Description of itinerary
- Ho Chi Minh City;
- Cu Chi Tunnels;
- Mekong Rivers/My Tho;
- Can Tho;
- Da Nang/ Hoi an ancient town;
- Hue Royal City;
- Hanoi;
- Halong Bay;
- Luang Prabang;
- Vientiane;
- Siem Reap;
- Phnom Penh;
Day 1 – Arrival Ho Chi Minh City (by A/C car)
Arrival in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. Warmly welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with tour guide at the meeting points Tan Son Nhat Airport. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, a young city with the age of more than 300 years, a center of culture, education, commerce and tourism of Vietnam, the biggest city of Vietnam mix with the West and the Orient, and once known as the “Pearl of Far East”.
Transfer to hotel for check in and time of rest.
Note of Check-in/check-out procedures: Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel can guarantee early check in or late check-out at 50% of the room rate or full charge as depend on the state at that time.
In the afternoon, you start the tour around Ho Chi Minh City with visit to Neo-Roman Notre Dame Cathedral – one of the most splendid and typical of the beautiful French-built churches in Ho Chi Minh city, next Municipal Post Office – Saigons French-style main post office to admire and take photos of its nice architecture that is one of the Ho Chi Minh CITYs symbolizing images. You also visit to the Reunification Palace – a symbol of Saigon old Government before 1975, (also called former President Palace) to learn the sorrowful historic of Vietnam Ideology War from 1954-1975, then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Later, pass by Ho Chi Minh City People Committee (also the old French City Hall before 1975), and Municipal Theatre built in 1899. Rest time of day for shopping in the busy Ben Thanh Market- a most typical market of Vietnam, with how many things are available for your choice: jewelry, gold and silvers items, silk, lacquer-ware, woodcarving, ready-made clothes… all at extremely attractive price.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and free time for your own activities.
You shall not miss an Outdoor dinner at Binh Quoi Village.
For those travellers thirsting for cultural highlights of Vietnam, try dinner at Binh Quoi village for the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Vietnamese cuisine.
Evening is the time of Cultural Show-Dinner, is an fantastic dinner in a garden-riverside restaurant on buffet or set-menu, transfer to Binh Quoi tourist village, and enjoy a traditional show of wedding ceremony before having buffet dinner on the riverside restaurant with a very pleasant setting. The show will tell you the Southern Vietnamese traditional wedding with folk music and classic melodies, rites expressing Vietnamese humanity, a cup of reception herbal tea is good beginning to wake-up your mind for a night show.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (breakfast).
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City – CU CHI TUNNLES & SHOPPING (By A/C Car, 70km)
After breakfast, take an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels to have a look at a famous revolutionary vestige of Ho Chi Minh City and to explore the special structure of this area with a network of tunnels totaling over 200Km. Going down and crawling in the tunnels here visitors can get the unique experiences of guerrillas living and fighting underground during the wars and perhaps visitors would understands the most interesting stories of Viet Cong, the US army before April 1975. A lot of information with the exhibits will be showed to you.
Return Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy city tour in the afternoon, Afternoon visit China Town, the really typical marketplace, a good indication of the importance the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnams economy. Witness the bustling Binh Tay Wholesales Market where the most Oriental typical commercial center, continuing to visit a Chinese Lady Temple of over 150 years, with the legendary story of the ancient boat-men refugees from mainland China during the feudal dynasties, which are illustrated via an impress collection of Chinaware and porcelain masterpieces. Left time of the day is for shopping at a lacquerware/Silk factory of Handmade Workshop where the skillful artisans will explain and show you the whole interesting and complicated process to produce a beautiful lacquerware from wood, egg shell, oyster shell, lacquer, and sewing the long-dress (Ao Dai)…
Evening, you will have an interesting dinner cruise (see supplements) on Saigon River in a floating restaurant and getting the admirable feel of the charming views of Saigon river and city-by-night during a short river-cruising.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (breakfast).
Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City – MEKONG RIVERS (MY THO – Can Tho) (by A/C car 180 km, boat)
After breakfast, check-out for a fantastic excursion to Mekong Rivers, overland 70 kilometers to My Tho town – the “Gateway of Mekong River and its Delta” short stopover at Cao Dai Temple in Ben Luc town, a very specific religion of countrymen in Mekong Delta which combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism, and native Vietnamese spiritualism. Mekong Delta – the rice granary of Vietnam and has vast areas of durian, mango, rambutan and other delicious tropical fruit trees.
