Untouched Indochina

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• we encounter various hill tribes, Admire their traditional lifestyle
• Discover the most untouched places, See the influx of mass tourism
• Find the best scenery to shot, Bring home thousands of stunning photo
• And so much more...
   

⇒ Trip grade: Moderate (customizable)
⇒ Trip code: VOB02 (private tour/ what is it?)
⇒ Trip duration:  28 days in Vietnam
⇒ Destinations: Northn Vietnam, Nothern Laos and Cambodia
⇒ Meals included: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches,  1 dinner (Allow extra Meal budget minimum $20US/per day)
⇒ Transport: Private Car, Van or Bus upon request of group size.
⇒ Accommodation:  9 night in hotels, 1 night Sapa homestay, 1  night on AC sleeper train.
⇒ Tour guides: English speaking tour guides or other language speaking guides upon request.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Accommodation 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).
• Halong bay boat trip with full board meals
• Profestional English Speaking tour guide or other languages upon request.
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time.
• Domestic trains from Sapa - Hanoi (economy class).
• Internal flights: Hanoi - Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang - 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)

Timothy Strictland from Australia
I have read reviews of other travellers who have used ICP I am happy to find that we are not alone in praise of this great tour company and staff.We experienced the same personalised attention and professionalism right through out our tour. I had looked at brochures of different tours through out indochina but could not get excited or happy with the results.I found ICP on the web the tours were exactly what I was after I could change or tailor the tour to my needs.All the information regarding visas,medical, tips etc were very well covered and we had a very good idea before leaving Australia.Our tour was for 21days (vietnam, Cambodia,Laos) I was given a list of the Hotels with web sites before leaving so I look at all of these and the reviews on tripadviser and was very happy with the result.There were many highlights on our tour the homestay,at MaiChau,Farm visit at Hoian,Buddhist Nunnery for lunch were some of the memories.Hanoi,and Laos were quite special as were the people we meet along the way, so warm,kind and friendly.These are magical places to see and experience, we have come away with some beautiful memories of all these lovely countries and people.Indochina Pioneer has set a very high standard for others to follow.
 

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

• Destination Information
• Travel Guide
• View Tour Map

BRIED ITINERARY:

Day 1  : Arrive in Hanoi  
Day 2  : Hanoi City full-day City tour (B, L)
Day 3  : Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
Day 4  : Mai Chau  - Sonla (B, L, D)
Day 5  : Son La – Tuan Giao – Dien Bien Phu (B, L)
Day 6  : Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau – Tam Duong (B, L, D)
Day 7  : Tam Duong – Sapa (B, L)
Day 8  : Sapa – Bac Ha Sunday Market (B, L)
Day 9  : Hanoi – Halong Bay B, L, D)
Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 11: Luang Prabang City Tour  (B)
Day 12: Luang prabang - Luang Namtha - Muang Sing (B)
Day 13: Around Muang Sing - Luang Namtha (B)
Day 14: Luang Namtha - Ban Nammat - Ban Namyang  (B, L, D)
Day 15: Ban Namyang -  Luang Namtha (B, L)
Day 16: Luang Namtha - Nong Khiau (B)
Day 17: Nong Khiau - Muang Ngoy - Kang Cave (B)
Day 18: Muang Ngoy - Nong Khiau - Luang Prabang  (B)     
Day 19: Luang Prabang – Fly to Siem Reap (B)
Day 20: Siem Reap Exploration (B)
Day 21: Siem Reap – Battambang (B)
Day 22: Battambang – Kampong Chnang - Phnom Penh (B, L)
Day 23: Phnom Penh – Kratie (B, L, D)
Day 24: Kratie – Rattanakiri (B, L, D)
Day 25: Rattanakiri Exploration (B, L, D)
Day 26: Rattanakiri Exploration (B)    
Day 27:  Rattanakiri – Kampong Cham B, L, D)
Day 28: Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh – Departure B)

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi                                
Upon arrival in Hanoi airport, our tour guide will greet you at the airport with you name coming up on a welcome signboard and escort you to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City full-day City tour (B, L)
Today you will enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital. You will see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his private home, a wooden stilt‐house surrounded by lush gardens. You will also visit the One Pillar Pagoda in the same complex, an important symbol for Hanoians. The tour continues at the museum of Ethnology where we will see Vietnam’s diverse culture through the Museum’s display of articles and dress used in daily life. After lunch at a local restaurant we will visit the Temple of Literature (Confucius Temple), considered the first National University of Vietnam.

