DAY 1: SIEMREAP ARRIVAL (D)
Upon arrival, welcome by tour guide in Siem Reap, transfer to have lunch and check in hotel. Then visit West Baray Big Pond, a “baray” is a water reservoir built by the ancient Khmer people. It is time to visit Pre Rup temple for a romantic sunset view. After the short rest we would have welcome dinner with Apsara, the traditional Khmer dance - drama performance, which are not merely dance but also telling a story. Overnight in Siem Reap!
DAY 2: SIEMREAP – FULL DAY ANGKOR (B/L)
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 and lunch at local restaurant!
Afternoon visit Angkor Wat temple, the founder of the temple was Suryavarman II who reigned 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. Dinner and have funny time at bars and pubs at Angkor night market! Overnight in Siem Reap!
DAY 3: SIEMREAP – FLOATING VILLAGES – SAIGON (B/L)
K6824 REP - SGN 19:30 - 21:00
Breakfast at hotel, morning visit Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap! Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here you’ll see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. Then visit Wat Bo founded in the 18th century, a highly respected pagoda contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be late 19th century. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Lunch at local restaurant!
Last we will visit Puok, the real and original place of the Artisans d’Angkor silk, where you will see the full process of silk producing, from the silk worms munch on the Mulberry leaves to spin their cocoons which used to make silk warp. You of course will see the weaving work and purchase the high quality silk products as a beautiful Cambodia souvenir. Straight to Siemreap airport for your departure to Saigon
Upon arrive Saigon, our driver (no guide) will pick you up and transfer for check-in the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Saigon
DAY 4: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA (MYTHO) (B/L/D)
Morning, after breakfast, travel by road to the Mekong Delta, the world’s largest delta and Vietnam's largest rice bowl. En-route, stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagod, one of the best-known temples in the region. Afterward, continues to transfer to My Tho. On arrival in My Tho City, capital of Tieng Giang Province, embark on a boat and navigate through intricate canals while observing the local daily life up close as well as the landscape of waterways and lush islands. Land on the Unicorn Island to enjoy wandering through verdant orchards, tasting fresh fruits and listening to some Southern style traditional music. Move on to the second delta province, Ben Tre, where you will watch local villagers make coconut candy in a rural workshop, walk around briefly and try riding a horse-pulled carriage. More cruising to some bee-keeping households to taste fresh homegrown honey and honey tea. Go back Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure. Dinner on the traditional Boat cruise. Overnight at hotel in Saigon
DAY 5: SAIGON – CITY TOUR – CUCHI TUNNELS (B/L)
Morning, take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km Northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and later on Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120 km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges. Back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, take a half-day city tour to visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles, Saigon Central Post Office, which was designed and constructed in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Tour continue visit the War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars with the French and Americans. Shopping at Ben Thanh Market where you can buy the local products and souvenir for our friends and family! Overnight at hotel in Saigon
DAY 6: SAIGON – HUE (B/L)
VJ310 SGN – HUI 08:30 - 09:55
After breakfast, you will be transfer directly to Airport for flight to Hue! (No guide)
Upon arrive Hue, you will be welcomed by our local guide and explore the Imperial City of Hue. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
Then enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda), one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Situated 4 km upstream on the banks of the Perfume River, it is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. Later, visit Dong Ba Market for shopping. Overnight at hotel in Hue
DAY 7: HUE – HOIAN (B/L)
After breakfast, we start the spectacular drive over Hai Van Pass to Danang with a whole view of Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village. Continuing to the charming historic city of Hoi An which lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Hoian was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Afternoon, enjoy the walking tour to discover Hoian ancient town, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the bustling market. We visit these sights on an exciting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Afterward, free at leisure for shopping or walking around Hoi An Ancient town for shopping local product. Dinner at the local restaurant.
After dinner, you will enjoy the Hoi An Memories Show (19:30 – 20:45), Vietnamese culture through an historical lens; a lens leaning heavily on Hoi An’s rich past as a multi-national trading port – since the 1500s a meeting place for East and West. The setting is sprawling and magnificent, grandly depicting the nearby mountains, the sodden river flood plains that typify Vietnam and the old port of Hoi An. The music is exquisite, the lighting hi-tech and the choreography superb.
Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
DAY 8: HOIAN – COCONUT VILLAGE - DANANG – HANOI (B/L)
VN176 DAD – HAN 15:00 - 16:20
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the dock and take a wooden boat transferring to Cam Thanh water coconut village. Learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community. Board on boat and commence cruising on the Cua Dai River. Join in local fisherman on the river and experience on round net or cast net. Learn how to paddle the Vietnamese unique bamboo basket boat. Explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides. Lunch at the local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be transfer to Danang Airport for flight to Hanoi. Welcome at Noi Bai Airport, meet up our local driver and then going to the center for check-in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
DAY 9: HANOI – CITY TOUR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 - the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then continue on to the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam). Lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum where you have great chance to know about culture, custom, languages, houses of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam, see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 - its gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Take you past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters, and the beauty of Red Bridge. At the end, journey through Dong Xuan Market and enjoy the cyclo tour around Hanoi old quarter on 36 streets where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones.
Enjoy the special Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry as well as Vietnamese folklore through a compelling puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. Dinner will be serve at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 10: HANOI – HALONG BAY ON CRUISE (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Halong Bay (by shuttle bus) – Embark to a senior cruise at Tuan Chau port. The first day, you will come over Hoa Cuong floating village – Experience the oceanic activities in the region of Bright Cave (in Lan Ha Bay) – Kayak around Lan Ha Bay with variety of tunnel caves – Swim in a tranquil water – Take a short rest before joining cooking demonstration – Savor amazing BBQ dinner – Join in the night activities as watching film, playing card game or fishing squid. Relax & overnight on Halong Cruise.
DAY 11: HALONG – HANOI – LUANG PRABANG (B/L)
BY VN2905 HAN - LPQ 19:10 - 20:30
Start your new day with Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck or admire the stunning dawn scene.
After the breakfast (Western taste or Vietnamese noodle “pho”), we continue discovering Halong Bay with Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) that is one of the most mysterious and original one. From the peak of the cave, you can take an overview to contemplate the breathtaking beauty of Halong.
Around 09.30. A.m. Passengers prepare checking out. You can admire Halong, or take a peaceful sleep on the sundeck between the hundred islands and islets. Talking to the tour guide more about the stories or legendries of Halong is another choice.
11.45. a.m. Arrive at Tuan Chau Port (after the seafood lunch on board), shuttles bus wait for you for returning to Hanoi.
Experience the last time at leisure in Hanoi till the next flight to Luang Prabang.
Meet local driver at the airport for picking up to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Luang Prabang.
DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B/L)
After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious 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 village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.
On arrival back in the city, we will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall.
From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG – KUANGSI WATER FALLS (B/L)
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.
From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life
After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River.
If time permits, we will visit UXO Visitor Center (closed on Saturday, and Sunday), where you can find the documentation about the secret war in Laos.
This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals
There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists
If you wish, we will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers.
On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang
Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)
In the morning, you are free before transferring to airport to take the departure flight back home! (no guide)