Friday, September 10, 2010
   
Text Size
image image image image
Vietnam - Cambodia connection 17 days
Highlight of Vietnam 10 days This tour starts from Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam, Catba island is your next destination, Halong bay a World Heritage of Vietnam will surprise you with its beauty...
South Vietnam - Cambodia & Thailand 15 days This amazing journey across three countries gives us a remarkable insight into one of the most vibrant and colourful regions of south-east Asia.
Halong bay - Overnight on cruise 2 & 3 days Everybody knows Halong bay is one of the world’s natural heritages but not all of them know why it is claimed a heritage. Halong is famous for its beautiful scenery...
Recommended

Highlights of South East Asia 23 days / 22 nights

A 23-day for you to explore all the essences of South East Asia !

Overview :

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand attract most of tourists to South East Asia with their many world nutural and cultural heritages.

Ltinerary :

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Pick up upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and transfer to the hotel in the city. Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles. Bangkok is the financial, political and cultural capital of Thailand, located in the centre-south of the country, in the heart of a fertile rice-growing region. Bisected by the Chao Phraya River, which is overlooked by all the major palaces, Buddhist temples and luxury hotels, Bangkok is seventh heaven for those who love their food and their shopping. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok Temple Tour
This half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok will allow you the opportunity to explore the Grand Palace complex, which houses a number of attractions including Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and then we will proceed to see Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit. A Wat is a Buddhist building where both men and women can be ordained as monks or nuns. Wat Traimit is also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha. The 3 meter tall statue is made from solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons and is a fine example of Sukhothai style art. You will then pass through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. At 46 meters in length and 15 meters high the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabophit, or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built out of white Italian marble from Carrara in the late 19th century. Transfer back to hotel and stay Overnight at hotel in Bangkok. Meals: B/L
Day 3: Bangkok – Luang Prabang
Transfer to the airport to catch a short flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, we then climb up to the top of mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: B/L
Day 4 : Luang Prabang tours
Today, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: B/L
Day 5: Luang Prabang City tours
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. From there you will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, all Khmu villages. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight at hotel in LQP. Meals: B/L
Day 6: Luang Prabang - Hanoi
Today we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure to Hanoi. Pick up and transfer to hotel in Hanoi City. Meals: B/L
Day 7: Hanoi half day city tours
Moring free at leisure. In the afternoon, we will take a city tour to visit landmarks and other the major interesting sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature "Vietnam's 1st University built in the 10th C". Then we will take 1 hour by cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarters to experience daily life of people who are living in the oldest parts of the city, Enjoying the famous traditional water puppetry show in Thang Long Theatre where you will have chance to get a general picture of the daily activities typical to Vietnam's rural areas. Meals: B/L
Day 8: Hanoi – Halong bay
Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise.
Day 9: Halong bay cruising
After breakfast, transfer to a day trip boat with private crew and cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas. Enjoy swimming on quiet beaches, visiting water tunnels, fishing villages or kayaking. Lunch served on board by your private chef. Return to the mother boat for the night. Meals: B/L
Day 10 : Halong – Hanoi - Sapa
Waking up and enjoy the sun rising over the Bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Transfer back to Hanoi. At 21:00, we go to Hanoi train station to board overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on the train. Meals: B/L
Day 11: Sapa Village Trek
The train arrives in Lao Cai at 05:00 am. Drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. In the afternoon, we trek to Cat Cat village (2 km from Sapa town) where you will visit the village of Black H’mong hill tribes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Sapa Valley. Back to hotel. Meals: B/L
Day 12: Sapa - Hanoi
This morning, trekking to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages inhabited by Black H’mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. Enjoy amazing and breath-taking landscapes of terraced paddies, green valleys and meet with friendly local people. Back to the hotel and free at leisure. In the afternoon, we transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.
Day 13: Hanoi - Hoi An
This morning we will take 1 hour flight to Danang City. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter and try some of the local specialties. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: B/L
Day 14 : Hoi An City tours
Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha, carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: B/L
Day 15: Hoi An at leisure
Free at leisure for whole day in Hoi An. Meals: B
Day 16: Hoi An - Hue
This morning we drive to Hue, we will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have magnificent view of the China Sea. Stop at Lang Co to have break. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. At leisure for the rest of day in Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue. Meals: B/L
Day 17: Hue Sightseeing Tours
Morning take a dragon boat downstream to visit Con Hen island, where we have chance to describe the life of boat people on the sampans by photo. Continue upstream toward the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most reserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floored tower. Drive to visit the Imperial Citadel. Afternoon continue by vehicle to visit the elaborate Royal tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Before returning to the hotel, we come up to the Vong Canh hill for a photo opportunity of the spectacular upper part of the Perfume River. Overnight in Hue City. Meals: B/L
Day 18: Hue – Sai Gon city tours
Transfer to the airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City. Meals: B/L
Day 19: Sai Gon Sightseeing
In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby. Meals: B/L
Day 20 : Sai Gon – Siem Reap
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International airport for departure to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. The distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Meals: B/L
Day 21: Siem Reap Angkok Tours
In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of the harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. Meals: B/L
Day 22: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap lake
Visit the floating village of the Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia and see the daily life of local people in the floating village. In the afternoon, visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at the local market. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap. Meals: B/L
Day 23: Siem Reap Departure
Free at leisure until we transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service. Meals: B

