Magnificent Vietnam, Laos & Thailand

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!
Met and greeted upon your arrival at the airport and take a short transfer to hotel for check-in.

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and a commercial hub of the country that characterized by a vast array of sights and sounds with people rushing about their life from early morning until midnight. The city contains in it a fascinating mix of old and new, East and West that blend very well in the tropical air, making it a wonderful place of discovery.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or wander around for catching up with some first sights of the city’s busy life.
If you have time, why not take a fun cyclo ride around busy streets to catch interesting sights of the hustle city or simply taking a walk around one of many green parks in the centre and adapt to the local atmosphere. In the evening, it is good idea to head out to the night market where you have chance to mingle with locals and enjoy a wonderful street food crawl. Another option is Pham Ngu Lao street - the tourist hub in Saigon - where you can grasp a cold beer, enjoying the colorful night there or, get up the the top of Lanmark 81 buiding for a cocktail and enjoy fantastic view of Saigon by night.

Overnight in hotel in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary of inclusions

Today you will have a day tour exploring  the central area of Saigon with visits to some featured, historical sites such as the century-old Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace (former Presidential Palace of the South of Vietnam), Dong Khoi street – former Rue Catinat that made famous by Graham Greene in his best-selling book ‘The quiet American’, The Saigon Opera House, Hotel Continental, Nguyen Hue Boulevard and the Ho Chi Minh City Hall – Former Hotel de Ville de Saigon.
Enjoy sightseeing around, learn about the people and history of this fascinating land, reveal the charm of the old Saigon and witness the enthralling rhythm of this fast growing city. It is great to take a sit by the veranda of colonial building Continental Saigon hotel, sipping cafe au late and watching the current of people and time pass by.

In the afternoon you will have a  visit to City’s China town, exploring colorful streets and visit to Jade Emperor Pagoda then wander around the Binh Tay Maket, the largest market in town.
Evening is free at your leisure.

An optional adventure ride on the back of a moped through zigzac alleys of hiddend coners of Saigon combining with local foods savouring is available at your disposal.
Overnight in hotel in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary of inclusions

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 for a short flight to Da Nang, gateway to Hoi An. Pick up from Da Nang airport and transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check in.
Remainder of the day is 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 halland 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 hotel in Hoi An.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel then meet up with your guide for for an exciting bicycle tour to explore Hoi an country.  
Cycle our way through stunning villages and green farm lands, visiting Tra Que herb garden veggie village, meeting local farmers, listening to tour guide explained why it is called “Organic farm” and how it is consumed around Hoi An and local people.
Joining into farming activities like: hoeing soil, using seaweed, transplanting and watering vegetable…
Keeping biking to the rice paddy field throughout the shrimp farm, on the ways, taking picture about duck farms, shrimps farms, cows, birds, bamboo...
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 hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, take a scenic drive through green lands, pristine beaches, spectacular lagoons and verdant mountains to Hue. Located in the central Vietnam, Hue is the old imperial capital and the treasure of the country’s royal past. The place is known for its both historical values and beautiful natural landscapes.

Your afternoon tour of Hue starts with a visit to Thien Mu, the oldest pagoda in Hue and is iconic symbol of the city. This place is known with the 7 storey Phuoc Duyen tower mirrors on the water of the Perfume River and the huge bronze bell casted in 1710 whose sound can be heard from 10 miles away. Also there you will see an Austin car that belonged to venerable monk Thich Quang Duc who in 1963 drove it to a cross in central Saigon and burn himself to death to protest Buddism discrimination by the Diem's governmet of South Vietnam. Then, visit one of ancient garden homes originally belonged to a Royal family members where you can learn something about this historical land and its traditions. 
Following, take a walking tour through to The Imperial Citadel & the Forbidden City where Kings of 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.
Later of the day you will enjoy your visit to Dong Ba Maket, the central market of the town with plenty of local produces, for sightseeing and perhaps trying some local specialties.
Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Get transferred to the airport for a short flight to Ha Noi. Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel to check in.
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. Hanoi centre 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.

