The Best of Indochina Tour

Package Overview

Detail

Experience Indochina in style with this flagship tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Explore Vietnam from the South to the North, beginning in the bustling, vibrant city of Saigon and moving North to Hanoi, stopping to visit the Forbidden City in Hue and to roam the narrow lanes of Hoi An's Old Town. Spend two nights on the pristine Halong Bay, gliding between the limestone karsts onboard a traditional Chinese junk, before flying to the equally magical cultural capital of Laos, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Meander up the storied Mekong river and take part in the centuries-old tradition of the early-morning alms-gathering by Buddhist monks. Explore Siem Reap, where you will see all the main sights of Angkor the ABOUTAsia way – without the crowds. Experience sunrise at Angkor Wat, visit jungle-clad Ta Prohm and gaze on the enigmatic faces of the Bayon. Visit one of the stilted villages on the Tonle Sap, and enjoy a fabulous dinner at our private villa, Chandara, overlooking the rice paddies. Soak up the bustling culture of Phnom Penh, once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ exploring narrow lanes in the French quarter by cyclo.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tour wartime Saigon,includeing War Remnants Museum
Hue's Forbidden City
Old Town Hoi An
Cruise and kayak Halong Bay
Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Water Puppet Show
Cruising the Mekong in Laos
The UNESCO Heritage town of Luang Prabang
The ancient city and temples of Angkor
Experiential dining at ABOUTAsia´s private villa, Chandara
Hidden Gems of Phnom Penh by Cyclo

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Saigon

  Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chin Minh City) where you will be met by your guide and taken to your accommodation. The first evening will be at leisure.

• Day 2 : Old Saigon

  Start the day with a tour of Old Saigon's streets and its iconic buildings, including the Opera House, the Gustav Eiffel-designed Central Post Office, and Thien Hau Pagoda. Visit sites from wartime Saigon starting at the Reunification Palace, site of the symbolic ending of the war in 1975, before visiting the emotive War Remnant's Museum, which offers a perspective on the war through Vietnamese eyes.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 3 : Cu Chi Tunnels

  Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to get a sense of life during the Vietnam War for the local Vietnamese, where the 250 km of hand built tunnels provided refuge for villagers and Viet Cong. Take a midday flight to Hue, before ending the day with a truly special dinner at Tha Om, the home of Pham Ba Vinh. Of royal heritage, he will regale you with stories of the former Vietnamese royal family in the atmospheric replica of a 19th century Hue residence. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the beautiful gardens as the sun sets over the lotus ponds.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 : Forbidden City

  This morning, enter the ancient Forbidden City, the former capital of the Tay Son Dynasty. Located on the north bank of the Huong (Perfume) River, the huge complex offers a spectacular view into the lives of Vietnam's emperors. This focus is continued with a visit to the tomb of Minh Mang. In the afternoon, try your hand at enamel painting with a visit to local artist Do Huu Triet.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 5 : UNESCO World

  Journey by vehicle to the UNESCO World heritage listed Hoi An, going over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain Pass and by the famous azure waters of Lan Co Bay. Explore the narrow lanes of the well-preserved former trading port and learn more about its most famous buildings, including the Japanese covered bridge, Assembly Hall of the Chinese and Tan Ky's house.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 6 : Tra Que

  Cycle to the village of Tra Que to learn about the food and herbs that are so important to the Vietnamese. Reward your morning endeavors with a relaxing herbal foot massage before taking a cooking class with a local family, producing delicious delicacies from the local produce. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure with the opportunity to explore old-town Hoi An on foot.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 7 : Hanoi

  A morning flight will bring you to Hanoi. Drive from the airport through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay. Here, your traditional Chinese junk awaits for a memorable overnight cruise at one of the most famous natural areas in the world. Float amongst the limestone karsts and islands which dot the area with swimming and kayaking options available.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 8 : Chinese Junk

  Spend the day aboard your Chinese junk, taking side trips to see local floating villages aboard a bamboo raft, or perhaps kayak between the huge limestone columns for a truly atmospheric experience. (specific schedules vary, depending on your choice of cruise)

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 9 : Hoan Kiem Lake

  Welcome the sunrise from the deck before enjoying a fabulous late breakfast/brunch as you continue cruising towards the mainland. Return to Hanoi for an afternoon stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, considered to be the physical and symbolic heart of the city.

