Marvelous Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia & Thailand

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam!
Get pick up at the airport upon arrival and transfer to the downtown of Hanoi for hotel check-in. Remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest and/or explore the central area at your own pace.

Boasted as one of the liveliest and loveliest city in Asia, Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam with its thousand year history retains in it a deep sense of tradition and at the same time containing very sparky character of a fast growing city.
The city is home of tree-lined boulevards characterized by yellow painted colonial buildings, the Old Quarter with a maze of narrow streets where you can get lost among thousands of colorful shops, traditional guilds, ancient temples, food venues, street café, sounds and smells.
What an interesting experience to join with local for morning exercise around lakes, strolling around capturing scenes of people daily life or just sitting back sipping café au lait watching fast moving currents of the city’s traffic.

Summary of inclusions

This morning you will spend time to explore some main interesting sights of the city including:
Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam consisting of his Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s house on stilts; One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic symbol of the city that dated back from 1049; the ruin of the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long; Temple of Literature, the first University of the country that built from 1076, where huge stone steles on turtle backs bear names of the country’s men who received Doctor Laureate through royal examinations.

In the afternoon, spend time to visit one of many interesting Hanoi’s museums, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple where a legendary turtle is reserved.
Later of the day you will take a leisurely walking tour for sightseeing of the Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy food tasting tour for some of Hanoi’s specialties.
End the tour with a cup of Hanoi special egg coffee in a hundred years old family shop.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel then get picked up for a drive along the fertile land of the Red River Delta to Hon Gai pier where you board the boat for cruise on spectacular Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay. 

Said to be one of the most beautiful nature wonders in the World, Halong Bay consists of thousands of limestone islands soaring up from the emerald water of the bay. The different shape of islands here is the result of the work of wind and water through millions of year. With dotted pristine beaches, floating villages, amazing natural caves and fascinating scenes, Halong and its surroundings is the must-see for travelers to Vietnam.

Check in on board upon arrival at noon time. Have lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of the bay amongst thousands of dramatic lime stone islands.
In the afternoon you will enjoy kayaking through the karsts and breathtaking nature or swimming on one of the beaches
Enjoy sunset party while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage.

Dinner and overnight on board amongst islands and under star live sky.
Note: the cruise itinerary can be different depending on tide condition, boat and route assigned.

Summary of inclusions

Wake up early in the morning if you wish to catch the sunrise over the Bay’s spectacular landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. 
After breakfast, take a rowing boat tour around to visit to explore a tunnel. Later, you will cruise to visit another part of the Halong Bay.
Lunch is served on your way cruising back to the harbor.
Disembark the boat at early noon (11.30 – 12.00 depending on boat and tide). Drive to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Hue, the former Royal Capital of Vietnam. 
Get pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel to check in.

Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Today you will have an exciting day with bicycle to explore beautiful Hue city (You can take car drive or motorbike ride instead – up to your choice). 
Ride your way out of the town center to visit to the traditional bronze casting village where you see locals make beautiful stuffs with traditional tools and methods.
Across the Da Vien Bridege to the southern bank of the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu, the oldest pagoda in Hue and is iconic symbol of the city then continue along the Old Quarter where you will visit the Tinh Tam Lake & the Museum of Royal treasure.

This afternoon you will spend time for a walking tour to explore the Hue Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern but retains a sense of grace and majesty even today.
Next, stop by the Dong Ba Maket, the central market of the town with plenty of local produces then cycle to a traditional village that is famous with traditional handicraft of making paper flowers. Enjoy local interaction, learn for yourself some interesting things about this kind of art and and have some best photos.

Back to hotel in the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel then check out and enjoy our exciting day tour to discover Hue royal monuments, countryside and fascinating nature by motorbike (sit at the back - you can also choose to take car/van drive instead).
Ride your way along little paths on hidden villages where traces of time remain intact. Visit a local market which located in beautiful and very poetic country scenery, the centuries-old covered bridge of Thanh Toan and a farming exhibition house then continue through hidden alleys, off the beaten track, visiting to traditional villages with traditional handicraft such as conical hat, paper and incense making. Later, pay a visit to one of Emperor Mausoleums, a special royal architecture, in line with the Royal City, built as eternal resting place for Emperors of the dynasty.

