18 Days Cambodia & Vietnam with Laos Add-on

Indochina is a land formed from 3 countries: Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Each of the 3 countries has its own unique charm. From the ancient temples of Angkor Wat which has the biggest Hindu Temple in the world to the Killing fields in Phnom Penh. The boat ride down the Mekong river with people still living and fishing along the river banks to the hustle and bustle of Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh) with its 7 million motorbikes, the UNESCO world heritage town of Hoi An to the ancient capital of Hue and the sublime beauty of Halong Bay, The alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang to the Pak Ou Caves, Kuangsi waterfalls to the Patuxay Monument which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. This tour covers it all.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - DEPART FROM LONDON

Depart from London.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE SIEM REAP – ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM (L, D)

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we will be picked up by our guide and transferred to our hotel. Set Menu vegetarian lunch in the hotel. Then in the afternoon, visit the Angkor National Museum to see displays of numerous artefacts and multimedia presentations of Angkorian history and culture.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 3 – ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE - ANGKOR THOM - TA PHROM TEMPLE - TONLE SAP LAKE (B, L, D)

This morning we have an early start to witness the sunrise at the Angkor Wat Temple. Then back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, drive back to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, where we will start our exploration of the centerpiece of this ancient city, the Bayon. The Bayon encloses 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatically smiling stone faces. The morning tour also visits the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, as well as Ta Prohm Temple, made famous by the movie Tomb Raider.
The tour then heads to the Tonle Sap Lake. This valuable ecosystem was classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. A short drive south of Siem Reap is followed by a boat tour of the floating villages and surrounding wildlife. Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 4 – KULAN MOUNTAINS – SIEM REAP & DINNER DANCE SHOW (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will leave Siem Reap to Kulen Mountain. We spend about 1 hour to arrive Kulen Mountain is a huge plateau on the northeast of Siem Reap town approximately 50 kilometers. On the way you will stop to visit palm sugar making family. The Kulen mountain is the resource place for hundreds of Khmer temple constructions, in the Golden Angkor Period, where one can find many secret and amazing histories behind it. At Kulen Mountain you can visit such places as follows: ChupPreah, the plain spot with cool water flows and locates at the mountain’s valley. Terrace of SdachKum Ling, Preah Ang Thom, and wonderful waterfall. Picnic lunch at Kulen Mountain, and explore the “River of 1,000 Lingas” which are located on the mountain. Then you have some free time in the center of Siem Reap to explore the local markets. The evening starts with a traditional Apsara dance show, bringing ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while we enjoy the very best in Cambodian cuisine.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 5 - SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we commence our journey to Phnom Penh on the private bus (about 6Hours’ drive). Upon arrival, after lunch, we visit Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

DAY 6 - PHNOM PENH – CHAU DOC (B, L, D)

This morning we start our discovery of the capital with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda as well as the Wat Phnom. After an early lunch, we board our speedboat for a five-hour cruise to Chau Doc (Vietnam border). Dinner is at the hotel.
Overnight in Chau Doc.

DAY 7 - MEKONG DELTA – CHAU DOC TO CAN THO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we take a boat ride to visit the surrounding floating villages. We then discover a Cham ethnic village before being transferred to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 8 - MEKONG DELTA – CAN THO TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L, D)

This morning we take a short boat ride to reach the notorious floating Cai Rang market. Here we can observe unique whole sales fruits scenes. The boat trip is inclusive of a stop at a fruit garden. We then start our journey to Ho Chi Minh City (about 3-hour drive). This afternoon we visit one of the city's major attractions including the Reunification Palace.
Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 9 - CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR (B, L, D)

Depart at 08:00 am from the hotel. Upon arrival at the tunnels, we watch a short introductory video on the construction of the tunnels. The next hour is spent exploring the maze of tunnels, accompanied by the guide. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs from B52 bombers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 14:00 pm. This afternoon we visit some of the city's major attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum.
Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 10 - HO CHI MINH – HOI AN (B, L, D)

In the morning we transfer to the airport and take our flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to Hoi An. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed. After lunch enjoys a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam KY house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 11 - HOI AN (B, D)

Free day in Hoi An either to explore more of Hoi An or relax on the beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 12 - HOI AN TRANSFER TO HUE (B, L, D)

Leave Hoi An early in the morning for Hue via scenic Hai Van Pass, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. On the way to Hue, we will visit Danang Beach, Cham Museum - once the center of the ancient Cham civilization, then Marble Mountain. Lunch will be served at one local Vietnamese restaurant before transferring to the hotel in Hue.
Overnight in Hue.

DAY 13 - HUE – CITY TOUR (B, L, D)

This morning we take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River. We stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the 7-story octagonal tower and an old Austin car, which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue tour by the drive to Minh Mang Tomb built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor’s tomb complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions) designed on a symmetric axis. In the afternoon we begin to see the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors under Nguyen Dynasty. |We then drive to the outskirts of Hue to the impressive tomb of King Khai Dinh.
Overnight in Hue.

