3-Week Asia Tour Packages
Three weeks across Southeast Asia's a whirlwind. Don’t miss Bangkok’s floating markets, Chiang Mai's temples, Luang Prabang's Pak Ou Caves, Ha Long Bay's emerald waters, Hoi An's countryside cycling, Angkor Wat's temple complex, Mekong Delta homestays, and Saigon's energy. You're cruising rivers, trekking to hilltribes, eating street food, experiencing cultures that'll change how you see the world.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Asia tour itineraries
Compiled by
SteffAsia travel expert at TourRadar
21 Day Central Asia Itinerary, incl. Bishkek and Tashkent
A cultural 21-day route spans 20 cities across 5 countries, featuring 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour begins in Bishkek, visits Samarkand's Registan Square, includes camping at Darvaza crater, and concludes in Tashkent. Internal flights connect Mary-Ashgabat and Urgench-Tashkent.
- Days 1-3
Kyrgyzstan's Capital & Lake
Start your journey in Bishkek. Visit Victory Square and the vibrant Osh Bazaar. A local visitor suggests: "The central bazaar gives you a real taste of local life - arrive before 10 AM to see the best produce selections." Take a scenic drive east to Lake Issyk-Kul through mountain passes. Stop at Cholpon-Ata to see ancient petroglyphs. The lake area offers a perfect introduction to Central Asian landscapes.
- Days 4-5
Kazakhstan's Cultural Hub
Travel to Almaty, about 4 hours from Bishkek. Check out the wooden Zenkov Cathedral and Green Bazaar. A recent visitor shares: "The view from Kok-Tobe hill at sunset is spectacular - take the cable car up around 5 PM to avoid crowds." The city's museums offer excellent insights into Kazakhstan's nomadic culture.
- Days 6-8
Tajikistan's Highlights
Take a 2-hour flight to Dushanbe. After exploring the capital, drive to historic Khujand. Visit Panjshanbe Bazaar in the early morning when locals shop. Next up is UNESCO-listed Penjikent. Bring good walking shoes for the uneven archaeological site.
- Days 9-13
Uzbekistan's Golden Cities
Head to Samarkand to see the stunning Registan Square. One traveler notes: "Visit the Registan for sunset photos, then return next morning when it opens - you'll have the place almost to yourself." Spend three days in Bukhara exploring its medieval center. Watch the evening light on the Kalon Minaret for great photos.
- Days 14-17
Turkmenistan's Mysteries
Enter Turkmenistan through Mary. Visit ancient Merv before flying to Ashgabat with its marble buildings. Camp at the Darvaza gas crater. A visitor advises: "Bring warm layers for the desert night - temperatures drop dramatically after sunset." The 'Door to Hell' looks most impressive after dark.
- Days 18-21
Final Uzbek Treasures
Return to Uzbekistan at Khiva. The old town feels like stepping back in time. Take an evening flight to Tashkent to see its mix of Soviet and modern architecture. A traveler recommends: "Don't miss riding the ornate metro stations - each one tells a different story through its designs."
21 Days in Southeast Asia, incl. Bangkok and Angkor Wat
An immersive 21-day Asian expedition covers 17 cities across 4 countries. Accommodations include 18 hotel nights, overnight cruise, and train travel. Highlights range from Bangkok's floating markets to Angkor's temples, accompanied by expert guides.
- Days 1-2
Bangkok & Damnoen Saduak, Thailand
Begin in Bangkok and explore the city. On day 2, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Take a long-tail speedboat through historic canals to see vendors selling fresh produce and local crafts. "Watching the local vendors navigate their boats while preparing fresh dishes was mesmerizing - get there before 8am to avoid the tourist crowds." Take an overnight train to Chiang Mai (14.5 hours).
- Days 3-4
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visit Chiang Mai's key temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. The sacred Doi Suthep Temple sits at 5,300 feet elevation. Go early in the morning for the best mountain views. The climb up 306 steps can be tough in the heat, so bring water and rest when needed.
- Days 5-8
Luang Prabang, Laos
Take an early flight to Luang Prabang. Get up at 5:30am to see the daily alms-giving ceremony. "Watching the monks collect alms at sunrise was humbling. Bring a shawl—it gets chilly in the morning." Take boat trips to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall. Browse the night market and visit the Royal Palace Museum. You'll have two free days for cooking classes or walking the quiet streets.
- Days 9-11
Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam
Fly to Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise. The 4-hour drive from Hanoi can be rough, so consider motion sickness pills. Explore limestone caves and swim in hidden coves. Head back to Hanoi on day 11.
