Itinerary
DAY 1. LUANG PRABANG: Arrival
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang. (B)
DAY 2. LUANG PRABANG: VISIT PAK OU CAVE
After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which 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 stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun and Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B,L)
DAY 3. LUANG PRABANG → VIENTIANE
Today, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, you catch your flight back to Vientiane. Here, see the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with its 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 Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop enroute to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. We watch the sunset by Mekong Riverside and spend the evening here absorbing the city’s nightlife.
Overnight in Vientiane. (B,L)
DAY 4. VIENTIANE → HANOI
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market (if time permits). The tour ends after your transfer to airport for departure flight to Ha Noi.
Pick up at the airport then transfer to hotel for staying. Overnight at hotel in Ha Noi.
DAY 5: HANOI CITY TOUR (B,L)
Start the tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-palace. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live in the past. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, built by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first University constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Have lunch at local restaurants. Proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum. After that we will take you to Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful water, and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
5.00 pm back to your hotel.
Stayovernight at hotel. (B,L)
DAY 6: HANOI → MAI CHAU
Mai Chau is a mountainous area of outstanding natural beauty, inhabited by a Thai and H’mong ethnic minority groups. This trip offers an easy trekking combined with homestay in villages of Thai , where you have experienced with the local lifestyle of these minority people.
08.00 AM: Pick up from your hotel and head west towards Hoa Binh to have refreshment. Leave Hoa Binh for Mai Chau Valley, about 2hrs away, stop for snapping pictures. Arrive in Mai Chau and have lunch in a family house in the local village around 12.00.
After lunch, riding bicycle around the surrounding villages of White Thai Ethnic people. Learn more about their lives and cultures as your guide can help answer any questions.
18.00 PM: Dinner with the family, get a closer look into their real life. Drink “ruou can” (traditional alcohol) with your new family.
Sleep in the village, in the stilt house, the most interesting part of the trip. Stilt houses are unique to Mai Chau and you cannot find this experience in other tour.
Overnight at a local bungalow.(B,L,D)
DAY 7. MAI CHAU → HANOI
The early morning is the most peaceful time to walk around the villages. Feeling the fresh air and seeing women prepare foods on the wooden fire while the sun is rising over the beautiful mountains which you can not feel in the crowed cities.
Breakfast in the village then walk to Mai Chau market. After that, you will climb to 1000 Step Cave which is breathtaking and is the view of the area from the entrance of the cave. Have lunch in the village. The rest of time is your leisure before getting back to Hanoi.
Going back to Hanoi at 05.00 PM. Arrival in Hanoi at 09.00 PM.
Stay overnight at hotel. (B,L)
DAY 8. HANOI → HALONG BAY
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel around 08.00AM and going to Halong bay. Arrive at Paloma office, Halong City around 11.30AM. Transferred by tender to Paloma Cruise, enjoy welcome drink. Receive cruise briefing, check into cabins and begin your cruise.
Have lunch on boat – delicious Vietnamese set menu (Massage service is available after lunch and thoughout the cruise).
Relax on boat after lunch. Then head to Bai Tu Long Bay, pass the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, Oan Lagoon, Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) Islets and Vung Vieng fishing village. Visit the Vung Vieng fishing village by local rowing boat (01 hour) or Kayak into the village then return to the vessel for your leisure or join one of the following optional activities: Sunbathing, traditional massage, swimming etc.
Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by islets near Hang Trong, we then have a Happy Hour (sunset party) at 05.00PM. Before the dinner, joining a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on boat. Sumptuous Set-dinner onboard at 07.00PM.
In the night, Relaxing on your cabin or join the on board activities: film entertainment, light music for dancing in the dining room (please book in advance with your tour guide), board games and playing cards are available, and massage services are available. Passengers may also try their luck at squid fishing from the boat.
Overnight aboard in Halong bay. (B,L,D)
DAY 9. HALONG BAY → HANOI
Start your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served at Dawn. Then have breakfast in the dinning room.
08.00AM: Start exploring the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot) at. Transfered by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance and tour the cave for approximately 45 minutes. Walk down about 100 steps and return to the boat.
10.00AM: Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from the cabins, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier). Enjoy Set Menu for lunch in the dining room. We will settle bills after breakfast. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
11.30: Arrive at Hon Gai Habour. Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the Paloma Office while waiting for return transportation.
16.30pm: Arrive in Hanoi. Your leisure at in the evening.
Overnight at hotel. (B,L)
DAY 10. HANOI → HUE (B)
Transfer you to airport for flight to Hue.
Pick up at the airport then transfer to hotel in Hue for staying.
