Essence of Indochina – 20 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Mekong Delta – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Luang Prabang – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 20 Days/ 19 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City/Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (-)

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and  bustle city on your own. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: None 

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels GROUP TOUR (B, L)

At 7.30 am, we will pick you up at the hotel in HCMC. The first place of the morning trip is Independence  Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace.  The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. We continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. Lunch will be served in the  local restaurant 

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours of bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, you can spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which include the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. We have a break time for relaxation or time for those who want to try a real shooting gun. At 7 pm, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta GROUP TOUR (B, L)

At around 7.30, we pick you up at your hotel in HCMC. We leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then we board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. 

The next stop is Unicorn Island, we walk around and see orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, and folk song music performed by the local people. Then you can enjoy fresh fruit on the fruit plantation.  After that, we ride a hand-rowed sampan through the Thoi Son canal and treat ourselves to the beauty of the countryside. We can visit the family business, and the honey-bee farm, and enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop.  

We have lunch at a local restaurant and take a small break to refill our energy. In the afternoon, it’s time for us to cycle around Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the  Mekong Delta. Or you can enjoy the hammock relaxing and cool breeze for those who can’t join the cycling trip. At 7.30 pm, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Siem Reap (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our flight to Siem Reap. 

On your arrival, we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap Lake at KAMPONG PHLUK VILLAGE. This is  the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the  Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen’s “floating village” with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the “village” move from place to place following  water levels and current. Transfer back to hotel and sleep. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 5: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (B)

This morning, we will start to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12 century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers  decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the  Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.  

In the afternoon, we visit to the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The  temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive  five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art  historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy wonderful sunset from  the top of Pre Rup Temple. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 6: Siem Reap – Banteay Srey –  GrandCircuit (B)

The morning will be started with Banteay Srey, known as Citadel of Women or a Pink Temple, and Banteay  Samre Temples. Then, we will visit to the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang  (“The Royal Baths” was once used or ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta  Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was  discovered and retains much of its mystery. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool  (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake) and Preah Khan temple, Built by the King  Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging  corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and  ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.  

Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 7: Siem Reap – Shared Bus to Phnom Penh (B)

Transfer to Siem Reap Bus station for your Joined Bus to Phnom Penh. This trip will take you about 6 hours to arrive in Phnom Penh via the country road of Cambodia where you will be met and transferred to the  hotel to leave the luggage. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 8: Phnom Penh – City Tour (B)

In the morning, we visit the National Museum. Housed in a beautiful traditional building, it contains many  outstanding examples of Khmer craftsmanship. Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a  visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.  

In the afternoon, confront Cambodia’s tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a  former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It’s estimated that more than 20,000 people  were held and tortured here. Explore Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple situated on a hill for which the city is  named. According to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the  nearby river and placed them here on the small hill.  

Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 9: Phnom Penh – Fly to Vientiane (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our flight  to Vientiane. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. REST after long night flight and time  for yourself.  

Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 10: Vientiane – City Tour – Train to Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast we will visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for  browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts. From there, we will visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket 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 the famous and  sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay  Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We then board speed train to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang. On arrival,  transfer to hotel.  

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 11: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B)

In the morning, we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred,  gilded stupa as well as a beautiful over view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai the  largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang, was built in the 20th century; National  Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao  culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. 

We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also 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 will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of  Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in  the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional  Saa paper-making. We will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the  hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 12: Luang Prabang – Khoang Si Waterfall (B)

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the almsgiving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering,  please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest  and legs should be covered). We then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea  and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.  

In the morning, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which  represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close  on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from  each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Next, we will visit Wat Visoun,  the holiest temple of the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 2087 after being destroyed by the invading Black  Flags from Southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa shaped like the  fruit from which it takes its name. Continue past Wat Aham, which was first built in the 1500s. Then, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic  minority groups – Ban Na Oune Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the  mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Fly to Hanoi – Walking Tour with Street Foods (B, D)

Breakfast at hotel. Rooms available until 12h00. Free at leisure until transfer back to Luang Prabang airport  for your next flight to Hanoi. On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in.  After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many  kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake,  sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan  whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold. 

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in  a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life  of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi. 

