Lifetime Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia – 16 Days

* BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival – Luang prabang – (Optional Sunset Dinner on Mekong River)

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave

Day 3: Luang Prabang city tour – Kuangsi waterfall

Day 4: Luang Prabang – flight to Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay. Overnight

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi walking tour

Day 8: Hanoi – Hoi An (flight)

Day 9: Hoi An – Sightseeing + My Son

Day 10: Hoi An optional tours

Day 11: Hoi An – Flight to Saigon (morning) – Cu Chi tunnel in the afternoon

Day 12: Saigon – Cai Be – Vinh Long

Day 13: Saigon City Tour – afternoon flight to REP

Day 14: Angkor Wat – Group Tour

Day 15: Siem Reap – Optional Tour to Tonle Sap

Day 16: Siem Reap Departure

Day 1: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL- OPTIONAL SUNSET DINNER ON MEKONG RIVER (-/-/-)

Upon arrival in Luong Prabang Airport, you’ll receive cordial welcome and comfortable transfer to hotel for check in and rest.

Optional sunset dinner on Mekong River. (Pls advise us if you want to book on spot)

O/N in Luong Prabang

Day 2: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we depart hotel to the boat landing, and take an excursion (a few hours) by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height.

En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant.

We arrive back to Luang Prabang in late afternoon, and you’ll spend the rest of time at your leisure.

O/N in Luang Prabang. 

Day 3: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR- KUANG SI WATERFALL (B/-/-)

Today, we take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty temples still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; 

Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang.

This evening is free for your own exploration or seek for a luck at the colorful night market.

O/N in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: LUANG PRABANG – FLIGHT TO HANOI (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we’ll visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There is also a chance for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights, it’s time for your independent exploration of the town until the transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up and drive to the hotel for check in and rest.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HANOI GROUP TOUR TO HALONG BAY, OVERNIGHT ON BOAT (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be picked by our guide & driver at hotel then driven to Halong Bay – 170km from the East of Hanoi. On the way, you will have chances to stop by green paddies to see the Vietnamese farmers working on their fields or you might get by a Humanity Center where we are nursing the disabled Children who are left behind the War & they are victims of Agent Oranges caused by American troops.

At around 12:00, you will reach to Halong Bay recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1994. The islands in Ha Long Bay are mainly limestone and schist islands most lying in the two main areas: the southeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay and southwestern part of Ha Long Bay. They are the result of many times of rising and lowering processes of the continent to form a karst. The process of nearly full erosion and weathering of the karst created the unique Ha Long Bay in the world. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values.

On arrival at 12h30, we are welcome on the traditional boat and have welcome drink. Start the boat trip to visit Halong Bay with outstanding natural beauty of many Islands such as Con Cho Island, Dinh Huong Island, Canh Buom Island, Ga Choi Island and have fresh seafood lunch served on board.

In the afternoon, you will have opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cave in Ha long Bay- Sung Sot Cave or Suprising Cave, then swimming on Titop or do kayak to visit Luon Cave. Watching sunset. Fishing with seine and owing bamboo boat (on request)

Dinner and overnight on boat.

Day 6: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/-/-)

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy aquamarine water of the bay at its best. After breakfast and perhaps early swim, the junk continue to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. Enjoy more isolated and spectacular islands of the bay. After lunch on board we disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi. 

Day 7: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HANOI WALKING TOUR (B/-/-)

This morning is spent discovering the main attractions of Hanoi. 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. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

After lunch, transfer to the Northern Gate of the Ancient Citadel, an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history and cultural importance. Learn a bit about the history of the imposing structure and the nearby Cua Bac Church, a beautiful example of French and catholic influence in the city. Then, walk on foot to Chau Long market for a closer look at Hanoian culture in the flurry of a local market.

After exploring the street stalls here, visit Quan Thanh Temple. The 11th Century Taoist temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city, and about a ten minute walk from the market. Then embark on a lengthier stroll toward West Lake, hearing the story of John McCain and this monument along the way. Head off along a quieter back road, and stop next at historic Pho Cuon restaurant by Truc Bach Lake for a quick snack.

Do it as the local do! Take your plastic seat and dip Pho Cuon into the tasty Nuoc Mam sauce and enjoy this specialty of Hanoi. Afterward, set off along Nguyen Truong To Street – famous for its desserts — toward Hang Than Street, the centre of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores. Learn a bit about Vietnam’s unique wedding culture while sampling some wedding cakes.

Shake off your sugar rush on a stroll to nearby Hang Cot Street for a look at Hanoi’s mat weaving borough before stopping off along Hang Ga Street for a local coffee shop. End your walking tour with a traditional Vietnamese coffee and back to your hotel with a leisurely paced cyclo ride to soak up the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

O/N in Hanoi.

Day 8: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HANOI- HOI AN (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we’ll take a morning flight to Da Nang. On arrival at Da Nang airport, we’ll be picked up and transferred to Hoi An.

O/N in Hoi An. 

Day 9: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HOI AN SIGHTSEEING TOUR & MY SON SANCTUARY (B/-/-)

This morning is spent visiting Hoian town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. You’ll have ample time to explore the town independently then.

This afternoon is a half day trip to My Son, the religious Centre of the former Champa Kingdom. Set in a lush green valley, dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries provide a breathtaking site. On the way back to Hoi An, we’ll stop to visit Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel that once stood as the capital of Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 8th centuries.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia:HOI AN OPTIONAL TOURS OF CYCLING, COOKING OR ECO TOURS (B/-/-)

Today is crafted free for you to choose what best suits yourself. Perhaps you join us on an eco- tour or cycling in the breathtaking countryside or cooking class in town. (Pls advise us if you want to book on spot)

O/N in Hoi An

Day 11: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: HOI AN- FLIGHT TO SAIGON- CU CHI TOUR (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for a short morning flight to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to the legendary Cu Chi like –web underground tunnel network which was used as the base from there the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968.

The Cu Chi tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels, the tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along.

O/N in Saigon.

Day 12: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: SAIGON GROUP TOUR TO CAI BE, VINH LONG (B/-/-)

Head south to the Mekong Delta, where evergreen islands stand amidst the intricate network of meandering rivers. The Cai Be floating market is unlike any you’ve ever seen, with the vendor’s wares being displayed as they hang from large poles on the bow of the boat. Lunch in a superb colonial villa nestled inside a quaint village before returning by boat and car to the big city.

Overnight in Saigon 

Day 13: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: SAIGON SIGHTSEEING- FLIGHT TO SIEM REAP (B/-/-)

This morning is spent discovering Saigon. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. Start with a visit to the Reunification Palace.

This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. The final stop is Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!

This afternoon, we’ll take a short flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival there, you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel to check in and rest.

O/N in Siem Reap. 

Day 14: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: ANGKOR WAT GROUP TOUR (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, join us on a group tour to Angkor Wat complex – the largest religious monument in the world. The Temple 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.

O/N in Siem Reap

Day 15: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: SIEM REAP- OPTIONAL TOUR TO TONLE SAP (B/-/-)

The unique Angkor Temples are truly impressive. However, Cambodia has more to offer. It is worth taking a closer look at the other parts of Siem Reap, its surrounding area and its people.

Today, you may enjoy your independent exploration or perhaps join us on an optional tour to Siem Reap vicinity. Following the breakfast, drive straight 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. On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chass, called the “Old Market”, where you can see the locals shopping and going about their lives. (Pls advise us if you want to book on spot)

O/N in Siem Reap.

Day 16: Indochina Holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

After breakfast, free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight home 

—End of services—

Prices For those who are in PRIVATE TOUR (Valid until 2019-end)

=> And for those who are just keen on signing up our GROUP TOUR, the special cost is just US$ 1.480/person for the 3-star hotels and ONLY US$ 1.799/person for the 4-star hotels. However, please contact our team via sales@dnqtravel.com to know more about the departure dates

=> The surcharge for 1-way International airfare from Luang Prabang to Hanoi by Vietnam Airlines is US$ 190/person

=> The surcharge for 1-way International airfare from Saigon to Siemreap by Vietnam Airlines is US$ 195/person

(NOTE: The airfare could be changed without prior notice at the time of booking or issuance)

=> If you want to upgrade your stay upto 5-star hotels, kindly email us at sales@dnqtravel.com 

* List of 3-star hotels in use:

– Hanoi: Silk Queen Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkqueenhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Halong Bay: Luxury Flamingo **** cruise (Deluxe Cabin) http://luxuryflamingocruises.vn or similar ones

– Hoi An: Hoi An River Beach Resort (Deluxe room) http://www.river-beachresort.com/ or similar ones

– Saigon: Saigon Ruby River hotel (Superior room) www.rubyriverhotel.com.vn  or similar ones

– Siem Reap: Kouprey HOTEL (Superior room) www.hotelkoupreyangkor.org/en-us or similar ones

– Phnom Penh: FRANGIPANI LIVING ART HOTEL  (Superior room) frangipanihotel.com  or similar ones

– Luang Prabang: Chitcharleurn hotel (ROH room) www.cm-hotel.com or similar ones

* List of 4-star hotels in use:

– Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkpathhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Halong Bay: Pelican Cruise **** cruise (Deluxe Cabin) http://www.pelicancruise.com/ or similar ones

– Hoi An: Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa (Deluxe room) http://www.littlehoian.com/ or similar ones

– Saigon: Saigon Harmony hotel (Deluxe room) www.harmonysaigonhotel.com/en/ or similar ones

– Siem Reap: Angkor Holiday hotel (Superior room) www.angkorholidayhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Phnom Penh: Kravan Hotel (Superior room) kravanhotel.com/ or similar ones

– Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel & Resort (Deluxe room) www.villasantihotel.com or similar ones

INCLUDING:

•  Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver 
•  Air ticket Hanoi – Danang, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City
•  Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
•  Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch & D = Dinner
•  English or French speaking guide
•  Entrance fee to indicated sights 
•  Boat trips
•  Pure bottled water & wipes

EXCLUDING:

Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, international flight Saigon- Siem Reap, single room, personal expenses, insurance…