Magical Vietnam, Laos And Cambodia

Itinerary

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1. Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

   On arrival at Hanoi airport, you are met by our guide and driven to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. Free at leisure to unwind from the long flights.
   Meals: N/A.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

   
   

    

2. Day 2: Hanoi City tour.

   Today, join us on a full day tour exploring the charming Hanoi City. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. Follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. The sightseeing also includes the outlying Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter where people still trade in old ways. Pay a visit to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple then go to the famous water puppet theatre for a fantastic performance of the art form unique to Vietnam.
   Meals: Breakfast.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

   
   

    

3. Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight cruise

   Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red river delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam‘s most scenic impressive sights. On arrival you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands.
   These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
   Accommodation: Halong cruise

4. Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi – Luang Prabang.

   The sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay make for a marvelous scene. Take an option to get up early to observe the splendid landscape and see the fishermen on a morning catch.
   The huge breakfast is a perfect way to start your relaxing day. Weave your way past Man Head and Tortoise rocks. These imposing islets are aptly named by their distinctive shapes. Cruise through Bai Tu Long and arrange your luggage to disembark at noon. Then, drive back to Hanoi, straight to the airport for the flight QV 314 @ 18:50-19:50 to Luang Prabang. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel for overnight.

   
   

   Meals: Brunch.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

5. Day 5: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou cave – city tour

   Take a morning cruise along the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and discover the numerous Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) includes the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the founder name Mekong River. They are a group of caves on the right side of the Mekong River. It is then only a short distance from the caves to the village of Ban Xang Hai. We’ll stop here to learn about LauLao (Lao whisky) and LauHai (Lao wine). Before returning the old town we stop to visit Ban Xangkhong where the Lue peoples of this village are noted in particular for their arts and crafts.

   
   

   In the afternoon, we begin with a visit to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, representative of classic Laotian architecture. Continue our trip to Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. Later that day, we adjourn to the Phousi hill to enjoy the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset. At the Night Market, you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill-tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

   
   

   Meals: Breakfast
   Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

6. Day 6: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si waterfall - Royal Palace Museum

   After breakfast, go to Phosi Market to see a dazzling array of local produces including dried buffalo skin, saltpeter, livestock, hill-tribe clothing, and so on. Continue to the villages of Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene and get acquainted with the Hmong, Lowland Laotian, and Khmu ethnic minority people. Visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall that offers a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools.
   En route back to town you will call at Ban Phanom village to visit skilled hand-weaving women. Soak in the history of Luang Prabang at the Palace Museum which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock given to "the people of Laos" by President Nixon. There’ll be time for independent exploration afterwards.

   
   

   Meals: Breakfast.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

   
   

    

7. Day 7: Luang Prabang – Fly to Siem Reap – Sunset boat trip at Angkor Thom

   After breakfast, transfer to Luong Prabang airport to fly to Siem Reap. Meet up with your local guide at Siem Reap airport and drive to the hotel for check in and enjoy a short break for your refreshment.

   
   

   This afternoon, hop on a tuk tuk to the South Gate of Angkor Thom where you will be strongly impressed with its magic old doors and artifacts. Embark on an Angkor gondola, a replica of a traditional Khmer boat also known as a kongkear, which is propelled with a wooden paddle by an experienced oarsman. Glide gently along the Southern Angkor Thom’s moat while admiring the sunset over Angkor Archaeological Park.
   Once you reach the southwest corner of the Ancient City, disembark near one of the four temples called Prasat Chrung and hike with your guide to the ruined building, constructed in the late 12th century. Walk under the shade of trees on a 2-mile (3-km) walkway to the top of the gate, where a sunset viewpoint awaits. During your visit, learn about the four small sandstone temples, which were dedicated to a bodhisattva and designed in the style of Prasat Bayon, the magnificent temple at the center of Angkor Thom. Stay late and then transfer back to the hotel where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

   
   

   Meals: Breakfast.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

8. Day 8: Sunrise over Angkor Wat - Rural Cambodia life – Tonle Sap Lake

   Rise up early for a transfer by tuk tuk to the magnificent Angkor Wat where you will see “the spiritual Temple reflex on the water” at dawn- the haunting, cooler and less crowded moment. As the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat where the Hindu God Vishnu is dedicated was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction. Then, transfer back to your hotel for breakfast and relax.
   The unique Angkor Temples are truly impressive. However, Cambodia has more to offer. It is worth taking a closer look at the city of Siem Reap, its surrounding area and its people. This afternoon, drive to Kam Pem. Walk through this lovely village to see rural Khmer life. Experience an ox cart ride before a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see floating villages and get a taste of life ruled by monsoonal rains and water-based agriculture. One of the most productive bodies of fresh water in the world, Tonle Sap was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997. Stay until sunset followed by a transfer back to your hotel.

   
   

   Meals: breakfast.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

   
   

    

9. Day 9: Banteay Srei - Ta Prohm - Angkor Thom.

   After breakfast, travel into the Archeology Park to explore the wonders left by a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries. Drive through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre Temples.
   En route back, you will visit the fascinating jungle-clad of Ta Prohm where Tomb Raiders was filmed. Enter the Great City of Angkor Thom through its North Gate and traverse to admire Baphoun and Phimeanakas temples, Terraces of Elephant and Leper King, and especially the mysterious smiling Bayon.
   Later, transfer through the West Gate back to the hotel. Spend the rest of day at your leisure.

   
   

   Meals: Breakfast.
   Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

10. Day 10: Siem Reap – Fly to Saigon. Cu Chi Tunnels

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight VN 3818 @ 10:10-11:30 to Saigon, Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to Cu Chi to explore the legendary network of underground combat tunnels where our guide will explain how the Vietcong survived and fought during the Vietnam War.
    Known as the "Iron Triangle" during the war of the 60's, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam's military history. Later, we drive 50 km to the downtown of Saigon for overnight accommodation.

    
    

    Meals: Breakfast.
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

11. Day 11: Saigon city tour – Departure.

    Following breakfast, you’ll be touring some major sights in the centre, taking in the Reunification Palace and the War Remnant Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Sai Gon Post Office, the City Municipal Hall, and Ben Thanh Market where everything is for sales. Check out by 12:00 followed by the transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

    
    

    Meals: Breakfast.
    Accommodation: N/A.