TOM-ICT8: Scenic Indochina Holiday

Siem Reap - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Tam Coc - Sapa - Halong - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Da Lat - Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Phu Quoc island: 28 Days from Siem Reap
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival (B) (G)

Literally means ‘conquest by Siam’ and the temples were once surrounded by a thriving city filled with wooden houses. Sadly they’re long gone but the temples themselves are magnificent enough. For centuries the city was overgrown by jungle until the ruins were discovered by French explorers in 1900. Several temples have been restored but others are still overgrown. At the Ta Prohm temple for example you can see how the jungle still has a hold on the buildings. Giant trees tower over them and the roots have wrapped themselves around the temple walls. It’s a strange but impressive sight. Upon your arrival. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in if the room is available. Free at leisure to refresh and overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Siem Reap - Angkor Tour - Siem Reap (B/L/D) (G)
The second day of your Indochina travel package, we visit the city of Angkor Thom, South gate of Angkor Thom This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century, the famous, Bayon temple –this temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII is situated in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54towes all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Lokiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII, Baphoun –this temple built by Udayadityarvarman II was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor, Phimeanakas – this temple constructed late 10th- early 11th century by Jayavarman V., Terrace of Leper King and Elephants the first owes its name to the outstanding depiction of elephants, while the second gets its name from the magnificent sculpture of King Yasovarman, popularly known as the Leper King, lunch at local restaurant, afternoon continuation to visiting the Banteay Srey “the city of women” about 30km from Siem Reap town, a magnificent jewel of a temple of pink sandstone and it very finely sculpted with a luxuriance of details and, and continue to visit the Banteay Samré and Prasat Kravan with a unique bas-reliefs of bricks. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap - Angkor Tour - Siem Reap (B/L) (G)
Ta PrhomToday, we have another day to explore Angkor. Breakfast at hotel, then departure to visit Phnom Bakheng and continue to visit famous of 7 wonders of the World “ Angkor Wat” early –mid 12th by King Soryavarman II. The temple is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is truly one the wonders of the world. Believed to have been constructed as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12thd century, Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, lunch at local restaurant, afternoon visit the small circuit: Ta Keo one of the first to be build out of sandstone, Ta Prhom was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother, It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant baniyan growing out of the top of the temple itself,, Banteay Kdei this temple was constructed by Jayarman VII during the 12th and 13th centuries (Citadel of the cells) used to be a religious monastery, Thommanon with some very nice walled-doors and stylized devata and Srah Srang used for ceremonies and royal baths. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake - Flight to Luang Prabang (B/L) (G)
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to the Tonle Sap great lake to visit floating village mangrove forest, fresh fish exhibition and the activities of people’s daily lives. Come back to visit “Les Artisans D’Angkor – Chantiers Ecole “the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. And Siem Reap market, lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to international airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, welcomed by tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang Tour (B/L) (G)

Luang Prabang, considered by many travelers to be one of the nicest places in Laos thanks to its location on the legendary Mekong river, the Laotian hospitality and the friendly atmosphere in the little streets of the city. Luang Prabang has been declared a World Heritage Site, which won’t come as a surprise when you see all the spectacular temples and museums.
Today we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, firstly stopping at Xiengmene, where we visit Wat Long Khun, and the limestone cave Tham Sakkarin, and a tour around Ban Xiengmene village. Following a picnic lunch, 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. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in a hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Flight to Hanoi (B) (G)
You can spend the sixth day of your Indochina travel package Luang Prabang as you please. You could explore the city a bit more and perhaps visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple. You’ll notice the striking roofs of the temples in Luang Prabang with long points reaching all the way down to the ground. You can also visit the largest and most sacred gold statue in Laos, the Phra Bang.
Hanoi Vietnam
If you’re an early bird and don’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn you’ll be able to observe one of the daily rituals; the procession of the monks at dawn. Devout Laotians kneel with their heads bowed to offer rice and fruit to the passing monks.
Depend on your departure flight, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality and a beautiful stop or start of any Vietnam Tour.
Upon your arrival, tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport, welcome your Vietnam holiday with smiles. Transfer to the hotel in Hanoi. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi City Tour (B/L) (G)

