Jewels Of Indochina

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• 4 contrasting capitals: Vientiane, Hanoi & Phnom Penh
• Highlights of Laos: from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
• Explore Hanoi, Old Saigon & the Mekong Delta
• Enjoy time in Phnom Penh & the amazing temples of Angkor 
• Variety of journeys: by rail & boat, to bus, plane
• Meet the locals & uncover its interlocking cultures 

⇒ Tour grade: Moderate (cuatomizable)
⇒ Trip code: VC12 (private tour/ what is it?)
⇒ Trip duration: 27 day/ 26 nites
⇒ Destinations: Saigon - Mekong Delta -  Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane -  Phnom Pennh - Siem Reap
⇒ Meals included: 26 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 1 dinner (Allow extra Meal budget minimum $20US/per day)
⇒ Transports: Private Car, Bus, Rickshaw (cyclo), Flight, Halong Bay Cruise, Tonle Sap Lake & Pak Ou Cave boat trip.
⇒ Accommodation:  22 night in hotels,  2 night on A/C trains and 1 night on Halong Bay Junk Cruise.
⇒ Tour guides: English speaking tour guides or other language speaking guides upon request.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• ccommodation based on twin shared room at selected hotels with daily breakfast.
             Check-in time at all hotels is 14:00 and check-out time at all hotels is 12.00.
           Early check-in and late check-out is subject to availability with surcharge.     
• Meals, drinks and other those mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
• Profestional English Speaking tour guide or other languages upon request.
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local Trains: Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi (A/C, soft sleepers)
• Domestic flights: Saigon – Da Nang, Hue – Hanoi – Luang Prabang, Vientianne – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap.

TOUR EXCLUDES:

• Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
• Other flight tickets.
• Visas and airport departure tax.
• Meals, drinks and other those mentioned in the itinerary.
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.
• Tips and gratuities.

► Why Choose Indochina Pioneer

► What they say... (See more comments from some of our past travellers)

Kirsten Harris Australia
Amazing experience with so much to see and learn, always something new happening and incredible sites to see all the way along the adventure.  My suggestion however is to read up on it first to know what to look out for so you can advise your tour guide you are interested in particular places.  That way if they come across your travel path you will not miss out. Our tour guide Ha is very fun loving and knowledgable about history, Vietnam traditions and life in general.  Jovial and always cracking a joke and making the whole experience enjoyable and interesting. Thank you very much Ha!
 

Contact Person: Steven Quinn E-Mail: sales@indochinapioneer.com Call Us: +84 43715 3627 | Fax: +84 43715 3626 Customize this tour | Hotline: +84 983 145 799

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BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1:       Arrival  Saigon
Day 2:       Saigon City tour                                
Day 3:       Mekong Delta day trip                                
Day 4:       Cu Chi Tunnels - Tay Ninh (Cao Dai Temple)                    
Day 5:       Saigon – Fly to Hoi An                          
Day 6:       Hoi An Walking tour                            
Day 7:       Hoi An free day                              
Day 8:       Hoi An – Drive to Hue                               
Day 9:       Hue – Fly to Hanoi                               
Day 10:     Hanoi City tour – Night train to Sapa                     
Day 11:     Arrive Sapa                            
Day 12:     Sapa – Walk of Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages – Night train to Hanoi         
Day 13:     Arrive Hanoi – Transfer to Halong Bay O/N Junk Boat               
Day 14:     Halong Bay to Hanoi                                
Day 15:     Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang                            
Day 16:     Pak Ou day trip                                   
Day 17:     Kuangsi Waterfall day trip                           
Day 18:     Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng                   
Day 19:     Vang Vieng – Drive to Vientiane                         
Day 20:     Vientiane City tour                                
Day 21:     Vientiane- Fly to Phnom Penh                            
Day 22:     Phnom Penh – Visit the Killing Fields                   
Day 23      Phnom Penh to Siem Reap                          
Day 24:     Siem Reap – Further exploration                        
Day 25:     Siem Reap – Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake                 
Day 26:     Siem Reap                                    
Day 27:     Depart Siem Reap
                             
DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrival  Saigon
Upon arrival, we are met at Saigon airport in the arrivals hall by the tour guide from Indochina Pioneer. Then we will be transferred (45 mins) to our hotel and check-in to our room. There is no sightseeing today. Lunch and dinner are on our own arrangements.
Overnight in Saigon

Day 2:  Saigon City tour (B, L)
Sightseeing in downtown Saigon and the Cholon district involves approximately 4 hours on foot over the whole day. There are graphic pictures in the War Remnants Museum that some people might find confronting. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. You can wonder around the town or visit Saigon Night Market. Overnight in Saigon

(N.B: watch your valuables when you are out and about as the market area as it is sometimes very notorious).