Arrival My Tho and transfer to the bank of Mekong River, take a motor river-boat which to be rent exclusively for the group then crossing the Upper River and cruising along Tan Long Peninsula, lets enjoy this golden moment to relax the verdant luxuriant sceneries of the watery region, taste very fresh coconut milk, disembark and visit a island, stop-over a handicraft village that produces house-hold items from materials of coconut trees. Walking on the quite country roads, you will reach to local lush orchards, taste delicious fresh fruits, drink hot tea with honey during the traditional melodies and folk music surround you. From here you can observe the life of the Mekong River Delta, the main source of rice and many other agricultural products of Vietnam. Enjoy also a short tilbury carriage tour on the village road. Take boat trip along the canal network with a bit of adventure mood in Ben Tre Province to visit a bee farm and then a coconut candy workshop. Till now rivers and artificial canals are an important circulation system of the Mekong Delta.
Then go straight to the centre of Mekong Delta. Slow-down for photo and picturings, set-off and a moment on peak of My Thuan bridge for gaze away out to rivers & delta, it is a longest and most beautiful bridge of Vietnam measuring 1,600m across the Upper River. Cross Lower River by big ferry to reach Can Tho – the capital of Mekong Delta.
Arrival in Can Tho, check in then take your time to free at leisure, enjoy yourself the romantic and pleasant views of Vietnam countryside. Nothing is more refreshing than a view to the sun that is about setting in the horizon, sight and sound by the riverside at sunset, and salubrious countryside breeze, which blows over..are indeed soothing and invigorating.
Overnight in Can Tho (breakfast).
Day 4 – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City – DA NANG/ HOI AN toWN (by A/C car 180 km, boat, plane)
This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the pier then embark on an elegant traditional Mekong wooden ship, and cruising during sunrise, visit Cai Rang floating market. Explore the treasures, strange-looking views of Mekong Rivers. Cruising back to your hotel/resort, a moment of resting, check-out then travel by bus to the City, stop-over Ninh Kieu wharf on the bank of Lower river – is a beautiful city garden where hundreds of shuttle-boats are waiting the passer-by, a good and memorable Group-picture should be take place, visit a superb ancient house once a setting for the famous French film “Lamant”, the house is dated 1800s with baroque detail.
Drive back Saigon and straight-up to Tan Son Nhat airport for flight to Danang by VN326 17.30-18.40.
Da Nang City, an ancient land closely connected with cultural traditions, mixing the famous beautiful sites, the white sand beaches.
From Da Nang you continue to Hoi An ancient town, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, 30 km south of Danang, has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. Occupied by early western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs.
Check in your hotel and free at leisure for your own activities.
Overnight in Hoi An (breakfast).
Day 5 – HOI AN ANCIENT toWN Half day tour – DA NANG – HUE ROYAL CITY Half day tour (by A/C car 135 km, rickshaw)
Today, in the morning, enjoy an interesting Rickshaw or leisurely walking, the best way to discover Hoian ancient town, visit The Japanese Covered Bridge where retains a harmony of architectural styles, combining Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese cultural characteristics. Ong Pagoda is one of the typical pagodas in Hoi Ans old quarter, built in 1653 and is dedicated to Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Van Truong). Fukienese Assembly Hall was built in 1692 by Chinese Phuoc Kien merchants, is architecturally unique with its artistic ornaments and beautiful statues, Chinese architectural style combined with Vietnamese workmanship has enriched it with Hoi Ans cultural character. Tan Ky Ancient House, constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant. It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly as it did in the early 19th century, Hand-made Silk workshop as a last destination.
Back to your hotel for check-out and drive to Da Nangand take a brief visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, began in 1915. This is the only museum dedicated to preserving the unique Champa sculptural heritage in South East Asia. There are about 300 items of sculpture exhibited here. Most of them are original works carved in sandstone, some are terracotta. Items exhibited include altars statues and decorations from Cham towers and palaces. The statues include the Gods Siva Vishnu Brahma as well as the brahmanists Buddhas dancers and musicians elephants lions the holy cow Nandin and the holy bird Garuda. These date from the 7th century to the 15th century, then stone carving villages at Marble Mountains, where visitors will see the skilful artisans working on the products of marble/granite and visitors can choose a collection of excellent stone products for souvenir.
Proceeding to Hue Royal City – the Complex of Monuments, the heart of central Vietnam served as Vietnams political capital 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Hue – has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period.
The trip passes many spectacular scenarios along the National Highway 1, via the breathing Hai Van Pass, literal meaning is “Sea and Cloud”, is the highest and longest pass in Vietnam with the north- south national highway zigzagging through it for almost 20 km. Reaching to a height of 496 m above sea level the pass seems to be lost in the clouds almost all of the time. In the 15th century King Le Thanh Ton when stopping here to admire the dreamy and majestic scene of sky cloud and sea called it “De Nhat Hung Quan” (the First Grandiose Landscape of the country). From the highest point of the pass you get a birds eye view of the rich lowlands encircling the city of Danang with its image reflected on the waters of Han River. To the south and at the foot of the mountain lies the Nam O seashore where there is a fine beach with gentle waves and fishing boats crowding the water front.
