TOM-ICT1: Quick Indochina Holiday

Hanoi - Halong - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang: 12 days from Hanoi
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (G)

Hanoi, the first stop of your Indochina holiday, 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, Local 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 2: 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 3: Hanoi - Halong Cruise (B/L/D) (G)

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.
7:45: Hotel pick-up.
12:30: Arrive at Hon Gai Harbour, Ha Long City.
12:45: Enjoy a welcome drink onboard the Tonkin Cruise boat.
13:15: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay and into Ha Long Bay.
15:40: Visit Vung Ha beach for kayaking, swimming, and relaxing in one of the Bay’s hidden coves.
17:00: Relax back at the boat as we cruise into the secluded Dong Tien Lake where the boat will anchor overnight.
17:30: Sunset party and happy hour on the sundeck.
18:00: Cooking class offering lessons in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
19:30: Barbeque dinner on the sundeck.
20:45: Relax and enjoy the evening or choose from a variety of activities including board games and squid fishing.
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/L) (G)
6: 30: Rise early for morning tai chi on the sundeck.
7:15: Enjoy a light breakfast while cruising to Vung Vien fishing village.
8:30: Explore Vung Vien village and learn about life in Ha Long Bay communities.
10:00: Return to the boat for check out.
10:30: Enjoy the last of the Ha Long Bay scenery over brunch as the boat cruises back to shore
Around noon, back to the Tourist Wharf and private bus back to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Hue with Vietnam airlines. Upon arrival, Local 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 5: Hue - Hoi An (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 of 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:
Local tour 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. 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 nice break during your Vietnam holiday, and actually a must – see destination of all Vietnam tours. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds. . 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 6: Hoi An - My Son - Flight to Saigon (B/L) (G)

Local tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at about 08:00 am and drive about 50km from Hoi An to My Son sanctuary. It comprises many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. Though the complex has been destroyed over time, we still see many majestic ancient ruins of temples in the area. We also spend time to visit a silk handicraft village along the Thu Bon River on the way back to Hoi An. Free at leisure for your own visit, shopping... In the late afternoon, we drive you to Da Nang 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. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 7: Saigon - Mekong (Cai Be) - Saigon (B/L) (G)

Today, we continue our Vietnam travel with the interesting visit to Cai be floating market.
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. Return to HCMC. Arrive back at your hotel at around 5pm. overnight in a hotel in Saigon.
Day 8: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon Departure (B/L) (G)

Cu Chi Tunnels, 70 km away from HCMC, is miniature battle versatile of the army and people of Cu Chi during the Vietnam war raged for 30 long years against the American for independence and freedom for the country, is a unique architecture, deep in the underground with many stratums, such as arachnoid corner, with accommodation, meeting and fighting with a total length of over 200 km.
Cu Chi Tunnels The eighth day of you Indochina travel, we drive to visit Cu Chi tunnels. Upon arrival to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 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.
Expect to arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon. After lunch, 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... until our private guide and driver see you off at the airport for your flight to Siem Reap which 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. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 9: Angkor Visit (B/L) (G)

The ninth day of your Indochina holiday, After breakfast, 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 local restaurant, afternoon continue to visit the 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. Enjoy dinner at local restaurant with apsara show. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap - Flight to Luang Prabang (B/L) (G)
The tenth day of your Indochina travel, we visit 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 and Srah Srang used for ceremonies and royal baths., lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to international airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, welcomed by Indochinatravelplan's private tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 11: Luang Prabang Tour (B/L) (G)

Luang Prabang, considered by many travellers 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 Luang Prabang Tourspectacular 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 12: Luang Prabang Departure (B) (G)
You can spend the last day of your Indochina travel package 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.
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 where we say goodbye. We hopes that you have enjoyed your time with us. We wish you all the best and look forward to your next Indochina tours.
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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INDOCHINA CULTURE TRAVEL
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