Day 3:  Mekong Delta day trip (B, L)
There is an early rise this morning to drive 2 hours (80km) to the city of My Tho. On arrival we will travel by motorized, wooden boats between the islands and then change to smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance, and few hours on foot across the islands. Approximately 2 hours later, we return to the docks to have lunch and drive back to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon

Day 4:  Cu Chi Tunnels - Tay Ninh (Cao Dai Temple) (B, L)
Remember to take insect repellent today as mosquitoes are more common in the Cu chi district. Today will be a full day of sightseeing. After breakfast we transfer 2 hours (75km) to Cu Chi. Sightseeing here involves 2 hours on foot on uneven mud paths through the bush and, if you choose, crawling through some of the tunnels. It is important to follow your guide's directions to leave on time so as to arrive at Tay Ninh in time to see the midday service. Transfer 1 ½  hour (60km) to Tay Ninh to the 'Holy See' and see the 30 minute Cao Dai service. Then we drive (minutes drive) to have lunch in a local restaurant; the meal is simple but this is the only suitable restaurant in the area. After lunch we transfer three hours back to Saigon with a stop en route at a charity center where the disabilities making handicrafts to ear their livings.

[N.B: At the Cu Chi Tunnels there will be an opportunity to shoot a range of guns (example AK47, M16). lf you wish to do this, please be aware that the level of noise is extremely high and although earplugs are available, they may not provide the level of protection required. Ii is recommended you bring ear plugs from home if you would like to participate.]

Day 5:  Saigon – Fly to Hoi An B)
After breakfast, we check out of room and then transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Danang (flight duration is one hour); the closest airport to Hoi An. Easy sightseeing in Danang at the Cham Museum and China Beach. At Marble Mountains there are some uneven stone steps up and we can get hot. Watch your step inside as the caves are dark and damp - a small torch would be handy. After that we transfer (45 minutes drive) to hotel in Hoi An and check-in. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An Walking tour (B, L)
Today we will commence a 2 hour walking tour on foot around Hoi An Old Town.  The historic, merchant town of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of southeast Asia by the 17th and 18thcenturies, and it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. The sites we visit include the Japanese Bridge, some of the many wooden houses, museums and Chinese temples that line the streets. We shall have lunch in a local restaurant. The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure. There are many markets in town which are an ideal place to pick up silk paintings and tailored silk clothing. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7:  Hoi An free day (B)
Free day to explore Hoi An and the local markets. We can hire a bike to ride back to the own town or off to the beach for R&R. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An – Drive to Hue (B, L)
Depart Hoi An in the morning we drive north for 3.5 hours, (approximately 135km) over the Hai Van (Cloudy) Pass to Hue. This is a winding and sometimes steep but scenic road along the coast. This afternoon there is easy sightseeing around Hue. We will visit the Old Citadel, the palace built by the Nguyen dynasty (Vietnam’s ruling emperors from the early 1800s to1945). The Citadel has formal moats and impressive ramparts which were constructed by 20 000 men and was an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Although most of the Inner City was totally destroyed during the month-long Tet Offensive (1968), the vast outer walls and the West Wing remain and is an eloquent reminder of the palace’s former glory. Later we take a trip by boat on the Perfume River from Hue City to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This lovely monastery is the oldest one in Hue. There are steep and uneven steps without handrails. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner is on our own arrangement.  Overnight in Hue

Day 9: Hue – Fly to Hanoi (B, L)
This morning is easy sightseeing around Hue, involving at least two hour on foot. There are some steep and uneven steps without handrails at the Khai Dinh Tomb. During the tour we stop en route to witness the crafting of Vietnamese conical hats and incense sticks in a local handicraft workshop. Today we have a chance to enjoy a vegetarian meal cooked and served by the nuns of a local Buddhist monastery.

After lunch we are taken (30 minutes) to the airport for the flight to Hanoi (flight duration 1 hour). From Hanoi airport, we are met at the arrival halls and driven to the hotel and check-in.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10:  Hanoi City tour – Night train to Sapa (B, L)
Both men and women must dress respectfully for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), with covered shoulders and knees. Today we will enjoy half day tour of Hanoi. Sightseeing this morning involves approx 3 hours on foot at the Ho Chi Minh 'Quarter' and the Temple of Literature. When visiting the actual Mausoleum we must be quiet, show respect and will not be allowed to carry cameras, mobile phones, etc (usually our Tour Guide will offer to hold these for us). After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure. Late check-out from the hotel has been arranged for us so we will be able to have some time to freshen up, pack our bags and check-out of the hotel before our own dinner. In the evening we are transferred to the station to board our overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station. This journey usually takes 8 hours (over 340km). Wear comfortable clothes onboard to sleep in and take snacks as none are readily available onboard the train. The trip can be quite bumpy.
Overnight in A/C train (4 berth shared cabin)

Day 11:  Arrive Sapa (B)
Morning we arrive into Lao Cai station about 05:30am and drive 45 minutes (34km) on a winding, mountainous road up to Sapa and check-in to our hotel.