Hanoi city tour is the best way to learn about Vietnam. This morning, after breakfast, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. We then begin our visit to Uncle Ho mausoleum (Closed on Monday and Friday, October and November), get to know about his great life, throughout the complex such as Presidential Palace, and his residential place. Next stop is the nearby Temple of Literature. The site of Vietnam's first University, built in twelfth century, to teach Confucius’s theory to royals. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance. Lunch will be served at a nice local restaurant for a taste of authentic Vietnam and Hanoi specialty.
In the late afternoon, options to visit the Museum of Ethnology which has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples (or Hanoi Hilton prison, Amy Museum, History Museum, Fine Art Museum). Finish we will transfer to the town for taking a cyclo (pedicab) trip around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter for some great fun, see streets' side traditional food, coffee, shops... Try one “hanoi bia – draught beer" This is your chance to be part of typical Hanoian style and its traditional Vietnamese culture. Last but not least our relaxing but informative day by attending a Water Puppet Show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and spotlight of any Vietnam tour. Back to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi - Train to Sapa (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, Tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive to visit Hoa Lu and Tam Coc (about 90 km away from Hanoi). Upon arrival, we will see:
Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, is also an interesting historical site. Most of which has been destroyed. The remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. In 1998, archaeologists unearthed a new section of the old citadel, which have been preserved together with some artifacts and shown in a display room built around them.
After that, we drive through the picturesque villages, rice fields to Tam Coc for lunch in ca nice local restaurant before the boat trip to explore Tam Coc that known as Halong Bay on land boasting a breathtaking scenery. While Halong Bay features huge rock formations jutting out o the sea, Tam Coc has them jutting out of its rice paddies. Tam Coc means three caves; that is Hang Ca (the first), Hang Giua (the second) and Hang Cuoi (the smallest). The boat trip to all three caves takes about two hours. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous monkeys or mountain goats. This is a very peaceful and scenic trip.
If you wish to see something more, we will visit Thai Vy temple or Bich Dong pagoda before driving back to Hanoi. Dinner at one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi before taking the night train to Lao Cai.
Day 9: Lao Cai - Ethnic market - Sapa (B/L) (G)

A tour to Sapa without a market visit will be a big regret. Upon your arrival at Lao Cai train station, tour guide and driver will pick you up with warm and welcome smile. Breakfast at a local restaurant then drive to visit the market where many different ethnic groups such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. The market was very crowded, local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback. Besides the usual items like pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks. The market is also a meeting place for friends to drink the local rice or corn wine, smoke tobaco, for women to chat, for the young to find life partners, for kids to enjoy a weekly festival... After the market, drive back to Lao Cai, we will visit one of the ethnic villages to experience their real life on the way and stop in Lao Cai - the border gate with China to visit famous Thuong temple or take some memorial photos. Continue to Sapa, check in your hotel. Free at leisure and overnight tin a hotel in Sapa.
Market days:
Can Cau Market - Saturdays
Bac Ha Market or Muong Hum Market or Muong Khuong Market - Sundays
Cao Son Market - Wednesdays
Lung Khau Nhin Market - Thursdays
Coc Ly Market - Tuesdays
Day 10: Sapa Trekking Tour - Lao Chai & Ta Van village - Topas Ecolodge (B/L) (G)

Sapa tour is the gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt. The mountains are often shrouded in mist that rolls back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to a host of hill-tribe people who wander in to town to buy, sell and trade.
After breakfast, our private Sapa tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive to Muong Hoa valley. The trekking point is at Lao Chai village of the Black H'Mong minority where we trek down the beautiful valley and walk through one of the world's most beautiful terraced rice fields. It is also possible to visit one of the local families to learn about their daily life, culture, customs and habits... Say goodbye to Lao Chai village we continue to Ta Van village of the Day minority, you will see the totally different way of living and a lot more photos to be taken of the amazing scenery and extremely friendly people. Arrival in Ta Van, meet your car and continue to Topas ecolodge which is situated in the perfect location at two cone-shaped hills set deep in the spectacular Sapa valley of Northern Vietnam. Overnight at Topas ecolodge.
Day 11: Topas Ecolodge - Ban Ho - Nam Toong - Sapa - Train to Hanoi (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, we drive to Ban Ho village of the Tay ethnic minority, time to explore the village, experience their lifestyle, traditions...before trekking further to Nam Toong village of the Red Dao minority who live in a isolated village and still keep their unchanged ways of living, customs and habits. Spend time with the kids, visit one of the families then get picked up by private car back to Sapa. This afternoon, we have arranged a mini hotel for your to have shower. Free at leisure until 17:00 when we drive you back to Lao Cai train station for the overnight train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.
Day 12: Hanoi - Halong Cruise (B/L/D) (G)

