(13 days /12 nights)

Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Pak ou cave - Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay - Da Nang - Hoian - Hue - Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap - Angkor temples

This short trip is designed for those who are keen to explore the most interesting sights of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia  but have little time. Experience the diversity of Indochina  by combining the excitement of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoian and Hue with the richness of  historical Luang Prabang and the extensive archaeological site of Angkor.

HIGHLIGHTS

    . Vientiane                   

    . Luang Prabang                    

    . Pak Ou cave

    . Hanoi capital                         

    . Halong Bay                

    . Charming Hoian town

    . Historic Hue city                           

    . Ho Chi Minh city

    . Mekong Delta              

    . Siem Reap

    . Angkor temples

DAY 1: ARRIVAL  - VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG 

On arrival at Friendship Bridge or Wattay Airport , you are met and transferred to the domestic airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop  retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is plenty to see in Luang Prabang, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, and the Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. We include these sights in a half day guided tour which also gives us a chance to climb Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view  of the town and the Mekong River. There  are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. O/N in Luang Prabang. (B)

DAY  2: LUANG PRABANG  - PAKOU - LUANG PRABANG

Today we continue seeing this town with the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways while the main sim has a marvellous 'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We  board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River. Upon leaving this village we wave our wave through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are  crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. After the river trip we drive  towards Ban Phanom and visit the hand weaving. O/N in Luang Brabang. (B,L)

DAY  3: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign, and the central market are not to be missed. We visit these sights before we catch a flight back to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the major temples including  the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and  the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patouxai Monument which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. O/N in Vientiane. (B)

DAY  4: VIENTIANE - HANOI

After breakfast, we visit the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong and the bustling famous morning market that is full of local treasures before transfer to Wattay airport for a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. Many lakes and parks also make for relaxing atmosphere. After checking into hotel we visit the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market, which boasts Hanoi's oldest and largest market. A perfect way to finish the day is to enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

DAY  5: HANOI - HA LONG

This morning we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex,  containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this famous site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Upon leaving the town we travel by roads through the charming countryside to Halong Bay with stop over at Dong Trieu pottery village. O/N in Ha Long. (B)

DAY  6: HA LONG - HANOI

The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat for a five hour cruise around this wondrous bay, dotted with some 1,969 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we make our way back to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

DAY 7: HANOI - DANANG - HOIAN

An early morning  flight to Da Nang. On arrival we are greeted and driven a short distance to  Hoian Town, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are  plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are  the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the bustling market. We visit  these sights on an exciting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. O/N in Hoi An. (B)

DAY 8: HOIAN  - HUE

Upon leaving Hoian we set off on a scenic drive north to Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. Along the way we explore the sensational Marble Mountains  and the China Beach before continuing to the interesting Cham Museum in Danang City. The winding road begins as we  make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass  we will stop  to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River with stopover at the bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. After our boat trip we will visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. O/N in Hue. (B)

DAY 9: HUE - HO CHI MINH

The sightseeing tour of Hue would not be complete without a visit to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. After seeing this sight we board a flight south. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour takes us in the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. O/N in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

DAY 10 : HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. This thrilling excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)

DAY 11 : HO CHI MINH - SIEM REAP

Today we travel by air to Siem Reap in Cambodia. This town of Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. After checking into hotel, we drive to the archeological area to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. Te largest as well as most complete structure of Angkor Wat is not to be missed. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns , libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

DAY 12: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES

The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

DAY 13: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE

This morning we embark on a boat for a short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia's biggest natural lake. The experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village, friendly children in small boats and fishermen pulling in morning catch. This excursion is all depending on your departure time. The trip ends after your transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUDING : Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver +  Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner + Accommodation:  twin sharing room at the below  mentioned hotel or similar one  +   English or French speaking guide +  Entrance fee to indicated sights + Boat trip in Luang Prabang, Halong, Hue, Mekong Delta & Siem Reap +  Flight ticket: Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Hanoi, Hanoi - Danang - Hue - Ho Chi Minh & Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap + Cyclo trip & Water puppet show.

NOT INCLUDING : Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, flight in/ out Indochina, any optional additional tours or activities during free time.

TRIP NOTES:

     The itinerary is corrected at the time of viewing. Occcasionally, our itineraries change as we make improvement that stem from our past traveller's comments and our own research or due to local conditions or circumstances beyond our control. This includes festival, pubplic holidays, weather and flight delay,... that may effect the itinerary.

     Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia are developing countries whose infrastructure, values, customs, standard may different from what you expect in your home land. Road condition are poor, accommodation and transportation may be basic in remote area.

      Daily breakfast (B) and 03 lunches (L) are included on this trip. Other meals are at client’s expenses. However, the trip with full board meal is arranged upon request.

     The dress standards are conservative thoughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing are all respectful and cool in Asian hot climate. In addition to your items of personal clothing, we suggest you to bring trainer or sneaker shoes, jacket for cold weather, torch/flash light, hat, rain coat for wet season, sun cream, sunglasses, daypack, toiletries and small towel, insect repellent.

      During the dry season (May - July) the low level of the Tonle Sap River does not permit a cruise   to the fishing village on the Tonle Sap. The excursion will be replaced by a visit to the Chantiers Ecoles, a non-profit organisation who teaches the Cambodian children to learn the skill of arts such as carving, paintings.

       Departure place could be changed upon client’s request.