Hello Beautiful Indochina 17 Nights / 18 Days
This fantastic holiday trip combines unique tour activities, classic sightseeing to memorable adventure to discover the fascinating Indochina regions: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Visit the vibes of Saigon, French colonial buildings, and historical site of War Remnants Museum and take boat excursion to visit the must-see Mekong Delta River. Followed by Hue Imperial Citadel, experience the UNESCO heritage town of Hoi An, the beauty of Ba Na Hills along with Golden Bridge and Da Nang’s My Khe beach. With free hassle, absolutely witness the best of Angkor Wat temple followed by other interesting ancient temple complex, enjoy fun and thrill in Angkor Jungle by zipline, bike to see beautiful countryside, and spend a lovely time with Kulen elephants to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam before flying to the world heritage city of Luang Prabang to see Alms Giving searching by saffron monks, reputable Wat Xiengthong, beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls and long tail boat excursion on the Mekong River to unlock the mystery of Pak Ou Caves.
Destinations
Saigon → Mekong Delta → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Siem Reap → Luang Prabang
Program Detail
Day 1: Saigon – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: My Tho – Mekong Delta River
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off 8.00am out of the bustling Saigon straight to My Tho boat pier where we process to embark a local motorboat which slides on Mekong Delta overlooking islets, fish farms and floating houses admired by fishing and trading activities on boats. In Unicorn Island, we will be pampered by Vietnamese traditional music depicting a folk art rooted from South Vietnam and get refreshed by tropical fruit tasting. Continue by canoe, we explore the natural beauty of Mekong canals with lush beautiful coconut trees stretching at both sides until we enjoy the walking tour to observe bee keeping farm and sample honey tea before having lunch. After lunch break, we catch our regular boat to coconut candy workshop to learn the processing of how coconut candies are made, along with a chance to taste and chew sweet candies or purchase a few packs before we get in our awaiting car/minivan and drive back to Saigon City in the evening.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Cu Chi tunnels & Saigon City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin our adventure trip at 8.00am out of bustling Saigon City, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended.
Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we return for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Saigon - Flight to Hue, Hue City Tour & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Have the rest of free time in Saigon before transferring to airport for flight to coastal city of Hue.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Hue and simply have free time after check in.
Afternoon, we set off to explore the three significant mausoleum emperors of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, those tombs have unique blend French & Royal architectures along with interesting history that you can learn from your tour guide about Nguyen Dynast dates back to 12th century. We continue our adventure to Kim Long Village to observe local people making conical hats and colorful joss sticks.
Evening, we get on board for sunset cruise with a welcome cocktail, the boat cruise slowly slides along the Perfume River admired by soft evening at Hue imperial city before enjoying special dinner followed by Vietnamese traditional music performance on boat. Disembark and get our car/minivan back to the hotel around 8.45pm.
Overnight in Hue
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 5: Hue Imperial Citadel, Drive to Hoi An & Hoi An Street Food
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out at 8.00am to Dong Ba market where we stroll to observe citizen daily life with interesting local trades then continue to visit the world heritage site “Hue Imperial Citadel” which is considered as the most famous attraction along with unique architectures, detailed arts and works on walls, and a rich history which dates back to hundreds of years ago. The impressive structures, cultural decorates, Purple Forbidden City and the history definitely give your day a pretty worth visit. Next, we drive along The Perfume River to the attractive, religious Thien Mu Pagoda where you will have a pleasant walking to see beautiful surrounding and learn from your guide about its mystery legend.
Enjoy delicious Vietnamese lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive (approx. 3 hours) from Hue via Hai Van Pass to Hoi An Town, en-route at beautiful Hai Van Pass admired by natural beauty of mountain range and the blue coast where it’s a good morning to take a wonderful breathtaking and capture picturesque photos. Arrived, checked in and have rest of free time.
Evening at 5.00pm, we process to the old town of Hoi An where we excitingly enjoy the walking street food tour to discover famous Vietnamese dishes including delicate Vietnamese sandwich called “Banh Mi”, Barbecue pork rolled in rice paper and other yummy snacks (Banh Beo and Banh Khot). Continue to observe marketplace area with various local food stalls admired by interesting activities, we go zic and zac through small alley to Hoi An Riverfront to catch the night street highlight of cultural Hoi An town and cheerfully end up at a local restaurant for delicious dinner followed by a local beer.
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Cooking Class & Hoi An City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Get picked up at the hotel lobby then we leave to visit Hoi An local market, where we will pick up some extra ingredients needed for our cooking class. You will feel the bustle of the morning market, have the opportunity to interact directly with the sellers with a chance to learn some “bargaining” tips while shopping. Return to a local restaurant located in the organic vegetable village called Tra Que. Discover the farmer’s secret to growing vegetables by using organic fertilizers such as seaweed, manure. Engage in agricultural activities such as hoeing, collecting seaweed as well as transplanting and watering. Next, we will have a relaxing foot massage, health treatment with traditional medicinal herbs before participating in processing and cooking some famous local dishes. Voices performed by the chef. Then you will be able to enjoy the meal that you have prepared.
