Indochina: Laos, Cambodia And Vietnam (trip)
Indochina: Laos, Cambodia And Vietnam
- Boats, Barges & Small Ship Cruises
15 Days, from $4,090* per person. September, October.
Accommodations: Comfort. Exertion level: 3 (7 is most strenuous)
Overview of Indochina: Laos, Cambodia And Vietnam
Few regions on earth can match the natural and cultural wonders of Indochina and few adventurers know Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia like Explorers' Corner Expedition Leader Mick O’Shea. Mick has spent 8 years in Southeast Asia clocking up first kayaking descents on some 15 different rivers including an epic 142 day first ever full exploration and navigation of the Mekong River from source to sea in 2004.Needless to say he knows his way around. We asked Mick to create an itinerary which brings his favorite Indochina paddle locations into the same diverse trip and he came back with an outstanding proposal that simply blew us away. We start with the exotic lagoons, caves and islets of World Heritage listed Halong Bay before visiting Luang Prabang, the hidden gem of Northern Laos. From here make our way to the south and ride elephants into the Xe Pian Wetlands followed by a 4 day journey down the Mekong River via the 4000 islands that go deep into Cambodia.
Along the way we pass the site of the greatest cascade in Southeast Asia and the last remaining populations of the extremely rare Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphins. We finish with no less than a two day exploration of one of the world's greatest historic and architectural wonders, Angkor Wat.
Operated by Explorers' Corner.
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Max group size: 12
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi.Arrive in Noibai International Airport in Hanoi. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy an evening buffet meal and trip briefing.
D... Hotel
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay.
Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Residence. Explore the first university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th Century. Drive to Halong Bay (180km) and board our private junk.
B, L, D... Overnight On Junk
Day 3: Halong Bay.
We cruise past exotic islets with dramatic limestone cliffs which are naturally formed as the sea water erodes the limestone mountains. We paddle to Surprise Cave and explore the bay by kayak. We’ll journey through Luon cave, a natural tunnel which thrusts through the mountain’s foot and leads to an exotic lagoon, surrounded by mountains covered by dense jungle. Here we’ll enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, followed by an optional night paddle. This tranquil atmosphere will provide an excellent spot to overnight.
B, L, D...Overnight On Junk
Day 4: Halong Bay - Three Tunnels Lake.
A new day arrives with sunrise at sea. After breakfast, we continue to explore by kayak in the waters toward two fascinating islets that resemble a tortise and a man’s head, and we pass the fishing village of Cua Van. After lunch, if the tides allow, we’ll paddle to Three Tunnels Lake. After dinner, there will be another optional night paddle.
B, L, D...Overnight On Junk
Day 5: Three Tunnels Lake – Luang Prabang
In the morning, we’ll come ashore to Hanoi to catch our afternoon flight to the Lao world heritage town of Luang Prabang.
B, L, D... Xieng Mouane Guesthouse or similar
Day 6: Luang Prabang.
A special city tour will highlight significant sights, including the Royal Palace and the Wat Xieng Thong. In the afternoon, we cruise to the Pak Ou caves where for centuries local people have lain their worn out Bhudda images to rest. The charm of Luang Prabang captures the imagination of even the most seasoned travellers.
B, L, D... Xieng Mouane Guesthouse or similar
Day 7: Luang Prabang.
We rise early to feed the monks of Luang Prabang. The tradition goes that the lay people feed the monks in this life so that in the next, people will do the same for them, opening the path to enlightenment. Free afternoon in Luang Prabang.
B, L, D ...Xiang Mouane Guesthouse or similar
Day 8: Xe Pian Wetlands.
Flight to the deep south of Laos, where we'll drive to the village of Ban Khiat Ngong. In the afternoon, we ride elephants out to the Xe Pian Wetlands to see firsthand this beautiful but threatened environment. A great day's adventure!
B, L, D... Village Stay
Day 9: Xe Pian Wetlands - Mekong Four Thousand Islands.
We bid farewell to the villagers before driving two hours to our put-in on the Mekong River. From here, it is a two hour paddle down to Don Khon, where we stop for lunch near a thundering set of rapids called Liphi, or “Jumping Spirits”. In the afternoon we hope to paddle with the extremely rare Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. The sad truth is that we may be the last generation of people ever to see these magnificent creatures because their numbers are rapidly diminishing.
B, L, D...Tented Camp
Day 10: Flooded Forests.
As the Mekong waters begin to slow we enter a unique seasonal wetland habitat of flooded old growth forests. This habitat acts as a natural sanctuary for a diverse range of birds that flock here to nest. On the first survey through the area in 2004 we stayed at a village and happened to be the first foreigners to do so in 37 years; we look forward to staying with these villagers again!
B, L, D... Village Stay
Day 11: Flooded Forests.
We continue downstream through several bulbs of flooded forest while trying to identify as many bird species as possible. Such large areas of flooded forest, so far upstream from the river’s mouth, are rare; the Amazon is one of the few comparable areas on earth.
B, L, D... Village Stay
Day 12: Mekong- Kampong Cham.
Today we arrive at the remote northern Khmer capital of Stung Treng and catch speedboats down the Mekong to the ancient center of Kampong Cham.
(Speedboats not available on 2009 departures)
B, L, D... Champa Guesthouse or similar
Day 13: Kampong Cham - Siem Riep - Roluos.
Today we drive to Siem Riep and the site of one of the greatest man-made wonders on earth, Angkor Wat. The five hour drive takes us over bumpy roads finally arriving at Siem Riep, we check into the charming garden surrounds of the Pavilion Indochine before pushing on for a visit to the ancient Roluos group. These temples date from the beginning of the Angkor period and provide an interesting point of comparison with the later architectural styles.
B, L, D... Pavilion Indochine
Day 14: Angkor Complex.
Throughout the day we experience the wonders of the Angkor Empire including the Bayon, Angkor Thom, and Tha Prom. Few if any historical sites on earth can compete with the grandeur and scale of the Angkor complex.
B, L, D... Pavilion Indochine
Day 15: Angkor Wat- Hanoi - Home.
After a final breakfast, we take a late afternoon flight to Hanoi. From here, you’ll catch your flight home.
B...Return Home
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