DAY 14 - HUE – FLIGHT TO HANOI (B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport and take our flight to HANOI. Upon arrival, transfer to Hanoi after lunch we commence our exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Temple of Literature, the first Vietnam University dating to 1070. Then we continue to visit One Pillar Pagoda.
We then have a water puppet show before having dinner at a local restaurant before transferring back to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 15 - HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

• 08:00 Take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
• 12:00 Arrive at Bhaya Group Cruise Centre at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.
• 12:45 Embark our cruise onboard Bhaya Cruises. Enjoy welcome drinks while our Cruise Manager does the itinerary and safety briefing.
• 13:00 Let the vacation begin with a fusion buffet lunch while the boat cruises towards the southwest of Halong Bay.
• 15:00 Discover the mysterious Tien Ong Cave which is not only a beauty spot but also an archaeological site. Covering an area of 1,000 m2 with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is one of the finest caves in Halong Bay.
• 17:00 Bar opens for the Happy Hour "Buy one get one free". Take the chance to get more delicious drinks and fun.
• 17:30 Join exciting “Master-Chef Competition” and fruit carving demonstration, learn and try your hands with authentic Vietnamese food. The winner or the Master-Chef of Bhaya Cruise would be awarded surprising gifts. It’s also time to admire the sunset over enchanting Halong Bay while the boat anchors for the overnight stay.
• 19:00 Enjoy set-menu dinner on board while your Cruise Manager introduces the following day program.
• 21:00: Free evening or taking part in some activities of board games or squid fishing, karaoke (on request) Taste the variety of drink at our luxury sundeck bar (chargeable) with wines, cocktails, brandy, juices.
Overnight on Board.

DAY 16 - HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

• 06:30 Start off our day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay.
• 07:00 Full breakfast is served onboard. The vessel weighs anchor to sail to Hang Trai Island.
• 08:45 Transfer to Bhaya Spirit (day boat) for the second day’s activities.
• 09:00 Bhaya Spirit will pass by Ang Du area, Hang Du, Kong Skull Island filming area to reach Coc Cheo Islet area.
• Kayaking and swimming freely in Coc Cheo Islet area – a less touristic and more private area.
• 11:00 Back to the boat, Bhaya Spirit takes us to a floating pearl farm for a special local lunch experience, while the boat passes Ho Ba Ham Area, Ba Men Temple, But Island, Me Cung Cave.
Discover around to learn about pearl cultivating and handicraft process and local life in Halong Bay with our tour guide.
• 12:30 Lunch is served on floating farm with authentic Vietnamese style menu.
• 15:00 Come back Bhaya Cruise and relax.
• 17:00 Bar opens for the Happy Hour "Buy one get one free”, enjoy relaxing time on the sundeck.
• 19:00 Enjoy set-menu dinner onboard while Cruise Manager introduces itineraries for next day.
• 21:00 Retire to your cabin or join with our staffs for squid fishing.
• Overnight on board.

DAY 17 - HALONG BAY – HANOI (BRUNCH, L, D)

• 06:15 Take part in Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee.
• 07:00 Light breakfast is served onboard. The boat weighs anchor to sail to Cua Van floating fishing village.
• 07:45 Take your time to visit the village which is voted as one of the 11 insanely beautiful small towns around the world by huffingtonpost.com. You can choose either kayak or traditional rowing boat to go around discovering local life on the waters.
• 09:00 Return to our boat and relax.
• 09:30 Brunch is serving the restaurant while the boat cruises through Lom Bo Islet, Soi Sim Island, Hoa Cuong Islet, Chicken Cock Islet, and Ba Hang Village.
• 10:45 Disembark at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port.
• Upon arrival in Hanoi, visit Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of VN, as well as relics, tools and even full-size replicas of their homes and buildings.
• Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 18 - HANOI – DEPARTURE. (B)

Check out this morning after breakfast and drive to visit Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum from outside. We continue to his humble “house on stilts”, see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th-century One-Pillar Pagoda. Then be transferred to Hanoi Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International and Internal flights inclusive of taxes
- 4* accommodation as stated with breakfast
- 02-night accommodation in twin/ double cabin on the Cruise on Halong Bay (sharing cruise)
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Local English speaking guides
- All entrance fees as per program
- Express Boat Ticket from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc by Blue Cruiser or similar (sharing boat)
- Private boat trips on Tonle Sap Lake, Chau Doc, Mekong Delta, Perfume River in Hue
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food, Set Menu):
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on the bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only
- Service charge and current government VAT tax
- All Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visas to Vietnam, Cambodia
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above

ADD-ON TO LAOS:

TOUR PRICE for Laos add-on £760.00 per person based on a minimum of 6 People.
Single Supplement £200.00.

DAY 18 - HANOI- LUANG PRABANG (L, D)

Meet upon arrival, we are welcome to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the centre of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Transfer to local restaurant for late lunch. After lunch, enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. Then transfer to your hotel to check-in.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 19 - LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR (B, L, D)

This morning we will visit Wat Mai a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs; following to explore the National Museum (closed Tuesday). Housed in the former Royal Palace, uninhabited since the royal family was deposed in 1975, the museum showcases many treasures of Laos' royal past and allows visitors to glimpse the private and public quarters of Lao royalty. Also displayed here is the Prabang, the sacred Buddha image for which Luang Prabang was named.
We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of 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. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. After which we drive west to Kuangsi Waterfalls, visiting the H’mong village Ban Na Ouane en route. Once we arrive, we will take a short walk through the forest to the waterfalls have the chance to go for a swim in one of the nearby clear pools. While there, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Asian Black Bear Rescue. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

DAY 20 - LUANG PRABANG- VIENTIANE FLIGHT (B, L, D)

After breakfast time at leisure until transfer to the airport to take our flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane, our guide will take you to the local restaurant for late lunch. After lunch, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Overnight in Vientiane.

DAY 21 - VIENTIANE-LONDON BY FLIGHT (B, L )

In the morning after breakfast time at leisure until check out. Lunch at local restaurant and transfer to the airport to take flight to London.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- International and Internal flights inclusive of taxes
- 4* accommodation as stated with breakfast.
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Local English speaking guides
- All entrance fees as program
- Private boat trip to Pak Ou Caves
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food, Set Menu):
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on the bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only - Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visas to Laos
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above