Day 1 : Arrival in Luang Prabang
Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, your knowledgeable guide will be there to greet you, and you'll be smoothly transported to your selected hotel in private vehicle.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2 : Luang Prabang – City Tour and Pak Ou Caves
Today, you'll embark on a guided tour to explore some of the city's oldest temples, including Wat Sene and the splendid Wat Xiengthong, renowned for its sweeping low roofs that exemplify classical Laotian architecture. Following this, we'll set sail upstream on the Mekong River, offering stunning vistas of the serene countryside and an opportunity to discover the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves. These interconnected caves house thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various sizes, left by devout pilgrims. Our journey will include a stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, known for its local rice wine production. Upon returning, we'll make a brief visit to Ban Phanom, a charming village celebrated for its traditional hand weaving techniques.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3 : Luang Prabang – City Tour and Khouangsi Falls
Following breakfast, we'll begin our day with a visit to the National Museum, housed within the former Royal Palace. This museum showcases a fascinating array of artifacts that span Lao culture's history, from the era of the early kings to the reign of the last sovereign. Afterwards, we'll have the opportunity to explore the Central Market at our leisure. Our journey then takes us towards the majestic Khouangsi Waterfall. Along the way, we'll make stops at local villages inhabited by Lao ethnic minority groups, including Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Laoloum, and Ban Thapene. Upon reaching the captivating Khouangsi Waterfall, you'll have the chance to cool off in its inviting pools or stroll along the picturesque forest trails surrounding the area. By late afternoon, we'll return to Luang Prabang, with a final stop at Ban Xangkhong, renowned for its silk hand weaving and traditional Saa Paper production.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4 : Luang Prabang to Siem Reap by flight
Following breakfast, you'll have some free time to relax before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, our guide and driver will warmly welcome you and escort you directly to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 5 : Siem Reap – Angkor Group Tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you'll have some leisure time before the following itinerary:
08:00 hrs: Our shuttle bus, accompanied by a tour guide, will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Take a stroll through the South Gate via the Naga Bridge, where you can capture some memorable photos. From there, walk to Bayon temple through the lush surroundings, and don't forget to interact with the playful monkeys (please exercise caution with your belongings as the monkeys may attempt to take them).
Explore Bayon Temple and continue your journey to Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Enclosure. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
At 13:00 hrs, you'll be driven to the Angkor Wat Temple area for further exploration until sunset.
By 17:30 hrs, our shuttle bus, accompanied by a guide, will return you to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 6 : Siem Reap at leisure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then you'll have the freedom to explore the Angkor Complex at your own pace without the assistance of a car or guide.
Optional half-day tour to Tonle Sap Lake
This morning, you'll embark on a boat journey across the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. The lake feeds into the Tonle Sap River, eventually merging with the Mekong in Phnom Penh. During the excursion, we'll encounter a unique sight: a fishermen's "floating village" featuring floating schools, a floating police station, and more. It's akin to a sizable village residing on the water, with the "village" relocating periodically in accordance with water levels and currents.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7 : Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by bus
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the Siem Reap bus station for your journey to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and escorted to your hotel.
Following check-in, you'll have the freedom to explore the following attractions:
The Royal Palace, commissioned by King Norodom in 1866 on the grounds of the old town.
The Silver Pagoda, situated within the Royal Palace grounds. It earned its name from its floor adorned with 5000 silver tiles.
Optionally, you can visit the Genocide Museum or S21, formerly known as Tuol Svay Prey High School, which was repurposed by the Khmer Rouge into a prison in May 1976. It served as Angkar’s primary security institution for detaining individuals accused of opposing the Pol Pot regime.
Alternatively, you can explore the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 8 : Phnom Penh at leisure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then you'll have the freedom to explore Phnom Penh at your leisure without a guided tour service. Alternatively, you have the option to book an optional tour to uncover the hidden charms of Phnom Penh.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 9 : Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City by bus
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Phnom Penh bus station for your morning journey to Saigon, aboard the Giant Ibis Bus.
