- Vietnam Private Tours
- Vietnam and Cambodia Odyssey - Summer with Laos Extension - Private Tour
Travel like a local on this enthralling itinerary from the mountainous and humid North of Vietnam through to the wealthier colonial South then along the sultry Mekong Delta to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Encompassing 5 nights of cruising and 4 train journeys this tour covers all the iconic sights you would expect with the bonus of no internal flights.
Surrounded by the Mekong and Khan rivers, Laos' ancient cities are rich in history, culture and cuisine.
Dinner
You will be met on arrival by your guide who'll accompany you to your hotel. After some time to relax and enjoy dinner.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning you will have an early breakfast at your hotel before visiting Angor Wat. Continue to visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, followed by the Bayon and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here you visit Baphoun, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace, once used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies. Lastly see Ta Prohm, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. That has been left to be swallowed by the jungle and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Conclude the day with dinner and an Apsara dance performance.
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then transfer to Phnom Penh. On arrival begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and marvel at the ornately gilded Khmer roofs, beguiling throne hall, solid gold-encrusted Buddha and Silver Pagoda. Next visit the National Museum that houses a collection of Khmer art, notably sculptures, throughout the ages. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning includes a guided tour of Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past. These excursions may prove distressing for some but are important pieces of Cambodia's historical and cultural puzzle. After Lunch transfer to Chau Doc by boat and board your cruise vessel for the next 3 nights.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy breakfast on board your ship, disembark for a morning excursion to Tan Thuan Dong islet where you can enjoy a gentle cycle around the winding roads or simply explore the area by foot. Return to the boat for lunch and begin a scenic cruise towards the charming village of Sa Dec, famous for its beautiful flower gardens, the small, sleepy village is truly a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta where you can visit the Ancient Trader’s Villa. Back on board you are invited to a sunset cocktail party on the top deck.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart early in the morning with an excursion on long rowing sampan boats allowing you to meander through the small canals of Tan Phong islet. Choose between a leisurely bicycle ride along the Mekong backroads or walk through a local village before returning to the boat for lunch. This afternoon on route to Can Tho disembark for a guided rural walk through lush green orchards and rice paddies. Return to the vessel for a sunset cruise and dinner on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Can Tho’s vibrant canals. Visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, where local traders on wooden boats barter and sell an abundance of colourful fruits and vegetables. This authentic Mekong Delta experience offers a vivid glimpse into traditional river commerce and daily life. This afternoon arrive in Saigon, Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis.
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This immense labyrinth of 75 miles in length once housed hospitals, weapon factories and living quarters. Return to Saigon for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy some free time at leisure in the morning before spending the afternoon touring Saigon's highlights with a visit to the Reunification Palace as well as nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Next travel to the French-style Saigon Post Office then finishes at the Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the bustling city where colourful stalls are packed to the rafters with fresh fruit and tourist kitsch. This evening enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before boarding the overnight train to Nha Trang
Breakfast
Experience the charming character of Nha Trang with a full day at leisure, allowing you to explore its vibrant streets, relax on its golden beaches, or simply soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere at your own pace.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will enjoy a boat trip to a small beach off the coast of Nha Trang where you can swim and relax before lunch. In the afternoon visit Ponagar Tower, an impressive Cham Temple situated 2 km north of Nha Trang.
Breakfast
Following breakfast at your hotel, it's time to board the train for the day-long journey north to Hoi An which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, and fusion of cultures shaped by centuries of trade.
Breakfast & Dinner
After lunch begin with a walking tour of the town, taking you past traditional Japanese merchant houses, ancient Chinese tea warehouses and finishes at the Pagoda Bridge, an early 17th-century Japanese temple that spans across the waterway. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the myriad of silk and tailor shops or simply take in the views over a coffee at one of the many waterside cafes (at your own expense).
Breakfast & Dinner
En route to the train station visit Marble Mountain. a range consisting of five craggy marble outcrops topped with pagodas each representing one of the natural elements, Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth. Board the afternoon train to Hue. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the area before reconvening for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your exploration of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop is the Citadel of Hue, an imposing 18th-century fortress that blends the elegance of Beijing’s Forbidden City with French military architecture. Walk through its majestic gates and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Nguyen dynasty.
Continue to the Dien Tho Residence, the partially restored former home of the Queen Mothers, featuring elegant pavilions and audience halls that hint at its former grandeur. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace which has a beautifully preserved wooden hall, adorned with intricate carvings which was the ceremonial heart of the royal court and used for the Emperor’s formal receptions and important rituals.
