15 days - Splendid Indochina Holiday - Luong Prabang – Hanoi – Halong – Hoi An – Saigon – Siem Reap

Each of the Indochinese countries (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) has its own unique attractions, diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes. Ancient monuments, historic towns and old royal capitals are witnesses for the illustrious past; nowadays, it is opening the doors to the world and showing tourists its hidden treasures. 15 day Splendid Indochina Holiday will be perfect tour to explore Indochina.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Luangprabang (G)

Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is the first stop for your Indochina Tours, perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. Overnight at hotel in Luangprabang.

Day 2: Luangprabang (B/L) (G)

Luang Prabang is the well-preserved ancient capital of the Lao Kingdom – the jewel in the crown of South East Asia for many who travel here. Today it is a delightful, tranquil village easily explored on foot. Wedged between the Mekong and Khan rivers, it has been nominated as a World Heritage site andis famous for its many Wats (temples) - 32 of the 66 that were built before French colonisation still stand. All of them are well kept and in use, with numerous monks in residence. The most beautiful Wat is Zieng Thong overlooking the Mekong. After breakfast we board our small boat and head to the holy caves of Pak Ou. This cave system is crammed with images made in the likeness of Buddha. It’s a good idea to bring along a head torch as the more adventurous of our party have the opportunity to head to the deep upper cave known as Tham Phum. On the way home we stop to visit the traditional home made rice wine village of Ban Xang Hai. On return, we also have time visiting Ban Xangkhong, Ban Xienglek, villages of Jute Sar paper hand making, known for its hand made paper quality. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this charming town.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luangprabang – Hanoi (B) (G)

After the breakfast, your are free at leisure until our private Indochina tour guide and driver in Luang Prabang transfer you to airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our private Vietnam Tour guide and driver will welcome your Indochina Holiday, pick up and transfer to the hotel for check in. Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi City Tour (B/L) (G)

Hanoi is choice for any Indochina Tours. Today we enjoy a full day Hanoi city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword.

Late afternoon we take a cyclo tour for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. In the evening, we end Hanoi city tour with a fantastic traditional water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong (B/L/D) (G)

This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Halong Bay (165km, one of Vietnam’s, and indeed Southeast Asia’s, most spectacular natural attractions, whose staggering beauty has seen it listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, highlight of any Vietnam Tours, presents a quite extraordinary vista of hundreds of limestone islands (over 1600 at last count) that rise from the jade green waters of the bay like the scales of some great submerged dragon. Indeed Halong means ‘where the dragon descends to the sea’ and local legends tells of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a mighty dragon as he ran from the mountains into the glittering waters of the bay below.

Upon arrival, board your traditional wooden junk. Welcome drink on board. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the wonderful Ha Long bay visiting its amazing grottoes and caves. Opportunity to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water of East Sea before relaxing on your sun deck to view a Halong sunset. Dinner on board with excellent fresh seafood. Overnight on board.

Day 6: Halong – Hanoi – Hoi An (B) (G)

People said that your Vietnam Tours would not have been done without a trip to Halong Bay and a romantic night on board. People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.

This morning, get up early to catch the sunrise on the bay, doing Ta Chi on sundeck and relax with a cup of hot coffee or tea when the boat cruising to explore more of Halong Bay. All makes your Indochina Holiday unforgettable. Back to Halong city, end of your beautiful Halong Bay Cruise at around noon where our private guide and driver are waiting for the transfer back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Danang. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi A.

Day 7: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, we invite you an interesting visit to My Son Holy land, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. Contemplate its remarkable red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. My Son is interesting Vietnam Tours for the ones who want to learn about Vietnam History, Vietnam Culture, Vietnam Architecture.

Drive back to Hoi An, we end today's beautiful Hoi An Tour with the visit to the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the colourful riverside market. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An (B)

Hoi An Ancient Town – The most interesting break for any Indochina Tours and no Indochina Tour maker would skip, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Da Nang Beach. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (B) (G)

After breakfast, our Vietnam tour guide and driver in Hoi An will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, welcome by our private Vietnam tour guide and driver and transfer to you hotel for check in. Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful Vietnam Tours and cities to visit in Vietnam. Free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) (G)

Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour, en route to visit the bustling market at Thu Dao Mot. Upon arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Can Tho (B/L) (G)

Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters gives the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere and no doubt one of the most favorite destinations for Vietnam Tours. On arrival, we will make a boat trip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta. Continue your boat trip to An Binh Island for Lunch in a local family and bike trip in the afternoon. Continue to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Check in on your arrival, free at leisure and overnight in Can Tho.

Day 12: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap (B) (G)

In the morning, we make the boat cruise to see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats), truly spotlight of your Vietnam Tours where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals and later, you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill, a rice noodles making shop which are nice chances to discover the daily life of Vietnamese people in Mekong Delta. Have lunch at local restaurant (on own) before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Siem Reap Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 13: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat (B/L/D) (G)

Siem Reap is the last stop and a surprise for your Indochina Tour. Morning visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon visit to the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat then continue to visit the Bakheng Hill temple with Sun Set included from the top of this hill, back hotel.

Dinner at local restaurant and enjoy Apsara Dance & Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Cruise – Phauk Village (B/L) (G)

This morning, we do another beautiful Siem Reap tour with a wonderful cruise on Tonle Sap Lake for 1hour, visit floating village and fisherman life, then back to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor and Old Market. Lunch at local restaurant.

This afternoon, transfer to visit the base of Silk Village Phauk, it’s the village of Marble work, silk weaving and silk sewing and back to visit West Baray. Back hotel. Dinner at local & Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Departure (B) (G)

Free time at leisure for you to wrap up your memorial Indochina Holiday until our private guide will see you off at the airport with the sincere thanks for traveling with us. We hope that you have enjoyed your Indochina Tours with us and look forward to organizing your future Indochina tours. Indochinavalue says goodbye and see you again!!!