Next, we visit Hoa Lo prison (known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war). Then we enjoy a cyclo (rickshaw) tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This bustling area of narrow streets and alley ways houses thousands of small family businesses and shops traveling by cyclo is the way to get a real feeling for the town as well as some great photographs. In the evening we enjoy a performance of the traditional water puppet show, a typical northern Vietnam art form. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
We begin our tour with a morning drive through the picturesque countryside of green paddy fields and mountains in the distance to the town of Mai Chau; home of the thai minority. Upon arrival, we check in at the boutique Mai Chau Lodge, a unique hotel of the area. We enjoy a local lunch, followed by a walking tour of Pom Coong and Lac villages. These villages are where communities of the White Thai live and we have an opportunity to learn about their way of life, the stilted-house architecture, and their embroidery art. We will then return to our hotel, with the rest of the day free at your leisure. You may even chill out at hotel’s outdoor swimming pool for the rest of the afternoon. Tonight, there is an opportunity to attend a traditional dance show performed by the White Thai (optional). Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 4: Mai Chau  - Sonla (B, L, D)
Upon leaving Mai Chau we see many villages dotting the hillsides and the undulating terrain, which makes for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop for a short trek near Xa Linh, visiting the Hmong and the Muong people. Traveling across the Moc Chau Plateau we pass many tea plantations en route to Son La, which is our overnight stop. Arrive and check in our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore the area.Overnight in Son La

Day 5: Son La – Tuan Giao – Dien Bien Phu (B, L)
This morning we will pay a visit the old Son La Prison, which the French used to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries in the latter years of the colonial era. Leaving Son La, we stop at a market in Thuan Chau, which is populated by many hill tribes. Crossing over the Pha Din Pass we travel to Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence from the French in 1954. The Lao border is not very far away from this town. Overnight in Dien Bien

Day 6: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau – Tam Duong (B, L, D)
This morning, we will visit the former French battlefields including the war museum, Muong Thanh airbase. On display are relics from the battle including old French tanks and artillery pieces. Of special interest is the reconstruction of the bunker where the French commander, Colonel de Castries, surrendered to Viet Minh forces. We spend the night in Dien Bien Phu, which has developed into a fast-growing frontier town.

Leaving Dien Bien Phu we proceed another long day’s drive though scenic, winding roads as our journey continues to Lai Chau, which encompasses an area formerly known as Tam Duong.  This stretch of our journey the roads will be fairly rough and uneven. However, there is plenty of opportunity to see the colorful hill-tribes of Northern Vietnam such as the Hmong, Black Thai and Black Dzao. We stay overnight in a very simple hotel, but it must be noted that all accommodation options here are very basic, as we are staying in an area that sees very few visitors

Day 7: Tam Duong – Sapa (B, L)
After breakfast, we enjoy a 3-hour trek to some of the hill-tribe villages around Tam Duong before driving to Sapa. This town was founded in the early years of the last century as a hilltop retreat for the French administrators when the heat of the plains became unbearable. At an altitude of over 1000 meters, there are warm days and cool evenings. Upon arrival we check into our hotel we will head just up the street for lunch. During the day we have opportunities to walk up Ham Rong Mountain, down to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black Hmong minority. Overnight in Sapa

Day 8: Sapa – Bac Ha Sunday Market (B, L)
Leaving Sapa, we embark on a 3-hour Jeep journey to the lively and colorful Sunday market in Bac Ha, arguably one of the most colorful markets in the world! Here we see many ethnic minority groups, but the dominant are the aptly named Flower Hmong. All these ethnic minority tribes wear their distinct costumes and come into town to trade on this one day of the week. We have lunch in a local restaurant after exploring the market and mingling with the locals. In the afternoon we transfer to Lao Cai, where we board the overnight train back to Hanoi. We travel in "soft sleeper" class, which is a compartment for up to four people. Blankets and pillows are provided. This journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of traveling local-style in Vietnam

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay B, L, D)
Early arrival to Hanoi railway station, we check into our day-use room for shower and refreshment and repack your luggage.

We then walk to the nearby parks (Lenin Park, next to Hanoi Flag tower) to see and join in the early activities of Hanoian. We can even join the locals for some Tai Chi moves in the fresh air of Hanoi early morning. We then enjoy our excellent breakfast at KOTO restaurant.

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel, leave the entire big luggage at the hotel, and just bring a small backpack for the trip.  Then we will be taken for four hour drive through the lush Red River Delta to Halong Bay

On arrival we will embark on a boat trip and set sail through these spectacular surroundings while enjoying a delicious lunch. Take in the scenery of thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the sparkling blue waters like dragons' teeth. After lunch, cruise to the inside of the magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island and Dog Island with a stop in the late afternoon to visit Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a panoramic view of the bay from the top of the Titop Mountain before re-boarding our boat to enjoy dinner while watching the glow of the sunset make a spectacular end to the day. Stay overnight on junk boat.

Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B, L)
Rise to the sound of the ocean coming to life for another lovely day. Watch the sun rise dramatically over the horizon as you enjoy an early buffet breakfast on board. We then take a bamboo row boat to discover mystical water tunnels into a scenic lagoon. Return to the boat to check-out before cruising back to the Halong dock.  Meet our awaiting tour guide and driver and transfer directly to Hanoi airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang.  At the arrival halls we are met by the tour guide and transferred to the hotel.

Day 11: Luang Prabang City Tour (B)
After breakfast, we enjoy a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the locals make the distillation of local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 12: Luang prabang - Luang Namtha - Muang Sing (B)
After breakfast take about 8-9hour drive to Muang Sing, northern Laos. En route short stop In Udomxai, known as Indochina town. Other stop in Luang Namtha, here is town of Thai Dam and Leu. Arrive in Muang Sing, check in at your hotel. Afterwards we enjoy a fun cycle ride around the town with your guide. Overnight in Muang Sing.

Day 13: Around Muang Sing - Luang Namtha (B)
After breakfast enjoy soft trekking around 2-3hour to hill tribe village known as Ikor, Akha and Yao. You can see daily lives of those hill tribe. Your guide will translate you detail and you can talk with tem, some of them can speak French. Late afternoon, Drive back to Luang Namtha about 3hour drive.   Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Day 14: Luang Namtha - Ban Nammat - Ban Namyang (B, L, D)
Leaving Luang Mamtha, we drive to Ban Nammat, an Akha village. From here we start our trekking day. We first walk along rice paddies and charming little house gardens before heading into the forest of the Nam Ha National Protected Area. The path leads us downhill for some time. Along the way, the guides will introduce you to the flora and fauna and explain those forest products, which are commonly used in the village for food or medicine. A delicious picnic lunch will be served somewhere deep in the jungle. We then continue to further explore this vast evergreen forest and enjoy the great mountain scenery. A stream with clear water (only in the wet season) on the way gives us the chance to have a refreshing bath. In the late afternoon, we reach Ban Namyang, a picturesque Akha village on the top of a hill. The local people will be our hosts for food and stay overnight.

Day 15: Ban Namyang -  Luang Namtha (B, L)
After breakfast we meet the children on the way to school before saying goodbye to the villagers. Today we will discover more of the Nam Ha NPA on a trek at a moderate level. The trail is actually a small path through jungle and some patches of primary forest. Lunch will be served whenever you feel hungry. You can hear the birds singing and our guide gives you interesting information on the way. The trek continues until we reach Ban Namngean, where our transport is waiting for our return to Luang Namtha, exhausted but with a smile on our lips. Overnight in Luang Namtha.

Day 16: Luang Namtha - Nong Khiau (B)
Following the early morning we will visit local hill tribe market and then get back to our guest house for breakfast. Check out of our hotel we drive back to Pak Mong and continue for another 6 hour drive to Nong Khiau. Along the way we will stop at Udomxai and visit Indochina Market. In the late afternoon we arrive in Non Khiau, check into the bungalow and  rest for the day. Overnight in Nong Khiau.

Day 17: Nong Khiau - Muang Ngoy - Kang Cave (B)
After breakfast, we depart Nong Khiau and embark on a boat trip about one hour and half upstream to Muang Ngoy. Arrive and check into our hotel then it is followed by a soft trekking about 4hours round trip Muang Ngoy to Kang cave, where local hid inside during the Indochina War. We return to town late afternoon. Overnight in Muang Ngoy.

Day 18: Muang Ngoy - Nong Khiau - Luang Prabang (B)     
Enjoy a breakfast at the hotel and then we head out to visit the local market. Come back to the hotel, check out of rooms and continue the boat trip back to Nong Khiau. From here we are picked up by our driver and guide and continue to drive about three hours back to Luang Prabanbg. Overnight in Luang prabang.

Day 19: Luang Prabang – Fly to Siem Reap (B)
This morning, we will be transferred to the airport to take a short flight to Siem Reap. Meet the tour guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel and check into our room.

In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city with the following sites;
Eastern Mebon used to be in the middle the waters of the large Oriental Baray that is presently filled with rice-fields
Neak Poan was supposed to be a symbol of the Universe
Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham.

Day 20: Siem Reap Exploration (B)
We start on our bike and cycle (45minuys for cycling) to word heritage areas on the roads less traveled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit:
The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)
See the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas
The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
       
The tour start with the visiting to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill. Enjoy foot massage 1hour, overnight at your hotel.