Photo-stop somewhere in the Pass, get your perfect pictures of Lang Co beach, a spectacular landscape & peaceful fishing hamlet.
Upon arrival in Hue, followed-up by an afternoon tour, photo-stop at the Royal National high-school and its Royal Stele on the bank of Perfume River, which was the most famous National school in Vietnam, visit The Imperial City – Purple Forbidden City, is the best-preserved remnant of a vast citidel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. To put the ruins into context, it is important to consider how they were originally used., there are a network of palaces, gates, and courtyards that served as The Emperors home and the administrative core of the Empire, visit The Flag Tower – a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, the nine holy cannons are housed in two buildings beside the The Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors in the Citadel of Hue, Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great courts meetings. It faces the Noontime Gate (Ngo Mon Gate) and lies right on the central axis of the Citadel, The Mieu Temple is situated southwest of the Citadel and facing south, dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, then The Royal Theater – DUYET THI DUONG was the oldest of Vietnamese traditional stage that remained.
Transfer to hotel for check in. Free evening for individual exploring in dreamlike Hue.
Overnight in Hue (breakfast).
Day 6 – Hue half day tour – Hanoi half day tour (by A/C car, boat, plane)
After breakfast, check out hotel and transfer the Royal Marina and enjoy cruising boat upstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of Heavenly Lady).
While the wind smootly moves the bamboo branches.
One hears the Thi n M? bell, and the Th?-Xuong roosters song.
Thien Mu Pagoda located on a sloping pine hill with the front side facing the Perfume River, was firstly built in 1601 which its 21-metre-high tower of seven storeys and refined bell are always the most beautiful sceneries of the ancient pagodas in whole country, and the highest spirit of Vietnamese also, a moment enjoy the beautiful views of sunset, the sun is setting down along the Perfume river and the tinged clouds becoming dim on horizon. Lets put in your mind the sceneries surroundings.they may be a shine star of lifetime and memorable feelings. Continuing to upriver and visit the ROYAL toMB of Minh Mang King – one is impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.
Then, straight up to the Phu Bai airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi by VN244 at 13.50-15.00.
Hanoi – its legendary beginnings from 1,010 to 15th century then before the World War II, after 1954 as well, is the cradle of Red River Delta civilization with green rice-fields, its Old streets and colonial Quarter, its calm lakes, the shaded boulevards, its verdant public parks and sunny smiles with truly Far-East Asian faces… Our experienced tour guides will transmit you the most lovely aspects of Hanoi – the ancient city of 1,000 yrs, during 45 by coach from the Airport to your Hotel in the centre city.
Right from the airport, enjoy an interesting tour by traditional Pedicabs, the best and most stylish way as far more charming to see Hanoi and to take in the sights and sounds of the Old quater is by Cycle (a tricycle), your people will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour the Old Quarter and shopping streets to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas, the small rickshaws will carry you strolling around the Old Quarter and shopping streets, to relax and view to daily-life surrounding or communicating is a good way to have a full impression of the city, catch the spirit of Vietnam. Rickshaws will return back at the Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake – the Return-Sword Lake, to visit Ngoc Son – Heroic Temple, But Tower, where you will be fascinating with legendary stories from 600 years that a turtle stole a kings sword and took it to the bottom of this lake.
A moment free in Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the lovely Hanoi landscapes in the sunset until the time of water puppet show, a unique art form of Vietnamese, at Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe, and you will also experience more about a specific culture in South-East Asia coming from an agriculture of wet rice during the performance.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and free time for your own activities.
Overnight in Hanoi (breakfast).
Day 7 – Hanoi Half day tour – Halong BAY (by A/C car 175km)
After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour of Hanoi, lets experience the basic concepts of political Vietnam currently by visit to the Chairman Palace area, there are Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ba Dinh National square, Stilt House; One Pillar Pagoda, a nice group picture should photo in the parade yard of Ba Dinh National square with the great back view of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Continuing to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple are located on an islet of West Lake, then the Temple of Literature, is a classic Confucianist temple from the category “Confucianism”, was founded as a Confucian Temple and a huge statue and alter to Confucius remain there today, the first university in Viet Nam was founded here and many rows and rows of big stone slabs that sat on the backs of stone tortoises. These slabs are actually the stelae of the schools successful doctorate candidates.
