INDOCHINA UNSCRIPTED.... Journey Through Northern Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
Departing Brisbane 17 March | Returning 3 April
Join Ucango Travel as we journey beyond the familiar on a personally hosted small-group adventure through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Discover Hanoi’s hidden flavours, Vietnam’s spectacular northern highlands, the peaceful traditions of Luang Prabang and the ancient wonders of Angkor, complemented by private experiences, memorable dining and exceptional handpicked accommodation.
15 night Fully Escorted Tour (with flights) from $10,499pp
- Departing Brisbane 17 March | Returning 3 April
- Solo traveller from $12,399
- Business Class upgrades available
ABOUT YOUR HOST, GILLIAN CONNORS
Gillian commenced her travel journey way back in 1992 where she did everything from preparing manual aircraft trim sheets to handling baggage from the back of an FJ Holden ute!
She has since built a career creating unforgettable holidays & experiences. Passionate about exceptional hotels, unique moments and amazing destinations, Gillian loves designing journeys that offer something a little beyond the ordinary.
“I love Asia: the food, the people, the history and the ever-changing landscapes. Sharing those experiences with others makes it even more special.”
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES
- Return international flights from Brisbane with Singapore Airlines
- Regional flights with Vietnam Airlines
- 15 nights’ handpicked accommodation, including:
- 3 nights in Hanoi
- 2 nights in Mù Cang Chải
- 2 nights in Sapa
- 4 nights in Luang Prabang
- 4 nights in Siem Reap
- Luxury transport and transfers throughout
- 23 included meals
- Unique dining and specially hosted experiences
- Curated sightseeing and immersive cultural experiences
- All required visas
- Tipping for included group activities
- Personally hosted small-group journey
SIGNATURE JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Hanoi
Taste hidden favourites, iconic dishes and Vietnamese coffee, then experience legendary Train Street.
Mù Cang Chải in Bloom
Discover spring blossoms, misty mountains, rice terraces and traditional Hmong villages.
Garrya Mù Cang Chải
Retreat to a secluded mountain sanctuary centred around nature, tranquillity and wellbeing.
Sapa in Spring
Explore colourful mountain landscapes and ascend Mount Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.”
Chapa Express
Watch mountains, rivers, villages and countryside unfold during a scenic daytime rail journey.
Luang Prabang
Experience a private Baci blessing, dawn alms-giving and magnificent UNESCO-listed temples.
Taste of the Mekong
Cruise privately to Pak Ou Caves, returning with sunset wine and dinner aboard.
Kuang Si and the Lao Countryside
Experience traditional rice farming and the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si.
Angkor at Sunrise
Travel by private tuk-tuk and enter Angkor Wat through its quieter eastern gate.
Angkor at Sunset
Enjoy wine and canapés aboard a private VIP gondola on Angkor Thom’s ancient moat.
Siem Reap
Discover Khmer cuisine, contemporary performance, Apsara traditions and Cambodia beyond its temples.
Extraordinary Places to Stay
Experience historic residences, boutique hotels and secluded mountain sanctuaries.
YOUR JOURNEY
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO HANOI
Arrive in Vietnam’s captivating capital and settle into our boutique Old Quarter hotel. Hanoi provides an exciting introduction to Indochina, combining elegant colonial architecture, ancient neighbourhoods, vibrant street life and one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated food cultures.
DAY 2 – DISCOVER HANOI
Taste Vietnamese coffee, Banh Cuon and famous Bun Cha while exploring the Old Quarter. Visit Ba Dinh Square, One Pillar Pagoda and Hoa Lo Prison, ride through the city by cyclo and finish with Train Street, dinner and cocktails.
DAY 3 – HANOI TO MÙ CANG CHẢI
Leave Hanoi for Vietnam’s spectacular northern highlands. Travel through the Mường Lò and Tú Lệ valleys, cross magnificent Khau Phạ Pass and pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking misty mountains, traditional villages and rice terraces beginning their spring growing season.
