Journey from Indochine – 19 Days

This fantastic journey of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia takes you to three World Heritage Sites in Indochina; Halong Bay, Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat. As you cross the borders between these three fascinating and distinct countries you’ll experience the difference in culture, language and cuisine for yourself. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a day taking in museums, markets and the other colorful sights of Hanoi
• Explore the stunning Ha Long Bay on an overnight luxury cruise
• Relax on Hoi An’s stunning beaches
• Discover the Mekong Delta’s floating markets
• Experience  the breathtaking splendor of the Angkor Wat temple complex
• Follow the Mekong River to the magical Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Full Day Hanoi City Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi/Fly to Hue
Day 5: Hue City Tour – Transfer to Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An City Tour
Day 7: Transfer to Danang/Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Mekong Delta
Day 9: Fly to Phnom Penh – Phnom Penh City Tour
Day 10: Phnom Penh City Tour – Transfer to Kep
Day 11: Rabbit Island
Day 12: Kep – Phnom Penh/Fly to Siem Reap
Day 13: Angkor Wat Tour
Day 14: Angkor Wat Tour
Day 15: Fly to Luang Prabang
Day 16: Luang Prabang Walking Tour
Day 17: Pak Ou Caves
Day 18: Fly to Vientiane – City Tour
Day 19: Vientiane Departure

DAY 1:             HANOI ARRIVAL (D)

Welcome to Hanoi ! Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a hotel for relaxing and welcome dinner.
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

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DAY 2:             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 3:             HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

After breakfast, ransferred to Halong Bay. 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 4:             HALONG BAY – HANOI/FLY TO HUE (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. Continue driving to Hanoi Airport, then take a short flight to Hue. Arrival Hue, check in Hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

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DAY 5:             HUE FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B, L)

After breakfast, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.

In the afternoon see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Transfer to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass and through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive Hoi An, check in hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 6:             HOI AN CITY TOUR (B)

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.

Your afternoon is free at leisure.
 
Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 7:             HOI AN – DANANG/FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B, D)

Drive to Danang to take the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel, check in.
In the afternoon, 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.
 
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 – PHNOM PENH – TOUL SLENG – CHOEUNG EK (B)

Morning transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport in time for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transfer directly to your hotel.
 
This afternoon, 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.

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 10:           PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR – TRANSFER TO KEP (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 leading collection of Khmer art and sculpture, and Wat Phnom the founding site of the city.
 
In the afternoon, we drive down to Kampot, a riverside village in southern Cambodia renowned for producing one of the world’s finest peppers. In the years before the war took its toll, no self-respecting French restaurant in Paris would do without Kampot pepper on the table. A local organization run by a passionate Frenchman is assisting this recovery by marketing the highest grade of pepper from Kampot. Profits are devoted to forming a small farmer’s cooperative to restore the peppercorn industry and invest in improving pepper production and cultivation. We visit the plantation and taste this fantastic product, and get a chance to buy the Kampot pepper straight from the source.
 
We continue on and drive to Kep, our home for the rest of our tour. Kep was once the top beach destination in Cambodia. This now quiet beach town has the reputation for having the best seafood in the country. And while the tourist industry is picking up as of late, there is still a very laid back vibe to be found in Kep.
 
Overnight at our hotel in Kep.

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DAY 11:           RABBIT ISLAND (B, L)

Go by boat from Kep beach to Koh Tonsay or Rabbit Island. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the warm water, do some fishing or just sunbathe on the beautiful beaches. We organize a picnic on the beach with fresh crab curry made by local vendors.
 
Late afternoon we return to Kep and have some free time for a stroll through town, some last minute shopping or some relaxing at the hotel.
 
For dinner we enjoy an amazing farewell dinner and try the fantastic stir-fried crab with Kampot pepper.
 
Overnight at the hotel in Kep.

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DAY 12:           KEP – PHNOM PENH/FLY TO SIEM REAP (B, D)

After breakfast, we drive to Phnom Penh Airport in time to take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival Siem Reap, transfer to hotel for check in.
Late afternoon, we enjoy the superb sunset view from Phnom Bakheng Hill. Dinner at local restaurant.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 13:           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 14:           ANGKOR WAT TOUR (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Banteay Srey, one of the most unusual temples of Angkor. It lies 20 km north of the main group and is mostly made up red sandstone covered with elaborate decorations.
We also visit 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 most of which is remarkably well preserved. 
 
This afternoon, we set out on a cruise on beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, passing a floating village and getting a glimpse into the daily life on the lake.
 
Overnight in Siem Reap.

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DAY 15:           FLY TO LUANG PRABANG (B, D)

This morning we drive 40 minute to Tonle Sap Lake, the most important fresh- water supply in Cambodia. The lake consists of wooden houses and constructions, making for a very unique way of life. We visit a floating village and share an insight into the local people’s daily routines.
Back to Siem Reap around noon. Free afternoon at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight to 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 16:           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 17:           LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (B, L)

After breakfast we embark on a boat journey upstream along the Mekong River, which gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. After we visit the caves we make another short stop at a smaller village named Ban Muangkeo. Here we have a stroll through town and get a glimpse of local village life along the Mekong River.
We have lunch at a local riverside restaurant with a stunning view of the Pak Ou Caves. On our return, we stop at the local villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan then continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun.
 
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure in Luang Prabang.
 
Overnight at Luang Prabang hotel.

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DAY 18:           FLY TO VIENTIANE – CITY TOUR (B, L)

Take a early morning flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. After refreshing, we explore COPE educational centre, a compelling place that teaches us about Laos’ Hidden War. Afterwards we continue on to the surreal and unique Buddha Park or Xiang Khouan as it’s known by the locals. A park filled with hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu statues that are definitely a world apart from your average temple visit.
 
On our way back to town we visit the Vientiane Orchid Centre, a truly unique place where passionate French orchid expert Bertrand Laville hosts one of the largest orchid collections in the world.
 
In the afternoon, we start our Vientiane tuk-tuk tour at Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national icon, That Luang Stupa, we will stop at the Patuxay Monument, known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
 
Overnight in Vientiane.

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DAY 19:           VIENTIANE DEPARTURE (B, L)

Your day is free at leisure until transfer to airport for your departure 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