Day 1 : Saigon Arrival
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| Our tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City. |
Day 2 : Saigon City Tours - Cu Chi Tunnels |
| In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby. |
Day 3 : Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho |
| Leave Saigon for My Tho. My Tho is located on the northern banks of the Mekong river and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours drive away. In the center of the town close to the river there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the My Tho area you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organized boat tours. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an island, with lunch en route. Continue with a visit to a snake farm and then continue driving to Can Tho. Check-in hotel and stay overnight in Can Tho.
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Day 4 : Can Tho - Saigon |
| Early morning board for a 3-hour cruise to Cai Rang and Phong Dien, 2 big floating markets with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. You can even try passing one of the many fragile monkey bridges along the canals photo shot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong river to trade their goods. Drive back to Saigon with a lunch stop at My Tho. |
Day 5 : Saigon - Danang - Hoi An |
| At Leisure and then you will be taken to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Danang City, famous for China Beach and the former R&R for US servicemen. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to Hoi An. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. At leisure for the rest of day and overnight in Hoi An. |
Day 6 : Hoi An Sightseeing and My Son ruins |
| Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha, carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary. Afternoon we will take an excursion to see My Son known as Holyland with Cham ruins. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An |
Day 7 : Hoi An At Leisure |
| Free day at leisure. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An
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Day 8 : Hoi An - Hue |
| Drive to Hue (~ 2 hours). This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. We visit the major sites including the Imperial Citadel with Forbidden Royal City like in Beijing. Free shopping in Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue |
Day 9 : Hue Sightseeing - Hanoi |
| In the morning we will take boat trip along the scenic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Ming Mang Emperor's mausoleum. Free at leisure and then we will go to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City. |
Day 10 : Hanoi - Sightseeing |
| Enjoy 5 hour sightseeing tours to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature (First University built in the 11 Century), Hanoi Hilton Museum. Free walking around Hanoi old quarter for shopping and short visit Dong Xuan market. Enjoy 1 hour cyclo tours around the Hanoi City's old quarters and the traditional water puppetry show. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi
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Day 11 : Halong Bay - Hanoi |
| Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnamis most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Back to Hanoi and overnight at hotel in Hanoi. |
Day 12 : Hanoi - Luang Prabang |
| Morning flight to Luang Prabang in Laos (1 hour) - On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hilltribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang |
Day 13 : Luang Prabang Sightseeing |
| Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the cityis oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
Day 14 : Luang Prabang - Siem Reap |
| Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You will be met by local tour guie and driver. Transfering to hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of day. |
Day 15 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Tours |
| Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: 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. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Stay overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. |
Day 16 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Tours |
| In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery, then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Stay overnight in Siem Reap. |
Day 17 : Depart Siem Reap |
| Transfer to the airport in Siem Reap to take flight to (Thailand, Kunming or Singapore - not included in the tour fares). End of service. |
Day 1 : Saigon Arrival |
| Our tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City. |
Day 2 : Saigon City Tours - Cu Chi Tunnels |
| In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby.
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Day 3 : Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho |
| Leave Saigon for My Tho. My Tho is located on the northern banks of the Mekong river and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours drive away. In the center of the town close to the river there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the My Tho area you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organized boat tours. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an island, with lunch en route. Continue with a visit to a snake farm and then continue driving to Can Tho. Check-in hotel and stay overnight in Can Tho. |
Day 4 : Can Tho - Saigon |
| Early morning board for a 3-hour cruise to Cai Rang and Phong Dien, 2 big floating markets with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. You can even try passing one of the many fragile monkey bridges along the canals photo shot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong river to trade their goods. Drive back to Saigon with a lunch stop at My Tho. |
Day 5 : Saigon - Danang - Hoi An |
| At Leisure and then you will be taken to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Danang City, famous for China Beach and the former R&R for US servicemen. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to Hoi An. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. At leisure for the rest of day and overnight in Hoi An. |
Day 6 : Hoi An Sightseeing and My Son ruins |
| Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha, carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary. Afternoon we will take an excursion to see My Son known as Holyland with Cham ruins. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An |
Day 7 : Hoi An At Leisure |
| Free day at leisure. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An |
Day 8 : Hoi An - Hue |
| Drive to Hue (~ 2 hours). This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. We visit the major sites including the Imperial Citadel with Forbidden Royal City like in Beijing. Free shopping in Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue |
Day 9 : Hue Sightseeing - Hanoi |
| In the morning we will take boat trip along the scenic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Ming Mang Emperor's mausoleum. Free at leisure and then we will go to the airport to take 1 hour flight to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City. |
Day 10 : Hanoi - Sightseeing |
| Enjoy 5 hour sightseeing tours to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature (First University built in the 11 Century), Hanoi Hilton Museum. Free walking around Hanoi old quarter for shopping and short visit Dong Xuan market. Enjoy 1 hour cyclo tours around the Hanoi City's old quarters and the traditional water puppetry show. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi |
Day 11 : Halong Bay - Hanoi |
| Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnamis most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Back to Hanoi and overnight at hotel in Hanoi. |
Day 12 : Hanoi - Luang Prabang |
| Morning flight to Luang Prabang in Laos (1 hour) - On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the hilltribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang |
Day 13 : Luang Prabang Sightseeing |
| Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the cityis oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
Day 14 : Luang Prabang - Siem Reap |
| Fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You will be met by local tour guie and driver. Transfering to hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of day. |
Day 15 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Tours |
| Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: 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. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Stay overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. |
Day 16 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Tours |
| In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery, then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Stay overnight in Siem Reap. |
Day 17 : Depart Siem Reap |
| Transfer to the airport in Siem Reap to take flight to (Thailand, Kunming or Singapore - not included in the tour fares). End of service. |
