BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Indochina Heritage

Where timeless traditions embrace contemporary spirit

Embark on a journey through lands where ancient temples whisper tales of empires past, whilst contemporary cities pulse with unstoppable energy. This is Indochina—where incense-wreathed pagodas share skylines with sleek rooftop bars, and where age-old traditions of acceptance find new expression in progressive urban spaces. From Hanoi’s labyrinthine Old Quarter to Bangkok’s glittering temples, from the mystic temples of Angkor to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, this journey weaves together the region’s most compelling narratives into a tapestry of extraordinary experiences.

Indochina at a Glance

Step into a world where tradition and innovation dance in perpetual harmony. Here, in the hearts of ancient capitals and along mist-shrouded rivers, Southeast Asia reveals its many faces—each one more captivating than the last. Hanoi’s creative renaissance flourishes in the galleries and design studios of the Old Quarter, where colonial facades house contemporary art spaces and innovative fusion restaurants. Ho Chi Minh City’s endless energy finds expression in rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies, whilst Siem Reap’s temple-studded forests give way to sophisticated retreats where traditional architecture meets modern luxury.

The rhythm of life here pulses with the ebb and flow of mighty rivers and ancient trade routes. Dawn brings saffron-robed monks collecting alms through streets perfumed with frangipani and coffee, while evenings see sophisticated crowds gathering in Bangkok’s sky bars and Hanoi’s contemporary restaurants. In Luang Prabang, French colonial elegance meets Laotian grace in carefully preserved heritage buildings, now home to boutique hotels and galleries. This is a region where luxury finds unique expression—from private temple ceremonies to exclusive river cruises, each experience is crafted to reveal the soul of Indochina.

Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia | Photo: Melody Temple

13-day Travel Itinerary

This meticulously crafted journey weaves through the cultural and natural wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Begin in Hanoi, where thousand-year-old temples stand alongside contemporary art galleries, before sailing through the limestone majesty of Ha Long Bay. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City's sophisticated energy, then discover the mystical temples of Angkor and the timeless charm of Luang Prabang. Conclude in Bangkok, where ancient spirituality meets modern luxury in perfect harmony. Each day unfolds as its own chapter in this Southeast Asian narrative, where expert guides and exclusive experiences reveal the region's most compelling stories.

DAY 1

Hanoi | First Whispers of Timeless Elegance

Arrive in Vietnam's captivating capital, where ancient traditions and contemporary life interweave seamlessly. After a private transfer in a premium vehicle to your design-forward hotel—perhaps the Sofitel Legend Metropole, where French colonial grandeur meets modern sophistication—the afternoon unfolds at your pace. As evening approaches, enjoy welcome cocktails at a hidden rooftop bar overlooking the Old Quarter's tapestry of ancient tiles and modern lights.

DAY 2

Hanoi | Cultural Heart

Let Hanoi's rich tapestry of history unfold before you as your expert guide weaves together narratives of revolution and renaissance. Begin at the serene complex housing Ho Chi Minh's memorial, where manicured gardens offer quiet reflection. The 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda rises like a lotus flower from its pond—a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture. At the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, contemplative courtyards echo with a thousand years of scholarly discourse. After lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant specialising in elevated Hanoi cuisine, confront more recent history at Hoa Lo Prison, now a powerful museum. As afternoon light softens, discover the Old Quarter by vintage cyclo, weaving through streets still named for their ancient trades. Your day culminates in an intimate encounter with living history—meet a war veteran over aromatic Vietnamese coffee, gaining personal insights into the nation's journey from conflict to contemporary dynamism.

DAY 3

Ha Long Bay | Cruising Among The Karsts

Today nature stages an epic performance as you board the luxurious Orchid cruise ship. This floating boutique hotel, with its sophisticated interiors and expansive deck spaces, provides the perfect vantage point for Ha Long Bay's limestone theatre. Watch as ethereal karst formations emerge from emerald waters like ancient sculptures carved by wind and waves. Your expedition to Cat Ba Island reveals the hidden Trung Trang Cave, where stalactites tell tales of millennia. Return to the Orchid as the sun begins its descent, painting the Gulf of Tonkin in hues of gold and purple. This evening, join an intimate culinary demonstration where a local chef reveals the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, before dining on deck under a canopy of stars.

