TREASURE OF INDOCHINA 23 DAYS

TREASURE OF INDOCHINA 23 DAYS
Tour Information
Tour code 703
Tour duration 23 DAYS
Tour start/end HANOI, VIETNAM / LUANGPRABANG, LAOS
Tour route Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoi An – My Son - Nha Trang - Saigon – Cu Chi – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh - Siem Reap – Vientiane – Luang Prabang.

OVERVIEW

You will go from rapture to dazzling and have unforgettable memories about Indochina with 2 days trip discovering Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. From hectic city of Sai Gon, Hanoi   to pristine beaches of Nha Trang and historical sites of Hoi An, Hue, Angkor temple…, Vientiane, Luangprabang.

Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D) 
Day 2: Hanoi City tour (B, L)
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long (B, L, D)
Day 4: Ha Long - Hanoi (B, L)
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (B, L)
Day 6: Hue city tour (B, L)
Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B,L) 
Day 8: Hoi An - My Son (B, L)
Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)
Day 10: Nha Trang boat trip (B, L)
Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city tour  (B, L)
Day 12: Cu Chi tunnel tour (B, L)
Day 13: Saigon - Chau Doc (B, L)
Day 14: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B)
Day 15: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tours (B)
Day 16: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B)
Day 17: Siem Reap - Angkor tours (B)
Day 18: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (B) 
Day 19: Siem Reap - Vientiane
Day 20: Vientiane - Luangprabang (B)
Day 21: Luangprabang – Mekong river cruise – Pak Ou Buddha caves (B)
Day 22: Luangprabang - Kuang Si Waterfall. (B)
Day 23: Luangprabang Departure


FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Upon arriving at Hanoi, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel in the center of Hanoi. The rest of the day is time at leisure. Tonight, our guide will meet you again and we have welcome diner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Day 2: Hanoi City tour (B, L)
Today , we will visit Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh Complex that includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, House-on-Stilts, One Pillar pagoda. After that we will visit the Temple of Literature -  a temple to Confucius, this is also known as  Vietnam’s first University dating back to 1070
 After having lunch at a nice restaurant, we continue our trip to visit Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best museums in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the ground. Then, we back to the center of Hanoi to visit Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy one hour Cyclo Tour through the Old Quarter that also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets are home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally, each of the 36 s names’ was related to the products being sold there. It’s a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities. Overnight in Hanoi.


 
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will depart for Halong Bay – designated a UNESCO World Heritage. Going through the scenic countryside, we get to Ha Long Bay. Discovering Ha Long Bay, we contemplate one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We embark on a boat for exploring the islands and grottos. Cruising past the evocatively shaped islets and dramatic caves of Ha Long bay can be a magical experience. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Overnight on boat
 
Day 4: Ha Long - Hanoi (B, L)
We will wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Then we explore Luon cave, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will be served. Check out and arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, we will drive back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 16:00, check in the hotel an relax. Overnight in Hanoi

  
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (B, L)
We are free until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue at noontime. Hue is an ancient romantic land and famous for its magnificent architecture of citadel, palaces, pagodas and royal tombs built under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Hue has been representing the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam for a long period.
Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up and transfer to hotel in Hue. The rest of day is free time at leisure. Overnight in Hue
 
Day 6: Hue city tour (B, L)
This morning, we will take a dragon boat to cruise along the Perfume River heading down to Thien Mu pagoda. Off the boat, we then visit Thien Mu pagoda, one of the best-loved architectural pagodas in Vietnam considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601.
Then we go to a pagoda for a well-prepared vegetarian lunch, served by nuns in a much more the life of religious people in the central area. After lunch, we continue to visit a tomb monument of King Tu Duc, which is located in a very special area. More than just a tomb visiting, it is the chance to learn more about Nguyen King and the landscape is spectacular. Back to hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hue



 
Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)
In the morning, pick up from hotel in Hue and drive to Hoi An. Hoi An developed most of its uniquely eclectic townscape between the 16th and 19th centuries. During most of this time Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Over the years, many elements of these diverse architectural styles blended harmoniously with indigenous Vietnam features. Hoi An was relatively untouched by the Vietnam War, so the old world charm is stil in. We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge. Overnight in Hoian
 