[NB: Check-out time in Vietnam is midday so our rooms may not be ready when you arrive. This morning we will commence sightseeing and check-in at the hotel later.]

After breakfast in the hotel we will have the opportunity to visit some of the small villages around Sapa to see different ethnic. We will start our day by visiting Cat Cat visit Village - 3 hour (7km) hike to meet some of the H'mong hill tribe - this is one of the shortest hikes around Sapa. Return to Sapa by jeep for lunch. In the afternoon we will drive out of town to visit another village – the so-called Ta Phin. This is the home to one of the most colorful hill tribes in the North of Vietnam – the Red Zao minority people. Drive back to the hotel in the late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Sapa

Day 12: Sapa – Walk of Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages – Night train to Hanoi (B, L)
Morning we bid a farewell to Sapa and commence our walk to Lao Chai. After 45 minutes walking on the main road we take a turning to a buffalo dirt trail and continue to trek until we reach the Village of Lao Chai – home to Black H’Mong minority. We arrive in the villages around midday. We make a stop in a local restaurant on the riverside to enjoy our picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, we proceed for a further hour and a half, through local villages, and eventually arrive at the charming village of Tavan, home to the hill tribe group of Zay people. Time depending we may visit a Dzay family then take our drive back to the hotel, pack up and transfer to Lao Cai where we will have dinner before boarding your overnight train to Hanoi.
Overnight in A/C train (4 berth shared cabin)

Day 13:  Arrive Hanoi – Transfer to Halong Bay O/N Junk Boat (B, L, D)
On arrival in Hanoi early (approximately 0630am) this morning, we will transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast and continue from there to Halong Bay. Drive 3.5 hours (160km) to Halong City and port, including a 20 minute rest stop at Hong Ngoc Charity Center. As Halong Bay is so popular, there are usually a crowd of boats at the docks -please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing. Boarding your junk boat could involve climbing over and through other boats, and the dock -sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. The junk boats have been recently built and modeled on the traditional 'junk' which was both home and working vessel for fishermen in the Orient for centuries. They usually hold about 20 dining (or 18 maximum overnight) passengers, have an enclosed dining area and open deck on the upper deck. We have lunch onboard and cruise around the bay before anchoring for the night. Sightseeing includes visiting underground caves on the islands which require climbing up and down steps inside and outside of the caves. A torch is optional as the caves have been in colorful lighting.
Overnight on Halong Bay

Day 14: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast on Boat, cruise to another part of Halong Bay where we will view more of the bays spectacular limestone scenery, such as Drum Cave , Man’s Head Islet, Turtle Islet and Fairman’s Cave. The boat returns to the dock for brunch before driving back Hanoi. On the way back we stop en route for to visit a ceramics factory. Late afternoon we arrive in Hanoi and check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 15: Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Luang Prabang (flight duration 55 minutes). On arrival at the airport we will be picked up and transferred (10-15 minutes) to hotel and check-in. Sightseeing this afternoon is easy; involving short local walks of less than an hour in total. We take a guide tour of Phousy Hin which involves one hour on foot - the hill is loom high and this area is fairly steep (with steps) but the view is worth the climb. The remainder of the day is free for our further exploration of Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 16:  Pak Ou day trip (B, L)
Bring a torch today for sightseeing in Tham Phoum cave. After breakfast at a local bakery, we will transfer to the docks and board a motor boat which takes nearly 2 hours to ride 25km upstream. Sightseeing at Pak Ou involves climbing steps from the base of the dock to the first cave and another 45 minutes on foot over uneven surfaces that includes walking up the hill to the second cave where we will need our torch. After lunch across the river we return by boat to Luang Prabang via a local village. There is a leisurely walk here (40 minutes) before continuing to Luang Prabang by boat and transferring back to our hotel by car.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 17:  Kuangsi Waterfall day trip (B, L)
Drive one hour (32km) on a fairly good sealed road to Kuangsi Waterfall. Sightseeing here will involve around one hour of light walking. On the way up to the waterfall we will follow a bush walking track which has a slight upward gradient.

[N.B: It is possible to swim in the river and if you wish to do this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms are available on site.]