Overnight at hotel in Hue. (B)
DAY 11. HUE: CITY TOUR
AM: After breakfast at the hotel, Our guide and driver pick up you at your hotel and then take a full day to discover Hue: visit Emperor Minh Mang’s Mausoleum, Emperor Khai Dinh’s Mausoleum, Performing Programs Of VO KINH VAN AN – Vietnam Traditional Kungfu and Emperor Tu Duc ’s Mausoleums. Stop on the way to see how conical hats and incense sticks are made. Enjoy buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
PM: Visit Imperial capital during Nguyen Dynasty and the seven – storey Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Return by boat on the gentle Perfume River and do not miss the sunset on the river. You will come back your hotel at 17.30pm to pick up your luguage.
18.30pm: Back to hotel.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hue. (B,L)
DAY 12: HUE → HOI AN
8.30am: After having breakfasts, our driver will pick up you at hotel and tranfers to Hoi An. You have free day to go around Hoi An for sight-seeing and shopping.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hoi An town. (B)
DAY 13: HOI AN: VISIT MY SON
Our guide picks you up at hotel and leave Hoi An for visiting My Son Holly Land – the ruins of Cham people and was an imperial city during Cham dynasty. Here you can have more chance to explore and understand of technique of Old Cham people in making red bricks to build Tower which still now a secret to everyone, you can see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. It also surprises for those who are curious with architectural art. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Moreover, you have chance to enjoy traditional music performed by Cham girls in their colorful uniforms. Then transferring you back about 30km, you will take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to Hoi An Ancient Town. Have a light lunch. After that, back your hotel & end of tour. Going back to Airport and take flight to Saigon.
Stay overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city. (B,L)
DAY 14. HO CHI MINH: CITY TOUR
We will pick you up at your hotel and drive to visit to the Re-Unification Palace, the former palace of President Thieu and his predecessors. Today this building is a museum and venue for Government official receptions. Inside you can visit the President’s room. Nearby is the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877- 1883 and is one of the city’s major landmarks. Neo-Romanesque in form, the Cathedral is the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern Vietnam. Continue to visit the War Remains Museum, where you can learn a lot about the Vietnam War.
After lunch in local restaurant, you will visit to Jade Emperor Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Ho Chi Minh city. Continue to Binh Tay market in China Town and the last sight we will visit today is Ben Thanh market, where all kind of local goods are offered.
Overnight at hotel. (B,L)
DAY 15: HO CHI MINH → MEKONG DELTA
Leave Ho Chi Minh city, enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of water coconut trees along natural canals. Have a short cycling tour (applied for private tour/if time permitted) then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by the locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantations and villages. Proceed to Can Tho. Free time to visit the bustling Can Tho market.
Overnight at hotel in Can Tho. (B,L,D)
DAY 16. MEKONG DELTA → CHAU DOC
Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong river (Bassac River), then proceed to Cai Rang floating markets (& Phong Dien is optional), which are the liveliest in the whole religion.
Have you ever tasted Vietnamese vermicelli soup? Well, now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the friendly local people and experience how to pass a “Monkey bridge” which is built by only one stem of bamboo. Visit the orchard garden. Stop for lunch. Proceed to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen to visit the crocodile farm. Check in on arriving in Chau Doc. Admire the landscape from the Sam Mountain summit down the Vietnamese – Cambodian border, visit the Caved pagoda.
Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc. (B,L,D)
DAY 17: CHAU DOC → PHNOM PENH
Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh international airport, meet with your tour guide and driver to transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch not included
After your rest, visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles.
Then continue your visit at the National Museum, This is one of Phnom Penh’s true architectural gems. The Museum is instantly recognizable with its warm red terracotta and its gracefully cured roof topped by dozens of guardian nagas. It was designed in Khmer style in 1917 by famed French architect Georges Groslier & Ecole Des Arts Cambodgiens.
Overnight at hotel (B,L)
DAY 18: PHNOM PENH → SIEM REAP TOURS
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Siem Reap by flight .Arrival in Siem Reap, meet with your tour guide and driver to transfer to hotel for check in.
After your rest, visit to 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), Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic. 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.
Buffet Dinner and enjoy Khmer Traditional Dance Show at local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 19. SIEM REAP: EXPLORE THE ANGKOR
Breakfast at hotel
In the morning, visit to 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.
After your rest, 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. Continue to view a wonderful sunset from the Top of Phnom Bakhen Hill.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. (B,L)
DAY 20. SIEM REAP: DEPARTURE
Free at your own leisure until time to transfer to airport for your departure flight to the next destination.
(B)
Inclusion
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