After exploring the Citadel, transfer to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s iconic seven-story pagoda perched on the banks of the Perfume River. This serene religious site offers spiritual insight and stunning river views. Then on to the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, known for its serene gardens and intricate architecture. Finish off at Dong Ba Market for some free shopping time before boarding your overnight train to Hanoi
Lunch
A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the father of modern day Vietnam declared the nation's independence in 1945. Visit sites including the Presidential Palace built by the French colonialists in the early 20th century, Ho Chi Minh's House of Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Continue your tour of Hanoi to the Hoa Lo Prison which was used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This memorable day marks the start of your two-night cruise around the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vision of ethereal beauty. You'll explore these marvellous islands, intricate limestone rock formations and hidden wave-eroded grottoes on a luxury cruise boat. Enjoy lunch on board before sailing to the narrow arched Luon Cave and embark on a kayak or bamboo boat to get closer to this impressive formation which has a maximum height of 4 metres - depending on the tide! After, enjoy some swimming at Ti Top (Titov) beach. Back on board, finish your day with a local cookery demonstration before enjoying a delicious set dinner. Depending on the weather and which beaches can be accessed, there is an opportunity to climb up the side of Titov Mountain and witness an impressive view over Halong Bay. There are roughly 450 steps to reach the top. This is optional and not a guaranteed activity, but if you do wish to do it, then please pack suitable shoes just in case.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day with some calming Tai Chi on the boat's deck or watch the sunrise from your cabin before setting off for a more active day on the water. Cruise to some of the bay's more untouched areas, making stops for swimming and sightseeing. In the afternoon, visit a Pearl Farm to experience the pearl-growing process on the bay. Spend the evening relaxing on board with a spa treatment (at a fee) or take part in some night-time squid fishing.
Brunch & Dinner
After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave - one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. The cave has some unique rock formations which couldn't be found anywhere else. Return to lively Hanoi for a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter to explore this bustling commercial centre. your cyclo is a two-person cycle carriage. This evening watch a traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Vientiane, the tranquil capital of Laos. Upon arrival leave your bags at the hotel and embark on a half day city tour of Vientiane. Your tour starts with a visit to That Luang the holiest site in Laos and constructed in the 16th century by King Setthathirat. Next, visit Patuxay, Vientiane’s answer to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Continue to Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest surviving temple, remarkably spared during the Siamese invasion of 1828. Admire its thousands of miniature Buddha statues and to Wat Phra Keo which showcasing a rich collection of Lao and Khmer artifacts.. End your tour along the banks of the Mekong River taking in the sun set before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After Breakfast take the train to Luang Prabang, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its unique blend of cultural, historical, and architectural richness.
Upon arrival, take a scenic drive to the Kuang Si Waterfall, one of Laos' most spectacular natural attractions. Here, you can take a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or wander along forest trails. During a jungle walk to the waterfalls there will be an optional stop to the Bear Rescue centre to observe Asiatic bears. In the late afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and ascend the 329 steps of Phousi Hill, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the glittering Mekong River at sunset.
Conclude your day with a visit to the famous Night Market, where the streets come alive with vibrant stalls offering a wide selection of handmade textiles, crafts, and souvenirs created by local artisans.
Breakfast & Lunch
Rise early with the sun to participate in one of Laos’ most revered spiritual traditions: the daily morning alms giving. Dating back to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
Return to your hotel for breakfast, then set out on a cruise on the Mekong River. As you glide past lush riverbanks and peaceful villages. Your journey takes you to the famed Pak Ou Caves, a sacred pilgrimage site where two caves house thousands of Buddha statues. En route, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, known for producing traditional Lao rice wine.
Upon your return to Luang Prabang, continue your discovery with a visit to Wat Sene, followed by the exquisite Wat Xiengthong. This iconic temple, with its graceful two-tiered roof and intricate mosaics represents a pinnacle of Lao religious architecture.
Conclude the day at the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, a peaceful riverside retreat where master weavers and artisans demonstrate the art of traditional Lao textile-making
Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy your morning at leisure before taking the train back to Vientiane in the afternoon.
Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace in Vientiane. You may wish to unwind at your hotel, sip a coffee at a riverside café along the Mekong River, or take a final stroll through the nearby streets to soak in the city’s laid-back charm. In the afternoon, embark on a short drive to the Buddha Park. This quirky and fascinating site is home to over 200 religious statues and an enormous reclining buddha. Return to the city for a light dinner before transferring to the airport for your departure flight back to Hanoi.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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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.
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.
Vietnam visa requirements
A visa is not required for stays up to 45 days for British Passport holders. 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.
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.
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.
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, www.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 of Vietnam and Cambodia Odyssey is rated as Active. 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 a 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 to 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 Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
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.
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. USD $4 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the cruise ships are not included either and would recommend USD $2 per person per day. Additionally, if you want to tip your bell boy, porter, boat crew etc this is at your discretion.
This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion 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.
This is a fully escorted tour extension, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Boats
During this tour you will be boarding various vessels. Cabins come with en suite facilities and air conditioning. However room size can be restrictive, If you would like to take a smaller overnight bag on to the ships this can be arranged by leaving your larger luggage on your tour bus overnight at your own risk. There will also be a trip on a motor boat to cross the Cambodian border. Please note this is a shared boat which is open at the back, it does not have air conditioning and usually holds 1 toilet for passengers. The Border crossing can take up to 2 hours.
Trains
During your tour you will have some day trains and overnight trains. Please note, that these are local trains and should not be compared to European standards and quality. Overnight trains are booked 2 customers per cabin, all cabins come with air conditioning but there is no private toilet, these will be located at the end of the carriage. Beds usually come with a pillow, bed sheet and blanket. Please bring toilet roll and hand sanitiser. When travelling during the day on trains you will be booked into a soft seat train carriage where seats are comfortable and the carriage is air-conditioned.
Please be advised that trains in Laos have restrictions on carry-on items, including aerosol cans, electronic cigarettes, sharp objects such as knives, as well as camping tools and multi-tools.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. 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. 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. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and 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, tops with sleeves should be worn to cover shoulders.
On your arrival in Siem Reap you will be met by a representative from our local agent, LV Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ LV Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
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
