OVERVIEW

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
20 Days / 19 Nights

Few regions in the world resonate with quite as much romance as Indochina. The three countries within the grouping – Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – share many things in common. Not only are all three nations visually stunning in their own unique way, each one possesses a rich and rewarding cultural and historical heritage. Accordingly, there are destinations in each that are well established as essential stops on any Asian itinerary, for you to discover.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE LENS

Traditional Vietnamese Architecture of Ngoc Son Temple, Ha Noi
Famous Water Puppet Show, Ha Noi
Duong Lam Village - One of The Country's Few Remaining Ancient Villages
Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
The City’s Oldest Temple – The Magnificent Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang
The Topaz Pools below The Kwang Si Waterfall

The Legend of Indochina

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
20 Days / 19 Nights

Day 01: ARRIVAL - HANOI

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, local tour guide greets you at the airport and transfer to hotel for a refreshment after the long-haul flight.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 02: HANOI [B-L]

We reserve the full day for Hanoi sightseeing, highlighted with famous Water Puppet Show.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is a blend of long established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. During your tour today we visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, the miniature One Pillar Pagoda dating from the 11th century, the Temple of Literature – the Vietnam’s first university and one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Continue the walk to the Old Quarter, its fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street is named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft lover’s paradise; and an interesting place to explore local life. After all is the famous Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in the northern of Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 03: HANOI - HA TAY - DUONG LAM [B-L]

Today we travel west of Hanoi to Duong Lam village, one of the country's few remaining ancient villages. It is a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta which still preserves many hundred-year-old houses. Visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu commune - the only hamlet whose original village entrance remains intact. Continue on through the narrow alleys to see the old laterite houses which make up this charming village, visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes.

Nearby is Mia Pagoda dating from the 17th century. The pagoda has 287 statues of all sizes, among which are famous sculptures such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the eight Vajra Deities. The largest one is the sculpture of Bat Bo Kim Cang located in the upper sanctuary.

On the way back to Hanoi, stop en route at Tay Phuong Pagoda, one of the first pagodas built in Vietnam and has magnificent dragons and demons carved into the wooden roof.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 04: HANOI - HA LONG BAY [B-L-D]

We depart for Ha Long Bay and embark the cruise ship for two days one night cruising in the bay.

The itinerary and onboard activities may be varied by cruise liners, though your mystical experience among those hundreds of green limestone islets, caves, beaches, floating villages, fresh seafood and local life is one of the rewarding memories of the trip through Vietnam.

Overnight onboard the junk

Day 05: HA LONG - HANOI - DA NANG - HOI AN [B-Brunch]

Disembarkation after the magnificent-bay-view brunch, we head back to Hanoi airport to catch the flight to Da Nang, followed by a short transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 06: HOI AN [B-L]

We spend the whole day today exploring Hoi An, known as Faifo to early Western trader.

The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shop houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shopper's paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central Market and the small Harbour where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a Private House, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the Family Chapels built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical Chinese-style Pagoda or Assembly Hall. Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.

Lunch is served with Cao Lau – Hoi An styled noodles, white rose dumplings and seasonal specialties.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 07: HOI AN - DA NANG - SAIGON [B]

Your free time to explore Hoi An of your own until transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Overnight in Saigon

Day 08: SAIGON [B-L]

A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you will see the meeting of traditional and modern life.

We begin exploring this exciting city with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and famed French architect Gustave Eiffel’s Central Post Office. From there, stroll along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, (Hotel de Ville), the ivory Opera House, both may only be viewed from the outside

Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam–American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.

After lunch break, continue to explore the sprawling, densely packed Cho Lon (Chinatown) constantly bustles with activity and retains a traditional feeling, unlike the more modern Saigon city center. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with Chinese Medicine Market and Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 09: SAIGON - CU CHI TUNNELS - SAIGON [B]

We spend the morning to visit Cu Chi Tunnels that never discovered by American forces.

The tunnels were an important Viet Cong (VC) base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the daily life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

After this unique experience, return to Saigon for an afternoon leisure at your own to explore Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 10: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON [B-L]

Heading south of Saigon to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, we take a boat trip on Mekong River and a sampan through canals into gardens and rural houses, where lots of families produce coconut candy, feed the bee for honey, or plant juicy fruit. We stop at some families to enjoy a traditional music performance and taste the honey tea.

Lunch is served at local restaurant with typical crispy elephant-ear-fish and fried-ball-sticky-rice.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 11: SAIGON - SIEM REAP [B]

In the morning, say farewell to Saigon and take the international flight to Siem Reap

It’s promisingly a very special and acting day as we are going to explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. Angkor Wat, famous for its beauty and splendor, features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.

The ancient capital of Angkor Thom dating back in 12th century, The West Gate, the South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant and Leper King Terraces and Ta Prohm that has been relatively untouched since discovered and retained much of its mystery.