Upon arrival in Saigon, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Saigon, known as Ho Chi Minh City, remains a vibrant hub of commerce, finance, culture, and tourism in Vietnam. Contrary to its northern counterpart, this bustling metropolis is teeming with bicycles and motorbikes, energized by its numerous shopping districts and sidewalk cafes. If time permits, we'll take a leisurely stroll through downtown to immerse ourselves in the diverse local ways of life.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 : Saigon Half-Day City Tour + Cu Chi Tunnels
Today, we'll dedicate half a day to exploring the captivating Ho Chi Minh City, with many points of interest conveniently located near the town center. Our journey begins by passing the site of the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This iconic building served as the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until the end of March 1975.
Nearby, we'll encounter some remarkable French colonial structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. Our exploration continues with visits to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnants Museum, which boasts a wealth of images documenting the notorious conflicts.
We'll conclude our sightseeing with a stroll around the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where a wide array of goods is available for purchase.
In the afternoon, we'll embark on a transfer approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Renowned for their pivotal role in the Tet Offensive of 1968, the Cu Chi tunnels served as a strategic base for the Vietnamese forces during the American war. This remarkable underground network spans over 200 kilometers and achieved legendary status due to its extensive features, including living quarters, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and accommodations.
During our excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, we'll have the opportunity to explore an exhibition hall and visit a widened section of the tunnels to gain insight into the underground life of the inhabitants. Additionally, there's the option to experience firing rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 : Saigon to Hanoi by flight
Experience a journey back in time as you transition from the vibrant, contemporary city of Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. Upon landing at Hanoi Airport, our tour guide will be there to greet you and provide transportation to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, you'll have leisure time to explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12 : Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
7:30 – 08:30: Our shuttle bus, accompanied by a tour guide, will collect guests from their respective hotels. (Note: This pickup service is exclusively for guests utilizing our shuttle bus service).
10:30: Enjoy a stopover in Hai Duong city, where you can immerse yourself in the experience of hand-made Vietnamese handicraft products.
12:30: Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina Pier (Tuan Chau Island), followed by the following activities:
Boarding the cruise and receiving a welcome drink, along with a briefing from the Cruise Manager regarding safety instructions and cabin check-in.
Indulge in a sumptuous lunch while cruising past scenic islets and through Hoa Cuong floating village.
Explore Halong Bay, passing by landmarks such as Soi Sim Beach and Coconut Three Island, before arriving at the Surprising Cave area.
Enjoy kayaking, swimming, or embark on a climb to the mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay at Titov Beach.
Participate in our cooking class on the sun-deck, where you'll learn to prepare fresh/fried spring rolls and mix fish sauce.
Witness the breathtaking sunset while enjoying a party featuring fruits and wine.
19:30: Under the stunning night sky, our guests will be treated to a luxurious set-menu dinner featuring a variety of Vietnamese and Asian dishes.
Evening entertainment options comprise:
Participating in squid fishing aboard the boat with our experienced crews. You can relish the squid, expertly prepared by our chef.
Alternatively, unwind with our happy-hour drinks at the bar.
Overnight stay in Halong Bay Cruise
Day 13 : Halong Bay to Hanoi
06:15: Engage in a Tai Chi class on the Sun-deck.
07:15: Delight in breakfast featuring coffee, tea, and assorted pastries onboard.
08:00: Explore the Surprising Cave (Hang Sung Sot), discovered by the French in 1901. Opened for tourists since 1936, it stands as a must-see attraction and symbolizes the geological significance of Halong.
09:30: Check-out time. Relax on the sun-deck or in the restaurant while enjoying the scenic beauty of the bay. 1
0:15: Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese lunch as we cruise back to the pier.
12:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau Pier. Our car will be ready to pick you up for the return journey to Hanoi.
16:00: Arrival in Hanoi marks the conclusion of the trip!
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 14 : Hanoi Half Day City Walking Tour
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, we'll take you on a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex. Explore the area, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, which serves as the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese leader. You'll also have the opportunity to stroll around Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he resided intermittently from 1958 to 1969. Next, we'll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a striking architectural ensemble built in the middle of a square pond. Then, we'll proceed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first college dedicated to Confucianism. Finally, we'll return to Hoan Kiem Lake and make a stopover at Ngoc Son Temple.
In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore leisurely and indulge in some shopping at your own pace.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 15 : Return Home
Following breakfast, you'll have leisure time until our guide and driver arrive to transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight home.
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