Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to our beautiful Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Check-in and spend the rest of the day free to relax in your room or stroll down the Walking Street to enjoy the ambience of the capital of Vietnam.
Meal: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (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 7: Hoi An sightseeing - Cycling tour to Tra Que Eco-vegetable village (B,L)
In the morning, you will hop on your bike for a cycling tour through the countryside to Tra Que village (about 20 minutes cycling time) If you prefer, traveling by cyclo or private vehicle are also options. This village has been known for its special aromatic herbs, mint and basil; leaves of the plants at the village are smaller than usual, however they have a very particular aroma. Together with local people going about their daily work, you will learn how to plant and water vegetables. Then learn to cook some local specialties, for example “Tam Huu” – made up of shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs. Of course you will get the opportunity to enjoy your culinary creations after cooking them. To relax, enjoy a local foot massage.
In the afternoon, take a stroll to visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone thoroughfares of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house. After the visit, free to wander around, our guide is happy to suggest some best tailor shops in town for you. Or if you are looking for a relaxing end, try out a cup of tea or coffee at "Reaching Out Tea House" - a very special and unique ancient house that offers fabulous drinks served by impaired staff.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 8: 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 9: An excursion to Mekong Delta – Ben Tre – Ba Lai Legend River (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 bus. Then, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh fly (B,L)
Bid farewell to Saigon, at a good time you will be transferred to the airport to continue your adventure to Cambodia. Take the flight to Phnom Penh, located at the junction of four branches of the Mekong River “Chaktomuk”, historical capital more than 600 years after Angkor.
Upon arrival, our guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the centre.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 11: Highlights of Phnom Penh (B,L)
Begin your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the palace is now home to the reigning monarch. Within the palace grounds you will find the coronation hall, an open air theatre for the Royal Dance Troupe, and the King’s private residence. The grounds are open to the public except when the King is in residence. The grounds also house the Silver Pagoda, its floor covered by 5,000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilogram.
Next you will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge against both their political enemies and many thousands of everyday Cambodians. In 1975 this former high school was taken over by Pol Pot's security forces and converted into Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest detention and torture centre in the country. Please note that the images on display are quite graphic and unsettling.
Then drive to Choeung Ek - the Killing Fields, where the brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children took place. The large mass grave pits have all but gone, however the stupa filled with skulls is a chilling memorial.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: Siem Reap – fly to Vientiane (B,L)
At a good time, our driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival our local guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in the centre.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 15: Vientiane city tour - fly to Luang Prabang (B,L)
This morning is devoted to exploring Vientiane the capital city of Laos. Highlights include:
Vat Sisaket - which, in spite of the Siamese influence, presents architecture all of its own. The largest temple in Vientiane, it is considered the most beautiful and its old ‘Bangkok’ style has indeed saved it from destruction.
Vat Phra Keo - built in 1565 celebrates the Emerald Buddha it shelters. It was rebuilt identically in 1942. Located in a pretty garden, it shelters the Buddha under sloping, superbly carved wood panels.
Pha That Louang - a cloister guarding a large stupa that was saved when the city was raided by the Siamese. Damaged by the Ho plunderers in 1873, it was restored by the French in 1930. It has become the symbol of the nation, representing both Buddhism and Lao’s sovereignty. This large relic is a masterpiece of Laotian architecture.
Patuxay - a monument established in memory of the war with France. A panoramic view of Vientiane can be seen from the top. Talat Sao market, where you will find much that is made as well as imported into Laos
In the afternoon, you will visit the a vocational Training Centre - a weaving association for women with two main objectives: To provide training for various skill levels, in weaving, dyeing and tailoring for women from rural areas who are disadvantaged, poor and/or who have a disability and to revive and support Lao’s traditional crafts. During the visit, you can learn how to tie and dye your own scarf using natural dyes, and learn how to weave using a traditional Lao loom. Later this afternoon, take a short flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, our guide will take you to your hotel to check-in.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 16: Luang Prabang city tour – Pak Ou Caves (B,L)
In the early morning from around 5.30 to 6.30am, you will be taken by your guide to Vat Nong temple to witness the Tak Bat ceremony (procession of monks). During the ceremony, devoted locals kneel on the sidewalk bearing food in their arms which they offer to the monks as they walk by in a procession of orange robes. Be drawn deep into the culturally significant moment as it takes place in a peaceful and respectful ambiance with no words exchanged between the monks and the locals making the offerings. As a guest witnessing the ritual, you are recommended not to wear revealing clothing and you should take photos from a distance to show your respect.
After the somewhat humbling experience, your guide will take you to a local market which is a very animated place to be in the morning, to say the least. The sights, sounds and smells are sure to awaken all your senses. While walking through, you’ll have a chance to taste and savor some local snacks. But, don’t fill up too much, after your market tour you’ll then be taken to a welcoming local restaurant for a breakfast designed to fill your tummy to start your day. Then, to be sure you’re really ready for the day ahead the early morning tour will end with cups of coffee relaxing by the Mekong.
Your day will then continue with a complete tour of this city founded on the left bank of the Mekong River by journeying in a tuk tuk. Previously a religious capital, Luang Prabang showcases more than 100 temples, considered amongst the most beautiful in Laos. In particular, you will discover Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun - the oldest temple in the city with its wooden windows inspired by the Khmer Temple of Vat Phou.
In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to the pier and board a traditional boat to cruise up the Mekong River to visit the sacred caves of Pak Ou, which shelter hundreds of Buddha statuettes. The caves offer a splendid view of the Mekong which, here, mixes its waters with those of the Nam Ou River. Return to town with a nice sunset view of the Mekong River while enjoying local snacks & drinks (beer Laos).
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 17: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfall - Departure (B,L)
In the morning, you will visit the Royal Palace, which is today the National Museum before heading off to Khuang Sy waterfall on a return journey of around 70km. The road is bordered by villages and rice fields. Stop at some of these villages and have a picnic lunch at the waterfall. These falls are frequently visited by locals and villagers and you can take the time to interact with them. You can also take a swim in the waterfall which scatters into many basins. Return to Luang Prabang Airport for your departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour ends.
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