40 DAYS | 39 NIGHTS
Forty days to cross Indochina from end to end — from northern Laos to Bangkok, passing through Angkor’s Cambodia and Hội An’s Vietnam. This grand tour is the trip of a lifetime: a total immersion in the cultures, landscapes, and histories of four countries that observe, resemble, and distinguish themselves from one another. Asia Safari, present in the region for over 15 years, coordinates every stage of this Indochinese odyssey with unparalleled precision and local knowledge.
40 days to cross Indochina
Laos — 12 days
The tour starts in Laos, Asia Safari’s pivotal country: Luang Prabang (4 days), authentic north with Phongsali and ethnic groups (3 days), Vientiane (2 days), then descent to Southern Laos — Vat Phou and the 4,000 Islands (3 days). Laos, in all its diversity.
Cambodia — 8 days
From the southern border of Laos, enter Cambodia for a week around Angkor (3 days), Tonlé Sap Lake, and Phnom Penh (3 days). Asia Safari works with trusted Cambodian partners to guarantee the same quality as in Laos.
Vietnam — 12 days
From Phnom Penh, head north to Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hội An (UNESCO), Hue (UNESCO), Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. Asia Safari coordinates French-speaking Vietnamese guides.
Thailand — 8 days
The tour concludes in Thailand: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, the Golden Triangle, and for those who wish to end on the beaches — Koh Samui or Krabi before the return flight from Bangkok.
Your questions about the Indochina Grand Tour
Can this trip be done with family?
Yes, with children over 10 years old. Asia Safari adapts the pace and selects the most suitable accommodations for families at each stage.
How does Asia Safari manage logistics across 4 countries?
Asia Safari coordinates everything from Vientiane: domestic and regional flights, local guides in each country, accommodations, visas, transfers. A single point of contact for the entire trip.
Is it possible to shorten this tour to 25 or 30 days?
Yes. Asia Safari can design a shorter version by selecting priority stages according to your interests. Request a custom quote specifying your preferred countries.
What budget should I plan for this grand tour?
A trip of this magnitude, as a private tour with selected accommodations, represents a significant budget. Asia Safari will provide you with a detailed quote with several accommodation options based on your budget.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TRIP
Discovery of Thai gastronomy, cruise, bike ride, and visit to Bang Pa In Palace in Ayutthaya
The Crystal Palace of Uthai Thani
Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s most beautiful archaeological sites
Visits to temples in Si Satchanalai and Phrae
Chiang Rai and its White Temple
From Chiang Rai to Pakbeng: Mekong cruise
Encounter with ethnic minorities of northern Laos
Hiking and cycling around Muang La Lodge
By boat on the Nam Ou River
Luang Prabang and its temples, the Pak Ou caves, the TAEC ethnic museum, and Kuang Si Falls
Coffee plantations on the Bolaven Plateau
Champassak and the archaeological site of Vat Phou
4000 Islands: encounter with Mekong dolphins and Khone Phapheng Falls
Cambodia: the temples of Angkor Wat
Tonlé Sap Lake and its floating villages
The Bamboo Train through the rice fields of Battambang
Phnom Penh and its unmissable sights
Rest and white sand on the islands of Koh Kong and Koh Kut
The adventure starts here!
Stages: Bangkok, Ayutthaya
With your French-speaking guide, stroll through the heart of Thai gastronomy at Or Tor Kor, one of the most beautiful food markets in the world, located in Bangkok.
Lunch at leisure. En route to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and your destination for the day, visit the Bang Pa In Summer Palace, then embark on a pleasant cruise. Check into your hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Ayutthaya
Breakfast
Cycling is very suitable for this morning ride in an archaeological park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wonderful remains of a time when Siam maintained a relationship with Louis XIV. Visit the main temples before and after lunch at leisure, then embark along the river and its canals towards the majestic Wat Chai Watanaram. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Uthai Thani
Breakfast
Drive to Lopburi, a small provincial town and former summer palace of King Narai during the Ayutthaya period. You will see beautiful temples there. Lunch at leisure before reaching Uthai Thani, a small provincial town far from tourist circuits.
Check into your lakeside hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Uthai Thani
Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the surprising secret valley of Hub Patthad, accessed through a cave in an area of lush nature, habitat of some wild animals. Lunch will be enjoyed during a boat trip on the Sakaekrang River, lined with beautiful temples.
