Day 1:  Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (D)
Welcome to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, our local guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the city centre. Settle in your comfy room. 

Then when you are ready, meet up with your guide again to embark on a half day city tour to see the most highlights of Saigon. Sites include: the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. This evening enjoy welcome dinner at local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 2: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Ba Lai Legend River - Can Tho  (B,L)
Morning: Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the picturesque Ben Tre Province, known as the land of coconut trees. Then, begin biking along village-paths and take in the many sights of the villagers performing their everyday activities and the peaceful landscapes of the Ben Tre countryside. Continue biking through the village to the boat pier and take a rowing-boat along the palm canal. On the way you can see the homes and activities of the people that live by the waterside. Stop to visit a local house‘s coconut gardens where you can enjoy tropical fruits. Keep up the cycling along a village road with the vast gardens of coconuts on either side. After such an engaging morning of biking and paddling you should be ready to enjoy a specially prepared lunch featuring traditional dishes of the Mekong River region in a small beautiful local restaurant.

Afternoon: Your afternoon starts with a walk to the departure point for your motorboat journey. The trip will take you along Ba Lai Legend River which is beautifully fringed with palm trees. As you head along the river you will stop to visit the coconut coir manufacturing facility to see the interesting processes first hand. Take in the feeling of the peaceful, simple life that the inhabitants of the riverside enjoy. You will also discover some of the coconut processing workshops which are located along the banks. At the end of the boat tour you will be picked up by your car. From there it’s back to the main road for the trip deeper to the Mekong Delta – Can Tho province. 

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel, spend the evening free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

Day 3: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market - Chau Doc (B,L)
Rise early and go by boat to the township of Cai Rang to see the hustle and bustle of a floating market. Then, drive approximately three hours to the riverside town of Chau Doc, a colourful and sleepy town near the Vietnam-Cambodia border.  

This afternoon take a cruise along the Vinh Te Canal which helps define the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.  After the cruise, head to Sam Mountain for breathtaking sunset views over a chequered patchwork of rice fields and earthen dikes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc

Day 4: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh by speed boat (B,L)
This morning we travel by speedboat up the Mekong River to Cambodia’s capital: Phnom Penh. The total trip takes about four and a half hours (including visa formalities). Visas are easily obtained at the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Our guide will meet you at the dock in Phnom Penh and take you to the hotel upon arrival.

Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. After lunch at a downtown restaurant, take a leisurely tour to visit the Russian Market and try out your best at bargaining skills.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 5: Phnom Penh City Tour (B,L)
Spend the day on a tour of Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. Start by learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.”  Lunch at a downtown restaurant, then we conclude the day with a cyclo ride down Sihanouk Boulevard to visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace—home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – The Lost Temple of Beng Meala (B,L)
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temple complex. Explore the mysterious royal city first with Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a slumbering giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but utterly consumed by the voracious appetite of nature. Constructed by Suryavarman II in the 12th century, the builder of Angkor Wat, the forest has run riot here and it is hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the formidable ruins. Return to your hotel in the centre, spend the evening discover the bustling pub street and night market of Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 7: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples by Tuk Tuk (B,L)
Spend a full day exploring the fascinating temples of Angkor on a tuk tuk – a popular vehicle used by the local, a fun and breezy way to travel. Be awestruck by Angkor Wat, marvel at the smiling faces of Bayon and the tree entwined temple of Ta Prohm, that featured in the movie Tomb Raider. You’ll also see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of Leper King, the pyramid shaped Phimeanakas and watch the sunset from the top of Pre Rup. All the main highlight temples are covered so you won’t miss a thing! This evening take your free time to wander the old market area of the town with its labyrinth of lanes filled with boutiques, galleries, cafes and small bars. It’s the place to be after dark!

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 8: Siem Reap – Fly to Luang Prabang (B,L)
This morning, enjoy your breakfast at hotel, then check out and be ready for the transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. 

