Vietnam - Cambodia – Laos Tour

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart from London.

Day 2 – Arrive In Hochi Minhcity Tour [B/D]

Arriving Ho Chi Minh airport, pick up and transfer to hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. We stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life and Visit the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and the War Museum, Ben Thanh Market.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Overnight stay at Windsor Plaza in Ho Chi minh. - www.windsorplazahotel.com -(Premier Deluxe)
Dinner: Hoa Tuc Restaurant or similar (Vietnamese food Veg & Non Veg)

Day 3: Hochi Minh– Mekongdelta [B/L/D]

07:30AM Depart from Ho Chi Minh City around 8am and head south to Ben Tre province, famous for its coconut production and quiet, peace ful water ways. On arrival, take a Xeloiride through the local village of Huu Dinh to enjoy the greenfields and gardens. Continue with a short walk to Huu Phuoc Bridge, where you will start your boat trip through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery. On board the boat, enjoy a welcome drink and tropical fruits while cruising.

The cruise will first stop at a Coconut processing family owned business. Here you will learn what Ben Tre is known for and the hundreds of uses of each single coconut. Return to your boat and cruise across the water to a brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand.

Enjoy a casual cycling trip that will take you to visit a local rice noodle factory which produces Hu Tieu noodles, one of the most popular dishes in the region. After your visit take a short walk to one of our friends, Mrs. Huong, who lives with her 3 children and grand son–they live on fishing, shrimp and fruit orchards. Enjoy fresh fruits and tea and then board a rowing sampan taking you through a lush narrow canal, displaying the tranquil nature of the region.

After our team rows you through the quiet canal, reconnect with your Day Cruiser and enjoy a cruise to a private riverside restaurant. It is time for you to relax and enjoy a 5-course lunch of local specialties. Relax and have a walk around the lush garden setting. Then continue your cycling trip to My Long to visit Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife, and see how it is made. Then visit the nearby house of Mr Hung, who is a famous sticky rice maker in the village. You can also feed his stock of catfish and walk through his fruit garden. After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight stay at WINDSOR PLAZA in Ho Chi minh. - www.windsorplazahotel.com - (Premier Deluxe) Lunch: local restaurant (Vietnamese food Veg & Non Veg)
Dinner: Ganesh indian Restaurant or similar (Indian food Veg & Non Veg)

Day 4 :Hochiminh– Tayninh- Cuchi[B/D]

This morning we visit the Cao Dai Holy temple centre of the Caodaism Religion which combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Islamism and Confucianism. At noon time we attend to the fantastic Midday Mass ceremony when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianism and Islamism.

Afternoon excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, visit the incredible underground tunnel network of over 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnam Communist guerrillas, virtually underneath the U.S.bases, to stage surprise attacks during the Vietnam–America War.

Overnight stay at Windsor Plaza in Ho Chi Minh- www.windsorplazahotel.com -(Premier Deluxe)
Dinner: Viet Village Restaurant or similar (Vietnamese food Veg & Non Veg)

Day 5: Hochi Minh–Airport - Danang – Hoi An [B/D]

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City airport to take your flight to Danang.
Arriving Danang airport, pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoi An.
Overnight stay at PALM GARDEN RESORT in Hoi An - www.palmgardenresort.com.vn (Superior Garden)
Dinner: Brother Cafe Restaurant or similar (Vietnamese food Veg & Non Veg)

Day 6: HOI AN– TRAQUEVILLAGE [B/L/D]

08:30AM After breakfast, you will cycle (about 4 km) through rural village to a family in Tra Que Village. After a welcome drink of freshly picked fruits, you stroll around to learn about the history and customs of this charming village. You also walk through gardens where hundreds of local farmers working using traditional methods of hundreds of years ago. Returning to the family, all participants are given a farming tool to join the Farmers in preparing the land for sewing. Your guide will explain traditional farming methods while you help Fertilize the garden using riverweed from a local river, and then water it using huge tin cans strapped to our back. Time is then spent picking vegetables and herbs, learning how to cover them to prevent damage. After “hardworking time” with gardening, you are treated with a foot herbal massage. You’ll then try your hands with making the village specialty named “TamHuu” spring rolls- using the local herbs and vegetables or Zuzizuzi Cake (BanhXeo).13:30 After a lovely lunch, you are transfer redback to your hotel in Hoian. In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Town including the 200 year-old Tan Kyhouse, PhucKien Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful riverside market.
Overnight stay at PALM GARDEN RESORT in Hoi An - www.palmgardenresort.com.vn (Superior)
Dinner: Namaste Restaurant or similar (Indian food Veg & Non Veg)

