Indochina Treasures ina Treasures
Duration : 16 days/ 15 nights
Route : Hanoi-Hoalu-Halong-Hue-Hoian-Hochiminh-Mekong-Cambodia -Siemmreap-Laos Luangprabang - or vice versa

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D )
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. The city was founded in 1010 on the right bank of Red River and was then known as “Thang Long”, roughly translated as “Soaring Dragon”. Hanoi is one of the most charming cities in South East Asia with its authentic street scenes, large shady avenues, numerous lakes, manicured gardens and well-preserved architecture. Transfer from Noi Bai airport to your hotel. Free evening. Dinner and accommodation included.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B,L)
The day is dedicated to a more in depth discovery on Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, was cnstructed from marble and granite and takes the form of a stylized lotus (closed on Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with a visit to the ancient Taoist Temple of Quan Thanh, where lies the genie protector of the city (or Tran Quoc pagoda lcated on the shores of West Lake). Next visit the Temple of Literature, or Van Mieu, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became first Vietnam’s university. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to sample some regional delicacies.

In the early afternoon visit the renowned Museum of Ethnography (closed on Mondays), which houses an interesting collection of artifacts relating to the mosaic of ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam. Alternatively, visit the Museum of History (closed on Mondays) which displays an array of exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the fight against French colonization. This afternon’s touring wil also provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s famed old quarter from the seat of a cyclo. During your tour around the district you will see some of the areas original 36 streets which have always sold the same wares. Silver street, Silk street and Flower street are just a few. During your adventure through this maze of streets you will see traditional “tube houses” a style of architecture indigenous to this part of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem lake, otherwise known as the lake of “the restored sword”.

Finish, the city tour with a stop at the food market in Hang Be street. This afternoon is free for a stroll along the boulevards of the old colonial quarter where you can view some of the best French architecture in South East Asia. In the evening, visit Hanoi’s water puppets theatre to attend a performance of the traditional show. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 3: Halong - Hoalu - TrangAn (B,L)
Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province and enjoy the drive through the luxurious vegetation of the Red River Delta. Continue on to TrangAn and take a cruise up the rivers through karst hills and rice fields on the traditional boat, a photographer’s paradise. Sometimes referred to as “Ha Long Bay inland”, for some its beauty surpasses that of it’s coastal rival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue your tour with a journey through bustling villages, rice paddies and some beautiful limestone rock formations. Arrive at Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam for 41 years under the Dinh and Le dynasties (between 968 and 980). Discover beautiful shrines dedicated to the Emperor Le Dinh, the first ruler to unify the country. Aside from this important historical site, this region is also worth a visit for its rolling hills and picturesque rocky landcapes. Return to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Hanoi - Halong (B,L,D) Overnight on private junk
Depart Haoi for the world famous Ha Long Bay, or bay of “the descending dragon”, a journey of approximately 3,5 hours. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square kilometers and comprising nearly 200 islets. Board your junk for a memorable cruises through the “eight wonder of the world” gliding gently past fishing communities and hidden cave systems. Visit the “Cave of Surprises” really a complex, where you can marvel at strangely formed stalacties and stalagmites. After anchoring at a nearby beach you can go for a swim or climb to the top of Thien Cung (Heaven’s) Island to get a panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islands. Delicious local seafoods is served on boat. with other options available. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. NB. Accommodation is on junk in private cabin (with air conditioning and shower).

Day 5 : Halong - Hanoi - Hue (B,L ) Flight
Am :After breakfast, continue your jurney cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay. After disembarking, return to Hanoi by road in time for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city on foot or simply relax with a drink at the edge of Hoan Kiem lake. In the late afternoon transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, transfer to your hotel and check in. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.. Overnight in Hue

Day 6: Hue city tour (B,L)
The day is spent discovering Hue, capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, the Citadel is nly one of many well-preserved historical sites in the city and its environs. Cruise in a sampan on the Huong River (Perfume River) to Thien Mu pagoda, or pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, a Buddhist shrine dating from the mid-seventeenth century. Located on the banks of the Huong River, it is easily recognizable by its octaganal tower. Cntinue your tour with a visit to the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors. Construction began in 1804 under the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the site had been selected using principles of geomancy (Feng Shui). The citadel was inspired by Vauban fortifications and is composed of three sections; the capital city (Kinh Thanh), the Emperial city (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following the Tet Offensive. Tday, efforts are being made to restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage. Next, take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers an array of goods and produce, ranging from fresh vegetables to conical hats. Lunch at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to sample some of Hue’s famously refined cuisine. In the afternoon visit the intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit Minh Mang’s mausoleum located on the left bank of the Huong River, which represents the perfect harmony between nature and architcture. Return to Hue. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 7: Hue -Da Nang -Hoian(B,L)
Depart Hue for Hoi An along Highway 1 which links Hanoi to Sai Gon. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam, taking you past coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop. The drive also takes you over Hai Van Pass, or “pass of the ocean clouds”. En route you can stop in Da Nang for a visit to the informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Cham artefacts in the world (optional). Also stopping in a village of stone carvers at the foot of the Marble Mountain – giving you a chance t climb to the top and view the secret Vietnamese Wartime hospital in a cave. Continue on to the delightful town of Hoi An which stands on the banks of the Thu Bon river, some thirty kilometers southeast of Danang. Around the fifteenth century, this old port town in the kingdom of Champa was known as Faifo. Check-in to the hotel on arrival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is spent strolling through the narrow streets of this atmospheric old town. This former port, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full of architectural gems that show a range of influences. Visit the Japanese covered bridge, the temple of the water genie, the Fujian temple and the fish, meat nad vegetable market. Around the seventeenth century Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in South East Asia, with Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch, French and English merchants visiting the town in search of spices, lacquer ware, and ceramics. Enriched by the proceeds of this trade many merchants constructed beautiful homes. One can admire these charming houses along Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest in Hoi An. Architecture in the old town tends to show an integration of Sino-Japanese influences in a local style. Most buildings share the same overall plan; built on two levels, they are constructed like a tube between two streets that run parallel. In the late afternoon take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River for the chance to view some beautiful rural scenery, finishing at around sunset. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 8: Hoian -Danang -Saigon (B,L) Flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Danang to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, transfer and check in to your hotel. Begin your exploration of this frenetic city with lunch at a local restaurant. Not only is Saigon the most important economic centre in Vietnam, it also has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. Almost a hundred years of French rule bestowed upon the Central Post Office, a Pearl of colonial architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel. Visit Notre Dame – Sai Gon’s beautiful cathedral. Continue your city tour with a visit to District 5, formerly known as Cholon or China Town. Cholon, or ‘big market', with its congested streets is where most of the city's ethnic Chinese population lives. The district lives up to its name in the form of Binh Tay wholesale market. Founded in 1778 the market sells a stunning array of goods and produce, ranging from fish to incense. Finish your city tour with a stop at Thien Hau temple, otherwise known as ‘Temple of the Heavenly Lady', to marvel at its intricate friezes and coils of incense. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 9: Saigon - Mytho - Mekong delta (B,L)
Depart Saigon by road for Mekong Delta and its gateway city of My Tho, located 72 km south west of the city. Board a riverboat for an excursion across the Mekong through islands covered with lush flora and small rural communities. Cruise to Thoi Son Island where you will have the opportunity to visit a local house and taste some of the fruits that are grown locally in the orchards. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. Lunch is at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to sample a local specialty: ‘elephant ear' fish. Conclude your tour of the Mekong with a stop at Vinh Trang pagoda, the largest and most remarkable pagoda in the delta. Return to Saigon. The late afternoon is free for you to do some last minute shopping on Dong Khoi Street. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 10: Saigon - Siemreap (B, L) Flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Riep. On arrival in Siem Riep, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap is famous as the gateway to the remains of the former Khmer kingdom of Angkor..... You will begin your tour of the area with a visit to the world famous Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious constructions in the history of the world..... Enjoy a break with lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The afternoon visit the Bayon Temple, located in the heart of the capital, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple was built in the late twelfth century. You will discover its central tower surrounded fifty laps each secondary at their summit on 4 smiling faces of Bhodisattava This imposing edifice is built on 3 levels, symbolizes the Khmer empire in miniature. Continuation with Baphoun, Temple Royal regarded as the centre of the 3rd. Terrace of the Elephants: This terrace measuring nearly 350 meters long and 3 meters high derives its name from the various sculptures and statues adorning the monument. Move on to the Terrace of the Leper King, a 7 metre high platform located to the north of the terrace of elephants hosting a statue which seems asexual, probably Shiva. Enjoy sunset from the summit of Phnom-Bakheng, a perfect vantage point which offers excellent views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding area. Breakfast, lunch, accommodation included.