Day 8: Hoi An - My Son (B/L)
This morning, we will drive to My Son that was the religious centre between 4th and 13th centuries to visit the Sanctuary of the Champa Empire. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious ruins comprising more than 70 architectural remains. UNESCO recognized the Cham architecture in My Son as a Cultural Heritage site in 1999. Overnight in Hoian


 
Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B, L)
You are free until transferring to Da Nang for the short flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, our guide will get pick you up and drive to hotel in Nha Trang. The rest of the day is the time at leisure. Overnight in Nhatrang

Day 10: Nha Trang boat trip (B/L) -
Join in group tour
After breakfast at your hotel,  

8:30 – 8:45 am: Pick you up at your hotel to start the exciting boat trip.

9:10 am: Tri Nguyen Aquarium-Biology sea inside Neptune’s place with hundreds of fishes

10:00 am: To Mun island

The most beautiful protected marine area of Nha trang Bay, you enjoy snorkeling to observe sea creatures such as anemones, coral reefs, ornamental fish.

12.00 – 15.30 pm: To Ngang cove

Have lunch with many excellent dishes: fried salt shrimp, fried fish in sour and sweet sauce, saute cuttlefish, grilled rib spring rolls and softly soft noodles.

Entertainment program: Music, singing and dancing

Happy hour: “ Floating Bar” a cup of grape wine with a piece of pineapple

You will be able cheer with your friends even in the water with Funky Monkey guide

15:45 - 16:30 pm: To Tranh Beach shore

Relax and join beach sport or laze on the beach

Fruit party: enjoy eating many kinds of fruits from Nhatrang

16:45 pm: Land at the harbor and take you back the hotel. Overnight in Nhatrang



Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city tour  (B, L)
Breakfast is severed at the hotel, then being transferred to Cam Ranh airport for boarding a flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrive to Ho Chi Minh city, Asia Top Travel tour expert will personally welcome you and transfer you to hotel in the downtown for check in.
Afternoon, you enjoy a half day city tour of the highlights of Ho Chi Minh city.
We start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral that was built between 1877 and 1883. This is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Nearby is the Old Post Office that is another example of French colonial architecture and is the country’s largest post office. Then, we move on to see the Reunification Palace. This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. After that, we continue to visit War Remnants Museum - Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Overnight in Hochiminh

Day 12: Cu Chi tunnel tour (B, L)
Breakfast is severed at the hotel. This morning, we leave Saigon for driving through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels where the Vietnamese could escape bombings, hide from enemy, and mount surprise attacks. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon is free on your own at leisure or exploring  the city by yourself. Overnight in Hochiminh


 
Day 13: Saigon - Chau Doc (B, L)
This morning, leave your hotel at 7.00 for a 3-hour drive to Cai Be with stop en route at Trung Luong Bonsai garden for a tea break. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat to visit the popcorn cake, rice paper making family before visiting the lively floating market of Cai Be. Then continue by boat towards Vinh Long province to see the diverse fish traps in order to learn a kind of lazy fishing. After cruising along small shady canals, we step ashore and take a chance to watch a typical and interesting music show of the Mekong cultural life. Lunch is at the home/ bonsai garden. Afternoon, we take a walk for about half an hour to enjoy the rural peaceful atmosphere of the countryside life. Continuing our boat trip to Vinh Long town then get on our car to Proceed to Chau Doc and check-in at our hotel in Chau Doc. Overnight in Chaudoc
 
Day 14: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B)
After breakfast, 06:50 am you check out then take the Hang Chau speed boat from Chau Doc at 7:30am up Mekong river to Phnom Penh at 12:30 noon. Our tour guide gives you the boat tickets and help you board the boat. You take visa on arrival at Vinh Xuong river border gate (Visa stamp fee is paid by yourselves, 30 USD/person). Upon arrival Port Phnom Penh from Chau Doc at 13:00/14:00.

