Arrive Noi Bai Intl early morning (if you leave late-night 21 Aug). Transfer to Old Quarter hotel and rest. Good plan for a light first morning to beat jetlag and start with gentle walking.
Try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang (opens ~7:30am) or a classic pho at Phở Bát Đàn; both are local institutions and great for an energising first meal.
A relaxed 1.5–2 hour stroll through the Old Quarter lanes and Ngoc Son Temple; streets are lively and ideal to orient yourself. Most areas always open; temples usually 7:00am–5:00pm.
Tamarind offers refined Lao tasting menus (reserve ahead). Alternatively sample local grilled fish and sticky rice at the night market (open ~5pm–10pm).
Depart Hanoi early (~7:00am) for the 3.5–4 hour drive to Halong; most cruises board around midday. Arrange a reputable 1-night cruise to experience caves, kayaking and sunset.
Wake early (pickup from your hotel ~4:30am) for sunrise at Angkor Wat — gates open before dawn (approx 5:00am). It's the highlight and best seen as early as possible. Note long walks and heat; bring water.
Spend the morning exploring Bayon (faces), Ta Prohm (trees over ruins) and Angkor Thom; the archaeological park is open typically 5:00am–5:30pm — carry a tuktuk pass or guide.
Depart ~8:00am for Kuang Si Falls (approx 45–60 mins). Falls are open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm; swim in permitted pools and visit the bear rescue centre. Ideal for photos and cooling off.
Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum (8:00–17:00) or the famous Train Street for photos and a coffee; both good for solo travellers looking for culture and history.
Short domestic flight (~45 mins) or a 5–6 hour bus; flying saves time and gives more afternoon in Phnom Penh for museums/riverfront. Book a morning slot to maximise time.
Visit Ock Pop Tok textile centre or local artisan workshops to see weaving demonstrations and purchase high-quality souvenirs; open typically 9:00–17:00.
Morning market walk then hands-on Vietnamese cooking class (3–4 hours) — small-group classes are ideal for a quality solo experience. Most run 9:00–13:00.
Start with a gentle yoga class and treat yourself to a traditional Lao massage (many spas open 9:00–19:00); perfect mid-trip pampering for solo travellers.
Confirm your airport transfer for the 27 Aug evening return; relax in a cafe or hotel lounge and be at the airport ~3 hours before international depart.
Check-out mid-late afternoon and depart for the airport to catch an evening international flight to Hyderabad; recommended airport arrival 3 hours prior to departure for international.
Suggested routing: Hanoi → Bangkok (short connection) → Hyderabad departing evening 27 Aug, arriving Hyderabad early 28 Aug. Airlines commonly used: Thai Airways/IndiGo + codeshares. Book flights to arrive Hyderabad before dawn on 28 Aug. Price estimate INR 28,000–45,000 round-trip (book ASAP).
Be at Phnom Penh Intl ~3 hours before your international departure; if flying from Siem Reap, plan earlier ground transfer. Evening flights to Hyderabad via Bangkok or Singapore are common.
Luang Prabang airport suggests arrival at least 2 hours ahead for international connections via Bangkok; flight routes typically connect through Bangkok to Hyderabad. Aim for an evening departure on 27 Aug.
Typical routing: Luang Prabang → Bangkok → Hyderabad on 27 Aug evening, arriving Hyderabad early 28 Aug. Airlines: Lao Airlines + Thai/IndiGo partner or multi-carrier connection. Estimated fare INR 30,000–55,000.