4 Countries - 1 Destination
Day 1: Luang Prabang arrival (D)
Welcome to Luang Prabang - Laos, starting the long trip through 4 countries in Indochina area. Meet your tour guide and driver at Luang Prabang International airport, car transfer to hotel, check in hotel and relax after a long flight. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Luang Prabang (B,L)
One of the many reasons people get amazed in their Laos tours is the morning alms-giving ritual, which you will witness early in the morning. After that,we will enjoy a breakfast with bird"s twittering. Later, we will take a city tour to be acquainted with Luang Prabang.
Today we will visit: Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple. Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the skyline of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole town. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you take an excursion by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng (B,L)
After breakfast, we head south down route 13 to Luang Prabang. The stunning mountain scenery makes for an interesting journey in your Laos tours. After a couple of photo stops, we will arrive in Vang Vieng. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
As part of our half day tour of Vang Vieng, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout during war times. We will also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different lifestyles of the locals.We will be back to Vang Vieng at dusk.
Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 4: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (B,L)
After breakfast, our tour guide will take you out to kayak for 3 hours along the Song River. During the 3 hours, we will go visit some temples and caves,of which Tham Lom Cavemust be the most interesting one. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will drive you to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and another wonderful Laos tour destination. Check in upon arrival and have some free time in the city.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
Day 5: Vientiane (B,L)
Vientiane, being the capital of such an ancient country means it has all the reason to lure numbers of Indochina tours diggers to discover its majesty. Today, a city tour enables us to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues,; and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, housing the famous Emerald Buddha Image, amazes its Indochina tours makers. We also visit Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, getting an idea why it attracts so many people. And we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane"s own Arc de Triumph.
The rest of the day is free. Stay overnight in Vientiane.
Day 6: Vientiane – Siem riep (B,L)
We have some free time before flight to Siem Riep - Cambodia. Connecting to Laos, Cambodia shares something in common with Laos, that is, ancient charms and humble people. Travelling beyond the frontiers, our Indochina holiday reaches out to Siem Reap. Check in hotel upon arrival.
This afternoon, you will be free in Siem Reap.
Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: Siem Riep (B,L)
After breakfast, we will drive out of town to visit to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom dating back to 12th century. In Angkor Thom, we will visit the South Gate, the Bayon Temple, thePhimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, theElephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Have lunch in a nearby restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit Angkor Wat, famous for its beauty and splendor to all the Cambodia tour makers. Later, we will visit Bakheng Temple enjoying a romantic sun set view form Bakheng Hill. And then we will drive back to Siem Reap before dusk.
Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 8: Siem Riep (B,L)
This morning, we will visit Banteay Srei, aka Queen City and Banteay Samre, putting a perfect ending to yourCambodia tours. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the late afternoon, our steps reach out to Ta Prohm, one of the area"s most beautiful temples. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool, Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic. Preah Khan Temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei(surrounded by 4 concentric walls) and Ta Keo, constructed in late 10th early 11th century. Have lunch in a nearby restaurant and then we will go back to Siem Reap.
Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 9: Siem Riep (B,L)
The idyllic picture of Siem Reap, though less marvelous as Angkor Ruins, is considered as another piece of Cambodia tours" treasure. Today, we will take a horse-riding trip of one hour around Siem Reap. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip in Tonle Sap Lake to the floating village, which, interesting enough, is a completed community with markets, hospitals, schools and everything a community needs. Later, we will go to Puok National Silk Center to get fascinated by the artful performance at the looms.We will be back to your hotel before dusk.
At night, IOT will take you for a dinner show of Apsara dance, which is crowned to the west as Khmer Ballet, a real eye treat for your Cambodia tours.
Stay overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Riep – Phnom Penh (B,L)
Opening up to outsiders, Phnom Penh has triggered a tourism boom for world-wide Cambodia tour fans, keeping up with the conventional and still the hottest Cambodia tours destination of Siem Reap. Today,Phnom Penh welcomes you with her most enthralling smile. This morning, you will fly to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap.
Check in upon arrival and then we will start a city tour visting Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Raung Damrei Museum and National Museum of Fine Arts, ending the day in the Independence Monument.
Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 11: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Can Tho (B,L)
In the morning, Cambodia’ tour guide will drive you to the pier. Get on a boat, we will sail off to Chau Doc. With all the authentic rural life paintings along the river, you will find the 5-hour boat trip is quite a pleasant treat for your Indochina holiday! Have lunch on the boat.
When we arrive in Chau Doc, a Vietnam tour guide will take you to the visa control for entry into Vietnam, the amazing country with a handful to offer for your Indochina holiday. Afterwards, you will be driven to hotel for check-in.
Stay overnight in Can Tho.
Day 12: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh city (B,L)
The reason why so many Indochina tour makers choose to stop over in Can Tho all lies in the morning market of Cai Be. Countless boats swarm around the waters with every single boat hanging up one piece of goods at the pole as an advertisement, which makes it a perfect landscape painting for all the Indochina tour makers. Later, we will check out a family workshop, where people produce rice paper, coconut candy and rice wine in traditional ways. That will be followed with a small boat trip into the jungle along the natural cannels. We will be back to Can Tho before noon. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, IOT"s private van will drive you to Ho Chi Minh City. Check in upon arrival and have some free time in the city.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh city (B,L)
Today we will start a Ho Chi Minh City tour visiting the Thien Hau Temple, followed by the lively Binh Tay Market. As one of the spotlights for any Vietnam tours, Ho Chi Minh City lures worldwide Vietnam tour makers with its passion and magic. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh – Ha Noi (B,L)
Have breakfast and some free time in the city. Later in the morning, a flight will take you to Hanoi. Check in upon arrival.
Later, we visit the Confucian Temple of Literature, site of the first university in Vietnam, the Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda and ending at historic Hoan Kiem Lake, the social center of Hanoi. In the evening, you enjoy a traditional Vietnam water puppet show. A Vietnam tour would not be without this entertaining yet eye-opening art form that used to function as a religious ritual.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 15: Hanoi – Ha Long bay (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we will take a 3-hour scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, one of the most popular sites for all Vietnam tours. You will enjoy the world-known bay in a spectacular way in your Vietnam holiday! The selection of your junks are all well equipped with facilities to meet your needs. Itineraries are different, however, you won"t miss Bai Tu Long Bay, Coc Island, Cap De Island, Bo Cau Island, Vong Vieng fishing village,Trong Cave,Ho Dong Tien Cave, which are all the golden nuggets for your Vietnam holiday. Stay overnight on the junk.
Day 16: Ha Long Bay – Hai Phong – Ninh Binh (B,L)
Waking up in the morning, ocean wind is tousling your hair tenderly. What a fantastic Vietnam holiday! Have breakfast and then we will be back to the shore. Tour guide will take you to Ninh Binh via Haiphong. We will make a stop in Haiphong to visit the Navy Museum, one of the favorite Vietnam tour destinations for veterans. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
We will arrive in Ninh Binh in the afternoon. Highlight to many Vietnam tours in Ninh Binh is to take a sampan ride to Tam Coc, the famed "Overland Halong Bay". Enjoy the sunset on our way back to hotel.
Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 17: Ninh Binh – Ha Noi (B,L)
After breakfast, we make a visit to Hoa Lu with many pagodas dating way back to Dinh & Le Dynasty Bich Dong Cave Pagoda for a perfect ending of your Vietnam tours in Ninh Binh. Later, our private van will drive you back to Hanoi. Check in upon arrival. Have lunch en route.
In the afternoon, you will be free wandering in the beautiful capital of Vietnam.
Stay overnight in Hanoi..
Day 18: Ha Noi – Yangon (B,L)
This morning, we will say goodbye to Hanoi and fly to Yangon. Upon arrival, you will be taken to hotel for check-in.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day 19: Yangon (B,L)
Not so many places in Asia could be as such a city with endless surprises, which will be proved ture in today"s Myanmar tours in Yangon city. Our first stop will be the sparkling-over-town Shwedagon Pagoda. The massive bell-shaped stupa rises up to 10 meters above its hill-top surrounding, and the rituals held occasionally are really fascinating, making itself a highlight to any Myanmar tours in Yangon. Later, we will visit Chaukhtatgyi Paya where the giant Buddha is taking a rest. A small boat ride in Kandawgyi Lake (aka Royal Lake in some Myanmar tours) will reveal the grand Shwedagon Paya not far away in a different yet still marvelously beautiful way, putting a perfect end to our morning Myanmar tour in Yangon. Have lunch in a nearby restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Sule Paya, around which is the city"s traffic circle built up and Myanmar tour makers would revolve to get a glimpse of the enshrined Buddha hair. And then, we will have a great chance to get some great deals in Bogyoke Aung San Market (aka Scott Market in some Myanmar tours).
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day 20: Yangon – Bago (B,L)
After breakfast, drive from Yango to Bago. Check in upon arrival and take a break from the long drive. Have lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Shwetha Lyaung Pagoda with the giant reclining Buddha, an absolute highlight to all Myanmar tours. Later, we will visit Shwemawdaw Pagodasparklingly dominating the whole city. When sun is slowly setting, we will visit Kha Khat Wain Monastery where monks and novices are doing their daily ritual.
Stay overnight in Bago.
Day 21: Bago – Kyaikhtiyo – Bago (B,L)
After breakfast at hotel, then morning drive to Kyaikhtiyo. Kyaikhtiyo is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists. From the base camp (Kinpun Sakan) take a car ride up to Rathedaung (45 minutes) and then walk up to theKyaikhtiyo Pagoda (45 minutes). This is where you will find the famous "Golden Rock", a huge boulder precariously perched on the edge of a cliff face seemingly defying gravity. It is believed that Buddha"s hair is precisely placed on the Golden Rock stupa thereby keeping it"s fine balance. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will be back to Bago. Have some free time in the peaceful town.
Stay overnight in Bago.
Day 22: Bago – Yangon – Thanlyin – Yangon (B,L)
In the morning, we will drive back to Yangon, from where we will head to the ancient town of Thanlyin.
Once called Syriam, Thanlyin used to be an important trading port over-ruled by the Portugese and nowadays its surroundings offer many attractions for Myanmar tours makers. The old buildings still stand the evidence of the days of Proteguses colonial era. The 1822 meter long bridge spanning the Bago River made possible the 45 minutes drive from Yangon. Visit the fishing village of Kyuak Tan. The small village boasts for the Yele Pagoda, a temple complex on Khuak Tan Island in the Bago River. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will be back to Yangon. Enjoy an afternoon stroll in the famous Scott Market.
Stay overnight in Yangon.
Day 23: Yangon – Ha Noi (B,L)
Have some free time in Yangon. Later, you will fly to Hanoi. Check in upon arrival and have some free time at leisure. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 24: Ha Noi departure (B)
This is the last day of your Indochina holiday, feeling attached to Indochina the wonderful and blessed land? Today, your private Myanmar tour guide will take you to the airport for the flight back home, ending up your beautiful journey of Indochina tours.
Bon voyage and see you soon for your future Indochina tours!
End of services.
B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Diner