18 Days Best of Indochina Revealed

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon | Arrive in Saigon City, Vietnam

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area. Then continue to your hotel along the Saigon River for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 2: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Ben Tre Floating Market

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you’ll go with our guide along some beautiful country roads to Ben Tre Town at the heart of the Mekong Delta. Ben Tre is known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam and is famous for its vast rice fields, orchard farms, coconut trees, numerous waterways, and beautiful landscapes.

Mekong Delta River and Coconut Forest

After 2 hours driving through the lush farmland we arrive at Ben Tre town where we will embark on a motorized boat trip around the scenic Ben Tre River, viewing various local industries along the way. During the boat ride we will stop to visit the small local factories where bricks and sleeping mats are made. Take a leisure walk along the village lanes visiting the local homes to try dry fruit, and sip some hot local honey tea while enjoying a local Tai Tu music performance. Continue to visit a coconut mill workshop where the local delicacy of coconut candy is produced and a range of coconut husk and fiber products are handcrafted.

We next take a small sampan through palm-fringed back canals, gliding peacefully along the hidden waterways surrounded by an immense variety of tropical plants. The quiet, rural setting is a welcome and restorative retreat to the frantic buzz of Saigon which seems far, far away.

Enjoy sitting in the back a Motor Cart (xe lôi) passing rice and vegetable orchard farms while greeting the locals. Have lunch and then return to Ho Chi Minh City for some leisure time.

Dinner at a French Villa

In the evening, enjoy a haute night out with dinner at a French villa. Our guide will transfer you to the restaurant. Then enjoy French dishes brought to your table. Afterward, go to check out the Jazz scene in Saigon before returning back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 3: Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels and Vietnamese Culinary Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer in the morning to Cu Chi province to join a unique culinary experience. Meet the chef, then visit the Vietnamese medicinal garden and organic farm surrounding the pavilions. The chef will introduce you to herbs and produce commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine while teaching you how to identify them. Under the instruction of the chef and with a “Non La” for head cover(conical hat), you’ll harvest the vegetables which will be used today. Then return to the pavilions where you’ll make several healthy Vietnamese dishes under the tutelage of your chef. After the class, sit down and enjoy the fine food you’ve created.

Then take your adventures underground this afternoon for an adventure in history you won’t forget.

Discover the amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display.

Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.

After that, you’ll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack(naturally sweet) that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.

You’ll return back to Ho Chi Minh for leisure in the evening.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 4: Saigon – Hoi An | Saigon Highlights | Flight to Danang

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll see the highlights of Saigon and learn of the history of these iconic landmarks.

Saigon Post Office

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, go to see some of the most important places in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, you’ll learn of its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building which is considered as one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Your next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. To finish the tour you’ll visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

In the afternoon, take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the resort for check-in.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 5: Hoi An | Relax on the Beach | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll be able to relax on the beautiful beaches of Hoi An. Across the sea, you’ll see the Cham islands. Feel free to join or start up a game of volleyball, or just soak up the sun on the sandy beaches.

In the afternoon, go to visit Hoi An Ancient Town with our guide. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, your guide and driver will return you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 6: Hoi An – Hue | Afternoon Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hue

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure. Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel around noon and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach a steep and narrow ascent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait. You’ll continue your climb to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. You’ll continue onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way.

As you enter Hue, you’ll see many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings which are only a premiere of what’s to come.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 7: Hue | Phong Nha Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km North of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Cave. This cave system was recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. Stretching over 25,000 feet long, containing 14 grottoes, and containing over 45,000 feet of rivers, they are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The cave system is famous for its rock formations which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha.

Afterward, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 8: Hue – Hanoi | Purple Forbidden City and Hue Imperial Citadel

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for it’s natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover it’s shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Have a stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda – while our guide tells you of the old local legend of Thien Mu, a woman who inspired it’s construction over four centuries ago. Your boat will continue to the Ming Mang Tomb, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb that also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. Visit nearby Dong Khan Tomb. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate tile decorations inside.

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

Imperial Citadel of Vietnam

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Take a short evening flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and leisure.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi | Mai Chau Rice Terraces

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, you’ll transfer to Mai Chau, a remote valley with a patchwork of rice paddies, farms, and longhouses. Discover the rural life of the Vietnamese just a few kilometers from the Capital. Talk with the friendly locals and take in the picturesque scenery of this amazing landscape.

Then you’ll visit Lac, a 700-year-old village. Surrounded by a range of mountains, the rice fields, and stilted houses will create memorable impressions of Vietnam’s countryside.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi | Highlights of the Millennium Old Capital of Vietnam

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Dedicated to displaying the roles and influence that Vietnamese women have had throughout history and in current times, the museum also features the familial responsibilities and fashion of women in the various 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. After this, you’ll visit the nearby Hao Lo Prison where American POWs were held during the Vietnam War. Finish the afternoon off with exploring the Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius’s teachings.

