Southeast Asia has so much to offer visitors that it’s often hard to decide how to best spend your time. However, on a Classic Journeys Culture + Walking tour or an exciting Family Journey you can follow an itinerary that guarantees you’ll visit the best spots. Enjoy a leisurely cruise or kayak through Halong Bay, explore the night markets in Luang Prabang, or relax at a luxury boutique hotel that sits right next to Angkor Wat. On your trip of a lifetime, you’ll be able to visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites between three countries in Southeast Asia and yet still have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your vacation. Below are five of our favorite UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos that are visited on this Classic Journeys tour of Southeast Asia!

#1 Hoi An

This small town is one of the best-preserved representations of ancient Vietnam. Untouched by the war, you’ll get the chance to see the influence of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture as you walk along the city’s cobbled streets. This was once one of the busiest trading ports in Asia, and you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of what that may have looked like years ago as boats and people interact along the river. 

Harbor and buildings in Hoi An, Vietnam

#2 Halong Bay

One of our favorite travel experiences and Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world, Halong Bay is made up of 3,000 limestone and chalk outcroppings, cliffs, arches, and coves that form a dragon’s tail of islands across the bay. Here you’ll board a luxury junk boat (an ancient sailing vessel) and set sail on the emerald green waters to see the beauty up close. Do not turn down the opportunity to explore the floating villages by kayak or by jumping in the warm bay for a swim.

Ship in Halong Bay, Vietnam

#3 My Son Sanctuary

Also known as “Beautiful Mountain,” this beautiful area of Vietnam is known for its cluster of Hindu temples that were constructed between the 4th and the 14th century. On a guided visit of the ruins, you’ll get a look into the region’s rich cultural past and the tales of the religious and political capital of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Ruins in My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

#4 Town of Luang Prabang

During your time in Luang Prabang, Laos, you’ll barter with merchants for their fine handicrafts, visit a 2,000-acre elephant sanctuary and interact with local Lao people working in their fields as you sail along a nearby river. Additionally, you’ll be able to admire the incredible traditional Lao architecture as well as many structures built in the 19th and 20th centuries that reflect the blending of European and traditional Lao architectural styles. 

Market in Luang Prabang at night, Laos

#5 Angkor

Angkor, Cambodia is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The ancient site contains many temples built over 800 years ago such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. On tour with Classic Journeys, you’ll stay at the nearby Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor and spend your time exploring the archeological sites with a personal local guide who will help you grasp the enormity of the monuments.

View of Angkor Wat over water, Cambodia

If you’re interested in visiting these incredible sites, check out our trips to Southeast Asia. Whether you’re looking for a Culture & Walking Tour or a Family Journey, Classic Journeys will surely provide you with a trip of a lifetime!