Images of Indochina 17 days
Tour code: VLCA-17
Overview:
Discover the natural beauty, fascinating history and friendly people of Cambodia, Viet Nam and Laos on our 17-day “Images Of Indochina”. Beginning in the charming Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, you travel to the incredible temples of Angkor. In Viet Nam, experience the country’s highlights - from the palm fringed canals of the Mekong Delta and the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, to the historical charms of Hoi An and Hue, the capital Ha Noi and the spectacular vistas of Ha Long Bay. Across the border in landlocked Laos enjoy old Asia amid the boulevards of Vientiane and the temple lined streets of Luang Prabang.
ANGKORWAT - PHNOM PENH - MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS - HOI AN - HUE - HA LONG BAY VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
DAY 1 ARRIVE SIEM REAP
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting floating villages complete with schools, restaurants and even a hospital. Before sunset, climb to the temple of Phnom Bakheng for magnificent sunset views of the Angkor Temples.
DAY 2 SIEM REAP
Visit the southern gate of Angkor Thom , and the Bayon with its 254 mysterious smiling faces and the 12th century Terrace of the Elephants. Then see the temple of Ta Prohm whose pillars are entwined by banyan tree roots. Finally, tour the areas largest architectural masterpiece, Angkor Wat.
DAY 3 SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, visit the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda, famous for its 5,000 solid silver fllor tiles. Then walk around the Royal Palace and visit the chilling Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which serves as a testatment to the insanity of the Pol Pot era.
DAY 4 PHNOM PENH - CHAU DOC
This morning transfer to the dock and take a boat ride along the Mekong River to Chau Doc, a small border town in the south of Viet Nam. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and have some free time before enjoying the 1st taste of local Vietnamese cuisine.
DAY 5 CHAU DOC - HO CHI MINH CITY
Take a boat ride to visit a floating fish farm, from Sam Mountain have a breathtaking view over the rice paddies to the Cambodian border. Then take a long drive through Mekong Delta to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in the city you are free at your leisure.
DAY 6 HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI
Walking up famous Dong Khoi Street pass the Town Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral followed by a tour of the Presidential Palace and the War Crimes Museum and then on to the bustling Cholon district. In the afternoon visit the 250km of tunnels at Cu Chi before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 7 HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA
Drive to My Tho and journey by sampan through intricate, palm-fringded waterways visiting tropical fruit orchards, a floating market enjoying the hospitality of the locals. Lunch will be at a riverside restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
DAY 8 HO CHI MINH CITY - HOI AN
This morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Da Nang in central Viet Nam. Upon arrival visit the famed Cham Museum before exploring the caves and shrines of Marble Mountains and China Beach. Finally, you arrive in the old merchant town of Hoi An.
DAY 9 HOI AN
Walking through the historic Hoi An, admire the narrow lanes of centuries old buildings, visit the town’s market and the Japanese covered bridge followed by a cruise on the Thu Bon River. Then join a local farmer and learn about traditional cultivation techniques.
DAY 10 HOI AN - HUE
Transfer over Hai Van Pass to Hue to visit the impressive Citadel, the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Travelling by boat head up the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the city’s oldest and most beautiful pagoda. Tonight enjoy traditional music and a Royal Banquet of local specialties.
DAY 11 HUE -HA NOI - HA LONG
You are free at leisure to explore Hue at your own pace before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival, travel to Ha Long Bay and enjoy a walk alongside the World Heritage bay with its thousands of limestone karsts. Overnight in a hotel.
DAY 12 HA LONG - HA NOI
Drive to the port and board your boat to cruise amongst the limestone islets, exploring the wondrous caves an enjoy a fresh seafood before heading back to Ha Noi. Make a stop at Dong Tried ceramic village to see its centuries old traditional ceramic craftsmanship. This evening enjoy a traditional water puppet performance.
DAY 13 HA NOI
Tour President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and humble House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, followed by tour of the Museum of Ethnology and Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Enjoy some quiet moments near tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake before exploring Ha Noi’s Old Quarter.
DAY 14 HA NOI - VIENTIANE
Fly to Vientiane, Asia’s most relaxed capital. Explore the city’s famous landmarks That Luang and Wat Sisaket, and take part in a unique Lao baci welcome ceremony. At day’s end, enjoy a cool Beer Lao in a riverside cafe and watch the sun set over the Mekong.
DAY 15 VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
Leave for the airport and fly to Luang Prabang, nestled in the arms of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers with a dramatic mountain backdrop, glittering historic temples and the busy traffic of hill tribe traders. Here visit the market, magnificent Wat Xieng Thong and climb Mount Phu Si
for superb sunset views.
DAY 16 LUANG PRABANG
Rise before sunrise to witness hundreds of robed monks perform the centuries old tradition of collecting alms. Take a boat to the Pak Ou Caves, where hundreds of Buddha effigies are set into the cliff face. Later drive to beautiful Kuang Si Falls, exploring the amazing natural surroundings and visit a nearby H’mong village.
DAY 17 DEPART LUANG PRABANG
Free at leisure to explore the town at your own pace until transferring to the airport for your flight.
END OF SERVICES
Name your destination, we will bring you you there!
• 16 nights hotel accommodation
• Daily breakfasts
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Boat cruises
• Entrance fees
• Local English/French speaking guides
* VAT
* personal expen
