LAOS, VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR 30 DAYS

Destination: Luang Prabang/Xiengkhoung/Vientiane/Hanoi/Ha Long/Perfume Pagoda/Sapa/Hue/Danang/Hoi An/My Son/Dalat/Ho Chi Minh City/Tay Ninh/Cu Chi/Mekong Delta/Phnom Penh/Siem Reap

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (G)

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham andWat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the watch the setting sun as it is reflected on the Mekong River. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou cave/Khoungsi Waterfall (B, L, G)

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. You can also visit the morning Phosi Market where you canl see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

AM: After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic 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.

PM: After lunch we continue towards Khouangsi Waterfall, en route, we visit the local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Laoloum and Ban Thapene, then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. Here you can take a dip in the inviting pools or walk along the forest trails surrounding the waterfall. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for silk handweaving and for traditional Saa Paper making. We return to the city by late evening to watch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang/Xiengkhoung (B, L, G)

After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and begin our days drive through beautiful mountain scenery to Xiengkhouang, a province of Laos famous for its “Plain of Jars”.  There will be plenty of opportunities to stop off and visit the numerous villages along the way. On arrival we check in to the hotel, the evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Xiengkhoung

Day 4: Xiengkhoung/Vientiane (B, L, G)

Following breakfast at hotel, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site encompassing hundreds of large stone jars scattered throughout the plateau. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its’ nearby villages which are home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people who possess an interesting local culture and a vibrant history. We then board our short flight to Vientiane. On arrival we check in to the hotel. After short rest, we will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 5: Vientiane/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Today, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph The Mekong river side is the perfect place to end the day and admire the sunset. Then, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

Day 6: Biking through villages surrounding Hanoi (B, L, G)

A bike ride through a few of the many villages surrounding Hanoi. Drive to Dong Ky village (families produce furniture inlaid with mother of pearl. Pick up bicycles and ride along the riverside dike. Car to Due Dong village (lunch and traditional Quan Ho music performed by villagers in the commune house. This type of music has a long history – the annual festival is very popular with Vietnamese people). Back on bicycles to visit Phat Tich Pagoda then car to Bat Trang village (famous for its ceramics). Overnight in Ha Noi. (Total distance on bicycles is about 17 km along small roads and tracks)

Another option is car to the Tay Phuong Pagoda (Pagoda of the West: contains an impressive statues carved in the 18th century, the Thay Pagoda (The Pagoda of the Master), Dong Ky village and Bat Trang villages. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi City tour (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th C), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ethnology Museum and the centre of Hanoi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter with a complex of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings and the colonial houses. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Vietnam). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi/Ha Long (B, L, D, G)

A morning drive to Ha Long Bay, (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine “karst” landscape). Travel by traditional-style boat to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming, fishing, hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews, exploring sea level caves in a small sampan, etc. All meals will be provided on board and your accommodation will be on the boat in a twin room with en suite toilet and shower.

Day 9: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Hanoi/Perfume Pagoda/Lao Cai (B, L, G)

In the morning you’ll be picked up to travel to the Perfume Pagoda. On arrival you’ll be rowed through rice fields on a scenic waterway to the complex of pagodas and shrines built into the limestone cliffs of the Mountain of Fragrant Traces. Your picnic will be taken from Hanoi. In afternoon you’ll drive back to the city for refreshment at a local hotel before abroad an overnight train.

Day 11: Lao Cai/Sapa (B, L, G)

You’ll be met at the Lao Cai station and taken by a Jeep or a Land Cruiser to visit an ethnic market. After a picnic lunch, you’ll return to Lao Cai and continue your journey into the mountains to Sa Pa, a small town perched on the mountainside opposite Mt. Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak. You’ll spend the night in Sapa.

The trips to ethnic markets are a fascinating experience but must be on Tuesday (Coc Ly Market), Saturday (Can Cau) or Sunday (Bac Ha or Muong Hum Markets).

Day 12: Sapa/Lao Cai (B, L, G)

Morning stroll to the town busy market and then easy trek to ethnic villages of H’mong in a scenic valley. After stream-side picnic lunch, you’ll be picked up to visit other ethnic villages of the H’mong, Day and Red Dao people. Return to Sa Pa and then back to Lao Cai station for an overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi/Hue (B, G)

On arrival, the car will pick you up at the train station and transfer to a local hotel for refreshment. You will free until transferring to the airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, you’ll check-in a hotel, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda (beside the Perfume River – very tranquil), boat cruise to King Minh Mang’s Tomb (the most majestic of the Royal Tombs) and drive to visit the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.

