MULTIPLE COUNTRIES
Captivating Indochina Tour 16D15N
| See Indochina highlights, discover the beauty of region as well as the culture and history | |
Rate from 1.520 per person | |
1.520 Grade A 16 days 15 nights | |
| Download your user manual here |
Day 1: Siem Reap arrival – City and Tonle Sap Lake
Arrival in Siem Reap and transfer to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. We take a boat trip in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. We spend the rest of day visiting the "Chantiers Ecoles - Les Artisans d'Angkor" which provides training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting.Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Angkor Wat tour
Breakfast at hotel: Start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Angkor Wat tour
Breakfast at hotel, Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Afternoon we visit the Roluos Group.The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89. Preah KO erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – fly to Phnom Penh – City tour
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for flight departure to Phnom Penh, arrival in Phnom Penh and transfer to visit the the Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek-both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot. It is almost inconceivable to confront the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, but the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek, commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime. This excursion may prove distressing for some. It is, however, an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle. We continue to visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. We also visit Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 5: Phnom Penh – fly to Luang prabang
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Luang prabang via Vientian (2 separate flights stop in Vientian). Arrive in Luang prabang airport, We’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. Overnight in Luang prabang.
Day 6: Luang prabang city – Pak Ou cave
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. Start your city tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where you will explore the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai temple, We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panaromic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, on the way we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village well known for its hand weaving.
Back to the town, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the night market, where you can find a wide collection of handmade textile by local and hill tribe people in the surrounding towns. Dinner is on your own and overnight in Luang prabang
Day 7: Luang prabang – Kuang Si waterfall – fly to Hanoi
After breakfast, we transfer to Khouangsi Waterfall, stopping to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. Once at the falls you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, pick up and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8 : Hanoi city tour
Start from your hotel at round 8am. Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex and One Pillar pagoda. Next, heading to one of the most interesting museums in Hanoi – The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It is not only a valuable centre for the exhibition and the preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam but also a centre for ethnographic research employing many experts on the different ethnic groups. People come to the Museum just not to visit or entertain, but also to learn about these ethnic groups, their cultural diversity and the uniqueness of each group and region, as well as traditional values throughout the Vietnamese country. Continue to visit Temple of Literature - the first University in Vietnam.
Lunch at local restaurant, afternoon take a Cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem lake and Old quarters, continue to visit Dong Xuan market, this is the biggest market of Hanoi on the North part of Old quarters was constructed in 1889. End tour with a-hour water puppet show at Thang Long Opera house. Transfer back to Hanoi hotel. End of tour.
Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay/join group
Early morning arrive to Hanoi at around 5am, taxi to your hotel by your own. Time for shower and breakfast before pick up at around 8am and transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay. Arrive to Halong at noon and get on our traditional wooden boat/cruise. Enjoy your time for relaxing, sightseeing and swimming. Visit the Floating Fishing village and swimming if the weather permits. Meals are including. Overnight on board.
Day 10: Halong – Hanoi – flight to Hue/join group
You’ll wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves and birds welcoming the new day. Enjoy Tai Chi class on sundeck (upto weather condition). You will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay and after breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto. Then you will have a walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Then you will transfer directly to the airport for your flight to Hue. Arrive to Hue, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Hue.
Day 11: Hue city tour – Hoi An
Morning enjoy breakfast in the hotel before starting to discover the ancient capital city. You first board a private boat for cruising on the romantic Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda & the ornate Minh Mang's tomb. Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon visit the Citadel then transfer to Hoi An via Hai Van pass. Dinner is on your own and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An/join group
In the morning, our guide will come to meet you at your hotel for the transfer to My Son, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in
Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Spend times to discover this area and return to Hoian town at noon.
Free at the rest of the day for your shopping or discover the ancient town. Meals are on your own. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 13: Hoi An – Danang - flight to Saigon – Saigon city tour
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, we enjoy a day tour to visit the most beautiful places in this area including Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, followed by exploring the Reunification Palace, and the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum. Return to your hotel, dinner is on your own and overnight in Saigon.
Day 14: Saigon - Cu chi tunnels – Cao Dai temple
Located in the town of Tay Ninh, approximately 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cao Dai Temple is the main center of Caodaism, an intriguing and colorful indigenous religion mixing Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Roman Catholicism and venerating western icons like Victor Hugo, William Shakespeare and Joan of Arc. The Cu Chi tunnels, situated 40 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, consist of a vast and ingenious network of underground tunnels connecting living and cooking areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers but also hundreds of trap doors, that played a strategic role in the resistance of the Vietnamese revolutionary fighters during the ‘American War’, helping them to control a large rural area around Ho Chi Minh City.
Depart from your hotel at around 7:45-8:00am. A 2,5 hours drive will take you from bustling Ho Chi Minh City to the town of Tay Ninh where you will discover the Great Cao Dai Temple and assist to one of the four daily ceremonies. After lunch in a local restaurant, drive to the famous Cu Chi tunnels where you will spend the next couple of hours exploring the area and learning more about the history and the incredible tenacity and ingenuity of its inhabitants. The more adventurous will have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and to fire off some rounds from Ak47 or M16 assault riffles at the shooting range before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City and arriving late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 15: Saigon - Authentic Mekong delta - Saigon
Depart from Saigon and head straight to Ben Tre, crossing the impressive Rạch Miễu Cable-stayed Bridge. Board a small boat to visit typical workplaces including small brick factories, a coconut processing workshop and a local mat-weaving house.
Stop at a quiet village, take a short walk to experience local life and hop on your xe-lôi (a kind of motorized rickshaw) and stop at a riverside restaurant for a lunch with local food.
After lunch, take a short cycling tour to explore the surrounding fields before boarding a sampan for a tranquil trip along the picturesque canals. Come back to the port and return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 16: Saigon departure
Morning breakfast then free time shopping then transfer to the airport for onward your flights. End of the tour.
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Warm clothes in the months from Oct - Mar (Northern VN & Laos)
- Wear long sleeves, pants when visiting pagodas, temples
- Trekking shoes, sun glasses, sun cream, insect repellent are also necessary. You should take cash with you in Vietnam Dong because banking system sometimes doesn’t function well. Cash is highly accepted.
- You should take medicine with in case you get sick.
- Itinerary subject to change upon weather & operation conditions
- Inform any special food note (if have)
>> To customize this tour, please email us at sales@asiajourneytravel.com
INCLUSIONS
Meals as dedicated : B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
English speaking guide for touring day
Transportation with AC
15 nights accommodation as itinerary
Boat trip in Siem Reap, Halong Bay, Hue, Mekong delta
All entrance fees
Government taxes and service charges
EXCLUSIONS
Visa fee to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
Domestic & International flights
Tour guide for transfers
Tips for guide
Surcharge for holidays
Early check-in & late check-out
Drinks
Other things not mention above
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Customers' Comments
"We booked Halong Bay/Aphrodite Cruise 2 days in May, I must tell that - How a wonderful tour you made for us ! The shuttle bus was very punctual, food was fresh, staff were so friendly and especially the cost is very resonable. I would definitely recommend Halong Bay Sails to my friends if they travel to Vietnam. Once again, Thank you so much ! Jane - from Singapore"
"
I can't say enough to express my sincerely thanks to all your team due to the strong support which you did for us as it's really special. Let us send you some photos of the lovely trip in this email. A big hug to you - Halong Bay Sails / Asia Journey Travel ! Chris - from The USA
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We have returned with happy memories of our trip. Sincere thanks to you and your entire team for the well planned, punctual and friendly guides. Hotels selected were also appropriate being as required, close to markets and city centre. Alba hotel is the best. Hoi An was a very good experience which we did on our own and I would highly recommend Asia Journey Travel to all visiting tourists.
Availability of more vegetarian food would help travelers or rather travelers with vegetarian food habits ! - Simon Edward, Australia
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When people ask me how was my experience of Indochina tour, I don't hesitate to recommend Asia Journey travel because of their best cost and high quality services. They even offerred us some extra meals, highly taken care of our food request. Surely use them again for next trip in Asia !
Daniel, Ohio, USA
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Dear Ms Chu Hien !!
Thank You so much for organizing our tour from North to South Vietnam. We really had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the new impressions of your fine country. All Things are ongoing pretty well and besides we learn a lot of your history..
Just now we are relaxing and enjoying pretty Hoi An by hanging out in Caffee shops, riverside or beach – very welcome after having had stressfull periods in our office.
Kelly, Munich - Germany
"Me and my husband have been touring 15 days with Asia Journey Travel, I can't write all unforgettable that we had. Susan and her team took care of our trip from beginning to the end. She kept us updated by following our itinerary wherever we are. Punctual pick up and professional services. All are worth what we have paid for ! We will definitely recommend Asia Journey Travel. Anthony - from Dublin, Ireland"
