16 days - Indochina Explorer
Trekking to remote villages and visiting historic cities across south East Asia.

• Vietnam, Hanoi: city tour (2 nights)
• Halong bay: overnight on luxury junk
• Sapa: trekking (3 nights inc sleeper train)
• Saigon: Tour & Cu Chi tunnels (2 nights)
• Chau Doc (2 nights)
• Mekong Delta - speed boat
• Cambodia - Phnom Penh (1 night)
• Siem Reap (3 nights)
• Angkor Wat Temples
• Laos - uang Prabang (2 nights)
• Elephant santuary

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1 Hanoi

Meet & greeting your guide at the airport upon your arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits we will take an orientation tour around central Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi (B)

Morning sightseeing tour of the city's most outstanding historical and cultural sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, President Ho's House on Stilts, and Ba Dinh Square. The tour continues to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, in order to gain an understanding of two guiding forces in Viet Nam culture, Buddhism and Confucianism. We end the day tour with a wonderful show at the National Water Puppet Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)

After breakfast we journey east to Vietnam's greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We board our beautiful traditional wooden junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay's 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Kayaks are also available if specified at time of booking. Overnight on luxurious boat.

Day 4 Halong- Hanoi - Sapa (Brunch)

Wake up to fresh coffee and take a small boat to a nearby sandy cove beach for an opportunity to relax and have a morning swim. For a great photo opportunity it is well worth walking up to the hill top pagoda which overlooks the entire Halong bay. Afterwards we return for a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to mystical dragons! Disembark and transfer to the Railway Station for the Express night train to Sapa.

Overnight on the train in 4-person soft-berth deluxe comfort cabin with Air-conditioning.

Day 5 Sapa and trekking (B, L)

After breakfast we visit the beautiful Silver water fall before heading to Catcat village, where we can explore the daily life of the Black H'mong minority people. Whilst in the village we have the opportunity to visit some friendly ethnic families in their houses. Later we visit the Hydro Power Plant, which was build in the early 20th century and is a vital source of power for the rural communities.

We will also visit many scenic sights around the village including Ham Rong moutain, rocky forest and Orchid gardens. We latter trek up the spectacular mountain range to discover Heaven Gates, and see the panoramic view of Sapa town from the top of Dragon Mount. Finally we trek down alongside the stream, back to Sapa where we have lunch at a local rest. Free time to explore Sapa town. Overnight in Sapa town.

Day 6: Sapa - Bac Ha - Lao Cai - Hanoi (B/D)

An entire day to enjoy the natural wonders of Sapa and learn more about the varied cultures of the region's Hill People. You'll have ample opportunity to visit different villages of the H'mong, Red Zao, and Zay people, and especially Muong Hoa Valley. Home visits are included, and be sure to bring your cameras, this is a Photographer's paradise. Walking by foot, hill-climbing, trekking, or taking it easy by jeep is optionally offered for your sense of adventure, or convenience. In the afternoon we take a coach trip to Laocai and visit the town which borders and trades with China. Free time to for souvenir shopping at the local market. In the late afternoon, we take the overnight train back to Hanoi. O/N on the train

Day 7: Hanoi - Saigon (B, D)

Free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon city. Upon arrival in Saigon we have a tour of the city and visit the War Museum and Reunification Hall, also called the Presidential Palace, built in 1865. Continuing our tour we visit the colonial Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. (If time permits we will also visit Thien Hau pagoda in China town and have free time for shopping in Ben Thanh market before going to our restaurant for Dinner. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 8: Saigon - Cu Chi tunnel system - Tay Ninh (B, L)

Our tour today includes visiting the legendary network of underground combat tunnels in Cu Chi, where our guide will explain how the Vietcong survived and fought during the Vietnam war. Later we travel to the opulent Holy See Temple in Tay Ninh to see the noon service of Cao dai Sect adherents. Cao dai is a fascinating Vietnamese religion combining aspects of Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Taoism and Confucius into a single religion. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 9: Saigon - Mekong Delta -My Tho - Chau Doc (B, L)

After breakfast we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda,which was built in a beautiful area surrounded by trees and is the greatest pagoda of the Tien Giang Province. The architecture of the Buddhist pagoda is a wonderful combination of Asian and European styles. Afterwards we take a boat ride on the Mekong River to Thoi Son Islet, where we experience the life of the people who live along the Mekong River.

We then transfer to Chau doc and check into our hotel. After a short break, we take a boat trip to see the floating markets and fishing farm and the facinating Cham village. Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 10 Chau Doc - Phnom penh (Cambodia)(B, D)

In the morning we take a speed boat down the Mekong river to Phnom Pehn. On arrival in Cambodia we transfer to our hotel.