Discover Wat Tha Sung, a crystal temple, a unique architectural piece with its columns, walls, and ceilings covered with mirrors that reflect light.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai
Breakfast
Head north to Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s most beautiful archaeological sites. Visit Kamphaeng Phet, an ancient defense line of the kingdom (UNESCO) where the last sovereign took refuge before submitting to the King of Ayutthaya. Transfer and check into your hotel.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Sukhothai
Breakfast
Visit Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and its many Khmer buildings, including the colossal Wat Mahathat with its 180 chedis, and Wat Sichum with its imposing 15-meter-high Buddha. You can then enjoy your free afternoon. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai
Breakfast
Depart for Si Satchanalai. A site well-protected from mass tourism with ruins dating from the same period as Sukhothai. A place for lovers of ancient stones. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Si Satchanalai
Breakfast
Visit the site of Si Satchanalai by bike, from one Khmer temple to another, deep in the forest. From the top of some temples, you will have a breathtaking view of the entire site and its surroundings. Return to the hotel, afternoon and meals at leisure.
Stages: Si Satchanalai, Phrae
Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for the city of Phrae and its many teak houses lined along its small streets. Visit Wat Phra That Cho Hae and Pea Mueang Phi Park with its surprising rock formations. Lunch at leisure. Later, dinner at a popular night market in the city. Overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Phrae,Phayao, Chiang Rai
Breakfast
Morning stroll through the streets towards the old governor’s house and its superb collection of ceremonial clothes, rifles, and crockery. Continue to Chiang Rai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Stop in Phayao for lunch of Thai specialties by the city lake. Visit the White Temple, a harmonious blend of traditional Buddhist art decorated with small reflective glass pieces. Check into your hotel at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Chiang Rai, Houay Xai , Pakbeng
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart for the Laos border post at Houay Xai and descend the Mekong. A “journey” punctuated by encounters with the different peoples living on the banks of the “Mother of Waters.” Lunch on board. At the end of the day, arrive in Pakbeng, a village in northern Laos, a commercial crossroads. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Pakbeng, Muang La
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The district of Muang La is a mountainous region populated by ethnic minorities. In Oudomxay, Chinese, Vietnamese traders and villagers from different ethnic groups meet to stock up. Check into the region’s most beautiful ecolodge and have lunch. Afternoon dedicated to discovering the Khamu village located on both sides of the Nam Pak River. Relax in a naturally salty hot spring bath, then enjoy a traditional Khamu music and dance show before dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Stage: Muang La
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Encounters with the Ikhos and Hmongs, two typical Laotian communities originating from Yunnan and Tibet with a very traditional way of life. The mountain 4×4 track offers a beautiful viewpoint over the valley. Picnic lunch. In the Hmong village of Ban Tauser, pigs, buffaloes, and other animals are given an important place. A timeless moment! A few minutes from the village, the most beautiful viewpoint in the region… Unique! Return to the Lodge at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Stage: Muang La
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling day, from village to village, on beautiful mid-mountain roads in the heart of the rice fields. Picnic lunch. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Stages: Muang La, Nong Khiaw
Breakfast, Lunch
Descend the magnificent Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw aboard a private traditional boat. Stop at Tai Dam village, specializing in rice alcohol production. Picnic lunch. Magnificent karst formations seemingly emerging from the water announce the arrival in Nong Khiaw, a village known for its refuge caves during the Vietnam War. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Nong Khiaw
Breakfast
By boat to Muang Ngoi, then cycle through the countryside dotted with very traditional villages. Lunch at leisure in a local restaurant, then return to Nong Khiaw at sunset over the rock formations. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Nong Khiaw, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang
Breakfast
En route to Luang Prabang, stop at the famous Pak Ou caves, at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. These sacred caves house hundreds of Buddhas deposited by Laotians over the centuries. Lunch at leisure in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Mekong, then continue by river aboard a local boat. Arrive in Luang Prabang, transfer and check into your hotel on the peninsula.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Luang Prabang
Breakfast
Morning bicycle ride along the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers for a visit to the peninsula: temples, post office, old colonial houses district, national museum, and former Royal Palace. Meditative afternoon at Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple in the city. Continue to Wat Mai, remarkable for its 5-story roof and superb veranda. Sunset from Mount Phousi. Return to the hotel by tuk-tuk. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls
Breakfast
Visit the museum dedicated to the different ethnic groups of Laos before crossing the Mekong to the small village of Ban Xieng Maene and its two monasteries. After lunch at leisure, depart for Kuang Si Falls. A refreshing spectacle, this is one of the favorite spots for Luang Prabang residents during hot weather. Return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Luang Prabang
Breakfast