In the afternoon you will spend our time to explore city’s some highlights including the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university that built from 1076 - where remains nearly a hundred huge stone slabs erected on backs of stone turtle, bearing names of more than a thousand men who received doctor laureate through royal examinations; the memorial complex for the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh that consists of the Presidential palace, Uncle Ho's humble house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda; Hoan Kiem Lake - the heart of the city with the Ngoc Son Temple built on a small charming island where a legendary turtle is reserved.

Later of the day, enjoy a walking tour through the maze of colorful streets of Hanoi Old Quarter for sightseeing and enjoying food tasting of Hanoi specialty and ends your day with a cup of special egg coffee at a hundred years old family shop.

Evening is free for you to join with local people at the night market or walking around and enjoy the the festive atmosphere around the Hoan Kiem Lake (weekend)

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 partywhile 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 back Hanoi and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at your hotel and free at leisure until getting a transfer to the airport for a flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos People Republic.

Lies on the bank of the Mekong River, this charming and fascinating capital of Laos conjures up exotic images, with the little mix of Lao, French, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese influences. The city is studded with gilded Buddhist shrines and monuments, faded French colonial buildings, little café and steaming noodle stalls, bustling sidewalk markets and quiet medieval shady streets, is somewhere between a laidback city and a lively township, a place of charms that you might not find anywhere else around Asia.

Met and greeted by our guide and driver at the airport and take a short transfer to hotel to check in.
Remainder of the day is free to relax or wander around exploring the town at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel then start your city tour by visiting the oldest Wat Sisaket which houses thousands of tiny Buddha images and row after row of seated Buddhas. Your next destination is Haw Phra Kaew, the royal temple that once enshrined the Emerald Buddha. Today it is a museum where there resides a tremendous collection of religious art.
Continue with a visit to the golden Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos - a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. The stupa of this temple is 40m high and covered with gold that can be seen from miles away.
Along the way you also make stop to visit the Pattuxay monument, the Vientian’s Triump de Arch. Also, you will spend time to wander around and sightsee some prominent colonial architecture in the centre area.

Then transfer to the amazing Buddha Park (also called Wat Xieng Khouane) which is definitely worth a visit during your tour to the capital of a million elephants. Upon arrival, take your time to explore more than 200 religious statues, including an enormous 40-meter-long reclining Buddha.
Transfer back to hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Get transferred to the airport for morning flight to Luang Prabang.

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.

This afternoon you have a bicycle/green tuk tuck tour to sightseeing the Luang Prabang ancient town with visits to some featured sights such as the most photographed Wat Xieng Thong with its several roofs sweeping low to the ground, the former Royal Palace today is the National Museum that houses rare religious and cultural artefacts.
Then visit Wat Mai built in 1796, the five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim (chapel) epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style.
Late afternoon you will 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. Night Market of Luang Prabang just right at the bottom of Mount Phousi, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by locals and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang, is a good place to kill some time in the evening. .

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 then 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.
Remainder of the day is at your leisure to wander around the old quarter of Luang Prabang, sightseeing the colonial area with beautiful colonial architecture. Optional Laos cooking class is available at your disposal.

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, take a drive out to the Kuang Si waterfall, a jade of Luang Prabang area. Along the way you will make stop to visit to local hill tribe villages of Hmong and Khmu to learn more about Laos’s culture colors and diversity.

At the Kuang Si Waterfall Park, you will have a visit to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary where you can find great information about Asian sun and moon bears and the Free the Bears Protection Program.

Considered the most beautiful masterpiece of nature in Luang Prabang and the whole country of Laos, from the level of 60 meters high, the vibrant water of Kuang Si tumbles down, cascading over limestone tiers creating a series of wonderful turquoise natural swimming pools. The harmony between the white falls, crystal blue color ponds, fascinating travertine patterns and the green of lush tropical jungle surrounding makes make the place a dreaming picturesque landscape. 
The wonderful activity here is absolutely to take a swim in the turquoise ponds and let the torrents shower your body. You can also take a hike along jungle trail up to the top where the stream feeding into the falls to get a great overview of the stunning water patchwork below. 

