Indochina Odyssey

(22 days)

Prices: from £2518
Departure Dates: Feb - 30 Apr 2012

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London for Siem Reap

Day 2 : Arrival Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Arrive in Siem Reap, home to the former capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We set off for on a short drive to the archeological area and spend our time to visit the most striking structures. They are the South Gate of Angkor Thom which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King . Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 3 : Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B, L,D )
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore the well known Ta Prohm and some nearby temples of Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevado. The architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat is not to be missed. We round off our day with a walk up Phnom Bakheng Hill to admire the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 4 : Siem Reap – Angkor Temples – Banteay Srei (B ,L,D)
Drive beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Today we also have time seeing various famous temples of the grand circuit such as Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 5 :Siem Reap – Phnom Penh by private bus (6 hours) (B ,L,D)
After breakfast, we commence our long journey to Phnom Penh on private bus with escorted English speaking guide. On arrival in Phnom Penh we direct straight to hotel for check in. Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Start your city tour that include the visit to the private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We climb up a small hill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 6 : Phnom Penh – Chau Doc by Speed boat (4 hours) (B ,L,D )
This morning we visit Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek. They provide a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Afternoon at 1:00 pm we board the Victoria Speed boat for the journey to Chau Doc of Vietnam. Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 07: Chau Doc touring + drive to Can Tho (B ,L,D )
After breakfast, we take boat ride to visit huge floating village where the residents have been living on farming cat fish . We then visit to Cham ethnic village. Embark 2h45 drive to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho

Day 08: Can Tho – Saigon (B ,L,D )
This morning we are strongly recommended to leave the hotel around 6:00 AM for short boat ride to reach floating Cai Rang market – the best one of its kind here. Here you can observe unique whole sales fruits scenes. The boat trip is inclusive of a stop at regular Le Binh market also. Then head back to the hotel for breakfast before 6 hours bus ride to SGN with lunch en route. Note: in case, you find it hard to do this early itinerary, you can start at 7:30 AM from hotel after breakfast. Overnight in Saigon

Day 09: Cu Chi + Saigon (B ,L,D )
After breakfast, Leave SGN for Cu Chi tunnels. Here you will have the opportunity to witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war. Drive back to SGN for lunch. City tour including: War museum which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War, and is a major tourist attraction, Reunification Palace which was the workplace of the President of South Vietnam & was then known as Independence Palace. Photo stops at Notre Dame Cathedral, the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient & the General Post Office, the ancient & with French colonial architecture style. Overnight in Saigon

Day 10: Saigon – Nha Trang (B ,L,D )
Take short flight to Nha Trang. Mey and transferr ed to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang

Day 11: Nha Trang (B,L,D)
Boat trip to Aquarium, Mot island, Mun island with glass bottom boat around it, Tam island, Fishing village. Rest of the day, free at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang

Day 12: Nha Trang – Hoi An (B L,,D )
Take a short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, met and transfer to Hoi An with stops at Cham museum where is home to Vietnam’s largest collection of Cham treasures and marble mountains with caves, Buddhist temples inside and outside of the caves and , the amazing stone carving village where marble items are incredibly created. We embark orientation touring around the charming little town to visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Old house of Tan Ky, Hoi Quan Phuc Kien communal hall, Trading museum. You then are free for shopping. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 13: Hoi An – Hue (B ,L,D )
Free at leisure in the morning. We travel overland to Hue vith a photo stop at Hai Van pass. Upon arrival, we will enjoy the city tour. The tomb of Tu Duc, a 19th century Emperor who lived in the most splendid opulence, is regally set among groves of frangipani and pine trees. The tomb of the 20th century Emperor Khai Dinh is grandiose but, unlike that of Tu Duc and the others, is a élange of Eastern and European architectural styles which perhaps accurately reflects the changing political currents which were taking place in the country at the beginning of the century. We finally take boat ride down Perfume river to get back to city center Royal style dinner at which you all are king, queens, …..The dinner is accompanied with live folk music show which was dedicated to the royal families. Overnight in Hue.

Day 14: Hue touring – NIGHT TRAIN to Hanoi (B,L,D)
Visiting to the Imperial Citadel. Modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City, Emperor Gia Long built this fortress with walls 30 feet thick around the ancient city, from where he could both live and rule. We also visit Hue Museum, a small jewel of a museum with furniture and artifacts from the Imperial City. Transfer to the Railway station to take the overnight train to Hanoi Overnight on train

Day 15: Arrive Hanoi & city tour (B L D)
Arrive Hanoi in the early morning. Our local guide will pick you up and transfer to the city. We will enjoy the walking tour to visit Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding with local people doing Tai Chi exercise. After Breakfast, visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – where his corpse has been reserved and protected over the past 4 decades, his former residence, One-Pillar Pagoda. The Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday) – where you can look at the cultural mosaic of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. PM: Continue visiting the Temple of Literature, Then head to the Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university, Hoan Kiem Lake, and one hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. ( We can see HCM corpse from 8:00 – 10:30 AM only. But it is closed in the morning of MONDAYS, FRIDAYS and 02 months either October and November or September and October ). We can see his corpse on day 15 prior to drive to Halong, or day 19 also if they are not MONDAY and FRIDAY Overnight in Hanoi

