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 Giaobao


Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay.
Today we explore this famous city. Visit  Ho Chi Minh’s residence and the first university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th Century. Drive to Halong Bay (180km) and board our private junk.


After lunch on board we take to the water to experience the wonders of Halong. We journey through Luon cave, a natural tunnel which thrusts through the mountain’s foot and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains and covered by dense jungle. We return to our private junk to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner, followed by an optional night paddle.
B, L, D... Overnight On Junk


Day 3: 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 tortoise 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 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi.
Today we paddle to more exposed waters on the periphery of Halong Bay with stunning views out to the South China Sea. We lunch as we cruise to Halong City where a shuttle awaits to return us to Hanoi.
B, L, D... Hotel Giaobao


Day 5: Hanoi – Luang Prabang.
In the morning, we’ll catch a flight to the Lao world heritage town of Luang Prabang.  We’ll take a city tour of this charming historical town including the Royal Palace museum, Wat Xieng Thong and handicrafts workshops. In the evening we discover some of the culinary delight of Northern Laos with a meal at the colorful night markets.
B, L, D... Heritage Hotel or similar


Day 6: Luang Prabang.
Today, we cruise to the Pak Ou caves where for centuries local people have lain their worn out Buddha images to rest. The charm of Luang Prabang captures the imagination of even the most seasoned traveler. The late afternoon is left free to explore and shop in the exceptional textile and handicraft markets.
B, L, D... Heritage Hotel 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. We then travel by road to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region at Tad Kuangsi. These stunning turquoise blue mineral spring falls are renowned for their health qualities.
B, L, D... Heritage Hotel or similar


Day 8: Xe Pian Wetlands.
Fly 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... Eco Lodge


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 then travel along the Mekong to the ancient center of Kampong Cham.
B, L, D... Mekong Hotel 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 breakfast, we take an early afternoon flight to Hanoi. From here, you’ll connect to your flight home.
B...

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