DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN LUANG PRABANG

Meet you on arrival at Luang Prabang Airport (flight tbc).

Private transfer to your hotel.

Included: tour guide, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues

DAY 2
CITY AND WATERFALLS

This morning we begin at the National museum, then following to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape. Next we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style.

We’ll end the morning at the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos

Break for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon we transfer by road to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by early evening in time for a sunset view over the Mekong.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues

DAY 3
ALMS GIVING AND PAK OU CAVES

An  early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This procession is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterwards, we visit the local morning market, before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we board our boat and cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Continue 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.

Then visit the village of Ban Muang Kaew Lao Rice Whisky, then across the Mekong to a local restaurant for lunch.

On the way back by road, visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Arrive back to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, boat ticket, lunch, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues

DAY 4
LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE

This morning transfer to the airport for your short domestic flight to Vientiane (flight tbc). On arrival, meet your regional guide and begin to discover this laid-back and charming capital city,  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.

An optional lunch may be taken at the excellent Mak Phet Resataurant, which helps to train disadvantaged youth for a career in the hospitality industry.

En route to Laos’ 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.

Included: tour guide, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, economy class domestic flight

DAY 5
VIENTIANE TO HANOI

This morning private transfer to Vientiane International Airport for your regional flight.

Regional flight from Vientiane (VTE) to Hanoi (HAN) taking approx 60 minutes.

ARRIVAL INTO HANOI NOI BAI AIRPORT (flight details tbc).
Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes.

Included: tour guide, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, economy class regional flight, transport, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 6
ANCIENT VILLAGE CYCLING

This morning, we’ll drive west of Hanoi for around 1.5 hours to Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where you’ll discover many hundred-year-old houses, in one of the few remaining historic villages in Vietnam. This ancient village has a history dating back some 1,200 years. One special thing about the village is that most of the buildings here are made of laterite and mud, two materials that are abundant in the area.

We’ll cycle along quiet lanes around the village and discover the daily life and farming practice of Vietnamese peasants along the terraces, with a stop in two ancient houses: the biggest ancient house was built 200 years ago and the most oldest surving house dates back around 400 years.

Lunch is taken in the village and you have time to soak up the local atmosphere and ways of life here. On the drive back to Hanoi, we visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, which are dedicated to two former kings from the 8th and 9th century, who were born locally. Return to Hanoi by late afternoon.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 7

Begin departure from Hanoi. The cruise company representative will meet you at your hotel approximately 08.00 (tbc) and you join the cruise company shared shuttle transport for your transfer to Halong Bay. On the way, stop at Yen Duc Village, where you’ll see a traditional Water Puppet show and have lunch, before continuing to Hong Gai Harbour, where your Junk awaits.

Halong Bay Cruise Day 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Yen Duc Village – Bai Tu Long Bay – Cap La.

07.40 – 08.00: Pick up at your hotel in Ha Noi by cruise company shared transportation.
10.20 – 10.30: Arrive at Yen Duc village
10.30 – 11.45: Relax and enjoy water puppet show. Have lunch in Yen Duc village.
12.00: Continue from Yen Duc village to Halong Bay.
13.15 – 13.30: Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.
13.45 – 14.00: Check-in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing.
14.00 – 16.45: Cruise to Cap La
17.00 – 18.00: Enjoy paddling around Cap La and Tra San by kayak.
18.00 – 18.15: Back to junk for relaxing.
19.00 – 21.00: Have dinner and overnight on board in Cong Do.

Included: lunch, dinner

DAY 8
Halong Bay Cruise Day 2: Cap La – Cong Dam – Dinner in Thien Canh Son Cave

07.30 – 08.00: Morning view of Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
08.30 – 09.00: Start cruising to Cong Dam while discovering geological values of Bai Tu Long Bay.
09.00 – 11.00: Enjoy kayaking through the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam. Go swimming in the crystal water.
11.30 – 14.00: Back to junk for lunch and relaxing.
14.00 – 19.00: Cruise to Hon Co Island for swimming or kayaking to discover the stunning scenery of the Bay.
19.00 – 21.00: Explore the well-hidden and have a deluxe dinner in Thien Canh Son cave. Overnight in Cong Do area.

