World Heritage Journey

Day 1: Arrive Hue (Air)
On arrival in the former capital city of Vietnam, meet and transfer to hotel for check in. Of the ancient capitals in Vietnam, Hue is the only one that still has the intact appearance of a complex of the monarchic capital consisting of walls, palaces, and royal tombs. Afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, and stroll through the Capital Citadel, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Citadel with a celebrated Hue’s historian, Mr. Phan Thuan An to learn about the former Royal history and culture. Evening, enjoy dinner at the historian’s home that was formerly the home of the princess of the Emperor Dong Khanh during the Nguyen Dynasty
Overnight in Hue (D)

Day 2: Hue
At 7.45 am, enjoy a lecture at hotel: "Architecture of Ancient City of Hue and the French Influence”. The lecture is presented by Dr. Dac Xuan, Director of Hue restoration center, a member of UNESCO. Following the lecture is a video about Hue architecture and Hue Royal music and dance. At 10 am, drive to visit to the Truong Quoc Hoc Hue, a well-known National High School in Vietnam. Lunch is at a Restored Royal home with Royal cuisine. Afternoon, boat cruise on the Perfume River upstream to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, the most religious monument of Hue. Continue to visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs, the most elaborate royal tombs of Nguyen dynasty. A lecture at Tu Duc tomb delivered by the historian Phan Thuan An is about: "Reign of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh”. On return to the hotel, en route visit to the Duc Son/ Minh Tu pagoda; this pagoda has founded an orphanage inside; opportunity to see the full operations of the orphanage and interact with the nun Minh Tu, founder of the orphanage. Evening, home hosted dinner is at the home of Mrs. Tung Chi, a member of royal family.
Overnight in Hue (B, L, D)

Day 3: Hoi An
Early morning drive for 3 hours from Hue to Da Nang with a stop at the Phu Thanh elementary school to visit a rural school, opportunity to interact with students and teachers before passing over Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass with stunning photo opportunities. On arrival in Hoi An around noon, check in to hotel. Lunch is at Brothers Café restaurant. After lunch, attend a lecture: "Hoi An’s Cultural Heritage” presented by Mr. Tran Van Nhan, a member of UNESCO in Hoi An, followed by a walking tour through the Ancient Town of Hoi An. Evening, dinner at Full Moon restaurant.
Overnight in Hoi An (B, L, D)

Day 4: My Son
After breakfast, travel by coach for 45 km to My Son, UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival, take an on-site lecture by Prof. Tran Ky Phuong about: "Hindu Influence in Cham Architecture”. Explore different sites in My Son holly land to visit different groups. Drive back to Hoi An for lunch at the Cargo Club restaurant. Afternoon is free at leisure to walk around this ancient town or optional visit the Thanh Ha pottery-making village. Dinner is free on your own at one of many local restaurants in the old quarter.
Overnight in Hoi An (B, L)

Day 5: Danang/Siem Reap (Air via Saigon)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, and Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. This tour in is specially led by member from APSARA Authority, Department of Monument and Archaeology, opportunity to learn more about Khmer history. After lunch, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Dinner is at Mme Butterfly restaurant
Overnight in Siem Reap (B, L, D)

Day 6: Siem Reap
After breakfast, continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, give one a true feeling of ‘lost city’. Lunch is at Carnets D'asie restaurant. Afternoon, enjoy a drive to the rural outskirts 35km from the town and visit to Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple but its carvings are so impressive. Dinner is at Café Indochine restaurant
Overnight in Siem Reap (B, L, D)

Day 7: Departure
Morning enjoy a private tour of the Angkor Conservation outdoor Museum, where thousands of Khmer statues and bas relief are stored, hidden from the general public and safe from art thieves. Then, transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services. (B)

Laos And Cambodia Interlink

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, and Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap
Morning enjoy a private tour of the Angkor Conservation, where thousands of Khmer statues and bas reliefs are stored, hidden from the general public and safe from art thieves. Continue the exploration with a visit to mystical Ta Prohm where its original structure, embraced by overgrown roots of giant fig trees, have been preserved by archaeologists as an example of what the entire Angkor complex may have looked like when it was first rediscovered. Afternoon, enjoy a drive to the rural outskirt 35km from the town and visit to Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple but its carvings are so impressive.
Overnight in Siem Reap (B)

Day 3: Siem Reap/Vientiane (Air)
(* Note: Flight from Vientiane to Siem Reap is operated on certain days of the week à Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Morning, transfer to the airport for direct flight to Vientiane*, the sleepy capital of Laos. Meet on arrival at Wattay airport, you are welcomed to Vientiane, the city of the moon – an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to hotel, then embark on a sightseeing trip of the city’s major historic sites, including:
religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 with its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues;
Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane;
That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa, containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land mark of Vientiane.
Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 4: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (Air)
We transfer to the airport for a brief morning flight to the mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and onward visit this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit:
National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries;
Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture;
Optional visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang providing the finest panoramic view in the whole city
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 5: Pak Ou Caves
Optional early wake-up call, to participate with local people giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch at local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat; continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the village well-known for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Transfer back to town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)

