Discover the mysterious countries which make up Indochina. Fertile river plains and paddy fields, interesting temples Hmong villages along with a visit to the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape, give you an insight into Laos. Cyclo through Hanoi’s old quarter, embark on a Halong Bay cruise, visit the Forbidden City, Hue, relax on a white sand beach at Nha Trang and explore the Mekong Delta for a glimpse of Vietnam. Discover one of the greatest archaeology sites of all time, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. Walk on elevated walkways above canals and see traditional life of yesteryear in Bangkok. Explore Indochina gives you a chance to have a 4 country adventure!
Day 1 – Vientiene
Arrive in Vientiane where you will be met and driven to your hotel. Afternoon explore the capital city and seat of government which is located in a bend of the Mekong River amidst fertile plains.
Day 2 – Vientiane
Vientiane (pronounced “Wieng Chan”) is a laid-back city with interesting wats (temples) and vibrant markets. Tour Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy, Wat Si Saket with more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images, the Patuxai, a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa) the most important national monument in Laos.
Day 3 – Vientiane/Vang Vieng
After breakfast, drive overland to the south through the scenic province of Vientiane. Enjoy a boat trip on Nam Ngum Lake. Continue onward to Vang Vieng.
Day 4 – Vang Vieng/Xieng Khouang
Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek through rice paddies, stopping at a H’mong village. Drive from Vang Vieng to Xieng Khouang
Day 5 – Xieng Khouang/Plain of Jars/Xieng Khouang
Today explore the Plain Of Jars, a large area extending around Phonsavanh from the south-west to the north-east where huge stone jars (up to 1 ton each) of unknown origin are scattered about in at least a dozen groupings. It is one of the most intriguing sights in Laos.
Day 6 – Xieng Khouang/Luang Prabang
This morning visit the local open-air market. Continue onward to Luang Prabang.
Day 7 – Luang PrabangAfter breakfast, enjoy a tour of Luang Prabang which includes seeing Wat Xieng Thong on the banks of the Mekong River, Wat Wisunalat the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang and Wat That Luang where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are.
Day 8 – Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves/Luang Prabang
Today enjoy a 1-hour boat ride up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves. These two caves (Tham Thing – lower cave and Tham Phum) are located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Also visit a village up the river near the caves once famous known as a “Jar-Maker Village” where the locals used to run a moonshine business and fill peoples jars with láo-láo, the local rice whisky. This village is known for selling its handicrafts. Return to Luang Prabang, visit the National Museum and walk to the top of Phou Si Hill for an excellent view of the town.
Day 9 – Luang Prabang/Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Hanoi. You will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 10 – HanoiDiscover the Old Quarter by cyclo, then explore Hanoi with visits to historic Ba Dinh Square and the peaceful Temple of Literature, In the evening enjoy the underwater puppet show for which Hanoi is famous.
Day 11 – Hanoi/Halong Bay
Drive to Halong Bay and board your Ginger Cruise. Spend the afternoon cruising the spectacular Halong Bay, with its thousands of limestone islets that rise out of the sea, and enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner onboard. Overnight cruise
Day 12 – Halong Bay/Hanoi/Hue
Sunrise morning cruise before you disembark and drive to Hanoi for your flight to Hue. You will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel.
Day 13 –Hue/Hoi An
Wander the last empire’s Forbidden City, (Hue was the ancient imperial capital of Nguyen Dynasty and was modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City), the Citadel, and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the tomb of the former Nguyen Dynasty Emperor, Tu Duc. Drive south along the coastal road at Hai Van Pass to the world heritage ‘old town’of Hoi An. Boat trip on Perfume River, passing the house-boat village and Dong Ba market past Thien Mu Pagoda. Return to hue and explore more of this charming town.
Day 14 – Hoi an/Danang/Nha Trang
Transfer to Danang for your flight to Nha Trang. You will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 15 – Nha Trang
The day is free for you to relax on the beach. Nha Trang is well known for its pristine white sand beaches and excellent diving. The city of Nha Trang is located on the beautiful Nha Trang Bay, which was chosen by Travel and Leisure in two succeeding years as one of 29 most beautiful bays in the world.
Day 16 – Nha Trang/Saigon
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. See the sights of old and new Saigon in the central ‘French quarter’ and the Chinatown district,
Day 17 – Saigon/Mekong Delta/Saigon
Explore the Mekong Delta’s canals, orchards and towns by boat and see life of villagers along the delta.
Day 18 –Saigon/Siem Reap
Drive back to Saigon and transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. You will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 19 – Siem Reap/Angkor Wat/Siem Reap
Visit the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat. Stretching over some 400 square kilometers, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the largest pre-industrial city in the world. The most famous sites are the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. In 1992 Angkor Archaeological Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 20 – Siem Reap/Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. You will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 21 – Bangkok
Early morning visit to Wat Pho and receive a private blessing from the monks. Next it’s across the Chao Phraya River to Bang Krachao, a green lung for Bangkok where no building can be taller than a coconut tree. Walk on elevated walkways above canals and see traditional life of yesteryear. In the afternoon visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Have a relaxing dinner on your last night in Bangkok.
Day 22 – Depart Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
