INDOCHINA INTENSIVE

Greetings on arrival, welcome to Phnom Penh! Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy Cambodia’s buzzling capital on today’s city tour. Visit iconic sites such as the National Museum and the Royal Palace complex. From here, see the famous Silver Pagoda and Wat Prakeo known as the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha”. Afterwards, ascend up a small hill to visit Wat Phnom then continue to visit two of Cambodia’s biggest markets before ending our day.

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Overnight in Phnom Penh

The morning is spent gaining insights about Cambodia’s dark past during the Khmer Rouge regime. First, with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum or “Museum of Genocide”, previously the largest torture facility in the country. It now serves as a testament to the regime’s crimes and a place to pay respect to the thousands of victims who lost their lives. Afterwards, visit the Cheung Ek ‘Killing Fields’ rurally located on the outskirts of the city where many people were executed and buried into mass graves during Pol Pot’s regime. Onwards to Siem Reap via a flight from Phnom Penh Airport. Welcome greetings on arrival and transfer to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon/evening is free for relaxation.

(B)
Overnight in Siem Reap

What better way to enjoy a tour of Siem Reap than from the back of a charming Tuk Tuk. Today, enjoy exploring one of the greatest wonders of the World visiting the temples of Angkor.

Enter the via the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom ‘Great City’ and see impressive stone carved faces. See the Temple of Byon, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, Baphuon and Phimeanakas.
Continue to Ta Prohm and marvel on the power of nature as you see giant thick roots from soaring trees entangled through walls of this ancient ruin. For today’s finale, see the magnificent Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s national pride, built to dedicate as an abode for ancient Hindu Gods. End the day seeing the spectacular Angkor Wat sunset atop the Phnom Bakhaeng mountain temple. (Alternative sunset at Pre Rup).

(B)
Overnight in Siem Reap

Today, we continue our temple trip outside of Siem Reap over to see Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan.

Head back to the city to catch our flight onwards to our next destination; Luang Prabang, Laos.

(B)
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Welcome to the charming city of Luang Prabang. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the grandiose natural scenery of rolling mountains carved by the mighty Mekong River. Visit some iconic sites such as the former Royal’s Palace, see the intricate architectures of the temples namely, Wat Xieng Tong, Wat Visoun and Wat Aham.

Get a panoramic view of the whole city and the Mekong river as the sunsets. Finally take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Night Market. Don’t forget to try out some delicious local delicacies!
The next day will involve a relaxing cruise along the Mekong to visit Pak Ou Caves. Take a stop at villages to see traditional way of distilling rice whisky and learn about locally crafted handicrafts before heading back to the city.

DAY 5: (B), Day 6: (B)
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Spend the morning visiting Phousi Market for a real authentic experience followed by a trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy the natural beauty of this multi-tiered turquoise colored waterfall. Take a refreshing swim if you wish. On the way back visit ‘Free the Bears’ rescue centre for Asiatic Black Bears. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi.

(B)
Overnight in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and French-colonial buildings. Enjoy a city tour seeing the cultural and historical highlights, comprising Ho Chi Minh’s former residence, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the old quarter.

(B) Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy a 2-day cruise along the magnificent Halong Bay. One of Vietnam’s scenic gems. Relax as you cruise along a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Disembark in the morning and transfer to Hanoi airport for a flight to Hue.
DAY 9 (B,L,D) DAY 10 (B & L OR BRUNCH) Depending on Cruise

One night on Cruise / Day 10: Overnight in Hue

Discover the imperial city of Hue first with a visit to the tomb of Tu Duc then after the Imperial Citadel. Take a stop at some of the palaces and temples of the Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modelled after Beijing’s Forbidden City.

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Overnight in Hue

Discover the rest of Hue starting early with a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and then continue to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Continue our journey overland to Hoi An. En-route passing by the breathtaking scenic route via Hai Van Pass (translates to ‘‘Ocean Clouds’ in Vietnamese) and stop by at Danang’s Cham Museum.

Arrive in Hoi An, an ancient trading post and a picturesque town with colorful shops and temples. Start the walking tour with stops at the Culture and History Museum, Hoi An’s famous local market and the Chinese Assembly Hall. Visit beautifully decorated shops with colorful lanterns in different shapes. Next stop is to see the Japanese Covered Bridge followed by a historic old house.

(B)
Overnight in Hoi An

Transfer to airport for flight to Saigon. Greetings on arrival. Discover a growing metropolitan city and get to know the rich history and culture in this city tour. Visit the main attractions such as the History Museum, the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Dong Koi Street, Ben Thanh and Binh Tay Market and the Thien Hau Temple.

(B)
Overnight in Saigon

Transfer to airport for departure or for your next destination. Options for a Beach Tour extension upon request. (B)