Afternoon, we’ll discover the well-preserved old town of Hoi An which is known as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site because of its unique architecture that reflects both indigenous and foreign cultures. Start with the most remarkable Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the 16th century, traditional Fujian Assembly Hall which gives a worth visit, continue to observe the exotic architecture of Tan Ky Old House, have an exciting walking in the colorful lantern street and take beautiful photos before visiting Hoi An central market where you can go shopping around.
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Hoi An Basket Boat Tour & Drive to Da Nang
Breakfast is served at hotel. We start to leave hotel at 9.00am and drive to enjoy 55 minute basket boat tour which is one of fun experiences in Hoi An. The basket boat takes you on Thu Bon River and then it goes through beautiful Bay Mau Coconut Forest, along with interesting history of why basket boats are made in the round shape. While the basket boat slowly navigates on Thu Bon River and Bay Mau Coconut Forest, you will come across fishing activities, see basket boat performance “spinning around”, hear song on the river and with your good luck to catch crabs from your boat.
Return hotel for refreshment and check out by 12.00pm then we drive to a booked hotel in Da Nang city and simply have your own free time or make your own exploration around the city.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 8: Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave at 8.00am for a great sight to Marble Mountains which represent to five elements: water, fire, earth, wood and metal, also a home to religious pagodas, shrines and hidden caves. Enjoy climbing up with 108 steps to the top and tranquilly take a wonderful breathtaking with the spectacular views of Da Nang City, and we will go to explore a few hidden caves (or skip caves) and Tam Thai pagoda. If you’re font of handicraft works, Tien Hieu Marble Handicraft Sculptures is an ideal for observation before resume our journey to Ba Na Hills where we discover the fascinating beauty of Da Nang City from the summit of popular Ba Na Hills. Once we arrived, we process to take cable car to observe variety of exciting places included Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda, Buddhist statue and walk inside the tunnel to visit wine cellar with a chance to taste a glass of wine. Continue to stroll at the must-see Golden Bridge where you capture the beauty of the sky, nature and enjoy the breathtaking while Golden Bridge is extremely considered as one of the most pleasant places to take romantic photos. Return to our awaiting car/minivan then we drive back to the hotel.
Note: buffet lunch is provided at one of restaurants in Ba Na.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Da Nang My Khe Beach & Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today our team picks you up at hotel’s lobby then transfers to My Khe beach – one of the most beautiful, natural coastal cities in Vietnam. It is a white sand coast with clear water and a pleasant beach for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and unwind yourselves at your own free time before taking flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Siem Reap and simply have free time after check in.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 10: Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 8.00am the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy Khmer set lunch followed by a soft drink or fresh coconut juice at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 30 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Half Day Countryside Biking (or by Vantage Jeep) & Oxcart Ride
Breakfast is served at hotel. After bike ride introduction at 7.30am, we’ll then we gently start cycling out of the hassle Siem Reap city with highlight of activities. The ride will be on the paved road about 7-8km passing Buddhist pagodas & school before we cycle along dirt road through local villages, see Khmer stilt houses, rice fields, vegetable gardens and you will be welcomed by kids saying “Hello” to you. The fantastic bike ride takes you to see authentic Cambodia while you’re riding pass to interact local people, visit local market, have a lot of stop to take beautiful photos of huge rice paddies dotting with palm trees, cows and water buffaloes.
Once we arrive in a village, we process to have some fun on the oxcart ride (short ride) through the village to get interaction along with “Hello” from friendly kids. Disembark the cart, you’ll be greeted by a host family at their home where we’ll enjoy welcome fresh coconut juice and lunch, have short break or you can stroll around the family house to see animals and witness local daily life before we ride back to your hotel (you can request a minivan if you don’t want to ride back).
Note: Vantage jeep is available upon request (surcharge) if you don’t like cycling.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Zipline in Angkor Archaeological Park
Breakfast is served at hotel. Go by our private car/minivan at a booked convenient time for a once in lifetime opportunity to experience a world-class zipline inside the UNESCO World Heritage designated Angkor Archaeological Park.
Spend 2 to 2.5 hours in the ancient jungles of Cambodia on a safe, educational adrenaline rush for the whole family. The entire adventure, from start to finish, is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the group size.
Surrounded by wildlife, butterflies, flowers, fauna, and towering trees, two of our certified Sky Rangers will lead you and your group of no more than 9 guests on a safe journey. We promise you a rain-forest Eco-adventure you will never forget.
