Asia Travel Expert - Southeast Asia Travel

Indochina Highlights Tour 16 Days

Tour Highlights: Luang Phrabang - Ha Noi – Sapa  - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Tour Program:

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival (D)
Our guide will welcome you at the airport, then transfer to hotel for check-in. Luang Prabang is 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. After a short rest, we visit the impressive Stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfall (B/L)
After breakfast, you will be free for relaxing.
Tour suggestion: Half-day Elephant Ride
08:30 – 09:00 am. Depart from your hotel in Luang Prabang town. Pick up by our English speaking tour guide. Arrival at the Elephant Village. Welcome and greeting by our Camp Manager and participate in short briefing. Ride the Elephant. Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1 hour elephant ride on the Howdah (Elephant seat) boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall. Take a return boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall and spend some time in the clear water. Lunch will be provided at the Elephant Village Restaurant
Depart back to the Luang Prabang town and drop off at your hotel between 01:00 and 02:00 pm.
In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths and visit Bear rescues centre on the way leading to the waterfall. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (B)
The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which 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, and the Central Market are not to be missed. After visiting these sights in the morning, you will have free time for your own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Hanoi. Arriving in Hanoi, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to the city centre for hotel check-in. Overnight in Hanoi  

Day 4: Hanoi – train to Lao Cai (B/L)
The full day tour commences with visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, His House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda followed by Van Mieu – Temple of Literature. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover more of Hanoi with the visit to Ethnology Museum of Vietnam. Return to the Old Quarter of Hanoi for one hour Cyclo (trishaw) ride around the old streets and stop to visit Ngoc Son temple then enjoy a Traditional Water Puppet shows at Thang Long Theater. In the evening, you will take a night train to Sapa. 

Day 5: Lao Cai - Sapa - Cat Cat & Tafin villages (B)
Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.30, welcome by our local guide and take a ride to Sapa. Have breakfast and relax before exploring Sapa Town. In the afternoon, take a 2km trek to Cat Cat Village, home of H’mong Ethnics. Meet & talk with locals to learn more about their daily life. Then continue the ride to Tafin village (12km from Sapa) home to the Red Dzao minority. Visit Tafin Cave, Tafin handicraft shops and explore the daily life of Red Dzao. Here you have good choice to buy woven and textile brocades, which are hand made by ethnic people. Visit a small hamlet of Black H'mong people here too. Overnight at your hotel in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van villages (B/D)
Breakfast at hotel and check out at around 9:00-10:00am. You’ll use a private car to visit Lao Chai village of Black H’mong people. Then trek a little to visit Ta Van village of Dzay ethnic people. Drive back to Sa Pa for lunch at your own arrangement. A short shopping in town before moving to Lao Cai station. Dinner at Lao Cai. Have a train trip back to Hanoi. Overnight on an AC 4 berth soft sleeper train to Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi - Ha Long (B/L/D)
Arrive early morning (around 05:30-06:00) in Hanoi). You will be transferred to a local hotel for fresh up and  breakfast. 08:30am leave Hanoi for Ha Long bay. After 03 hours and a half drive we arrive in Ha Long bay, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival, transfer to a junk for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. Passing many rocks and islets in shape of Dog, Incense, Fighting-cock, Finger, Hoa Cuong etc and visit Surprise cave and short swim at Titov beach, kayak, if weather permitted. Have dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the night fishing and later over night on board.

Day 8: Ha Long - Hanoi - Hue (B/L)
In the morning, cruising to Bai Tu long bay, fishing village then moving toward Bai Chay. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 12.00 noon. You will be picked up and drive back to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for an afternoon flight to Hue. Check in your hotel and overnight in Hue.

Day 9: Hue - Cooking class & city tour (B/L)
In the morning, join a half day cooking class, we follow Mrs. Cuc, the owner of Y Thao Garden House to Dong Ba central market, where she gives an instruction on how to choose food for our cooking lesson at 9:30 a.m. at Y Thao Garden House. Afternoon is free for relaxing. Overnight in Hue.

Day 10: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)
Today we will heading to Hoi An through Hai Van pass, and Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beach of Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in hotel then discover Hoian truly life. Walking tour around this enchanting port town. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market… Around the town we can see a numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like.
The next tour is coming to the home of a craftsman in the old streets. Here you will have a brief introduction to the history, shape, and colour of the lanterns as well as the many stages of making them. After that you can make your own lantern, decorate, pack and keep it as a souvenir during the time in Hoian. Have lunch at the local restaurant. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11: Hoi An free (B)
A free day in Hoi An for beach relaxing! Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be free until being transferred to the airport for an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Wildlife at risk (B)
Go visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are 70 kilometers North West of Ho Chi Minh City, created since 1948 to assist the Viet Minh to combat the French. This is an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon shops, field hospitals, command centers. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a fire free zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open for visitors.
You will then drive to Wildlife At Risk (WAR) which is dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of Vietnam by combating the illegal wildlife trade, raising environmental awareness and promoting the conservation of endangered species and their habitats - an sustainable tourism center. Child would love this center. Return to Ho Chi Minh and free in the afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (B/L/D)
Depart early in the morning. Upon arrival at My Tho, take a boat to Con Phung (Phoenix Island) at a Mekong River estuary. Stop at a garden restaurant for lunch. Then cruise along natural creeks and quiet villages in Ben Tre Province. Visit orchards, bee farms, taste natural honey, honey wine and tropical fruits, listen to local music, visit a distillery and a local coconut candy maker. On the way back to Ho Chi Minh have a stop at Cao Dai temple in Ben Luc town. You will drive straight to Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City for a flight to Siem Reap. Our car and guide will pick you up at the airport then transfer to hotel for check in. Dinner at local restaurant with Apsaras Dance show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap - Angkor complex (B/L)
Visit the Angkor Thom (big Angkor) - 3km2 walled, of which South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon - the giant stone faces with 37 standing tower 4 carved faces, Baphoun - huge temple - mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Terrace of Elephants - 2.5m tall wall, the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphoun and Phimean Akas, carved elephants and giant graduals, Terrace of Leper King - a double terrace at the north end of Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved, demons and other mythological being and Phimean Akas temple. Lunch at local restaurant.
Follow is the tour visit the famous Temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat, and it's visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It's massive three tired pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level and this temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor. Enjoy the Sunset from top of Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Elephant ride to Bakhenh Temple
• Elephant ride around Bayond
• Elephant ride from South Gate of Angkor to Angkor Thom
• Baloon Ride for overview of Angkor for 10 minus

Day 16: Siem Reap - Departure (B)

You will be free today until being transferred to the airport for your departure flights.

Tour Includes:

• English/ French speaking guide as per program. Other languages can be arranged upon request
• Hotel accommodation as specific or similar
• Private car/mini van
• Join boat in Halong
• All entrance fees
• All meals as per program

Tour Excludes:

• Domestic & International flight and all airport taxes  Drinks, except otherwise mentioned
• International flight and international airport tax on departure
• Phnom Penh - Siem Reap express boat ticket: 25$/pax
• Phnom Penh - Siem Reap flight air ticket: 75$/pax
• Insurance, Personal expenses & Tips
• Cambodia Visa - apply and issue at airport with cost 20$/pax
• Vietnam Visa - this can be done with our visa service
• Elephant ride to Bakhenh Temple: 15$/pax
• Elephant ride around Bayond: 10$/pax for morning  & 15$/pax for afternoon
• Elephant ride from South Gate of Angkor to Angkor Thom: 10$/pax
• Baloon Ride for overview of Angkor for 10 minus:' 15$/pax