Day 21: Siem Reap – Battambang (B)
During the months from April to July level of water is low so we depart for Battambang by road with English guide. Not so far from Siem Reap you reach the village of Puok which is home to the Artisans d’Angkor Silk Farm. Here you will witness the entire silk production process, from the silk worm munching on the Mulberry leaves, to spinning their cocoons, the cocoons being harvested and turned into silk thread, women weaving, and of course the beautiful finished silk products, which you can purchase at the on-site boutique, a wonderful souvenir of Cambodia. Arrive in Battambang, transfer to your hotel for refreshing yourself before continue the trip.

We stop at local family graph farm, Cambodia’s first vineyard – Prasat Phnom Banan Vineyard – you can pop in if you like, learn about producing wine in the tropics and of course enjoy a spot of wine tasting! A few kilometers further south you arrive at the well preserved 11th century mountaintop Angkorian temple of Phnom Banan. After climbing the 350+ steps you are treated to a wonderfully peaceful setting with superb views across the surrounding countryside, with small villages dotting the endless rice paddies, punctuated with the characteristic sugar palm trees – a wonderful sunset location.

Day 22: Battambang – Kampong Chnang - Phnom Penh (B, L)
After breakfast we depart for Phnom Penh.
Upon arrival we visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), displays plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. We pass through the River Front Park whose scenery is much worth shooting. Visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh – the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill, Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Return to our hotel in the afternoon..

Day 23: Phnom Penh – Kratie (B, L, D)
We depart Phnom Penh at 08:00am for an interesting drive to Kratie, stopping off at Phnom Srei and Phnom Pros in Kampong Cham before winding our way to Kratie. After lunch at a local restaurant we take a ferry to Koh Trong Island, which is a small island in the middle of the Mekong just opposite Kratie town. We rent bicycles from the local community for our easy and peaceful 9km ride to explore the islands traditional wooden Khmer houses and pagoda’s stopping off several times to taste the delicious and famous island fruits. Then back to Kratie for a stroll along the riverside for a magnificent sunset. Stay overnight in Kraties.

Day 24: Kratie – Rattanakiri (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we leave Kratie and drive to Ban Lung. On the way we will make a stop at O’ Russey Kandal. A small community based ecotourism site with rapids, and the opportunity to have a swim. We continue our journey to Banlung in the Ratanakiri province and enjoy lunch before our afternoon elephant ride through the forest to the fabulous Katieng Waterfall. You have the opportunity to wash and feed the elephants and also have time for a swim before returning back to town.

Day 25: Rattanakiri Exploration (B, L, D)
We start the day by spending sometime at the beautiful Yaek Lom Lake, a natural lake formed in a volcanic crater. After that, we will drive to the tribal villages north of Ban Lung. On the way we pass the ancient lava fields and visit the tribal village of La Ork, Kala and Kress, where we can explore and learn from the local hill tribe people. Stay overnight in Ban Lung.

Day 26: Rattanakiri Exploration (B)    
The trekking starts from the lodge on the west hiking trail up the hill side of Phnom Korl. The paths walked are the ones frequented by Tampuan hill tribe villagers (of Phumes Sil, Lapo, Lon, and Phnom) in Yaklom commune to their farms. (Phume is a Khmer word, and means “village”.) The walk goes through hilly and beautiful landscape, some points at which you may need to exercise your energy a little bit more.

The trekking will give you a picture of how people in Yaklom commune (Tampuan hill tribe) practice their slash and burn (or Sweden) farming. The walk goes through hilly and beautiful landscape, some points at which you may need to exercise your energy a little bit more.

You will pass a number of Sweden farms where you will see and (when possible and suitable) join farm activities according to the cropping calendar or cropping pattern of the season. There are more and more Khmer people inhabiting the areas around Yaklom Lake and you may notice some changes: plantations, flower gardens, forest clearance, etc.)

The rest of afternoon we will spend time to swim at the volcanic lake of giant Loam – Yeak Loam, superb places surrounded by pristine rainforest. Take your time for swimming or take a walk around the lake.

Day 27:  Rattanakiri – Kampong Cham (B, L, D)
Set off in the mooring depart for another drive.  After lunch at a restaurant on the riverside, we continue our journey to Kampong Cham and on the way if time permits we will visit the 8th century hillside pagoda of Wat Hanchey and the 11th century temple of Wat Nokor. Stay overnight in Kampong Cham.

Day 28: Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh – Departure (B)
After breakfast, we return to Phnom Penh and drive straight to the airport for your departure flight back home. End of tour service.

                                           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.
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.
 

The hotels listed below are just suggestive for the best valued of this Indochina Untouched trip - 28 day, yet Indochina Pioneer also offers more options of our own hand-picked hotels with different levels or to customize your hotel requests to match your own taste and budget. Please kindly Contact us for more favourable deals.
 

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