Indochina Cultural Triangle: 14-Day Journey Through Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Emerald Waters & Limestone Giants

• Morning: Scenic drive to Ha Long Bay with countryside stop at ceramic village

• Afternoon: Board luxury junk boat, kayak through Luon Cave, swim at Titov Island

• Evening: Sunset party on sundeck, squid fishing under the stars

Adventure Tip:

Morning kayaking offers calmest waters and best light for photography

Photo Spot:

Capture the bay's magic from Sung Sot Cave viewpoint

Morning Tai Chi & City Culture

• Morning: Tai chi session on sundeck, cooking class with fresh spring rolls

• Afternoon: Return to Hanoi, visit Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• Evening: Traditional silk painting workshop in West Lake area. Create your own silk painting with master artisans

Travel Tip:

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive temple grounds

Rice Terraces & Ethnic Culture

• Morning: Overnight train to Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa

• Afternoon: Trek through Muong Hoa Valley to Black H'mong villages

• Evening: Homestay experience with traditional dinner and rice wine

Cultural Note:

Remove shoes before entering homes and receive gifts with both hands

Photo Tip:

Late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows on the terraces

Indigo Dyeing & Local Markets

• Morning: Visit Can Cau Saturday market (or local market depending on day)

• Afternoon: Indigo dyeing workshop with H'mong artisans

• Evening: Return to Sapa town, free time at love market

Local Secret:

Indigo dye gets darker with each wash - it's a living fabric

Shopping Tip:

Hand-embroidered textiles make meaningful souvenirs

Lanterns & Tailors

• Morning: Fly to Da Nang, drive to Hoi An through Hai Van Pass

• Afternoon: Ancient town walking tour through Japanese covered bridge

• Evening: Lantern-making workshop with local family. Release floating lanterns on Thu Bon River at night

Fashion Tip:

Hoi An's tailors can create custom clothing in 24 hours

Hindu Ruins & Rural Life

• Morning: My Son Sanctuary tour of Cham temple ruins in jungle setting

• Afternoon: Tra Que vegetable village cycling and farming experience. Ride buffalo cart through countryside and learn organic farming

• Evening: Cooking class with market visit and herbal foot bath

Photo Tip:

The jungle-covered ruins are most atmospheric in morning mist

Temple Town Welcome

• Morning: Fly to Siem Reap, check into hotel near old market

• Afternoon: Pottery workshop at local social enterprise

• Evening: Phare Circus performance combining theater and acrobatics

Dining Tip:

Try fish amok - Cambodia's national dish of coconut fish curry

Sunrise & Jungle Temples

• Morning: Angkor Wat sunrise experience followed by temple exploration

• Afternoon: Ta Prohm where giant trees embrace ancient stones

• Evening: Sunset cocktails at Pre Rup temple

Photo Tip:

The reflection ponds offer perfect mirror images of Angkor Wat at sunrise

Travel Tip:

Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits

Alms Giving & Waterfalls

• Morning: Fly to Luang Prabang, witness tak bat alms-giving ceremony

• Afternoon: Kuang Si Waterfalls with turquoise pools and bear sanctuary

• Evening: Night market shopping for handicrafts

Cultural Note:

Observe alms-giving silently from a distance without flashing cameras

Experience:

Swim in the refreshing waterfall pools - bring swimwear

Temples & Traditional Arts

• Morning: Visit Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong

• Afternoon: Traditional Lao weaving workshop at Ock Pop Tok center

• Evening: Sunset cruise on Mekong River with cocktails

Local Secret:

Natural dyes include indigo, teak leaves, and lacquer insects

Photo Tip:

The mosaic tree of life at Wat Xieng Thong is stunning in afternoon light

Jungle Trekking & Ethnic Villages

• Morning: Fly to Luang Namtha, visit morning market

• Afternoon: Trek through Nam Ha National Park to Khmu villages

• Evening: Bamboo paper craft workshop using traditional methods

Eco Note:

This UNESCO-protected area is home to rare wildlife and diverse ethnic groups

Packing Tip:

Sturdy hiking shoes and leech socks recommended for jungle trekking

Village Life & Traditional Crafts

• Morning: Ethnic village visit to learn about traditional farming

• Afternoon: Natural dye workshop using forest materials. Create your own naturally-dyed textile souvenir

• Evening: Farewell dinner with local specialties and traditional music

Cultural Tip:

Always ask permission before photographing village people

Last Memories & Silk Shopping

• Morning: Last-minute shopping for silk scarves and handicrafts

• Afternoon: Transfer to Luang Prabang airport for departure

Departure Tip:

Lao silk and coffee make excellent gifts - allow extra luggage space

Shopping Note:

Night market prices are negotiable - start at 50% of asking price