Then straight up to Halong Bay, 175 km from Hanoi, the highway is smoothly and cost you of 3.5 – 4 hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages ….there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explaination of Vietnam by our tour guide.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and take your time to free at leisure. (we highly recommend a strolling walk along the shore of Halong Bay while the sun is setting down, enjoy yourself the pure breeze, beautiful view of glow of sunset in the sky… is the perfect compensation to the busy days recently).
Overnight in Halong Bay (breakfast).
Day 8 – Halong BAY – Hanoi (by A/C car 175km, a Cruising tour by wooden junk)
After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to the Marina for a cruising tour 5 hours by a big wooden Junk on Halong Bay, this is a golden time for your voyage – a masterpiece of Nature is dawning in the bright morning sunlight.
Ha Long Bay is constituted by 3000 small and big islands of all shapes.
In 1994 UNESCO classified Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage and in November 2000, the World Heritage Committee reconfirmed this classification, your excursion to Halong Bay will re-evaluate the classification of UNESCO to this fairyland.
In the book intituled “Wonders of the World” published in 1950. The French marshal Lyautey compared it with Venice rocks in the “Letters of Tonkin and Madagascar ” (June 24, 1895).
The French novelist Yvonne Schultz did not hesitate to praise the miraculous beauty of this bay:
All heights and ten thousand forms; imagination, imitation, pagodas, Hindu temples, menhirs, Chinese towers, pieces of chess-board or true immense mountain. And the extraordinary flows simulating the ruined keeps, the broken down bastions, a succession of palaces with the open belly and tribes of mutilated idols.
Halong BAYis nearly a hidden bay with thousands of limestone islands densely rising from the blue jade water in a sea area of over 1500 square kilometers. Its 1969 green islands enfeeble the strong winds blowing from the ocean to leave the transparent water of the bay often calm in cool and healthy air. From time to time, sailing Junk appearing and disappearing between the islands make the poetic sight more colorful like sparkling pearls or coral reefs found out in the bay. The beauty of the bay is not monotone, at different positions of viewing, it will astonish viewers with quite different fascinations. In the caves and grottoes of stone islands, visitors will discover and admire how many impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caves have strange but very accurate names, have their own legends in their names as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace) grotto, Dau Go (Wooden Head) grotto, stop-over to visit the caves, your sailing Junk will continue to visit around the shapely islets of fighting cock, incense-burner and others. Landing in Titop Islet, there is the calm and so clean sand & transparent beaches, somewhat little rocky mountains and a beautiful tall terrace, enjoy sun-sea bathing there that always waits to give you the most wonderful sea bathing in calm, transparent water under the sunlight.
We shall suggest you do not miss a romantic lunch with very fresh sea-food on-board, since after visit the floating-rafts/houses of living sea-food, taste the specilities of Halong Bay is quite a life-time experience.
The Junk sailing back to Marina on early afternoon. Then, drive back to Hanoi. Free leisure at hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi (breakfast).
Day 9 – Hanoi – LUANG PRABANG (by A/C car, plane)
After breakfast, check out and continuing to visit the most national character museums of Hanoi, visit Vietnam History Museum to have a look at the collections of exhibited artefacts dating back from the time when young Vietnam keenly struggled to against the Chinese attempts at dominating this small country; then the hard struggle against the French colonists and history of the Communist Party as well. Then Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum to learn about Classical and Contemporary master-piece of Vietnam from thousand years. You also visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where contains more than 10,000 objects which depict all aspects of life, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Left time of the day, you have free time for your own activities or take time to do shopping at Dong Xuan Market, the biggest market in Hanoi.
Then, straight-up to the Noi Bai airport for a departure flight to Luang Prabang by VN865 at 14.55-16.15 or QV323 18.25-19.25HRS.
Welcome to Luang Prabang – the ancient capital of the Lao Kingdom, list by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in 1995. Luang Prabang today is a small, peaceful town with a remarkably well-preserved combination of Lao and colonial French architecture, which led to UNESCO World Heritage in 1995. Though virtually nothing of the magnificent 14th century capital of Fa Ngoum has survived the ravages of time and numerous invasions, the city is still a veritable treasure trove of beautiful temples, and historical monuments of the kingdoms that rose and fell in the centuries that followed.
Transfer to hotel for check-in and free leisure at night.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (breakfast).
Day 10 – LUANG PRABANG (by A/C car)
After breakfast, a full day sightseeing around Luang Prabang including visit National Museum at the former royal Palace which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao cultural dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Then visit the weaving village of Lu ethnic at Ban Phanom which is well known for its hand weaving.
Afternoon you will visit some royal temples such as: Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple; Heading out of this area, we explore some other major sights including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun,inside you will see the stupa which is know as that Makmo because the form is like the half of Watermelon,the temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways.