Temple of Literature

Traditional Show of Puppet and Vietnamese Cuisine

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood. After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 11: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Lan Ha Bay | The Dragon’s Emerald Teeth

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our guide and driver will greet you at 1000 for your road trip to Haiphong(1h30m). Enjoy some tea and snacks while you check-in at the cruise land lounge. Then transfer by tender around noon for boarding. Receive welcome drinks on board and check-in your cabin after a short safety briefing. Continue to Da Chong Island to see a century-old French lighthouse. Lunch begins in the panoramic dining hall as you continue past several more limestone islets in Halong Bay.

Around 1500, arrive at a secluded beach in Lan Ha Bay. Around 1730, continue cruising through Lan Ha Bay to watch a magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. 1930, dinner is served in the dining hall. After dinner, the bar is open during the evening on the top deck. You might also join the crew in squid fishing(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Azalea Cruise

Day 12: Hanoi – Luang Prabang | Sunrise in Lan Ha Bay | Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise around 530 if you would like to witness the sunset(subject to weather conditions). At 600, a Tai Chi session begins on the sundeck. Then enjoy a light breakfast at the dining hall. Continue by canoe to visit Sang Toi Cave – canoe through the grotto which opens up to a tranquil lake surrounded by steep cliffs and jungles. Return back to the boat for check out. Then enjoy a brunch in the dining hall.

Disembark around 1200 and return back to Hanoi with our guide and driver. You’ll board a short flight in the evening to Luang Prabang. Our guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 13: Luang Prabang | The Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• • Riding an elephant – you’ll have the opportunity to ride directly on the neck of an elephant
  • Mahout Training – learn about the commands of how to communicate to the elephant
  • Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
  • Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!

Then return to your hotel for leisure time.

Note: Elephant Village no longer uses Howdahs(Elephant Seats) due to the harm this can cause to the elephants. You will have the choice of riding the elephant’s bare neck or walking alongside the elephant depending on what you prefer.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 14: Luang Prabang | Pak Ou Caves and Luang Prabang Impressions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we enjoy a short guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and 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. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continues to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.

When the tour is finished you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Day 15: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap | Alms Giving Ceremony | Flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, you can join in the alms giving ceremony where a procession of monks pass the hotel as participants solemnly give sticky rice and other objects into their bowls. This is a modest opportunity to observe and participate in the local tradition. If you participate in this, please be respectful not to make eye contact with the monks, dress so your shoulders and legs are covered, and to not get in the way of the procession.

Transfer by afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Then be greeted by our guide and continue to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 16: Siem Reap | Ancient City of Angkor Thom by Bicycle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. The tour in Angkor Thom will start from the South Gate, then continue to Bayon Temple where you will be greeted by 216 gigantic stone faces famed as the smile of Angkor. You will also visit the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.your private guide will escort you to discover the world’s wonder site of Angkor Wat. The magnificent temple was built in the 12th century and is the largest religious monument in the world.

In the afternoon, you’ll have lunch at a restaurant near Angkor Wat. Then you’ll continue the tour to an ancient Buddhist Monastery and University called Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm features trees growing out of the ruins with the jungle surrounding making it known as the Jungle Temple. After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening to relax at your leisure.

In the evening, you’ll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia’s performing arts. You’ll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour-long spectacle, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 17: Siem Reap | Tonle Sap Lake Excursion | Water Filter Donation | Apsara Dinner Show

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, you’ll take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake to a floating village called Kampong Phluk. Kampong Phluk means, Harbor of the Tusks, likely due to it’s past trade in elephant ivory several centuries ago. Having 3,000 inhabitants residing in stilted houses, the most common profession is fishing. The houses are unique in that they rise high above the water on wooden poles. Villagers get around by small boats. The lake is also home to some of the most diverse animal life in Southeast Asia with rare avian species including the

Disembark and go to visit Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women. Although among the smallest of temples in size, Banteay Srei is one of the most ornate in stone carvings of all the temples. Explore the intricate libraries and central towers while the guide unfolds the ancient Hindu stories the carvings represent. Then have lunch at a countryside villa set in a dragon fruit orchid.

In the afternoon, go to visit a small village to donate a slow sand water filtration system. You’ll have a chance to meet with the village families. The water filtration system will be able to provide potable/drinking water to the whole village. We can also arrange to have your logo or names painted on the filter ahead of time. The installation staff will instruct the villagers on how to maintain the filter.

Optional recommendation:

We recommend that if you have any used children’s books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the village. This can impact the village children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school.

More information on the slow sand water filtration system provided can be found on the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/safewater/sand-filtration.html
Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

In the evening, you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Angkor Village Hotel Theater for a traditional Apsara Dinner Show. where you will have a unique dinner experience which will bring ancient Khmer culture to life in spectacular surroundings while you enjoy the very best in Cambodia cuisine. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

Accommodation: Shinta Mani Angkor

Day 18: Siem Reap | Departure from Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide will transfer you to the airport today for your flight onward. Thank you for traveling with us!

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