  • Meals & Drinks : Brunch

• Day 10 : Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

  Take in the highlights of the city, including the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. In the evening take your seat for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre and enjoy the unique folk art that has been practiced and perfected for over 1000 years.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 11 : Luang Prabang

  Enjoy a free morning at leisure before your flight to Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of Laos.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 12 : Alms Collection By Buddhist Monks

  Rise early to witness one of the most magical scenes of Southeast Asia; the daily ritual of alms collection by Buddhist monks. After breakfast explore the UNESCO World Heritage city center of Luang Prabang, including the former Royal Palace (now a museum), Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun. Take a tour of the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum with one of its directors to understand the diverse ethnic makeup of Laos. This afternoon visit Khouangsi Waterfalls, perhaps taking the opportunity for a swim in the pools below the falls.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 13 : Mekong

  Cruise upriver for a full day exploring the mighty Mekong. Visit the Pak Ou Caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Explore the shrines carved into the cliff face before crossing to the opposite bank for lunch. Return by road to Luang Prabang, stopping at local villages on the way to see how rice whisky (Lao-Lao), hand woven textiles and Jute Sar paper are made. End the day by climbing the 300 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to see the sunset.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch

• Day 14 : Luang Prabang,

  Spend a morning at leisure, perhaps walking through old Luang Prabang, before your afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Enjoy your first taste of Angkor with a visit to Banteay Kdei temple (if time allows), followed by sunset drinks on the moat of Angkor Thom, a world away from the tourist crowds.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 15 : Ta Prohm

  Rise early to spend a magical day at the temples by following our well researched crowd avoidance itinerary, including Ta Prohm of ‘Tomb Raider’ fame. Have breakfast at the secluded forest temple of Ta Nei or overlooking the royal baths of Srah Srang. After a midday break, experience Angkor Thom, the largest city in the pre-industrial world. End the day at the mysterious Bayon with its captivating stone faces.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 16 : Ella

  Take our custom wooden boat, Ella, onto the Tonle Sap lake, the richest freshwater fishing grounds in the world, to visit an authentic floating village. Enjoy breakfast on the lake, while absorbing the atmosphere, rich culture, and bird life of the Tonle Sap.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 17 : Chandara

  Motor through the pre-dawn darkness to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat as we guide you to the best photo vantage points. Explore the temple in the hours immediately after sunrise when the temple is at its quietest. This afternoon take a journey of discovery by boat, ox-cart and on foot to visit villages little changed since the days of Jayavarman VII. End the day with a cocktail at ABOUTAsia´s country villa, Chandara. Enjoy a sumptuous five course Cambodian feast on the terrace overlooking the emerald rice fields.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 18 : Phnom Penh

  Travel by air to the bustling capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’. In the afternoon, gain some insights into Cambodia's recent tragic history under the Khmer Rouge with visits to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S-21) Prison.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

• Day 19 : Foreign Correspondent's Club

  This morning you will weave through Phnom Penh´s colorful streets exploring some of our favourite hidden gems by traditional transportation method: the cyclo, along with a local specialist guide. In the afternoon, take in the shimmering spires of the Royal Palace and along the waterfront, perhaps ending the afternoon with a cocktail overlooking the river at the storied Foreign Correspondent's Club.

• Day 20 : Russian Market

  Visit the (in) famous Russian Market, commonly known as Toul Tom Pong. One of the more colorful markets in town, this chaotic place has a huge variety of things for sale. You may also opt to visit the Central Market (Psa Thmei) with its unique art deco architecture – a site to visit in itself, as well as for great bargains. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight.

  • Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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• Letters Lodge South Strathlachlan Argyll PA27 8BZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
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