DAY 4

Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City | From Dawn to Dusk

Greet the day with tai chi on deck, your movements flowing like the mist that wreathes the limestone peaks. After this moment of mindfulness, explore the bay's hidden corners by kayak, gliding through grottos where the only sound is water against limestone. A champagne brunch awaits your return, served as Orchid makes her graceful return to port. Your journey continues to Hai Phong, where the historic Hang Kenh Temple provides a glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual artistry. Here, water puppets dance across their liquid stage, performing ancient tales with contemporary flair. As evening approaches, wing your way to Ho Chi Minh City, where the energy shifts from contemplative to cosmopolitan.

DAY 5

Ho Chi Minh City | Saigon's Sophisticated Soul

awn breaks over Tao Dan Park as you join locals in their morning rituals—tai chi practitioners move like silk in the golden light while bird enthusiasts gather with their prized songbirds. Dive into the sensory feast of the wet markets before discovering a hidden wartime bunker that tells tales of revolution beneath the city streets. At lunch, enter the world of banh khot, delicate turmeric-tinted pancakes that epitomize Saigon's culinary finesse. Under the guidance of a local chef, master the art of creating these crispy parcels of flavour. Your afternoon unfolds at the Reunification Palace, a masterpiece of modernist architecture frozen in time, before exploring the spiritual syncretism of Cao Dai temple, where East meets West in a symphony of architectural styles.

DAY 6

Ho Chi Minh City | Urban Explorer's Paradise

Begin your day venturing into the Cu Chi tunnels, where your private guide reveals the ingenuity of this underground city. Emerge to cycle through verdant countryside where rice paddies stretch to the horizon, before returning to the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Here, the War Remnants Museum offers powerful testimony to the cost of conflict and the price of peace. As afternoon mellows into evening, embark on a curated culinary journey through the city's most sophisticated street food scene. Your expert guide leads you to hidden gems where generations-old recipes meet contemporary presentation, sampling everything from delicate spring rolls to rich pho, each dish telling its own story of Vietnam's culinary evolution.

DAY 7

Siem Reap | Whispers of Ancient Angkor

Wing your way to Siem Reap, gateway to the mystical realm of Angkor. Your first encounter with these ancient temples comes at Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots embrace centuries-old stone in an eternal dance. Here, in the shifting afternoon light, massive stone faces emerge from the jungle as if awakening from a centuries-long slumber. Settle into your luxury resort—perhaps Amansara, once a royal guesthouse, now an intimate sanctuary of understated elegance. As evening falls, enjoy a private dinner in a candlelit garden, where contemporary Khmer cuisine honours ancient recipes with modern sophistication.

DAY 8

Siem Reap | Dawn of the Gods

Rise before the sun for a transformative experience—watching dawn break over Angkor Wat. Your private guide leads you to a less-frequented vantage point where, away from the crowds, you can witness this celestial dance of light and stone in peaceful contemplation. After breakfast at your hotel, return to explore the temple's intricate bas-reliefs, each telling epic tales of gods and kings. The afternoon reveals the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, centrepiece of Angkor Thom, where 216 serene visages gaze out across the ancient city. Your expert guide unravels the mysteries of this sacred geography as you explore the South Gate, where demons and deities engage in an eternal tug of war.

DAY 9

Siem Reap to Luang Prabang | From Khmer Grandeur to Lao Serenity

Your final morning in Cambodia begins at Banteay Srei, the 'Citadel of Women', where pink sandstone walls bear some of the most exquisite carvings in all of Angkor. Here, in the soft morning light, intricate details emerge like delicate lace carved in stone. Continue to a rural community where you'll gain insight into a vital clean water initiative, connecting ancient heritage with contemporary social responsibility. As afternoon approaches, bid farewell to Cambodia and fly to Luang Prabang, where the languid rhythm of the Mekong sets the pace of life. This UNESCO World Heritage town welcomes you with colonial elegance and Buddhist serenity.

DAY 10

Luang Prabang | Timeless Grace

Let the gentle soul of Laos reveal itself as you explore Luang Prabang's cultural treasures. Begin at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, where artifacts tell tales of the Lane Xang kingdom. At Heuan Chan Heritage House, step into a perfectly preserved example of Luang Prabang architecture, enjoying traditional tea in gardens that whisper with history. The afternoon brings you to Wat Xieng Thong, where sweeping roofs and gilded doors exemplify the city's most refined Buddhist architecture. As day softens into evening, board a private boat for a sunset cruise on the Mekong. Sip champagne as the river turns to molten gold, and the mountains fade to purple against the twilight sky.

DAY 11

Luang Prabang to Bangkok | Sacred Rituals

In the hushed pre-dawn hours, participate in the ancient tradition of tak bat, offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks as they wind through mist-wreathed streets. After breakfast, venture to Kuang Si Waterfall, where turquoise cascades tumble through the jungle creating natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Return to the city for lunch at a restaurant specializing in royal Lao cuisine, then participate in a traditional baci ceremony. In this intimate ritual, village elders tie sacred threads around your wrists, offering blessings for your onward journey to Thailand's capital.

DAY 12

Bangkok | Royal Splendour

Your introduction to Bangkok begins in elegant style as you board a private boat at your riverside hotel. Glide along the Chao Phraya River, watching as golden spires pierce the morning sky. The Grand Palace complex reveals itself in all its glittering magnificence—a city within a city where every surface shimmers with mirror glass and gold leaf. Here, the Emerald Buddha presides over Thailand's spiritual heart, a testament to centuries of royal patronage. Continue your exploration by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, arriving as the crowds thin to admire the massive Reclining Buddha in relative peace. Your afternoon is free to discover Bangkok's sophisticated side—perhaps explore the contemporary art scene in Warehouse 30, or enjoy sunset cocktails at one of the city's celebrated sky bars.

DAY 13

Bangkok | Fond Farewells

Your final morning in Southeast Asia dawns with time for last-minute discoveries—perhaps an early visit to a local flower market where orchids and jasmine garlands perfume the air, or a final Thai massage at your hotel's spa. As your driver arrives to escort you to the airport, take with you memories of a journey that has touched all the senses, from ancient stones to modern luxury, from sacred peaks to creative urban energy.

Additional Recommended Experiences

Crown your Indochina journey with a sublime beach extension where crystalline waters meet legendary Asian hospitality. In Thailand's Koh Samui, retreat to exclusive hillside villas where infinity pools seem to merge with the horizon—perhaps at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui or the secluded Cape Fahn Hotel, a private island sanctuary. The dramatic limestone cliffs of Krabi frame intimate beaches where luxury resorts like Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offer private beach cabanas and sunset yacht cruises. For those seeking untouched tropical splendour, the pristine shores of Vietnam's Con Dao archipelago beckon with Six Senses' eco-luxe villas, while Cambodia's Koh Rong presents an undiscovered paradise where Song Saa Private Island offers barefoot luxury at its finest. Beyond coastal indulgence, consider enriching your journey with carefully curated inland experiences. Cruise the Mekong Delta aboard the elegant Aqua Mekong, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame life along Asia's rice bowl. In northern Vietnam, Sapa's terraced hills host sophisticated mountain retreats where ethnic minority traditions meet contemporary comfort. For cultural connoisseurs, we can arrange intimate experiences that illuminate the region's soul—private cooking classes in celebrated chefs' personal kitchens, dawn photography sessions at lesser-known temples, or exclusive after-hours museum tours where ancient artifacts tell their stories in hushed galleries.

Transform Your Cambodia Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Cambodia journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.