Day 1 : Arrive Phnom Penh
Arrive in Phnom Penh where you will be greeted by a Travel The Unknown representative. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Overnight in Villa Langka, Phnom Penh
Meal plan: n/a
Intro
This comprehensive tours takes in the main highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In historic Cambodia uncover the capital, Phnom Penh by cyclo before witnessing the incredible atmosphere of the diverse Angkor temples. Travel Vietnam from South to North through bustling cities and sparkling bays, taking time to appreciate its ancient history, Buddhist temples and delectable cuisine. In Laos, discover the Asia of yesteryear, where time passes more slowly and smiling locals welcome you.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Hindu mythology and Khmer architecture of the Angkor temples
- The sacred sites of Luang Prabang
- Take a junkboat along the beautiful Halong Bay
- Historic cities of Hué and Hoi An
- Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary
- Discover the vast Cu Chi Tunnels
Places Visited
Phnom Penh - Sambor Prei Kuk - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Ta Phrom - Banteay Srei - Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Wat Si Saket - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hué - Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta
What's Included
Arrival & departure transfersGround transport with driver
5 regional flights
Accommodation
Meals (please refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks
Day 2 : Phnom Penh
This morning at 08:00 am you will be met your guide at your hotel to start this unique tour by Remok. First, we will visit Pshar Kandal and enjoy some local delights such as Mi Char (fried noodle) Lort Char, Sach kor ang (BBQ beef) with papaya salad, noodle soup, Nom krok, small traditional snacks made from rice and coconut juice cooked in a clay pan. Afterwards, we will move on towards Pshar Chas where we can try some Banh Srung, a small noodle dish with coconut milk and spring roll slices. We can also sample Chek Ktis - a sweet dessert. After breakfast, we will walk to Phnom Penh’s old French quarter – home to a selection of fine colonial-era architecture. Here you will be able to see a number of Belle Epoque and Art Deco designs. You will start with the post office a grand building still in use today. Moving on to the old French administration building – although dilapidated its beauty can still be seen. Currently, this building is abandoned and the back is used as a coal shed. The area is a designated ‘walking zone’ on weekends and public holidays.
Moving onwards we will walk to Wat Phnom. Wat Phnom – in Khmer ‘Mountain Pagoda’ is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city. Built in 1373 it is the tallest religious structure in the capital. Legend states that Daun Penh a wealthy widow found four bronze statues inside a koki tree in the Mekong. The built the shine to house the sacred relics and giving Phnom Penh its name. Wat Phnom is totally different in style from the colonial French quarter displaying Phnom Penh’s amazing variety of architecture.
Walking onwards we will pass the national library, a fine building still with the French sign. We will pass the Raffles hotel with its colourful history. Opening in 1929 by the French, The hotel has hosted names as varied as Jacqueline Kennedy and Pol Pot. The hotel reopened as a Raffles in 1997. Between 1970 -75 most of the journalists working in Phnom Penh stayed here, it was the last refuge before the Khmer Rouge forced all foreign nationals into the French embassy.
Moving on we will walk to the train station where we will see the large colonial built train station. The station has an uneasy feeling as it has been disused since the early 1990’s. Although still used infrequently to transport goods it is no longer commercially used and it’s closed to the public. We will continue our walk to Cambodia’s largest market and a Phnom Penh landmark – Psah Thmey. Psah Thmey (meaning grand market) is an amazing art deco building built in 1937 by French architect Louis Chauchon. When opened it was the biggest market in Asia.
The four wings of this gigantic yellow dome are teeming with stalls that sell goods ranging from gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, men's and women's apparel, clocks, books, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, fish, seafood, dessert, luggage, and countless other products. In the market, you will also have the chance to meet with a traditional Cambodian fortune teller (Optional: 5 USD) and have your fortune told if you so wish. We will also try some of the local snacks available in the market depending on what’s available. Try also a surprisingly refreshing Teuk Ampov - a popular Khmer drink consisting of sugar cane juice poured over ice.