Included: American breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9
Halong Bay Cruise Day 3: Cong Do – Vung Vieng – Hon Gai Harbour

07.30: Enjoy fresh air & gentle breeze of the bay in morning. Have breakfast on board.
07.30 – 08.45: Cruise to Vung Vieng fishing village.
09.00: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms.
10.15: Check out of the cabin, start cruising towards the harbor.
11.00: Have lunch on board.
12.30 – 13.00: Disembark at Hon Gai habor.

After disembarkation, your shared cruise company transportation will return you to Hanoi, arriving by late afternoon.

Included: American breakfast, lunch, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 10
HANOI CITY DISCOVERY

This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and museums of interest.

Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light – it is a photographer’s paradise… all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work – along with many street sellers and their wares.

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to  stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple ‘stilt house’ which Ho lived in and the unique ‘One-Pillar Pagoda‘.

The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy – constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties.

Depending on time available, some museums may also be visited – notable are: Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton), Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

This is a flexible full day of touring and you can discuss specific sites / sights and locations with your guide, depending on your own personal interests and pace.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, transport, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 11
VIETNAM’S ANCIENT CAPITAL

Depart around 7.30am to Hoa Lu – the historic capital of Vietnam and visit the remaining two temples of Dinh King and Le King. Hoa Lu is some 110km or two hours from Hanoi. Located near the town of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu is the site of a 10th-century capital of the ancient Vietnamese kingdom of Dai Co Viet.

This small Kingdom covered an area of only 300 hectares, and reigned from the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties, to the 11th century, during the Ly Dynasty. The Kingdom was enclosed by a citadel. The citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills provided a good defence for this kingdom against the Chinese.

Nowadays, the historic citadel no longer exists and few significant vestiges remain, including 2 temples built in honor of the Dinh dynasty and one that used to rule the country during that period. The interest of Hoa Lu lies not only in its rich history but also in its serene landscape that represents the living environment of the Red River Delta.

In the area around Tam Coc are some of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights.

Continue driving to Kenh Ga and enjoy a boat trip along Hoang Long river to contemplate the beauty of the natural landscapes of this region. Conclude this trip with a visit to Bich Dong, which is a beautiful pagoda on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating from 1428 under the Le Dynasty, and comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 12
TAM COC

Here you will find rice-fields, meandering rivers and historic monuments and caves. The Karst rock formations typical of this area are sometimes referred to as ‘Halong Bay on land’.
This is an excellent area for landscape photography.

There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed in and around this charming location.
These include: Jogging / Walking; Cycling around the valley and ricefields; traditional sampan ride and even climbing or fishing in season.

Phat Diem Cathedral – symbol of a rich religious life.
A famous cathedral for visiting in Ninh Binh province is Phat Diem Cathedral, which was built between 1875 and 1899 with four roofs and six sets of iron wooden pillars, and consists of a network of ponds, lakes, churches, and artificial caves.

On both sides of the church are four smaller churches of different styles. In the area, the rice paddies are peppered with stone churches. But, unlike these structures, as built by Europeans and resembling typical churches of the era, Phat Diem Cathedral was designed by a Vietnamese priest, known as Father Sau, who rallied the local population to build the cathedral, five side chapels, three artificial grottoes, an artificial lake and a bell tower.

Phat Diem Cathedral seems to have changed very little since the writer Graham Greene described its gigantic pillars formed out of single trees and the scarlet lacquer work of the altar. Indeed, with its multi tiered, curling roofs and its 48 lime-wood columns – (the largest of which weigh seven tones), Phat Diem is a far cry from a European cathedral.

Feel free to discuss these locations and your interests with your guide.

Overnight train SE1 dep Hanoi at 19.30 and arrive Dong Hoi 05.50 (next morning).

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues

DAY 13
DONG HOI AND THE PARADISE CAVE

Meet you Dong Hoi Train Station and private transfer to your hotel. Early check-in if available and breakfast.

Leaving your hotel by around 8.30am, we’ll drive around 50km to Phong Na Cave. First discovered under French rule in the late 19th century and subsequently fully surveyed in 1990. Soon after cave was given the title of the world’s longest river cave with a length of almost 14km. The first 1.200 meters of the cave was opened up for public viewing. It is only accessible by boat and features an underground river.

The caverns that are open to visitors are quite close to the mouth of the cave. Just as you enter, to the right, disembark your boat on to a landing and a set of stairs that lead to two caverns, or grottos.