Day 6: Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services (B)

Southern Indochina Explorer

Day 1: Arrive Saigon
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, embark on a full day trip of Saigon’s historic landmarks including the 1880’s Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Historical Museum (or optional War Remnants Museum) and Thien Hau temple built by Cantonese Buddhists the end of 18th century
Overnight in Saigon

Day 2: Cu Chi
Half-day excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a 1½ hour drive from Saigon, yet still within the boundaries of rural Ho Chi Minh City, to explore the amazing underground tunnel system built by Vietnamese guerilla fighters during the French and American wars. Return to Saigon in time for lunch with remaining time free for exploring shops and galleries on your own.
Overnight in Saigon (B)

Day 3: Mekong Delta – Can Tho
After early breakfast, leave Saigon at 0700am and shuttle 35 minutes to Binh Chanh district. Turn right at the intersection of HW 50 and route 11 and start biking from here toward Go Cong for a distance of 50 km, we will bike into peaceful countryside with rice paddies and villages along the road. There are many interesting stops waiting for us to take pictures, as well as to visit some families to see the local people making incense for the various religions or weaving sleeping mats, and there will be opportunities to interact with them. After 25 km, we will take a rest by taking a ferryboat to cross the Vam Co Dong River. Continue our journey when we reach Son Qui village, where we will stop again to visit a small but charming mausoleum of emperor Tu Duc‘s grand father-in-law. Our morning bike ride will be finished as we reach the busy road again and we re-board the bus here to drive to My Tho for lunch at Mekong Rest Stop restaurant. After lunch, board our private motorized boat for a river cruise on the upper part of the Mekong River for a taste of agriculture life on the mighty Mekong River. Continue your 2-hour drive to Can Tho
Overnight in Can Tho (B, L)

Day 4: Mekong Delta - Chau Doc
After breakfast, check out of hotel and board the boat for cruise to visit Cai Rang floating market, the unique style of market of the local people. There will be hundreds of boats laden with fruit, vegetables and fish, jostling for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters. Then we drive to Chau Doc, if weather/climate permits, a short hike into the Bang Lang Stork sanctuary to watch the storks coming back home for the night.
Overnight in Chau Doc (B, L)

Day 5: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh
Early morning, transfer to the dock to take a 5-hour speedboat ride to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, meet and transfer to hotel and check in. Afternoon, set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art, particularly sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history; Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom; Silver Pagoda so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles and located within the Royal Palace compound
Overnight in Phnom Penh (B)

Day 6: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Air)
Morning transfer to airport, then flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor temple complex. Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel. Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
Overnight in Siem Reap (B)

Day 7: Siem Reap
Enjoy a drive to the rural outskirt 35km from the town and visit to Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple but its carvings are so impressive. Afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent root of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, really makes a striking image of a ‘lost World’.
Overnight in Siem Reap (B)

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for onward departure.
End of services. (B)

Northern Indochina Explorer

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam, and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the charming colonial city visiting the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter of 36 streets which are named after 36 wares. This evening enjoy a traditional performance by Hanoi’s famed water puppet troupe.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Hai Phong (n.b. all the museums are closed on Monday and Friday)
Half-day city tour visiting the Confucian Temple of Literature, and the prestigious Museum of Ethnology. Depart in the afternoon for a 1½-hour drive passing through spectacular rural landscape before arriving in the port city of Hai Phong, a gateway to Halong Bay. Enjoy a quick city tour of this city and the flower market
Overnight in Hai Phong (B)

Day 3: Hai Phong – Halong Bay – Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, 1½-hour drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival in Halong, board a private boat and begin a 4-hour cruise through a maze of limestone islets in Halong Bay. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard. Drive back to Hanoi in good time to go for dinner
Overnight in Hanoi (B, L)

Day 4: Hanoi/Vientiane (Air)
Morning - transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a 2–hour flight to Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos. Afternoon - city tour include visits to:
Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues;
Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane
Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 5: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (Air)
We transfer to the airport for a brief morning flight to the mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and onward visit this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit:
National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, and gifts received from foreign dignitaries;
Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa;
Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture;
Optional visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang providing the finest panoramic view in the whole city
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 6: Pak Ou Caves
Optional early call to participate with local people giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimetres to two metres in height. En route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bob by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch is at local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat; continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Transfer back to town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)

Day 7: Departure
Morning, visit to the local market with free time for last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for departure flight.
End of services (B)

Trails of Indochina

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap
Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another after another. Suddenly, you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area.
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap
After breakfast, continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. Afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins. The temple still owns hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and the sceneries from Hindu mythology.
Overnight in Siem Reap (B)

Day 3: Siem Reap
Breakfast at your hotel, and then take a scenic drive outside Siem Reap up to the mountains to Phnom Kulen, an exquisite mountain region of waterfalls and riverbed carvings. The sandstone floors feature hundreds of carved I, along a shady brook. Enjoy the most beautiful section of the thousand lingas river cascades, where a majestic sunlit waterfall streams through dense jungle. Boxed lunch by the waterfall then transfer to Bantei Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small temple but its carvings are so impressive. Back to town
Overnight in Siem Reap (B, L)

Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Set out on a city tour which will take you to The National Museum, which houses Khmer art, particularly sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history; the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom; the Silver Pagoda, so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles and located within the Royal Palace compound. You will also see Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a grim reminder of S-21 torture prison, and take a walk through the Russian market
Overnight in Phnom Penh (B)

Day 5: Phnom Penh/Saigon (Air)
Morning flight to Saigon, transfer to hotel upon arrival. Embark on a tour of Saigon’s historic landmarks including the 1880’s Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Historical Museum (or optional War Remnant Museum). Remainder of the day is for shopping spree
Overnight in Saigon (B)

Day 6: Tay Ninh and Cu Chi
In the morning, drive about 60 miles northwest of Saigon to the Cao Dai Great Temple. This modern sect, founded in the 1920’s, is a synthesis of Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, and Christian beliefs, with a dash of Islam thrown in. Opportunity to observe a very colourful service at midday. Lunch is at the local restaurant (quite basic but the best available). In the afternoon, continue your drive to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the remains of a real bloody battlefield, which is over a network of tunnels built during the long years of wars. Return to Saigon for an evening at leisure
Overnight in Saigon (B,L)

Day 7: Saigon/Danang (Air) – Hoi An
Morning transfer to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Danang with an immediate visit to Marble Mountain and China Beach before driving another 30 km to Hoi An. A former international trading port during the 17-18th century, Hoi An is a charming small town with an eccentric mix of western and eastern-influenced architecture. Take a walking tour on its narrow streets, visiting former merchants’ houses, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful stores.
Overnight in Hoi An (B)

Day 8: Hoi An – Hue
Drive 2½ hours to Hue via scenic Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass where a spectacular panoramic view of the central coastline can be seen from the summit before descending the pass the fishing village of Lang Co. Lunch is at the restored Royal home with Royal cuisine. After lunch, drive along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda Hue’s most preserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floor tower. End the trip walk through the Imperial Citadel built in the early 19th century
Overnight in Hue (B,L)

Day 9: Hue/Hanoi (Air)
Morning sightseeing of Tu Duc Royal Tomb, which was designed to blend with the natural setting of the landscape. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. Transfer to the airport for onward flight to Hanoi, then transfer to the city. After checking in to hotel and relaxing, enjoy a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter of 36 streets named after 36 wares for an insight of the local life, followed by a water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form especially designed for depicting scenes from rural life and many episodes of national history.
Overnight in Hanoi (B)

Day 10: Hanoi (n.b. not on Monday and Friday)
Continue your city tour of this charming capital Hanoi with ochre-coloured colonial style buildings, tree-lined avenues and many lakes. Set out on a visit to the Temple of Literature to have an overview about Hanoi culture and history at the outset of the trip. Then visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument made of generous amount of marble and granite. This is where the preserved body of "Uncle Ho” may be viewed, continue visiting the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda in the form of a lotus, it emerges from the water and rests on a single stone pillar. It contains a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its legendary "thousand arms and a thousand eyes”. Afternoon, visit to a very beautiful Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam's diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects & dress from daily life. Highlight your trip with another culture feel through another aspect – art, at Art Vietnam gallery owned by an American Art Consultant.
Overnight in Hanoi (B)

Day 11: Hanoi/Vientiane (Air)
Transfer to the airport for onward flight. Meet on arrival at Wattay airport, you are welcome to Vientiane, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to hotel, then embark on a sightseeing of the city’s major historic sites including:
Religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues;
Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane;
That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa, containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha
Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 12: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (Air)
We transfer to the airport for a brief morning flight to the mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and onward visit this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit:
National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries;
Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts;
Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa;
Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture;
Optional visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang providing the finest panoramic view in the whole city
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 13: Pak Ou Caves
Optional early call to participate with local people giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch at local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat; continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Transfer back to town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)

Day 14: Departure (Air)
Morning visit to the local market with free time for last minute shopping before your departure flight
End of services (B)

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai airport and transfer to your hotel. The Remainder of the day is free at leisure. Optional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to enjoy the local life.
 Overnight at Thuy Tien hotel (ROH) in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi
Today is a full day city tour of charming capital Hanoi with ochre-coloured colonial style buildings, tree-lined avenues and many lakes. Set out on a visit to the Temple of Literature for an overview about Hanoi culture and history at the outset of the trip. Then visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument made of an impressive amount of marble and granite. This is where the preserved body of "Uncle Ho” lies in state. Continue visiting the One-Pillar Pagoda in the form of a lotus, it emerges from the water and rests on a single stone pillar. It contains a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its legendary "thousand arms and a thousand eyes”. Afternoon, visit to the beautiful Museum of Ethnology, where you can grasp an understanding of Vietnam's diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects & dress from daily life. Highlight your trip with another cultural feel through another aspect – art, at Art Vietnam gallery owned by an American Art Consultant. This evening attend a traditional water puppet, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form especially designed for depicting scenes from rural life and many episodes of national history.
Overnight at Thuy Tien hotel (ROH) in Hanoi (B)

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long
Drive around 3.5 hours to Halong City with a coffee break en route at a local coffee shop. Arriving by noon at the quay, we board our private junk to begin a 4-hour cruise through spectacular Halong Bay stopping along the way to explore the limestone caves or just lazing about from the deck of our boat. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone islands are dotted with many beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that provide an excellent backdrop for swimming. Whilst on board indulge in a delicious seafood lunch. Drop off at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi.
Overnight at Thuy Tien hotel (ROH) in Hanoi (B, L)

Day 4: Hanoi/Hue (Air)
Take the early morning flight to Hue and transfer to hotel upon arrival. Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 to 1945. Morning - take a dragon boat upstream to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most preserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floor tower. Continue by road to visit the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam. Afternoon, drive to visit the elaborate Tu Duc Royal Tomb which was designed to blend with the natural setting of the landscape and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb with different architecture and atmosphere that has elements of eastern art mixed with western designs
Overnight at Festival Hotel (1st class) in Hue (B)

Day 5: Hue – Hoi An
Then, drive to Danang via Hai Van (Ocean Clouds) Pass where a spectacular panorama of the central coastline can be viewed from the summit. Upon arrival in the afternoon, visit the Cham Museum and Marble mountains. Late afternoon, a further 30min drive to the ancient town Hoi An and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at Vinh Hung 3 hotel (1st class) in Hoi An (B)

Day 6: Hoi An
Enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre. Visit the former merchants’ houses that are a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style; the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge constructed in 1593; Sa Huynh Museum located near the Japanese covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history and the colourful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk to have made into fine garments, all within a day.Afternoon, free at leisure or optional visit to the Thanh Ha pottery making village, opportunity to interact with the local villagers see how they preserve the traditional craft over generations
Overnight at Vinh Hung 3 hotel (1st class) in Hoi An (B)

Day 7: Hoi An – Danang/Saigon (Air)
Transfer to the airport in Danang for a morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, take a walking tour ofSaigon’s historic landmarks including the 1880’s Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Historical Museum (or optional War Remnants Museum) and Thien Hau temple built by Cantonese Buddhists the end of 18thcentury
Overnight at Bong Sen Annex hotel (ROH) in Saigon (B)

Day 8: Saigon/Siem Reap (Air)
Early morning, set out on an excursion to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive passing paddy fields and tributaries. On arrival, board our private motorized boat for a river cruise on the upper part of the Mekong River for a taste of agricultural life on the vast Mekong River Delta visiting a fish raising village then entering Vam Xep canal withbeautiful scenery of water palm. Disembark the boat strolling around Quoi An fruit orchard visiting fruit-drying kilnsand coconut craftwares homes. Enhance your trip with a short horse-drawn cart ride along the village road. Upon arrival at Ben Truc – Phong Phu garden, sample Mekong delta fruit whilst enjoying local traditional music, and an opportunity to interact with the local people under the local daily river life. End your trip with a rowing boat ride to explore the water palm canals. Back to the main boat and transfer back to My Tho. Arrive at the dock and lunch at Mekong Rest Stop restaurant with great Mekong specialties. Drive back to Saigon and straight to Tan Son Nhat airport in time for the afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival transfer to hotel
Overnight at Angkor Star hotel (Standard) in Siem Reap (B, L)

Day 9: Siem Reap
Start exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Further visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, and Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Afternoon, visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat– one of the world’s most impressive ruins.The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.
Overnight at Angkor Star hotel (Standard) in Siem Reap (B)

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, continue exploration with a visit to the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, which remains in its original state wrapped by the roots of enormous fig trees. Make a visit to Les Artisans D’Angkor school and workshop where preserve the traditional art and craft that most of them lost from the Pol Pot regime. Afternoon, transfer to the airport for departure flight
End of services. (B)