Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Adventure: A 17-Day Southeast Asia Journey from Sofia

Day 1: Travel day

Sofia, Bulgaria to Hanoi, Vietnam on February 13, 2026

10:00am

Depart Sofia for Hanoi

Start your journey with an international flight from Sofia to Hanoi, marking the beginning of your Southeast Asian adventure.
CURRENCY TBA, Approx. 12h flight + layover

11:00pm

Arrive in Hanoi

Check into your hotel, where you have booked one double room and one single room for comfort after your long flight.
CURRENCY TBA, 1h

Day 2: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on February 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at KOTO Van Mieu

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast including pho and fresh coffee at this social enterprise restaurant, open from 8am to 10am.
VND150000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Take a relaxing walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake. Open daily from 7am to 10pm.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its lively markets and traditional crafts.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the iconic Vietnamese dish Bun Cha, a favorite of former President Obama who visited here. Open 10am-2:30pm.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

See the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh and learn about Vietnam's history. Open 8am-11am and 2pm-4:30pm Tue-Thu-Sat.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theater

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique cultural experience, open shows at 5pm and 6:30pm.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi dish of grilled fish with dill, available from 11am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on February 15, 2026

7:30am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi early morning for a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND200000, 3.5h

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Start a 2-day, 1-night cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Meals included on board.
USD150 per person, 2d1n

Day 4: Halong Bay & Return

Halong Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on February 16, 2026

8:00am

Morning Cruise Activities

Enjoy sunrise views, kayaking, and visiting caves on Halong Bay before returning to port by noon.
Included in cruise, 4h

12:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure.
Included in cruise, 3.5h

4:30pm

Relax and explore local cafes

Visit Café Giảng to try the famous Hanoi egg coffee, open 8am to 10pm.
VND40000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Experience a diverse range of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1.5h

Day 5: Fly to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on February 17, 2026

9:00am

Flight to Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue (1 hour), the historic imperial city in central Vietnam.
USD50 per person, 1h

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch

Check into your hotel then enjoy local cuisine like Bun Bo Hue at Hanh Restaurant (open 8am-9pm).
VND60000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City, including palaces and royal tombs. Open 7am-6pm daily.
VND150000, 3h

4:30pm

Walk along Perfume River

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or short boat ride along the scenic Perfume River.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de la Carambole

Dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming setting, open till 10pm.
VND200000, 1.5h

Day 6: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on February 18, 2026

9:00am

Depart to Hoi An by car via Hai Van Pass

Travel from Hue to Hoi An along one of Vietnam's most scenic routes, the Hai Van Pass.
USD40 per car, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory

Sample authentic Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles at this popular local restaurant open 10am-10pm.
VND80000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ancient Town

Visit the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, with its historic buildings, lantern-lit streets, and riverside cafes. Open 8am-9pm.
VND120000, 3h

5:30pm

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Check out this iconic 16th-century bridge featured in many postcards.
Included in Ancient Town ticket, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy eclectic fusion dishes with a view of the river, open until 10pm.
VND150000, 1.5h

Day 7: Hoi An Leisure

Hoi An, Vietnam on February 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 43

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and excellent coffee at this local favorite, open 7am-10pm.
VND70000, 1h

9:30am

Cycling Tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Take a guided cycling tour to nearby Tra Que Village to learn about organic farming and enjoy a cooking class.
USD40, 4h

2:00pm

Free time for beach or shopping

Relax on An Bang Beach or explore Hoi An's tailor shops and markets at your leisure.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Morning Glory

Revisit this popular restaurant for more regional specialties, open until 10pm.
VND100000, 1.5h

Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 20, 2026

10:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a short 1.5-hour flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City to begin your southern Vietnam exploration.
USD50 per person, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Taste one of the best bowls of Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, at this long-established eatery open 6am-9pm.
VND70000, 1h

2:00pm

War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits covering the Vietnam War history and its impact, open 7:30am-6pm daily.
VND40000, 2h

4:30pm

Walk around Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

Visit two iconic French colonial buildings in the city center, both open to visitors until early evening.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy diverse Vietnamese street food in a comfortable setting, open till 10pm.
VND150000, 1.5h

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on February 21, 2026

7:30am

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day trip to see the vast underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War, open 7am-5pm. Must book tours in advance.
USD30 for tour, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Try various local dishes at this bustling market food court, open daily until 7pm.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Saigon Opera House and shopping

Stroll near the Saigon Opera House and explore nearby shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Try some of the best Italian-Vietnamese fusion pizzas in town, open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1.5h

Day 10: Fly to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos on February 22, 2026

9:00am

Fly to Luang Prabang

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Luang Prabang, Laos (usually with a connection), to explore this charming UNESCO town.
USD150, Approx. 5-7h including layover