Continue to Wat Aham, which was formerly the residence of the Sangkharat (Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism). Two large banyan trees grace the grounds, which are semideserted except for the occasional devotee who comes to make offerings to the towns most important spirit shrine at the base of the trees. Followed-up is a visit to Wat Mai – largest temple in Luang Prabang with a gorgeous atmosphere, playing the role of a temple for the royal family until 1875. If enough time, enjoy shopping at the central market and strolling around the shopping area, take your time to enjoy a busy market day, communicating with the local sales and all sorts of their products. Its quite a sight to see, to give somewhat a picture of Lao social living. Finally, you climb up to the top of the Phousi temple with 382 steps up to take a good view of the beautiful sunset, of greater Luang Prabang and Mekong rivers on surrounding.
On early evening, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Back to your hotel and free at leisure at night.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (breakfast).
Day 11 – LUANG PRABANG PAK OU CAVES – Vientiane (by A/C car, boat, plane)
After breakfast, check out and we enjoy an excursion by boat for along the Mekong River to visit the holly caves of Pak Ou: Tham Ting and Tham Phoum. A repository for old or damaged Buddha images that once graced household shrines, the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum have become highly venerated sanctuaries. During Lao New Year boatloads of Luang Prabang residents make the 25km pilgrimage up the Mekong River to the caves to wash the Buddha images and make merit, just opposite Mekong rivers bank is the village of Ban Xang Hai. Though for centuries the village made its living by crafting stoneware jars, more recently it has become famous for brewing a particularly fiendish liquor, made from fermented sticky rice, called lao-lao.
Back to Luang Prabang and enjoy the Kuangsi waterfall, a beautiful spot 32 km south of town with a wide, many-tiered waterfall. Go on a trail ascends through the forest along the left side of the fall to a second tier, a large pool will appears in your eyes (swimming is available), tourists will stop here for a while, explore the fell and surroundings with lot of interests.
After that, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Vientiane by QV104 at 19.20-20.00.
Welcome to Vientiane – the Capital of Laos – the only land – locked country in Southeast Asia land of a million elephants and one of the last places to see old Indochina. Laos isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of southeast Asia.
Sits on a bend in the Mekong River amid fertile alluvial plains. Despite its chequered past, Vientaine is a laid-back city with a number of interesting Wats and lively markets.
Transfer to hotel for express check-in then free time.
Overnight in Vientiane (breakfast).
Day 12 – Vientiane – Phnom Penh (by A/C car, plane)
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport for flight to Phnom Penh – Cambodia by QV841 at 10.10-11.50.
Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom of sorts, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city. Our friendly Cambodia tour guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in then take your time to have a rest before enjoy a half day city in the afternoon.
Afternoon, visit the Independence Monument – the Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodias ruled by France in 1953, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Continue to visit National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, Copper, wood and others. They are really the cultural treasure of Cambodian. Finally visit to the Royal Palace compound, was built by King Norodom in 1866, inside its gleaming yellow walls are most conspicuous feature and impressive colorful Khmer-style Halls for the Royal family, then visit Silver Pagoda, located in the compound of the Royal Palace. Inside its floor is constructed of 5000 silver tiles. In the center of the pagoda there is a magnificent 17th-century emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal and its walls enclosing are covered with frescoes depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana. Rest time of day for shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market) that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodians special character through local specialities, their houses, their face.
Back to your hotel and free at leisure for your own hobbies.
Overnight in Phnom Penh (breakfast).
Day 13 – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (by A/C car, speed boat)
Wake-up and early breakfast then take a speed-boat trip from Phnom Penh ETD 07.00 to Siem Reap ETA 12.30 (duration depending on the seasonal tide). Express cruising on the Tonle Sap, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and the largest in Asia, its extraordinary bio-diversity and hydrology make it an ecological wonder of the world, offer visitors an insight into the old tradition of riparian life and natural splendor of Cambodia.
Arrive Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Cradle of Angkor Civilization – Where Cambodian were Born, this is also a famous Archaeological City, as named as one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the World. Covering approx 600 sq km, it contains more than 100 fabulous ancient monuments and over dozen major compound Temples, which were built during the most splendid Era of the Khmer Dynasty between the 9th – 13th century and were the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. The constant building program undertaken by successive Khmer kings can be compared favourably with the pyramid construction projects of the Pharaohs in Egypt. Similar to the Pharaohs, the Khmer kings made use of a vast force of slave labour. Each new “project” was made possible by the 750,000 people estimated to have lived at Angkor during the 12th and 13th centuries. Here, travellers will have experiences about Cambodians Spirit value worth through Ancient Temples (worshipping Shiva-Hindu, or Buddha, Khmer Kings), the stately vestiges of Old Palaces, Royal Courts, ancient Terraces, Public Building, collapsed citadels and antique Towers.