The rest of the day is reserved as free at your own time.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 13: Tonle Sap Lake & Beng Mealea Jungle Temple
Breakfast is served at hotel. We leave at 8.00am and drive to Kompong Khleang village of Tonle Sap Lake. The journey passes interesting city highlight, countryside dotting with palm trees and on the way, we enroute to observe how famous bamboo sticky rice is produced, and you have chances to taste some bites of those delicious snacks. Once we arrive at the boat pier, embark a sheltered boat which slowly cruises along the canal and around the region that admired by amazing houses atop high poles, come across the highlight of fishing activities as well as see people selling fruits/vegetable/meats on their boats. Continue the boat trip to visit Kompong Khleang floating community, witness how life works on the water and how people make the lake as home and see the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia “Tonle Sap”, learn from your tour guide about ecosystem and its rich biosphere reserve.
Lunch is served at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive to visit the hidden Beng Mealea jungle temple amongst the real wilderness. Once we arrive, we walk to experience the guided adventure within the lush jungle to reveal the lost temple “Beng Mealea”. Since the temple was constructed during the reign of king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century until then it’s never been restored again. It provides wonderful adventure tour that you’re going to climb over/down the ruined rocks, walking into the gallery to unlock the carvings and its interesting history of the Hindu temple related Angkor time. We then tranquilly capture picturesque photos before returning hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Kulen Elephant Forest (share tour) & Phare Cambodian Circus
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our driver will pick you up at 7.30am at hotel’s lobby then transfers to Kulen Elephant Forest office in Siem Reap town where you’ll then transferred by shuttle minivan at 8.00am with an hour drive to the Kulen Elephant sanctuary which locates at the base of Kulen Mountain range.
Once at the reserve, you will spend time to learn from the local tour guide to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam as well as knowing how they are being well taken care mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap with the arrival around 2.00pm.
Evening around 6.00pm, transfer to enjoy delicate family set dinner at nice garden Chanrey Tree restaurant by Siem Reap Riverside. Next, go to visit Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated entertainment! – Phare Cambodian Circus that won the Guinness World Record and it is the only unique Phare Circus performance (no animals) which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts, and impressively inspires Cambodia culture and arts etc.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Siem Reap - Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Siem Reap before transferring to airport for flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Luang Prabang and simply have free time after check in.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 16: Trekking to Hmong Tribe Villages & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we start the tour at 8.30am, followed by our pleasant trekking through Hmong minority villages, passing rice fields, stilt houses from one to other villages admired by daily life and interesting activities, interact Hmong minority people in their unique outfits while learning from your tour guide about their culture and lifestyle. The trek will also takes you into forest trails up and down, and hear jungle birds sing songs while enjoy the natural beauty of forest that overlooking mountain ranges before we arrive the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls enhanced by it beautiful waterfalls tumble over limestone tires which create the area looks attractively fascinating and make you can’t refuse to spend time to cool off and swimming in its crystal blue water pools. We’ll then wander around Kuang Si Waterfalls, take beautiful photos, spend time to relax and swim.
Note: Lunch is provided at a local restaurant near Kuang Si Waterfalls.
After this amazing trekking and relaxing day, you will also have an opportunity to visit Free the Bear Project – the Bear Rescue Centre where you learn how those black bears were rescued, being taken care and protected as well as getting to know their ongoing project in Laos Sanctuaries. We make our way back to the hotel for refreshment.
Evening, our team takes you to have delicious Lao set menu dinner at Bamboo Tree Lao.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Alms Giving, Luang Prabang City Tour & Pak Ou Caves
Breakfast is served at hotel. We rise a bit early in the morning to observe Buddhist saffron monks in progress searching for alms offers from locals which it is religiously known as traditional alms giving ceremony that all tourists can’t definitely ignore when visit Luang Prabang.
Return hotel for breakfast before heading out again to stroll at Phosy market to observe bustling trades between locals and vendors. Continue to challenge 328 steps up to the top of Phousi Hill to catch the spectacular views of Luang Prabang city, Mekong & Nam Khan Rivers, forests and mountains. Afterwards, visit Royal Palace which is one of national museums in Laos that was built by French during French colonial period, see Heuan Chan Heritage – the 19th century and well reserved wooden house in Luang Prabang then we’ll wander to observe the finest artistic styles of Buddhist monasteries included Wat Sensoukharam, important Wat Xiengthong and Wat Wisunarat at the end of the trip. Have tasty lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we process to take a long tail boat which sails on the mighty Mekong River admired by beautiful scenery of river, mountain and forest then our boat slowly moves close the mountain cave mouth where we walk along the stairs up into limestone caves which house hundreds of Buddha images as it has come a sacred place for worship for many centuries. Unlock interesting legends and story about the caves from your tour guide as if we enjoy the spectacular view of Mekong River. Near the end of the trip, we will visit and see the process of Lao rice whiskey at Ban Xang Hai which is popularly known as the rice whiskey village in Luang Prabang, and it’s a nice time to take a sip before returning hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Luang Prabang - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Luang Prabang then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Luang Prabang International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Indochina
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