Day 16:Hanoi - Ha Long (B, L,D)

08.00 - Take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay
12.00 - Checkin at Bhaya Café, Halong City. Embank on Bhaya Classic for a Welcome Cocktail followed by a cruise briefing.
13.00 - Savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch as Bhaya Classic heads to Bai Tu Long Bay, passing the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, Oan Lagoon, Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) Islets and Vung Vieng fishing village
15.30 - Visit the fishing village by tender (30 minutes each) then return to the vessel for free time at leisure
Join one of the following optional activities:
Discover the fishing village by local rowing boat
Kayak into the village or swim near the boat (weather permitting)
Enjoy optional onboard activities: e.g. sunbathing, snorkeling, traditional massage, etc.
17.00 - Bhaya Classic cruises through the Bay to its overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien
Happy Hour & Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the Sundeck
19.30 - Sumptious Seafood Set-dinner onboard
21.00 - Relax at leisure or join the fishing program Overnight aboard Bhaya Classic

Day 17: Ha Long - Hanoi - night train to Lao CaI (B, L, D )

06.15 Practice Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served
07.00 Bhaya Classic weighs anchor to cruise through the Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) and Me Cung Caves, Coc Ngoi (Toad) Islet, etc.
08.00 Explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot)
09.00 Return to Bhaya Class. Buffet brunch is served onboard. The vessel cruises leisurely back to harbor.
11.00 Disembark Bhaya Café.
We transfer to Hanoi and you may have a walking tour around the Old Quarter or a relax by the Hoan Kiem Lake or at a local bar for a drink before transferring to the railway station for the night train to Sapa. Overnight on train

Day 18: Sunday Bac Ha market - Sapa (B ,L,D ) – MUST BE A SUNDAY
Arrival in Lao cai early morning, breakfast at local restaurant then starting our venturing into northern Vietnam with the stop at Bac Ha Sunday Market, which also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi, Tay. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. Lunch at local restaurant prior to 3hours drive to Sapa. Free at leisure for rest of the day.
Notes:
Beside Bac Ha Sunday market, Can Cau SATURDAY and Coc Ly THUESDAY are worth visiting also. But Bac Ha is the best.
The markets could be done on next day also. It means that we can switch day 17 and day 18
Overnight in Sapa

Day 19: Sapa - hill tribe villages - night train to Hanoi (B ,L,D )
This morning you can sleep in or get up at appropriate time to see Ham Rong mount where is home to plenty of orchid plants and to a small theater where you can see performace of local folk songs/dances at about 9h00am. After check-out, you will be transferred to the vicinity of Sapa to Muong Hoa valley where is home to many ethnic minority peoples such as black H’mong, red Zao, Zay. 4 km walk is good chance to have close-up view of daily lifestyle of the local tribes. Back to Sapa before Lao cai for night train back to Hanoi. Overnigt on train

Day 20: ARRIVE Hanoi (B ,L,D )
Arrive Hanoi in the early morning. We head out to Hanoi’s biggest flower market in Quang Ba. We take in the beauty and wonderful aromas of flowers from villages all around Hanoi, Sapa and Dalat. The diversity and vibrant colours on display guarantee amazing pictures. We will then visit Hoa Lo where the US airmen were kept during 1964-1973. Drive to hotel for check in. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 21: Hanoi - Vientian (B ,L,D )
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest, we see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We watch the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and spend the evening here absorbing the city at night. Overnight in Vientian

Day 22: Vientian - Luang Prabang (B ,L,D )
Board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best – preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel.Visit the National Museum (close Tuesday), which was once a king’s palace. Displayed inside this museum is a collection of personal artifacts from the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries, then we stroll around the Night Market. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 23: Luang Prabang (B ,L,D )
Enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 24: Luang Prabang departure (B)
After breakfast, you are free at your leisure until transfer to airport

PRICES - FEBRUARY - APRIL 2012

What is included:
18 nights’ shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
01 night accommodation in twin/ double on traditional junk on Halong Bay (shared junk)
01 night on train Hue-Hanoi by Livitran Tourist train (soft sleeper in AC cabin of 4 berths, one berth per pax)
02 nights on train Hanoi-Lao Cai-Hanoi by Livitran Tourist train (soft sleeper in AC cabin of 4 berths, one berth per pax)
All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax)
Local ENGLISH speaking guides in each region
Airfares (international and domestic)
All entrance fees as program
Private boat trip in Chau Doc, Mekong Delta, Nha Trang Bay and Perfume River
Express Boat ticket from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc (shared boat)
Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program:
02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only

What is excluded:
Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
Drinks
Visas to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
Mineral water beyond that supplied
Tips
Early check in or late check out
Insurances
Optional excursions and activities
Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
Peak season surcharges if any
All not mentioned above

Vegetarian meals are available with all our tour packages

*Please note that prices shown are per person based on group bookings (price varies according to group size and travel dates). Pricing is subject to availability and change. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information on any of our packages featured or to book, please call us on: 0207 312 1742