Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos Cultural Adventure Tour

- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Saigon - Cu Chi - Tai Ninh
- Da Nang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Vientiane
- Luang Prabang - Pak Ou

About the Program:
Length: 17 days
Min/max: 6/20
Tour type: cultural adventure

This exploration of Indochina offers unmatched vistas of the beauty and history of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Your trip starts in Cambodia with the mysteries of the temple sites at Angkor Wat. Located in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, this ancient capital of the Khmer Empire was the centre of a civilization with the highest spiritual values. Here body and spirit, art and religion, town and land combined in perfect balance.

In Vietnam, you will journey from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south, to Hanoi, the capital, in the north. Vietnam retains much of its old-world charm while striving to take its place among its developing neighbours. Geographically, Vietnam is a land of contrasts, from deltas to jungles, pristine beaches to mist-shrouded mountains.

As you travel the length of this remarkable country, your most lasting impressions will come from meeting the local people. They are hard-working, educated and friendly. After decades of isolation, they are extremely open to contacts with visitors.

Last on this journey is Laos, the “Land of a Million Elephants.” It is a land-locked tropical wilderness punctuated by golden temples. Two-thirds of Laos consists of mountain ranges, highlands and plateaus. The Mekong river is the country's economic lifeline.

Echoes of the region’s chaotic past and tragic wars will colour the memories of your contacts with its gentle, friendly and welcoming people and their lush and tropical lands.

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1, Tuesday - Phnom Penh
Upon arrival Phnom Penh, greeting at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon visit the Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, National Museum, and Toul Sleng Museum.
B/L/D Amanjaya Hotel

Day 2, Wednesday - Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
Fly to Siem Reap in the morning. Afternoon, set out to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive sites. Sunset tour to Phnom Bakheng, one of the two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Angkor Wat site
B/L/D Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel

Day 3,Thursday - Siem Reap
Today we continue your exploration with a visit to the royal city of Angkor Thom. Afternoon continue your visit to picturesque Ta Prohm and Preah Khan.
B/L/D Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel

Day 4, Friday - Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City
Take the one-hour mid-day flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
B/L/D Caravelle Hotel

Day 5, Saturday - Ho Chi Minh City
This morning enjoy a private cooking class with a well-known Saigonese chef, Mrs Cam Van. In the afternoon, city sightseeing includes visits to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market and Reunification Palace.
B/L/D Caravelle Hotel

Day 6, Sunday - Ho Chi Minh City
Early morning excursion to Cu Chi to view tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. On to Tai Ninh and the Cao Dai temple.
B/L/D Caravelle Hotel

Day 7, Monday - Ho Chi Minh City/Danang/Hoi An
Fly to Da Nang. and drive to the ancient port of Hoi An. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the ancient Hoi An town center and take in the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties.
B/L/D Hoi An Life Resort

Day 14, Monday - Hanoi/Vientiane
Fly to Vientiane, Laos. Visit the major sights such as Wat Sisaket, Wat Hopha Keo, Pratuxai, That Luang Stupa and Ban Nongboua Thong.
B/L/D Settha Palace

Day 15, Tuesday - Vientiane/Luang Prabang
Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour of the ancient imperial city and its many beautiful temples, including Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Xiengthong,
B/L/D La Residence d’ Phouvao

Day 16, Wednesday - Luang Prabang
Travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours along the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from a mere centimeter to two meters in height. In the afternoon visit Lao villages famous for wood papermaking and silk weavings.
B/L/D La Residence d’ Phouvao

Day 17, Thursday - Luang Prabang
Transfer to airport. Depart for home city.
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