Lunch will be at the Friends Restaurant, which provides underprivileged street children with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the hospitality business
This afternoon make a trip to visit the Tuol Sleng Prison, housed in a high school, to glimpse the devastating horrors that prevailed during Cambodia's ultra-radical Marxist movement. This excursion may prove distressing for some; it is, however, an important piece of Cambodia’s recent past. After, take an excursion to Choeng Ek, the site of a former orchard where more than 17,000 civilians (men, women, children, infants and including nine westerners) were killed and buried in mass grave by victims of the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979; also known as the "killing fields,"- located just outside the city around 17km from Phnom Penh. Return to your hotel and enjoy your own leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Overnight in Villa Langka, Phnom Penh
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Tuol Sleng Prison The museum displays include room after room in which photographs of men, women and children cover the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later executed.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in Cambodia. Founded in 1434, the city is a significant tourist destination and was once considered the “Pearl of Asia”. Phnom Penh’s colonial heritage is evident through the many French-style buildings scattered along the grand boulevards. The city sits on the banks of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers and is home to over two million people. The city’s main sights include the National Museum, the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide museum and the killing fields.
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in Cambodia. Founded in 1434, the city is a significant tourist destination and was once considered the “Pearl of Asia”. Phnom Penh’s colonial heritage is evident through the many French-style buildings scattered along the grand boulevards. The city sits on the banks of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers and is home to over two million people. The city’s main sights include the National Museum, the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide museum and the killing fields.
Day 3 : Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
This morning, our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Siem Reap. Along the way, you will visit Sambor Prei Kuk. The road leading from the main road to the ruins is still unpaved and a bit bumpy at times. Sambor Prei Kuk was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom, which predates Angkor by several centuries. The ruins are spread out over a vast distance. Tourists seldom visit this place so you can enjoy the beautiful ruins in peace and quiet. You will have a traditional Khmer lunch at a local restaurant run by Sambor Preikuk community. After lunch, you will continue your journey towards the capital, passing through the beautiful Khmer countryside before continuing the journey to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Overnight in La Niche D'Angkor, Siem Reap
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Formerly known as Isanapura, Sambor Prei Kuk was the ancient capital city of the Chenla Kingdom. The complex is composed of four groups of temples that are among the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture. Architectural features include octagonal towers, ponds, reservoirs and lion sculptures.
The vibrant city of Siem Reap is the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor and consequently one of Cambodia's most prosperous travel destinations. Once an unassuming and quiet market town, Siem Reap is now a bustling area with an ecelctic array of restaurants, bars and night markets.
The vibrant city of Siem Reap is the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor and consequently one of Cambodia's most prosperous travel destinations. Once an unassuming and quiet market town, Siem Reap is now a bustling area with an ecelctic array of restaurants, bars and night markets.
Day 4 : Siem Reap - Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
This morning you will be transferred to Angkor Wat at sunrise. Breakfast will be at the temples. After breakfast, you will have a cycle ride around hidden trails of the Angkor complex to visit some of the best-kept secrets and the iconic temples of the Bayon, Ta Phrom and The Elephant Terrace. As the day heats up, we lunch with a view of Sra Srang Lake and then return to your hotel. This evening enjoy a show at the Cambodian Circus. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Overnight in La Niche D'Angkor, Siem Reap
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Angkor Wat, which translates as the "City of Temples" in Khmer, is the largest religious monument in the world. Dating back to the early 12th Century, the complex was constructed by the Khmer King Suryavarman II as a Hindu Temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. In the late 13th Century, Angkor Wat became a Buddhist place of worship, and has remained so ever since. Built on a rectangular man made island surrounded by a 190 metre wide moat, the temple structure is in the classical style of Khmer architecture. The moat helped prevent Angkor Wat from being submerged by the encroaching jungle; the only access is by an earthbank to the east and a sandstone causeway to the west. Angkor Wat is famed for the intricate carvings on almost all of its surfaces - walls, columns, lintels and roofs illustrate miles of scenes from Indian literature; the gallery wall alone depicts almost 1,000 square metres of bas-relief freezes. Detailed decorations include carvings of mythical beasts such as unicorns, griffins and winged dragons, as well as warriors on elephants and dancing girls. Because of its unique architecture, the temple complex has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
7th Century Ta Phrom was built by the King Jayavarman VII. Superb sculptures of Apsaras and low-reliefs from Angkorian period can be seen. Nearby Yeay Peau Temple, which is surrounded by a modern pagoda, was built in the 7th century and named after King Ta Prohm's mother.
The vibrant city of Siem Reap is the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor and consequently one of Cambodia's most prosperous travel destinations. Once an unassuming and quiet market town, Siem Reap is now a bustling area with an ecelctic array of restaurants, bars and night markets.
7th Century Ta Phrom was built by the King Jayavarman VII. Superb sculptures of Apsaras and low-reliefs from Angkorian period can be seen. Nearby Yeay Peau Temple, which is surrounded by a modern pagoda, was built in the 7th century and named after King Ta Prohm's mother.
The vibrant city of Siem Reap is the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor and consequently one of Cambodia's most prosperous travel destinations. Once an unassuming and quiet market town, Siem Reap is now a bustling area with an ecelctic array of restaurants, bars and night markets.
Day 5 : Banteay Srey - Vientiane
Visit Banteay Srei, a remote 10th century temple dedicated to Shiva. Option to visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum, Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre. In the afternoon, fly to Vientiane (Laos) where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.
Overnight in Sabaidee@Lao Hotel, Vientiane
Meal plan: Breakfast
Banteay Srei is a ruined Hindu temple built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. It is made of red sandstone which is easy to carve and some of the elaborate wall carvings are still visible today. The buildings themselves are small in size by Angkorian standards. In the 11th century the temple was subject to expansion and at some point came under the control of the King and its dedication changed. The temple was rediscovered in 1914 and was the subject of an art theft in 1923, when four devata statues were stolen.
Day 6 : Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Take a tour of Vientiane visit some of the most important sites in the city such as Wat Si Saket, the only structure to survive the 1828 Siamese Invasion intact, Ho Pha Keo and Wat That Luang, the most sacred structure in Laos. Next visit the COPE Visitor Centre to learn about the Secret War which made Laos the most bombed country in history. Transfer to airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang
Meal plan: Breakfast
Vientiane is the largest city in Laos. It became the country’s capital in 1593 due to fears of a Siamese invasion. Although it is still a relatively small city, Vientiane contains many temples and monuments including Pha That Luang, Wat Si Muang, a temple built on the remains of a Hindu shrine, and the Patuxai, a memorial monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat in Vientiane, Laos. It is situated on Lan Xang Road, on the corner with Setthathirat Road, to the northwest of Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly held the Emerald Buddha. It was built in 1818 on the order of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Si is derived from the Sanskrit title of veneration Sri, prefixed to the name of Wat Saket in Bangkok, which was renamed by Anouvong's contemporary, King Rama I. Wat Si Saket was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. Wat Si Saket features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. The temple also houses a museum.
Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat in Vientiane, Laos. It is situated on Lan Xang Road, on the corner with Setthathirat Road, to the northwest of Haw Phra Kaew, which formerly held the Emerald Buddha. It was built in 1818 on the order of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Si is derived from the Sanskrit title of veneration Sri, prefixed to the name of Wat Saket in Bangkok, which was renamed by Anouvong's contemporary, King Rama I. Wat Si Saket was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. Wat Si Saket features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. The temple also houses a museum.
Day 7 : Luang Prabang
Spend the morning sightseeing in Luang Prabang visiting Wat Xieng Thong, the National Museum and Phousi Mountain among other sites. In the afternoon visit Pak Ou Caves, home to 3,000 images of Buddha, inlaid with precious stones. On the way visit the villages of Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xang Hai. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang
Meal plan: Breakfast
Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was the royal capital and seat of the government until the Communist takeover in 1975. Like the Vientiane, the city contains many Buddhist temples, the most well-known being Wat Xeing Thong. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its most famous landmarks is Wat Chom Si, a temple that sits on a large steep hill overlooking the city.
Day 8 : Luang Prabang
Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in the morning, a museum dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Laos. Visit Kuang Si Waterfall, stopping at Ban Sa-aat, Ban Pano, Ban Long Lao along the way to see the different cultures of the tribes that live there. Afterwards visit the Sunbear Refuge. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Day 9 : Luang Prabang - Hanoi
In the morning visit the elephant project and spend an hour touring the countryside on the back of these majestic creatures. Free time until you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Hanoi (Vietnam). Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight in Medallion Hotel, Hanoi
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Day 10 : Hanoi
Take a city tour of Hanoi, visiting Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum as well as the Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter. Later experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Overnight in Medallion Hotel, Hanoi
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Sitting on the banks of the Red River, Vietnam's capital is the second largest city in the country. Steeped in an intriguing history, many of Hanoi's historical monuments and palaces have been destroyed by both civil war and foreign aggression, although some do still remain - for example the Temple of Literature, which is Vietnam's first university and was built as a tribute to Confucius. It is home to the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long which was built by the Ly Dynasty in the 11th Century on an old Chinese Fortress. Hanoi is famous for its lakes, in particular Hoan Kiem Lake, also called the 'Lake of the Restored Sword', which is linked to the legend of the magic sword when the Golden Turtle God reclaimed Emperor Le Loi's magic sword, Heaven's Will.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the site where Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on 2nd September 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum it also incorporates distinct Vietnamese architectural styles such as a sloping roof. The gardens contain flowers and plants from all over Vietnam. The body of Ho Chi Minh, embalmed and protected by a military guard at all times, lies in the central chamber.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in the country. It is both a research centre and a public museum with the aim of preserving and presenting the cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam through the display of tribal art and artefacts.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the site where Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on 2nd September 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum it also incorporates distinct Vietnamese architectural styles such as a sloping roof. The gardens contain flowers and plants from all over Vietnam. The body of Ho Chi Minh, embalmed and protected by a military guard at all times, lies in the central chamber.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is widely considered to be the finest modern museum in the country. It is both a research centre and a public museum with the aim of preserving and presenting the cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam through the display of tribal art and artefacts.
Day 11 : Hanoi - Halong Bay
Transfer to Halong Bay and board a junkboat for a cruise. You can enjoy some activities if weather permits Overnight on the boat.
Overnight in Glory Legend Cruise, Halong Bay
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a collection of magnificent limestone islands rising from the ocean. Several of the islands have grottos inside them which have been decorated by 19th Century French tourists and some of the paintings and messages can still be seen today. It has been the backdrop for many sea battles and Kublai Khan’s Mongol boats were defeated there in 1288.
Day 12 : Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
In the morning, enjoy the views of the bay and surrounding island. Continue your cruise along the bay, admiring the stunning scenery enjoying brunch along the way. Transfer to Hanoi for your night flight to Hué. Overnight in Hué.
Overnight in Romance Hotel, Hué
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Day 13 : Hue
After an early breakfast, you will meet your guide and you will visit the Forbidden Purple City, constructed under the Emperor Gia Long's, in the early 19th century. It is located in the Citadel of Hue, which was badly damaged during the Tet offensive of 1968. Established as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. Hue was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1993. At noon, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, you will board a dragon boat for a pleasant boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the characteristic Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, you will visit the tombs of the emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Tu Duc was Vietnam's fourth emperor and lived from 1829 until 1883. During his reign, Vietnam lost its independence to France. Tu Duc is said to have had 104 concubines. Khai Dinh King was Vietnam’s Emperor from 1916 to 1925. His tomb represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influence, as it is almost entirely made of concrete and includes many European architectural details. Overnight in Hue.
Overnight in Romance Hotel, Hué
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The Forbidden Purple City can be found at the centre of the Imperial Enclosure, a structure that resembles the Forbidden City of Beijing. Build by the Nguyen Dynasty who ascended the throne in 1802, this city was intended solely for the emperor’s use. The Forbidden Purple City has been victim to many natural disasters and was heavily damaged during the war with the U.S.
Once the capital of feudal Vietnam, Hué is known for its historical monuments and is home to the Imperial City. Along the Perfume River lie the tombs of the rulers of the Nguyen dynasty including Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dun as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda, regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. It is also home to the Dong Baa Markets, the largest marketplace in central Vietnam which has all the typical features of a traditional Vietnamese market.
Once the capital of feudal Vietnam, Hué is known for its historical monuments and is home to the Imperial City. Along the Perfume River lie the tombs of the rulers of the Nguyen dynasty including Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dun as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda, regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. It is also home to the Dong Baa Markets, the largest marketplace in central Vietnam which has all the typical features of a traditional Vietnamese market.
Day 14 : Hue - Hoi An
Drive to Hoi An to relax on the beach or the banks of the Thu Bon River. Enroute, upon arrival to Da Nang, we will visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, opened in 1915. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting the many historic houses, congregation halls and pagodas. Overnight in Hoi An.
Overnight in Vin Hung Emerald Resort, Hoi An
Meal plan: Breakfast
Once the country's trade centre, Hoi An is steeped in history. Shipwrecks that have been recovered show that Vietnamese and Asian ceramics have been transported as far as Sinai, Egypt. Foreign influence can be seen in the buildings and streets of the city. Nearby are the ruins of My Son, Cua Dai Beach and China Beach, which is a hot spot for activities such as windsurfing and snorkelling. It is home to many ruins and pagodas, which have given it UNESCO World Heritage Site Status and there is archaeological evidence of a port being there since the 2nd Century BC.
Day 15 : Hoi An
In the morning cycle along the countryside admiring the rice paddies and villages. Later, take a cruise along the river to meet the local fishermen and take part in traditional net fishing. Overnight in Hoi An.
Overnight in Vin Hung Emerald Resort, Hoi An
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 16 : Hoi An - My Son
In the morning, visit the archaeological site of My Son Sanctuary, which was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of it was destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam War. Overnight in Hoi An.
Overnight in Vin Hung Emerald Resort, Hoi An
Meal plan: Breakfast
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of ruined and partially ruined Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva and built in the 4th Century by the Champa. It is regarded as one of the foremost Hindu temples in South East Asia and its importance is compared to other temple complexes such as Angkor Wat, Bagan in Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. It is thought that My Son was the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina until much of it was destroyed by US bombs during the Vietnam war.
Day 17 : Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels then the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Cititel Central Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Meal plan: Breakfast
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a rich military history. Named after the Communist leader, the French colonial influence is reflected through the Western Style buildings and French Villas. It is home to the Reunification Palace, the archives of the Vietnam War, and the Ben Thanh market. It has become a sprawling, rapidly growing city that is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. It is also home to the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, which was named after the Pagoda in Bac Giang and is the first pagoda in Vietnam to be built in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, but in concrete.
Located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding places during combat. Part of a larger tunnel network that underlies much of the country, at its peak the Cu Chi tunnel system stretched from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border and allowed the Viet Cong to maintain control in the surrounding rural area as it allowed them to make surprise attacks. The tunnels also feature constructive living areas and kitchens as well as field hospitals and command centres.
Located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding places during combat. Part of a larger tunnel network that underlies much of the country, at its peak the Cu Chi tunnel system stretched from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border and allowed the Viet Cong to maintain control in the surrounding rural area as it allowed them to make surprise attacks. The tunnels also feature constructive living areas and kitchens as well as field hospitals and command centres.
Day 18 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta
Travel to Ben Tre. Take a boat cruise along the river and visit local industries including orchards and a workshop that makes coconut sweets. Afterwards, take a walking tour of a small village and visit a mat weaving house where you can have a go at weaving. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant. Afterwards, cycle to Mr. Khanh’s house, a passionate antiques collector. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Cititel Central Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Known to the Vietnamese as Cuu Long or 'Nine Dragons', the Mekong Delta is the recent agricultural centre of Vietnam. Under the sway of the Cambodia until the end of the 17th Century, the Mekong Delta showcases the diversity of the area. There are many towns and villages dotted along the tributaries. The Mekong Delta is also home to over 10,000 new species of animal.
Day 19 : Departure
Morning free. Transfer to airport for Ho Chi Minh - Hanoi flight. End of services.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Accommodation
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Villa Langka
Phnom Penh (2 nights) Villa Langka is located in central Phnom Penh, overlooking the ancient Wat Langka Pagoda and only a few minutes from the Independence Monument. The hotel has a contemporary design, which is blended with traditional Cambodian decor. Its bedrooms are clean and spacious, providing a comfortable stay for visitors exploring the city. Guests can enjoy local Cambodian dishes on the restaurant's terrace, overlooking the hotel courtyard and swimming pool.
La Niche D'Angkor
Siem Reap (2 nights) La Niche D'Angkor is in an excellent position, just a 5-10 minute walk from the City Center, Pub Street, Old & Night Markets. The property has rooms decorated in Cambodian style, with air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities and en-suite bathroom all included. Guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor pool and tropical garden in their spare time.
Sabaidee@Lao Hotel
Vientiane (1 night) The Sabaidee@Lao Hotel is located centrally in Vientiane. Its decor is simple yet modern and spacious. The bedrooms are fitted with modern fixtures, including air conditioning, satellite television and wifi. The on site restaurant, Pik Thai, serves a variety of cuisine options - including Thai, Chinese and Western dishes. Guests can also access the alfresco bar, where they can enjoy a relaxed evening in the hotel courtyard.
Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel
Luang Prabang (3 nights) Located in the heart of historic Luang Prabang, Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel provides an authentic Laotian living experience. The hotel consists of 5 traditional Lao houses, arranged with a number of communal buildings to give the appearance of a small village; each house features rustic décor with traditionally-inspired local furnishings and some modern amenities. In additional to on-site dining an open-air pool, the hotel offers excellent access to the city’s many temples, which offer elaborate beauty and quiet spirituality in volumes.
Medallion Hotel
Hanoi (2 nights) The Medallion Hotel is situated at the heart of Hanoi's old quarter. The spacious hotel has a modern decor and fittings for guests, which include wifi access and air-conditioned rooms. Medallion's restaurant serves a mixture of Western and Asian cuisine, along with a buffet style breakfast.
Glory Legend Cruise
Halong Bay (1 night) Glory Legend Cruises provides a tranquil way to explore Halong Bay. The boats are made up of modern cabins, comfortable communal lounges and restaurants. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views from the sundeck on board - before retiring to their cabins which also boast views from large windows that overlook Halong Bay. Cabin rooms provide for a comfortable stay and are fitted with air-conditioning and private toilets. Guests can also enjoy the other facilities whilst on board the Glory Legend Cruise, which includes a spa and fitness room.
Romance Hotel
Hué (2 nights) Romance Hotel is located in central Hue, near to many of the cities historic sights. It has a modern decor that, in some parts of the hotel, also displays traditional Vietnamese design. The bedrooms are spacious, providing a comfortable stay for guests who are exploring the city. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, which provides a relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy a panoramic view across Hue.
Vin Hung Emerald Resort
Hoi An (3 nights) Located in the peacefull An Hoi district, this property is only a 10 minute walk away from the Hoi An ancient town. Rooms are furnished with balconies, air-conditioning, tea & coffee facilities and en-suite bathroom. There is a large outdoor pool with sun loungers for guests to relax at, as well as a gym and spa offering treatments.
Cititel Central Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City (2 nights) Cititel Central Saigon is a modernly-furnished property, located within a 5 minute walk of the Ben Thanh Market. Rooms are air-conditioned and include tea/coffee facilities and en-suite bathroom. Wifi is complementary but subject to availability. Guests may enjoy the hotel's rooftop pool which offers scenic views of the city.
Hidden Indochina (21 days)
Capture the true essence and diversity of Indochina
Classic Indochina (19 days)
Lively cities, majestic coastlines and welcoming people
Essential Vietnam (14 days)
Discover Vietnam's charms and its people
Flavours of Vietnam (14 days)
Discover Vietnam's wonderful food culture
Hidden Vietnam (14 days)
Historic cities, beautiful landscapes and pagodas
Mark Pettengel & Jo Martin , Tailormade Vietnam & CambodiaA well-planned itinerary that crammed an impressive amount into 16 days, without ever feeling rushed. Cambodia and Vietnam are both fantastic destinations, offering stunning natural scenery and beautifully preserved historical sites, together with truly delightful and welcoming people. Our guides made our trip extraordinary, weaving their personal histories in to the many insights they gave us of two countries that have experienced such difficult pasts.
Greg & Jan Sheffer , Classical Indochina, IndochinaOur trip with Travel The Unknown was one of our best trips ever. All went as planned, wonderful guides, perfect hotels - best of all: excellent scheduling of activities and time to rest - balance was just what we needed!! Thank you to all staff involved!
Ciorsdan Taylor , Tailormade VietnamTTU created a first class tailor made tour for my sister and I. We couldn't have had better service, from the tour guides, the hotel, the cruise and even the transport between places.
Erika & Robert Hollingdale , Tailormade Laos, Cambodia and VietnamOur holiday to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with Travel the Unknown was a huge success. We had a fascinating itinerary, well-informed and friendly guides who really looked after us, and lovely accommodation. Every time there was a change of vehicle or guide, the next one was always there and waiting. All stages of the planning and booking process were efficiently done, so all we had to do was enjoy it!