Drive to hotel for check-in then take your time to have a rest before enjoy a half day city in the afternoon.
Afternoon, continue to the wonderful Angkor Wat – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th, Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 metres by 800 metres borders the inner edge of the moat, and temples greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls…
In the late afternoon coming to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the Yacovarman I King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable lifetime when viewing the marvellous sunset on Angkor Wat and on the other sites.
Back to your hotel and free at leisure for your own leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap (breakfast).
Day 14 – Siem Reap (by A/C car)
A fullday to discover Siem Reap.
Firstly, you will visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12th century in the center of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara; Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru; Terrasse of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the kings grand audience hall ; Terrace of the Leper King a plateform 7m high, on the top stands a nude though sexless statue; Phimean Akas temple means “Celestial Palace”, dedicated to Hinduism.
Afternoon, continue to visit the Gate of the Death, Thommanon, small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. Its Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the carved apsaras and the shape of the tower, Chaosay Tevoda, it seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon but actually was built much later in Suryavarman IIs rule than Thommanon, Banteay kdei Then visit Kravan, Srash Srong, & especially Ta Phrom Temple, was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy mans work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.
You shall not miss an interesting dinner with Apsara Dance
For those travllers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as Apsara Dance after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as dance-drama in that the dances are not merely dance but are also meant to convey a story or message.
We would strongly recommend a Cultural Show-Dinner on buffet, with the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Cambodian cuisine in a local restaurant. Your clients will enjoy able the tradition Royal musical instruments of Cambodia. A traditional music band will sow in your mind the most memorable moments of lifetime thru the folk-music, folk-singers, folk-songs and folk-dances of Apsara dancers during dinner.
Free time at your hotel at night.
Overnight in Siem Reap (breakfast).
Day 15 – Siem Reap Departure (by A/C car, boat, plane)
Flight back home via Bang kok or Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, you would be free at leisure until the time of check-out then transfer to Siem Reap airport for a departure flight back home via Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City ) or Bang kok. Have a safe trip come home!
Check-out procedures: Please note that standard check out time is 12.00 and late check out is subject to room availability. Hotel can guarantee late check out at 50% of the room rate or full charge as depend on the state at that time. We can eventually deal with the hotel in order to guarantee few rooms at disposal of the group, but it is always subject to room availability at the time of check out.
Its timely, you have to say goodbye Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia, Good-bye Indochina. We (IndoChina Incentive House/Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos then may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, then get the really restful moments in a diversified world and this colourful sub-region of the Mekong River: VIETNAM – LAOS – CAMBODIA – THAILAND – MYANMAR !
Goodbye and do hope to see you again!
Prices in U$ Dollar
Tour rates
Rating Hotels |
2 |
3 |
4-6 |
7-10 |
11-14 |
15+1 |
20+1 |
25+1 |
Single Suppl. |
Deluxe 5* |
2625 |
2346 |
2080 |
1990 |
1897 |
1871 |
1688 |
1642 |
1012 |
1stClass 4* |
2280 |
2003 |
1837 |
1663 |
1539 |
1507 |
1436 |
1393 |
837 |
Superior 3* |
1931 |
1654 |
1486 |
1313 |
1078 |
1037 |
972 |
932 |
588 |
Supplement of Meals in the local restaurants (including tour guide & round trip transfer):
- US$15 / pax / lunch.
- US$20 / pax / dinner.
- US$22 / pax / Saigon river cruising dinner.
- US$25 / pax / dinner with Traditional Wedding Show in Saigon (available on Tue, Thu & Sat)
- US$65 / pax / dinner with ROYAL FORMALITIES at DUYET THI DUONG THEATRE inside the CITADEL (for group-size over 25 paying paxs).
- US$25 / pax / dinner with Apsara traditional show in Angkor Village Apsara Theatre www.angkorvillage.com (available on Tue, Thu & Sat)
- US$20 / pax / dinner with Apsara traditional show in local restaurants.
- VICTORIA HOTELS & RESORTS: US$25 – 35/LUNCH or DINNER (set menu)/pax/meal. For group over 15 Pax staying in Victoria Hotels & Resorts, 01 compulsory Lunch or dinner is required to take place inside.
Supplement of the airfares for inner flights on Economic Class
- Saigon/ Danang: US$110/PAX inclusive of departure airport tax;
- Hue/ Hanoi: US$110/PAX inclusive of departure airport tax;
- Hanoi / Luang Prabang by VN: US$ 195/PAX inclusive of departure airport tax;
- Hanoi / Luang Prabang by QV: US$ 175/PAX inclusive of departure airport tax;
- Luang Prabang / Siem Reap: US$ 235 /PAX inclusive of departure airport tax.
