Saigon – Mekong Delta – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap
When you join 12-DAY INDOCHINA DISCOVERY trip, you can become a real explorer who will find out the secret of the Indochina Peninsula’s true beauty. You not only visit the three countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia but also have a chance to understand more about their cultures and people.
HIGHLIGHTS:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL HO CHI MINH CITY, VIET NAM
On this day, our guide and driver will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh – the biggest city in Vietnam which is well-known as one of the most important commercial hubs of the country.
Then, you will move to your hotel for checking-in and relaxing. Your dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
DAY 2: FULL DAY TO MEKONG DELTA/RIVER BOAT TRIP (B/L)
After breakfast, you will have a 1.5-hour ride to My Tho. There is also a stop along the way for refreshments and toilets.
Upon arrival, you will embark on a motor-boat to explore the Mekong Delta area. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy the amazing scenes of the Mekong River. Then, visit one of the floating fish houses before stopping by a traditional workshop to see the coconut candy making process. Then, hop on a sampan boat for a short ride through the canal. Take a Xe Loi (local transportation) to stroll around the villages, followed by your hearty lunch with local dishes.
After lunch, back to My Tho and continue your trip to Vinh Trang pagoda, an ancient pagoda dating back from the 19th century with many hundred-year-old Buddha statues before turning back to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Lunch in Mekong Delta with local/Asian food. Vegetarian food is available upon request.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR – CU CHI TUNNELS – HANOI (B/L)
In the morning, you will take part in a tour in Ho Chi Minh City to explore its historic monuments such as Cho Lon, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, The City Hall, and War Remnants Museum. Your lunch is served at a local restaurant
In the afternoon, you will travel to the astounding tunnel system of Cu Chi. This is an impressive network with a length of 250km, which was the shelter of Vietcong soldiers during the Vietnam war. Here, you can not only discover the mystery tunnel but also learn more about how they survived in such severe conditions.
After that, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. When you arrive at Noi Bai Airport, move to the hotel to checking-in and relax. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ha Noi
DAY 4: FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING HANOI CITY TOUR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will take part in an exciting Hanoi city tour with the most popular attractions, including One-Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake. Then enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue your trip to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral. After that, visit the History Museum to understand more about this country’s history. Your tour ends with a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter and a fascinating traditional water puppet show. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 5: HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE STAY OVERNIGHT ON BOARD (B/L/D)
This morning, you will head to Halong Bay – the precious gem in northern area as well as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the harbor, you will embark on a luxury overnight cruise to discover the stunning Halong Bay. Here, you will have a great opportunity to relish delicious local or Asian dishes, relax while admiring the spectacular view of the bay or have fun with other interesting activities on and off-shore. Overnight on the ship in Halong Bay.
Note: Since you will stay only one night on the ship, packing simple and light stuff with you is highly recommended. After the trip to Halong Bay, you will return to the same accommodation in Hanoi and your whole luggage can be stored safely there.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Overnight cruise on Halong Bay
DAY 6: HALONG BAY CRUISE – HANOI (B/BR)
This early morning, you can enjoy some Taichi exercises before having your breakfast. Then, have some relaxation and immerse yourself in the outstanding setting of the bay. Brunch is served on board.
After that, you will disembark the cruise, back to Hanoi at 11.30 am. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 7: CONCLUDE HANOI DEPART LUANG PRABANG (B)
On this day, you can have some relaxation at your hotel before taking your flight to Luang Prabang – a charming city that is well-known as one of the most important commercial hubs in Laos. Then, you will move to your hotel for checking-in and relaxing.
After that, head to Wat Visoun – the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang and now is served as the city’s Museum of Religious Arts before stopping by Vat Phou, Wat Aham and Wat Mai, another stunning temple situated near Royal Palace.
Afterward, admire the stunning sunset in Phousi Mountain and stop by the H’ mong Night Market before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Meals on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVE (B)
Start your today trip to Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong (also called Temple of the Royal City). Built-in 1559 under King Setthathirath’s dynasty, this is not only one of the largest temples in Luang Prabang but also a famous iconic temple of Lao.
After that, you will have a tuk-tuk ride to the jetty to enjoy a shared cruise (on the Nava Mekong Cruise) to explore the majestic Mekong River. After 2 hours cruising upstream, you will reach the Pak Ou Caves. This sacred place is one of the highlights of Luang Prabang, where you will have an opportunity to see hundreds of ancient Buddha statues dating back for centuries.
Then, head back to the jetty and your hotel in Luang Prabang. Along the way, you can also visit Ban Xang Hai village, where they produce traditional Lao rice whiskey, as well as stop by the royal temple of Wat Long Khoun. Meals on your own. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Optional Activities:
Optional: For early risers, take the chance to observe the interesting ceremony of almsgiving taking place from the break of dawn daily.
DAY 9: LUANG PRABANG – KUANGSI WATERFALLS (B)
In the morning, enjoy a ride to some popular destinations including the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, the Phosi market and some ethnic minority villages to experience local life in the city of Luang Prabang.
Continue your trip to the beautiful Kuang Sy Waterfall to admire the spectacular view of the waterfall, swim or take some nice photos before heading to other traditional handicraft villages such as Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek. Afterward, move back to Luang Prabang to enjoy the sunset at Wat Phabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
DAY 10: LUANG PRABANG – SIEM REAP ARRIVAL (B)
After breakfast, head to your next destinations – the National Museum and the Central Market in Luang Prabang. After that, you can have some rest at your accommodation or explore the city by yourself before taking your flight to Siem Reap, a charming city in Cambodia.
When arriving at Siem Reap, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide and driver then transferred to your hotel for checking in and relaxing. Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
DAY 11: SIEM REAP SIGHTSEEING FULL DAY (B/L)
This morning, you will have a chance to discover the city of Siem Reap with its most attractive landmark – Angkor Thom. Built-in the late 12th century, this place is well-known as the last capital city of the Khmer empire.
Then, move to other famous attractions in this area, including Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, and Bayon Temple.
After that, visit Angkor Wat – the most famous Cambodia Heritage Site as well as the largest temple complex in the world and Ta Prohm temple before getting back to your hotel. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
DAY 12: CONCLUDE SIEM REAP (B)
This is your last day in Cambodia. In the morning, you will have a ride to discover Banteay Srei. Situated not far from the Angkor area, this is a well-known Cambodian temple worshiping the Hindu god Shiva that was built in the 10th-century.
After that, spend your time to take some pictures or buy souvenirs before you check out the hotel and transfer to the airport (without tour guide) for your departure flight. End of tour!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