Day 7 : Danang / Arrive In Hanoi [BD]

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Danang Airport to take the flight to Hanoi.
Arrival in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, transfer to the hotel. Explore this one thousand year old capital city with the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of the Ethnology, the West Lake, Tran Vu Pagoda, the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. Take a short sightseeing tour by cyclo through the bustling old quarter streets.
Overnight stay NIKKO HOTEL in Hanoi - www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn (Deluxe).
Dinner: Tandoor restaurant or similar (Indian food Veg & Non Veg)
Note: Check in time is 02.00PM. Early check in is not included

Day 8 :Hanoi -Halong [B/L/D]

08h00: Departure to Ha long Bay for 3.5 Hours and onthe way you can enjoy the land scape of the Red River Delta country side 10h00–10h20: You will have 20 minutes to rest, drink or visiting. Please note that the 20-minute stop is compulsory according to the rules of Vietnam road rules for distance over 150 kms, the driver must stop at least once 12h00-12h30:Arrive at Tuan Chauharbor, take break and welcome drink at Alisa Cruise Lounge before boarding to Alisa Cruise Alisa Premier Cruise www.alisapremiercruise.com (Senior Premier Balcony)

12h30: Welcome to Alisa Cruise, enjoy a welcome drink while our cruise manager gives a brief introduction, safety guidelines bout Alisa Cruise. Check-in your cabin and start cruising and explore Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

12h40-14h00: Enjoy lunch with Vietnamese and International dishes served while cruising in the magnificent Halong Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay.

14h00: After Lunch continues to cruising exploration in HALONGBAY passing by Cua Van Floating Village, Tien Ong Cave, Trong Cave, the Ho-dong Tien cave, Luoncave...Customers also have chance to experience how beautiful are for Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island 15h00:Continued exploration the Halong Bay. Depend on a specific day and season only 1option will be chosen Option 1: Visiting Titop Island for Swimming

15h10:Visiting the beautiful Ti Top beach for swimming (if the weather permits), TiTop Beac his especially famous for its Fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance for tourists to relax or passengers can Take steps to reach the top of TiTop beach to have a whole panorama view of Halong Bay.

Option 2: Visiting Pearl Farm Village or Kayaking Around Here

Customers can choose between go kayaking or visiting the Pearl Farm Village (You cannot take both trips because it is not enough time) 1600 hrs : Visiting Halong Pearl Farm Village. Travellers will have a chance to visit Floating Pearl Farm and see how local people produce the great pearls. This Pearl Farm Village was established in 1995 by a Japanese organization, after years run by Japanese experts, it was transferred for Vietnamese. Our guide will show you around the farm and the museum there and explained how the process is done. You will pass a floating raft where some kinds of oyster pearls are grown and transplanted such as South Sea pearl, Tahitian Black Pearl…etc. After that, you will see a processing room where workers transplanting oysters and understand some precious species of pearl. The last, you could see one of the workers here opening an alive oyster in front of your eyes to see pearl inside and then have to look their achievement in the showroom!

17h30: Come back to our Alisa Cruise and relax by enjoying Sun Set party with Juices, Cocktails, Red Vine and fruits on Alisa Sky Bar.

18h00 -18h30: Join the cooking class guided directly by Chef of Alisa Cruise. on sundeck – Our Chef will guides how to make Vietnamese spring rolls - traditional Vietnamese food. Then enjoy Happy Hour (Buy 2 drinks get one free). It is time for chit chat and relaxes. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay.

19h 30: Time for dinner enjoying special food on the cruise at Alisa Restaurant.

