Highlights of Indochina
Discover the diverse wonders of Indochina, on this 15 day adventure, you'll have an authentic Asian experience through three unique countries, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. If you are short on time but don’t want to miss a thing this tour is perfect for you!
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- Duration:
- 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Destination:
- Vietnam : Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Cambodia: Siem Reap, Laos: Luang Prabang
- Price USD:
- $1038
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (D)
We are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Luang Prabang is a peaceful, provincial city and is the spiritual capital of Laos. There is little traffic on the roads, and monks in orange robes can be seen bustling about on their daily business.
Tonight features a special welcome dinner at L’Elephant Restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 2: Luang Prabang City Tour - Pak Ou Caves (B,L)
After breakfast, transfer to pier for a cruise up along the Mekong. Before cruising, start your morning a visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat, the library was added in 1828.
Cruise up the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues. The statues range in size from a few centimeters tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages.
On the boat journey admire the several waterways that have traditionally been used as the local form of transportation. These waterways continue to be used in that manner today in many parts of the country and a local boat is probably one of the most rewarding ways to discover life along the rivers. As you cruise along, observe the daily activities of fishermen, how they throw their nets in with elegant arm gestures and rely on the water for their livelihood. For the villages settled along the Mekong, the river plays an important role in their daily life and usually represents the only means of transportation and commerce. After visiting the caves cruise back to Luang Prabang. If time permits, stop on the way back at Ban Xang Hay, a village that specializes in making rice wine.
The city tour begins in the afternoon with your guide who will teach you more about the enchanting World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang. The tour starts at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. Continue to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities. Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories. It is a great opportunity to gain insight in to the Lao people (note: closed on Monday).
Tonight we enjoy dinner at Indochina Spirit restaurant with Lao Traditional dance show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Procession of Monks – Kuangsi Waterfall – Bear Sanctuary (B,L)
Worth getting up early in the holy city: early in the morning the monks move into your striking orange robes through the streets and are supplied by the citizens of rice and other food donations. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, entirely rebuilt after being destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. You will continue by Wat Aham and then Wat That where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.
This afternoon you will be driven through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls (32km southwest of the city). Along the way you will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River.
Stop en-route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries. Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top.
Before you leave you might like to visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary, which has saved them from poaching. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing.
On your return to Luang Prabang you can climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside as the sun sets. You may also like to explore the nearby evening hilltribe market, where you may find plenty of local souvenirs to buy such as handicrafts and textiles, before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Fly to Hanoi (B,L)
Today we fly to Hanoi. Originally named Thang Long or “City of the Ascending Dragon,” the city was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010. The city’s quiet air gives it a gracious, almost regal flavor. Hanoi is dotted with dozens of lakes around which you can usually find a cafe, a pagoda or two, shaded boulevards and attractive French style buildings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 5: Story of Hanoi (B,L)
Full day tour of Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Vietnam’s first university, the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. Have lunch with Pho bo Hanoi or Hanoi Noodle soup with beef and served with Hanoi flavorful spring roll.
In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum where you can learn about the customs and culture of Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups.
Finish your day with a walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits! Return to your hotel later this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 6: 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 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – fly to Hue (B,L)
Early this morning, start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt. Then, breakfast will be served on board while you immerse into the peaceful morning of Halong Bay. After check out of your cabin, continue your cruise exploring the Bay. While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the cooking class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Disembark around 12.00 then your driver will wait for you to take you back to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival, our guide and driver will welcome you and take you to the hotel in city centre.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 8: Essence of Hue (B,L)
Today you will travel by private vehicle to an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as Thien Mu pagoda. It is famous for its seven storeys, and dedicated to a Manushi-Buddha. After your visit, board a local boat to the peaceful outskirts of Hue, where you will then start cycling on a leisurely tour to Thuy Bieu village. There are plenty of opportunities to admire the quiet and superb landscapes of Hue: rice fields, fruit tree orchards and vegetable gardens, communal houses, primary schools and a valley of cemeteries. Along the cycling route, visit a homemade incense-producing household and observe the daily life of the farmers as they perform their strenuous work with seemingly incredible joy and enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to greet those you meet along the way. Then, you’ll head to Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful tombs of Hue. It was inspired by the concept of tranquility and is a model of Vietnamese traditional art. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial period before returning to the city center.
In the afternoon, have a closer look at the home of the royal family with a visit to the impressive Citadel. Round off your day with a walk around Dong Ba Market for a glimpse of local life. Back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoi An via the Pass of Ocean Clouds (B,L)
In the morning, we will drive over the mighty Hai Van Pass, take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village. On the way, we also visit the Cham Museum where remains evidence of the fascinating Champa civilization and then visit the Marble Mountain, which is a maze of caves and temples, hidden with five sacred marble rocks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoian ancient town (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a walking tour, we will see the distinctive low tiled roof houses and the busy central market selling everything from vegetables, live stocks to daily household items. We will stroll along the Tran Phu Street to the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 by Japanese community to provide a link to the Chinese quarters across the stream. We also tour the family chapels, built by prominent merchants as centers for ancestor worship. We visit the private houses, many of which are occupied by the same family for up to eight generations. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with family members while inspecting the century old engraved panels of exquisite figures. We then visit assembly hall, and the Sa Huynh Museum, displaying artifacts from the early period of Hoi An’s history
Cruise down the Thu Bon River to visit a pottery and a woodcarving village. Enjoy interaction with locals – peasants, boat builders and craftsman before returning to the small Hoi An Harbor where colorfully painted boats are moored.
