THE COLORS OF INDOCHINA
Day1 Arrive in Luang Phabang (B)
Arrive at Luang Phabang, welcomed by our tour guide and escorted to the city. Before checking into the hotel, we’ll have an oriented walking tour of Luang Prabang City. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Luang Phabang was the capital city of the first truly Lao Kingdom, Lan Xang in 1353. It remained to be the capital city until 1545 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. Still Luang Prabang served as the royal base of an independent kingdom competing with those in Vientiane and Champasak until much later. The last monarchy in Luang Prabang was dissolved in 1975 by Pathet Lao. Thanks to the history and to the preservation of the cultural legacy, much of Luang Prabang architecture remains intact. Luang Prabang was listed as the World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1995 and claimed to be the best preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia.
Luang Prabang City is right at the confluence of the Mekong and the Khan Rivers with the elevation of 700 m above the sea. The whole city is tiny, encircled by mountains and rivers with 150m-mount Phousi in the center. Luang Prabang City can be explored easily on foot. The pace of life here is indolent, traffic is light, so Luang Prabang is a perfect place to find your rhythm back after a long flight from home.
Day2 Luang Phabang Free at Leisure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Luang Prabang at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day3 Luang Phabang - Vientiane (QV102 : 1230 - 1310) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time at leisure until our driver comes back and transfers you back to the airport for the flight to Vientiane. Arriving at Vientiane, you’ll be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to the city. We’ll have a brief city tour of Vientiane including: Vat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, Vat Prakeo, Vat Simuang with its sacredness, the missile-like That Luang and Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe, the Patouxai Monument. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day4 Vientiane Free Day At Leisure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Vientiane at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day5 Vientiane - Phnom Penh (QV 841:1010 - 1140) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time at leisure until our driver comes back and transfers you back to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh, the Kingdom of Cambodia. Arriving at Phnom Penh Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the city.
In the afternoon, we’ll have a city tour of Phnom Penh including: the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom hill- the founding place of the city. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day6 Phnom Penh (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Phnom Penh at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day7 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (FT992: 1045 - 1140) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time at leisure until our driver comes back and transfers you back to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, home to the fabled Temples of Angkor. Arriving in Siem Reap, meet our Cambodia tour guide and we’ll drive to Rolous Town. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned from A.D 877-89), are among the earliest permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art.
In Rolous, we’ll tour the temples of Preah Ko (erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century and dedicated by the King to his ancestors), Bakong (the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, it has an active Buddhist monastery) and Lolei (built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city at Angkor).
In late afternoon, we’ll climb the Phnom Bakheng Hill to the hilltop temple and adore the stunning sunset view over the countryside and the fabled Angkor Wat. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day8 Siem Reap (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our morning tour starts with Angkor Thom 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(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. Return to Siem Reap for refreshment.
In the afternoon, we’ll enter the legendary world of Angkor Wat. We’ll have 2 to 3 hours for a guided tour which we’ll learn about the magical works of the Khmer to build these unrivalled structures. Then we’ll have some brief moments for self-exploring the upper levels of Angkor Wat. Since the top levels are vertically steep, it’s necessary we clamber them with good care. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat complex covers 81 hectares. 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 arts 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 symbolizes the ocean beyond.
Day9 Siem Reap - Hanoi (VN842: 1800 - 2000) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Late this morning we check out of the hotel and get our luggage into the vehicle. Then we travel through the countryside to visit Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Arts. Then we’ll move onto Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southernmost of which is remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. On the way back we will also see Ta Prohm temple embraced by gigantic trees and creepers.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a trip to visit the terrace of Sras Srang, Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. Then you’ll be transferred to Siem Reap Airport for the flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Arriving at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our Vietnam tour guide and escorted to the city. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day10 Hanoi City Tour. Hanoi - Lao Cai (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time at leisure in the morning. In the afternoon, check out of your hotel and start our discovery tour of Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from outside) and the Presidential Palace. The whole recalls some of the most remembered moments of the Vietnamese modern history. Then we’ll tour the legendary One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature (The Temple of Knowledge) – The First University of Vietnam. The king ordered the construction of the Temple since we wanted the people to appreciate knowledge and encouraged the study of Confucianism. After that the First University was built just to the back of the Temple of Literature to educate the talented students of the kingdom. The kings of Vietnam that time would choose the bests that passed the royal exams to serve the kingdom. Those passed the royal exams would be called PhD. This noble title was not awarded easily: conscientious study combined with talents was required. Visiting the Temple of Literature you’ll adore the learning tradition of the Vietnamese started by their visionary kings thousands of years ago.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi shaped up from around the 11th – 13th century. This was the business quarter of ancient Hanoi. Nowadays the Old Quarter of Hanoi still offers traffic, hustling and bustling atmosphere like no others. We’ll weave the Old Quarter of the city by push-rickshaw. In late afternoon, we’ll sample the unique water puppetry which dated back to the 11th century in Vietnam.
