Indochine, Laos - Vietnam - Cambodia

16 days / 15 nights

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Overview

Indochine Unveiled: A 16-Day Exploration of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia's Cultural Treasures

Begin a mesmerizing 16-day journey through Indochine's enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, which includes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.  
The adventure begins in Laos, where the peaceful and historic allure of Vientiane, with its ancient temples, stupas, and monuments, unfolds. Luang Prabang is especially appealing, with its holy temples, mysterious caves housing thousands of Buddha statues, and immersive traditional experiences in local villages.
Continue seamlessly into Vietnam, immersing yourself in enthralling wonders. Explore the UNESCO gems of Halong Bay, which boasts a mesmerizing blend of sea, mountains, and caves, as well as the tranquillity and historical marvels of Hanoi's landmarks. Discover Hue's imperial history with its Royal Fortress and Forbidden City. Wander through Hoi An's ancient town, which is filled with beautiful marketplaces and old temples. Saigon's bustling streets are a compelling contrast to the peaceful Mekong Delta. To round out your Vietnam exploration, pay a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable over 200-kilometer network of underground tunnels that demonstrates the incredible ability of the Vietnamese people during the resistance war.
The journey concludes in Cambodia, where you will have a one-of-a-kind experience at a glass-walled stupa containing the bones of Khmer Rouge victims. Witness the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in centuries of history.
Experience the real Southeast Asia on this unforgettable journey through vibrant traditions and varied landscapes.

Trip code: IND0005LAVNKH16D

Destination: Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, deeply marked by French colonization, but, at the same time, has managed to decisively preserve its identity. In the first two days of the tour there will be the opportunity to explore the major points of interest in the city, breathing in the preponderant European influence, which at times gets confused, until it disappears, between temples and other buildings with a purely oriental style.
Overnight in Vientiane

 

After breakfast, Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, dating back to 1818. Wat Sisaket is the most important temple still intact in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, different architectural styles, sculptures and paintings. Continuation with Wat Prakeo, a former royal temple of the Lao monarchy whose origin dates back to 1565, which houses the image of the Emerald Buddha, Buddhist sculptures displayed along the perimeter wall, including a very precious Dvaravati-style stone Buddha from the VI- IX. We then visit the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. It is an imposing building whose dome, which served as a reliquary, was once covered in gold leaf. In the Lao language these buildings are called thàat, the equivalent of the Indian stupas. Considered the most important monument of Laotian religious architecture and, due to its strong symbolic value, it was included in the emblem of Laos in 1991. In evening time we visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, an Arch of Triumph then we will take a train to Luangprabang, upon arrival we will transfer to the hotel. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang Overnight in Luangprabang

After breakfast we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace which exhibits a fine collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating back to the times of the first kings to the last ruler. Then you will reach Wat Mai, the holiest temple in the city, Climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi for a pleasant exploration of the sacred golden stupa thus being able to enjoy the splendid sunset view over the city and the Mekong River. Embark on a counter-current cruise on the Mekong River, which offers the wonderful panoramic view of the peaceful countryside. We will reach the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, full of thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims, lacquered in gold and of various shapes and sizes. On the way, we will stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, visiting Ban Xang Khong village, well known for hand weaving silk and traditional Saa paper making.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

 

