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Vietnam - Cambodia connection 17 days
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Recommended

Grand Indochina Circle 24 days / 23 nights

You can explore the unique and multiple cultures of Indochina !

Overview :

This amazing journey across four countries gives us a remarkable insight into one of the most vibrant and colourful regions of south-east Asia. Peace and tranquillity have finally come to the nations of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and this grand adventures starting in Bangkok and finishing in Bangkok is now possible. Travelling by air we are able to spend more time visiting the fascinating cities these countries have to offer.

Ltinerary :

Day 01: Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where you are transferred to the comfortable and centrally located Royal Benja Hotel. A pre-trip briefing is held in the evening, to meet the other members of your group and discuss the trip itinerary. Please check for a Welcome Notice on the Peregrine noticeboard located near the hotel lifts which will provide your Tour Leaders name, the exact time and location of your welcome meeting. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including Thailand’s famous cuisine. After the Group Meeting in the evening we may adjourn to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a meal together (this is optional and at your own expense). The rest of the evening is free - perhaps a quiet drink or a visit to the bustling night markets of Bangkok.
Day 02: City tour of Bangkok
Today is a full day to enjoy the sights of Bangkok. This city tour is all done on the different forms of public transport available to the citizens of Bangkok (Skytrain, canal boat, ferry and bus), to give you a true taste of life in this busy and varied city. First up it’s a stop at Jim Thompson’s House, a collection of unique antique Thai houses situated by a klong (canal). Here we get to appreciate its amazing Asian art collection. Jim Thompson was an American who arrived in Thailand during World War II and worked with the predecessor to the CIA, the OSS. When the war ended he changed professions and remained in Thailand. He is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia, in 1967. We then visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a must for first-time travelers to Bangkok. We also visit Wat Po, home of the famous Reclining Buddha. (When visiting temples and palaces in Thailand, please dress conservatively in order to respect the local culture). At the end of a busy day we also have a chance to discover the city’s shopping opportunities. For dinner we head down to the Chao Praya River to enjoy an optional Thai feast at a riverside restaurant. (B )
Day 03: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
This morning we transfer to the airport for a 1 hour flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival we transfer to our centrally located hotel. Chiang Mai is a moated city with the impressive backdrop of Doi Suthep, a 1,676-meter peak that offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Near the summit is a famous temple – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We will visit the temple and also drop into the Hill tribe museum for a preview of the cultures and customs of the hill tribe peoples of northern Thailand. The evening presents you with a fantastic opportunity to explore the famous Night Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise! The combination of the local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional wares of the hill tribe people on offer ensure that you won’t go away empty handed. (B)
Day 04: Chiang Dao - Chiang Mai
We catch a private mini-bus and drive for an hour and a half into the northern hill region around Chiang Dao. An elephant ride through the forest delivers us the hill tribe villages where we then trek around the area, visiting Palong, Karen, Lisu and Akha people. Meeting these colorful people gives you an insight into their unique lifestyle and customs. (B, L )
Day 05: Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
Today we transfer to Chiang Mai international airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, the religious capital of Laos. Visas are available on arrival and you require two passport photos, the cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality so please check carefully. Your Thai Tour Leader will say good-bye to you in Chiang Mai and your Lao Tour Leader will meet you at the airport in Luang Prabang and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is a chance to relax and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Laos. (B )
Day 06: Luang Prabang
In the morning we have the option to rise early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out the front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. It is done early as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk you ‘het bon’ or make merit, which should augur well for your next life! Following breakfast we visit the major temples, including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, and Wat Wisunalat, which is the oldest temple in the city. We then board a boat for a two-hour journey upstream to Pak Ou (meaning ‘mouth of the Ou River’), where the famous Tam Ting Cave houses thousands of Buddha images of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devoted villagers. Along the way we stop at the village of Ban Sang Hai, where they make the potent local rice-wine. We return to town and enjoy the chance to walk around the local shops, which are well known for their hand-weaving and other interesting artifacts Here is a chance for the shoppers to try their hand at bargaining. (B )
Day 07: Luang Prabang
We visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, an interesting structure that dates from the early years of the 20th Century and combines traditional Lao architecture with French colonial influence. The collection of treasures and artifacts reflects the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign, who was deposed in 1975. The afternoon is free to make your own discoveries. A great optional activity is to sample a traditional Lao massage and herbal sauna. Another highlight of our stay is a journey 29 kilometers south of town to visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. (B )