4:00pm

Check in and relax

Settle into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening along the Mekong River.
CURRENCY TBA, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tamarind

Sample traditional Lao cuisine with a contemporary twist at this popular restaurant open till 9pm.
LAK150000, 1.5h

Day 11: Luang Prabang Temples

Luang Prabang, Laos on February 23, 2026

7:00am

Visit Mount Phousi

Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views over Luang Prabang at sunrise, open from 6am to 6pm.
LAK20000, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at Utopia

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with river views, open daily from 7am.
LAK60000, 1h

10:00am

Wat Xieng Thong and other temples

Tour key UNESCO-listed temples including Wat Xieng Thong, open 8am-5pm.
LAK30000, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dyen Sabai

Enjoy delicious Laotian specialties in a lush garden setting, open from 10am to late afternoon.
LAK80000, 1h

3:00pm

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Take an afternoon trip to scenic Kuang Si Waterfalls, a stunning natural attraction with swimming opportunities. Open 8am-6pm.
LAK50000, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tamarind

Return for another tasty dinner or try local street food markets in town.
LAK150000, 1.5h

Day 12: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng, Laos on February 24, 2026

9:00am

Travel to Vang Vieng by private car

Drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, known for its limestone karsts and outdoor activities, approx. 4 hours.
USD60 per car, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gary's Irish Bar

Enjoy international and local dishes with river views, open midday to late evening.
LAK70000, 1h

2:30pm

Blue Lagoon visit

Visit this picturesque lagoon perfect for swimming and relaxing, open until sunset.
LAK10000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sister's Restaurant

Try delicious Lao and western dishes at this well-reviewed eatery, open until 9pm.
LAK90000, 1.5h

Day 13: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vientiane, Laos on February 25, 2026

9:00am

Drive to Vientiane

Travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Laos' capital city—about 3 hours by road.
USD50 per car, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kualao Restaurant

Taste authentic Lao cuisine in a traditional setting, open from 11am to 10pm.
LAK120000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pha That Luang

Explore Laos' most important national monument, an impressive golden stupa, open daily 8am-5pm.
LAK30000, 1h

3:30pm

Patuxai Victory Monument

See this iconic arc reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe with panoramic rooftop views, open till 6pm.
LAK10000, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Mekong riverside

Relax with a riverside stroll in the evening, watching sunset and local life.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Makphet

Enjoy a meal at this social enterprise restaurant serving traditional Lao food, open until 9pm.
LAK100000, 1.5h

Day 14: Fly to Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia on February 26, 2026

9:00am

Flight to Siem Reap

Fly from Vientiane to Siem Reap with a connecting flight, gateway to Angkor temples.
USD160, 5-6h

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Arrive in Siem Reap and check into your hotel to relax after travel.
CURRENCY TBA, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Haven

Dine at this socially responsible restaurant offering delicious Khmer cuisine, open till 9pm.
USD12 per person, 1.5h

Day 15: Angkor Temple Tour

Siem Reap, Cambodia on February 27, 2026

6:00am

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Experience sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat temple, open from 5am to 6pm daily.
USD37 for 1-day pass, 2h

8:00am

Breakfast near Angkor Wat

Enjoy breakfast at nearby local cafes offering light meals and coffee.
USD5, 1h

9:30am

Explore Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple

Tour Angkor Thom complex highlighting Bayon Temple's carved faces, open 7am-6pm.
Included in Angkor pass, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chamkar

Taste beautiful Cambodian flavors in a garden setting, open 11am-2pm.
USD10, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ta Prohm Temple

Famous for jungle roots growing over ruins and Tomb Raider filming location, open 7am-6pm.
Included in Angkor pass, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sugar Palm

Enjoy authentic Khmer dishes at this well-reviewed restaurant open until 9pm.
USD12, 1.5h

Day 16: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia on February 28, 2026

9:00am

Travel to Phnom Penh

Take a morning flight or VIP bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city for historic and cultural sights.
USD40 flight / USD15 bus, 1h flight or 6h bus

2:00pm

Lunch at Eleven One Kitchen

Try innovative Cambodian cuisine in a cozy ambiance, open 11am-9pm.
USD10, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Explore the elegant Royal Palace complex and the Silver Pagoda, open 8am-5pm.
USD10, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll along riverside promenade

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and sunset views on the riverfront.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Romdeng

Experience traditional Khmer food and support a social cause, open to 9pm.
USD12, 1.5h

Day 17: Departure

Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Sofia, Bulgaria on March 1, 2026

Morning

Free morning

Use this time to relaxed packing or visit local markets if time permits.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport

Head to the airport for your flight back to Sofia, concluding your Southeast Asia adventure.
Taxi USD10, 1h