In the evening, we’ll take the night train bound for Lao Cai. Overnight on board the train. (Local train, 4 sleeper/air-con compartment. Private cabin is upon request and availability)
Day11 Arrive at Lao Cai. Lao Cai – Sapa
The journey by train stops at Lao Cai train station early in the morning. Lao Cai border town is where you can gaze across the Red River to China which is just on the other side. From Lao Cai the road winds up the terraced hillsides to Sapa, which offers the stunning mountain views of the North West of Vietnam. We arrive in Sapa and enjoy the rest of the morning free at leisure. Alternatively we can have a walking tour of Sapa colorful market.
Sapa is a town in cloud. This hill station is 1500 m above the sea. Sapa is home to 7 groups of ethnic peoples including The Kinh (Viet), The Black H’Mong, The Red Zao, The Giay, The Tay, The Xa Pho. Sapa offers the travelers relaxing holidays, adventure tours with home staying or mountain trekking and hiking. For the travelers who love conquering challenges, there’s the Fan Si Pan Peak which is over 3000 m elevation. This is the summit of Indochina and it can easily be adored from Sapa Town.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the walking tour to the breathtaking valley of Sapa to visit Cat Cat village (of the Black H’Mong people) and Cat Cat waterfall. We’ll enjoy a soft adventure trekking our way on the terraces in the Muong Hoa Valley. Overnight in Sapa.
Day12 Sapa (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
We head out for our morning tour to Ta Phin village visiting the Red Zao people. In Ta Phin we’ll enjoy the stunning nature settings and learn how the Zao live their life. After the tour, we’ll travel past the town to Tram Ton Pass which is nick-named the Gate Way to Heaven and the Silver Waterfall. On Tram Ton Pass, we’ll feel small by the 360 degrees view of the fresh surrounding nature: the ranges of high mountains above, the green valleys with terraces below, dotted in the nature are hill tribe villages and the hill tribe colorful costumes. On a clear day with the sun shining across, we are quite sure that it’s no different from heaven. We cherish the nature beauty for a moment and tour back to town. You have free time at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Sapa.
Day13 Sapa - Hanoi (Overnight Train) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we’ll start our tour to the wild orchid of Ham Rong Mountain. The mountain is just close to Sapa Town. Climbing the mountain is not a real adventure, but it requires a bit of effort. Once here we’ll be rewarded with the beautiful orchid flowers, the panoramic view of Sapa surroundings and the traditional ethnic minority music performed by the local boys and girls. Then we’ll get back to the hotel for you to pack up and check out.
In the afternoon, we’ll travel by jeep further into the Sapa Valley and have a walking tour of Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages which are home to the Black H’Mong and the Giay People. We’ll engage ourselves into the real life of the local hill tribes by visiting their houses and walking through their villages. We travel back to Sapa town and have some moments free at leisure. In late afternoon, we’ll transfer back to Lao Cai Train Station for the overnight train bound for Hanoi. Overnight on board the train.
Note: The train provides 4-soft sleeper air-con compartments. Private cabins are upon request with additional costs.
Day14 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Junk Cruise (L/D)
Arriving at Hanoi in early morning, you’ll have a tour with us in the Thong Nhat Park and engage ourselves in the moves of local people playing Taichi. Then we’ll leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay. We’ll have a break at half way for you to get refreshed.
Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk gliding further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay amid the towering mountain cliffs and on the emerald green water, you'll have relaxing time combining the fine tastes of the wine and the freshness of Ha Long Bay. During the cruise, we'll stop some times for visiting the amazing Sung Sot cave and the Ti Top white sand beach before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board the junk in the wild of Halong Bay.
Day15 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)
After breakfast on board the junk, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot.
After the last feast on board for lunch, our junk travels back to the harbor for disembarkation at 12.00 Noon. We rejoin our bus and travel back to our hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day16 Hanoi - Perfume Pagoda (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we travel through the tranquil countryside to Perfume Pagoda. Upon arrival, we’ll get on our sampan rowed by local ladies for Huong Tich Mountains. Arriving at the foot of the mountain, we’ll start our hiking tour through the myriad Buddhist Pagodas built into limestone mountain cliffs to Huong Tich Cave Pagoda. We’ll have some timeless moments in this cave which receives thousand of pilgrims a day in festive times, then descend the mountain for the boat trip back to our car park. We’ll travel back to Hanoi and arrive in late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day17 Hanoi - Hue (VN245: 1240 - 1350) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Travel back to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Hue. Hue was the capital city of Vietnam from 1802 - 1945. Hue is a charming imperial city with combination of the new and the old. The Perfume River bisects the city into the northern and southern parts. To the north is the ancient citadel surrounded by moats which were home to the royal court of Vietnam in the 19th century. Visiting the ancient citadel you can visit the Palace where the king lived, the quarter for the royal family and concubines, the royal library….Lots of damages during the war are still found here though. To the south is where hotels and fine dining restaurants are located. In Hue, we’ll visit the Imperial Citadel – A World Heritage Site.
