Indochina Encompassed

In Laos by adminn

HomeAsiaLaos• Indochina Encompassed

  • Accommodation on twin sharing (2 persons sharing room) as per above mentioned star rated hotels and board basis
  • Arrival/departure transfer & sightseeing with private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of English speaking local guides for sightseeing as per above program
  • Meals as mentioned in the program
  • Entrance fees to mentioned sites
  • Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap
  • Flight from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang
  • Boat trip in Mekong Delta and Nha Trang 
  • Assistance at airport and hotels by our representatives
  • All presently applicable taxes

Not Included:

Above mentioned costs do not include any International Air Fare, airport tax, visa fee, other meals except those mentioned in the program, drinks, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, tips, insurance and any other expenses of personal nature, Single room supplements, peak season surcharges and any optional additional tours or activities during free time and not mentioned above.

Day 01: Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is left at leisure and in the evening we dine at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: Dinner)

Day 02: Hanoi – Halong

The day begins with a full day tour of Hanoi visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh (founder of Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh’s house and the Presidential Palace. The tour continues to the One Pillar Pagoda, dating back a thousand years and the foundation of Hanoi city. Our journey takes us to the beautiful Temple of Literature, also known as Vietnam’s first university. Continuing after lunch with a pleasant stroll around the tranquil surroundings of Hoan Kiem lake, and the bustling old quarter of Hanoi, before we transfer to Halong Bay and our hotel. Overnight in Halong (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 03: Hanoi

It’s an early start today to catch our junk boat (07:30 departure) for an enchanting four-hour cruise around Ha Long Bay, film setting for James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies. We get to explore the picturesque scenery and countless limestone islands emerging out of the emerald waters. These extraordinary limestone formations hide some charming and secluded beaches, and a number of fascinating grottoes and caves. We will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and discover the beauties of grotto hidden beneath the cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board, we return to Hanoi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. There is also a Water Puppet performance to watch before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 04: Hanoi – Hue

There is some time at leisure today before transferring to Noi Bai airport for an hour flight to Hue, Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This tranquil city is renowned for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs. The afternoon is spent touring the city its huge citadel to include the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Walk among the ruins is a fascinating experience and offers a glimpse of the Vietnam’s history. Overnight in Hue (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 05: Hue – Danang – Hoian

Today is spent exploring Hue starting with a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. We get a glance of the scenic countryside and visit the beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. The next stop is a visit to the intricate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. We leave Hue and drive south to Hoian, a World Heritage Site and ancient trade centre where ethnic and foreign influences have contributed to its unique cultural richness. Crossing over the winding Hai Van pass we encounter some panoramic views of Lang co Beach and we stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks are said to represent the five elements of the universe. Overnight in Hoian (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 06: Hoian

There’s plenty to discover in this delightful town epitomised by its multicultural aspects and as we stroll past many low tiled houses scattered along the winding streets this fusion of traditions become more apparent. We visit the vibrant market, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tan Ky House and Chua Ong Pagoda. Overnight in Hoian (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 07: Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Mihn

It’s an early morning start today, transferring to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival we begin exploring Ho Chi Mihn city with a visit to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Southern Vietnam President until 1975. There are some outstanding French colonial buildings in the area, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office which we also visit. Our tour continues to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam, and the War Remnant Museum. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 08: Ho Chi Mihn – Cu Chi Tunnels – Tay Ninh

It’s an early breakfast today, to avoid the city heat, we are on our way to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an astonishing underground network built by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation as well as schools, and they were used as a military base for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam conflict. We continue to the headquarters of Cao Dai religious sect in Tay Ninh. Founded in 1923, this religion now has a 2 million following and it’s an unusual eclectic mix of aspects from different religions. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 09: Ho Chi Mihn – Mekong Detla

After breakfast we set off for the Mekong Delta via My Tho, to cruise around the small canals in the Mekong Delta and get a close-up glimpse of local lifestyles. After an appetising lunch, all local produce, we make our way back to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 10: Ho Chi Mihn – Siem Reap – Angkor

There is some free time this morning before transferring to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. Arriving in Siem Reap we visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12 century), the South Gate, the Bayon Temple, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Watching the sunset against the backdrop of Angkor Wat is a spectacle captivated from the heights of Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor

We are off to Angkor Wat, the largest complex of sand stone art, constructed in the 12th century it covers an area of about 210 hectares. Wondering around this massive structure we discover the beauties of its column-lined galleries, libraries and pavilions, courtyards and lakes where the many façades of this remarkable complex reflect in the tranquil waters of the lakes. Our tour then takes us to Siem Reap to visit the marvellous Ta Prohm temple, set among huge fig trees and gigantic climbing vegetation, which embraces the temples right down to the stone foundations of the structure. Overnight in Siem Reap (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 12: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang

We have some time to visit Les Artisans D’Angkor, home of handicraft centre and the Old Market” Phsa Chas” before transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Luang Prabang. Transfer from Luang Prabang airport to our hotel and, time permitting, climb up Phousi Hill, with its 328 steps. It’s all worthwhile once we reach the summit, the fabulous views over the town and the mighty Mekong River beyond, well compensate for the effort. Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves

Our adventure today begins aboard a “long tail boat” that will take us on a marvellous journey along the Nam-Ou & Mekong Rivers and through the beautiful Laotian countryside, passing by local villages and catching a glimpse of everyday life. We will stop on the way to discover the fascinating Pak Ou caves, a system of two interlinked caves, adorned with numerous statues of Buddha. We also get the chance to see the traditional process of rice wine distillation in Ban Sanghai, before returning to Luang Prabang in the afternoon. The rest of the day is left free to relax or explore this UNESCO World Heritage town. Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 14: Luang Prabang – Departure

For those early risers, there is a fantastic opportunity to take part in the daily morning ritual of Alms, where the local monks, in their saffron coloured robes, walk along in line collecting offerings from the people, normally food. This is a unique tradition throughout Laos and the locals are generous in supporting the monks each day. We visit the Laotian Royal Palace officially known as Haw Kham which was built during the French colonial era for the King and his family. After the abolishment of the monarchy in 1975, the Palace was converted into a National museum. Today it houses many artefacts which showcase the richness of Laotian culture.

We then transfer to the airport for onward journey. (Meals: Breakfast)

    request a call back

    At a Glance

    Indochina Encompassed

    Guided Tours  · 14 Days/13 Nights from £2469 pp

    • Starts: Hanoi       Ends: Luang Prabang      
    • Departs: Any day
    • Tour: Private / Small Group
    • Hotel Rating:  4 star & Heritage hotels
    • Tour Guide: Yes – guided by local tour guide
    • Meals: Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 1 
    • Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoian, Ho Chi Mihn, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Angkor and Luang Prabang.
    • Countries: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

    Highlights

    Journey through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos discovering century old traditions, sleepy villages, vibrant river markets and a totally unique way of life. Take a glimpse into these wonderous cultures where grandeur and simplicity go side by side. Jet around Ha Long Bay, film setting for James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies and let your imagination go.

    Other itineraries you might be interested in…

    Vietnam Discovery

    Vietnam Heritage

    Vietnam Northern Images

    Vietnam Southern Highlights

    Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer

    Contact us

    Call our sales team on 020 3951 0995 or email us on sales@elyseaholidays.com