Cost :

Tour cost is upon your request !
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note :

* Tour code: MULCL-12
* Included:
• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
• Private transfers and transportation on tours
• Flight tickets (economy class): BKK- LBQ-HAN-DAN-HUI-SGN - REP
• Entrance fees on tour
• Extra visit to Banteay Srei
• Boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake (floating) village
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• English/ French speaking guide
• Mineral water and cold towel on car/van/bus
* Excluded:
• International flights to Bangkok and from Hanoi and airport taxes
• Visa arrangement to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
• Drinks & Other personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Early check-in and late check-out
• Tipping/gratuities
• Others not mentioned in the itinerary

Destination info :

The Kingdom of Thailand is an independent country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Laos and Myanmar, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. By the maritime boundary, the country is bordered to the southeast by Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, to the southwest by Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea.

The capital and largest city of Thailand is Bangkok. It is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Bangkok is known in Thai as "Krung Thep Mahanakorn," or, more colloquially, "Krung Thep."
Thailand is the world's 51st-largest country in terms of total area, roughly equal in size to Spain, with a surface area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and the 20th most-populous country, with approximately 63 million people. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thais, 14% is of Chinese origin, and 3% is ethnically Malay., The rest belong to minority groups including Mons, Khmers, and various hill tribes. The country's official language is Thai.
Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 95% of all Thais. The cultures and traditions in Thailand are significantly influenced by those of India, China and many western countries.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, as the ruling monarch. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch and the longest reigning current monarch in the world. The King is recognized as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and Defender of the Faith. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been ruled by a European power. However, during the Second World War, and while claiming neutrality, Thailand was occupied by the armed forces of the Empire of Japan who built the infamous 'Death Railway' using captured Allied Prisoners of War and slave Asian labourers.
The Laos People's Democratic Republic is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.
After a period as a French protectorate, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended officially when the communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975, but the protesting between factions continued for several years.
After years of war and isolation, Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching as hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries is as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.
Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.
The people of Vietnam regained independence and broke away from China in AD 938 after their victory at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River (938). Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a Communist victory in 1975.
Emerging from this prolonged military engagement, the war-ravaged nation was politically isolated. The government’s centrally planned economic decisions hindered post-war reconstruction and its treatment of the losing side engendered more resentment than reconciliation. In 1986, it instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth had been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These efforts culminated in Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization in 2007 and its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in South East Asia with a population of over 13 million people. The kingdom's capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries.
A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as "Cambodian" or "Khmer," though the latter strictly refers to ethnic Khmers. Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country also has a substantial number of predominantly Muslim Cham, as well as ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and small animist hill tribes.
The country borders Thailand to its west and northwest, Laos to its northeast, and Vietnam to its east and southeast. In the south it faces the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong river (colloquial Khmer: Tonle Thom or "the great river") and the Tonlé Sap ("the fresh water lake"), an important source of fish.
Cambodia's main industries are garments, tourism, and construction. In 2007, foreign visitors to Angkor Wat numbered more than 4 million. In 2005, oil and natural gas deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, and once commercial extraction begins in 2011, the oil revenues could profoundly affect Cambodia's economy.


Map & Photos :


 

Move
-

Featured Vietnam Travel Destinations

Top Headline
Vietnam - Cambodia connection 17 days


Read More...
Highlight of Vietnam 10 days

This tour starts from Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam, Catba island is your next destination, Halong bay a World Heritage of Vietnam will surprise you with its beauty...

Read More...
 South Vietnam - Cambodia & Thailand 15 days

This amazing journey across three countries gives us a remarkable insight into one of the most vibrant and colourful regions of south-east Asia.

Read More...
 Halong bay - Overnight on cruise 2 & 3 days

Everybody knows Halong bay is one of the world’s natural heritages but not all of them know why it is claimed a heritage. Halong is famous for its beautiful scenery...

Read More...