INDOCHINA RETREAT
Day1 Arrive in Siem Reap
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.
Day2 Siem Reap
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.
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. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day3 Siem Reap
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we’ll travel through the countryside to visit Banteay Srei with some of the most impressive sculptures found in the region. 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.
Day4 Siem Reap - Vientiane (QV522: 0930- 1200) - Luang Prabang (QV105: 15.50 - 16.30)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transferred to Siem Reap Airport for the flight to Vientiane. Arriving at Vientiane, self-complete the formalities for entering Laos and self-check in for the flight to Luang Prabang. Arriving at Luang Prabang, welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to the city. We’ll have an oriented walking tour of Luang Prabang before getting to the hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day5 Luang Prabang
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day6 Luang Prabang - Hanoi (VN 864: 1905 - 2025)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day free at leisure until our tour guide and driver come back and transfer you back to Luang Phabang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day7 Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our tour starts with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace; this whole area reminds you some parts of the Vietnamese history and the most revered man of the nation. Then we’ll tour Tran Quoc Pagoda - Nation founding pagoda, Quan Thanh temple where you can enjoy the freshness of the West Lake and learn about the spiritual life of the Vietnamese.
In the afternoon, we’ll tour the Temple of Literature-1st University of Vietnam and the Ngoc Son temple. We’ll have a walking tour of the Old Quarter and free time for shopping in the narrow hustling bustling streets of the Old Town which dated back from the 11th century.
In late afternoon, we'll take you to a traditional water puppet show for sampling this Vietnamese unique art of water puppet performance. After the show, we'll travel back to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day8 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Junk Cruise
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leaving the hotel at 08:30 in the morning, we’ll drive through the Red River Delta which offers plenty photo opportunities of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields.
Our destination is the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The bay offers some 3000 mountain islands and islets towering in the Gulf of Tonkin in the East Vietnam Sea. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk cruises further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay, 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.
Day9 Ha Long Bay - Ha Long City
After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to explore a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that we cruise further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island... to the studio site where the famous Indochine Film was shot. After the last feast, our junk travels back to the harbor for disembarkation at 12.00 A.M. We travel further to Ha Long City. After checking into the hotel, enjoy free time at leisure. Overnight in Ha Long City.
Day10 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Hue (VN 245: 1240 - 1350)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Travel back to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Hue. Arriving at Phu Bai Airport, met by our tour guide and transferred to the city.
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.
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.
Day11 Hue - Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a tour to the royal tombs of King Tu Duc and King Khai Dinh. Then continue our journey 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. Arriving at Hoi An in the afternoon, we check into our hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
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.
Day12 Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day13 Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day14 Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (VN 337: 1410 - 1530)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure until our tour guide and driver come back and transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Nha Trang Beach City. Arriving at Cam Ranh Airport, met by our local tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day15 Nha Trang
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day16 Nha Trang
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day17 Nha Trang - Da Lat
Breakfast at the hotel.
We continue our journey along the blue ocean through the arid south central area of Vietnam. Drive 4 hours (205 km) from Nha Trang to Da Lat. We’ll visit Po Klong Giarai Cham tower, Chicken village and Prenn waterfall on the way. We’ll also stop the take a 360 degree view of the stunning natural beauty around Ngoan Muc Pass.
Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and go out for the tour of this romantic “Honeymoon” city. We’ll visit the Valley of Love and the central market, the famous Crazy house and former king Bao Dai’s summer villa. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day18 Da Lat
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day19 Da Lat
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day20 Da Lat - Saigon (VN 465: 1210 - 1250)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure until we transfer you to Da Lat Airport for the flight to Saigon. Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, met by our tour guide and transferred to the city. We’ll have an oriented walking tour of Saigon Down Town area including the Ben Thanh Market, The Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, L’Hotel De Ville before getting to the hotel. Overnight in Saigon.
Day21 Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at leisure. Only accommodation with breakfast is provided by Paradissa Travel. Overnight in Saigon.
Day22 Depart Saigon
You have free time at leisure until our tour guide and driver come back and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight. Time to bid farewell to the Vietnamese beamy smiles.
