Legendary Indochina

After breakfast, we begin a fascinating day with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, locates on a small peninsula on the East side of West Lake, this is the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. Our next stop will be the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. In the afternoon, take a visit to Museum of Ethnology, widely considered the finest modern museum, exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. Later, go back to the city centre, we visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple then take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast and check out hotel, you travel to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay where our boat and sumptuous seafood feast awaits us. Cruising amongst the limestone islets, you will have a chance to explore various caves including Dinh Huong Island, Fighting Cock Island, Dog Island, Sail Island. Passing across a fishing-floating house and bargain some fresh shrimps, crabs and fishes. Overnight on the board.

After a night on board our deluxe junk, you will awake to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving you with unforgettable memory of your visit. Breakfast and Lunch on board before we disembark at the pier. Transfer to the airport for flight to Hue. On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide and transfer to check in hotel. Overnight in Hue.

Being recognized by UNESCO as the 1st Cultural World Heritage for Vietnam, Hue is highlighted by the old royal architectural works and the most traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. After breakfast, we will discover the charm of the city from the Citadel Complex of Hue, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue ancient Capital – the World Cultural Heritage. This is a huge complex covering an area of 520ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). Also visit the Dong Ba bustling market. Take a boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda and then visit the Tombs of King Minh Mang and Khai Dinh – two best-reserved monuments of the Nguyen Emperors since early 19th and early 20th centuries. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast and check-out hotel, we will depart from Hue, passing Lang Co Beach and enjoy the landscape of Hai Van (the “Ocean Cloudy Mountain Pass”) before arriving in Danang. Sightsee the city from Cham Museum, the marvelous museum which tells us in advance about the Cham Culture, once brightened in Central Vietnam. Then go on to the Marble Mountain, a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble, before reaching Hoian after midday. After check in the hotel in Hoian, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

After breakfast, today is for Hoian ancient town – when walking over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls and Trading Houses, Pagodas, and stroll around the market located by Thu Bon river, you may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the charm of Hoi An a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. From the town pier, we embark on the boat on Thu Bon river. Enjoy the busy daily life of Hoian people from the boat. Continue to Thanh Ha pottery village where we learn and enjoy the daily life of Thanh Ha people. Observe all the steps of making a pottery product: vase, pot, kettle, cooking pot,... Return back to hotel after the visits or spend more time for shopping at the town centre. Overnight in Hoian.

After breakfast and check out hotel, we transfer to Danang Airport to board the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide and transfer to check in hotel. This afternoon, begin our city tour at 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. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notredame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. End your tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast, we head to My Tho, the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper,… Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. We stop at one of 4 islands in the area for sightseeing. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation. Embark on the small boats rowed by the local people thru the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee. We return to Saigon, with stop to visit the beautiful Vinh Trang pagoda on the way. Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast and check out hotel, we visit to Cu Chi tunnels. Located 60km from Saigon, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. This afternoon, we transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide and transfer to check in hotel. Overnight in Seam Reap.

After breakfast, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries! This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia's ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans. Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wat's five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Thmei (Killing Field) contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Continue to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. This afternoon we visit Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here we will see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. Then visit Wat Bo, a highly respected pagoda founded in the 18th century, contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be from late 19th century. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, at leisure until check out hotel (standard check out time 12h00) and transfer to the airport for our onward flight. On the way if time permits, we visit Puok, the real and original place of the Artisans d’Angkor silk, where we see the full process of silk producing, from the silk worms munch on the Mulberry leaves to spin their cocoons which used to make silk warp. We of course will see the weaving work and purchase the high quality silk products as a beautiful Cambodia souvenir. Continue to Siem Reap Airport for our departure flight. 

On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide at Luang Prabang airport and transfer to check in hotel. Standard check in time is 14h00, early check in upon availability. This afternoon, we discover Luang Prabang from the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. The museum displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Take a walk from here crossing by many beautiful temples and traditional houses until we reach the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Laotian architecture. We end the day by walking up Phousi Hill - the 328 steps lead to the summit and provides the finest panoramic sunset view. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we transfer to visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue visit to The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - the first exhibition space and fair trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Laos’ traditional arts and lifestyles.
This afternoon, we board a cruise trip to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Enjoy the panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as we cruise upstream the Mekong River. Along the way, we stop to visit Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. On arrival, we visit two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. On the cruise trip back to Luang Prabang, we visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

An optional early start will give us the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Continue to visit the Morning Market, where we will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest before we visit Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, stop to visit Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay Village, Ban Ou village and Ban Thapene Village. On arrival at the waterfalls, take a leisure trek through the national park, passing by the Asian bear rescue center and many smaller waterfalls. Swimming in the cool and turquoise water is possible. Return to Luang Prabang and transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up by our local tour guide and transfer to check in hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.