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vientiane
We transfer to Luang Prabang airport for our 50 minute flight to the capital of Laos, Vientiane. This afternoon you will have free time to explore the laid back capital of Laos. A drink in a riverside bar, watching the glorious sunset over the Mekong River, is a great way to end the day. (B )
Day 09: Vientiane to Hanoi
A city tour acquaints us with the major sights of the capital. We visit the imposing Patuxai monument (also known as the Anousavari, which translates as ‘Victory’ in Lao - hence the name Victory monument), which is Vientiane's version of the Arc de Triomphe and dominates the city's main thoroughfare. It has also been nicknamed the ‘Vertical Runway’, which refers to the fact that it was built in the 1960s from funds the US Government had given to the Lao Government for the expressed purpose of extending the runway at the airport! Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in the city, while the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha image before it was taken by the Siamese in the late 18th Century. We visit both temples and the famous structure in Laos, the That Luang stupa. In the afternoon we transfer to Wattay International airport in Vientiane for our flight to Hanoi. Please note that there is an international departure tax of $10 USD, this tax can change without notice. Please note the time of our flight depends on flight schedules that change on a regular basis and availability of flights so there is a chance that your flight may be scheduled for the morning, should here not be enough time for a city tour the tour will be conducted on Day 8 following your flight from Luang Prabang. Your Lao Leader will say good-bye to you at the airport and your Vietnamese leader will be waiting for you on arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. Please note that there is an international departure tax of $10 USD, this tax can change without notice. Hanoi is one of Asia's most enchanting cities. This northern capital is a quiet, contradiction of its southern counterpart Saigon, although you will notice a change in pace compared to Laos. However, the many lakes and parks in Hanoi provide enjoyable escapes from the traffic. (B )
Day 10: Hanoi
This morning we take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and paying homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. We also include lunch at the KOTO café – an amazing project aimed at providing vocational training and experience in the hospitality industry for underprivileged young people. All the staff you meet and support at this café have come from poor backgrounds. The afternoon is free for your own explorations. We recommend that you catch a taxi to visit the excellent Museum of Ethnology, situated on the outskirts of town (closed on Mondays) Tonight you have the option of attending a performance of the Hanoi water puppets. (B, L )
Day 11: Halong Bay
You can leave luggage behind at our Hanoi hotel and pack an overnight bag. It is a three-hour drive to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3000 limestone islands and rocky outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We travel to Bai Chay (Halong City West) where we board a boat for an exploration of the bay, enjoying a seafood lunch and dinner (non-seafood also available), as well as spending a night on board. We visit one cave in the area and, in the warmer months, there is a chance to enjoy a swim. Conditions may be somewhat more communal compared to staying in a hotel, however it is a wonderful experience to be spending a night on the bay - weather permitting, the views at sunset are incredible. Bedding and towels are provided. Some boats have private facilities while on others, there are common showers – sometimes the water is hot and sometimes it’s not! There may also be the chance to do some kayaking (optional and extra cost involved) on Halong Bay. Accommodation on the Halong Bay cruise is on a twin share basis, due to the small number of rooms available on the boats. If you have paid a single supplement, please note that this does not cover the cruise, however, there is the possibility that you may still get your own cabin. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Hanoi
In the morning we sail back to the port, where we disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, we have free time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s other attractions. Perhaps afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel or a stroll around the Hoan Kiem lake to mix with the locals socializing and exercising in the early evening. (B )
Day 13: Hoi An
A morning transfer to Noi Bai Airport for our flight from Hanoi to Danang. On arrival, we drive a short distance to China Beach, enjoyed as an 'R & R' spot during the Vietnam War and a popular beach destination still today. It lies against a backdrop of the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, which are actually limestone with marble outcrops, are also seen to epitomize the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The history of the mountains is a rich one. They were once used by the Chams for religious purposes, but in more recent times became a haven for the Viet Cong, with its clear view of the Danang air base - at one time the busiest airport in the world. Good footwear is essential, as the path between the rocks are sometime slippery. Late afternoon, we will transfer to Hoi An where you will have some free time to soak up the laid back ambiance of this historical town. You may like to relax by the hotel swimming pool or to browse through some of the many tailor shops that have become a more recent feature of the town. Hoi An has over 100 silk shops offering express service for tailor-made clothes at unbelievably low prices. (B )
Day 14: Hoi An
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff. A walking tour takes us to see a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. In the evening you can join an informal cooking class, where you can learn how to make some of Hoi An’s famous specialty dishes and even participate in rolling your own spring rolls. (B, D)
Day 15: Hoi An
Today there are no organized activities while we’re here in Hoi An because there’s such a broad choice of things to see and do and they are all easily discovered without difficulty. You may wish to rent a bicycle and set off to explore the surrounding countryside, take a boat trip on the river, relax on the nearby beach or enjoy the wonderful cuisine on offer at some of the town’s numerous cheap cafes. If you’d like to venture further a-field, it’s only a short trip up the road to Vietnam’s world famous ‘China Beach’ and the adjacent Marble Mountains. If you’d like to learn more about the Kingdom of Champa, the ancient ruins at My Son can be visited inside half a day. Here you can see more than 70 historic monuments spread over a large area. (B )
Day 16: Hoi An to Saigon
A morning transfer to Danang Airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport on the outskirts of Saigon, we head directly to Cu Chi, the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like. This afternoon we make our way to Saigon. Your hotel is located in District 1, in the center of the city. Saigon is renowned for its nightlife, ranging from international class restaurants to surprising bars and nightclubs. (B )
Day 17: Saigon
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. This morning a short city tour takes us to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, and allows us to admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). The remainder of the day is free for some last minute shopping at some of the many and varied shops you will find throughout the city. (B )
Day 18: Saigon to Phnom Penh
This morning transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival in the Cambodian capital you can’t help but notice the change of pace. Sisowath Quay is a good place to start your explorations of the city, as it runs next to the confluence of the 3 major rivers in Cambodia, the Bassac, Tonle Sap and the Mekong. Along the riverfront, you will find many interesting cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as catching a glimpse of some of the fine Cambodian architecture including the National Museum. You may like to visit the museum in your own time if you want to learn more about the history of the country and see some of the artifacts collected from Cambodia’s rich past. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening, and a great place to observe the locals. (B )
Day 19: Phnom Penh
A full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace is home to King Sihamoni and is therefore closed to the public; however, we are able to visit the Silver Pagoda which lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country and was previously spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom is the temple which gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th Century. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh; however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.) An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront. (B )
Day 20: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
This morning transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh where you will farewell your Phnom Penh tour leader before taking the short flight to Siem Reap. Please note that there is currently a US$6 departure tax which you will have to pay at the airport. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you are met by your new tour leader and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Here you may choose to enjoy a swim at the hotel pool, or to take a stroll through the quiet streets of Siem Reap town. (B)
Day 21: Siem Reap
Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world-famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor, home to the powerful Khmer Empire that held sway from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided tour. Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centerpiece of all this. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure. It is the only one of Angkor's temples with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset. Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We can end the day with a sunset view of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng. (B )
Day 22: Siem Reap
Our ticket for the Angkor ruins enables us to spend more time exploring this memorable archaeological area. It is an early morning start as we travel out to Banteay Srei, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It is not a big temple, but has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Back at the main temple complex, Preah Khan contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle. (B )
Day 23: Siem Reap to Bangkok
You have a free morning before leaving Siem Reap. If you wish to stay in town, you can relax outside one of the cafes or visit the market in town, which sells some interesting artifacts and handicrafts. Another option would be to relax by the hotel pool or enjoy a massage by one of the famous blind masseuses of Siem Reap. This afternoon we transfer to the Siem Reap airport where you farewell your Cambodian tour leader, and board your flight to Bangkok. Please note that there is currently a US$25 departure tax which you will have to pay at the airport. Your Thai Tour Leader will meet you in the arrival hall at Bangkok International Airport and transfer you to our centrally located hotel. The afternoon is free for any last minute shopping or sightseeing before heading out for a final night dinner. (B )
Day 24: Bangkok
The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available. (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: MULAD-05

* Included:

• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast

• One night on deluxe junk on Ha Long bay and boat trip on Chao Praya river

• Private transfers and transportation with A/C on tour

• Sightseeing and Entrance fees

• English speaking guides

• All meals list in the itinerary

• Private boat trip on Mekong river

• Mineral water per pax per day

* Excluded:

• All visas

• Travel insurance

• Meals and drinks not mentioned

• All international flights and airport taxes

• Excess or overweight baggage

• Other personal expenses

• Tipping/gratuities for local guides

• Single room supplement

 

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 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.
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 938 AD 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.
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.

 

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