"Indochina Discovery"
21 Days package price from just £2,280 per person.
Day 1 - UK Departure
Depart the UK with international flight to Saigon.
Day 2 - Arrival Saigon
Greetings at the airport, you are transferred to hotel for check in and tour briefing. If time permits, we’ll make a walking tour in the downtown of Saigon - the biggest city in Vietnam, to acclimatize.
Day 3 - Saigon
Our morning tour of the city includes the legendary network of underground combat tunnels in Cu Chi and the Caodai Sect. noon services at the opulent Holy See Temple in Tay Ninh. Later we drive to Cho Lon – the thriving commercial hub called Saigon's China Town - where you can visit Thien Hau pagoda. We also visit the Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral – the best of the city's architectural landmarks. Some shopping in downtown Saigon may be a good idea to close the day. (B)
Day 4 - Saigon / Mekong Delta
This morning we journey to Vinhlong - the heart of the Mekong Delta. Passing a traditional floating market of Cai Be, we’ll experience its excitement and then walk through orchards of mangoes, coconuts and bananas. Continuing on, we paddle sampan to the beautiful Binh Hoa Phuoc Island and sample exotic fruits of the region before driving back to Saigon. (B/L)
Day 5 - Saigon to Danang / Hoian
We take a morning flight to Danang and see the Cham museum, the Marble Mountains and the China Beach. We then drive some 30km south to Hoian. The remainder of the day is to explore Hoian town. Wander its peaceful narrow streets, call at centuries-old architectures combining influences of many exotic trading communities. Late afternoon boating on the Thu Bon River or relaxing on the beautiful sandy beach of Cua Dai.(B)
Day 6 - Hoian to Hue
Leaving behind the peaceful atmosphere of Hoian we travel north, passing the beautiful Hai Van Pass, stopping at the scenic Lang Co Beach en route to Hue. Arriving in Hue we settle into and enjoy our hotel’s amenities until dinner after royal style. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Hue
Morning boat trip along the serene Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, the most revered Buddhist site in Central Vietnam. We move on to the mausoleum of Tu Duc on a serene hill, a life-size palace for the emperor in his other life. In the afternoon we visit the Royal Citadel. a Cultural Heritage site, and the bustling Dong Ba market of exotic sights and sounds. (B/L)
Day 8 - Hue to Hanoi
Morning flight to Hanoi, greetings upon arrival and transfer to the city of the Rising Dragon, the cultural and political heart of Vietnam. Afternoon acclimatization with a tour on a 'cyclo' in the downtown of Hanoi. Evening is highlighted by the water puppet performance, a traditional form of Vietnamese art. (B)
Day 9 - Hanoi / Halong Bay
Today we journey east to Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We shall spend the afternoon cruising the bay’s 3,000 magnificent limestone islets, visiting a cavern filled with rock marvels and rowing into a tranquil lagoon. If the temperature is favourable we can enjoy a swim in the opal water caressing Titov Island. We spend overnight on board the deluxe junk in Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Day 10 - Halong to Hanoi
We continue cruising amongst the thousands of limestone islets of the bay, Vietnam’s most spectacular natural scenery before returning to Hanoi. You can take a well earned rest for the rest of the day. (B)
Day 11 - Hanoi
Today we continue exploring Hanoi, taking in the city's outstanding tourist sites such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Single Pillar Pagoda, the West Lake and the Temple of Literature. We will have a chance for an insight on the city’s culture and even a go at learning traditional calligraphy. Proceed to the Museum of Ethnology and admire the country’s ethnic cultural diversities. Finally enjoy a walking tour to explore the lively streets in the old quarter of Hanoi. (B)
Day 12 - Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Today we fly to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO Heritage city in Laos. Meet up with the new guide at the airport and tour the city. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquillity and charm of this town’s splendid scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. This afternoon we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa, as well as a beautiful sunset view. We then explore the iridescent Night Market, admiring a lovely selection of handmade textiles and silver wares. (B)
Day 13 - Luang Prabang
Today we tour the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping down to the ground. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We also visit the village of Ban Xanghai which produces the wine called “On The Rock”, and the village of Ban Phanom of skilled hand weaving women. (B)
Day 14 - Luang Prabang
An early start today will bring about the fantastic opportunity to participate in the unique daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from devout residents. We will then visit some villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene, before the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall. The fall offers a chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or to walk along the forest trails. We continue to Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for its Saa (jute) Paper. (B)
Day 15 - Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Before our flight to Vientinane we visit the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace and see a lovely collection of the artefacts from the last royal family. In the afternoon we have an overview tour around the colonial area and to the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane. (B)
Day 16 - Vientiane
Today we have a full day touring of the city’s major sights: Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, the sacred That Luang Stupa, the imposing Patuxay Monument, the central market and the Revolutionary Museum. (B)
Day 17 - Vientiane to Phnom Penh
Board a morning flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival we visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum, the Independent Monument, Wat Phnom and the Central Market. (B)
Day 18 - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (By Speed Boat)
Early this morning we take a fast boat to Siem Reap, downstream along the Mekong River. This memorable journey takes about 5 hours. Afternoon visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of Leper King. Later hike up and view the sun set into the western baray of Angkor temples from the top of Bakheng Hill. Dinner with Apsara dancers. (B/D)
Day 19 - Siem Reap
Continue exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom, from Ta Prohm to Banteay Kdei to Sras Srang, to Takeo, to Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda. This afternoon we’ll visit the epic Angkor Wat complex – the most wonderful remains of a disappeared civilization which between the 8th and 13th century, built the splendid Temple of Angkor, partially annihilated afterwards by invasion and hidden for centuries by forest. This temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is remarkable for its powerful architecture and the sculpture richness. (B)
Day 20 - Siem Reap departure
Morning visit to Pour Krom, walking through the lovely village to see local life. Continue to the Les Artisans d’Angkor, the rebirth of Khmer Arts, before the departure flight to UK. (B)
Day 21 - London arrival
Arrival at London Heathrow airport.
21 Days Package Price from just £2,280 per person (single supplement £675)
Price includes:
- 4* Hotel accommodation in city centre;
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel and others as mentioned in itinerary (exc. Drinks);
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides;
- All road transportation in private air-con car or minibus;
- Entrance fees;
- Domestic flights;
- Boat trip as mentioned in sights;
- Government tax and service charge;
- International departure tax;
- Luggage handling and drinking water.
Price excludes:
- International flights (flight prices vary depending on time of year and airline - Emperor Tours will discuss and book the best option for you at time of booking);
- Vietnamese Visa fee;
- Cambodian Visa fee;
- Laos Visa fee;
- Personal expense such as laundry or drinks during meals etc.;
- Optional visits;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Tips to guides and drivers.