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch in a pagoda prepared by Buddhist nuns and get pick up by van then drive toward Da Nang with stop at Lang Co Beach where of white sand and blue water for a swim if you wish then drive up to the top of Hai Van Pass for a spectacular view of the land, mountains and sea.
On the way down to Hoi An, you can take optional visits to the Cham Museum, the largest museum for Champa sculpture in Vietnam and the Marble Mountains, exploring caves, pagoda on the top of Thuy Son Mountain.
Check in hotel in Hoi An late afternoon and evening is free at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Nested by the bank of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An ancient town once was the largest sea port the Centre Vietnam from 15th to 19th century and was the hub for merchant boats from both East and West. The town is characterized by medieval streets with yellow painted ancient houses, communal halls, temples all are designated as part of the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. The exceptionally well preserved architecture, traditions and life style along with benficialbe tourist services making Hoi An today one of the top destinations in the World.

Today you have a free day to enjoy your walk around Hoi An and exploring featured sights of the town such as central market, former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese communal hall, Hoi An museum and so on…

As Hoi an is a paradise for shopping lovers, it is the chance for you to indulge yourself with some fantastic shopping of tailor made clothes and souvenirs.
Along the walk you will also have chance try some local specialties such as: Cao lau, Quang noodle, white rose, VAC cake, fried wonton, chicken rice and so on.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Summary of inclusions

This morning you will take a bicycle tour to explore the charming country of Hoi An.
Cycle our way through stunning villages and green farm lands, visiting Tra Que herb garden veggie village, meeting local farmers and joining into farming activities like: hoeing soil, using seaweed, transplanting and watering vegetable…
Following, make our way along undulating rice paddies, shrimp farm, duck farms, getting into hidden country paths, visiting local home and enjoy local interaction.
Later, enjoy a round bamboo boat rowing trip thru the water coconut forest which war the lair of Viet Cong during the war and listen the story about the history of the land.
                                        
Back to the hotel and afternoon is free at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning free until getting transferred to the Da Nang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Being the largest metropolis in Vietnam, Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City is a very dynamic city that contains a big blend of old and new, East and West. This place is characterized by busy traffic, fast moving daily life, skyscrapers, exciting nightlife and is home of some best street foods.  

This afternoon you will have an interesting tour to explore Saigon Ho Chi Minh City with visits to the War Remnant Museum that houses a huge display of documents and artifacts of and about recent wars in Vietnam, the century-old Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace (former Presidential Palace of the South of Vietnam).
End our day with a visit to Ben Thanh Maket, the central market of Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening is free to enjoy Saigon nightlife at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel then leave Saigon for a 2 hour drive through scenic country land to the Mekong Delta with stops to visit a Cao Dai church of Caodaism whose architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail and the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a special Buddhism architecture in Mekong with more than hundred year history.

In the Mekong, you will take boat cruise on a branch of the Mekong River, exploring lively activities along river such as fishing, water transferring etc, visiting to local cottage industries such as coconut candy processing, sleeping mat weaving, salt making, pottery making and so on.
Also, you will have an exciting ride on motor cart (or bicycle) along shady paths, pass by coconut forest, green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about this fascinating tropical land and take little sampan rowing along meandering canal to explore the local way of life.

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and evening is free to enjoy the town at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

Get transfer to the airport for morning flight to Phnom Penh, capital city of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

This afternoon you will have a sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh center with visits to the city’s featured sights including the Royal Palace that contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda which has itfloor paved by silver tiles; the Wat Phnom Temple - Phnom Penh's namesake.
Enjoy the remainder of the day to stroll along the Mekong River bank, watching sunset over the river and exploring nearby market.

Accommodation in hotel in Phnom Penh.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at hotel then start the tour with our first visit to the National Museum’s collection of Khmer art, which displays over 5,000 objects including statues and other artifacts from Angkor Wat.
Continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek that is the reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot rule. This excursion may prove distressing for some. It is, however, an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Siam Reap.

Early this evening, you will take the Tuk Tuk to cruise around the town and get a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for happiness, prosperity and safety for your journey

Summary of inclusions

Today we have a full day to explore the Angkor wonder with visits to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples which has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered, just like its appearance in the movie ‘Tomb Raider’ by Angelina Jolie; the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire: Angkor Thom & the Great Angkor City, built in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII; the impressive Bayon Temple that known with the Buddha mysterious smiling face; the Royal Enclosure; Phimeanakas; the Elephant Terrace; the Terrace of the Leper King & Baphoun temple; and of course, Angkor Wat temple, one of the most impressive and the largest religious monuments in the World, symbol of the Great Khmer Empire, with its five impressive towers representing the 5 holy peaks of the Mount Meru which is home of gods in the Hindu mytholgy. What amazing architecture constructed neary thousand years ago and remains for us to see today. The view of Angkor Wat becomes most impressive during sunset time when it looks like floating on the background of the magical twilight. 