Enjoy your time exploring and swimming in crystal clear water.
Back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Morning free at your leisure until getting a transfer to the airport for flight to Chiang Mai, the northern hub of Thailand.

Being the most vibrant city in the northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its dazzling temples, interesting old city area with colorful street life, friendly locals, excellent foods, exciting night markets, and fascinating surrounding landscapes.

Met and greeted at the airport by Thai guide and go straight on tour of Chiang Mai to visit the Wat Doi Suthep Temple, the most sacred temple in Chiang Mai. Drive up to see a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city.
Drive to your hotel, check in and evening is free on your own time to explore the Night Market and have supper at the "food court" where all type of food is available and entertainment. The "Night Market" starts at 6 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Summary of inclusions

After breakfast, set off to visit Pratu Chiang Mai Market is one of the gates to Chiang Mai's old town that bustles with a lively fresh market in the early morning.
Continue to Wat Suan Dok - The flower garden temple built in a forest grove in 1373 and now surrounded by a group of whitewashed Lanna stupors housing the remains of past Thai Royal families.
Following, enjoy a leisure cruise along the smooth waters of the Mae Ping River, passing fascinating scenes of rural greenery alongside with charming wooden houses nestled in fruit laden orchards, people work and taking water on either banks, and little kids jumping into the water from wooden jetty with shouts of glee.
Then, make a stop at a local farmer’s house for an exciting local interaction, see and learn about traditional farming methods of rice and herbs growing. Enjoy the treat of seasonal tropical fruit freshly picked from garden and be amazed with the wonderful taste of refreshing herb juices.
Later, in the afternoon, you will visit a center of Thai Boxing also known as Muay Thai, a famous form of Thai traditional martial arts. Enjoy watching a game and perhaps try to practise some of this form of kick boxing.
Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

Summary of inclusions

This morning you will have chance to explore the fascinating cuisine of Chiang Mai with an interesting class at a Thai cooking school.
The course begins with a visit to the 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, how to use them, and what to use instead in case you can’t get them at home. 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. Of course, after the class you will also have for you a comprehensive recipe book for the dished you have done.

Remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore lovely Chiang Mai at your own page.

Summary of inclusions

Catch a morning flight to Bangkok, the “City of Angels", the capital of Thailand. 
Being one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife, Bangkok really has something for everyone.   
Today 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

Leave Bangkok and drive southwestward to the Ratchaburi Province for the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Make stops along the way to visit salt fields and chat with salt workers in Samut Songkhram and to experience the interesting Mae Klong Railway Market whichhas the train tracks running right through with canopies quickly shut and stuffs are moved in whenever the train passing by. This place is full of locally grown fruits, freshly caught seafood, dried spices, peppers, and other local foods.
Then, hop on a long-tail boat and cruise along winding canal to the Damnoen Saduak floating market where you will see a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time that is still widely practiced in this area. It is a great chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and Thai foods or make some fun shopping for Thai handicrafts that are available at the spot.
Continue to Kanchanaburi Province and upon arrival, visit the Chong Kai Allied War Cemetery which is the resting place for 1,740 POWs who died of force labor, malnutrition, sickness and sub-human treatment under the cruelness of Japanese Imperialism Army during the construction of the Siam – Burma railway that known as the Death Railway. Next is the Baan Tai Temple which used to be the camp of the POWs and then, take a long tail boat cruise on the Kwai River exploring the sceneries along banks and the old bridge that featured in world’s famous book and film: The Bridge on the River Kwai.

Drive back to Bangkok. Evening is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy your time for relax. Check out time hotel at 12.00AM.
Get transferred to the airport for your flight home or to onward destination. .
Safe travel and see you again!

Summary of inclusions