Indochina’s Romance

(26 days/ 25 nights tours)

 

 

 

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)

Upon arrival, you are welcome by our guide. Transfer to hotel to check in. Free at leisure, then enjoy dinner at Vietnamese  restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 2: Hanoi (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy full day city tour. Start with visitting HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Stroll past the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM (closed to visitors on Mondays and Fridays), where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH’s STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Then visit ONE PILLAR PAGODA, dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Visit TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Have lunch at Vietnamese restaurant. Afternoon visit MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY, which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Then heading to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA, NGOC SON TEMPLE, then discover the OLD QUARTER of Hanoi by A CYCLO TOUR (pedicab tour). This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover’s paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. Finally visit ST JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL.

Have dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)

After breakfast, at 8.00 transfer to Halong bay 180km northeast of Hanoi.

11:30  Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.
12:15 Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails boat– enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.

13:00  Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu.
Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise.
14.30  Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island.
15.15 Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area.

16.15 Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time. One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.

The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.
18:30  Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.
19:00  Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30  Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available. Also at this time we offer, when possible - depending on weather conditions, an excursion to a nearby squid fishing boat. We travel by tender and you will be able to board the squid boat and see how the local fishermen catch squid and other fish, the excursion lasts about 45 minutes.
21:00 – 23:00  Happy Hour! Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).

23.00  End of program for Day One.

 

Day 4: Halong (B/L/D)

6:45  Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
7:00  Arrive at the Surprise Cave area, there is a small fishing village here. Relax onboard. You may join Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck at 7:00, duraion about 30 minutes.

7:45  Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room.
8:30  Transfer by tender to the “Day Boat” and begin to cruise to some of Halong Bay’s more secluded and untouched locales. Exact locations depend on tide conditions. Enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking and swimming. A multi-course lunch will be served mid-day.

16:00  Return by tender to the Indochina Sails boat.
18:30  Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.
19:00  Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese and Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30  Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, massage services are available. Also at this time we offer, when possible - depending on weather conditions, an excursion to a nearby squid fishing boat. We travel by tender and you will be able to board the squid boat and see how the local fishermen catch squid and other fish, the excursion lasts about 45 minutes.
21:00 – 23:00  Happy Hour!

Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).

23.00  End of program for Day Two.

 

Day 5: Halong - Hanoi (Brunch/Dinner)

6:45  Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
7:00  Arrive at the Surprise Cave area, there is a small fishing village here. Relax onboard. You may join Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck at 7:00, duraion about 30 minutes.

8:00  Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.

9:00  Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.
9:30   Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.
10:00  Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
10:45  Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

11:00  Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation.

Transfer back to Hanoi. Enjoy dinner and then the most famous traditional WATER PUPPET performance. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 6: Hanoi - Hue (B/L/D)

Early morning get up early, take away breakfast, tranfer to visit WHOLE SALES FLOWER MARKET. The market is very speacial open only very early morning. Transfer to the airport to take flight to Hue (VN241 HAN- HUI 0630/0740 AM), Arrive Hue, visit IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites. Have lunch at Vietnamese restaurant. Afternoon, enjoy a BOAT TRIP on the Huong Giang river- PERFUME RIVER. Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue’s most widely recognizable monument. Then free at your own. Dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Hue.

 

Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Hoi An. Arrive Hoi An,  beautiful town with the beaches and river, check in hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

 

Day 8: Hoi An (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy the walking tour in Hoi An. The walking tour includes: JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. PHUOC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: Visit one of the lantern workshop in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients with opportunity of making silk cloth on the lantern. Have lunch at Vietnamese restaurant. Afternoon, at leisure. Then enjoy sunset BOAT TRIP on Thu Bon River to THANH HA POTTERY VILLAGE.  Dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Hoi An.

 

Day 9: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Danang airport to take flight to Nha Trang (VN335 DAD-NHA 0940/1045 AM).  Arrive Nha Trang, free at your own. Enjoy yourselves with the beautiful beaches, swimming in the crystal clear water. Overnight in Nha Trang

 

Day 10: Nha Trang (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Start the sightseeing tour in Nha Trang with a visit to the ancient PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS which were built between the 7th and the 12th centuries. Then head to the LANG SON PAGODA and the gothic NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL and continue to the OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUE, which contains a mini- aquarium with a variety of colourful local marine life. End of tour with a boat ride to CON SE TRE, visit the SEA WATER AQUARIUM, visit Con Se Tre island and other islands located sothwest of Bamboo island. Lunch and dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Nha Trang.

