Grand Indochina Journey

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

On arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at leisure before your adventure begins.

Overnight in Flower Garden Hotel or similar.

Day 2: Hanoi (B)

This morning, meet your guide at your hotel and depart on your tour after breakfast. Your first stop will be the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi city and Dong Xuan market. Next stop will be Ho Chi Minh complex comprising Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace (for outside photo taken), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.

After your own lunch, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war). Your tour will also include the historical St Joseph’s Cathedral. The last stop of the day before returning to your hotel is the Opera House followed by a stroll around the bustling Old Quarter, find a street side café and sip a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee especially egg coffee while watching people passing by.

Overnight in Flower Garden Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (B/ L/ D)

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel at 7:30 AM and transfer by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar.

Overnight in Victory Star Cruise or similar.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hue (B)

Take part in a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before enjoying brunch on board. Cruise back to port to disembark. Drive back to Hanoi by shuttle bus and drop off at a point where you will meet the driver and move to the airport. Fly to the former imperial capital of Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Alba Spa Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An (B)

This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8am by your guide for a half day city tour of Hue. We start by viewing the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc which is set beautifully amongst lakes & frangipani trees. Next, explore the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors - the Citadel. Graded as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. We finish with a short drive to the much-revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful. After that, you will leave Hue for Hoi An. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. This evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 6: Hoi An (B)

In the morning, you will begin your walking tour of this UNESCO world heritage site. Hoi An was once Vietnam’s most active trading centre and over many centuries the Old Town has been largely preserved. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. Today you will be guided on a walking tour through the streets of enchanting Hoi An. You will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon (B)

After breakfast, take a short drive to Danang for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, your guide and private car will pick up and begin your journey out to Cu Chi Tunnels. On arrival you will watch a short DVD explaining the history of the tunnel network. Following this you will be guided through the famous tunnels as used by the communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. The tunnel network stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with a remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war.

The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort. The vast majority of the network has been recreated above ground however you will have the option to head underground & experience what life was like below the surface. Return to Saigon and check-in at hotel. On returning to Saigon, spend the remainder of day enjoying the various sights and sounds of the boisterous city.

Overnight in Paragon Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 8: Saigon (B/ L/ D)

This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8:00 AM by your guide for a full day tour traveling south from Ho Chi Minh City, to the small town of Ben Tre in 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. Board your boat to begin your exploration of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Visit a local factory to see bricks being hand-made the old-fashioned way using traditional kiln technique. Stop at a riverside coconut processing factory and in the home of a local family who weave mats using local materials.

Take a Pedicab & head for a delicious lunch featuring local specialties including Elephant Ear Fish. On your return from the Delta, make a brief stop at a Cao Dai pagoda, a uniquely Vietnamese sect that is a dizzying combination all the world’s great religion’s including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Return to your hotel late afternoon where your tour ends. Arrive back to Saigon to join your group for a farewell dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant: HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon.

Overnight in Paragon Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 9: Saigon to Phnom Penh (B)

Today you will be met at your hotel by your guide at 8:00 AM for a morning walking tour through the heart of Saigon’s famous and historic city landmarks including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace (outside only). You will then join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy (now the US consulate) before visiting War Remnants Museum.

Later travel to Binh Thanh district and visit Ba Chieu local wholesale market in the East of Saigon, before visiting the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda. This popular 124-year-old pagoda, houses a number of intricate sculptures and woodcarvings. Return to your hotel where your tour ends. (Late checkout not included) Enjoy these last moments in Saigon before our guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward journey to Phnom Penh. On arrival in Phnom Penh, you will get a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to unwind until you meet your fellow travellers over welcome drinks while your Tour Leader explains some important details and logistics of the journey ahead.

Overnight in Luxcity Hotel & Apartment or similar.

Day 10: Phnom Penh (B)

Explore Phnom Penh by Cyclo (Bicycle Rickshaw), a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start your tour at the Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital. Then, visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, with its stunning Silver Pagoda. A short walk away is the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art. Do not miss Phnom Penh's Central Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from DVDs to silk, crafts, jewelry and daily household items. In the afternoon (by vehicle), visit the Toul Sleng Museum. Formerly a high school it became the most infamous interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime.

