Indochine Spotlight – 15 Days

Crossing three country borders from Vietnam to Laos to Cambodia you get to witness different languages, cultures and cuisine. Inspired by the distinct identities of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, this tour provides a fascinating window into Indochina for a once in a life time experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the most famous World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
• Discover the ancient history and traditions of Hanoi, Luang Prabang and Siem Reap
• Enjoy a luxury overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay with traditional cruise

ITINERARY

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival
Day 2: Luang Prabang Walking Tour
Day 3: Khuangsi Waterfall/Fly to Siem Reap
Day 4: Angkor Wat Tour
Day 5: Phnom Kulen & Angkor
Day 6: Fly to Phnom Penh 
Day 7: Phnom Penh City Tour/Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Mekong Delta
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour/Fly to Danang – Transfer to Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An City Tour – Tra Que Farm – Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An
Day 12: Hoi An – Danang/Fly to Hanoi – Transfer to Halong Bay
Day 13: Halong – Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi City Tour
Day 15: Hanoi Departure

DAY 1:             LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL (D)

Arrrival Luang Prabang, you are greeted by our guide and driver at the airport for our transfer to the hotel. Late afternoon, we can go for a stroll around this quaint town and have time to explore the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local villagers and the hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang. Dinner is at a local house and is accompanied by a traditional Baci ceremony.
 
Overnight at Luang Prabang hotel.

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DAY 2:             LUANG PRABANG ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR (B, L)

Optional early wake-up call possible to join the locals giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Take a stroll through Ban Pakham morning market and take part in this everyday ritual.
 
Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the city. Your circuit begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, continuing on to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai (the Lao New Year celebrations in April), the Kingdoms Palladium – known as Prabang and normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum – is put on public display in this temple. Continue on to Wat Xieng Thong, perhaps the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang.
In the late morning visit the unique Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, which is shaped like the fruit it takes its name from.

In the afternoon start with the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which will give you further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. There is also time to visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek before returning to the Old Town to climb Mount Phousi and enjoy the fantastic sunset view of Luang Prabang, and the Nam Kan River joining the Mekong.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 3:             LUANG PRABANG/FLY TO SIEM REAP (B)

After breakfast at the hotel we make our way to the famous Khouang Si Waterfalls. A short walk and visit to the Bear Sanctuary are on the menu first before we have time for a relaxing swim or some relaxing by the water’s edge. Return to hotel around noon time. 

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for a short flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a hotel for relaxing.
Late afternoon, we enjoy the superb sunset view from Phnom Bakheng Hill.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 4:             ANGKOR WAT TOUR (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we spend a full day discovering the famous Angkor Complex. We enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom Temple and marvel at the wonders of the eerie Bayon, the terrace of Elephants and the terrace of the Leper King.
Afterwards, we continue and visit Ta Prohm temple, shrouded in the jungle and left untouched since it was found by French explorers in the 1850s.
 
In the afternoon we visit the Angkor Wat Temple. This architectural master piece was built in the 12th century, took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at its grandest. Covering 81 hectares, it is one of the largest religious monuments ever built.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 5:             PHNOM KULEN & ANGKOR (B)

After breakfast we drive to the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen. From the top we have a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Phnom Kulen also houses a beautiful pagoda with a majestic reclining Buddha. The mountain was the source of the Siem Reap River, which was later to supply Angkor city. Hundreds of lingas have been formed under the clear water on the mountain, and the river became the holy river of the Khmer Empire during Angkor.
 
We return to Angkor for some more exploring and discover temples of the Rolous group including Prah Keo, Bakong and Lolei.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 6:             FLY TO PHNOM PENH – CHEUNG EK (B)

Morning transfer to Siem Reap Airport in time for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transfer directly to your hotel.
 
Afternoon tour:
Option 1: Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Cheung Ek “Killing Fields”
we travel about 15km southwest of Phnom Penh to Choeung Ek. The memorial at Choeung Ek just outside Phnom Penh was originally an orchard and a Chinese cemetery prior to 1975. During the Khmer Rouge regime, it became one of the killing fields, a site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered torture and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison. Choeung Ek now consists of mass graves and a memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls.

Option 2: Phnom Oudong
Phnom Oudong, the ancient Cambodian capital during the latter stages of the Khmer Empire and crowning site of the Kings. Consisting of a series of stupas atop a large hill, there are outstanding views across the surrounding plains. Phnom Oudong was bombed and desecrated by the Americans and then the Khmer Rouge, but still possesses a beauty that no war has been able to steal from it.

Finish your day by enjoying sunset on the banks of the Mekong River with a cold drink, watching the city slow down.
 
Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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DAY 7:             PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR/FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

After breakast, you will set out to discover the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh in a Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation. First, we visit the Royal Palace, situated on the site of the former citadel and built by King Norodom in 1966, the Palace still serves as the King and Queen’s residential quarters. Also within the walls of the Palace is the Silver Pagoda, so called because of five thousand silver tiles that line its exquisite floor. If time permits there is also the option of visiting the National Museum, which houses the world’s leading collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and Wat Phnom the founding site of the city.
 
Your afternoon is at leisure to explore more of the city until your transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City you’ll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.
 
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

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DAY 8:             HO CHI MINH CITY – BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the 2 hour drive to the delta town of Ben Tre. Board your local boat through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery. En-route visit the brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand then visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut. Afterwards, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads, through the fruit plantation before enjoying lunch at riverside restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a ride in a rowing boat along the palm creek before heading back Ho Chi Minh City. Free evening at leisure.
 
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

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DAY 9:             HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR/FLY TO DANANG (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Former Presidential Palace, the town’s center with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Municipal Theater, Quan Am Pagoda, Cho Lon and China town. 
You have free afternoon until transferring to airport for your flight to Danang. Arrival Danang, transfer to Hoi An, check in hotel.
Your evening is free at leisure.
 
Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 10:           HOI AN CITY TOUR – TRA QUE FARM (B, L)

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town and explore its treasures: the Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, and Quang Dong Assembly Hall.

After lunch, drive to the village of Tra Que to visit a farm where you can learn about the traditional gardening methods deployed by the residents of the region. Transfer back to Hoi An in the early afternoon where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 11:           HOI AN (B)

Your day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 12:           HOI AN – DANANG/FLY TO HANOI – TRANSFER TO HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

Transfer to Danang airport for a morning flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Arrive at Halong City at noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. A truly memorable experience awaits you as you cruise the delightful Bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities depending on each boat’s itinerary or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. 

Overnight onboard Halong Bay.

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DAY 13:           HALONG – HANOI (BRUNCH)

Start your day with calming Tai Chi, enjoy the sunrise over the Bay and continue cruising. Enjoy the brunch on the way back to port, transfer to Hanoi. En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong, of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam. More a living space than a museum, the Palace is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects, exquisite antiques and remarkable structures.

Arrival Hanoi in the late afternoon. Your evening is free at leisure.
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

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DAY 14:           FULL DAY HANOI CITY TOUR (B, L)

Depart your hotel to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One pillar pagoda) and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first University in Vietnam dating back to the 16th century. 
 
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter will provide another fascinating insight into the character and history of the city, before moving on to Dong Xuan Market with its bustling stalls and brisk trading of day-to-day local goods. Finish the day with a traditional water puppet show.
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

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DAY 15:           HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Hanoi Airport in time for your onward flight.

SERVICE INCLUDED

• Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Tours as per itinerar with local speaking guide (NO guide on board Halong Bay)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as indicated in the program
• A bottle of mineral water per day tour

SERVICE EXCLUDED 

• Drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Airport taxes  
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above