Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day1: Arrival - Luang Prabang World Heritage Site (D)
You are welcome to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City.
Transfer to our hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty temples still remain in the town and surrounding areas.
Visit Wat Visoun, the 16 th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19 th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong , the 16 th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave (B/L)
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.
Following breakfast, we depart hotel to the boat landing, and take an excursion (a few hours) by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height.
En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant. We arrive back at Luang Prabang in late afternoon, and continue by car to outskirt of town to visit Ban Xangkhong , a well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang - KuangSi Waterfall (B/L)
Today you cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. You will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu villages. Continue to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. Return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Free. At leisure. In the evening transfer out to enjoy the Ramayana Dance Show at Royal Palace.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Hanoi (B/D)
In the morning you have free time for shopping. Today you say good bye to the Luang Prabang city and take flight to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Warmly welcome on arrival Hanoi airport. Transfer to hotel. At leisure. Evening enjoy water puppet performance followed by dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi City tour (B/L)
Full-day city tour. The post-colonial capital city of Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, numerous lakes, pagodas and temples. This full day tour takes you around Hanoi 's most interesting sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his Stilt House, Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby followed by the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. Today you will enjoy the Cha Ca La (Braised Fish) – one of the famous dishes only available in the capital of Hanoi.
Continue your trip with the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple, and one of the city's museums, either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum. Also visit the Old Quarter known for its 36 streets and former craft guilds.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong World Natural Heritage Site (B/L/D)
Today you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay with a 4-hours drive through the Red River Delta. After a four-hour drive you are warmly welcome at the Cruise Lounge before transfer by tender to the boat. Welcome on board drink with the cruise briefing. Start cruising on Halong Bay. Enjoy deluxe Vietnamese and International lunch. Stop at Titop Island for enjoy swimming if weather permit or relaxing on the beach and climbing to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo.
Overnight on junk.
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi (Brunch/D)
Rise to the sound of the ocean welcoming another lovely day. We enjoy sunrise and Tai Chi on the sundeck. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room. Sailing to the Surprise Cave. While sailing back enjoy brunch in the dining room. Time for relax on the sundeck to enjoy the bay scenery. Transfer by tender to the pier, where our vehicle waiting for return transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. At leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi – Hue World Heritage Site (B/D)
Free until transfer to airport for flight to Hue . Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport , you will be transferred directly to your hotel. This afternoon you will taking a tour of Hue City including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba market. Tonight you enjoy the fine cuisine of Hue in the Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue (B/L)
Rising up in the ancient land, breakfast in hotel, we board on a private boat for cruising on the romantic Perfume River . This time we head out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. From here we will cruise further to the ornate Minh Mang's tomb. In the afternoon we will continue our day by a drive to visit King Khai dinh's tomb and King Tu Duc's tomb who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 10: Hue–My Son World Heritage Site – Hoi An (B/D)
Today you will travel over the Hai Van pass and visit Ruins at My Son Holy Land. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations and is now one of five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam . Once in Hoi An, we will check into our hotel and have some free time to explore.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An Ancient Town World Heritae Site (B/L)
From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in the high grade silk, which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge.Free at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An – HCMC (B/D)
Transfer to Danang airport for flight to HCMC. Welcome pick up and transfer to hotel. At leisure. In the afternoon visit the Reunification Palace , the Opera House and Hotel de Ville.End of the day with a visit the War Remnants Museum.Enjoy dinner on Bonsai Cruise on the Saigon river.
Overnight in HCMC.
Day 13:HCM - Mekong Delta – My Tho(B/L)
Mekong Delta Gateway trip start with with a drive to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 kms from Ho Chi Minh City.One at My tho, take a boat trip to visit 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix , and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. Stops on the way can be made upon request for particular visits or photos making. Visit traditional house at Quoi An village (all make from coconut). Enjoy seasonal fruit and listening to traditional music. Take horse cart on village path and stop at Ben Truc orchard, taste honey with tea or Mekong whisky (they have a funny rule for guests to get in). Take rowing-boat on water palm creek. Take boat to visit coconut candy mill (special product of Ben Tre province). Enjoy fantastic lunch at local restaurant before coming back to HCMC.On the way back you may wish to visit the Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with mixture structure of many styles.
Overnight in HCMC
Day 14: HCMC – Siem Reap – Angkor (B/D)
Today you say goodbye to Vietnam and take flight to Siem Reaing for Angkor Wat – Another World Heritage site of the trip. Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport , you will be met and welcome by our friendly guide then transferred direct to your hotel. Start your visit to South Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, Baphoun, the Terrace of Temple, Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. It is time to visit one of the great wonders of the world, symbol of the heart and soul of the Cambodia , Angkor Wat. Then view wonderful sunset from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hills. Tonight you will enjoy dinner with Khmer Apsara Dance Show.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 15: Siem Reap – Angkor (B/L)
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, Pre Rup, East Mebon , and Neak Poan. Visit Krovan, Royal Bath of Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei temples.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 16: Departure (B)
Free time in the morning or you will board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake, the " Great Lake " of Cambodia , one of the largest in Asia . Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Free & leisure at your own time for rolling at local markets or shopping until transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure.
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