DETAILED PROGRAM
Day
01:
Hanoi
(D)
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi is one of Asia's most charming cities, with romantic boulevards and French colonial buildings. The rest of the day is free time for your own shopping and exploration.
Day
02:
Hanoi
(B,L)
A full day spent for visiting Hanoi – the politic, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Starting with Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday), which offers informative and well-documented display on the country’s 54 ethnic groups, include elaborate and colorful hill-tribal costumes,. The display continues on to the outside garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses from the Kinh’s to the ones of the ethnic groups in Central Highlands. After that, we come to visit the Temple of Literature- a complex of the Confucius Temple built in 1070 and the first Royal National university in Vietnam built in 1076. This temple and its beautiful garden provides an opportunity to learn more about madarin education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago and to relax in tranquility. In the afternoon, walk around the alleys of Hanoi Old Quater, visit Hoan Kiem lake and Ngoc Son temple or Jade Mountain temple situated in the heart of Hanoi. An interesting Water puppet show will bring us to an end of Hanoi city tour. Overnight at the hotel.
Day
03:
Hanoi - Mai Chau
(B,L,D)
Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau - a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, check in Thai ethnic homestay in Van Village, a village of the ‘White Thai’, who predominantly inhabit this area. Lunch in the homestay with a typical Thai ethnic meal. In the afternoon, take a short walk around the village where you will be welcomed by friendly local people, communicate with them and explore their traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional dancing show at night with taste of Ruou Can, the local rice wine. Overnight in the homestay.
Day
04:
Mai Chau - Tam Coc
(B,L)
After breakfast, we drive to Tam Coc also called « Ha Long bay on land » in Ninh Binh province. On the way, stop to visit Hoa Lu - the ancient capital of Viet Nam in 10th century. Arrive at Tam Coc, get in a small rowing boat to discover an outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc refers to « three caves » consists of « the First cave », « the second cave » and « the third cave » adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes like gemstones. You will earn a chance to soak in relaxing atmosphere and fairytale nature of the area. Overnight in the hotel.
Day
05:
Tam Coc - Ha Long
(B,L,D)
Morning drive to Ha Long bay, passing beautiful scenery along way with lush rice fields and winding river. Arrive in Ha Long Tourist Wharf around noon. Embark the elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises to visit numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. It is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and refresh your soul. Dinner with fresh seafood served by experienced chef. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.
Day
06:
Ha Long bay - Hanoi
(B,L)
Enjoy the breakfast and savor an incredible sunrise on the sundeck as the boat cruises to Luon Cave and Halong floating fishing village. Back to the habour, our car will transfer you to Hanoi. Stop to visit Phu Lang pottery village en route. Overnight in the hotel in Hanoi.
Day
07:
Hanoi - Luang Prabang
(B,L)
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Luang Prabang, the World Heritage recognized by UNESCO as the best preserved city in South East Asia. Start exploring this charming city with impressive Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Mai temples. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount to discover its sacred, gilded stupa as well as to enjoy panoramic view of the city and Mekong River at sunset. Return to Luang Prabang to visit the night market where lovely handicraft items are sold. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day
08:
Luang prabang - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang
(B,L)
In the morning, visit oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping roofs, typical of classical Laotian architecture. We then embark a boat to cruise upstream the Mekong River, a scenic journey with breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside and a glance of waterfront life. Discover the mysterious Pak Ou caves, two linked caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes donated by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its amazing woven handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day
09:
Luang Prabang - Khuangsi Waterfall - Luang Prabang
(B,L)
Morning visit to Phousi Market where you will see such local different products as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Continue the drive to Khuangsi Waterfall, stop at the village of Ban Na Oune inhabited by Hmong and Ban Tha Pane of Kh'mu ethnic minority en route. Arrive at the beautiful Khuangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. Picnic lunch near the waterfall. We then return to Luang Prabang to explore its ethnic night market. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day
10:
Luang Prabang - Siem Reap
(B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siemreap. Upon arrival be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel. Start our trip by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples:
- Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape
- Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.
- Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva.
The afternoon is spent for exploring the amazing World Heritage "Angkor Wat" - the world's largest religious building, and Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng hill) the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor era, marking the move of Khmer empire's capital from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. Overnight at the hotel.
Day
11:
Siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat – Siem Reap
(B,L)
After breakfast, transfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom (Great city), the famous Bayon temple built in the late 12th century and Baphoun temple dedicated to Shiva – the Hindu God, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Phimeanakas ( Heavenly Palace).
In the afternoon, transfer to visit the World Heritage "Angkor Wat" - the world's largest religious building. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Bakheng Hill temple for an incredible sunset from the top of the hill. Back to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day
12:
Siem Reap - Petit Circuit - Grand Circuit – Siem Reap
(B,L)
Morning visit to the “Small Circuit” group of temples including: Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees. This is one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects dedicated to his mother, Thommanon built at the same time with Angkor Wat and Chau Say Tevoda temple, Banteay Kdei – surrounded by four concentric walls, Srah Srang – “The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing and Ta Keo known as “ The mountain with golden peaks” dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.
The afternoon spent for visiting the “Grand Circuit” including: Pre Rup- a temple-mountain with beautiful bas reliefs and excellent views of the surrounding countryside, East Mebon- a large temple – mountain dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents, Tasom- the most distant temple of the Grand Circuit, Neak pean a small island temple originally dedicated to Buddha and the Preah Khan dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father. Overnight in the hotel.
Day
13:
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
(B,L)
Drive to Kompong Thom then transfer direct to Sambor Prei Kuk which was the ancient capital of Chenla built in the early seventh century. This is a group of temples scattered throughout the forest. Lunch in Kompong Thom. Continue the drive to Phnompenh, stop at a stone carving workshop and Kuha Nokor temple. Arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel.
Day
14:
Phnom Penh - Chau Doc (South of Vietnam)
(B,L)
In the morning, visit the National Museum then Silver pagoda situated inside the Royal Palace complex and Wat Phnom considered the spiritual heart of Phnompenh city. Lunch in local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a speed boat to Chau Doc (Vietnam). Arrive in Chau Doc in the late afternoon, meet our local guide then transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel in Chau Doc.
Day
15:
Chau Doc – Can Tho
(B,L)
In the morning, take a boat trip to visit many floating houses and fish farms where you can feed the fish and discover the waterfront life. Transfer to visit Sam Mountain which offers fantastic views of Chau Doc and Cambodia countryside on the other side of the border. On the way, drop by a village of Cham minority group. Drive to Can Tho for overnight.
Day
16:
Can Tho - Sai Gon
(B,L)
In the early morning (from 5 a.m), take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market- the biggest and busiest floating market in Mekong Delta. At that time, the waterways become a labyrinth of hundreds of motor sampans filled with fruits, vegetables, plants, foods, etc…for trading. That’s an oppotunity to take photos, communicate with local and taste fruits. Leave the market we get back to Sai Gon. On the way back, stop at Binh Thuy temple ( 5kms from Can Tho city) and Long Dinh mat weaving village where you can see how to make a mat- a very popular item in Vietnamese life. Back to Sai Gon for overnight.
Day
17:
Sai Gon
(B,L)
In the morning, visit Cho Lon – Vietnam’s largest China town where you can indulge in shopping and sample fabulous cuisine. The central market in Cho Lon is the Binh Tay market, offering a wide range of products from food to clothing. Visit Thien Hau temple, Saigon's most active temple and Giac Lam pagoda- the oldest pagoda in the city. Back to the city centre to visit Notre Dame Cathedral (built in 1877) and the Central Post Office, built by the French. Tour end by visiting the Reneufication Palace formely known as Independence Palace, the residence and working place of the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam war. Overnight in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.
Day
18:
Sai Gon departure
(B)
Free time for shopping or exploring by your own before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight off. The hotel room is available until noon only.
HOTELS LIST
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|
Cities
|
Hotel
|
Star
|
Night
|
|
Hanoi
|
Medallion Hanoi Hotel
(11 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi)
|
|
3
|
|
Mai Chau
|
Thai ethnic Homestay
(Mai Chau, Hoa Binh)
|
|
1
|
|
Tam Coc
|
Nam Hoa Hotel
(31D, Minh Khai, Nam Thanh, Ninh Binh)
|
|
1
|
|
Halong
|
Huong Hai Junk
(Bai Chay, Halong)
|
|
1
|
|
Luangprabang
|
Villa Chitdara Hotel
(Khounsua Road, Ban Vat Nong, Luang Prabang)
|
|
3
|
|
Siem Reap
|
Angkor Holiday Hotel
(Corner of Sivutha Blvd and 6th National Road, Siem Reap)
|
|
3
|
|
Phom Penh
|
Cardamom Hotel
(No.69, Road179, Phsar Thmey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
|
|
1
|
|
Chau Doc
|
Chau Pho Hotel
(Trung Nu Vuong, Chau Doc, An Giang)
|
|
1
|
|
Can Tho
|
Kim Tho Hotel
(1A Ngo Gia Tu, Can Tho)
|
|
1
|
|
Saigon
|
Tan My Dinh Hotel
(288 Le Thanh Ton, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City)
|
|
2
|
Important Notes:
1. Asiatica Travel only organize private tour for a group of minimum 2 people.
2. The cost varies, depending on the number of participants and tourist season.
The price depends on number of participants and tourist season.
Contact our consultant for details on our services.
Includes:
- Hotels first class 3 stars (base on 2 persons/room) as mentioned in the program
- Meals as mentioned in the program ( B = Breakfast ; L = Lunch ; D = Dinner)
- Air-conditioned private vehicles for all transportations
- English speaking local guides
- Boat trips as mentioned in the program, sharing comfortable boat in Ha Long Bay with private cabin
- Night train ticket Hanoi/ Lao Cai/Hanoi soft sleeper class
- Speed boat Cambodia/ Chau Doc
- Entrance fees.
Excludes:
- International flights and airport taxes
- Flight Hanoi/ Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang/ Siemreap with airport taxes
- Visas to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
- Tips and personal expenses such as: laundry, telephone, drinks…
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Bank charges relating to the payment
- Other services that are not clearly mentioned in the "Price includes".