REMARK: The airfare ticket may change without prior notice, unless tickets issued.
Inclusive of
- Private transportation between areas by air-conditioned vehicles, boat, rickshaw as indicated in the itinerary.
- Accommodation based on twin – sharing room with daily breakfast.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary on traveling days.
- Speed-boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap as indicated in the itinerary.
- Regional English speaking guides during tour on travelling days.
Exclusive of
- International/inner flights and its departure airport taxes.
- Visa arrangement fees. PLEASE ASK US FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCES.
- Insurances.
- Personal expense such as telephone calls, fax, laundry, beverages and meals, and highlights or sightseeings which are not indicated in the program.
- Lunch & Dinner in the good local restaurants (see supplements).
- An extra fee for French/Russian/German/Spanish/Italian speaking guides.
- Excess baggage charges. Tips to guides, porterages & drivers.
Child policy (sharing room with parents)
- Child under 6 YRS without extra bed: 40% of adults rate, with extra bed: 65% of adults rate.
- Child from 6-10 YRS without extra bed: 60% of adults rate, with extra bed: 80% of adults rate.
- Child from 10 YRS without extra bed: 80% of adults rate, with extra bed: 100% of adults rate.
Hotel List
Hotels
Cities |
Deluxe 5* |
First Class 4* |
Superior 3* |
Ho Chi Minh City |
New World
Equatorial |
Windsor
Rex
Kim Do |
Saigon
Oscar
Royal Pearl
Vien Dong |
Can Tho |
Victoria Can Tho |
Golf Can Tho |
Hoa Binh
Saigon Can Tho |
Hoi an Ancient Town |
Palm Garden Resort
Golden Sand Resort |
Hoi an Beach Resort
River-Beach Resort |
Hoi An
Glory |
Hue Royal City |
Imperial
Saigon Morin |
Huong Giang
Park View Hotel |
Hue Queen
Hue Heritage |
Hanoi |
Meliá
Sheraton Hanoi |
Sunway
Flower Garden
Thang Loi
Lake Side |
Saigon
Hoa Binh
Majestic Salute |
Halong Bay |
Halong Plaza
Saigon Halong |
Mithrin
Grand Halong |
Halong Bay
Bach Dang |
Luang Pra Bang |
Villa Santi |
Muang Luang
Parasol Blanc |
Phousi
Manolack |
Siem Reap |
Angkor Palace Resort |
Somadevi Angkor
Apsara Angkor |
Salina
Ta Prohm |
Phnom Penh |
Intercontinental |
Sunway
Cambodiana |
New York
Mittapeap |
Notes
- Other similar hotels are replaced if the mentioned hotels are fully booked.
Booking conditions
1. Validity: The offered prices have been just estimated only, might valid from MARCH 2009, subject to change prior by room abilities before departure date without any notice, kindly to ask a final rate as tailor-made for your group size and supposed departure day.
2. Form of Payment: We accept major Credit Cards or Wire Transfer only.
- +By Credit Card plus surcharge for bank fee such as Visa or Master (3%), JCB and Dinner Club (4%), American Express or Others (4.5%), you will be required to fill in completely our payment form, the copy of creditcards 2 sides and passport copy of cardholder will be submit and require for a right payment.
- + By Telegraphic Transfer Remittance: Please do mark all the Bank Charges at your side in order to make the FULL and NET payments. Bank details as below:
3. Notes of payment: Please be informed that payment by Bank Draft is NOT accepted.
4. Deposit : Deposit representing of a 30% estimated charge for the whole is to be submitted when tentative confirm and the balance will be paid at least 15 days prior to arrival.
5. Rooming List/Name List : A rooming list/Name List for the group or individual bookings must be submitted to the HOTEL/INNER AIR CARRIERS at least 30 days prior to the groups or as soon as if it is available.
6. Cut-off Date: 30 days prior for the groups arrival.
7. Cancellation Policy:
- Within 30 days prior to arrival, 30% charge will be applied.
- Within 21 days prior to arrival, 50% charge will be applied
- Within 14 days prior to arrival, 70% charge will be applied
- Within 7 days prior to arrival, 100% charge will be applied
8. Responsibility:
- In cases of Force Majeure, unpredictable events (natural calamity, epidemic diseases, delayed flights, etc.) which are powerless or out of control. We will not compensate any service influenced. The parties concerned nevertheless just try the best in order to limit potential loss or damage.
- Passengers will pay all expenses as the extra for any change, which is made by the Clients themselves during the on-going tour.