Arriving in Hue, we’ll meet our Hue tour guide at the airport and transferred to the city for the tour of Hue Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba exotic market on the Perfume River Bank. Overnight in Hue.
Day18 Hue (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Hue at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Our recommended tours: The Royal Tombs to the western side of the city or the countryside around the city.
Day19 Hue - Hoi An(B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
We check out of the hotel in the morning. Our journey brings us through the scenic countryside of the Central Region of Vietnam to Hoi An. We’ll stop at the Lang Co Beach with fine white sand against the green mountain backdrop and on the Hai Van Pass which offers 360 degrees of breathtaking mountain and sea view. Descending the mountains, we’ll make our way to Da Nang where we tour the Cham Museum. At this museum we can adore the artifacts from the Cham Cultures which thrived in the Central Region of Vietnam from the 2nd through the 15th century. Then we have time for mid day break in Da Nang.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive out of Da Nang City to the Marble Mountains. There are 5 mountains which represent 5 elements on earth: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Soil. There are caves and pagodas built into caves visited by the local pilgrims. Right close to the Marble Mountains are the Stone-Carving Village and the famous China Beach which served as an R&R base for US Servicemen and war reporters in the past.
Hoi An was a famous trading port back to the 16 – 19th centuries. Hoi An was visited by merchants from China, Japan, Persia, Europe….at the times. Hoi An residents are composed of Vietnamese, Chinese. Hoi An’s architecture is the perfect combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles. Hoi An nowadays still retains the atmosphere of the old town dated back to the heyday which never fails to charm the visitors.
Apart from the cozy ancient town, Hoi An also offers the pristine white sand Cua Dai Beach which claimed one of the most charming beaches in the world. Hoi An has always been unforgettable memory for our dear travelers.
Arriving in Hoi An, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Overnight in HoiAn Ancient Town.
Day20 Hoi An (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Hoi An at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day21 Hoi An (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Hoi An at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day22 Hoi An - Da Nang - Saigon (VN325: 1330 - 1440) (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time until our driver comes back and transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Arriving in Saigon, met by our local tour guide and transferred to the city. We’ll have an oriented walking tour of Saigon before getting to the hotel. Overnight in Saigon.
Saigon sprawls its length along the Saigon River. With convenient transportation and location, Saigon has always been busy with trade and commerce for hundreds of years since its formation.
Saigon boasts its high rise buildings and luxurious hotels along the riverside. This area is particularly stunning at night when the city full of light can be viewed from a boat cruising on the Saigon River. There are also some rooftop bars and restaurants for you to watch Saigon at night from above.
Saigon is a city on the go, busy days and nights. It’s required no effort to find something to entertain ourselves while in Saigon. There are many pagodas, temples and museums in the city. Those who want to have more active experiences may like to get lost in the busy and exotic markets selling most of things on earth, the numerous bars and sidewalk cafes always full of guests, smoke and music, or just take part in the traffics like nowhere else in the downtown area. If those things are not enough, then there are lots of parks and water parks around the city for you to get relaxed.
Day23 Saigon - Cai Be - Vinh Long – Saigon (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we’ll discover the exotic lifestyle of the communities who live on the mighty Mekong River. We travel through the heart of the verdant Mekong Delta to Cai Be for our boat trip to Vinh Long.
In Cai Be we will witness an exotic floating market with boats carrying loads of commodities for bartering. We can engage in the bargaining sessions with the local merchants for the fresh fruits of the region. Then we’ll move on to visit exotic occupations still carried out by the locals such as making dry young rice, making rice papers, making coconut candy. After that our tour brings us to an old house with traditional Vietnamese architecture and we’ll learn about agricultural works through the ancient tools used here in the past.
Lunch is served right in a bonsai garden amid trees and tranquility. After lunch, we’ll relax with some walking tours or cycling tours through the village to learn more about the local life. We’ll also sample a bonsai garden and visit a ceramics workshop before rejoining our car and travel back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day24 Saigon Free At Leisure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have full day exploring Saigon at your own pace. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel.
Day25 Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
You have free time at leisure until our car transfers you back to the Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.