Day 14: Hue (B, L, G)

Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Antiquity Museum. Afternoon drive to visit King Tu Duc’s Tomb (the poet King, the simplest Royal tomb set in a beautiful garden) and visit to Garden Houses – (a cultural characteristic in Hue). In the evening you’ll be picked up to enjoy a Hue musical show on a boat in the Perfume River for about one hour. Overnight in Hue.

Day 15: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (B, L, G)

Morning drive to Danang (excellent views from high mountain pass). On arrival in Danang, you’ll have a brief visit to Cham Museum, then continue to travel to Hoi An. The rest of the day will be your own. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

The town is an ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina and a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings.

Day 16: Hoi An tour ½ day (B, L, G)

Morning guided visit to the Hoi An Ancient Town Cultural World Heritage Area. Free afternoon and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 17: Hoi An/My Son (B, G)

Morning drive to My Son Sanctuary – World Heritage Area. Free afternoon and overnight in Hoi An.

Once the My Son Sanctuary was the spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom that dominated SE Asia for nearly a thousand years. Its remarkable brick towers were badly bombed by the Americans, but are still impressive as is its remote valley setting.

Day 18: Hoi An/Danang/Dalat (B, G)

Your time will your own until a car takes you to the airport for your flight to Dalat. On arrival, you will meet a driver and tour guide and transfer to a hotel for check in. Afternoon visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda – an interesting architecture with dragon statue made off La Rue beer bottles, and the embroidery workshop in a lovely garden setting. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 19: Dalat (B, L, G)

In the morning, you’ll have a ride in cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake and visit the Flower Garden. After lunch, visit to King Bao Dai’s Summer Palace, the Crazy House, and Da Lat market. Overnight in Da Lat.

Day 20: Dalat/Ho Chi Minh (B, G)

After breakfast, your time will be your own until transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, the car will pick you up and transfer to a hotel for check in. You will overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh city tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC “Oc Eo” civilisation), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the “American War”: not for the squeamish), the huge Ben Thanh market (one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City), the Jade Emperor Temple (superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries) and a lacquer workshop. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 22: Ho Chi Minh/Tay Ninh/Cu Chi (B, L, G)

Drive to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See (in time to watch the mid-day ceremony), Cu Chi (intricate network of underground passages and bunkers that became legendary during the 1960′s for their role in the war of liberation). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai is a “new” religion unique to Viet Nam with around a million followers. Both its creed and its architecture are remarkable and exotic.

Day 23: Ho Chi Minh/My Tho/Ho Chi Minh (B, L, G)

At 8:00 you’ll be picked up at our hotel to travel to My Tho. On arrival, boat cruise on Mekong river to the Thoi Son island: rowing through small canals and walking along small village road to visit fruit gardens, elementary school, spirits distilling house, and see the daily life of villagers. On your visit you’ll have chance to enjoy some of tropical fruits and traditional music show. After lunch at a local restaurant on island, you’ll continue to cruise to visit a coconut candy workshop. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight.

Day 24: Ho Chi Minh City/Phnom Penh (B, G)

After breakfast, your time will be your own until a car takes you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival, the car will pick you up and transfer to a hotel for check in. You will overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 25: Phnom Penh (B, L, G)

After breakfast, take a city tour to visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Khmer Arts. In the afternoon, witness the reign of terror during the Khmer Rouge Regime by visiting the Killing Field of Choeung Ek, and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crime. Before returning to the hotel, visit the famous Wat Phnom. Overnight at the hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 26: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (B, L, G)

After your sumptuous breakfast, take an interesting speed-boat ride to Siem Reap (around 5 hours). On the way, see the scenic scenery of the Cambodian rural life-style along the riverbank (optional by air). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a short relaxation. In the afternoon, carry on with your tour to Roluos Group to see Prasat Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lo Lei. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 27: Angkor Wat/Bayon (B, L, G)

Early morning, view the impressive sunrise at Angkor Wat before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Continue with your tour to see the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Bapuon, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the fabulous Angkor Wat complex and enjoy seeing the picturesque sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 28: Angkor Wat-Grand/Small Circuit (B, L, G)

Start your day with the visit to the Grand Circuit to see Prasat Kravan, East Mebon, Pre Rup and Preah Kan and the Small Circuit to see Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Thommanon, and Chausay Tevoda. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 29: Angkor Wat/Banteay Srei/Boat on Tonle Sap (B, L, G)

Today you will take an excursion to the famous Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre which are about 30 km away from Siem Reap. In the afternoon, visit an ethnic local village and take a scenic boat cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake to see the Floating Village. Tonle Sap Lake is the world�s largest inland freshwater lake. Return to Siem Reap for overnight.

Day 30: Siem Reap departure (B, G)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our departure flight