Free days to enjoy the peninsula and your hotel at your leisure.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Luang Prabang, Pakse, The Bolaven Plateau
Breakfast
Fly to Pakse where your French-speaking guide, a specialist in Southern Laos, awaits you. Discover the Bolaven Plateau, its cool climate, waterfalls, and numerous ethnic minorities. The fertile volcanic soils produce high-quality coffee, cardamom, and rattan. Visit a plantation, then discover the Tad Yeuang waterfalls and the impressive Tad Fan falls before reaching your hotel.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: The Bolaven Plateau, Champassak
Breakfast
A few refreshing stops are on the morning’s program before leaving the Plateau. Lunch at leisure en route to Champassak.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Champassak
Breakfast
Visit the colonial heritage of Champassak, where an Indochinese atmosphere still strongly prevails, before reaching the Vat Phou site. Classified as a World Heritage site, this complex is older than the cities of Angkor but significantly smaller. Lunch at leisure and continue to the Oum Muang site, once a relay point for boats coming from Cambodia. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Champassak, 4000 Islands
Breakfast
Depart for a journey to the 4000 Islands. Embark opposite Don Khong island towards Don Det and Don Khone islands and their remains of the old railway line. Lunch at leisure by the Mekong before a rare encounter with the last Mekong dolphins, the only place in the world besides Myanmar where these freshwater dolphins live. Free time at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: 4000 Islands, Preah Vihear
Breakfast
Drop-off at the small port of Nakasang where your transport to Cambodia awaits. Stop at Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest in Southeast Asia. Assistance with entry formalities to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Lunch at leisure in Stung Treng. Continue to Preah Vihear province. Check into your hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Preah Vihear, Siem Reap
Breakfast
Visit the temple of Preah Vihear, one of the most majestic of the Angkorian period with buildings constructed on a gentle slope and a monumental staircase leading to the sanctuary. From there, you overlook the Cambodian plain. En route to Siem Reap through the Khmer countryside, stop at the pre-Angkorian complex of Koh Ker. Check into your hotel at the end of the day. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Siem Reap, The Temples of Angkor
Breakfast
Explore Angkor Thom, a vast architectural complex, the Bayon, famous for its towers with 172 faces of Avalokiteshvara, the Prasat Baphuon and its large reclining Buddha, then wander through the enclosure of the ancient Royal Palace where the Phimeanakas sanctuary is located before arriving at the Terrace of the Elephants and that of the Leper King. In-depth visit to Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer art, the most famous and imposing of all Angkor monuments.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Siem Reap, The Temples of Angkor
Breakfast
On the day’s program: Ta Prohm, overgrown by the jungle, Neak Pean, basin of purification rites, Preah Khan which covers a large area surrounded by moats, Banteay Srei, a small, sumptuously carved pink sandstone temple considered the jewel of Khmer art. Taste fresh coconut juice in a Khmer house in a village near the Banteay Samrè sanctuary, a small masterpiece masterfully restored. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Siem Reap
Breakfast
Free day to enjoy the city and its surroundings at your leisure.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stops: Battambang, Tonlé Sap Lake
Breakfast
Boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake and its floating villages. This veritable inland sea is classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Continue by road to Battambang, a small town that has preserved very interesting colonial architecture, with sidewalks (a luxury in Cambodia), green spaces, and superb colonial residences facing the river. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Battambang, Phnom Penh
Breakfast
Transfer to the “Bamboo Train” station for an original discovery through the rice fields. Stop at Wat Kor, a cultural village of old wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. Numerous stops on the road to Phnom Penh: marble carving workshops in Pursat, pottery village in Kampong Chhnang, rice field landscapes, and daily life scenes in the countryside. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, transfer and check into your hotel.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Phnom Penh
Breakfast
You will see the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda with its floor paved with silver tiles and an emerald Buddha. The National Museum and its collection of sculptures, an invitation to delve into the country’s history. The former prisons dating from the dark period of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) can be visited at the Tuol Sleng Museum. Discover the capital and stroll through the Art Deco style Central Market. Sunset walk on Sisowath Quay along the river. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Phnom Penh, Koh Kong
Breakfast
Depart for Koh Kong where the boat awaits to take you to your hotel, an original concept of luxurious tents scattered along the river in the heart of nature. The ideal place for lovers of calm, intimacy, and great comfort. Free afternoon to settle in and enjoy the surroundings. Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Koh Kong
Breakfast
Free day to enjoy excursions offered by the hotel: on the river by kayak through the mangrove or by local boat, river fishing, guided forest hike.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Koh Kong, Koh Kut
Breakfast
The border is crossed… on foot! Entry formalities into Thailand. Transfer to Hadlek port then by Catamaran to Koh Kut. Check into your hotel.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stage: Koh Kut
Breakfast
Days on white sand beaches bordered by crystal clear water.
Meals at leisure and overnight at your hotel.
Stages: Koh Kut, Bangkok
Breakfast
End of our services in Bangkok, drop-off at your hotel.