These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi: 

• Bánh Cuốn – Steamed rice paper rolls 
• Bún Ốc – Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle  
• Bún Riêu Cua – The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
• Bún Cá – Noodle soup with fish 
• Bánh Xèo & Nem Lụi – Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers 
• Miến Xào Lươn – Glass noodles with eel 
• Bánh Đa Trộn – Mixed flat rice noodles 
• Bánh Tôm – Hanoi shrimp cakes 
• Chả Rươi – Fried Worm (Based on season) 
• Bánh Gối – Crispy ’empanadas’ 
• Mỳ Gà Tần – Chicken noodles in herbal broth 
• Chè – Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup 
• Lẩu – Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, …) o Steaky Rices – Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs,  etc)
• Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café 

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 14: Hanoi – City GROUP TOUR (B, L

Hanoi, located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam, and is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the center of culture, politics, economy, and trade of the whole country. Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars, and natural calamities, Hà Nội still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Confucius Temple (built in 1070), Thang Long Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and so on… 

Itinerary of Hanoi City Tour full day: 

08h00-08h30: We will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House. In the  morning, we will visit: 

• Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the east side isle of the West Lake (Tay Ho district), is considered the most ancient pagoda in Thang Long – Hanoi with its historical progression in 1500 years. It has a  harmonious combination between the majesty, hoariness of architecture, and peaceful landscape of  West Lake. From the Ly and Tran dynasties period, it had become the Buddhist center of Thang  Long. 
• Visit the complex of President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (Mausoleum and Stilt house) – Where the great leader lived and worked until the last years of his life. Here, you will have the opportunity to  learn about Uncle Ho’s simple life. In addition, you will stop by One Pillar Pagoda to admire one of  the 4 symbols of Hanoi.

Note: with departure days on Monday and Friday, Mausoleum Management Board will carry out maintenance of the mausoleum, you will visit only outside of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stilt house, and One Pillar Pagoda. 

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: This is the most recent yet probably the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting museum in Hanoi and Vietnam. There are indoor and outdoor sections, and  while the in-housed exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display and activities make the museum stand out. There are a number of houses modeled after the traditional architecture of  ethnic minorities, especially those who live in Northern and Central highlands. 

On Monday, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is closed, instead of the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Noon: Return to the Old Quarter to have lunch at the restaurant. After lunch, you will see 36 streets from  the car and listen to the guide tell stories about the streets of the ancient urban marketplace. Afternoon: We will visit: 

• The temple of literature (The first university in Vietnam): Being an ancient school of Thang  Long and the first university in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature is acknowledged as an ancient  historical-cultural heritage that gives tourists a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s years of culture and tradition. 
• Hoa Lo prison: Built-in 1899. The French held mainly political prisoners here, along with those awaiting sentencing at the nearby Court of Justice, as well as American pilots who had been shot  down and captured as prisoners of war. The pilots sarcastically called it the “Hanoi Hilton. John  McCain was held here at various times during his five and a half years as a POW. 

16h00: End of Hanoi City Tour, the car will take you back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 15: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi by shuttle bus to start our journey. When we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, you will get checked in at Paradise Suites Hotel and transferred to the Paradise Cruise  via Electric Cart. Once arrived, you will be given a short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations while you enjoy some complimentary welcoming drinks. Shortly after, enjoy your lunch at the  Restaurant while viewing the beautiful islets of Halong Bay.  

In the afternoon, you will visit the Tung Sau Pearl farm where you will have the chance to learn about the process of pearl cultivation or you go kayaking instead. Afterward, your next stop will be at Titop Island,  an island named after the Russian Cosmonaut “Gherman Stepanovich Titov”. You can choose to either hike the island’s mountain to get a majestic view of Halong Bay or swim at the beach. After that, we return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make a Vietnamese Dish. After a Western Set Dinner, enjoy some night activities on the boat like: squid fishing, drinks, or movies. The rest of night will be relaxing on the cruise.  

Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 16: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, L)

Start your day with a Tai Chi Session at the Sundeck. Then, we enjoy a light meal with some fresh pastries,  coffee, and tea at the restaurant. Next destination will be the Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most magnificent cave in the bay where you can see the stalactites in different forms. Afterward come  to enjoy breakfast while the cruise passes by Thien Cung, Dau Go Cave, and the Fighting Cock Islet. After breakfast, you will check out and are free to enjoy the rest of your trip at the Lounge or on the sundeck looking at the astonishing view of Halong Bay. At 10:15 AM, Paradise Cruise returns to Tuan Chau Marina.  Finally, we disembark and farewell the crew then get back to Hanoi by our shuttle bus/D-car in 2.5 to 3 hours driving.  

