Wonders of Indochina

16 days / 15 nights

Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos

Itinerary in brief:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi / Hoa Lu / Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi / Ha Long Bay
Day 5: Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Hue
Day 6: Hue
Day 7: Hue / Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An / Danang / Saigon
Day 9: Saigon / My Tho / Saigon
Day 10: Saigon / Siem Riep
Day 11: Siem Riep
Day 12: Siem Riep
Day 13: Siem Riep / Luang Prabang
Day 14: Luang Prabang
Day 15: Luang Prabang
Day 16: Departure

Itinerary in detail:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. The city was founded in 1010 on the right bank of the Red River and was then known as ‘Thang Long', roughly translated as "Ascending Dragon." Hanoi is one of the most charming cities in South East Asia with its authenticity, large shady avenues, numerous lakes, manicured gardens and well-`preserved architecture. Transfer from Noi Bai airport to your hotel. Free time. Dinner and accommodation included.

Day 2: Hanoi

The day is dedicated to a more in depth discovery of Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, was constructed from marble and granite and takes the form of a styliized lotus (closed Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with a visit to the ancient Taoist Temple of Quan Thanh, where lies the genius protector of the city (or Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of Lake West). Next visit the Temple of Literature, or van Mieu, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became first Vietnam's university. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to sample some regional delicacies.

In the early afternoon visit the renowned Museum of Ethnography (closed Mondays), which houses an interesting collection of artifacts relating to the mosaic of ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam. Alternatively, visit the Museum of History (closed Mondays) which displays an array of exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the fight against French colonization. This afternoon's touring wlill also provide the opportunity to see Hanoi's famed old quarter from the seat of a cyclo-pousse. During your tour around the district you will see some of the areas original 36 streets which have always sold the same wares. Silver street, silk street and flower street are just a few. During your adventure through this maze of streets you will see traditional ‘tube houses', a style of architecture indigenous to this part of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem Lake, otherwise known as the lake of ‘the restored sword'. Finish, the city tour with a stop at the food market in Hang Be street. This afternoon is free for a stroll along the boulevards of the old colonial quarter where you can view some of the best French architecture in South East Asia. In the evening, visit hanoi's water puppets theatre to attend a performance of the traditional show. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 3: Hanoi / Hoa Lu / Hanoi

Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province and enjoy the drive through the luxuriant vegetation of the Red River Delta. Continue on to Tam Coc and take a cruise up the river through karst hills and rice fields on a traditional boat, a photographer's paradise. Sometimes referred to as ‘Halong Bay on land', for some its beauty surpasses that of it's coastal rival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue your tour with a journey through bustling villages, rice paddies and some beautiful limestone rock formations. Arrive at Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam for 41 years under the Dinh and Le dynasties (between 968 and 980). Discover beautiful shrines dedicated to the Emperor Le Dinh, the first ruler to unify the country. Asides from this important historical site, this region is also worth a visit for its rolling hills and picturesque rocky landscapes. Return to Hanoi. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 4: Hanoi / Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi for the world famous Halong Bay, or bay of ‘the descending dragon', a jouney of approximately 3 1/2 hours. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square kilometers and comprising nearly 2000 islets. Board your junk for a memorable cruise through the ‘eighth wonder of the world' gliding gently past fishing communities and hidden cave systems. Visit the ‘Cave of Surprises', really a complex, where you can marvel at strangely formed stalactites and stalagmites. After anchoring at a nearby beach you can go for a swim or climb to the top of Thien Cung (heaven's) island to get a panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islands. Delicious local seafood is served on board the boat, with other options available. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. NB. Accomodation on junk in private cabin (with air conditioning and shower).

Day 5: Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Hue

After breakfast, continue your journey cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay. After disembarking, return to Hanoi by road in time for lunch. Enoy a free afternoon exploring the city on foot or simply relax with a drink at the edge of Hoan Kiem lake. In the late afternoon transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, transfer to your hotel and check in. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 6: Hue

The day is spent discovering Hue, capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, the Citadel is only one of many well-preserved historical sites in the city and its environs. Cruise in a sampan on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagaoda, or pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, a Buddhist shrine dating from the mid-seventeenth century. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, it is easily recognizable by its octagonal tower. Continue your tour with a visit to the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Construction began in 1804 under the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the site had been selected using priciples of geomancy. The site is composed of three sections;the capital city (Thanh Kinh), the imperial city (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following the Tet Offensive. Today, efforts are being made to restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage. Next, take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers an array of goods and produce, ranging from fresh vegetables to conical hats. Lunch at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to sample some of Hue's famously refined cuisine.
In the afternoon visit the intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit Minh Mang's mausoleum located on the left bank of the Perfume River, which represents the perfect harmony between nature and architecture. Return to Hue. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 7: Hue / Hoi An

Depart Hue for Hoi An along Highway 1 which links Hanoi to Saigon. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam, taking you past coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop. The drive also takes you over Hai Van Pass, or ‘pass of the ocean clouds'. En route stop in danang for a visitis to the informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Cham artefacts in the world (optional). En route, stopping in a village of stone carvers at the foot of the Marble Mountain. Continue on to the delightful town of Hoi An which stands on the banks of the Thu Bon river, some thirty kilometers southeast of Danang. Around the fifteenth century, this old port town in the kingdom of Champa was known as Faifo. Check-in to the hotel on arrival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon is spent strolling through the narrow streets of this atmospheric old town. This former port, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full of architectural gems that show a range of influences. Visit the Japanese bridge, the temple of the water genie, the Fujian temple and the fish market, which is best seen early in the morning.... Around the seventeenth century Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in South East Asia, with Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch, French and English merchants visiting the town in search of spices, lacquer ware, and ceramics. Enriched by the proceeds of this trade many merchants constructed beautiful homes. One can admire these charming houses along Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest in Hoi An. Architecture in the old town tends to show an integration of Sino-Japanese influences in a local style. Most buildings share the same overall plan; built on two levels, they are constructed like a tube between two streets that run parallel. In the late afternoon take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River for the chance to view some beautiful rural scenery, finishing at around sunset. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 8: Hoi An / Danang / Saigon

