iExplore Indochina Experience

Tour Description

The three jewels of Indochina - Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia - share a common cultural heritage yet possess their own unique personalities and histories as well. The French ruled this area, collectively known as Indochine, from the late 1800's through the mid-20th century. The French influence still remains in some areas, mingling with the cultural influences of China and India.

Laos is the least developed of the three former French Indochinese states and offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. After two decades of isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace, stabilizing its political and economic structures, and admitting foreign visitors - albeit in limited numbers.

Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Cambodia has emerged from decades of war and isolation and is well and truly back on the Southeast Asian travel map. The successor-state of the mighty Khmer Empire, which ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, Cambodia boasts a rich culture, a weathered French-era capital and impressive natural scenery. The celebrated temples of Angkor are Cambodia's greatest tourist attraction.

Itinerary

INDOCHINA EXPERIENCE 2012     Itinerary:

 

Day 1         ARRIVE IN BANGKOK                                                          -

 

Arrive Bangkok International Airport. Upon clearing customs and immigration, walk to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel’s shuttle service, the official hotel of Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

 

Overnight:Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel – 1 night

 

Day 2         BANKGOK-LUANG PRABANG                                               BREAKFAST

 

This morning, transfer by the hotel shuttle from the Novotel Airport Hotel to Bangkok International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

 

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, after clearing customs and immigration, your guide will meet and escort you to your hotel. Please note that your guide will be standing just outside the airport exit door, as entry is not allowed into the arrivals hall.

 

After settling in, join your guide for a tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), built in 1513 and the oldest functioning temple in Luang Prabang, which contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From here, stroll down main street ("Wat Street") and, time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

 

Overnight:Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel or La Residence Phou Vou – 2 nights

 

Day 3         LUANG PRABANG                                                                BREAKFAST

 

After breakfast visit the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays), which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries.

 

This afternoon take a riverboat trip on the Mekong River with your guide to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, are home to many thousands of Buddha images that have been placed here by local people since the 16th century. Today many still journey to the caves to pay respect in line with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and continue on to Ban Xang Hai. This small village was once a jar-producing village but nowadays the community fills the jars (which come from elsewhere) with láo-láo, the local rice whisky.

 

Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

 

Overnight:Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel or La Residence Phou Vou

 

Day 04       LUANG PRABANG-HANOI                                        BREAKFAST

 

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Luang Prabang. This afternoon board a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

 

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

 

Overnight:Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi or Hilton Hanoi Opera – 1 night

 

Day 5         HANOI-HALONG CITY                                                         BREAKFAST

     

Visit the miniature One Pillar Pagoda and hear the legend of its construction, born from the love of an emperor in the 11th Century. This monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands next to the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting that is home to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Silent sentries guard the monumental marble and granite mausoleum (closed on Mondays an Fridays and annually in October and November). Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, the simple two-room cottage where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed from the outside only.

 

Take to the streets for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. This densely populated corner of the city was once a center of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of vendors today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Homes and ancient temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise!

 

This afternoon travel overland (3 hrs) by private vehicle to Halong City. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

 

Overnight:Novotel Halong Bay – 1 night

 

Day 6         HALONG                                                                             BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

 

The morning is at leisure until you board before noon a traditional Chinese style sailing junk, which will be your home for the next two days. Facilities include seven air-conditioned double cabins with en suite bathrooms, a large sun deck area, and a spacious dining room serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. You will be greeted with champagne upon check-in and served lunch.

 

Meander through the area whose name translates as “Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea”. Local fishermen swear that sometimes the sea monster can still be heard – it's easy to believe them, in this mystical landscape. Cruise along Halong Bay, stopping to visit Thien Cung and Dau Go caves before continuing on to a variety of islands including Tuan Chau, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, “Dog Island”, and “Sail Island”. Stop at Titov beach for a swim. (Order of itinerary subject to change).

 

Dinner will be served on board as the sun sets. This evening, there is an opportunity to fish or simply enjoy drinks.

 

Overnight:La Residence Hotel & Spa or Pilgrimage Village

 

Day 7         HALONG-HANOI-HUE                                                          BREAKFAST, LUNCH

 

Enjoy breakfast on board as you cruise through the waters of Halong Bay. This morning visit “Man’s Head Island”, “Tortoise Island”, Luon Cave, Bai Tu Long bay, “Toad Island”, and Bai Tho Mountain. Lunch on board. Return to the pier just before noon and disembark.

 

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

 

Overnight: Saigon Morin Hotel or La Residence Hotel Hue – 2 nights

 

Day 8         HUE                                                                                    BREAKFAST

 

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River, stopping first at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue’s most widely recognized monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful, natural setting.

 

Then, a visit to the Dong Ba Market - a local market near the Imperial City, before visiting the Imperial City itself. Located in the heart of Hue, the Imperial City is a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. The original walls stretched for 10km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed during the Vietnam War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Palace, where the Queen Mother lived and Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites.

 

Overnight: Saigon Morin Hotel or La Residence Hotel Hue

 

Day 9         HUE-HOI AN                                                                       BREAKFAST

 

Today we depart by vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam. As you continue southwards you will pass Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hoi An.

 

Arriving in Danang, tour the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world, and briefly pass China Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping en route to visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding rice fields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

 

Overnight:Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa – 2 nights

 

Day 10       HOI AN                                                                               BREAKFAST, LUNCH

 

Learn the art of Vietnamese cooking today with a class at the Red Bridge Restaurant. Start your day with coffee at the Hai Scout Café and head over to the Hoi An market to purchase the necessary ingredients. Chat with the local vendors and experience the sights and smells of this colorful market. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride up the Perfume River to reach the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School, where together you will prepare 5 traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch.