Then when you are ready, meet up with our guide again; enjoy a short city tour to acquaint you with the sites of this small, enchanting town. Visit the impressive Wat Xieng Stupa, the National Museum, Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Mai. In the evening, we climb to the top of Phousi Mountain to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and watch the sunset over the city and winding Mekong River. Return to town and explore the Night Market, where you can find an expansive collection of textiles, hand-woven by the local hill tribe people.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 9: Luang Prabang city tour – Pak Ou Cave – Fly to Hanoi (B,L)
Spend the day discovering some of Luang Prabang’s most famous sites. After breakfast, take a guided tour of the city’s oldest temples:  Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong - representative of the city’s classical architecture.  After the tour, board a boat for a cruise up the Mekong, enjoying beautiful views of the tranquil countryside on our journey to the mysterious Pak Ou caves. Stop along the way at the Ban Xanghai village, famous for its homemade rice wine. Arrive at the Pak Ou cave in the afternoon and explore these mysterious caverns, filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha images.  Late in the afternoon, take the flight to Hanoi. Our guide and driver will pick you up from Hanoi Airport to your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight cruise (B,L,D)
This morning, depart Hanoi through the Red River Delta for Halong Bay (3.5 hours driving). Upon arrival, embark on the cruise then start cruising among the limestone islands. Keep cruising to the quiet area while enjoy breath-taking seascape along the way, until enjoy sunset party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner is served around 19.00 then it’s time for you to socialize with other guests, to take part in board games, fishing for squid or just to laze around.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight cruise

Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi (B,L)
Wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie; in summer you can hear birds singing, even that cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze. Our boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will be served on the way. Disembark around noon and transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. The evening is free at your leisure, you could consider taking an optional Street food walking tour to taste many scrumptious dishes in the hidden alley of the Old Quarter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 12: Hanoi City tour – Fly to Yangon (B,L)
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison and the Ethnology Museum). 

Then your driver will take you to the airport for flight to Yangon. Up on arrival, pick up and check in hotel. Free and relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Day 13: Yangon – Fly to Bagan (B,L)
Today we fly to Bagan very early in the morning (The only direct flight to Bagan), Myanmar’s archeological wonderland, where over 3,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside.  Have an early breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your short, in-country flight to Bagan. Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold-leaf Shwezigon pagoda and learn about the Burmese Buddhist tradition. We continue our tour with a visit to Ananda temple, stopping along the way in the Bagan plain to admire some of the surrounding temples. In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer wear workshop and learn about this traditional craft.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Day 14: Bagan Sightseeing (B,L)
After breakfast, We start with the exotic horse cart to one of the biggest temple in Bagan: Nan Paya pagoda and many other interesting sites nearby, continue with sightseeing to Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, experience the architectural difference in MyaZedi pagoda before heading to Manuha Temple. The highlight of today is the panoramic sunset view from the second highest pagoda of Bagan the ShweSandaw pagoda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Day 15: Bagan – Mt. Popa – Bagan (B,L)
Leaving the Bagan temples behind, we begin the drive to Mt Popa. Join the pilgrims as they ascend Mt Popa and admire the crazy statues that line the walk along with the monkeys that live on the mountain. Once at the peak guests can relax and bask in the glorious views of Bagan. We then return to Bagan for a short cruise along the Irrawaddy River at sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

Day 16: Bagan – Fly to Mandalay – Sagaing – Amarapura (B,L)
Heading to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel then we depart to Sagaing Hill, discover the monk education, visit Budda cave, Uminthonze pagoda and Sunooponnyashin pagoda. Behold the panoramic view of Mandalay. Take a 30 minute drive to Amarapura - being famous for Mahagandaryone Monastery Amarapura is the best place to experience the monk life in Mandalay. Walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type to Mahamuni Image - a bronze Buddha image castled during the lifetime of Buddha himself.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 17: Mandalay – Mingun – Mandalay Hill (B,L)
Known as the hub of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks and monastery. The most fascinating visit will be the time to behold the monks doing their worship and having meals.