On arrival to Phnom Penh and welcome by guide and driver transfer to discover discover the Phnom Penh City, visit Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda stand up on the hill, Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia's ruled by France in 1953, Wat Unalom, the oldest Buddhist foundation in the city, probably predating the abandonment of the capital at Angkor in the 15th century. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 15: Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tours (B)
Today, you will discover the Phnom City including: Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), the National Museum built in 1917-18 is exclusively dedicated to Khmer arts. Royal Palace built in 1866, Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound and then Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda stand up on the hill. Dinner at Bopha Phnom Penh Restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 16: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B)
Breakfast at hotel – transfer to Mekong Bus for departure to Siem Reap (07.30am – 13.30pm), on arrival your will be met and then transferred direct to hotel for refreshment. This afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex, cover 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show at local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap


 
Day 17: Siem Reap - Angkor tours (B)
Breakfast at hotel.

Continue your visit to the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century); See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 18: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake (B)
An early morning – we drive 35 km out of town to visit the famous Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women), we drive back to the sought by visit to Bakong Temple one of among Rolous Group before continue your last trip to Kompong Phluk, one of natural tourisms and a mangroves for hundreds species of fresh water fishes and birds and decorated with ethnic stilted houses line over the water surface up to the air. The villages are primarily Khmer and have about 3000 inhabitants between them, most of who live in stilted houses. The people depend largely on fishing and tourism for their incomes. We embark on the traditional wooden boat through the flooded forests of the Great Tonle Sap Lake, habitat of many bird species it will bring you to Kampong Phluk. This amazing floating village is built on 8 to 10 m high stilts. We visit an island pagoda, a school and traditional stilt houses to interact with the local families. Overnight in Siem Riep


 
Day 19: Siem Reap - Vientiane
You are free until transferring to the airport for the departure flight to Vientiane. 
Welcome to Vientiane, arrive at Vientiane airport, and after customs & immigration formalities, Asia Top Travel tour expert will personally meet you and transfer you to the downtown hotel for check in. Enjoy a city tour to Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit Wat Simuang and Wat Prakeo, which was the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which today is situated in Bangkok.  There are many excellent restaurants in Vientiane, and you will easily find something to suit your taste. Visit  the huge golden That Luang monument, which all Lao citizens respect as holy pagoda. Visit  Vientiane's own Victory Monument, which looks like the Arc de Triumphe. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumoured to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway.   Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument. Tonight you enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular Vientian's eatery. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 20: Vientiane - Luangprabang (B)
After Breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to the former Royal capital. Upon your arrival, Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Then enjoy Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa.  The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.
Continue to visit Wat Mai.  Built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luangprabang architectural style. Visit Wat Xieng Thong further emphasizes the uniqueness of Luangprabang, its several roofs sweeping low to the ground.  See also the impressive "tree of life" mosaic here.  The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.  Climb up  Phousi hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy panoramic views for many miles in each direction.   Wat Phousi sits atop the mountain, along side the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Shop at the night market, where hundred of Hmong vendors display their handmade, handicrafts. Dinner tonight on your own but your guide can recommence the nice restaurants in town. Overnight in Luang Prabang



Day 21: Luangprabang – Mekong river cruise – Pak Ou Buddha caves
Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, visit the National Museum, once a king's palace.  Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. On return visit Por Sa Paper Handicraft & textile area at Ban Xang Khong. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 22: Luangprabang - Kuang Si Waterfall
Breakfast is served in the hotel. After the breakfast, travel to the Tad Kuang Si waterfall.  The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content.  You can climb the stairs and look down from various high viewpoints on the way to the top! Enjoy a picnic lunch and later in the afternoon return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own.  Luangprabang is a wonderful walking town, and you can find dinner on your own at any number of fine international restaurants. Visit Black H’Mong village where they produce varieties of handmade handicraft. Overnight in Luang Prabang

 

Day 23: Luangprabang Departure
Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, relax until transferring to the airport for your flight to your next destination. End of service.

 


Trip cost depends on your group size, travel period and your specific tour needs. Please send us enquiry for availabilities and the most up dated price.

Trip inclusion: 
Accommodation(double/twin sharing)
Private pick up and transfer for the entire trip(A/C van)
English/French speaking tour guide
Meals specified in tour program
Boat trips specified the tour program 
All entrance, permission and visiting fees
Domestic flight tickets within Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Trip price exclusion: 
Visa fee for entry Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia 
Meals other than those mentioned in the program; Personal drinks at meal times
International air tickets,  airport departure tax

Tipping for guides, rowing boat man/woman, drivers, doorman at the hotels…
Others not clearly mentioned

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TREASURE OF INDOCHINA 23 DAYS
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