Depending on time available today we may also visit other nearby ethnic villages to observe the local daily life. Return to hotel and rest for the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 18:  Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng (B)
After our breakfast, we heck-out of hotel, and then drive 6 hours (240km) to Vang Vieng with sightseeing en route in Pathang Village involving one hour on foot. We take a slow (at least 30 minutes) motor boat ride downstream which is always fun. The remainder of the day to wander around or just kick back and relax.
Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 19:  Vang Vieng – Drive to Vientiane (B, L)
In the morning we enjoy sightseeing at Tham Chang cave which involves one hour on foot over uneven surfaces, and climbing steps to get up to the cave. After that we drive 3.5 hours (160km) to Vientiane. Check in of our hotel and then head out for lunch. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 20:  Vientiane City tour (B)
We take a tour of major sights of the capital, including the oldest, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some memorable pictures of the imposing Patuxai which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomple.  Overnight in Vientiane

Day 21:  Vientiane- Fly to Phnom Penh (B)
Transfer to the airport for morning flight (flight duration 90 minutes) to Phnom Penh. This city still retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. On arrival, we will transfer (20 minutes drive) to hotel and check-in. Free afternoon to explore this charming city. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 22:  Phnom Penh – Visit the Killing Fields (B, L)
This morning, we will visit the Apsara Association to see a performance (ask the TourGuide if you would like to make a donation). After lunch, drive 30 minutes (15km) to the Killing Fields site. Sightseeing here involves one hour on foot. Then we drive another 30 minutes back into the town centre to Tuol Sleng Museum, where sightseeing involves one hour on foot. Both commemorate the atrocities that occurred during the regime of Pol Pot. Most people find them quite confronting and emotional so we will be given time to explore on our own if we choose. Afterwards, we spend some time at the Russian Markets - watch your valuables while in and around the market areas.
Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 23 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (B, L)
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for a short flight to Siem Reap (flight duration 55 minutes). On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. After lunch, we’ll visit the Roluos Temple Complex. The complex displays the remains of the first major capital of the Khmer empire and contains several significant monuments including Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei. The evening is ours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 24: Siem Reap – Further exploration (B, L)
UNESCO manages the complex and to enter we will drive approx 6km out of town to the main entrance gate to get our entrance passes, which we must carry with us each time you visit.

Today, we will tour of Angkor Thom City. We’ll start at the South Gate and explore the centerpiece of the ancient city, The Bayon. The Bayon has fifty four towers decorated with more than two hundred enigmatic smiling faces. The tour also includes the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, as well as The Ta Prohm Temple. After lunch we explore Angkor Wat, probably the most famous and best-preserved of the temples in the complex. After spending the afternoon here, we will go to Pre Rup to see the sunset. Dinner is on our own arrangement.

[N.B: The Central Tower of the Angkor Wat complex has a limited number of visitors allowed at any given time, under new regulations from UNESCO. If you wish to visit this tower you will be required to wait in the queue alongside all other visitors.]

Day 25: Siem Reap – Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake (B)
An early start will let us see the sunrise over Angkor Wat Temple. We come back to the hotel for breakfast, and then followed by a visit to the exquisite Banteay Srey (“Citadel of the women”). The temple displays fine examples of classical Khmer art. We will enjoy free time here until our transfer to the Tonle Sap for a boat trip on the lake. The length of the drive to Tonle Sap varies with the level of lake; the shore can move many km from one month to the next. Drive approx 30 minutes on a rough, unsealed road to board motorized cruise boats for 1-2 hour cruise through the houseboats of lake community and open water of the lake. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on our own arrangement
August - February (High water season)
March - July (Low water season)

Day 26:  Siem Reap (B)
The whole day is fee day to relax and do our own exploration of Siem Reap. No activities are planned at all.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 27:  Depart Siem Reap (B)    
Check-out from hotel this morning. The day is at leisure until we are transferred from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of our international flight.

                   Wishing you an Unforgetable Holiday with Indochina Pioneer!

This tour is private and can be well tailor-made to suite your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and per person basis. The final price will be privately quoted upon your own number of participants, time of travel, grade of hotel rooms and other detailed services. Please click on BOOK button and fill in the requested information then our travel consultant will customize the best value holiday for you. Thank you!
 

♦ REMARKS:
1. We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. All of our prices are calculated upon twin-shared basis. To Indochina Pioneer standard, here is basically how we define our service:

+ Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 60USD/room/night
+ Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 110 USD/room/night
+ Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180USD/room/nigh

2. Price base in twin share basis accomodation.
3. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
4. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.
 

Note: We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. Particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your holiday in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. All of our prices are calculated upon twin-shared basis. To Indochina Pioneer standard, here is basically how we define our service:

+ Superior Level (3 star hotels ): > 60USD/room/night
+ Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 110 USD/room/night
+ Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180USD/room/night

Contact Person: Steven Quinn
E-Mail: sales@indochinapioneer.com
Call Us: +84 43715 3627 | Fax: +84 43715 3626
Make an enquiry | Hotline: +84 983 145 799