Splendours of Indochina
17 days - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos...

• Hanoi (2 nights)
• Halong Bay - overnight on luxury junk
• Hue (2 nights)
• Hoian (2 nights)
• Saigon (2 nights)
• Mekong Delta Cruise & sampan rides
• Siem Reap -Angkor Wat (3 nights)
• Laos - Vientiane (1 night)
• Luang Prabang (3 nights)
• Elephant santuary
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi

Meeting & greeting at the airport upon your arrival and transfer to 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)

Today's full day tour includes Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex, taking in his mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and his idyllic wooden home built on stilts. Next we continue to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, and become acquainted with Vietnam's two major religions, Buddhism and Confucianism. In the afternoon we visit the fascinating museum of Ethnology, which includes full size replicas of amazing ethnic minority tribal buildings found across Vietnam.

Later we explore downtown Hanoi including Ngoc Son Pagoda on Hoan Kiem lake and Ma May Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter to see a classic example of late 19th-century architecture. Afterwards we proceed to West Lake to see the beautiful Tao Sach Pagoda and enjoy coffee on a floating café. Free time in the evening allows you to walk along the historic French colonial Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter provides a wonderful shopping experience and has a choice of many excellent restaurants. Overnight in Hanoi

(Optional evening tour to see the famed water puppet theatre, a traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region. Ask for prices & details at time of booking).

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 -Hue (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 return to Hanoi and board an evening flight to Hue.

Day 5: Hue (B)

This morning we take a boat ride on the serene Perfume River to see the best known pagoda in Middle Vietnam, Thien Mu. Our tour also includes visiting the impressive Tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc and the beautiful Royal gardens. In the afternoon we see the ruins of the former Royal residence, Forbidden City, and Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Hue - Danang - Hoian (B, L)

After breakfast we leave Hue for Hoian. En route we'll pass the Ocean Clouds Pass and China Beach before visiting the fascinating Cham Museum. We stop for lunch in Danang City, which is 40 km from Hoian then visit the Marble Mountains and marble carving village at its foot. Finally we arrive at the quaint merchant coastal town of Hoian. Once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries, Hoian's architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years Upon arrival in Hoian, we explore its fascinating narrow lanes filled with historic architecture. Hoian offers great shopping opportunities and is famous for the quality of bargain prices of their tailored suits and silk wares. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7 Hoian (B)

A free day to shop and explore Hoian or have a day relaxing on Cua Dai beach with its endless expanse of unspoiled white sandy beach gently sloping into the clear blue sea. Cua Dai Beach is located 5km from Hoian old town and can easily be reach by taxi from your hotel. The tree lined beach of Cua Dai is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam.

Day 8 Hoian - Danang - Saigon (B)

After an early breakfast we transfer to Danang for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival you will receive warm welcome from your local English speaking guide and transfer to the Hotel. Here we explore the vibrant Dong Khoi shopping area, admiring the many sights and sounds of down town Saigon. Overnight in Saigon

Day 9: Saigon City Tour (B)

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. We also visit the Saigon colonial Post Office, Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral - the best of Saigon's architectural landmarks. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 10: Saigon-Mekong Delta (B, L)

This morning we drive to Saigon's China Town where if time allows we visit Thien Hau pagoda. Afterwards we continue our journey to the prosperous town of Vinh Long in the heart of the Mekong Delta, a world that lives and works on the water. We'll have an exciting boat trip to experience the floating market of Cai Be.

Next we continue by sampan along small canals and narrow side arms of the Mekong River to observe the daily life along the river banks, visiting fascinating workshops where villages produce coconut sweets and rice crackers. Our final destination is the beautiful Binh Hoa Phuoc Island. On the island we visit orchards of tropical fruits and for lunch we sample delicacies of the region, such as Elephant Ear fish.

After lunch we return to Vinh Long Town for our transfer back to Saigon airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Meet up with your Khmer guide at Siem Reap airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 11: Siem Reap (B, D)

We start exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom, from Ta Prohm to Banteay Kdei to Sras Srang, to Takeo, to Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda. Afternoon visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King. Hike up and view the sun set into the western baray of Angkor temples from the top of Bakheng Hill. Dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 12 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 13: Siem Reap- Vientiane (B)

This morning we fly to Vientiane where we tour the city's major attraction spots in the city, such as the Great Sacred Stupa, That Luang, Wat Phra Keo, Wat Sisaket, Museum of Victory and the Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 14: Vientiane - Luang Prabang (B)

This morning we take a tour of Vientiane, such as the Buddha Park to see many hundreds of statues ornate and bizarre in design in a meadow by the Mekong River. The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism.

Mid-afternoon we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Luang Prabang. Meet your guide a take a short orientation tour upon arrival. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 15: Luang Prabang (B)

Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadside.

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 can be provided if requested at time of booking, instead of the Elephant project tour:

The alternative tour includes a leisurely boat ride along the Mekong River to see the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. The historic cave is crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims travelling along the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang and free time to relax or explore the many exotic night markets.

Day 16: Luang Prabang (B)

We start today visiting the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene and the fabulous Wat Xiengthong with its majestic sweeping roof. We then take a scenic drive out of Luang Prabang into the surrounding forest and jungle countryside to see the village ethnic minority communities at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene.

We then travel on to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. The falls offers a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise tiered pools or to walk along the various jungle trails. Changing facilities are available for those wishing to bath. Finally we continue to Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for making jute paper.

Early evening we hike up the 328 steps that lead to the summit of Mount Phousi, which dominates the sky line of Luang Prabang. After exploring the sacred gilded Stupa at the summit, we wait for the spectacular sunset and marvel at the beautiful panoramic views over the mountain ranges of Luang Prabang.

Day 17: Luang Prabang - Home (B)

Meet our guide in your hotel lobby and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Ref	Departure Dates	Twin share (£)
SI - 3 star hotels	Weekly	1815
SI - 4 star hotels	Weekly	1970

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.

Hotel upgrade to 5-Star is available and private tailor-made tours can also be arranged.

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

• All flights within Vietnam including airport tax.
• All airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
• Selections of superior/deluxe (generally 4 star)
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Mini Water provided on coach
• Air conditioned transportation

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.