Day 11: Siemreap (B,L)
Begin your day with a visit to beautiful temple of Banteay Srey, or citadel of the ladies. Built in the early tenth century, this site features intricately carved bas reliefs carved in sandstone..... Sras Srang: Grand Basin 800 m x 400 m which was once used in swimming pools, Bantea Kdey: Next visit the former Buddhist monastery of Ta Phrom, an atmospheric maze of ruined buildings and giant tree roots. One of the most significant monuments in the Angkor park, it is not to be missed. Lunch nearby.
Following visits with the great temple of Angkor Wat, one of the most famous temples and more harmonious whose architecture perfectly illustrates the power of the Khmer empire at that time (12th century). You can admire a fabulous result of corridors, cloisters and magnificent bas-reliefs. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 12: Siemreap (B,L)
Visit Banteay Srey. Located 45 km from the Angkor temple built of stone rose Xth century is undoubtedly the most remarkable temple in Siem Reap at architectural. You can admire the finesse of sculptures and bas reliefs. The landscape leading to the temple is beautiful. You pass through villages and landscapes of rice fields before arriving at the site. Lunch.

In the afternoon, boat ride on the tone Sap located 10 km south of Siem Reap. The Ton Le Sap experiencing an annual cycle of floods and décrues and contributes significantly to rice production. The boats from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap meet at Chong Khneas point in the middle of the lake. This walk on the lake you will discover the lives of Cambodian who have preserved traditions of the past. Because water levels too low between February and May this trip will be replaced by visiting the Ruluos temple located 15km south and was one of the 1st capitals of the Khmer kings.

Dinner in town with a show of Khmer dances at the hotel Angkor Village. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 13: Siemreap - Luangprabang (B,L) Flight
Free time for market shopping. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Welcome by the local guide and transfer to the hotel. The city of Luang Prabang, the pearl of Asia, welcomes you to this journey through time to discover the Laos. Take time to wander and discover the charms of this city and its inhabitants. You glimpse the summit of the mountain Phousi to discover the sacredness of this place, you admire a beautiful sunset over the city and the majestic Mekong River.
From there, you'll get lost in the colourful Bazarre night where you can find surprising tissue collections handmade by the tribes of the mountains which surround Luang Prabang. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation included.

Day 14: Luangprabang (B,L)
Wake up in good time to participate in the ritual of Buddhist monks known as Alms-giving. Take the distance with respect and share the fervor and prayers of the monks. Then return to your hotel for breakfast, then you visit the city of Luang Prabang, the jewel of South Asia West, you'll discover that legacy classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The road to visit the oldest temple in Luang Prabang with its roof down at ground level, it represents the classical architecture of Luang Prabang. This city with its beautiful natural landscapes and its centres of cultural interests, Wat Visoun (for example) or the charm of Wat Aham, making it the most attractive cities in Laos. Breakfast, lunch accommodation included.

Day 15: Luangprabang (B,L)
Embark on a boat to go up along the majestic Mekong, which offers a magnificent view of the Lao campaigns to reach the cave mystique of Pak Ou. This cave contains thousands of Buddha statues of shapes and sizes varied, covered with gold. In return, we will stop in the village of Ban Xanghai where villagers distills a traditional rice liquor. Lunch on the way back.

In the afternoon, rolling up the cascade Khuangsi to visit a centre for care bears, you will enjoy the waterfalls and pools of water clear and refreshing.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day 16: Luangprabang Departure (B)
Free time for last minute shopping or a last stroll through the tranquil streets. Transfer to the airport for your departure

Trip Prices Include :
- Full transportation by private car or bus as tour program indicated.
- Half board as indicated in the itinerary ( B= Breakfast, L = lunch )
- International flight : Siemreap - LuangPrabang, Hochiminh - Siemreap
- 2 domestic flights with airport taxes : Hanoi - Hue ; Danang -Hochiminh
- English or French - speaking guide
- Full Entrance fees.
- Private Boat trip in Halong Bay, Perfume River, Nhatrang, Tiengiang river in Mytho
- Private Boat in MeKong in Laos and Tonlesap in Cambodia.
- Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast; ( AC room)

Trip Prices Do Not Include :
- International Airport taxes in Cambodia, Laos
- Exclude visa on arrival at Cambodia (USD 20. per pax)
- Exclude visa on arrival at Laos (USD 30. per pax)
- Exclude visa on arrival at Vietnam (USD 50. per pax)
- Exclude international air ticket & airport tax from Siem Reap with airport tax of 25$)
- International air ticket to Vietnam/Out Laos
- Drinks and personal expenses and other meals not mentioned on the program.