ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

DAY 1: LUANGPRAPANG ARRIVAL
DAY 2: LUANGPRAPANG - WATEFALL - HALF DAY TOUR
DAY 3: LUANGPRAPANG - PAK OU CAVE
DAY 4: LUANGPRAPANG - VIENTIANE
DAY 5: VIENTIANE - HANOI
DAY 6: HANOI - FULL DAY CITY TOUR
DAY 7: HANOI - HA LONG BAY
DAY 8: HA LONG BAY - HANOI - HUE
DAY 9: HUE - FULL DAY CITY TOUR
DAY 10: HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN
DAY 11: HOI AN - MY SON
DAY 12: HOI AN - DA NANG - SAIGON
DAY 13: SAIGON - CU CHI TUNNELS - TAY NINH 
DAY 14: SAIGON - MY THO
DAY 15: SAIGON - PHNOMPENH
DAY 16: PHNOMPENH 
DAY 17: PHNOMPENH - SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP 
DAY 18: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT 
DAY 19: SIEM REAP - BANTEAY - BANTEAY SAMRE 
DAY 20: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE
   

DAY 1: LUANG PRAPANG ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Luang Prapang airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day Free

Overnight Stay at hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 2: LUANG PRAPANG - WATERFALL - HALF DAY TOUR

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. After breakfast, we 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. Today we 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 village. Have lunch at local restaurant Then takes us to the beautiful Khuangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We return back to town by afternoon. Your half day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Later we climb to the top of Phousi Hill for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 3: LUANG PRAPANG - PAK OU CAVE

Today we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, firstly stopping at Xiengmene Village, where we visit Wat Long Khun temple and the limestone cave Tham Sakkarin, and a tour around Ban Xiengmene village. We then continue by boat up the Mekong which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. After lunch at local restaurant, we return by road back to town. Along the way, we visit the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine and continue to typical Lao villages at Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its handmade Jute Sar paper. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prapang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 4:  LUANG PRAPANG - VIENTIANE

Today you are transferred to Luang Prapang airport to board flight for Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane you will be checked into your hotel and following lunch your half day city tour enables us to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. In the evening, a walking tour to the town center visiting the colonial buildings. We will end by the Mekong River on time for sunset. You may wish to sit down and relax at one of the bars along the riverside for a sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Vientiane

DAY 5: VIENTIANE - HANOI

Today you are transferred to Vientiane Airport to board flight for Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport, you are met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking guide.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hanoi

DAY 6: HANOI - FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Full day Hanoi city tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence (Closed on Monday, Friday and the whole of Oct & Nov), One pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue city tour to one of the museums (Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology Museum) of your choice (closed on Monday), Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Lunch is included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hanoi

DAY 7: HANOI - HA LONG BAY

 You will be picked up at 8am for your private transfer to Halong City. This takes roughly 3,5 hours. You may stop en route to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30am and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Stay on board in Ha Long  

 

DAY 8: HA LONG BAY - HANOI - HUE

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant. Then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11am and transfer back Hanoi by private car, transfer to airport for flight to Hue
Arrival Hue, meet our guide and transfer to hotel for check in.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hue

DAY 9: HUE - FULLDAY CITY TOUR

Morning, we transfer to visit the Hue Citadel - Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, this citadel is far more elaborate than those constructed by previous empires. Stop at Khai Dinh tomb and Tu Duc Tomb
After lunch (included), continue your tour with a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy this romantic cruise and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. Finish up at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hue 

 

DAY 10: HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN

Morning, depart Hue for Hoi An. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. on the way to Hoi An you will visit Cham Museum - the most extensive collection of Cham art worldwide.  Lunch is included.
Afternoon, walking tour of Hoi An, discover the historic town which used to be a prosperous seaport city during the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit Hoi An's colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge.Travelers can also see local residents raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hoi An

DAY 11: HOI AN - MY SON

Morning, we transfer to visit My Son - Vietnam's most important Cham’s site. My son becomes a religious center in the late 4th century and lasts till 13th century – a longest period of development of any monument in Southeast Asia. My son is considered to be Champa’s counterpart to the grand cities of Southeast Asia’s other Indian – influenced civilizations: Angkor (Cambodia), Ayuthaya (Thailand) or Borobudur (Java).
Afternoon, free at leisure at Cua Dai Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hoi An

DAY 12: HOI AN - DA NANG - SAIGON

Morning, transfer to airport for flight to Saigon by …
Arrival Saigon, enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Guide between Saigon airport and your hotel.
Afternoon, continue city tour to visit War Crime Museum which features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, photos, and documentation of Vietnam's wars with the both the French and Americans, Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. We will stop to visit China Town including the Thien Hau Pagoda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon 

 

DAY 13: SAIGON - CU CHI TUNNELS - TAY NINH

Morning, transfer to Tay Ninh and 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is the Great Temple or Holy See, the center of the intriguing Cao Dai sect. Cao Dai is a Vietnamese syncretism religious movement that incorporates aspect of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple (as it is more commonly known) was begun in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price).
Afternoon, we will travel just north of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.  The Vietnamese are proud of their resolve in their prolonged history of struggle against invading armies, and the story of the people of Cu Chi is indicative of that spirit.  The residents of Cu Chi then took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon

 

DAY 14: SAIGON - MY THO

We today enjoy a full day tour traveling south from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country, and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. From My Tho, you board your boat and travel to one of the islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. On the island visit a fruit orchard and sample some of the local produce, before boarding a smaller sampan that winds along narrow canals. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local family’s house and enjoy their hospitality and share with them some tea or rice wine. After lunch in My Tho return to Ho Chi Minh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon

DAY 15: SAIGON - PHNOMPENH

Morning, free at leisure until transfer to airport for flight to Phnom Penh - is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is also the capital of the Phnom Penh municipality. It is an economic, industrial, commercial, cultural, touristy and historical center. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia" in the 1920s, the city is a significant global and domestic tourist destination. Phnom Penh is known for its traditional Khmer and French influenced architecture.
Arrival Phnom Penh, meet our guide and transfer to hotel for check in.
Afternoon, visit the Central Market, another landmark of the city of Phnom Penh and then the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong), a lively outdoor market where you will find antiquities, silver and gold jewelry, gems, silk, kramas, stone and wood carvings, as well as T-Shirts, CDs and other souvenirs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 16: PHNOMPENH

This morning, city tour includes Royal Place, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, Raung Damrei Museum. The Palace building and Silver Pagoda are located within the same walled ground. The Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. And then move to National Museum of Fine Arts, next to the Royal Palce was dedicated by king Sisowath in 1920. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notabley the legentary statue of the “Leper King” Though the emphasis is on Angkorian artifacts, there is also a good collection of pieces from later periods, including a special exhibition pf post-Angkorian Buddha figures. Then visit Wat Phnom, a small hill crowned by an active wat (pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, Visit Toul Sleng Museum of Genocide and then continue to visit Cheung-Ek Killing Fields. Independence Monument was inaugurated in November 9, 1962 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from foreign rule. And continue to the National Garden Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 17: PHNOMPENH - SIEM REAP - TONLE SAP

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Pochentong Airport for flight for Siem Reap. Arrive in Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Transfer to & check in at your hotel. Lunch at local restaurant.
Pick you up from your hotel for visit Wat Thmie, The Killing field of Siem Reap.Visit Les Artisans d’Angkor to discover the traditional Khmer techniques used for stone and wood carving, lacquering and gilding. A complete tour of the workshops will take you from raw materials to splendid craft-wares.Visit Local Market for souvenir shopping as a local handicraft or stone carving. Visit Tonle Sap tour ( the Great Lake) visit Floating Village and sunset on the great lake. Then transfer you back to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 18: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT

After breakfast visit South Gate of  Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon, the Terrance of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, the Phimeanakas and Baphoun. Visit the creepers. In the afternoon visit Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks-the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Dinner with Apsara Dance Show at Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Stay at hotel in Siem Reap

 

DAY 19: SIEM REAP - BANTEAY - BANTEAY SAMRE

Watch the sunrise from Phnom Bakheng.Breakfast at hotel.
Visit the Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the wall are covered exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of this small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraditionary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often the favorite with visitors. visit Banteay Samre is a mid-12th century temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. Visit Pre Rup Temple built by Rajendravarman II (ruled 944 to968), it consists of pyjamid shaped temple with the upper-most of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx. The name means turning the body and refers to the traditional method of cremation. Visit the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  
Overnight Stay at hotel in Siem Reap

 

DAY 20: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE

After Breakfast. You’ll have the rest of the time before transfer to your onward flight.

Note: During the dry season (March- July), the low level of the Tonle Sap Lake does not permit visits to the floating villages. This excursion will be replaced with the visit to the pagodas of Siem Reap.

Price Include:

• 18 nights accommodations at 3 stars standard hotel with daily breakfast based on twin sharing
• One night accommodation on board in Halong based on twin sharing.
• Domestic & International airfare with taxes for flights:

             - Luang Prapang (LPQ) – Vientiane (VTE)
             - Vientiane (VTE) – Hanoi (HAN)   
             - Hanoi (HAN) – Hue (HUI)
             - Danang (DAN) -  Saigon (SGN)
             - Saigon (SGN) – Phnom Penh (PNH)
             - Phnom Penh (PNH) – Siem Reap (REP)

• Private transportation with English speaking guide.
• Private boat for sightseeing as stated in the program.
• Entrances fees + sightseeing as indicated.
• Meals as mentioned in the program.
• Gov’t tax and service charge.
• Mineral water is available.
• Vietnam Traditional Gift (free)
• Visa approval letter (free)

Price Exclude:

• Visa, Insurance, drinks, personal expenses, others not mentioned in details, tips are welcome!
• Surcharge for booking during Chinese New Years from 20 – 30 Jan 2012: US$ 15/ pax/ day
• Surcharge for Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve