The Best of Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam – Laos in 16 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Tonle Sap Lake – Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong – Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khouangsi Waterfalls – Luang Prabang
Duration: 16 Days/ 15 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Bangkok/ Luang Prabang
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (-)

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative outside the baggage claim of the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After check in, enjoy your free time.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: None

Day 2: Bangkok – City Tour (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the ceremony of the royal family of Thailand.In the same compound is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew which is known for the Statue of the Emerald Buddha. After visiting this complex, we continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the lying Buddha.

Then, we visit the Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha. Lunch is served at your own expense at a local restaurant on the way. Afternoon, boarding on a long tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offer fantastic views of local life close by. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun,the temple of the Aube. Return to the hotel and free time for relaxation.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Ayutthaya Full Day Group Tour (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then prepare for a trip to visit the beautiful ancient city Ayutthaya.

06:00 – 07:15 hrs.
Pick up from hotel and transfer to the river city shopping complex, Siphraya, next to Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

Morning By bus:

07:30 hrs: Departure from Bangkok by Grand Pearl luxury air–conditioned coach with English speaking guide.
09:00 hrs: Arrival at Bang Pa-In, visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture such as Aisawan Thiphya-At, Warophat Phiman, Wehart Chamrun, etc.
10:30 hrs: Arrival at Ayutthaya, a World Heritage City and historic capital of Thailand. Visit Wat Mahatad, the royal monastery, served as the residence of supreme monk. Wat Phrasrisanphet, the largest and most important temple. Its was used as a residential palace. and Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit, the large bronze Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the grand palace and later covered by a building called Wihan.

Afternoon By cruise:

13:15 hrs: Welcome aboard the Grand Pearl Cruise Liner at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi). Sumptuous buffet lunch with a choice of a variety of oriental and western cuisines will be served, while you may relax and enjoy the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings. The cruiser will then head towards Nontaburi, past Koh Kred, The monn community before reaching Bangkok city.
15:00 hrs: Coffee will be served while you enjoy the enchanting sights along the River banks such as the colorful Royal Barges House, Thammasart University, Siriraj hospital, The Royal Grand Palace and the graceful Temple Of Dawn, with its magnificent 79 M. spire, Wat Kallayanamitr, one of the most renowed temples.
16:00 hrs:Arrival and disembark at the River City Shopping Complex Pier. Transfer back to hotel by air-conditioned van.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Bangkok – Fly to Siem Reap (B)

The morning would be free to do whatever takes your fancy until you would be transferred to the airport  for your flight to Siem Reap.

Note: check-out time is at 12.00 p.m, surcharge for late check-out is excluded. 

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and we will transfer to hotel for  sleep. 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 5: Siem Reap – Angkor Temple Tour (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel will 9 am, we then spend time visiting 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 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, and 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 a wonderful sunset from the top of Phnom Ba Kheng Hill. After the tour, we returned  back to the hotel and spent the rest of the day relaxing. 

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 6: Siem Reap – Banteay Srey (B)

We will drive up Kulen Mountains for the visit to a Grand Buddha Statue, the River of Thousand Lingas  and the Great Waterfall. On the way back, we will visit to Banteay Srey, known as Citadel of Women or a  Pink Temple, and Banteay Samre Temples.  

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

In the morning, 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 to Siem Reap airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcome 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: Breakfast 

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi 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 included 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.  

Notes:

*The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside. 

*Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather…so the finished time could be later than expected. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Group Tour – Fly to Danang – Hoi An (B, L) (B, L)

Around 7 – 7.30 am, we pick you up at your hotel or 112 Tran Hung Dao street, Ward Pham Ngu Lao, District  1, and depart for Cai Be by car/van via Trung Luong Expressway. 

Upon arrival in Cai Be, we have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market  on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to know something about the local trading habit  that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high-technique  of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich  orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.  

Next, we ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about  the indigenous culture. Then we make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut  fudges and crispy rice popcorn. We can savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Then  we paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since we can look around, unwind, and soak up the  wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse  yourself in nature’s tranquility. 

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how  to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local  garden. After that, we cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more  about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta and visit Ba Kiet’s ancient house.  Around 6 – 6.30 pm, we take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City. We then take the late flight to Danang. On your arrival in Danang, we will transfer to Hoi An and spend the  night here. 

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: 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

OPTIONAL TOUR: Red Bridge Cooking Class ½ Day with Lunch – US$ 34 per person This morning, we start the cooking class tour by a welcome drink at Hai Café. Then, we visit Hoi An’s colorful  main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have an opportunity to interact  with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display. 

After that, we arrive at Cooking School and have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working  together with our Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from  scratch. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some  of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first  demonstrated by our chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class will include a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly  what we have cooked. We will finish at approximately 12.30pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving  approximately 1.00pm 

Recipes (our food contains no MSG): 

*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients. 

1. Making fresh Rice paper
2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs
5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles
6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fa n

* Lunch includes the above meals as well as: 

1. BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)

OPTION 02: Hoi An Farming & Fishing Eco Tour with Lunch – US$ 81 per person We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at  Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the  farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river  and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely  cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will  board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen  working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a  Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway.  Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village. After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading back to the hotel. 

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Hanoi – City Group Tour (B, L)

Today is a free day until we fly to Hanoi. 

Hanoi, located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam, and is the capital of the Socialist Republic  of Việt Nam, 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, Hà Nội Opera  House, President Hồ Chí 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 12: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on board (B, L, D)

Morning
08:00 – 8:30 Leave Ha Noi city for Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay town, Ha Long city.  Refresh up at the lounge.  

Afternoon
12:00 – 12:30 Embark Oriental Sails. Enjoy welcome drink and get a brief introduction about cruise and  safety guidelines. Check-in your cabin.
13:15 Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Ha Long Bay, admiring the fascinating nature,  then anchor at Titop Island area.
15:00 – 16:00 Join a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave (also called Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and the  most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay.
16:00 – 17:00 Climb to the peak of Titop Island for the panorama view of the bay. Going down and relaxing  on the beach, swimming in the crystal water.
17:20 Return Oriental Sails, enjoying the sunset while relaxing with Happy hour from now to  dinner time at the bar.

Evening
18:00 Enjoy happy hours with various drinks on discounts. Take part in a cooking demonstration  and food décor with our Chef
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner is served. Private dinner is available on requested
21:00 – 22:00 Time to join squid fishing with the crew, sing karaoke or just laze around or relax in your  cabin.  

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 13: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Luang Prabang (B)

Morning
06.30 Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin. Refresh your body  & soul by a Tai-chi lesson on sundeck.
07:00 – 08:00 Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast while charming  the labyrinth of Karst.
8:00 – 9:00 Join a guided to explore hidden parts of the bay, Luon cave. You share a sampan with other  tourists with a local rower or taking a kayak on your own.
09:00 Return to Oriental Sails for shower.
09:30 Check out your room. Oriental Sails weighs the anchor to continue to roam the picturesque  route toward Bai Chay bridge for photos.
10:50 Have lunch.
11:30 – 11:45 Disembark. Cruise ends.  

Afternoon
12:00 – 16:30 Transfer back to Hanoi and we then transfer to Noi Bai for the flight to Luang Prabang. Welcome to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and then escort you to your  hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast 

Day 14: 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 15: Luang Prabang – Khouang 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 alms giving 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 Xieng Thong 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 16: Luang Prabang – Departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Rooms available until 12h00. Free at leisure until transfer back to Luang Prabang airport for departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

• 15-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
• Mekong Delta Deluxe Group Tour 
• HCM City & Cu Chi Tunnels ½ Day Deluxe Group Tour 
• Bottle of drinking water 

Exclusions

• 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