrow canal. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Breakfast
Following breakfast, the morning is at leisure to relax before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your flight home.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the regional flights within and between South-East Asian countries are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Vietnam visa requirements
A visa is not required for stays up to 45 days for British Passport holders travelling to Vietnam. All customers are required to fill out a digital arrival card when arriving at Saigon airport. The card must be filled out before arrival on the Vietnamese Government’s website https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Laos visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into Laos and this can be purchased on arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang. The cost of this is approximately USD $40 per person and you will need to bring the money in cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Laos. Alternatively you can apply for your visa online at https://laoevisa.gov.la/index . If you are applying online you need to apply at least 3 days in advance.
Additionally, you will need to complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) online. The form can be accessed via the following link: https://www.immigration.gov.la/en/registration/arrival/arrival-info. You should submit your LDIF 3 days before arriving in Laos.
Cambodia visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter Cambodia as a visitor. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements. You must apply for your visa at least 4 days in advance using the link https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ . The cost of this is approximately USD $37 per person. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
All travellers are required to complete and submit an e‑Arrival application within 7 days prior to their arrival using the official website, https://arrival.gov.kh. Once the online form is successfully submitted, travellers will receive a unique QR code that must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival.
Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace is rated as Challenging. This is largely due to the amount of travelling on this tour. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, known as VND. You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency. Money can be exchanged at the airport or branches of government banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants.
The currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). No coins are currently in use in Laos as they use notes only. US Dollars are widely accepted in Laos should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £600-£700 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. However, should you wish to tip, we recommend you tip your guide approx. $4 per person per day and your driver approx. $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the Cruise ships are not included either and would recommend $2 per person per day. Tipping for the porters at your hotels and the crew during the Halong Bay Cruise will be at your discretion. Tips are accepted in the local currency, US dollars and British pounds.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included
During this tour you will be spending the night on a Halong Cruise Ship. Comfortable cabins come with en suite facilities and air conditioning. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese food, cooked authentically each night.
During your tour you will have some train journeys. Please note, that these are local trains and should not be compared to European standards and quality. You will be booked into a soft seat train carriage where seats are comfortable and the carriage is air-conditioned.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Vietnam. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. Due to your flights landing early in the morning on arrival day we have arranged an early check in for you so you can freshen up before your tour commences.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
If you are travelling within the below Vietnamese and Cambodian Public Holidays, please note that celebrations can last several days and during these times some businesses will be closed. Coach, air, and train travel may also be affected. Tourist attractions will generally remain open but may be crowded. In Vietnam, key holidays include Tet Holiday (between January and February), International Labour Day (1st May), Reunification Day (30th April), and National Independence Day (2nd September). In Cambodia, major public holidays include Khmer New Year (typically in April), Pchum Ben (usually in September or October), and the Water Festival (held in November). During these times, the atmosphere can be lively with various cultural celebrations taking place across both countries.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note both men and women need to wear long trousers or skirts to cover knees, and tops with sleeves to cover shoulders.
On your arrival in Hanoi you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Lac Viet (LV) Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury holidays/Vietnam Travel Service representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
Please find below the emergency contact details for LV Travel head office, Hanoi.
Contact Telephone number: Anna Hanh Office: 0084 865 016 939, Mr Len Office: 0084 989 200 116, Emergency cases: 0084 888713289
24 hour e-mail: operation@lvtravel.vn or len@lvtravel.vn
