Inside Indochina


ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Vientiane:

Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Vientaine.

Day 2:

Vientaine 

After breakfast we explore the charming capital on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket – the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and the Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit to the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner beside the Mekong River.

Overnight in Vientaine.

Day 3:

Vientaine – Vang Vieng 

We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. Our next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and the 11th century archaeological site of Vang Xang. Arriving at Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightfully rustic and rural hotel. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves, take a scenic bike ride or go tubing along the river.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 4:

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang 

We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning and visit Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to the enchanting Luang Prabang.

Overnight inn Luang Prabang.

Day 5:

Luang Prabang 

Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a morning tour, takes in the highlights of Luang Prapang – the fabulous UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Days 6-7:

Luang Prabang –Hanoi 

We head out of town to a local farm to learn about rice production. After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine. Returning to Luang Prabang we stop at Ban Phanom village – known for its hand weaving, before boarding our evening flight to Hanoi. Day 7 offers free time for you to explore Vietnam’s capital.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8:

Hanoi –Halong Bay 

This morning a scenic drive leads us to the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Boarding our traditional wooden junk boat we cruise the emerald waters soaking up the panoramic vista of the thousand or so karst limestone islands that stud the bay.

Later opt for a refreshing swim in one of the many sheltered coves before taking row boats to the pristine waterway known as ‘Dark & Bright Lagoon’. Tonight, there’s a Vientnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Day 9:

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue 

Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. After exploring a lofty grotto hidden beneath towering cliffs, we return to port.

Arriving to Hanoi mid afternoon an hour or so is spent exploring the quixotic web of streets, known as the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’ by cyclo (rickshaw). The motorbike swarming narrow lanes are each named after various guilds of the city’s artisan who established themselves here centuries ago. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and more. We explore the maze of rambling streets framed by narrow front tube houses and may have a chance to sample the exotic fruits, sizzling noodle dishes and delightfully sticky snacks being offers by the pavement vendors. After time to freshen up we board our overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue.

Overnight in Sleeper Train.

Day 10:

Hue 

Arriving to Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.

In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night.

Overnight Hue.

Day 11:

Hue 

Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach and visit peaks of the Marble Mountain. Reaching the summit of Thuy Son Mountain (Mountain of Water), we enter the naturally formed grottoes-cum- Buddhist sanctuaries. The enormous cathedral like Huyen Khrong cave is illuminated by shards of light and the towering seated Buddha carved from the rock face is spectacular.

Onward to Hoi An. The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.

On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12:

Hoi An 

A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here, we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 13:

Hoi An 

A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. It’s also possible to take an optional excursion to the most holiest and evocative of Vietnam’s Cham sites, My Son or to Quang Ngai, the site of the My Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the Vietnam War and the story is told through photo presentation on a walk through the village.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 14:

Hoi An –Saigon 

Early morning flight to Saigon. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we’ll cruise downstream through the maze of waterways of Cai Be visiting local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 15:

Can Tho –Siagon 

Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children’s toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed before driving back to Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 16:

Saigon –Phnom Penh 

This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation’s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 17:

Phnom Penh 

Today we’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. The National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, houses the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds.

We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison – S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed.

Day 18:

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap 

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap.

After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum – an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire’s Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century.

This afternoon we explore iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. The centrepiece of any visit to the temples around Siem Reap, Angkor Wat provides plenty of incredible photo opportunities.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 19:

Siem Reap

Early this morning you can opt to return to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Later we drive out to see the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary along the way. After we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, it is home to the fascinating Bayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. We continue on to Tra Prohm Temple, which unlike the other temples here has been left in the same ruined state that it was first discovered in with a tangle of trees growing out of its ruins. Tonight we attend the wonderful Phare Cambodian Circus – an NGO project that teaches children living on the streets how to become talented circus artists.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 20:

Tonle Sap Lake 

This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. After a boat trip on the lake we return to Siem Reap for free time. Pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street.

Note: Between Feb – July the water levels at Kompong Phluk village maybe too low to go boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village where it will still be possible to go boating. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 21:

Siem Reap

Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.

TRIP HIGHLIGHT:

Vientiane – capital of Laos, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park

Vang Xang – an 11th century archaeological site

Luang Prabang – the UNESCO Listed former royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan and Sene, a weaving centre, the former Royal Palace, superb views from Mount Phousi

Hanoi – Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ancient Quarter

Hue – ancient citadel, Imperial Purple City, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery

Saigon – Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and War Remnants Museum

Can Tho – lively market town in the Mekong Delta and nearby Cai Rang floating market

Phnom Penh – Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields

Tonle Sap Lake and the floating villages of Kampong Phluk

Thalat Market and ethnic minority villages

Vang Vieng – a picturesque riverside village, Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village

Pak Ou Caves – crammed with Buddha statues and Khouangsi Waterfall

Halong Bay – UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets

Hoi An – UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches

Mekong Delta – a maze of waterways and floating villages incl. Cai Be waterways, cottage industries and mansion home

Cu Chi Tunnels – HQ of the Viet Cong

Siem Reap – Angkor National Museum and the temples of Angkor including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple and Banteay Srei

The Phare NGO circus project

INCLUDED:

21 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinner

Economy class flights Luang Prabang – Hanoi, Danang – Saigon, Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 22

Guided sightseeing – Vientaine, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor

All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

19 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin)

Halong Bay Junk boat cruise – opt to swim, kayak and explore caves

Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta

Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake

Escorted by an English speaking Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides

Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival)

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights and visas. Vietnam visa letter included – stamping fee required upon arrival

Entrance Fees: USD$155-165, paid in USD

Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3 – 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture

Tipping Kitty: USD$65-75, paid in USD


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Price Table

Entrance Fees: USD$155-165, paid in USD

Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture

Tipping Kitty: USD$65-75, paid in USD