 

Day 11: Nha Trang - Dalat (B/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Then we will drive about 3 hours to Dalat. DALAT is a charming former colonial hill station with an abundance of colorful parks, lakes, gardens and waterfalls. Its ever temperate climate has earned it the name and City of Eternal Spring. Check into hotel and take a short rest. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Dalat. We will begin at XUAN HUONG LAKE, located in the heart of Dalat and a pleasant place for a stroll then stroll around the FRENCH DISTRICT, whose atmosphere is reminiscent of a Provencal town in France and visit the DALAT CATHEDRAL. Finally, visit the FLOWER GARDEN, with a profusion of colorful blooms, including flowers rarely seen elsewhere in Vietnam. Dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Dalat.

 

Day 12: Dalat (B/L)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning, travel outside the town to LAT VILLAGE, a group of nine villages located at the base of LANG BIAN MOUNTAIN. Five of the villages are of the LAT ethnic group, while the other four are Chill, Ma and Koho. Lunch at Vietnamese restaurant. Back to Dalat in late afternoon. Visit HANG NGA ART GALLERY, nicknamed the CRAZY HOUSE by locals. Back to hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Dalat.

 

Day 13: Dalat - Saigon (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport to take flight to Saigon (VN465 DLI-SGN 07.55/08.45 AM). Sightseeing in Saigon A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Lunch and dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.

 

Day 14: Saigon - Caibe - Sadec - Can Tho (B/L/D)

Transfer to Caibe to take Song Xanh Sampan Cruise. The excursion starts at around 10 am (because it is private cruise, start time depend on arriving time), from our pier in Phu An hamlet located next to Cai Be town, approximately 2 hours drive south from Saigon. Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed by our crew. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of some local home factories where you will be able to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made.  We will then proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Your sampan will take direction of Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruising upstream on the Tien Giang River, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people. We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… You will disembark to take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Further on the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit. Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark at the local market place for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses and Chinese temples dating from the last century are numerous.Your lunch will await you at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, the “Lover” of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (see her novel and adapted movie “The Lover”) Back on board your sampan, you will enjoy cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages. Some stops on the banks will be possible to establish contacts with the local population. A visit will be done at a Cao Daist temple. Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere. After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place. Your bed will be ready for your night on the Mekong river.

Overnight in Can Tho-  on board- Song Xanh Private Cruise

 

Day 15: Can Tho - Saigon (B/D)

At around 06am, your sampan will slowly start cruising. Your breakfast will be served on board at 07am while approaching CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET actually still the largest in the whole Mekong delta. We will pass by countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river. Your cruise journey will end at around 10.am at Ninh Kieu pier after a visit at CAN THO LOCAL MAKET. Tranfer back to Saigon. Free at leisure. Have dinner at Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.

 

Day 16: Saigon - Phnompenh (B/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Free until time to transfer to Phnompenh. Arrive Phnompenh, transfer to hotel. Free at leisure. Dinner at Cambodian restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

 

Day 17: Phnompenh (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Explore PHNOMPENH by CYCLO, a chaotic energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree- lined boulevards and river front promenades are reminders of bygone eras. Start the tour at WAT PHNOM, the birth place of the capital. Continue the tour with an insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the ROYAL PALACE and the adjacent SILVER PAGODA also known as the pagoda of Emerald Duddha. Continue to the elegant NATIONAL MUSEUM, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnompenh’s two great markets. THE CENTRAL MARKET, a labyrinth or stalls selling every thing from CDs to skills, crafts, jewelry and more. In the evening. Sit back and relax on a SUNSET CRUISE on the Mekong passing tropical scenery. Lunch and dinner at Cambodian restaurant. Overnight in Phnompenh.