A typical rite in Luang Prabang: hundreds of monks dressed in saffron who pass along the street to receive alms. Please inform your guide a day in advance if you would like to make an offering so that he can prepare some food to deliver to the monks. This morning ritual, when the city begins to come to life, dates back to ancient times. You can return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the almsgiving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep a suitable distance, observe the ritual in silence and dress appropriately: shoulders, chest and legs covered). We will then visit the market where the most diverse goods are sold such as dried buffalo hides, local tea, saltpeter, chickens, vegetables and woven wicker from the hill tribes.
After breakfast, Visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong complex with its roofs that descend to the ground, which represents classical Lao architecture. transfer to Khouang Si waterfall. En route, you will meet Lao ethnic minority groups in Ban Na Ouane and H'Mong villages. Visit to the "Buffalo Dairy Farm", where there will be the opportunity to join the farm's activities, pampering the beautiful buffaloes, feeding them, attending practical demonstrations of milking and tasting the tasty ice creams and cheeses prepared with their milk. Arrived at Khouang waterfalls, we will take a short hike in the national park passing by the Asiatic bear rescue center.
Return to the city then transfer to the airport to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi
08:00A.m: We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum, the One Pillar PagodaThe French colonial Styled Presidential Palace, and the historical Temple of Literature, the first university of VietNam, built in 1070 in honor of Confucius
In the afternoon we will see the Museum of Ethnology and then attend a traditional Water Puppet show. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists – men and women – stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The audience is meant to experience the atmosphere of a village festival. Then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Restored Sword Lake) and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is on an island in the northern part of the lake. We will enjoy a Cyclo tour along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets with each name representative of the type of merchandise sold in it.
Note: Please kindly note that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the inside) will be opened only in the morning. It will be closed every Monday and Friday. Besides the outside of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can still visit Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilt, and One pillar pagoda as usual. The Museum of Ethnography also closed every Monday." 
After breakfast, you will transfer back to Ha Noi. Explore the beauty of the ancient village of Duong Lam - Son Tay, Ha Noi. The village attracts visitors because of its ancient houses and the architectural features of a typical old Vietnamese village with banyan trees and a wharf on the river.
Transfer to a hotel in downtown Hanoi.
The program will be  changed depending on which cruise choosing.
Halong Bay isin the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf and stretches over an area of 1,500 km2 with three thousand green islands that look like jewels. Upon arrival at the harbor, we will embark on a junk. We will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. The Junk is a wooden sailboat designed in a traditional Vietnamese style while offering a full range of modern amenities.
Visit the fascinating Dau Go Cave called “The Cave of Marvels” and Thien Cung Cave, the “Heavenly Palace Cave” surrounded by spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
After dinner, enjoy fishing with local fishermen. The reflection of the limestone outcrops, the sight of fishing boats lit up in the darkness; enjoy these precious moments in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Overnight on board the junk.
06.30-07.00: Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.
07.00-07.30: Catch the morning view of the seascape while enjoying breakfast with cookies and tea, at the café in the restaurant.
07.30-08.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover the life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay. (No swimming).
08.30-9.30: Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.
09.30-10.40: Enjoy brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to the tourist harbor.
11.00: Disembark from boat.
12.00: Your driver takes you back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hue - Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hue.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
We will stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on the southwest bank of the Perfume River and was the center of Buddhism in Central Vietnam. 
After finishing the Hue city tour, we head on to Hoi An with a photo stop on the summit of the breathtaking Hai Van Pass.
Arrive in Hoian, and enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky's old house, a handicraft market where you can see the artists at work making beautiful silk lanterns, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, temples and pagodas in the Chinese architectural style, and the large colorful market.
Afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to enjoy the sunset.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Distance: Hue center- Hoi An: 150 km => 3-hour transfer
08:00 Depart from your hotel
Spend a leisurely day cycling through the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far away from the noise of the city. After passing through the town, you will cycle amongst villages of rice fields on quiet roads, ending up in Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest - 7 hectares of mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place played refuge to people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, but nowadays it is famous for its abundance of seafood.
09:30 On our journey to the village we will stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries, and schools...
10:00 In the village you will be warmly welcomed with a green tea by Mr.Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live there. There you will have free time to stroll through the village, before rowing a basket boat with the locals, learning their traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest.
11:00 After returning to Mr.Han and his family, you will enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs, before preparing lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local dishes, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, and grilled fish in banana leaf, among many other Vietnamese delicacies.
13:30 After lunch you will have free time to take a short rest and enjoy the calm of this relaxing region.
In the late afternoon: Enjoy the coconut basket boat tour. Upon reaching the village you are welcomed by a family on the edge of the river. You will be taken in basket boats to learn their traditional fishing techniques within the water coconut forest trees.
Taking the path along the river, you will see coconut water, fishing nets, and wild birds, then a small pleasant walk on a quiet bamboo bridge in the water coconut forest.
Overnight in Hoi An.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the tourist attractions of Hoi An: the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, the Phong Hung House, the Phuc Thanh Pagoda the oldest pagoda of Hoi An (1454) erected by a Chinese monk, the central market, the port
Arrive at Ho Chi Minh – Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Sai Gon. Then, discover the city: visit of the central district with its colonial-style houses, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, the ancient Catinat district where the oldest hotel in Saigon is located: "Continental" and the Ben Thanh market.
Overnight at a hotel in Saigon.
8:00am: Heading out of town we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl.
On arrival in My Tho, we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. This thrilling excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many delicious seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda.
The trip ends after arrival back in Ho Chi Minh
8:00am: We drive to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which are an incredible underground network of passages constructed by the Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.
After lunch, we drive to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The trip ends after the arrival back in Ho Chi Minh City
Distance: Ho Chi Minh Central – Cu Chi: 50 km => 1-hour 20-minute transfer

Upon arrival, welcome by tour guide in Siem Reap, transfer to check in hotel! Then visit Wat Thmei (Killing Field) contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Come back to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. Overnight in Siem Reap!

Breakfast at hotel, explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last you will visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries.
Afternoon visit Angkor Wat temple, the founder of the temple was Suryavarman II who reined Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century to dedicate to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction. It is time to for a romantic sunset view. Have funny time at bars and pubs at Angkor night market!
Overnight in Siem Reap!

 

Breakfast at hotel, free leisure on own arrangement until time transfer to airport for flight onwards!
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Reviews

I have to say that this trip has been really interesting. The historical sites we visited on this tour were extremely exciting for me. I recently went on a tour, and I have to say that my trip is perfect. I had a great time and would recommend this tour to anyone.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability) based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
  • All local boat rentals and cycling as mentioned in the program. Seat in coach (SIC) junk in Ha Long bay. 02 days/ 1 night. With 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 brunch
  • Transfer from and to the airports by private vehicle with A/C. Transportation by private vehicle with A/C.
  • Local English speaking guide(s) in Vietnam.
  • Meals as mentioned in the program. B: Breakfast only.
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program. Mineral Water (01 bottle/pax/day)
  • 01 FOC in ½ Twin room for group of 16pax onward (excluding internal airfares and visas). Maximum 02 FOC per group.

Exclusions

  • Late check out or Early check in
  • Visa fee upon arrival in Vietnam. Vietnam visa authorization letter. Visa fee upon arrival in Cambodia. Lao visa fee.
  • International flight/ Domestic flight tickets and airport taxes.
    All internal/ regional flight tickets in economy class with/without departure tax.
  • Tips & personal expenses. Personal insurance. Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.

Accommodation

First : 3-Star Hotel

Superior : 4-Star Hotel

Deluxe : 5-Star Hotel

Important Info

From

$1,282/Pax

Applied for group 16-20 persons