Back to the hotel in the late afternoon and evening is free at leisure.

Summary of inclusions

This morning you drive out to the outskirt of Siam Reap for our visit to the enchanting Banteay Srei which is considered a precious jade of architecture withno space undecorated, and the fine carvings in pink sandstone are unique.
Continue to a place near Kbal Spien and continue our journey on foot, following white sand path which leads up into the jungle. This very pleasant half an hour walk takes us through the beautiful forest to a waterfalls. Enjoy our discovery of the area withriverbed and the rocks around are covered with carvings representing the gods of the Brahma religion dating back as far as the 11th century of the called the "thousand Lingas Rivers".

Following, visit the Banteay Samre, with elaborate architecture and exceptional carvings then Baray Oriental sites: Banteay Kdey, Pré Rup, Preasat Khleang, Mébon Oriental.
On the return, visit a monastery where young monks are studying.

Back to hotel in the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, drive to the remote land of Siam Reap, of the beaten track and the crowd for our discovery of the fascinating Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia - one of the largest in Asia, at its most pristine and stunning side. Here you will take a boat cruise through flooded forest and around to explore the natural splendor and visit Kompong Khleang Floating Village village the largest village at the Tonle Sap Lake, where you will meet the local life at the rural to learn about typical traditional life style of people on the water and to know how important the lake is with the Cambodian people.
During the dry season when the water level low, you will be amazed by the scene of a forest of stilts supporting wooden and bamboo houses rising up to 10 meters in the air. In the wet season when the lake size becomes ten time bigger, the waters rise up making the village a photogenic floating community. 

Get transferred to the airport for flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital and World Heritage town of Laos PRD.
Airport pickup and transferred to hotel for check in. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos, maybe in Indochina.

Today you will take a tour to explore the lovely town of Luang Prabang with visits to some of its highlights such as the most photographed Wat Xieng Thong with its several roofs sweeping low to the ground, Wat Visoun - the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa with the rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao, Wat Aham and Wat Sene Temple, Wat Mai which was built in 1796 known for its five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style, the former Royal Palace today is the National Museum that houses rare religious and cultural artefacts.
Later of the day, climb up to the top of Phousi Mountain for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. At the bottom of the mount is the Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in hotel in Luang Prabang.

Summary of inclusions

Early risers will have chance to participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people – a typical scene and activity of Luang Prabang.

Breakfast is at the hotel.  
Get to the pier and board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. This place is one of the most pilgrimage destination for locals.  
Along the way, there and back you will also have some stops to visit to local villages to learn some about local business and handicraft of rice wine distillation handmade paper.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel then drive out to the outskirt of Luang Prabang for an exciting tour activity of farming experience. Enjoy the educational tour of traditional farm work of land ploughing with buffalo, seed preparing, rice growing, harvesting and processing and more other interesting activities around.

After lunch, transfer to visit the UXO center that features displays and information about unexploded ordnance, for what Lao is the most heavily bombed country, per capita, in history during the Indochina war.

Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Morning f ree at your leisure until getting a transfer to the airport for flight to Chiang Mai, the northern hub of Thailand. Check in hotel and the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Being the most vibrant city in the northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its dazzling temples, colorful street life and friendly locals, excellent foods, exciting night markets and fascinating surrounding landscapes.
During your free time you may just wander around on food to get acquainted with the local atmosphere or pick up a bicycle and take a leisurely ride to explore the surrounding country. There are also many Thai cooking schools where you can take and interesting course to learn about wonderful Chiang Mai’s cuisine.
It is good to spend your time in the evening wandering around the colorful night market then take a seat in a bar with a bottle of beer watching people moving by in the sparkling neon lights.
Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai.

 

Summary of inclusions

Start your sightseeing day with a scenic drive along winding mountain road to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is considered the holiest temple in Chiang Mai, sitting on a hill thousand meters above the surrounding landscape. Enjoy sightseeing the temple, ring the holy bell and perhaps pray for your good luck and get treated with great panoramic view from up there.
Next, take a scenic ride on a steep and windy road across the forested mountain to quaint and picturesque Meo Hill Tribe Village thatset in an attractive hillside spot and interact with the Meo tribesmen dressed in their colorful traditional costumes.Later, take our visit to the Royal Park Rajapruek that covers an area of 80 hectares of landscaped gardens and spend your time to sightsee beautiful palaces, Orchid garden and explore the architectures and gardening cultures from different countries around the world.