Our selection of Hotels
Bangkok
Ayutthaya
Uthai Thani
Sukhothai
Si Satchanalai
Phrae
Chiang Rai
Siem Reap
Battambang
Phnom Penh
Koh Kong
Koh Kut
Included
- Accommodation in a room for 2 people
- For each participant not sharing a room, add the individual supplement
- All meals mentioned (breakfast and/or lunch and/or dinner)
- All transfers mentioned, in private cars or air-conditioned minibuses
- All excursions mentioned in the program
- All entrance fees to sites
- The service of French-speaking guides for the different stages
- The guide: our quotation includes the salaries and travel expenses of a guide residing in Luang Prabang. If Luang Prabang guides are not available, we bring guides from Vientiane. This incurs an additional cost which will be communicated to you if applicable.
Excluded
- Domestic and international flights
- Drinks during meals and personal expenses
- Services not mentioned above
- Meals not mentioned above
- Bank or exchange fees related to payment for the trip
- Laotian visa fees (30 USD/person plus one passport photo). As a precaution, plan for 35 USD/person plus two passport photos)
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the exit date from the country
- Cancellation / assistance / repatriation and luggage insurance
- Tips
Personalized follow-up
Each client receives personalized follow-up:
- Your French-speaking Asia Safari advisor informs and assists you in your choices, targets your expectations before designing your trip
- From your arrival until your departure day, you benefit from Asia Safari assistance throughout the trip
- We are regularly in the field to ensure the reliability of our partners
- We invest in research and development to integrate novelty and originality into our offer
- We only employ experienced guides
Important
- The services, flights, and hotels offered are subject to availability at the time of booking
- Domestic or international flight schedules may be delayed or changed without prior notice
- Our prices are guaranteed by the payment of a 30% deposit of the total amount of your trip
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Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?
Asia Safari is not a generalist tour operator based in France. We have been on site, in Vientiane, for over 25 years. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.
- Local French-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
- Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
- Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
- 25+ years of experience: founded in 2002, Asia Safari assists hundreds of French-speaking travelers every year
How does our tailor-made service work?
1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
2. We build a proposal within 48 hours — day-by-day itinerary, accommodations, all-inclusive price
3. You refine it with us until the trip is perfect
4. We manage everything on site: guides, transport, hotels, activities
When to visit Laos?
The best period is October to April — dry season, pleasant temperatures. The rainy season (May to September) is also possible: lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads can be difficult. Asia Safari advises you according to the region and type of trip.
Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour
Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.
Our most requested Indochina combinations
Laos + Cambodia: A classic — temples of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, Mekong and Tonlé Sap. 15 days minimum recommended.
Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
Northern Laos + Yunnan: For travelers seeking originality — travel from Yunnan to Laos via the Laos-China railway (inaugurated 2021).
Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.
Tips for preparing your multi-country tour
Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
Ideal duration: allow a minimum of 12 to 15 days for a 2-country combination.
Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
Budget: prices vary greatly by country. Laos is cheaper than Vietnam or Thailand.
Our Story
Jean-Paul Duvergé arrived in Laos at the turn of the 2000s, fell in love with the country, and decided to stay. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari with a simple idea: to offer French-speaking travelers direct access to authentic Lao life, without the filter of large Parisian agencies. Since then, the agency has assisted thousands of travelers, built a network of trusted guides and partners, and refined its philosophy: rigorous tailor-made travel, serving authenticity.
What sets us apart
We are on site: Our team works from Vientiane. We know the roads, seasons, accommodations, guides — and what changed last week. No outdated brochures.
We speak your language: Asia Safari is a 100% French-speaking agency. All our communications, proposals, and guides speak French.
Zero intermediaries: You work directly with us. No central purchasing, no Parisian subcontractors. Fairer prices and higher service quality.
Tailor-made as our only model: We do not have standardized tours. Each trip is designed from scratch, according to your dates, budget, desires, and traveler profile.
Our commitment
Asia Safari actively supports responsible tourism in Laos: prioritizing local accommodations, tours that benefit village communities, respect for cultural and natural sites.
Laos in figures
Area: 236,800 km² | Population: approximately 7.5 million inhabitants | Capital: Vientiane | Official language: Lao | Religion: Theravada Buddhism (65% of the population) | Currency: Lao Kip (LAK) | Time zone: UTC+7
Laos must-sees
Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.
Lao culture
Theravada Buddhism permeates all of Lao life. The alms giving (offerings to monks at dawn) in Luang Prabang is a daily ritual of great beauty. Lao festivals — Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year in April), Boun Ok Phansa (Festival of Lights) — are exceptional times to travel.
Nature and biodiversity
Laos is 70% covered by forests. Its protected areas are home to rare species: Asian elephants, gibbons, sun bears. The rivers and plateaus offer natural settings of rare purity in Asia.