21h 00: Evening entertainments: Evening activities include: Leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies and many sorts of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Evening activities include: Leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies and many sorts of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Alisa Cruise’s music, playing cards, chess are available, reading magazines in room and dining room. You may also try you luck at squid fishing & fishing from the boat.

23h00: End of Program for Day One. Change of the Itineraries
The Alisa Cruise's itinerary may change from time to time depending on the weather forecast or the instructions given by the Halong Bay Management Authorities Stay at Alisa Premier Cruise www.alisapremiercruise.com (Senior Premier Balcony)

Day 9 :Halong–Hanoi [BR/D]

6h30: Early morning sun risers can enjoy Tai Chi Le session on the sundeck. Tai chi also called Tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Coffee, tea, and pastries for light breakfast are served in the dining room with the morning view of bay’s landscape.
07h00: Morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and breakfast.
08h00:TransferbytendertoSungSotCave.Walkupabout100steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
9h40: Back to Alisa Cruise
10h00: Check-out of your room and settlebills at reception (Checkout from the room and having lunch
10h15: Having brunch at Alisa Restaurant on boat
11h30: Arriving the harbour and get off from the boat Transfer back to Hanoi. Free & leisure.
Overnight stay NIKKO HOTEL in Hanoi - www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn (Deluxe) in Hanoi.
Dinner: Ngon Villa restaurant or similar (Vietnamese food Veg & Non Veg)
Please note that the HCM Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays.

Day 10: Hanoi – Luang Prabang

After breakfast transfer to take your flight to Luang Prabang.
Arriving Luang Prabang airport, pick up and transfer to the hotel.
We then start our expedition on the new road to Luang Prabang that is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight stay at Luang Prabang View in Luang Prabang www.lpbview.com (Superior).

Day 11: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves [B/D]

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious 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 arrival back in the city, we will visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. We ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight stay at LUANG PRABANG VIEW in Luang Prabang www.lpbview.com (Superior).

Day 12 : - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng [B/D]

After breakfast, we will take a long drive to Vang Vieng. The drive can be strenuous as the route is one of the roughest in Asia. We’ll arrive in the afternoon to this small and tranquil town nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Then, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight 4* Riverside Boutique in Vang Vieng www.riversidevangvieng.com (Deluxe).

Day 13 : Vang Vieng - Vientiane [B/D]

After breakfast drive to Vientiane.
In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. Afterwards, we will make our way south to Vientiane.
Upon arrival in Vientiane, we begin to see the major sights of the capital, including WatSisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxay (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight stay at Crown Plaza in Vientiane - www.vientiane.crownplaza.com (Deluxe) .

Day 14: - Vientiane - Phnom Penh [D]

Flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia Kingdom. Afternoon visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colourful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver.

Travellers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. We pass through the River Front park whose scenery is much worth shooting, and continue to the only one hill in town with sacred sites called Wat Phnom Wat.

Phnom Daun Penh – the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill, Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) was the most secret organ of the Khmer Rouge regime. S-21 stands for "Security Office 21." was Angkar's premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkar elements.

Then shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face. Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight stay at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel - www.sokhahotels.com (Deluxe)

Day 15 : Phnom Penh – Udong - Siem Reap [B/D]

Depart from Phnom Penh for Udong. En route, visite a Cham Muslim village, Silver craft Village. Drive to Udong, visit the various temples and the three large Stupas where the ashes of three former Kings are preserved. Next, visit the most impressive structure of the site, the "Vihara of the 18-Cubit Buddha". En route to Phnom Penh, stop to visit a silver craft village. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no freeway dash as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. Not far from Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spiderville’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one? Last you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Prahtos – an ancient Angkorian bridge built by the Khmers 1,000 years ago. Then continue to Siem Reap town for hotel check in. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight stay at Angkor Miracle in Siem Reap www.angkormiracle.com (Deluxe)

Day 16 : Siem Reap [B/L]

We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist. The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) - See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Afternoon we start visit to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.

Thereafter transfer to the airport for departure flight to London via Ho Chi Minh City.