ID2: Amazing Indochina Tour 15 days

Itinerary in brief:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour ( B, L )
Day 3 :Hanoi – Halong bay on board (B, L, D)
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Danang flight - Hoian (B)
Day 5: Hoian  (B, L)
Day 6: Hoian - Hue (B, L)
Day 7: Hue – Ho chi  minh city (B, )
Day 8: Ho chi  minh – Cu chi tunnel (B, L)
Day 9: Ho chi minh – Mekong delta - Siem reap (B, L)
Day 9: Siem reap – Angkor tour (B, D)
Day 10: Siem reap tour (B )
 Day 12: Siem reap – Vientiane  (B, D)
Day 13: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 14: Luang prabang - Pak OuCave – Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 15: Luang prabang departure (B)

Itinerary in Details:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel by  Asia View Travel guides  with signboard, check in, relax. Today is free at your leisure to rest or explore, discovering your own first impressions of Vietnam. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi  city tour ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, This morning we start city tour  with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & October for annual maintenance ), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.  Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, Vietnam’s first university.  Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We continue to visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple,  do a cyclo tour around   around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong bay ( B, L,D )
Breakfast at hotel, then 8:30 AM  start a 3. 5 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
11.30 – 12.15   Welcome you at Hòn Gai Tourist International Port
12.30   Check in Overnight Cruise, welcome drink and programme introduction
13.00 – 14.30   The cruise start the journey
Lunch served with local cuisines menu and passing the paramount view at Ha Long such as Kicking Dog Island , Fighting Chicken Islet, Huong Peak, Thien Cung Cave,Dau Go Island…
15.00 – 16.00   Explore Surprise Cave – one of the most famous caves on the Ha Long bay.
16.30 – 17.30   Small boat take you to Titop seaside: visiting islands, climb to Titop Mountain 200m in height to see the whole bay and swimming at Titop Seaside.
18.00   Return to your cruise or relaxation or enjoy sunset on the bay
19.30 – 21.00   Dinner at the restaurant with organised menu
21.00   Free at your leisure like lying on deck or going to catch squid…
Overnight on junk.
 
Day 4: Halong bay –  Hanoi – Danang flight - Hoian ( Brunch )
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3.5 hour journey directly to the airport for flight to Danang. The guide in Danang will pick you up, transfer to hotel in Hoian, check in, relax. Hue. The guide in Hue will pick you up, transfer to hotel, check in, relax.

Day 5: Hoian  (B, L)
We spend this morning to explore Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders. Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian - Hue  ( B, L )
After breakfast at hotel, say good bye Hoian and embark on northern bound journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.  Stop en route at the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.  In Danang you will visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds.
Arrival Hue in Hue at noon time.
This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Day 7: Hue – Ho chi  minh (B,)
We embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River, viewing the city and the tranquil villages on the riverbank. We will walk up to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a nicely located pagoda, overlooks the Perfume River and the beautiful scenery beyond, where you get to learn more about the Buddhism in Vietnam.  One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperors final resting place. Transfer to the airport for flight to Ho chi minh. The guide in Ho chi minh will pick you up, transfer to hotel in city center, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh

Day 8: Ho chi  minh – Cu chi tunnel (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, drive to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At the height of the Vietnam war, the tunnel system stretched from the outskirts of Saigon  all the way to the Cambodian border of over 250 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnel system, built over 25 years starting in the 1940s, let the Viet Minh and, later, the Viet Cong, control a huge rural area. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was several stories deep and housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth, going to schools. Transfer back HCM city.
This afternoon, we do the half day city tour with  the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. The walk goes past  some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.

Day 9: Ho chi minh – Mekong delta -  Siem reap (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, then drive to My Tho. After arrival in My Tho, you will ride on a local motor boat along Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island and stop at the famous Unicorn Island. While at the Unicorn Island, While at the Unicorn Island, you will visit natural pure honey at the bee keeping farm. Taste some honey tea, rice wine, banana wine… Walking on the village and taking rowing boat along the natural water coconut canal to see the local lifestyle in the Mekong Delta. From there, you will continue your motor boat trip to Ben Tre province to visit a handmade coconut candy workshop. Then transfer to a small motor boat and travel along the lush, green canals that are so beautiful for photography. Stop at local restaurant for lunch. After that we walk to another area on the Unicorn Island to visit the tropical fruit garden, enjoy the fruits & listening to the Southern traditional music. Then the local motorboat will take you back to My Tho, where the car/van will drive you back to Ho chi minh city. Transfer directly to airport for flight to Siem Reap, Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport, pick up and transfer to the city center, check in, relax.

Day 10: Siem reap – Angkor tour (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, visit 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. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Afternoon 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, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara). Dinner at local restaurant and enjoy Apsara Dance show.
 
Day 11: Siem reap tour (B)
In the morning, visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and 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. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon.
Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

 Day 12: Siem reap – Vientiane  (B, D)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our staff and will meet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to the country. After a short rest, an orientation walk is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We’ll bask in the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and continue to explore until the late evening. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 13: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B, L)
AM: After breakfast, we’ll visit the major sights of the capital including: Wat Sisaket, the oldest city temple containing more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay (Lao’s Arc de Triomphe). From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place to browse for antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.
PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (closed Tuesday), which exhibits artifacts, photos and stories of Laos’s military as well as the countries leaders throughout time. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town, with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel and after a short rest we stroll around the Night Market. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to visit the sacred, gilded stupa as well view a beautiful city panorama . Overnight in Luang Prabang .

Day 14: Luang prabang - Pak OuCave – Luang Prabang (B, L)
After breakfast, we take a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way we stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. During the day, we will also visit a few local villages, including one that makes rice wine and the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. Once back in the city, we finish the day by driving to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.  Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 15: Luang prabang departure (B)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of alms giving to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum (closed Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Afterwards, we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.

Accommodation Options

Tour includes:
• All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
• 2 days 1 night cruise in Halong Bay ( private cabin - sharing boat )
•  All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Private English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurant with local foods (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Boat cruise as stated
• Air fare & airport taxes:  Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho chi minh, Ho chi minh – Siem reap, Siem reap - Vientiane, Vientiane – Luang prabang.
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water & towel
• Government taxes & Service charges

Tour excludes:
• International flights that not mentioned above
• Vietnam visa arrangement (upon request visa on arrival at 10 USD, not including stamping fee at 25 USD)
• Cambodia Visa (available at the airport at 20 USD/person)
• Laos visa (available at the airport at 30 USD/person)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Kayak in Halong Bay
• Surcharge on 24,31 December and Lunar New Year
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
• Tips and gratuities