Overnight in Luxcity Hotel & Apartment (4 Star) or similar.

Day 11: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (B)

In the morning, enjoy an overland transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Along the way, we will make stops at the infamous spider and insect market in Skun, as well as the stone mason village near Santuk. Before reaching Siem Reap city, visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk. This isolated community consists of three villages built on stilts, providing a unique and scenic experience. The villages are flooded for approximately half of the year (August/September – February), allowing for visits by local boats and contributing to the local community’s income. If the water level of the lake permits, we will take a small rowing boat through the flooded mangrove forests. This exceptional ecosystem thrives in the wet soil for half of the year, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Afterwards, return by boat and continue the journey by vehicle to Siem Reap, where you will check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 12: Siem Reap (B)

Today we start at pre-dawn to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat. After sunrise visit the bas-relief and central complex of Angkor in the quiet early morning. Breakfast is served at a local restaurant near the temple complex. Continue to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’. This will include many of the finest Temples of King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1220. Marvel at the imposing 23m (75-foot) high stone faces of Avalokiteshvara, featured in the Tomb Raider movie.

At the center of this citadel lies the state temple of Bayon, built at the end of the 12th century and adorned with hundreds of gigantic stone faces. The tour also includes the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. Later in the day you will discover the most famous temples from the 11th century: Baphuon, Phimeanakas. Continue the day by visiting Ta Prohm, known for the massive trees with thick roots that entangle the walls. Return to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Angkor Paradise Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 13: Siem Reap to Luang Prabang (B)

It’s time to say goodbye to Cambodia. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travel to Luang Prabang. Meet your laotian tour guide and drive to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a welcome drink and chose to relax or explore nearby sights on your leisure time.

Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.

Day 14: Luang Prabang (B)

Discover the charms of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walk around the old quarter. Start with the vibrant morning market, the charming city main street and the National Museum. After, visit Wat Xienthong, considered the finest temple in Laos. For the finalé, embark on a scenic boat ride for a memorable sunset cruise along the Mekong river.

Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.

Day 15: Luang Prabang (B/ D)

A short drive to the outskirts of Luang Prabang takes us to the multi-tiered turquoise-colored Kuang Si Waterfall, deemed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Here you can also visit the Bear Rescue Centre to see rescued Asiatic bears. On our way back, get to see the fascinating world of Lao textiles come alive with a visit to Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre. Tips: • Stop at Buffalo Dairy for ice cream made from real buffalo milk! In the evening, see a bamboo presentation with dinner and a ‘Baci’ cermony at Bamboo Experience.

Overnight in Sala Prabang or similar.

Day 16: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (B)

Leaving Luang Prabang, we'll drive up into the amazing mountains of north-central Lao PDR, where we will visit Hmong villages. The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Lao PDR. They are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong people began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and a lack of arable land. We'll end our journey at the small city of Vang Vieng, tucked in amongst giant limestone cliffs. This is an area of immense natural beauty, with the small Nan Song River passing through the shadows of the dramatic mountains

Overnight in Saksiri or similar.

Day 17: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (B/ D)

Today we will drive to Vientiane, capital and the largest city of Laos and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere unlike the typical hustling and bustling cities of Southeast Asia. This historic old French colonial quarter beguiles glittering temples and statues, sleepy tuk tuk drivers, wandering Buddhist monks and boulevards lined with frangipanis. Explore the charming capital starting with a TukTuk ride from your hotel to the iconic Phatuxay Monument. Walk down Lane Xang Avenue, stopping at the Morning Market and the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). Visit Wat Si Muang and Wat Sisaket, before stopping at the Presidential Palace. Get re-energised with a Lao coffee and croissant at Anouvong Park. Visit a series of temple before reaching the Mekong riverbanks. We will end this tour with a delightful farewell dinner, celebrating the memorable experiences and beautiful moments shared throughout the journey.

Overnight in Grand Hotel Vientiane or similar.

Day 18: Vientiane Departure (B)

Its time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. We will ensure a transfer to the airport for your departure, allowing you to board your flight comfortably as you bid farewell to this remarkable destination and continue your journey back home or to your next exciting destination.

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