Description

Tour type: private - moderate

Class: standard - first class

Duration: 17 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Vientiane or reverse.
Price: from US$1593/pax
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner
Group Size: on request (2 - 16 pax)

Highlights: Hanoi - the 1000 year old capital, Halong Bay, sea kayaking and snorkeling, Hoi An ancient Port Town,  Hue Imperial City, nice beaches, boat cruises, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Xieng Khuang, Khuangsi Waterfall, Luang Prabang Heritage...

Introduction: A 17-day cultural exploration tour combination of Vietnam with Laos and Cambodia is specially designed for those who wish to discover the extraordinary civilizations and the wonderful sights of these countries in one single trip.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (L)

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 3: Hanoi - Hue (Flight) (B, L)
Day 4: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An(B, L)
Day 5: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (B, L)
Day 6: Hoi An – Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City (Flight) (B, L)
Day 7: HCMC - Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels - HCMC (B, L)
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Chau Doc (B, L)
Day 9: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B, L)

Day 10: Phnom Penh – Udong Stupas – Kompong Thom – Siem Reap (B, L)
Day 11: Siem Reap Tour (B, L)
Day 12: Siem Reap Tour (B, L)
Day 13: Siem Reap – Vientiane (B, L, D)
Day 14: Vientiane - Xieng khuang (B, L)
Day 15: Xieng Khuang - Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 16: Luang Prabang - Khuangsi Water fall - Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 17: Luang Prabang - Hanoi Departure (B)
Note*: This is a typical tour made by Tuan Linh Travel. In any case, please contact us for details in accordance with your departure date or customized itinerary.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

(L)

Arrive at Noi Bai international airport in the morning. Have lunch. then take a half day city tour to visit the Temple of Literature, the Vietnam’s first university. Then visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple. After that, take an excursion on the cyclo to tour the Ancient Quarter of Hanoi. Finally, enjoy Water Puppet Show before the day ends.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi

(B, L)

Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.

Drive 175 km to Halong City. On arrival get on board then have lunch. Take 4 hour cruise on Halong Bay, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The junk cruises through thousands of limestone islets of very distinguished shapes rising amidst the crystal sea water. We call at the two most famous caves Thien Cung and Dau Go, then cruise back the dock to get back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi at about 19:00. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Hue

(B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Hanoi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue was Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

Pick up and transfer to hotel for checking in and lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Imperial Citadel, the ruins of the Purple Forbidden City including the Ngo Mon(Noon) Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Citadel. Then we continue with a drive to Kings Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal tombs - the special architecture would make you surprised. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Day 4: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

(B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning drive toward Da Nang and Hoi An. Drive along Lang Co Beach and through Hai Van Pass to Da Nang City. At these point, stop for taking pictures. Visit the Cham Museum before leaving for Hoi An, which was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, be free and easy. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An

(B, L)

In the morning, take a private car from Hoi An Town to My Son Holy Land, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries.

Back to Hoi An for lunch. After the relax, it is light excursion to go around tiny town of Hoi An for city tour: 400 years old Japanese Bridge, 300 years old Chinese temple, 200 years old Vietnamese former merchants' house. Tour end at about 16.30 pm.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

(B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up and transfer to hotel. A sightseeing tour to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office. Tour of China Town and Thien Hau & Quan Am Pagodas. After seeing the War Remnants Museum we end the city tour with Ben Thanh market where everything is for sale.
Overnight at hotel in HCMC.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City

(B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. Driving west to Tay Ninh, head quarter of Cao Dai sect. On arrival we attend the fantastic mid-day temple service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. On the way back a stop for a visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground tunnels
network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the American war. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, etc. and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong in the American war. Driving back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Chau Doc

(B, L)

Pick up at hotel. Depart for Can Tho. Visitors first take the boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (the Bas Sac River). The boat trip later takes you to the Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. In this area you have a chance to experience how to pass a "Monkey bridge" which is built by only one bamboo. Stop for lunch. Proceed to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen to visit the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary. Admire the landscape from the Sam Mountain summit down the Vietnamese - Cambodian border, visit the caved pagoda. Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.

Day 9: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh

(B, L)

Breakfast at hotel. Then visitors take a rowing boat trip through the floating village to visit the fish farm to see how the Mekong Delta people raising fish on their floating house. Visit the Cham minority with their traditional weaving village. Change to the speed boat to board to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Phnom Penh around at the Sisowath tourist dock.
Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, take a city tour with some major sights of Phnom Penh: the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the temple of Wat Phnom, and the National Museum if time permits.