Early arrival back in Hanoi, pick up from the train station and this morning, we have already arranged a room in a mini hotel for you to have shower and breakfast before driving to Halong Bay (165km), highlight of any Travel to Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is recognized by UNESCO as the Natural World Heritage that contains some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The bay’s outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. It is a incredible place to explore and discover its many islands, coves and hidden grottoes. Halong bay is the must – do Vietnam tour for any visitors to Vietnam. After breakfast, our tour guide and driver pick you up from the hotel and have 3,5 hour scenic drive to Halong.
Upon arrival, welcome on board and set sail through Bai Tu Long bay while seafood lunch is served. Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth, passing picturesque area around Mat Quy islet, Am islet. Mid-afternoon, get to Cua Van fishing village and enjoy a pleasant bamboo boat row to through the village with a museum and a school among floating homes. Visit Tien Ong cave then back on board to enjoy sunset cocktails and canapé.
Dinner is served on board
Note: This is just general itinerary, it can be changed because each Halong cruise has their own cruise itinerary.
Day 13: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B) (G)
Start the day early to enjoy a Tai Chi class on top deck with an opportunity to admit the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the sea. After that, guests can choose to go to Soisim beach for swimming or join our chef for cooking demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine art. On the way back, take deep cruise into Bai Tu Long bay, passing Peal Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave, Hon Xep islet , Dau Moi temple, opportunity to cruise through famous L’Indochine movie site (subject to tide condition). Around noon, back to the Tourist Wharf and private bus back to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Hue with Vietnam airlines (Visit Phu Lang ceramic village and Con Son pagoda on the way to pass the time so you will not have to wait so long at the airport for the flight). Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver in Hue will welcome your Vietnam holiday, drive to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hue.
Day 14: Hue City Tour (B/L) (G)

Located in the central of Vietnam, Hue was the capital city of the last Dynasty of Vietnam. Hue is the only place where many historic, cultural, architectural, artistic values are preserved. Tangible cultural heritage- the system of historic monuments and intangible cultural heritage- the Imperial court music have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages. Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystem meets each other, the area Hue Travel Planof river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes. People here are famous for their elegance, mildness and ethical behavior. Hue is also known as one of the religion centers of Vietnam with its many ancient pagodas and churches…. All fall in line together, making Hue one of the most beautiful Vietnam tour destinations. Our Hue City Tour:
Our private guide and driver pick you up at 8:00 AM and drive to visit Emperor Minh Mang; Emperor Khai Dinh or Emperor Tu Duc ’s Mausoleums & picturesque Vong Canh Hill. Stop on the way to see how conical hats and incense sticks are made. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Imperial capital during Nguyen Dynasty, the seven – storey Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Return by boat on the gentle Perfume River. Overnight in a hotel in Hue.
Day 15: Hue - Hoi An (B/L) (G)
The 15th of your Indochina tour package, after breakfast, let continue this beautiful Vietnam tour, drive to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years and for sure, Hoi An is a wonderful destination and choice for all kinds of Vietnam Tours. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Along the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
Day 16: Hoi An - Farming Tour (B/L) (G)

This unique Hoi An tour provides you a truly experience about Vietnamese daily life, help you to open the Vietnamese culture window and understand more about the Vietnamese rural culture. Today tour begins with a soft biking around the countryside of Hoian from your hotel with our guide ( 15' - 30' ). The biking takes you to Tra Que Vegetables Village, along the way you will stop and try a water buffalo riding in the middle of the rice paddy and take the photography.
Vietnam family tour
Arriving at Tra Que Vegetable Village, you will be welcomed by a farmer family, take the typical farmer's clothe and dress up as a farmer. Then get to the farming land nearby with farming tools to practise all the different steps that a vegetable farmer usually does. Done the farming tour and continue on our biking tour along the narrow path to Cam Thanh village, stop at Bay Mau Water Palm forest, you will take a short walk around the small fishing hamlet along the river then board a Coracle - a typical rounded bamboo boat for fishing from local fishermen and enjoy a pleasant cruise along the small canal. Back to your hotel and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
(On your request: We can arrange visit to My Son or Cooking class instead of Hoi An farming tour, but please advise before booking this tour)
Day 17: Hoi An Free Day (B) (G)
Hoi An, highlight of any tour to Vietnam, today is free at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
Day 18: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Nha Trang (B) (G)
After breakfast, we drive you to Da Nang airport for the short flight with Vietnam airlines to Nha Trang. Welcomed on arrival by tour guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 19 : Nha Trang Free Day (B)