- Days 12-14
Hoi An & Da Nang, Vietnam
Fly to Da Nang and go to Hoi An. Take a bicycle food tour through local villages and learn to make white rose dumplings. Visit My Son Sanctuary early before it gets too hot since there isn't much shade. Spend a free day exploring Ancient Town or getting clothes tailored.
- Days 15-17
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat through the Mekong Delta to see floating markets and coconut candy workshops. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in comfortable clothes. "The Cu Chi Tunnels give incredible insight into wartime ingenuity, but they're not for the claustrophobic."
- Days 18-21
Siem Reap & Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Final flight to Siem Reap. Spend a full day at Angkor Archaeological Park including Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Start at sunrise to beat the heat and crowds. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Bring plenty of water since it's humid all year.
21 Day Indochina Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Bangkok
The 21-day Asian adventure spans 10 cities across 4 countries. Includes 5 internal flights, visits to UNESCO sites like Angkor Wat and Halong Bay, and premium hotels rated 4.8/5. Expert guides rated 5/5 lead all excursions.
- Days 1-2
Hanoi & Surroundings
Begin your journey in Vietnam's capital. Visit the Temple of Literature and explore the Old Quarter. "Getting around the Old Quarter can be overwhelming - I recommend doing the cyclo tour first thing in the morning before the streets get crowded." Watch a morning water puppet show and walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. The street food scene starts buzzing after 6pm.
- Days 3-4
Halong Bay Cruise
Take a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. Your overnight cruise explores the limestone karsts and hidden caves. "The kayaking through the caves was magical, but bring water shoes - the limestone can be sharp." Wake up early for misty morning views across the bay.
- Days 5-6
Hoi An Ancient Town
Fly to Hoi An with its beautiful lantern-lit streets and tailor shops. "Book your clothes early in your stay to allow time for fittings." Visit the morning market before 8am when locals do their shopping. Try a cooking class or cycle through rice paddies to My Son ruins.
- Days 7-9
Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong
Discover Saigon including the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cholon district. Head to the tunnels early to avoid crowds. Take a Mekong Delta day trip. "The small canals are more interesting than the main river." The floating markets are most active in early morning.
- Days 10-11
Siem Reap & Angkor
Fly to Siem Reap to explore the Angkor temples. Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat. "Enter through the east gate to avoid crowds." Visit Ta Prohm and Bayon in late afternoon light. Use your hotel pool to cool off during the hottest hours.
- Days 12-13
Phnom Penh
Take a river cruise to Cambodia's capital. See the Royal Palace in the morning or late afternoon. Visit the killing fields early with a knowledgeable guide who can provide context.
- Days 14-15
Vientiane
Fly to the relaxed Laos capital. Visit That Luang stupa and Buddha Park. "The COPE Center was unexpectedly moving. It really helps understand Laos' recent history."
- Days 16-17
Luang Prabang
Explore this ancient capital's temples and waterfalls. Join the morning alms ceremony. "Bring a shawl, it's chilly at dawn." Take a boat to Pak Ou Caves and stop at villages. Visit Kuang Si Falls before the crowds arrive.
- Days 18-21
Bangkok Extension
End your trip in Thailand's capital. Visit temples in the early morning. "The railway market timing is crucial - check train schedules." Take a day trip to Ayutthaya and remember sun protection and appropriate temple clothing.
Asia 21 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour
Southeast Asia 21-Day Highlights Tour
Indochina Tour with Bangkok Extension 21 Days
21 Days Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia include Cruise
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan
Essence of Indochina & Thailand: 21-Day Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & Thailand
Cultural Capitals of Southeast Asia Tour 21-Day
18 to 35s Epic Vietnam to Cambodia
Explore the Endless Beauty of Indochina - 21 Days
Ultimate Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Tour – 21 Days with Halong Cruise & Mekong River Crossing
What people love about 3-week Asia tours
Good itinerary given just 21 days. Kyrgyzstan itinerary could be improved upon as there were 2 long travel days just to visit a valley that was hardly impressive. Hotels (aside from Tajikistan homestay) were excellent - surpassed expectations. Best guide (by far) was Ilya in Kazakhstan. He was superb. Faultless. The best guide I have ever had. His knowledge was impressive. His communication and delivery of information was spot on. Perfect. Everything was clear and well-communicated in advance. Promote Ilya! Do not lose him! The other guides were good. Farsa in Tajikistan is learning since she is still young but she is passionate about her job. Our guides in Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent were good. But Ilya was exceptional. A cut above the rest. The worst guide who we found very bad and dishonest was Gurban in Turkmenistan. He charged us an extortionate $50 for the use of the router for the internet. He also gave us a bad exchange rate of 17 whereas I checked with an Intrepid guide who said his rate was around 20. Gurban also did not prioritise us. He was more interested in playing with his own tech toys (Go Pro selfie stick) and talk about technology than tell us about the history and culture. The worst thing was that at the end of the tour he tried to charge me again for using the router when another tour member had already paid him for my share of the router cost. A very dishonest man. I suggest you consider using another guide for Turkmenistan.
