Best of Indochina

A fantastic journey through three Southeast Asian nations, Indochina Revealed is an adventure encompassing the ancient cultures of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The trip has many highlights and you will explore the historical sites of Hue and Hoi An in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is the world's largest ceremonial structure. Then there are the cities of Hanoi, Phnom Penh and Vientiane, all heavily influenced by French colonialism, as evidenced in their broad tree-lined boulevards and classical 19th century French architecture. You will also experience the vibrancy of Saigon, the serenity of Halong Bay and the kaleidoscope of color at Tay Ninh. Get ready to enjoy the trip with us to make difference.
Day 1 – Welcome to Vietnam – Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, our tour guide & driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. On your first day in Vietnam you have free at your leisure to rest or explore, discovering your own first impression of Vietnam with Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem lake … Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will have full day to visit Hanoi city with rich history of cultures. Enjoy speacial in Hanoi Capital city and Old Quarter:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and his residental place.
Then visit Quan Thanh  Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, The Temple of Literature - where Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam is Vietnam’s first University, built in twenty century, to teach the royals the Confucius theory. Here you will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance.
12:00 am Taste of authentic Hanoi at local Restaurant for lunch.
13:30 pm Continue visiting Ethnology Museum, the miniature of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The last place of city tour is Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored Sword Lake) with Ngoc Son Temple. Walk around Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter for some great fun, shopping and can try street side traditional food.
Evening highlight will be a Water Puppet Performance – the unique form of Vietnamese art derived from wet rice civilization of South East Asia at theater. It is an unforgetable experience of Hanoi culture and speacial thing. Overnight in Hanoi.
 
Day 3: Hanoi - Excursion to Halong Bay. Overnight on Board. (B/L/D)

Having two days trip on cruises in Halong bay to admire the magnificent and spectacular of this bay. Overnight on cruises to enjoy the wonderful experience on sea.
The journey to Halong Bay is the opportunity to discover the hidden charm of nature and take time to swim on blue water, kayak through lagoon to get more untouched charm in Halong Bay
Leave hotel at 7.30 am – 8.00 am and go ahead Halong City with pass through wonderful scenery en route for tranquil villages and buffalo on fields.
Cruise through islands and see its wonderful scenery of limestone, karts islands, caves, lagoon… Enjoy the seascape from the sundeck or even in your private cabin through glass window. Spending night on board in elegant cabin and handicraft wooden interiors with air-conditioning. Take swimming and visit caves on the island to get more experience. Enjoy the sunset over the bay. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong bay – Hanoi & flight to Hue (B/L)

After breakfast, keep cruising around the bay. More time to enjoy the sunrise, take swimming and sunbathing afterward having more discovery of Halong bay by visiting lagoon, islands, floating village before getting back Hanoi city. Have chance to enjoy the sunrise from the sundeck and experience wonderful scenery and view of landscapes. Have lunch on board, then back to harbor and rejoin car back to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for flight to Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in hotel and free.
Overnight in Hue.
 
Day 5: Hue (B/L)

Hue is one must-see attraction in Central Vietnam where you can learn about Vietnam history. This old capital of Nguyen Dynasty – the last one in Vietnam with many royal constructions and the complex of King’s tombs which remains original and unique architectures.
After breakfast, morning cruise trip along on the romantic Perfume River to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and green scenery. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the most ancient in Hue to get more knowledge of Buddhism in Hue and Vietnam. Then continue to discover Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City. Enjoy at the local restaurant
The afternoon continues with a visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the bustling Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue
 
Day 6: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B/L/D)

Hoi An, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Asian trading port, is an outstanding material manifestation of the fusion of cultures over time in an international maritime commercial centre.
Have breakfast, tranfer from Hue to Hoian ancient. It is a great journey with pass over famous beautiful destinations of Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass - “Ocean Cloudy Mountain Pass”, to get more experience of Vietnam landscapes and stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum and handicraft villages at the foot of Marble Mountain. Once in Hoi An, you will check into your hotel and have free time to relax before an overnight in Hoi An.
 
Day 7: Ancient town Hoi An (B)
You will enjoy a half day orientation tour of Hoi An, including the Chinese Assembly Halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and Tan Ky House. Following the tour there will be free time to shopping or relaxing before an overnight stay in Hoi An.
 
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure to have more wandering around Hoian ancient town and surrounding to get the tranquil and amazing life of local people. Then, Transfer to Danang Airport for onward flight to next destination – Ho Chi Minh City which is the biggest industrial and commercial city of Vietnam. Pick up at Tan Son Nhat airport and transfer to hotel. Dinner on guests account. Stay overnight at your hotel of choice in Ho Chi Minh city.
 
Day 9: Mekong Delta (B/L)

Mekong Delta is a special in south of Vietnam where consists of rice fields, channels, tropical fruit gardens…
Leaving out of the bustling city, we ride along rice field to My Tho – one of Mekong Delta province. Upon arrival in My Tho, we visit to My Tho’s fruit market alongside the canal to see the locals trade their produce.
Joining in with daily activities of local people and enjoy the atmosphere of water world along the canal and along the Tien River. The exciting cruise continue to Unicorn island, here you can taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy the local traditional music, performed by the islanders. Having lunch at a typical country garden house. Next stops are the coconut candy “mill” and some other local industries in Ben Tre province. Drive back Ho Chi Minh for overnight.
 
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)

It is a great experience in Vietnam to get back America And Vietnam War when visiting Cu Chi Tunnel. At there, you can see all facilities for daily life including hospital, living room, kitchen, school…          
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City at 8.00 am and on distance of 65km to reach Cu Chi District where you have chance to visit Cu Chi Tunnel – the network of over 200km of tunnelsbecame 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. It was great way for Vietcong to move around the countryside without realizing by American.
Back Ho Chi Minh city after the lunch at local restaurant.
The rest of time is your own free time to go shopping and more experience of Ho Chi Minh City at Ben Thanh Market as well as other markets in the city. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 11: Sai Gon – Vientiane (B/L)
Transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane/Laos. Welcome pick up you and transfer to hotel. There will be a tour of Vientiane. Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic and with its many temples, the city retains the feel of another age. Our tour includes visits to the major temples of Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country's most important monument. We will also see the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum and shop at the Morning market. Overnight in Vientiane.
 
Day 12: Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Kuang Sii Waterfalls (B)

Morning flight to Luang Prabang, the oldest town and ancient capital of and today the World Heritage City . Upon arrival, visit the Former Royal Palace (now the National Museum ), Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sen, Wat Visun. Take a half-hour drive to visit Kuang Sii waterfalls, where waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools.
Drive back to town, enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River and mountains beyond and a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside from the top of Mt. Phou Si.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
 
Day 13: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B)

For early-risers there is a very special (optional) dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from residents.
Take a full-day boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the holy caves Pak Ou where thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues in various sizes are crammed into the two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff along the riverbank. Continue down river to Ban Xang Hai village, where villagers create a unique rice wine called “lao lao”. Back to the town to visit the typical Lao village at Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village where the traditional Lao textiles are woven on ancient wooden looms. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
 
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (B/D)

You are free until transfer to airport for your morning flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at airport, you are met and continue to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon temple – a unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple, Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. The tour start with the visiting to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. After that, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill (if time permit). Buffet Dinner with dance Apsaras show at Koulen II Restaurant.
Overnight in Seam Reap.
 
Day 15: Siem Reap (B/L)

We embark on elephant ride from South Gate of Angkor Thom into jungle of archeological area to the famous Bayon temple – a unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple, Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch at Fou Nan Restaurant . We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Krovan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei and Ta Keo. Overnight in Seam Reap.
 
Day 16: Siem Reap – Phnompenh (B)

After breakfast visit Banteay Srei temple nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carvings, visit Banteay Samre. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake . Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, hospitals, and visit the school of the "Les Artisans D' Angkor".
Transfer to airport for flight to Phnompenh. Warmly welcome on arrival Phnom Penh Airport . Meet and transfer to hotel. Free at your own time in Phnom Penh Capital of Cambodia .
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
 
Day 17: Phnompenh (B/L)
Today you will visit the National Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda, located within the grounds of the Royal Palace. Then, you will continue your visit to the riverfront, to get a view of the confluence of Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Next, you will visit Wat Phnom and Yeay Penh's Statue ("Grand other Penh"), located southwest of the hills.
You will then stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will continue the tour with a visit to the Victory Monument, the symbol of Cambodian independence, regained from the French in 1953. Then, you will explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (aka "S21 Prison") and the Cheung Ek Killing Field. You will surely be ready for a restful overnight stay in Phnom Penh.
 
Day 18: Phnompenh – Departure (B)

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.

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 and Laos 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

FIRST CLASS CATEGORY

SUPERIOR CATEGORY

DELUXE CATEGORY

Hanoi

Silk Queen Hanoi

Golden Silk Boutique

Hanoi D’Opera

Halong Cruise

Swan Cruise

Huonghai Sealife

Indochina Sails

Hue

New Star Hue

Park View Hue

Imperial Hue

Hoian

Kiman Hoian

Essence Hoian

Palm Garden Hoian

HCM City

Family Inn

Paragon Saigon

Majestic Saigon

Luang prabang

Villa Chitdara hotel

Villa Santi hotel

Maison Souvanaphoum

Vientiane

Manorom Boutique hotel

Salana Boutique hotel

Green park hotel

Siem Reap

Angkor Home Hotel

Tara Angkor

Victoria Hotel

Phnom Penh

King Grand Boutique

Phnom Penh Hotel

Sofitel Hotel

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:

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

The First Class/ 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!

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

The 4* superior 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.


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