The heavyweight champion of Vietnam, Nha Trang has been knocking out visitors for years. True, the town is brazen and brash, but the beach is bold and beautiful and a gateway to a cluster of quieter islands. Nha Trang is really a nice break during your Vietnam holiday. Day is free at leisure for you to relax at white sandy beach or visit to Nha Trang's interesting sites such as Ponagar Cham temple, Long Son pagoda, or take world's longest cable car to Vinpearl resort to enjoy some games... Overnight in a hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 20: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B) (G)
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel at 09:00 am for about 4 hour scenic drive to Da Lat that is known as the flower city, love city, autumn city or fog city. It is one of the famous destinations in Vietnam, a dream Vietnam tour for many people. Check in on arrival and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Da Lat.
Day 21 : Da Lat City Tour (B/L) (G)

This morning we will drive to Robin Hill, then take a cable car to Thien Vien Truc Lam over the great panorama view of the city. Visit Thien Vien Truc Lam, the great monastery of famous trend of Buddhism in Vietnam. Drive back to the city then take a short walk along Tran Hung Dao street, where you can feel great atmosphere of the Hill Station Town in the past by the French Villas remained along the street. Visit Dalat Station, one of the most beautiful stations in South East Asia, where you still can see the original steam locomotive.
Afternoon visit Valley of love to refresh, enjoy some fresh air, and flowers' perfume. Back to Dalat, visit the center market then take a walk around the center of the city. Free at leisure. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day 22: Da Lat - Flight to Saigon (B) (G)
After breakfast, we drive you to Da Lat airport for the short flight with Vietnam airlines to Saigon, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful Vietnam Tours and cities to visit in Vietnam. Upon arrival, your private Vietnam tour guide and driver in Saigon will welcome and transfer you to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll. Overnight in a hotel in Saigon.
Day 23: Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with 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. In the afternoon, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a must see destination for any Vietnam tour, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there's even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Back in HCMC in the afternoon. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Saigon
Day 24: Saigon - Mekong (Can Tho) (B/L) (G)

Today, we continue our Vietnam travel with the interesting visit to Cai be floating market.
6am: Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by private ca, stop to take photos in Tan An town overlooking the picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Meet the car/van in Vinh Long and continue to Can Tho, the heart of Mekong delta in Vietnam. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Can Tho.
Day 25: Mekong (Can Tho) - Flight to Phu Quoc (B) (G)
After breakfast, take the morning boat trip to visit the Phong Dien floating market which is at its busiest at this time of day. Keep cruising through the small channels system and visit a rice noodle making village. Experience the "Monkey Bridge" in the Delta. Visit a second floating market (Cai Rang) then we see you off at Can Tho airport for the short flight to Phu Quoc island, one of Vietnam’s star attractions. Pick up and transfer to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a resort in Phu Quoc.
Day 26 - 27: Phu Quoc Island (B)

Simply the most beautiful island in Vietnam, it is great to relax at the end of your Vietnam tour, Vietnam holiday. Phu Quoc is liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle. Long Beach is sophisticated, Ong Lan Beach romantic, and Bai Sao simply irresistible. Free at leisure and overnight in a resort in Phu Quoc.
Day 28: Phu Quoc Departure (B)
The last day of your Vietnam tour is free at leisure for your own visit... until we see you off at the airport for the flight back to Saigon and connect with your departure flight. We hope that you have enjoyed your Vietnam travel with us and look forward to organizing your next Vietnam tour.
END OF SERVICE
INCLUSION:
- Transportation
- English Speaking guide
- Entrance Fee and Permit
- Accommodation
- Meal as per program: B- Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
- Flight ticket as per program
EXCLUSION:
- Personal expense
- Visa for each country
- Other services not clearly mentioned in program

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