Central Asia Combined Silk Road Tour
- Southeast Asia 21-Day Highlights Tour
21 Days Thailand Laos Vietnam Cambodia We had a great time on this tour! My husband and I had wanted to go to South East Asia for some time, and we were looking for a trip that would give us a realistic overview in the month we had available. We knew we wanted to get to Thailand (my favorite cuisine), Vietnam (lots of history and, again, the food), and Cambodia (Angor Wat), and thought, why not throw in Laos? This itinerary looked really ambitious but like it had a good balance of travel, activity, and leisure. Hoi An Adventures is a Vietnamese company, so we weren’t surprised that Vietnam got a disproportionate focus to the other countries. What we loved: Our gut instinct about the itinerary was spot on. Yes, we covered a lot of ground. I hadn’t quite realized just how many flights we’d take, but with one overnight train trip and five flights, we were able to see some amazing parts of each of the four countries. It’s hard picking highlights, as there were so many. Certainly, Halong Bay and Hoi An. The unexpected jewel of the trip was Luang Prabang, Laos, a town I’d never even heard of before this trip. Thanks for including it and for allowing us four nights there and free time just to wander its magical streets! There were, of course, lots of places we’d have liked to get that we didn’t have a chance to. But if/when we’re back, we’ll have a pretty good idea of where we want to go and how to get there. We also applaud the hotel choices. In each city except Chiang Mai, we were right in the heart of the town. The Chiang Mai hotel wasn’t bad, but quite possibly because we were further away from the activity, that was our least favorite stop. (It also made us more appreciative of all the others being actually in the towns.) The hotels themselves ranged from perfectly adequate (the Ho Chi Minh City hotel was one of only two “deluxe” hotels, and it was the least impressive) to rustically charming (the Luang Prabang guesthouse, Lao Wooden House, which we loved) to old world elegance (Siem Reap, City View). What we liked: the excursions were all pretty good. The guides English varied significantly. All were able to speak well enough to convey information, and some were able to understand it well enough to answer questions. All seemed passionate about their subject matter. Favorite guides included River in Hoi An and Top in Ho Chi Minh City, but we learned from all of them. We particularly appreciated the tour through a local market in Luang Prabang and the temples off the beaten track in Angor Wat. The tailored garment in Hoi An was a terrific souvenir. We liked the ratio of time committed to excursions and free time—though we had a travel companion who was unhappy the time wasn’t more scheduled, so opinions can vary on that. Being dropped off and picked up from all transportation hubs made traveling really easy. It’s the first time we’ve had that benefit, and it made us converts. What we liked less: Not Hoi An Tours’ fault, but my husband and I wound up traveling with one other person throughout our trip. That enforced intimacy can be a bit awkward. More people on the tour would have given each of the three of us more opportunities to find people who meshed with us and shared our interests. In some cities we paired up with other small groups, which was nice and gave us a bigger pool of new acquaintances to share the experience with. In the past we’ve been on trips with 10 or so other people, and sharing new experiences with them has been one of the benefits of travel. It’s luck of the draw, as the tour will go on with a minimum of two people. If you sign up, maybe you can get some friends or family to go with you! Communication hit some snags here and there. We made our initial reservation through Tour Radar, and all the communications that went on through that portal were fine. Unfortunately, someone in the Hoi An Tours office entered my email address incorrectly, and we had trouble getting some messages, not knowing we were missing them. They absolutely tried! They gave us a mobile phone, presumably so we could contact them easily. And any time we contacted them through the working email portal, they got back to us quickly. There were some variances between the itinerary we did finally receive and what actually occurred. For example, we were told we’d be on an upgraded boat on Halong Bay, but when we got there, we weren’t. So the stated features and activities didn’t jibe with what we actually received. Our itinerary also had some differing times and activities from the one our traveling companion had, which led to some confusion. Overall, this was a great trip and we would recommend it highly! We’ll relive the vibrant traffic of Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City and treasure our memories of the Mekong River and Delta, the floating lanterns of Hoi An, the charming back streets of Luang Prabang, and the warmth and welcome of Siem Reap. Can’t wait to plan our next trip.
- Indochina Tour with Bangkok Extension 21 Days
Wealth of experiences. Kaleidoscopic view of Indochina. Well orchestrated!