Drive to Mandalay pier, embarking on a private boat upstream to visit Mingun, famed for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Mingun Bell the 90 tons ringing bell.
In the afternoon, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery - noted for its exquisite wood carvings, gold leaf beating workshop, Kuthodaw Pagoda - known as the world biggest book and finish the tour by visiting Mandalay Hill to watch the sun-set and the panoramic view of the city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

Day 18: Mandalay – Fly to Inle Lake – Discovery (B,L)
Leave Mandalay for Heho. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, located 900m above sea level and is home to unique one leg rower Intha people.

Upon arrival, board on motorboat for a sightseeing tour to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images, also is believed the holiest in Inle Lake. Our next visit is  Ngaphechaung monastery, known as jumping cat pagoda. As you travel further to Nam Pan village; cotton and lotus weaving factory, cigar making houses will impress you with a sense of traditional Intha life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

Day 19: Inle Lake – Indein – Inle Lake (B,L)
This morning, you will visit the 5 days market which is hold in different villages surround the lake. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere.

After lunch, the boat will take you to beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It will be definitely relaxing to walk along the corridor and enjoy the giant columns which have been left to the nature for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

Day 20: Inle Lake – Fly to Yangon – City Tour (B,L)
Leave Inle Lake for Yangon. Spend your full day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule pagoda, the heart of Yangon city; Chaukhtayi pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake. After lunch, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon pagoda. The golden pagoda is really a must see while you are in Myanmar. Enjoy your shopping time in Scott market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

Day 21: Yangon Departure (B)
After breakfast, you are free until your departure time. Our driver will transfer you to Yangon International airport for your flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour ends.

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services.
The prices are quoted in US Dollars per person based on 2 pax/room

Categories	2 pax	4 pax	6 - 8 pax	Single Sup.
Superior	2217	1695	1442	476
First-class	2232	1936	1622	679
Deluxe	2635	2339	2079	1099
Child from 4 – 10 years old: 75%

Please click on CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIPS and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements, but may incur price changes

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
• Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels or similar
• Private vehicles and drivers
• Transport from Hanoi to Halong and return by shuttle bus
• Private English speaking guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
• Drinking water available on the vehicles.
• Vietnam visa approval letter
• Service Charge & Government Taxes

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
• International flights and domestic flights
• Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
• Any bank fees or charges at your end
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Tips for tour guide and driver in each region
• Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
• Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
• Vietnam visa stamp fee, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar visa fee
• Other services not mentioned above

HOTEL SELECTION:

The hotels listed below are our suggestions for the best value on this tour.  However, Asia Essence Tours offers many more options of hand-picked hotels, with different "star ratings", allowing you to customize the vacation to meet your taste and budget.

LOCATIONS	SUPERIOR CATEGORY	FIRST CLASS CATEGORY	DELUXE CATEGORY
Hanoi	HM Boutique	The Chi	Melia
Halong Bay	V'Spirit	La Vela Classic	Aphrodite Luxury
HCM City	Le Duy	Paragon Saigon	Majestic Saigon
Can Tho	West Hotel	Iris Can Tho	Victoria Can Tho
Chau Doc	Chau Pho Hotel	Victoria Nui Sam Lodge	Victoria Chau Doc
Siem Reap	La Niche D’Angkor Boutique	Tara Angkor	Angkor Village Resort & Spa
Phnom Penh	Anise	Sunway Phnom Penh	Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence
Yangon	Hotel Esta Yangon	Best Western Green Hill	Chatrium Royal Lake
Bagan	Bawga Theiddhi Hotel	Myanmar Treasure Resort	Aye Yar River View Resort
Mandalay	Victoria Palace Hotel	Best Western Plus Eastern	Mandalay Hill Resort
Inle	Royal Inlay Hotel (Nyaungshwe)	Inle Resort	Pristine Lotus Spa Resort

ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:

 

Superior/ 3 Star (from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/night)

The Superior/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

First-Class/ 4 star (from US$ 80 - US$ 110/ per room/night)

The 4* First-Class Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$120 - US$ 180++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.