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Danang to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, transfer and check in to your hotel. Begin your exploration of this frenetic city with lunch at a local restaurant. Not only is Saigon the most important economic centre in Vietnam, it also has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. Almost a hundred years of French rule bestowed upon the city some pearls of colonial architecture. Visit the central post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its counterpart in Paris. Continue your city tour with a visit to District 5, formerly known as Cholon or China Town. Cholon, or ‘big market', with its congested streets is where most of the city's ethnic Chinese population lives. The district lives up to its name in the form of Binh Tay wholesale market. Founded in 1778 the market sells a stunning array of goods and produce, ranging from fish to incense. Finish your city tour with a stop at Thien Hau temple, otherwise known as ‘Temple of the Heavenly Lady', to marvel at its intricate friezes and coils of incense. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 9: Saigon / My Tho - Mekong Delta / Saigon

Depart Saigon by road for Mekong Delta and its gateway city of My Tho, located 72 km south west of the city. Board a riverboat for an excursion across the Mekong through islands covered with lush flora and small rural communities. Cruise to Thoi Son Island where you will have the opportunity to visit a local house and taste some of the fruits that are grown locally in the orchards. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. Lunch is at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to sample a local specialty: ‘elephant ear' fish. Conclude your tour of the Mekong with a stop at Vinh Trang pagoda, the largest and most remarkable pagoda in the delta. Return to Saigon. The late afternoon is free for you to do some last minute shopping on Dong Khoi Street. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 10: Saigon / Siem Riep

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Riep. On arrival in Siem Reap, warmly welcomed and picked up by local tour guide and then transfer directly to visit Banteay Srei temple (Citadel of the Women), dedicated to Siva of which the architecture and its sculptures of pink sandstone bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes present a main work of the art Khmer. On the way back, drive through village and paddies to Banteay Samre. This temple was constructed late 9th century by King Surayavarman II. Many of its carvings are still in excellent condition.

Afternoon, continue to visit Neak Poan supposed to be a symbol of the Universe, and Preah Khan which was built in 1191 on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham. Afterwards, enjoy a sunset view from the top of Phnom Bakheng. Overnight in the hotel. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 11: Siem Riep

In the morning, discover the Angkor temples in the small circuit. First, visit Banteay kdei. The temple was constructed by Jayavarman VII during the 12th and 13th Centuries ( Citadel of the Cells) and used to be a religious monastery. Next, visit Ta Prohm, a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant banyan trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Complete the small circuit in the morning with a visit to Takeo, one of the first to be build out of sandstone.

Afternoon, you continue to visit the South Gate, Angkor Thom. This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th Century. Next, you will move on to the famous Bayon Temple in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. The temple built Jayavarman VII is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54 towers all crowned by gigantic faces, representing okiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII. You will then visit Baphuon. This temple, built by Udayadityarvarman II, was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor.

Conclude the day tour with Phimean Akas – the temple constructed late 10^th – early 11^th century by Jayavarman V and Elephants and Leper King Terraces. The first Terrace owes its name to the outstanding depiction of elephants, while the second gets its name from the magnificent sculpture of King Yasovarman, popularly known as the Leper King. Overnight at your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 12: Siem Riep

Morning: visit one of 7 wonders of the world "Angkor Wat". The temple is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is truly one the wonders of the world. Believed to have been constructed as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples.

Afternoon: Excursions on Tonle Sap Lake, visit the floating village, mangrove forest, fresh fish exhibition and the activities of people’s daily lives. Come back to visit “Les Artisans D' Angkor – Chantiers Ecole” the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts.

Dinner in town with a show of Khmer dances at the hotel Angkor Village. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 13: Siem Riep / Luang Prabang

Free time to market for your latest purchases. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Welcome by the local guide and transfer to the hotel. The city of Luang Prabang, the pearl of Asia, welcomes you to this journey through time to discover the Laos. Take time to wander and discover the charms of this city and its inhabitants. You grimperez summit of the mountain Phousi to discover the sacredness of this place, you admire a beautiful sunset over the city and the majestic Mekong River. From there, you'll get lost in the colourful Bazard night where you can find surprising tissue collections handmade by the tribes of the mountains which surround Luang Prabang. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 14: Luang Prabang

Wake up in good time to participate in the ritual of Buddhist monks known as Alms-giving. Take the distance with respect and share the fervor and prayers of the monks. Then return to your hotel for breakfast, then you visit the city of Luang Prabang, the jewel of South Asia West, you'll discover that legacy classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The road to visit the oldest temple in Luang Prabang with its roof down at ground level, it represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang. This city with its beautiful natural landscapes and its centres of cultural interests, Wat Visoun (for example) or the charm of Wat Aham, making it the most attractive cities in Laos. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 15: Luang Prabang

Embark on a boat to go up along the majestic Mekong, which offers a magnificent view of the Lao campaigns to reach the cave mystique of Pak Ou. This cave contains thousands of Buddha statues of shapes and sizes varied, covered with gold. In return, we will stop in the village of Ban Xanghai where villagers distills a traditional rice liquor. Lunch on the way back.
In the afternoon, rolling up the cascade Khuangsi to visit a centre for care bears, you will enjoy the waterfalls and pools of water clear and refreshing.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 16: Luong Prabang / Departure

Free time for last minute shopping or a last stroll through the tranquil streets. Transfer to the airport for your departure