The remaining of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City fly - Sightseeing (B,L)
Following your breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon. When arriving, you will be met our tour expert and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon meet up with our guide again to set out for a half-day city tour includes Saigon Post Office, Opera House, and the War Museum. End the day with a visit to the ethnic Chinese district of Cholon with Binh Tay market and Thien Hau Pagoda.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong delta - Cai Be floating market (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. We’ll take a scenic early morning drive to Vinh Long (140 km), stop for photos at Tan An town over the flat rice fields. The program will start with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating marketcruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Then, an optional stop can be made at local workshops where you can see how rice paste, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn are made.
It’s so interesting to visit the handicraft village where you can see how they make some special products: making rice-net for spring-rolls, fish sauce & soya sauce, cooking salt, sewing coconut-leaves for cottage proof...
A mekong delta lunch will be served under the shade of local orchards on An Binh island with the famous dish “Fried Mekong Elephant Ear Fish”.
After lunch, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals. It’s very interesting to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with some opportunities to interact with them and see how they catch fish or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in Mekong delta..
One more stop can be made at the nursery garden where you can learn how to have some high quality fruit trees. It’s the best choice for you to contact the real famous farmers - Mr Tiger & his son who are very successful in Vietnam agriculture. We will enjoy some kinds of fruits from his garden & homemade rice wine when listening to the traditional music. One more thing to do in this trip is biking. It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local farms, houses, real life and the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in Mekong delta. Return to your hotel in Saigon later this afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. We transfer to the airport to take a flight to Siem Reap (Cambodia). Upon arrival, you are welcome and transfer to your hotel for check in.
We begin our exploration at the fortified royal city of Angkor Thom, built in 1,100, covering an area little less than 4 square miles. We enter the imposing South Gate after a causeway lined on both side by multiple statues of demons and gods, all carrying a giant naga (snake). We then continue to the Elephant Terrace, a base for the Kings’ grand audience hall and a site for public ceremonies. On both end of the retaining wall we can see the famous lines of elephants. Next to it is the Terrace of the Leper King, a platform with a nude statue, one of Angkor’s many unanswered mysteries. We also explore the ruined Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas - the “Celestial Palace”.
The most striking experience today will be a visit to the stunning Bayon Temple, one of the most popular and compelling sites in Angkor. Its exterior gallery walls contain some of the most extensive and best bas-reliefs, depicting everyday scenes with historical details of battles won and lost by the Khmers. Today at dusk, we will watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian Temple.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B,L)
After breakfast, we devote the entire morning to Angkor Wat, the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, the national symbol of Cambodia, and the optimum highlight of any visit to Southeast Asia. The largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat impresses visitors with her sheer scale, beautifully proportioned layout, and the delicate artistry of its carvings. It is now one of UNESCO’s most famous World Culture Heritage Site, and is considered by art historians the definitive example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
In the afternoon we explore Ta Prohm, “Ancestor of Brahma”, also nicknamed “Kingdom of Trees”. Following an unusual archaeological decision, the jungle has been only partly cut back, so that the buildings are covered with the roots of huge banyan and kapok trees which rise high above the temple.
We will continue on to Banteay Srei - the “Citadel of Women” - a tiny enchanting temple built of red sandstone in the 10th century dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. We have time to study closely the exquisitely carved male and female figures in the niches, all with beautiful style and proportion, representing the extraordinary skills and superior artistic appealing of the Khmer sculpture.
Transfer back to the city. Free your time at leisure.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 15: Siem Reap – Kampong Khleang Floating village on Tonle Sap – Departure (B)
This morning depart to Tonle Sap Lake. Located in the heart of Cambodia, this huge lake swells up to seven times of its original size during the monsoon season every year. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and the most diversified in the region. We will explore Kampong Kleang, one of the most unspoiled floating communities on the lake by boat. We will cruise on the wooden sampan across the vast lake to the floating villages, passing submerged forests and fish farms. If the timing is right it might even be possible to visit a floating school to interact with teachers and students. Observe the authentic village life while we stroll by the simple huts.
Transfer back to the city. Free your time at leisure untill we pick you up to the airport to catch your departure flight.
Meal: 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 |
1427 |
1159 |
1038 |
404 |
|
First-class |
1597 |
1328 |
1204 |
578 |
|
Deluxe |
2086 |
1817 |
1696 |
967 |
|
Child from 4 – 10 years old: 75% |
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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 |
SUPERIOR CATEGORY |
FIRST CLASS CATEGORY |
DELUXE CATEGORY |
|
Hanoi |
HM Boutique |
The Chi |
Melia |
|
Halong Bay |
V'Spirit |
La Vela Classic |
Aphrodite Luxury |
|
Hue |
Emm Hue |
Alba Spa |
Imperial |
|
Hoi An |
Aurora |
Little Hoi An Boutique Centre |
Palm Garden Resort |
|
HCM City |
Le Duy |
Paragon Saigon |
Majestic Saigon |
|
Siem Reap |
La Niche D’Angkor Boutique |
Tara Angkor |
Angkor Village Resort & Spa |
|
Luang Prabang |
Villa Chitdara |
Vila Santi |
Luang Prabang View |
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.
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All tours featured on our website are just suggested itineraries.
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