18 days 18 days Wonders of Indochina 2020
Luang Prabang - Siemreap - Saigon - Mekong - Da Nang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong.
Departure: Private Basis (depart on request)
flights tickets Luang Prabang- Siem Reap - Saigon Not Included ~$465 pp
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LUANG PRABANG ARRIVALS | Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. Today is free at your leisure to explore the city. The welcome dinner will be served at the local restaurant with traditional dance & folk song. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Dinner |
| 2 | LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES – CITY TOUR | After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Meals: breakfast, |
| 3 | LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS | Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. We then transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: breakfast, |
| 4 | LUANG PRABANG – SIEM REAP | Depending on your flight, you may have time at leisure before you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight to Siem Reap. This afternoon, see the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, the Srah Srang reservoir (known as "The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup until sunset. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap Meals: breakfast, Dinner |
| 5 | SIEM REAP | Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Afternoon: Visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap Meals: breakfast, Dinner |
| 6 | SIEM REAP | An early bird special: Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat Or sunrise at Srah Srang then return to the hotel for breakfast. Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Overnight in Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast |
| 7 | SIEM REAP – HOCHIMINH CITY (formerly known as Saigon) | Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival at Vietnam’s Saigon you will be met with guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city Meals: Breakfast |
| 8 | VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS & HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR | Have your breakfast at hotel then depart Ho Chi Minh city for Cu Chi Tunnels to visit the underground network which stretched for over 200km and became legendary during the 1960s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specifically constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command center and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war. Afternoon, visit to the most important attractions of the city including the Post office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants museum, then visit and shopping and Cho Lon & Ben Thanh markets - See the incredible display of fresh produce on offer and enjoy the unique array of goods that are on sale. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 9 | VISIT MY THO (Mekong Delta) day trip | Day trip to My Tho - Mekong Delta. You will take time to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with mixture structure of many styles. Then take a boat trip round 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix , and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. Stops on the way can be made upon request for particular visits or photos making. Visit traditional house at Quoi An village (all make from coconut). See coconut collection set and how locals make handicrafts from trunk and shell, you can see that they waste nothing, coconut even useful from wedding to funeral. Enjoy seasonal fruit and listening to traditional music. Take horse cart on village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard, taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky (they have a funny rule for you to get in). Take rowing-boat on water palm creek. Take boat to visit coconut candy mill (special product of Ben Tre province). Enjoy fantastic lunch at local restaurant before coming back your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 10 | SAIGON – DA NANG/ HOI AN | Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. You will be met at Da Nang airport and transferred to the Cham Museum for a visit - which holds the finest collection of Cham artwork in the country (dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries). Drive to the Marble Mountains for a photo stop and sightseeing, continue to China Beach en-route to Hoi An - a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries with a relaxed lifestyle that has changed little over the years. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, |
| 11 | HOI AN | Enjoy morning cooking class. The tour will be started with a short trip to visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. You will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Enjoy your lunch with what you have cooked. Next, your guide will take you on a tour of the ancient town by cyclo along the narrow streets to visit the homes of former merchants, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient house and the exotic local market. Remainder of the day is free on your own exploration or picking up your clothes from tailors. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 12 | HOI AN | A free day relaxing and shopping in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, |
| 13 | HOI AN | After breakfast, leave Hoi An for Hue by road, passing through Danang and drive over the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co lagoon. After checking the hotel, you will drive to Imperial capital of Vietnam, to visit the ancient Forbidden City from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Overnight in Hue. Free at leisure until transfer to restaurant for your dinner. Overnight in Hue Meals: Breakfast, |
| 14 | HUE - HANOI | In the morning, take a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to visit Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, as well as the mausoleum of former Emperor Minh Mang. Afternoon, transfer to Hue’s airport for your departure flight to Hanoi. Meet and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is oriental walk around the lake & the old quarter. Overnight on Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, |
| 15 | HANOI – CITY TOUR | Today you will visit to the most important attractions of the city such sites as One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature, Hanoi “Hilton”, finish your visit today by a cyclo to visit Old Quarter to discover Hanoi’s mesmerizing streets, the Lake of the Restored Sword and enjoy a rural traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 16 | HANOI – HALONG BAY | Check out of the hotel and heading to Halong Bay. Enjoy the great scenery of the surrounding farmlands of the Red River Delta including rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. On arrival in Halong, you will board the Traditional Junk, a fantastic replica of a junk that navigated Halong Bay’s shallow waters a century ago to see the 1,500 km over which thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo. Visit Cua Van fishing village – see the actual daily life of fishing village people and explore Surprise cave (one of the most famous caves on the bay). Then free for swimming or kayaking (optional)… Dinner will be served on boat. Overnight on Junk. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| 17 | HALONG BAY – HANOI | Breakfast will be served on board. Enjoy sun rise in the morning from the top of your boat. Continue your cruising for more exploration of the Bay with the tiny limestone islands are dotted with many beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that provide an excellent backdrop for swimming. Drop off at the pier at around mid-day and transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi Meal: Breakfast, Lunch |
| 18 | HANOI – DEPARTURE | Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time for last purchases or simply relax before the transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast |