| |
|
|
Indochina Explorer
18 days/17 nights - Gateway: Phnom Penh
Standard Tour from: £1895pp
Prices valid to 31 Dec 08
|
|
| An epic adventure that is bound to stir the imagination. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor and the magic of the Mekong Delta, to the history of Central Vietnam, the elegance of Hanoi and finally, the old-world charm of Laos. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery across these three enchanting nations. To further enhance your experience of Indochina, select our Deluxe option and stay in some of Asia’s most atmospheric and luxurious hotels. |
Day 1-2: Phnom Penh
We begin by getting to know our tour leader and local guide over evening welcome drinks and a tour briefing. The next day we discover Cambodia’s refreshing and re-invented capital, Phnom Penh, visiting the beautiful Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Later we explore the fascinating Khmer National Museum, and end our touring at Tuol Sleng museum, a stark reminder of the horror of Pol Pot’s reign. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore this intriguing riverside capital.
1 night in Phnom Penh at the Cambodiana Hotel |
Day 3-5: Temples of Angkor and Lake Tonle Sap
We fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent Temples of Angkor, and launching point for our afternoon cruise on vast Tonle Sap Lake with its floating villages. Before sunset, enter the Angkor complex for stunning temple views. The next day we rise early to witness sunrise over the world’s largest sacred building and architectural masterpiece, Angkor Wat. We then begin our exploration of the other main temples of Angkor. Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom and the huge central towers of the Bayon. We also spend time at the jungle-covered Ta Prohm and the exquisitely carved Banteay Srei temples. On Day 5, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
2 nights in Siem Reap at the Day Inn Angkor & Resort |
Day 6-7: Saigon, Mekong Delta & Cu Chi
We walk Saigon’s wide and historic boulevards, visiting famous landmarks such as Hotel de Ville, the former Presidential Palace and lively Chinatown. In the afternoon we travel to Cu Chi and explore the tunnel system built by Communist soldiers during the Vietnam War. Our journey then takes us to the Mekong Delta, where we walk among lush fruit orchards and take a sampan along the intricate waterways of the Mekong River.
3 nights in Saigon at the Grand Hotel |
Day 8: Hue
Flying to Hue, the former capital and home to Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty, we travel by dragon boat along the Perfume River to the 16th century Thien Mu Pagoda. See the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc and the ruins of the former royal residence, the Hue Citadel.
1 night in Hue at the Huong Giang |
Day 9-10: China Beach & Hoi An
We take the coastal drive south over spectacular Hai Van Pass. In Danang we visit the Cham museum before travelling the short distance south to China Beach. Continue to the quaint merchant town of Hoi An, where we walk narrow lanes visiting markets, historic houses and local cottage industries. In the evening, you have a chance to try your hand at Vietnamese cooking at a friend’s restaurant. Enjoy a cruise on tranquil Thu Bon River and explore further at your leisure.
2 nights in Hoi An at the Hoi An Hotel |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 11-14: Hanoi & Halong Bay
Today we fly north to Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We examine the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam visiting the Ho Chi Minh museum and mausoleum and the simple wooden home in which he lived. We also visit the 11th century Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares as they have since the Middle Ages. We enjoy an evening performance by Hanoi’s famous water puppets. We also travel to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s spectacular World Heritage site, and cruise among the thousands of limestone islands in the bay.
4 nights in Hanoi at the Hilton Hanoi Hotel |
Day 14-16: Vientiane
Leave Hanoi and Vietnam and fly to the Lao capital, Vientiane. Vientiane is a sleepy riverside capital and a welcome antidote to the fast pace of Vietnam. We explore Vientiane and visit famous sights such as That Luang and Wat Sisaket. We’ll walk through the colourful central market and have free time to explore the streets or relax.
1 night in Vientiane at the Novotel Hotel |
Day 17-19: Luang Prabang & Pak Ou Caves
This morning we fly north to the charming former capital, Luang Prabang. Nestled among mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, this delightful town has a unique and special charm. We visit the former Royal Palace, walk up Mt Phu Si and travel by boat through beautiful mountain scenery to the caves of Pak Ou. Visit Kuang Si falls, take part in a fun cooking class and stop at Hmong hill tribe villages. And of course, you will have free time for your own exploring. We end the tour in this enchanting town, allowing you to extend your stay here or continue your travels.
3 nights in Luang Prabang at the Sala Prabang |
|
19 day tour includes breakfast, 1 lunch, tour leader, English speaking guide, boat trips, domestic flights and transfers if you arrive and depart on day of tour. Prices are per person based on twin share (excluding flights & entrance fees). An average level of fitness is required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