In the evening, enjoy dinner with Khmer style cuisine and traditional Apsara dance show.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 12: SIEM REAP - BANTEY SAMRE - KBAL SPEAN [B-L]

Today we journey to the northeast of Siem Reap, to visit the original “River of a Thousand Lingas”, Kbal Spean, an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills the Cambodian jungle. Lingas are phallic representations sacred to Hinduism as symbols of fertility, and hundreds of them are carved into the rock here, as are several carvings of Gods and animals above the small waterfall. The area was only rediscovered in 1969 when French researcher Jean Boulbet was shown the carvings by a local hermit.

Banteay Srei is the fabled pink temple of women, so called because it is made of pink sandstone & considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carving and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of travelers' favorite temples. Its Apsara and male and female divinities represent the most skilled craftsman ship of sandstone carvings. It was dedicated in 987, making it one of the oldest temples in the region, though it was not rediscovered until the 1900s.

Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century, consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompany by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 13: SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP [B]

In the morning, we visit the village and take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the Great Lake of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

Visit to Les Artisans D' Angkor, home of handicraft center and the Old Market "Phsa Chas”, a lively outdoor market where you will find antiquities, silver and gold jewelry, gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-Shirts, CDs and other souvenirs.

In the evening, explore the night market on your own or enjoy a nice drink at famous Pub Street.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 14: SIEM REAP - LUANG PRABANG [B]

Your free time at leisure until transfer to the airport to catch international flight to Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 15: LUANG PRABANG [B]

We spend the whole day today visiting the highlights of Luang Prabang including the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang, the city’s oldest temple – the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. 

We will pay a late afternoon visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. After a cup of coffee of your wish, climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the sun setting over the Mekong River. 

Descending the mountain your will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts locally made by both ethnic Lao and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 16: LUANG PRABANG - KWANGSI WATERFALL - PAK OU CAVES [B]

This morning we drive to Khouangsi Waterfall stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market, where all locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping.  You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos. On arrival at the Khouangsi Waterfall you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary.

Upon return to Luang Prabang we board our private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. After disembarkation, take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving upon getting back to hotel.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 17: LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG [B-L]

Our drive today takes us into the mountainous regions of northern Laos, amid stunning scenery and through endless ethnic minority villages.  We will stop at a mountain top restaurant with majestic 360 degrees mountain views for lunch.

Arriving in Vang Vieng in late afternoon, we will check into our hotel and take a pleasant boat trip along the Nam Song River that flows between the town and the soaring limestone karst mountain.

Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 18: VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE [B]

This morning, we visit the famous Than Jang Cave, once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders and take a boat trip on the Nam Song River.

In the afternoon we drive to the national capital of Vientiane, a charming city with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. Our drive will take approximately 4 hours passing through spectacular countryside before climbing into the mountains. There will be photo opportunities along the way and a stop at a colourful local market where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. 

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 19: VIENTIANE [B]

This morning we head out to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa, stopping along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, from there you visit COPE Center. The COPE was created in response to the need to provide UXO survivors with the care and support they required, namely by way of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This museum was set after in 1997 to help covering the victim during Indochina war. 

In the afternoon we drive south from Vientiane city to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures set in parkland on the banks of the Mekong close to the Friendship Bridge. Here we find over 200 religious images dating back some 500 years faithfully recreated by a mysterious Buddhist monk.

Your evening is free to explore the Night Market and sample some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants the town has to offer.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 20: VIENTIANE - DEPARTURE [B]

Your free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your onward journeys.

ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

As per mentioned in the itinerary, our service includes

  • 24/7 helpline
  • Licensed tour guide
  • Flight reconfirmation
  • Cruise and/or boat trip
  • Entrance ticket to sightseeing spot
  • Meal (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer

Unless otherwise agreed, our service does not include

  • Visa arrangement
  • Personal travel insurance
  • International and domestic flight
  • Meal other mentioned in the itinerary
  • Beverage or alcoholic drink at mealtimes
  • Tips and gratuities to local service providers
  • Personal expenditures such as laundry, in-room services, telephone, etc.
  • Any extra service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion

For your safe and sound journey, please bring to mind the following points

  • Travel insurance package covering emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
  • Actual flight details and fare are confirmed upon ticket issuance, airlines conditions applied.
  • Departures / Reservations during peak travel periods and/or local festive days may be subject to supplementary and compulsory charges.
  • Standard check-in time for accommodation is 14:00 and check-out time is 11:00. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to available with charges.
  • The above program and services are proposed for your reference only. Reservations are made only until we receive your written confirmation to do so.
  • Touring activities and travel program may be changed due to un-expected circumstances, inclusive and not limited to weather disaster. We shall be finding the utmost possibilities and options to remain your trips at leisure.

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The Legend of Indochina
20 Days / 19 Nights

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  • Additional information

Additional information

Weight 23 kg
Dimensions 12 × 24 × 35 cm
Duration

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