3-Week South East Asia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week South East Asia tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineSouth East Asia travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Indochina Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Bangkok

  A grand 21-day tour connects 10 major Asian cities. The itinerary combines UNESCO sites, iconic waterways, and cultural immersion. Includes 5 internal flights and hotels rated 4.8/5.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hanoi

    Begin your journey in Vietnam's vibrant capital. "The Old Quarter has such authentic charm - get there early around 7am to watch locals doing tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake." Visit the Temple of Literature in the morning for the best photo opportunities. Start your day at the One Pillar Pagoda before the 10am crowds arrive.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Halong Bay

    Take the 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to catch your noon cruise. Visit the Tonle Sap floating villages early in the morning. Bring a light jacket for misty morning deck time. Book an upper deck cabin for better views and air circulation.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Hoi An

    Fly to Danang and explore this UNESCO-listed town. "Walking through the Japanese Bridge at sunset was magical," says one visitor. Visit tailors early in your stay to allow time for alterations. Beat the heat at My Son ruins by arriving before 10am.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

    Visit Cu Chi Tunnels first thing for cooler temperatures. Wear solid shoes for Mekong Delta trips since sampan boarding can be tricky when water is low. "The morning floating market at Cai Rang is far less touristy than the afternoon ones."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Siem Reap

    Get up at 4:30am to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. Visit Ta Prohm late afternoon when crowds thin out. "The Phare Circus evening show was an unexpected highlight - book in advance as it sells out."

    
  • Days 12-13

    Phnom Penh

    Take the scenic Mekong river cruise from Siem Reap (4.5 hours). Get to the Royal Palace at 8am opening time. Visit the Killing Fields early morning when the atmosphere is more suitable for reflection.

  • Days 14-15

    Vientiane

    Take time to explore Laos' relaxed capital. Photograph That Luang temple at sunrise. Learn about Laos' UXO history at COPE Center. "The night market along the Mekong was perfect for trying local food safely."

  • Days 16-17

    Luang Prabang

    Watch the daily alms ceremony at 5:30am. Take a morning boat to Pak Ou Caves when river mist creates beautiful views. Visit Kuang Si Falls by 8:30am before crowds arrive.

  • Days 18-21

    Bangkok

    Finish in Thailand's exciting capital. Visit the Grand Palace at 8:30am opening time. "The Ayutthaya day trip was much better by boat than bus - more relaxing and great river views." Experience the Railway Market during early morning local shopping hours.

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• 21 Day Southeast Asia Itinerary, incl. Bangkok and Luang Prabang

  The ultimate 21-day adventure features Angkor Wat sunrise, Cardamom Mountains trekking, and Mekong River cruising. Nine destinations across Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos offer unique stays from tented camps to floating lodges on River Kwai.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Siem Reap

    Start your journey in Cambodia's cultural center. Get to Angkor Wat by 5:00 AM to catch the perfect sunrise spot. Support local women by using the Lady Tuk-Tuk cooperative for transportation. Learn to cook traditional Khmer dishes in Chreav village. Remember to pack light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temple visits.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Cardamom Mountains

    Take a 90-minute flight west followed by a 3-hour drive to this secluded jungle area. The Cardamom Tented Camp offers safari-style glamping and supports local wildlife protection. You can kayak on the Prek Tachan river and explore old logging paths. The clear night skies make for excellent stargazing.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Koh Chang

    Cross into Thailand and catch a quick 30-minute ferry to 'Elephant Island.' Go island-hopping by kayak and stop at Koh Yuak for snorkeling. Plan your water activities for the morning when the sea is calmer.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Bangkok

    Take a longtail boat through the city's canals and bike around Chinatown's small streets. Try the best Pad Thai in Rattanakosin on an evening tuk-tuk food tour. Book a riverside table on the Chao Phraya dinner cruise for the best city views.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Kanchanaburi

    Experience the historic Death Railway and Hellfire Pass. Sleep in floating rooms on the River Kwai. Bring sturdy shoes and water for the morning Hellfire Pass walk.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Chiang Rai

    This northern Thai city is perfect for food lovers. Try local foods like Sai Ou sausage and spicy Nam Prik sauce during evening food walks. Choose between cycling the Golden Triangle or visiting tea farms that replaced old opium fields.

    
  • Days 14-18

    Northern Laos

    Take a relaxing boat trip down the Mekong (7-8 hours) to Pak Beng. Visit Nong Khiaw for local villages and waterfall hikes. A recent visitor shared: "The sunrise hike up Pha Daeng peak was challenging but worth every step - the valley views are incredible. Start early while it's cool."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Luang Prabang

    Wrap up your trip in this UNESCO site. Watch the morning alms ceremony at 5:30 AM. Visit Kuang Si waterfall early to avoid crowds and bring swimwear. Shop for souvenirs at the night market on Sisavangvong Road after sunset.

    

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• 21 Day Indochina Itinerary, incl. Luang Prabang and Phnom Penh

  A magnificent 21-day route through 11 cities spans three countries. From Luang Prabang's temples to Siem Reap's ancient ruins, UNESCO sites and local traditions abound. Luxury awaits at Borei Angkor Resort and Halong Bay cruise. Costs approx. $130 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Luang Prabang

    Start your journey in Laos's spiritual center. Get up early for the alms-giving ceremony at 5:30 AM and bring a shawl for the cool morning air. Take a boat trip on the Mekong to Pak Ou Caves and stop at Ban Xanghai village to sample rice wine. Spend your afternoon at the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xiengthong. Save one evening to browse the night market.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Vientiane

    Take the 2-hour evening speed train from Luang Prabang. Visit Buddha Park in the early morning before it gets hot. The COPE Visitor Centre offers important insights into Laos's UXO history. Visit That Luang temple around sunset for the best photos.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Hanoi & Ninh Binh

    Land in Hanoi and take a day trip to Ninh Binh just 2 hours south. A recent visitor shared: "The boat ride through Trang An's caves was magical - but bring waterproof shoes as you'll likely get splashed." Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter early before crowds fill the streets.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Halong Bay

    The drive from Hanoi takes 3 hours. Pick a cruise that explores the less popular caves to avoid crowds. Go kayaking in the late afternoon when most day-trippers have left.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Hue

    After flying from Hanoi, start at the Imperial Citadel before tour groups arrive. The royal tombs are best visited in the afternoon light. Watch the sun set over the Perfume River.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Hoi An

    Take a 4-hour private car ride from Hue through Hai Van Pass. Try lantern-making with local families and visit Tra Que vegetable village. A traveler advised: "The basket boat ride in Cam Thanh was fun but prepare to get wet - wear quick-dry clothes."

    
  • Days 16-17

    Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

    Stay in District 1 for convenience. Plan for 2-3 hours travel each way to the Mekong Delta. Visit the floating markets before 9 AM when they're most active.

    
  • Days 18-19

    Siem Reap

    Fly in from Ho Chi Minh City. Leave your hotel at 5 AM for Angkor Wat sunrise. Visit Ta Prohm during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour buses leave. Take a boat on Tonle Sap Lake at sunset.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Phnom Penh

    The drive from Siem Reap takes 5 hours. Start at the Royal Palace in the morning and visit S-21 Museum later. Spend your final evening by the riverfront watching locals gather at sunset.

    

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