Day 10: Phnom Penh - Udong Stupas - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap

(B, L)

Departure by car A/C by national road No 5 along the Tonle Sap River, on the way visit the mosques, the fishing villages, the handicraft center of silver at Kompong Luong, continue to Phnom Oudong (former capital), climb up to the top of the hill of Phnom Preah Reach Trorp for visiting the ancient temple and the numerous stupas, enjoy the splendid view in surrounding. Travel on Route 6 today to Skuon town for a sampling of sautéed spiders-a local delicacy.
Today is a day to discover Kampong Thom – new hot tourism destination in Cambodia. Break our road trip at Kapong Thom town and at a monumental ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, built by the Khmers 1,000 years ago. Arrived in Siem Reap after a long journey, relax at your hotel.

Day 11: Siem Reap - Angkor Tour

(B, L)

After breakfast we continue to visit:
Banteay Srei: nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving.
Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers; the Prasat Kravan - with its unique brick sculptures; the Srah Srang - The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing; and the Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls).

Day 12: Siem Reap - Angkor Tour

(B, L)

We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist, the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon, the tour continue with the visiting to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Enjoy foot massage 1 hour before transfer to your hotel.

Day 13: Siem Reap - Vientiane

(B, L)

We embark on Ox cart to visiting the Khmer Village and enjoy view of the rice field and a lots of palm trees with great fresh air. We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals.
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to Vientiane - the capital of Laos.
Upon arrival, welcomed by tour guide at airport and transferred to hotel for checking in and lunch. Then, continue our trip to visit Vientiane’s attraction places for instance Wat Sisaket Sisaket (the house of thousand Buddha images), Wat Prakeo (the original home of the emerald Buddha), That Luang Stupa (the stupa that kept the relic of Lord Buddha), Wat Simuang, Patouxai (Vientiane arc de Triumph ) then explore Central Markets of Talad Sao and the well known weaving village, Ban Nong Bonathong then we head to the Mekong river bank to enjoy sunset over the Mekong River then transfer back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.

Day 14: Vientiane - Xieng Khuang

(B, L)

Morning flight to Xieng Khuang, visit Plain of Jars, capital of Muang Khoun, nearby village of Hmong. Arrive in Phonsavan, visit the first main site of the mysterious plain of jars. Over night in Xieng Khuang.

Day 15: Hanoi - Hue

(B, L)

Morning: Drive on road No.7 and road No.13 to Luang Prabang (6 hours drive); stop at villages and take photos of scenery; check-in hotel.
Afternoon: Visit stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; climb up the top of Mount Phousi: explore gilded stupa, view sunset over city and Mekong; then visit Night Street Market for handmade textiles of hill tribes.

Day 16: Luang Prabang - Khuangsi Waterfall - Luang Prabang

(B, L)

Whole day: Rise early and see monks receiving offerings; visit Phousi Market, then continue to the Khuangsi waterfalls; Along the way visit minority villages Ban Na Oun, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene; splash around in the pools near the waterfalls; on returning to Luang Prabang stop at the weaving village of Ban Phanom, then observe sunset at Wat Siphouthabat.

Day 17: Luang Prabang - Departure

(B)

Be free until transfer to Luang Prabang airport to for departure flight. Tour ends.

Quotation

Category	Net rate in US$/person in party of			Single supplement
	2 - 3	4 - 5	6 up
Standard	2131	1786	1436	+265
Superior	2262	1917	1568	+388
First class	2524	2180	1829	+600

Note*: rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals...

Inclusion:

• Twin sharing room in 2 - 4 star hotels based on bed and breakfast.

• Meals as mentioned the program, special requirements (vegetarian diet, Muslim food, etc.) can be arranged upon prior notice.

• Land transfer by private vehicle for whole trip, Reunification Train (sharing air-conditioned 4-soft berth cabins).

• Boat trip in Halong Bay, Nha Trang Bay, Hue, Mekong River Delta (Vietnam), Siem Reap and Luang Prabang.

• English speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request

• Admission fees for all sightseeing places and water puppet show tickets.

• 1 Bottle of mineral water and cool tissue per pax are available on the car.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All international and domestic flights and airport taxes.

• Visa arrangement.

• Travel insurances.

• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.)

• Drinks, tips and gratuities.

Packing list: Passport, towels, toiletries, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent.

Accommodation

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