THAILAND, LAOS, VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA TOUR 20 DAYS

Destination: Bangkok/Sukhothai/Lampang/Chiang Mai/Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Cave/Hanoi/Ha Long Bay/Hue/Danang/Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (G)

Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, enjoy your first day in the thrilling Thai Capital at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok sightseeing (B, L, G)

Set out to The Royal Grand Palace, a majestic complex of palaces, temples, and halls. Remember to dress appropriately, because today you’ll be visiting two of the most important Buddhist images in Thailand: the mysterious Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, and the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Later, cross the Chao Phraya River to Koh Kret, an historic Mon settlement, where you will have the chance to visit a local temple and admire Mon pottery.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok/Sukothai (B, L, G)

A morning flight takes us to Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam. There, you will be taken on a guided tour of Sukhothai Historical Park to see important historical monuments like Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum and Wat Sri Sawai. The almost 200 ruined chedis date back to the 13th Century, an era known as the golden age in Thai history, and are still in a remarkable condition.

Overnight in Sukhothai

Day 4: Sukothai/Lampang/Chiang Mai (B, L, G)

Today we will be driving north towards Chiang Mai, stopping along the way at several sites of interest. Explore the remains of several wats built during the reign of Phra Ruang at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, then learn more about Thai pottery at a Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center. Our last stop before Chiang Mai is the traditional ancient temple complex of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, outside the town of Lampang.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 5: Chiang Mai sightseeing (B, L, G)

Spend the morning exploring Chiang Mai’s old city, which is still surrounded by a moat and crumbling walls. Next, ascend winding mountain roads up to Doi Suthep, where you’ll enjoy splendid panoramic views from one of the most sacred stupas in the country. In the afternoon, cruise on long-tail boats down the Ping River, disembarking at an old trading community whose buildings reflect Portuguese, Indian and Chinese influences.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 6: Chiang Mai /Luang Prabang (B, L , G)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure until transferring to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Luang Phabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around the former Lao capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight of gracious temples and French Colonial architecture.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 7: Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

Your day begins with a tour of the former Royal Palace, where the venerated Phabang Buddha is housed for most of the year. Continue on to visit some of the town’s stunning wats, where you’ll admire intricate bas-reliefs, gold facades and striking stupas. Cruise through the city by electric bike and visit the Ethnology Museum and Elephant Asia show to discover a different side of Lao culture followed by a chance to try your hand a creating local cuisine with a hands-on cooking class.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 8: Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Cave/Luang Prabang (B, L, G)

Today a boat journey up the Mekong River brings us to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of lacquered Buddha relics are kept inside the towering limestone caverns. This afternoon you’ll get to attend a very unique baci ceremony. Blending Animist and Buddhist beliefs, it is performed before important events to call escaped spirits back to the body. Then, climb the 328 steps to the top of Phousi Hill where you’ll gaze over the town and surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 9: Luang Prabang/Hanoi (B, D, G)

Spend the morning visiting a weaving village and discovering how Sa paper is made. Transfer to Luang Phabang airport for your flight to Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a welcome dinner at a colonial building. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Viet Nam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture). Your overnight stay will be in Ha Noi

Day 10: Hanoi city tour (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Viet Nam dating back to the 11th C), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ethnology Museum and the centre of Hanoi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter with a complex of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings and the colonial houses. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Viet Nam). Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi/Halong (B, L, D, G)

A morning drive to Ha Long Bay, (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine “karst” landscape). Travel by traditional-style boat to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming, fishing, hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews, exploring sea level caves in a small sampan, etc. All meals will be provided on board and your accommodation will be on the boat in a twin room with en suite toilet and shower.

Day 12: Halong/Hanoi (B, L, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Hanoi/Hue (B, L, G)

Noon flight to Hue, check-in, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda (beside the Perfume River – very tranquil), boat cruise to King Minh Mang’s Tomb (the most majestic of the Royal Tombs) and drive to visit the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.

Day 14: Hue (B, L, G)

Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Antiquity Museum. Afternoon drive to visit King Tu Duc’s Tomb (the poet King, the simplest Royal tomb set in a beautiful garden) and visit to Garden Houses – (a cultural characteristic in Hue). In the evening you’ll be picked up to enjoy a Hue musical show on a boat in the Perfume River for about one hour. Overnight in Hue.

Day 15: Hue/Hoi An (B, L, G)

Morning drive to Danang (excellent views from high mountain pass). On arrival in Danang, you’ll have a brief visit to Cham Museum, then continue to travel to Hoi An. After lunch, a guided visit to the Ancient Town. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

The town is an ancient trading port, once the largest in Indochina and a meeting point for many cultures that left their mark in the different architectural features of its wooden buildings.

Day 16: Hoi An free (B)

Your time will be your own to do what you wish.