Today you will also visit Bor Sang village that is well known for paper umbrella-making and Sankampeng village where you will have chances to explore other famous traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving, woodcarving, silversmith, and lacquer wares making.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

 

Summary of inclusions

This morning you will spend time to explore the cuisine of Chiang Mai by taking an interesting cooking class.
The course begins with a visit to the main food market where your Thai chef will guide you through the market and provide descriptions of the array of exotic items in the bustling marketplace, giving you instructions of how to get right ingredient for your cooking. Upon returning to the cooking school, you will begin the fun, informative course on how to prepare five different Thai dishes and then, it is time for you to enjoy the excellent meal you have prepared. The course concludes at approximately 13.00pm.
Transfer back your hotel and remainder of the day is at leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Early breakfast at the hotel then depart Chiang Mai for a Golden Triangle and border areas. Stop at Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in Wieng Pa Pao district to stretch your legs and visit the spring as well as wandering around the local market. Continue your drive and then take a visit to the Wat Rong Khun - The White Temple of Chiang Rai – a unique Hindu and Buddhist temple with special architecture and color.
Drive up further north to Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town on the Myanmar border with stop to visit to a Karen hill tribe village, one of very typical hill tribe in the mountainous area of Thailand. There in Mae Sai, you will take a walk around the local market and enjoy little shopping and interaction with locals.
Head toward the famous Golden Triangle where the three countries, Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. Wander around for sightseeing and visiting the Museum of Opium and learn about this land, people as well as the trade of opium.
Get down to Chiang Rai and remainder of the day is for a short sightseeing of this ancient capital with visits to the King Mengrai’s statue who founded Chiang Rai, the remarkable Wat Phra Keow, the Oub Kham Museum which is the centre of the Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre and houses artifacts from Lanna kingdoms that once occupied parts of Thailand, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. It houses, amongst others, the Golden Throne of Chiang Tung (now Keng Tung, located in eastern Burma).
Check in hotel in the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Bangkok.
In the afternoon you will spend time to explore some highlights of Bangkok with the first visit to the majestic Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court and used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Within the precinct of the Grand Palace is the Temple of Emerald Buddha regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country, home to the famous statue of Buddha meticulously carved from a single block of jade that is deeply venerated as the country's palladium. Afterward, continue to visit the Wat Pho - classed as the highest grade of the royal temples, with an incredible 46-meter long gold-plated reclining Buddha inside.

Remainder of the day is your free time to explore the bustling Bangkok, wander around the colorful the Khao San Road – the so-called tourist mecca, or indulge in a Thai massage, and enjoy street food crawl.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel then take a morning transfer to Saduak district of Ratchaburi Province where you will take a long-tail speed boat to sightsee of the rural life scenery and the fascinating Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is almost untouched by the modern world.
Enjoy your discovery of fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time which is still widely practiced in this area, watching farmers selling food, fruits, flowers and many kind of local products in their colorful boats. Wind your way along little canals, taking for you memorable shots and enjoy the chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts available at the spot.

Later on, continue to Kanchanaburi where you will spend time to explore some famous relics of the WWII including the Bridge of the River Kwai which is part of the infamous Death Railway built by POWs under harsh conditions and subhuman treatment from the Japanese Imperialist Army, the War Museum, the Chong Kai War Cemetery which is the resting place for about 1,740 POWs who died during the construction of the Death Railway.

Drive back to Bangkok. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, depart Bangkok for a drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th century.
Upon arrival, spend time to discover the ruins and ancient temples in the historical park and then sample one of the most famous delights of Ayutthaya – candy floss roti. Visit to local houses for local interaction and to learn about their life and traditions as well as observing the traditional handicraft making such as palm leaf fish mobiles. Continue with a visit to local market and experience some interesting shopping of local products.

This afternoon, visit the Bang Pa In Royal Palace. Enjoy the sightseeing of majestic royal gardens, mansions and landscaping including the Wehart Chamrunt, the Warophat Phiman, the tower Ho Withun Thasana and the Aisawan Thiphya-Art pavilion…
Continue to Wat Nivet Thammmpravat, one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples with its remarkable Gothic style architecture and stained glass windows.

Drive back to Bangkok in the late afternoon. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast is at the hotel.
Free at your leisure. Check out time is 12.00.
Get transferred to the airport for your flight home
Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions