HIGHLIGHTS OF INDOCHINA only 23 days 22 nights

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)

Upon arriving at Hanoi, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the center of Hanoi. The rest of the day is time at leisure. Tonight, our guide will meet you again and we have welcome diner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Hanoi City tour (B/L)

Today , we will start a sightseeing tour aound Hanoi, get introduced to Ho Chi Minh Complex that includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, House-on-Stilts, One Pillar pagoda. After that we will visit the Temple of Literature known as  Vietnam’s first University dating back to 1070

 After having lunch at a nice restaurant, we continue our trip to visit Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best museums in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples.Then, we back to the center of Hanoi to visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy one hour Cyclo Tour through the Old Quarter that also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets are home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. 

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will depart for Halong Bay – designated a UNESCO World Heritage. Going through the scenic countryside, we get to Ha Long Bay. Discovering Ha Long Bay, we contemplate one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We embark on a boat for exploring the islands and grottos. Cruising past the evocatively shaped islets and dramatic caves of Ha Long bay can be a magical experience. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.

Accommodation: on deluxe Junk cruise

 

 

Day 4: Ha Long - Hanoi (B/L)

We will wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Then we explore Luon cave, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will be served. Check out and arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, we will drive back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 16:00, check in the hotel an relax.

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hanoi

 

 

  Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (B)

We are free until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue at noontime. Hue is an ancient romantic land and famous for its magnificent architecture of citadel, palaces, pagodas and royal tombs built under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Hue has been representing the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam for a long period.

Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up and transfer to hotel in Hue. The rest of day is free time at leisure.

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hue

 

 

Day 6: Hue city tour (B)

This morning, we will take a dragon boat to cruise along the Perfume River heading down to Thien Mu pagoda. Off the boat, we then visit Thien Mu pagoda, one of the best-loved architectural pagodas in Vietnam considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601.

Then we go to a pagoda for a well-prepared vegetarian lunch, served by nuns in a much more the life of religious people in the central area. After lunch, we continue to visit a tomb monument of King Tu Duc, which is located in a very special area. More than just a tomb visiting, it is the chance to learn more about Nguyen King and the landscape is spectacular. Back to hotel in the late afternoon

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hue

 

Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)

In the morning, pick up from hotel in Hue and drive to Hoi An. Hoi An developed most of its uniquely eclectic townscape between the 16th and 19th centuries. During most of this time Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Over the years, many elements of these diverse architectural styles blended harmoniously with indigenous Vietnam features. Hoi An was relatively untouched by the Vietnam War, so the old world charm is stil in. We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge.

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hoi An

 

 

 

Day 8: Hoi An - My Son (B/L)

This morning, we will drive to My Son that was the religious centre between 4th and 13th centuries to visit the Sanctuary of the Champa Empire. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious ruins comprising more than 70 architectural remains. UNESCO recognized the Cham architecture in My Son as a Cultural Heritage site in 1999.

Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel in Hoi An

 

  

 

 

 

 

Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)

You are free until transferring to Da Nang for the short flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, our guide will get pick you up and drive to hotel in Nha Trang. The rest of the day is the time at leisure

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Nha Trang

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 10: Nha Trang boat trip (B/L)

Today, you have opportunity to get experience by boarding a boat as you set out in the morning to exploring the coast of Nha Trang. The first stop is at the Tri Nguyen Aquarium. You will then head out to Hon Mun Island where you have the chance for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. From here, continue to Hon Tam Island where you have the choice of relaxing on the beach or for the energetic – there is a choice of water sports. Have lunch at the fishing village of Lang Chai where there is time to explore before boarding the boat back to Nha Trang harbor. We will also visit the PoNagar Towers, an outstanding of ancient Cham architecture and then touring around Dam Market before transfer you back to the hotel

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Nha Trang

 

 

 

 

Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city tour (B)

Breakfast is severed at the hotel, then being transferred to Cam Ranh airport for boarding a 2-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Afternoon, you enjoy a half day city tour of the highlights of Ho Chi Minh city.

We start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral that was built between 1877 and 1883. This is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Then, we move on to see the Reunification Palace. This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. After that, we continue to visit War Remnants Museum - Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

 

Day 12: Cu Chi tunnel tour (B/L)

Breakfast is severed at the hotel. This morning, we leave Saigon for driving through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels where the Vietnamese could escape bombings, hide from enemy, and mount surprise attacks. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon is free on your own at leisure or exploring  the city by yourself. 

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

 

 

 

Day 13: Saigon - Chau Doc (B/L)

This morning, leave your hotel at 7.00 for a 3-hour drive to Cai Be with stop en route at Trung Luong Bonsai garden for a tea break. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat to visit the popcorn cake, rice paper making family before visiting the lively floating market of Cai Be. Then continue by boat towards Vinh Long province to see the diverse fish traps in order to learn a kind of lazy fishing. After cruising along small shady canals, we step ashore and take a chance to watch a typical and interesting music show of the Mekong cultural life. Lunch is at the home/ bonsai garden. Afternoon, we take a walk for about half an hour to enjoy the rural peaceful atmosphere of the countryside life. Continuing our boat trip to Vinh Long town then get on our car to Proceed to Chau Doc and check-in at our hotel in Chau Doc

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Chau Doc

 

Day 14: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B)

This morning, we will take express boat upstream to the Mekong River to reach Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to hotel in Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Phnom Penh

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 15: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tours (B)

In the morning, we will visit Genocidal Museum “Tuol Sleng”, the Victory Monument and the National Museum and Killing Field. In the afternoon, we will visit the Victory Monument and the National Museum, the Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town, and Silver Pagoda, which located within the Royal Palace ground. You will then end your tour with a visit to Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset.

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Phnom Penh

 

 

 

 

Day 16: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B)

After breakfast, we transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The 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 symbolizes the ocean beyond sunset from 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.

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Siem Reap

 

Day 17: Siem Reap - Angkor tours (B)

In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of the harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples.

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Siem Reap

Meal: Breakfast

 

Day 18: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (B)

This half-day trip will take you into the heart of mangrove forests on the margins of the Tonle Sap Lake to the incredible stilt village of Kompong Phluk and Kompong Khleang - Kampong Phluk is a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them. Flooded mangrove forest surrounds the area and is home to a variety of wildlife including crab-eating macaques. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6-meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Kampong Phluk sees comparatively few foreign visitors and offers a close look at the submerged forest and lakeside village life as yet unperturbed by tourism. Back to the town.

Accommodation: Deluxe hotel in Siem Reap

Meal: Breakfast

  

 

Day 19: Siem Reap - Vientiane (D)

You are free until transferring to the airport for the departure flight to Vientiane. 

Welcome to Vientiane, arrive at Vientiane airport, and after customs & immigration formalities, Asia Top Travel tour expert will personally meet you and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check in. Enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo, which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which today is situated in Bangkok.  There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane, and you will easily find something to suit your taste. Visit  the huge golden That Luang monument, which all Lao citizens respect as holy pagoda. Visit  Vientiane's own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumoured to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway.   Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument. Tonight you enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular Vientian's eatery.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Meal: Dinner

 

Day 20: Vientiane - Luangprabang (B)

After Breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to the former Royal capital. Upon your arrival, Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Then enjoy Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa.  The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.

Continue to visit Wat Mai.  Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luangprabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luangprabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground.  See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here.  The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.  Climb up  Phousi hill stands right in the center of this small city.   Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction.   Wat Phousi sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Shop at the night market, where hundred of Hmong vendors display their handmade, handicrafts. Dinner tonight on your own but your guide can recommence the nice restaurants in town.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

 

Day 21: Luangprabang – Mekong river cruise – Pak Ou Buddha caves (B)

Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, visit the National Museum, once a king's palace.  Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. On return visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luangprabang

 

 

Day 22: Luangprabang - Kuang Si Waterfall (B)

Breakfast is served in the hotel. After the breakfast, travel to the Tad Kuang Si waterfall.  The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content.  You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Enjoy a picnic lunch and later in the afternoon return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own.  Luangprabang is a wonderful walking town, and you can find dinner on your own at any number of fine international restaurants. Visit Black H’Mong village where they produce varieties of handmade handicraft.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luangprabang

 

 

Day 23: Luangprabang Departure (B)

Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, relax until transferring to the airport for your flight to your next destination. End of service.

Meal: Breakfast

 

 

-----END OF SERVICE----

 

PRICE: USD/Person

This is our suggested price for your reference only. Prices may vary a little according to your service requests, your group size and your travel period or any personal requirements that you may have. We are happy to advise you on tours that suit your budget or to help you with prices to cover any special requests. Please send us your inquiries and we will arrange the best price for you.

 

Trip inclusion: 

Accommodation(double/twin sharing)

Private pick up and transfer for the entire trip(A/C van)

English/French speaking tour guide

Meals specified in tour program

Boat trips specified the tour program 

All entrance, permission and visiting fees

Domestic flight tickets within Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

 

Trip price exclusion: 

Visa fee for entry Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia 

Meals other than those mentioned in the program; Personal drinks at meal times

International air tickets,  airport departure tax

Tipping for guides, rowing boat man/woman, drivers, doorman at the hotels…

Others not clearly mentioned