Day 1: Chiang Khong – Pakbeng
On
arrival at HoueiSay in Laos from Chiang Khong (Thailand), we embark on
our traditional boat cruising downstream on the Mekong River. This part
of the Mekong River is quite narrow and both banks of the rivers are
bordered by amazing scenery of beautiful green forests and towering
hills. The pace is very relaxed as we drift along the river in our
boat, a perfect way to observe rural life close up. Along the way, we
stop over at Ban Houeilampen to visit the Hmong hilltribe people. They
are very poor, but have a vibrant culture and an interesting history,
overnight in Pakbeng.
Day 2: Pakbeng – Oudomxay - Nong Khiow
We
have an early start visiting the hill tribe market before leaving
Pakbeng; we then begin our expedition, venturing into the mountainous
and remote area in Northern Laos. The verdant and rugged mountain
scenery combined with the colorful local population makes this an
unforgettable experience. Oudomxay province is residence to a mixture
of 23 ethnic minority groups. We make a few rest stops along the way,
which gives you the opportunity to see the ethnic minority groups of
Hmong, Khmu, Akha and Taidam. The hill tribe people are unfailingly
friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces. The
journey to Nong Khiow leads us through areas with dramatic landscape.
We will also visit the hilltribe villages of Hmong at Ban Jarong, Ban
Songja, Khmu before arriving at Nong Khiow in late afternoon. Nong
Khiow is a remote village situated by the banks of the river, across a
dramatic valley the surrounding mountainous scenery is stunning.
Overnight in Nong Khiow.
Day 3: Nong Khiow – Luang Prabang
After
breakfast we board a traditional boat downstream on the Nam Ou River,
drifting along the peaceful river, stopping over to visit some timeless
villages along the way. Our journey takes us to Pak Ou, where the Nam
Ou River meets with Mekong River. We take a visit to the mysterious Pak
Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered
Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. We
continue our trip down to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang
Prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs,
fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a
unique charm rarely found in all of Asia. A visit to Luang Prabang
would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount
Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to
enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on
the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you
can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill
tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: 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 (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This
tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still
preserving the procession. After breakfast, we explore this charming
city. From 1353 until 1545 it was the capital of the Lane Xang kingdom
before power was transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang
Prabang remained as the seat in the monarchy and when the kingdom broke
up in 1694, one of the deceased king's grandsons established a rival
kingdom to those in Vientiane and Champassak. Though weakened, the
Luang Prabang royalty endured until 1975, when after the reign of 63
kings it was formally dissolved. You will spend the Day exploring the
temples and sites in what is called one of the last Shangri-La’s of
Southeast Asia. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important
Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Visoun, Wat Khili and Wat Mai.
Later, we visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum (close
TuesDay ) where you will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception
rooms, as well as Buddha and spectacular artefacts including the
Prabang, a large holy image, which was given in the 14th century by the
Khmers to King Fa Ngum. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng
After
breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early morning for our
journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be strenuous as we drive along
one of the most scenic but also one of the roughest routes in Asia. In
the afternoon we arrive in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which
is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with a
mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled,
despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. We visit Tham
Hoy Cave, a large cave that runs 7 kilometres deep and surrounding
hilltribe villages of Khmu and Hmong. Overnight in Vang Vieng
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Vientiane
After
breakfast, we spend half our Day driving to the capital city Vientiane,
which is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Vientiane is a
charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai,
Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences. A city
tour acquaints us with the capital and after a short rest if time
permits we start visiting some of the major sights; including the
oldest temple Wat Sisaket, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues
and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the
famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious
heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will
have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay
Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 7: Vientiane – Lakxao
Early
morning, we head out to the southern Lao capital Lakxao, driving on the
13th south; we experience smooth roads to central Laos and change for
route no.8, which is a major trading route and one of the routes of the
famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the way, we visit local villages and enjoy
the great scenery of the surrounding limestone mountains and an
overview of the peaceful landscape on Nam Theun River. Lakxao is
located near the Laos – Vietnam border gates, and once we arrive,
stroll around this little town and browse the local market. Overnight
in Lakxao.
Day 8. Lakxao – Vinh - Hanoi
Breakfast
in hotel then transfer to Vinh City (Vietnam) via Cau Treo border pass.
Transfer to Hanoi in the same day. Arriving Hanoi at about 19.00.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi City tour - Train to Sapa
Breakfast
in hotel. The guide and car will take you to visit Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, One pillar pagoda. Having lunch then
continue to visit Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national
university and wonderful Museum of Ethnology. Visit Ngoc Son temple
and lake of Returned Sword. Transferring to Hanoi train station for the
night train to Laocai. Overnight on train.
Day 10: Sapa Trekking
Arriving
Lao Cai station then transfer to Sapa town. Having breakfast in hotel
then visit the colorful Sapa market where Black H’mong, Red Dzao, Giay
, Phula, Tay minority people come in droves to buy and sell their local
produces. Having lunch then start to traekking in Lao Chai and Tavan,
home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is a absolutely spectacular walk
through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people
you can meet. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the
wonderful scenery that surrounds you. The walls of the valley are
covered with multi-layered rice terraces and scattered villages.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 11: Sapa - Bac Ha Market - train to Hanoi
Breakfast
in hotel then heading out for a stunning spectacular of bobbling
bazzar. Bac Ha is considered one of the most wonderful and colorful
markets in extreme north Vietnam where thousands of local people in
their traditional attires busily buy and sell the local produces. Dog,
cat, pig, horse... are all on sales. This is golden opportunity to take
best shots! Afternoon we have a pleasant walk to Flower H’mong village
of Banpho we then transfer back to Lao Cai station for the train to
Hanoi. Overnight on train.
Day 12: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Breakfast
in hotel. Heading east for 3 hours to reach Halong Bay, the pride of
the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in
1994. Take a big boat from the Wharf of Halong in the morning and
cruise the Bay, you will reach the breathtaking views of Halong
seascape and discover the magnificent beauty of this
“Descending-dragon” bay. After a lunch of fresh seafood on the boat,
you will visit the Surprising Grotto, bypass Cua Van (Van windy gate)
then back to the boat for dinner and overnight on the boat.
Day 13: Halong - Hanoi
After
breakfast, returning to the Wharf of Halong, passing the Toad Rock,
Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island. Arrive Halong Wharf at 11.00. Have
lunch in Halong city before driving back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 14: Hanoi - Hue
Breakfast
then being transferred to airport for the early morning flight to Hue.
Welcomed in Hue and have lunch. Enjoy the architectural works of
Nguyen Dynasty, the last Vietnam feudal dynasty ended at 1945 at their
Royal Citadel, Forbidden City and Hue Royal Museum, and visit Dong Ba
bustling market late afternoon to experience daily life of Hue people.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 15: Hue
Breakfast
in hotel then taking a boat ridden along the poetic Perfume River, you
can reach Thien Mu Pagoda, the centre of Buddhism of the city, whose
90% are Buddhists, and the Tomb of King Minh Mang, which is reachable
from a river pier. You should go on by car to the Tomb of Kings Tu Duc
and Khai Dinh, the best-reserved early 19th and early 20th centuries’
monuments of the Nguyen emperors to enjoy very different styles of the
royal architecture under this Dynasty. Overnight in Hue.
Day 16: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Breakfast
then heading South to Hoian Ancient town with stopovers to sightsee
the Marble Mt., the famous China Beach, enjoy landscape of Hai Van (the
Cloudy Mountain Pass) and Lang Co Beach. Spend your afternoon visiting
the town of Hoi An – along with your guide, walk over the tile-roofed
Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls and Trading
Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 17: Hoi An - Cham Island
Breakfast in hotel then being transferred harbour for the boat trip to Cham island.
Day 18: Danang - Saigon City tour
Breakfast
in hotel then transferring to airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh
City. You will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to the
hotel in the city centre. Start the tour from the Post Office in
colonial-style and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and
1883 and being the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern
Vietnam. Go on to visit Thien Hau pagoda and a specific section that
does not exist in any other city of Vietnam – a bustling China Town.
Overnight in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
Day 19: Cu Chi tunnels and Tay Ninh Holy See
Breakfast.
Departing for Tay Ninh. Arriving at noontime, you will have the chance
to witness the daily ceremony at the temple of Cao Dai called Tayninh
Holysee. Yet, the midday mass is very solumn and respectful. Today,
the Caodaism numbers over 2 million members, who are vegetarians, obey
the rules of chastity, and lead very simple lives helping the sick and
the infirm.
On the way
back to Saigon is located Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining
monuments to the Vietnam War. Beneath the ground lie 200 km of tunnels,
dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerillas
during the conflict. Return to Saigon in late afternoon. Overnight in
Saigon.
Day 20: Mekong Delta - Chau Doc
Breakfast
then drive Southward to Cat Be exciting floating market with local
people being occupied in selling, purchasing, exchanging goods from
their boats. Take a walk thru the orchards and visit the rice-paper
making and rice crips family factories of the Mekong people. Transfer
to Chau Doc for overnight.
Day 21: Chau Doc - Phnompenh by hydrofoil boat
Breakfast
in hotel then take the hydrofoil boat to Phnompenh. Arriving Phnompenh
at about 11.30. Welcoming by tour guide and car to transfer to the
hotel for check in. City tour first Visiting Wat Phnom from which Phnom
Penh derived its name. Then visit the Royal Palace compound build in
1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, colorful Khmer-style Palace,
continue visit Silver pagoda (the Emerald Buddha temple), display
plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorate and made by diamond,
emerald, gold and silver. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 21: Phnompenh - Chhlong
After
breakfast. At 8am Departing overland excursion by 4W Pajero Car to
Chhlong District. Kratie Province along N6a & N7 via K.pongcham
province, stopover for explore some site of Rubber gardens along the
road, lunch en-route at local restaurant, arrived Chhlong at
lateafternoon, checkin the “Relais du Chhlong” (riverside room). Relax.
Overnght in Chhlong.
Day 22: Chhlong - Rattanakiry
After
breakfast. continue overland to Rattanakiry Kratie and Stungtreng
province intown, stopover at Sambok district of Kratie Province for
explore the Dolphin preserved area on Mekong river. lunch near the site
at local riverside restaurant during discove dolphine appear and play
on Mekong River. On PM continue the journey excursion east to highland
of Ratanakiry province, you will be most interesting and found many
wild animal through the Natural jungle, crossing the Mekong River and
the Sre Pok River, stopover at Kon-Mom Natural lake, arrival Banlung at
lateafternoon checkin hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in
Banlung-Rattanakiry.
Day 23: Rattanakiry highlands
After
breakfast have a full day excursion and explore Trapeang-Kakor village
to visit the mines of ruby and enjoy scenery of the tropical forest and
visit inhabiting areas of Charay and Tompuon minorities ethnic people.
Excursion in the surroundings of Banlung, with visits to Teuk Cha Ong
waterfall, Yeak Laom lake, a zircon mine and a pepper plantation. Teuk
Cha Ong - a spectacular waterfall in a jungle gorge. The other
attractions in this area are the isolated ethnic minority villages and
a zircon mine. Yeak Laom: a volcanic lake which forms a near perfect
circle and is surrounded by tropical forest. Late afternoon return to
the town. Overnight at hotel in Banlung - Ratanakiry.
Day 24: Rattanakiry - Elephant riding
Breakfast
in hotel then visit local market at Bar Kaev. Sightseeing around
Banlung. Visit a local market. Excursion by vehicle to several minority
villages such as Andoung Meas. Boat ride to Phoum Dal and another
village. On the way visit a rubber plantation. A lovely spot for
swimming, if desired. Elephant Ride: Take a 3 hour elephant ride to a
scenic waterfall and back through the Cambodian bush. Overnight at
hotel in Rattanakiry.
Day 25: Rattanakiry - Kampong Cham
After
breakfast, departing leaving directly for Kampong Cham on the way
return west, your lunch en-route at Kratie province or somewhere along
en-route. Check-in hotel in Kampongcham upon arrived in the late
afternoon, rest of the day after long journey. Overnight in
Kampongcham.
Day 26: Kampong Cham - Kampong Thom
After
breakfast at hotel, leave for Kampong Thom, onward to the West-North
stopover for visit Phnom Pros (the hill of men) and Phnom Srei (the
hill of women) from which you can admire the surrounding panorama,
distance 25Km from Kampongcham. Check-in hotel upon arrived intown of
Kampongthom province. On PM trip to discover Sambor Prei Kuk, the
antique capital of Chenla (early 7th century). Originally called
Ishanapura, Sambor Prei Kuk is home to the most impressive group of
pre-Angkorian monuments with more than 100 temples scattered through
the lush forest. According to inscriptions found in the area, Sambor
Prei Kuk was the capital of Icanavarman (616AD - 635 AD) and residence
of the King who had conquered the Empire of Funan. Return to town at
latafternoon, stop en route for sightseeing and intermingle with the
local people. Overnight in Kampong Thom.
Day 27: Kampong Thom - Siemreap
After
breakfast continue overland transfer to Siem Reap, the gate of
Angkorland. Checkin hotel upon arrived then have lunch at Tonlesap
restaurant. In the lateafternoon view the sunset at Angkor Wat from the
top of Phnom Bakheng Mt. Enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance
during dinner at Koulen II restaurant. Relax & overnight at hotel
in Siemreap.
Day 28: Angkor Temples
After
breakfast visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom: the Bayon temple, the
Baphuan, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then
Continue to visit the Thommanon, the Chau Say temples and the natural
lake of Sras Srang. Returned to town for lunch at Tonle-Mekong
restaurant. Afternoon visit the Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful
combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown
here for centuries. Turn to visit Ta keo, the "Jewel of Crystal"
dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva that was built at the end of the 10th
century. Angkor Wat. The founder of the temple was Suryavarman II who
reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the
12th century to dedicate to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the
pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys,
ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and
construction.Overnight in Siemreap.
Day 29: Siemreap - Bantey Srey
After
breakfast spend the entire morning in one of the jewels of Angkor, the
Banteay Srey Temple which means "Citadel of Women". This temple is
built of pink sandstone and presents the most graceful carvings in
stone you might ever seen in your life. The temple is dedicated to the
god Shiva. After a picnic lunch near the site, go on to Kbal Spean, the
river of thousand Lingas, the phallic symbol of the God Shiva. Arrival
near the site, walk for an hour through the forest to arrive at Kbal
Spean. Overnight at hotel in Siemreap.
Day 30: Siemreap Departure
Breakfast in hotel then at leisure till transfer to the airport for the flight departing Cambodia. End of the tour.