- During the on-going tour, any cut of services, which is made by Passengers themselves, will not be refunded at all.
- The responsibility of our company and land partners is limited. We will not accept any responsibility in the event of damage, loss, accident, illness, delay or other irregularity due to defects in any vehicle used for transportation or the fault or default of any company or person employed in the organization of the transportation. We are not responsible for any consular, political or military complications created voluntarily or involuntarily by the passengers or any other person. We cannot be held responsible for any fault or default or negligence by hotels owners or his employees. We reserve the right to decline, to accept or retain any person and to change or cancel the tours, if necessary, for any reason. The airline tickets shall, when issued, constitute to the sole contract between the passenger and the airline. The airline is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event, when the passengers are not on board its aircraft. Any deposit will represent acceptance of all the above mentioned conditions.
9. Ask the expert your travel agent.
When you plan your vacation to IndoChina or ASIA countries, let a professional help you. Your local agent will put your mind at ease answering any questions you may have about currency, climate, passports, health regulations, etc. Let your argent make all your travel arrangements.
Visa to Vietnam or Myanmar: VISA ON UPON ARRIVAL IS AVAILABLE WITH THE APPROVE LETTER
We will assist your dear clients to get the entry visa on UPON ARRIVAL easily. Please do send me the passport copies or personal details of your travellers ( fullname as mentioned in the passport, DOB, sex, date of arrival/departure, occupation ), we will arrange the APPROVE LETTER which have been issued from the Immigration Department of Vietnam, you must receive our fax of this APPROVE LETTER then to keep it BEFORE boarding. At immigration counters in the International airports, please show your passport + 1 picture 4 cm x 4 cm + copy of this APPROVE LETTER, then an tourist entry visa will be issued with 1 month validity right after. Our assistants will come into the immigration counters to welcome and assist your people for this visa procedure.
Fee for this visa service including stamping fee in VIETNAM is 70 usd/pax. ( 3-4 working days for arranging the APPROVE LETTER )
Fee for this visa service including stamping fee in MYANMAR is 100 usd/pax. ( 14 working days for arranging the APPROVE LETTER )
Visa to Cambodia & Laos : VISA ON UPON ARRIVAL IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT THE APPROVE LETTER an entry visa on upon arrival could be applied easily in the international airports, tourist will just fill-in the immigration forms, show their passport with 1 picture 4 cm x 4 cm, then an tourist entry visa will be issued with 1 month validity for Cambodia and 15 days validity for Laos right after, please pay a stamping fee of 20 usd/pax for Cambodia, 30 usd/pax for Laos right in the immigration counters. ( Cambodia online visa might be available at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh )
Kindly to advise if you would like to have the private custom programes, corporate or incentive and leisure travels as well, special itineraries/free-easy services and/or tours-on-request of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, entry visa services, let us know more about your planning programes and we will be happy to work out the Custom tours for your dear people.
Visa to Vietnam or Myanmar: VISA ON UPON ARRIVAL IS AVAILABLE WITH THE APPROVE LETTER
We will assist your dear clients to get the entry visa on UPON ARRIVAL easily. Please do send me the passport copies or personal details of your travellers ( fullname as mentioned in the passport, DOB, sex, date of arrival/departure, occupation ), we will arrange the APPROVE LETTER which have been issued from the Immigration Department of Vietnam, you must receive our fax of this APPROVE LETTER then to keep it BEFORE boarding. At immigration counters in the International airports, please show your passport + 1 picture 4 cm x 4 cm + copy of this APPROVE LETTER, then an tourist entry visa will be issued with 1 month validity right after. Our assistants will come into the immigration counters to welcome and assist your people for this visa procedure.
Fee for this visa service including stamping fee in VIETNAM is 70 usd/pax. (3-4 working days for arranging the APPROVE LETTER)
Fee for this visa service including stamping fee in MYANMAR is 100 usd/pax. (14 working days for arranging the APPROVE LETTER)
Visa to Cambodia & Laos : VISA ON UPON ARRIVAL IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT THE APPROVE LETTER an entry visa on upon arrival could be applied easily in the international airports, tourist will just fill-in the immigration forms, show their passport with 1 picture 4 cm x 4 cm, then an tourist entry visa will be issued with 1 month validity for Cambodia and 15 days validity for Laos right after, please pay a stamping fee of 20 usd/pax for Cambodia, 30 usd/pax for Laos right in the immigration counters. ( Cambodia online visa might be available at http://www.mfaic.gov.kh )
Kindly to advise if you would like to have the private custom programes, corporate or incentive and leisure travels as well, special itineraries/free-easy services and/or tours-on-request of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, entry visa services, let us know more about your planning programes and we will be happy to work out the Custom tours for your dear people.