 

This afternoon enjoy sightseeing in Hoi An. This exquisitely preserved merchant town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful cobbled stone streets are best explored on foot. In fact this is the only way to explore the city, as no cars are allowed to pass through Hoi An. Wander past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbor where colorfully painted boats are moored. Visit a private home, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries. See one of their family chapels built as centers for ancestral worship. Continue on to a typical Chinese-style communal hall on to the famous Japanese covered bridge.

 

Overnight:Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa

 

Day 11       HOI AN-DANANG-HO CHI MINH CITY                                  BREAKFAST

 

This morning, transfer from Hoi An to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

 

This afternoon, tour the essential highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your tour of this exciting city in the historic center, stroll along Dong Khoi Street, formally the center of haute couture in Saigon when it was known as Rue Catinat. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside) and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. This 60’s style building was famously stoned by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

 

Overnight:Caravelle Hotel or Park Hyatt – 2 nights

 

Day 12       HO CHI MINH CITY                                                  BREAKFAST

 

This morning, journey out of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi tunnels, where you will visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.

The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are easily accessed by stairs. We recommend good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise you may get a little dirty!

 

Return to Ho Chi Minh City where the balance of the day is free to explore the city on your own.

 

Overnight:Caravelle Hotel or Park Hyatt

 

Day 13       HO CHI MINH CITY-PHNOM PENH                            BREAKFAST

 

This morning, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City International airport for your flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

 

Start your tour with an insight into Cambodia’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi. Next visit the incredible Silver Pagoda. A green-crystal Buddha and a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and encrusted with 9,500 diamonds sit on a floor covered with 5,000 silver tiles. It's a dazzling sight! Nearby is the National Museum, displaying the most precious statues from temples throughout Cambodia.

From here explore the modern-day city visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CD’s and DVD’s to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. 

 

Overnight:Intercontinental Hotel Phnom Penh or Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh – 1 night

 

Day 14       PHNOM PENH-SIEM REAP                                       BREAKFAST

 

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient city of Angkor. Upon arrival in Siem Reap you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 

This afternoon, begin your tour of the ancient city of Angkor. First, visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious and stunning Bayon Temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very center of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlight is the “faces”, more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. PJ de Beerski wrote of them; “godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression.” Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

 

Overnight:Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa or Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor – 2 nights

 

Day 15       SIEM REAP                                                             BREAKFAST

 

This morning visit the “crowning jewel” of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. The largest temple in the world, this temple is the national symbol of Cambodia. Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades.

 

Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. Historians have noted its mystical charm. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors.

 

Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Aritsans d Angkor) vocational center, which trains 650 apprentices each year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades united in the “Artisans d’Angkor” production network. You’ll have a chance to watch the artisans work as you take a guided tour through the different workshops such as stone sculpture, woodcarving, and polychrome.

 

Overnight:Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa or Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

 

Day 16       SIEM REAP-BANGKOK                                                         BREAKFAST

 

After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is at leisure until you are transferred to Siem Reap airport for the flight to Bangkok in time to connect with departure flight from Bangkok International. 

 

 

End of Services

Bon Voyage!

 

*** THIS IS A PROPOSAL ONLY AND IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF CONFIRMATION.

WE ARE NOT HOLDING ANY SPACES FOR THIS ITINERARY AT THIS TIME. ***

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

                        INDOCHINA EXPERIENCE 2012

PRICES IN US DOLLARS PER PERSON

 

*Based on accommodation:

- Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel in Bangkok

- Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel in Luang Prabang

- Moevenpick Hotel in Hanoi

- Novotel Halong Bay in Halong City

- Bai Tho Junk in Halong Bay

- Saigon Morin Hotel in Hue

- Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An

- Caravelle Hotel in Saigon

- Intercontinental Hotel in Phnom Penh

- Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap

 

Period	1 pax	2 pax	3-4 pax				Single Surcharge
04 Jan 12 - 30 Apr 12	9999	6599	6119				1929
01 May 12 - 30 Sep 12	9649	6399	5999				1929
01 Oct 12 - 31 Oct 12	9999	6599	6199				1929

 

 

*Based on accommodation:

- Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel in Bangkok

- La Residence Phou Vaol in Luang Prabang

- Hilton Hanoi Opera in Hanoi

- Novotel Halong Bay in Halong City

- Bai Tho Junk in Halong Bay

- La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue

- Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa in Hoi An

- Park Hyatt in Saigon

- Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh

- Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap

 

Period	1 pax	2 pax	3-4 pax				Single Surcharge
01 Jan 12 – 29 Feb 2012	11799	7499	6999				2697
01 Mar 12 – 30 Apr 12 01 Jul 12 – 31 Aug 12	11399	7299	6869				2697
01 May 12 - 30 Jun 12 01 – 30 Sept 12	10739	6999	6599				2697

 

INCLUSIONS:

§  Accommodations as specified in the itinerary with breakfast daily (breakfast box provided in case of early morning flights)

§  Sightseeing by local English-speaking guides

§  Accommodations as mentioned or equivalent

§  1 night on Bai Tho Junk in standard cabin

§  Airfare in economy class: Bangkok to Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang to Hanoi, Hanoi to Hue, Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Bangkok

§  Boat tickets as per the program

§  Ground transportation by private A/C vehicle

§  Porterage

§  Sightseeing including admission fees

 

EXCLUSIONS:

 

§  International airfare and airport departure taxes

§  Holiday surcharges

§  Meals other than those indicated

§  Personal drinks at meal times

§  Items a personal nature (e.g. laundry, telephone, mini bar etc.)

§  Gratuities to guides and drivers

§  Travel Insurance 

§  Visa fees for Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

§  Vietnam Letter of Invitation fee

 

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

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