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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 - Saigon (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 Saigon. Upon
arrival you will receive warm welcome from your local English speaking
guide and transfer to the Hotel.
Day
5 Saigon - Tay Ninh (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
6 Saigon-Mekong Delta (B, L)
This
morning we drive to Saigon's China Town where 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 for the evening. Overnight in Saigon.
Day
7 Saigon -Siem Reap (B, D)
Free
time to explore the vibrant city at your leisure and a good
opportunity to buy your holiday souvenir in downtown Saigon.
Afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Dinner with entertainment from
Apsara dancers and a leisurely walk in the merry tourist
centre of Siem Reap, taking in the night market. Overnight
in Siem Reap.
Day
8: 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
9 Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (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
10: Siem Reap-Phnom Penh (B)
We
board the morning flight to Phnom Penh, where we meet our guide
at Pochentong airport and transfer to your hotel. Later we a tour
to visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the
National Museum, the Independent Monument, Wat Phnom.
A walk on Sisowath Quay to the sunset cruise on the Mekong River
to conclude the day. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day
11: Phnom Penh-Vientiane (B)
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.
Later
we transfer to the airport for our flight to Vientiane (Laos).
Upon arrival in Vientiane you will be transferred to your hotel
and have free time to take a night walk to see the colonial areas
of the city. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day
12: Vientiane-Luang Prabang (B)
This morning 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, the Buddha Park and the Arc de
Triumph.
Mid-afternoon
we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day
13: 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
14: 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
15: 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
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Ref
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Weekly
Departures - 4 Star hotels
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Departure
Dates
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Twin
share (£)
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EI
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Sept
2011 - 31st March 2012
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Weekly
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1960
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|
EI
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May
1st - 30th Sept 2012
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Weekly
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1935
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|
EI
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Oct
2012 -30th April 2013
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Weekly
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2000
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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.
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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 assist on purchasing international flight upon your request.
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, however the standard
hotels are superior 4 star. 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.
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