 

Day 18: Phnompenh - Kampot (B/L/D)

Journey southwest to the province of Kampot with a stop at the TONLE BATI. The lake lies south of Phnom Penh with a beach and the empressive laterite temple of Ta Prohm. After that visit ANGKOR BOREI, a 6^th century monument, buit in laterite by King Rudravarman of Funan. It is one of the few remaining sites with traces of the Kingdom of Funan ( a kingdom influenced by India and thought to have spread as far as southern Burma and Indonesia). Lunch and dinner at Cambodian restaurant. Overnight in Kampot.

 

Day 19: Kampot - Kep (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, begin CYCLING to the former colonial seaside resort at Kep, stopping for a visit at the SOR SOEA CAVES and PHNOM CHHNORK. The Limestone Moutains in the area are riddled with cave formations, many of which are revered as sacred shrines. Explore the various chimneys, passageways and rock formations, and visit the small pagodas and shrines erected over the years. After exploring the caves and the town of Kep, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure on the beach or discovering more of the area. Total distance cycled is about 35-40 KM. Overnight in Kep.

 

Day 20: Kep - Kampong Som (Sihanoukville) (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy an excursion by boat to Rabbit Island also called KOH TONSAY. It is commonly known as lovely and truly idyllic little island that sits offshore. It is located about half an hour by boat from Kep, with several pleasant beaches and a small community af fishermen families.

The sea here is shallow and has a long slope, making Koh Tonsay excellent for walking and swimming. After that journey one of the most scenic roads in Cambodia, crossing two rivers and travelling between the Dombrey Moutains on the right side and the Gulf of Thailand on the left to Kampong Som. Lunch and dinner at Cambodian restaurant. Overnight in Kampong Som.

 

Day 21: Kampong Som (sihanoukville) (B/L)

The morning is reserved for a COOKING CLASS at Khmer cookery located just outside downtown. Enjoy a fruit tasting, before starting to cook the 4 dishes on the menu which are traditional Khmer recipes. Enjoy the dishes cooked by yourselves. Afternoon, free at leisure. Overnight in Kampong Som.

 

Day 22:  Kampong Som- Phnompenh - Vientiane (B/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Phnompenh to take flight to Vientiane. Arrive Vientiane, transfer to hotel. Free at leisure. Dinner at Laotian restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane

 

Day 23: Vientiane (B/L)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon, free at your own. Overnight in Vientiane

 

Day 24: Vientiane - Luang Prabang (B/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport to take flight to Luang Prabang. Arrive Luang Prabang, Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. After an early lunch, the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Continue to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. WAT SENE is the next stop before paying a visit to continue the TRADITIONAL ART AND ETHNOLOGY CENTRE to learn about the ethnic peoples of Laos and their traditional arts.  The permanent exhibition contains text, photographs, and objects from villages throughout the north of Laos.  Artefacts are rotated regularly, and temporary exhibits highlight specific ethnic groups, themes, and arts from northern and southern Laos. From here, visit MOUNT PHOUSI for sunset Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Dinner at restaurant. Overnight in Luang Brabang.

 

Day 25: Luang Prabang (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves Travel down the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey, stop at BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong Visit BAN XANG KHONG, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper. Lunch and dinner at restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang

 

Day 26: Luang Brabang departure (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Free until time to transfer to the airport to take flight to next destination.

 

 

 

Price from 2,290 USD/Pax, with standard services

For further details, more luxury services & customising, please email to: info@hoangviettravel.vn

 

 

 

Price included:

 

1. Accommodation at hotels ( with twins/ double/ triple sharing)

2. All domestic flights as mentioned in itinerary

3. Private transfer as itinerary

4. All meals as itinerary

5. All entrance fee

6. Private boat trips for sight seeing as mentioned in itieraries

7. Sharing junk for sight seeing and overnight in Halong Bay

8. Private Song Xanh boat for sight seeing and overnight in Mekong River

9. Cycling trip and cooking class in Cambodia

10. Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

11. English speaking guide ( other languages available upon request)

12. Mineral water ( 1 bottle/pax/day)

 

Price excluded:

 

1. All international airport tax

2. All international flights & other domestic flights (not mentioned in itinerary)

3. Visa arrangement & visa stamping fee

4. Early check in or late check out

5. Single room

6. Other meals with drinks

7. Travel insurance

8. Tips & other services not mentioned above