Indochina Odyssey: Culture, Nature & Timeless Wonders

Arrival Vientiane you will meet your guide and driver. Transfer to Hotel for check in. In the afternoon after your short rest you can explore the capital of Laos sites on your own. Overnight at the hotel

Today, you have plenty of time to explore the hidden charm of Vientiane with various historic sites including Vat Phra Keo – one of the most impressive and interesting temples in Vientiane, Vat Sisaket – feature beautiful architecture and layout; Pha That Louang – the most important Laotian religious and Patuxay – the most prominent landmark in the city which offers an excellent panoramic view of the city. 

In the afternoon, make your way to the famous Buddha Park – home to hundreds of Buddha statues and an enormous Buddha image which is 40m in length. Take your time to explore its unique statues with different size and shapes of human, Godheads and animals. We will transfer you to EMU Train to Luang Prabang C84 departure at 15:55 – 18:05. Arriving Luang Prabang EMU Train Station we continue travel to check in at the hotel relax. Overnight at hotel .

Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass then visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping areas. We then drive to visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. 

Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon then we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, we visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight at hotel

An early start gives you the fantastic opportunity (Tak Bath) to watch or participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. From there we continue to explore the local morning market then return to hotel

Breakfast at the hotel, today we enjoy a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple. We’ll visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. 

We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Xanghai where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xang Khong, where locals produce Saa paper, an autochthonous product of Laos. Overnight at hotel

After having breakfast, enjoy your leisure time until the appointment time to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. The room is at your disposal until 12:00 PM.

Note: This flight is not available on Tuesday and Sunday.

Once you arrive, you will meet our driver and guide to transfer to the hotel to check-in. Please note that your room is available from 02:00 PM onward.

Siem Reap is an area located in the northwest part of Cambodia. Once the seat of power for the great Khmer Empire, this location is home to the most ornate temples and as such, is the most popular tourist site for those taking a tour of Cambodia.

The balance of the day will be free at your leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. About 08:00 – 08:30 AM, our tour guide will come and pick you up at the hotel for the Angkor World Heritage Site exploration. It covers the most impressive and stunning temples in the country, the Heart & Soul of Cambodia!

Start your trip by avoiding the crowds and visiting Ta Prohm, also known as the Tomb Raider temple. Covered by massive trees that have intertwined with the ruins for over 600 years, this temple remains largely untouched by archaeologists, with only a path cleared for visitors and efforts to stabilize its structure.

You’ll visit to the biggest Buddhist temple on the World with the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat and stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

In the afternoon, visit Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Located 25 km northeast of Angkor, this smaller temple stands out for its detailed bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and celestial nymphs, offering a serene experience away from the larger temples.

Breakfast at hotel. 

09:00 am – We depart 58 km to the north of the province to visit the sacred hilltop, the home of God. Mahendraparvata is considered a holy mountain in Cambodia, of special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists who come to the mountain on pilgrimage. It also has a major symbolic importance for Cambodians as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, for it was at Phnom Kulen that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE. The Kulen National Park contains many sites of natural and historical interest. A magnificent waterfall dominates the forest terrain and draws countless local visitors on weekends and national holidays. Visit The River of a Thousand Lingas- The cult of worshipping carved in the riverbed, which represents the Hindu God of Shiva. Walk via a flight of steps to visit the Biggest Reclining Buddha Statue housed on a massive boulder, which is believed to be the holiest in the Country. A viewing platform at the top affords sweeping views of the surrounding jungle and hillsides. 

Back to your hotel and free.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning or noon (3 – 3.50 hours before the flight departure), our driver will transfer you to Siem Reap Angkor Int Airport for your onward flight to Hanoi.

After reaching Hanoi airport, the driver will take you to the hotel for checkin.

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Then wander the grounds to see the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace.

Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, an ancient collection of courtyards, gardens, and architecture built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Considered the oldest university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature dates back nearly one thousand years!

Start your afternoon by visiting Hoa Lo Prison, which was sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the “Hanoi Hilton”. Hoa Lo Prison was a prison used by the French for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter‘s 36 streets. Each street is named after the products traditionally sold in its shops. Today, Tin and Bamboo Streets continue the tradition of selling the same goods.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple, located on a tiny island in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Discover the legend behind its name, involving an emperor, a magic sword, and a giant turtle. Conclude your day with the delightful experience of a water puppet show, showcasing a traditional art that persists to this day.

Meals are in your arrangement. overnight at your hotel.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal.

07h25 – 8h00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for NinhBinh province

Pickup time depends on the location of tourists in Hanoi Old Quarter/Opera House

09h15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax

10h15: Visit HoaLư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty

Here, we go cycling around the village for sightseeing & discovering the life of the local people

12h00: Have the buffet lunch at NinhBinh Excursion Restaurant designed with 5 stars-style with many local foods options such as goat meat, spring-rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice & vegetable salad….Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch

13h30: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. TrangAn has a wonderful tunnel cave system that no place like it. With 2 hours-boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here 

16h00: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi

18h30: Get dropped off at Hotels in Hanoi.Tour ends

After having breakfast and checking out your hotel in Hanoi, drive approximately 200 km to Halong port.

Upon your arrival, board your cruise with a warm welcome from the crew and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. A lunch will be served onboard while you are cruising around the bay, exploring the magnificent limestone mountains.

In the afternoon, enjoy thrilling activities. Later, return to the cruise for relaxation before indulging in a delightful dinner.

Retire for the night, savoring the overnight experience on the cruise.

Wake in the sun and enjoy your breakfast on board as the horizon brightens.

Continue your cruise through some of the most iconic sites of Ha Long, seeing some of the most unique islets and enjoying the natural splendor that makes this World Heritage Site so special.

Following check-out, relish a brunch on board before bidding farewell to the crew at the main harbor. Then make your way back to Hanoi airport for a flight to Da Nang City.

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, you will be transferred to Hoi An ancient town for check-in. The room is at your disposal from 02:00 PM onwards. Spend the night at your hotel.

Meals are not included. Overnight at your hotel.

Around 13:00 pm: The van and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Hoi An. Start your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut for being a fisherman at Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will experience about learning traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the tranquil coconut palm waterways of the past war. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight into the local way of life in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will take part in some hands-on activities which are fun, safe, and interesting and are suitable for everybody.

About 3.30 pm: Visit to the next destination to Hoi An Old Town.

• Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues, and elaborate rooftops. Shopping at Hoi An Central Market. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.
• You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses, Phung Hung Ancient House or Tan Ky Ancient House that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world. Visit Museum of Folk Culture in Hoi An A display of artifacts depicts ancient local daily life. Especially, you will enjoy art shows at Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House.
• Make a stop at the Japanese Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.
• Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.
• Dinner with Hoi An specialty food.

7.00 pm: Enjoy your time with the boat ride on Hoai River and release the flower lanterns to pray for the best of luck to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street. Free your time with the night market and enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.

7.30 pm – 8.00pm: We will drop you off at your hotel. End of our services!

*Note: The duration of the tour program corresponds to each option.

After having breakfast, enjoy your leisure time until the appointment time to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. The room is at your disposal until 12:00 PM.

GROUP SIZE:  12 people

PICK UP:   07:30 – 08:00 (the time of pick up depends on customer’s hotel/ accommodation’s exact position).

RETURN:   17:30pm

ROUTE:   HCMC – My Tho – Ben Tre – HCMC

Itinerary:

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.

Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation.

Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.

Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time.

In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City. End trip.

***Please note: Drop off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expecting.

You have the day to yourself till you are picked up and taken to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight. You have access to the room until 12:00 PM.

Meals on your own. End of services.