Itinerary in brief:
Day 1. Vientiane arrival ( D )
Day 2. Vientiane – Luang Prabang ( B,L )
Day 3: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou cave ( B,L )
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Hanoi ( B, L )
Day 5: Hanoi city tour (B,L)
Day 6. Hanoi - Halong bay ( B, L,D )
Day 7: Halong bay – Hanoi- Hue (B)
Day 8. Hue city tour ( B, L )
Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoian (B)
Day 10: Hoian – Ho chi minh ( B,L )
Day 11: Ho chi minh – Siem Reap ( B, D )
Day 12: Siem reap – Angkor Tour ( B )
Day 13: Siem Reap – Phnompenh ( B,L )
Day 14: Phnompenh departure ( B )
Itinerary in details:
Day1 : Vientiane arrival ( D )
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your centrally located
hotel. After a short rest, we start to visit the major sights of the
capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature
Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo 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 pictures of
the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own
Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the Central Market call ‘Morning
Market’ where you can find the antique items for collection, well
handmade textile and gift away items. Overnight in Vientiane .
Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel , transfer to airport for your flight to
Luang prabang . We spend the day touring Lao capital, visiting the
National Museum (Revolutionary Museum) where varied antique items and
legend of Laos’s history fighters and leaders displace from the ancient
times to new revolution period. We then board a short flight to Luang
Prabang, which is perhaps the best - preserved traditional city in
Southeast Asia. UNESCO registered 1995 as World Cultural Heritage City.
The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural
scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places
to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel. After a short
rest, we are strolling around to see the Street Night Market, where you
can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill
tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang, we then climb up to the top of
Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa
as well as viewing a beautiful panorama sunset over this once royal
ancient city and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3. Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B,L )
Breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple
of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai,
Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low
to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang
Prabang temple. We then board a boat embarking 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 they make the local rice wine. On return, We take a short drive
to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang
Prabang.
Day 4. Luang Prabang – Hanoi (B,L)
06.00 Early this morning you may want to wake up early and participate
in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their
black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people,
including the ubiquitous sticky rice. This is the highlight of tour
prior goodbye to this charming city.Breakfast, we then visit The
National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely
collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture
dating from the days of the early kings right through the last
sovereign. We visit these sights before we catch a flight for Hanoi.
Arrive at Hanoi and transfer to the hotel in city center, check in,
relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi city tour ( B, L )
This morning we start city tour with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afternoon visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple. Do a walking tour around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong bay ( B, L , D )
Breakfast at hotel, 8:30 Am, start a 3-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Overnight on Junk.
Day 7: Halong bay - Hanoi - Hue flight ( Brunch )Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey directly to the airport for flight to Hue. Pick up at Hue airport, transfer to hotel, check in , relax. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 8 :Hue city tour ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, we then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous
highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built
in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the
former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We embark on a boat
for cruise upstream on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of
the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to The beautiful
pagoda of Thien Mu. One of the most poignant displays here is a car
belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set
himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its
treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate
mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, Emperor Khai Dinh. On return to the
city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many
fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some
local delicacies
Day 9: Hue – Danang – Hoian ( B )
As we bid Hue farewell this morning we continue our south bound
journey. Today's destination is the old trading town of Hoi An. Along
the way though we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and
refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the
top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south
over Danang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da
nang, where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and
the Marble Mountains. Arriving in Hoi An, Take a walk to visit famous
Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky
House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. Passing many low tiled
houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which
reflect the town's multi-cultural past.The town is also famous for it's
shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you
could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here!
Day 10: Hoian – Danang – Ho chi minh ( B, L )
Morning after breakfast transfert to airport for the flight to Saigon.
Pick up at Tan Son Nhat airport, transfer to city center, check in,
relax. We then discover dynamic city with the Reunification Palace
which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until
end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the
Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the
Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on
to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for
sale. Overnight at hotel in Saigon
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh - Siem Reap (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel, free until transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you are met and
transferred to hotel(the room might not be ready). Start your tours
to visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area's most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Dinner at local restaurant and enjoy the Apsara Dance show. Overnight at hotel in Siemreap.
Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara).
Day 13: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to the pier to take the speed boat to Phnompenh. It takes you around 5 hours ton the Mekong river to get Phnompenh. Arrive in Phnompenh at noontime, enjoy the lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, we start Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Visit Central Market ( or Russian market ), end your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.
Day 14: Phnom Penh - Departure (B)Breakfast at the hotel. Then take a half-day city tour at the Killing Field and Toul Sleng Museum of the genocide Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide): former Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975 it became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation center. It was known as Security Prison 21 - or just S-21.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.
Thank you for traveling with Asia View Travel.
Accommodation Options
|
Location
|
Standard
|
Superior
|
First class
|
Deluxe
|
|
Vientiane
|
Orchird 3 *
|
Orchird 3 *
|
Vansan Riverside 4*
|
Setha Palace 5*
|
|
LuangPrabang
|
Villa Chitdara 3*
|
Villa Chitdara 3*
|
Villar Santi 4*
|
Villa Maly 5*
|
|
Hanoi
|
Hanoi Paradise 3 *
|
Hanoi Imperial 3*
|
Hanoi flower garden 4*
|
Moevenpick 5*
|
|
Halong boat
|
Bai tho
|
Bai tho
|
Emotion boat
|
Victory Star
|
|
Hue
|
Hue Holiday 2 *
|
Asia hotel 3*
|
Huong Giang 4*
|
Imperial 5*
|
|
Hoian
|
Vinh hung II 2*
|
Thuy Duong III 3 *
|
Hoian Beach resort 4*
|
Palm Garden 5 *
|
|
Saigon
|
Le Duy 3 *
|
Tan hai long hotel & spa 3*
|
Norfolk 4*
|
Majestic 5*
|
|
Siem reap
|
Casa ANgkor 3*
|
Casa Angkor 3 *
|
Prince D' Angkor 4*
|
Sokhar Angkor 5*
|
|
Phnompenh
|
Cardamom 3*
|
Landscape 3 *
|
Sunway 4*
|
Intercontinental 5*
|
Tour includes:• All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• 2 days 1 night cruise on Halong bay ( private cabin - sharing boat )
• All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Private English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurant with local foods (B= breakfast; L=Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Boat cruise as stated
• Flight Ticket Vientiane – Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang – Hanoi, Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho chi minh ,Ho chi minh – Siem reap.
• Speed boat ticket Siemreap - Phnompenh
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water & towel
• Government taxes & Service charges
Tour excludes:• International flights that not mentioned above
• Vietnam visa arrangement (upon request visa on arrival at 15 USD, not including stamping fee at 25 USD)
• Cambodia Visa ( available at the airport at 20 USD/person )
• Laos visa ( available at the airport at 30 USD/person )
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Surcharge on 24,31 December and Lunar New Year
• Personal travel insurance (Compulsory)
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
• Tips and gratuities