Return back to Hanoi, our driver will pick you up and we transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Hue. On your arrival, our car will pick you up at the ariport and transfer to hotel in Hue for accommodation. 

Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 17: Hue – City GROUP TOUR – Hoi An (B, L)

Around 8.00 – 8.30 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hue to start our journey. The first place of our trip is Thien Mu Pagoda – The oldest pagoda in Hue city. We go there by Dragon boat to have a different look at  the fabled Perfume River and also fully admire the beauty of Thien Mu pagoda from afar. After that, we explore the Imperial Citadel – The home of Vietnam & the last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty.  Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam.   Following, we go to Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. It’s relatively clean, with ample space, and most of what’s sold will fit in your suitcase. This place is designed for locals so you can pick up some cheap and tasty eats. The market ranges from raw foods to t-shirts and the usual stuff you find at tourist markets. 

After lunch, we continue to visit Tu Duc & Khai Dinh King’s Tomb – a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Khai Dinh designed his tomb himself, after exposure to France, and surely Chinese aesthetics, and it is very different from most other temples with nice colors, and beautiful fusion costumes (although he set a trend if you look at newer temples). This place will be suitable for someone who likes history. The view is amazing, if try you can get a lot of perfect pictures. You will be impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions. 

One more place on this trip is Conical Hat Village, an incense stick-making village. It has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. When it comes to Hue’s traditional villages, Conical Hat Village is one of the most well-known brands. It is dedicated to preserving Hue’s distinctive cultural attractiveness.  At around 4:00 – 4:30 pm, we go back to your hotel.   After the tour, the car will wait for you at the hotel lobby and we transfer to Hoi An without a tour guide in  the next 2.5 hours. 

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 18: Hoi An – ½ Day Walking Tour (B)

Hoi An Ancient town has been recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1999 thanks to its  value. This place is complex of the acculturation. The architecture of the town reflects the influence of Chinese,  Japanese, Potuguese, French and British traders. It used to be a trading port in 17th & 18th centuries where  the trading cruise ships from Japan, China & the west met and exchanged goods. Hoi An nowaday is one the  most attractive places in Vietnam and with a half day walking around, visitors will immediately feel the  hospitality and friendship the locals extend to them. And they can see that what is so special about Hoi An is  that this little port town is in an incredible state of preservation…Welcome to Hoi An! 

Met up by local tour guide in the morning then we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to  visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese  congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then  we are back to our hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. 

These are the famous Hoi An Street Food that you should know and try 

• Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm | Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich 
• Cao Lầu | Pork Rice Noodle | 
• Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc | White Rose Dumpling 
• Cơm Gà Hoi An | Hoi An Chicken Rice 
• Mì Quảng | Quang Seafood Noodle 
• Bánh Xèo | Vietnamese Pancake
• Bún Thịt Nướng | Grilled Pork over Vermicelli 
• Thịt Xiên Nướng | Grilled Pork in Rice Paper 
• Vietnamese Spring Rolls 
• Xí mà phủ | Black sesame sweet soup 

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 19: Hoi An – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy.  We’ll spend the night in Hoi An. 

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 20: Hoi An – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)

After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Danang International airport for your  departure flight. Tour ends. See you on the next Indochina tours!

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

• 19-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detail itinerary  
• Transfers by private air conditioned vehicle with experienced driver  
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food. Western food is available (up on  request) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).  
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide 
• Entrance fees & permits 
• Hanoi Group Tour 
• 2 Days 1 Night in Halong Bay Cruise 
• Hue Group Tour 
• Mekong Delta Deluxe Group Tour 
• HCM City & Cu Chi Tunnels ½ Day Deluxe Group Tour 
• Bottle of drinking water 

Exclusions

• International flights and airport taxes 
• Domestic flights and airport taxes 
• Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos E-Visa 
• Travel insurance with Covid protection term up to $10,000 
• Other meals which are not indicated above 
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any) 
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included 
• Gratuities to guides and drivers 
• Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.