DAY 4 – MÙ CANG CHẢI
Explore the beautiful La Pán Tẩn rice terraces and traditional Hmong villages on an optional guided walk, or spend the day enjoying Garrya’s remarkable mountain setting. Unwind at the 8LEMENTS Spa or join a restorative sound-healing experience.
DAY 5 – MÙ CANG CHẢI TO SAPA
Journey through terraced valleys, Hmong and Thai villages and the dramatic Hoàng Liên Sơn Mountains. Cross lofty Ô Quy Hồ Pass, walk through forest to Love Waterfall and continue to our elegant hillside resort overlooking the mountains of Sapa.
DAY 6 – MOUNT FANSIPAN AND SAPA
Ascend Mount Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina,” by cable car for sweeping mountain views. Spend the afternoon exploring Sapa’s markets, nearby Hmong or Red Dao villages, enjoying a traditional herbal bath or simply relaxing at our beautiful resort.
DAY 7 – CHAPA EXPRESS TO HANOI
Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling to Lao Cai and boarding the Chapa Express. Our daytime rail journey reveals northern Vietnam’s mountains, rivers, rice fields and rural communities before the landscape gradually softens into rolling countryside approaching Hanoi.
DAY 8 – HANOI TO LUANG PRABANG
Fly to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang and receive a memorable introduction to Laos. A private traditional Baci ceremony offers blessings for happiness, health and safe travels, followed by a relaxed welcome dinner accompanied by traditional Lao music and dance.
DAY 9 – LUANG PRABANG’S SPIRITUAL HEART
Participate respectfully in Luang Prabang’s dawn alms-giving tradition before exploring its UNESCO-listed centre. Visit the former Royal Palace and the exquisite temples of Wat Visoun, Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong, renowned for its intricate Tree of Life mosaic.
DAY 10 – PAK OU CAVES AND THE MEKONG
Visit Ban Muang Keo village to discover traditional weaving and whisky making, then cruise privately to the sacred Pak Ou Caves. Return along the Mekong with wine at sunset, followed by a special Lao dinner served aboard our boat.
DAY 11 – LAO COUNTRYSIDE AND KUANG SI
Experience traditional rice farming at Living Land Farm before visiting Kuang Si Waterfall and the nearby bear sanctuary. Walk through tropical forest, admire the turquoise pools and finish with pétanque, local snacks and Beer Lao alongside Luang Prabang residents.
DAY 12 – LUANG PRABANG AT LEISURE
Enjoy a completely free day in Luang Prabang. Sleep late, browse artisan workshops and boutiques, indulge in a spa treatment, linger over lunch beside the Mekong or relax by the pool within the peaceful grounds of our historic riverside hotel.
DAY 13 – LAOS TO CAMBODIA
Farewell the peaceful charm of Laos and fly directly to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent temples of Angkor. Settle into our striking boutique hotel in the leafy Royal District and prepare for the final chapter of our journey.
DAY 14 – ANGKOR AT SUNRISE
Travel by private tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat, entering through the quieter eastern gate at sunrise. Explore its galleries before visiting Angkor Thom, Bayon, the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King, Preah Khan and atmospheric, jungle-entwined Ta Prohm.
DAY 15 – TONLE SAP AND ANGKOR SUNSET
Cruise privately through Tonle Sap’s floating communities and visit the inspiring APOPO Visitor Centre. Later, enjoy wine and canapés aboard our private VIP gondola, gliding along Angkor Thom’s ancient moat as sunset settles over the jungle and temple walls.
DAY 16 – SIEM REAP AND KHMER CULTURE
Enjoy time to relax, explore Siem Reap or experience a traditional Khmer spa ritual. Discover contemporary Cambodian creativity at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, before celebrating our journey with a farewell dinner and graceful traditional Apsara dance performance.
FINAL DAY – JOURNEY HOME
Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Siem Reap before transferring to the airport. We return home with memories of extraordinary landscapes, distinctive cuisine, ancient wonders, meaningful cultural encounters and the experiences shared throughout Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.