In the afternoon we have a half day city tour including the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom and the Central Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 11 Phnom penh - Siem Reap (B, D)

Today we travel to see the Tuol Sleng S21 Museum and detention centre used during the evil Pol Pot regime which was responsible for killing an estimated 1.7 to 2.5 million people. We then proceed to the notorious Killing Fields on the outskirts of Phnom Pehn.

Afterwards to go to the airport and transfer to Siem Reap, where we meet our guide upon arrival and have dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers.

Day 12 Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B)

We start today exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom, from Ta Prohm to Banteay Kdei. We will visit many sights including Sras Srang, Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda.

In the afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King.

Early evening we hike up Bakheng Hill to view the magnificent sunset over the western baray of Angkor temples, which on a clear night is an unforgettable sight. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 13 Siem Reap (B)

This morning we drive out of town to the rural village of Pour Krom and walk through this lovely village to see local life. We enjoy an Ox cart ride through the village before transfer to Chong Knies village to enjoy a boat trip on Tonle Sap great lake to see the fascinating floating village communities. Continue to the Les Artisans d'Angkor, the rebirth of Khmer Arts.

Afternoon we'll visit the epic Angkor Wat complex - the most wonderful remains of a disappeared civilization which between the 8th and 13th century, built the splendid Temple of Angkor, partially annihilated afterwards by invasion and hidden for centuries by forest. This temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is remarkable for its powerful architecture and the sculpture richness. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 14: Siem Reap - Luang Prabang (B, L)

Today we will have a tour around Siem Reap in the morning before transferring to the airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival our guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon we will have a relaxed trip to explore some of Luang prabang's many attractions, including the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene. We will also visit the fabulous Wat Xiengthong with its majestic sweeping roof.

Our tour will also include visiting the Stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; Later we visit the National Museum before climbing up to the top of Mount Phousi for great views of the sunset over the city and Mekong river below. Finally we have free time to explore the exciting street Night Market, where you have the opportunity to purchase handmade textiles produced by locals and hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang.

Day 15: Elephant jungle ride or Khouangsi Waterfalls ( B, L )

Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual on the streets of Luang Prabang, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadside. We then visit Phosi morning Market.

We then drive to Lao Spirit Resort to see the protected Elephants at the "Elephant Park Project" along the Nam Khan riverbanks. Enjoy a ride through the jungle on the back of an Asian Elephant before a trek to the Fair Trek project area to visit a small Khmu village community living at the foot of a high mountain range. The fair trek project enables remote villagers to benefit directly from tourism. After lunch at Ban Houay Fai we return to Tad Sae waterfall and take a boat back to Lao Spirit Resort. Scenic drive back to city centre and overnight in Luang Prabang.

Alternative tour option. to the beautiful Khouangsi waterfalls; along the way visit minority villages Ban Na Oun, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene; splash around in the pools near the waterfalls; on returning to Luang Prabang stop at the weaving village of Ban Phanom, then observe sunset at Wat Siphouthabat. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 16 Luang Prabang - Departure (B)

Subject to flight times, we have either Free time in Luang Prabang or take a short tour before your transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Ref	Hotel Standard	Departure Dates	Twin share (£)
IE	3 Star	Weekly	1710
IE	4 Star	Weekly	1890

Prices are based upon a small group tour excluding international flights from UK. As an agent for airline consolidators, we can obtain your international flights at a competitive rate to suit your preferred departure date. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

5-Star upgrade hotel option available.

Price Includes (The prices shown are 'per person')

• All flights within Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia.
• All airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
• Selections of superior accomodation (generally 4 star)
• Sightseeing tours including entrance fee by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Air conditioned transportation and bottle water on coach.

Price Does Not Include

• International flights from UK.
• Visa letter of ariival fee (please contact us for details).
• Visa stamping fees at Airports
• Travel Insurance.
• Tip for driver and Guide.

Flights: We can obtain international flights in various seat class's with many reputable airlines. We can also provide flights from many UK regional airports. Depending upon availability and route we will try to arrange direct flights when possible, however allocation can be limited. If you wish to be booked on a particular airline, please specify at the time of booking (supplement may apply). Alternatively, for the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you £££s off your final holiday price.

Accommodation: We take a great deal of time and effort to source our hotel selection in each city for our travellers enjoyment. We can arrange hotels in all standards depending upon your requirements. We also monitor our established hotel selection continually based upon each of our customers feedback received over the years. Please visit our Hotel page for full accommodation details.

Meals: As stated in itinerary, B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner

Other operation fact: Our tour is arranged on a small group basis average 8 people per group, as we feel this gives our travellers more flexibility and enjoyment. By reducing the group size our experienced local guides are able to get to know you all individually and show you the true beauty of Indochina. Also unlike many companies we do not cancel tours and Guaranteed Departure based upon minimum 2 people.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of the flight available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.