Day 17: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L, G)

You’ll be free until the driver and guide come and take you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, you’ll start your city tour including the History Museum (special exhibition of the 5thC “Oc Eo” civilization), the Museum of War Remnants (very partial, but riveting, recollections of the “American War”: not for the squeamish). You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap (B, G)

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway for your explorations of the ancient ruins of Angkor. Begin with an afternoon visit to Angkor Thom, an old city housing stunning ruins, most notably the Bayon with its mysterious Lokesvara faces and magnificent bas reliefs.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 19: Siem Reap (B, L, G)

Today, prepare to be awed by the magnificent Angkor Wat. This temple complex is considered the masterpiece of Khmer architecture and contains numerous bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. In the afternoon, discover the jungle-clad ruins of Ta Phrom, where massive Banyan trees grow and drape over the walls.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 20: Siem Reap departure (B, G)

For your final day, choose between a final visit to several temples within Angkor, including Preah Khan and Ta Som, or drive to the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest body of freshwater, to visit a floating village. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your final departure flight, where we will bid you farewell

Price in US$ per person:

Price includes:

• Breakfast and accommodation in twin or double room.
• All pick up and transfer.
• Boats cruise as programme. For Ha Long Bay, you’ll join other passengers on a high quality wooden boat with comfortable accommodation, good facilities and an experienced crew. The boat will be fully licensed and comply with current safety regulations.
• One way domestic flight tickets in Thailand: Bangkok – Sukothai, in Vietnam: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Ho Chi Minh City including airport taxes.
• Other one way international flight tickets: Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap excluding airport taxes.
• Cheo show as mentioned
• Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, safe driver.
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide as indicated in the itinerary.
• Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches and dinners, as specified
• VAT and other taxes.

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas.
• Other meals not mentioned.
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Insurance

Hotel list for Five Star standard:

• Bangkok: Amari Watergate Hotel (***** overlooking views of the city centre) similar
• Sukhothai: Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa (**** located close to the old city area just only 5 min drive from Sukhothai Historical Park)
• Chiang Mai: Holiday Inn Chiang Mai (**** only minutes from some of the cities most famous temples and the renowned night bazaar)
• Luang Prabang: La Residence Hotel (***** positioned atop a hill, with stunning mountain views) or similar
• Hanoi: Melia Hotel (***** modern high-rise building in one of Hanoi’s leafy boulevards in the city centre, uninspiring bland architecture, but high-quality facilities, restaurants, and service, ten-minute stroll from the city centre)
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho Boat – Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Imperial Hotel (***** in the heart of city centre) or similar
• Hoi An: Palm Garden Beach Resort (***** beautiful villa and bungalow style resort on a 5ha site on the northern section of Cua Dai Beach)
• Ho Chi Minh City: Renaissance Riverside hotel (*****the city’s finest location) or similar
• Siem Reap: Angkor Palace Resort (***** first Cambodian-owned premier luxury five-star resort accommodation) or similar

Hotel list for Four Star standard:

• Bangkok: Hotel Century Park (**** city centre) or similar
• Sukhothai : Hotel Phailyn Sukhothai (**** extremely comfortable and convenient, mountainside) or similar
• Chiang Mai : The Empress Hotel (**** located in central Chiang Mai, a 10-minute walk to the famous Night Bazaar) o similar
• Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel (*****, established in 1992 by Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong in a royal residence)
• Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel (**** modern boutique hotel in the old quarter) or similar
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat – Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Huong Giang Hotel (**** on the bank of the Perfume River) or similar
• Hoi An: Hoi An Trails Resort and Spa (**** beside Cua Dai beach) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Grand Hotel (****located in the city centre, walking distance to major commercial and entertainments places) or similar
• Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (**** 5km to Angkor, short ride to the centre of town) or similar

Hotel list for Three Star standard:

• Bangkok: Bangkok Palace hotel (*** centrally located at the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s commercial shopping and entertainment district) or similar
• Sukhothai: Anada Gallery Museum Hotel (*** good location)
• Chiang Mai: Lanna Palace Hotel (*** city centre and near by mountain)
• Luang Prabang: Manoluck Hotel (*** combine modern international luxury with traditional Lao styles) or similar
• Hanoi: Thang Long Opera hotel (*** city centre, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake) or similar
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Tho boat- Ha Long Sails
• Hue: Mondial Hotel (*** city centre with outdoor swimming pool) or similar
• Hoi An: Lotus Hotel (*** with swimming pool, 2km from town centre) or similar
• Ho Chi Minh City: Elios Hotel (*** ideally located in the city centre) or similar
• Siem Reap: Casa Angkor Hotel (*** conveniently location, 10 minutes drive to the world famous Angkor Temples) or similar.

If, at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.