At 400 million years of age, these are some of the oldest limestone formations in the world. The curiosities produced when water seeps slowly through limestone for eons are visible everywhere. Intricate stalactites, stalagmites and ground formations are on display everywhere — it’s truly an underground wonderland.

Leaving the cave, we’ll continue by road to Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave. Local lunch (included) will be taken along the way.

Discovered only in 2005, Thien Duong “Paradise” Cave took the title of longest cave in Vietnam away from the name star of the park, Phong Nha Cave.

At 31km (19 miles) in length Paradise Cave is more than four times longer than its nearby sister and has perhaps more impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations

Take a deep breath before you go further to prepare yourself for what is ahead, or you will think you have stepped into a primitive forest that aged into stone mineral. Stalactites that look like temples, cranes with their arched necks looking up to the sky and a pine tree with hundreds of branches are dotted throughout this underground world.

With a little imagination, there is no end to the shapes to be found in the cave. Also around Thien Duong Cave are dozens of stalactite mounds 30-50 centimeters tall, resembling Buddha statues, some of them with diameters of more than a meter. One stalactite structure looks like the communal house of the Central Highlands people.

The British Caving Association have stated that Thien Duong Cave is probably the longest dry cave in Asia.

During the afternoon, drive back through the National Park to your hotel in Dong Hoi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 14
SOUTH ACROSS THE DMZ TO HUE

We recommend an early breakfast and depart your hotel for the drive south to Hue. This journey passes through some of the most memorable areas in Vietnam recent past.

During the 1960’s / 70’s war, some of the most fierce fighting was in the area south of Dong Hoi at the Ben Hai River / 17th parallel division of former North and South Vietnam – ironically known as the DMZ or Demilitarized Zone.

Nowadays this peaceful area is a complete contrast the former battlegrounds. You may be able to cross the old wooden footbridge the over Ben Hai River and also visit the small war museum situated on the north side.

Continuing south, pass by the totally destroyed Long Hung Church, now just a shell of the building remains. The exterior is riddled with bullet marks, giving some idea of the fighting that took place here.

By mid to late afternoon, we’ll reach the charming former capital city of Hue. Check in to your hotel and relax. Or take a walk alongside the beautiful Perfume River and enjoy the sunset.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, transport, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 15
THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HUE

We begin with a discovery of Minh Mang tomb, which is 12km from Hue, on the west bank of the Perfume River. Begun in 1840, construction was not complete when Minh Mang died. His successor, Emperor Thieu Tri continued this task according to his father’s plans.

It took ten thousand soldiers and artisans to finish the project. Fully completed in 1843, the tomb comprises of about 40 monuments of various sizes which was designed on an symmetric axis running from Dai Hon gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the tomb.

Returning to the city, we’ll visit the private gallery and workshop of Mr Do Huu Triet to discover the ancient art of Phap Lam, an art-form that uses ceramic enamel to cover laminated copper.

Enter the ancient Hue Citadel and the Forbidden City.
The poetic and beautiful Hue of Vietnam was chosen to be the capital of the Southern Kingdom under Nguyen Lords’ Dynasty, and officially became the nation’s capital under Tay Son Dynasty, King Quang Trung. The citadel palace complex is located on the North bank of Huong River (Perfume River), inside Hue city.

It is a huge complex covering an area of 520ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The rule of the last Vietnamese Emperor lasted until the mid-1900s. At the time, the Purple Forbidden City had many buildings and hundreds of rooms. It suffered from termite and cyclone damage, but was still very impressive. Many bullet holes left over from the war can also be observed on the stone walls.

Conclude this splendid day with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the Perfume River and is the official symbol of the city of Hue. Thien Mu means “elderly celestial woman”, and refers to an old legend about the founding of the pagoda. From here, cruise back to Hue centre on the legendary Perfume River. The views on both sides of the river with the citadel, town, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples, provide good photo opportunities while enjoying this short 45 minutes cruise.

DAY 16
BREATHTAKING VIEWS

Following National Highway 1 south to Hoi An is around 4 hours drive. We’ll stop by Lang Co Beach, followed by a scenic drive over the stunning Hai Van Mountain Pass. This is the highest pass in Vietnam (500m above sea level). The rugged pass is the final section of the Truong Son Range stretching to the sea.

Hai Van is translated “Sea Clouds”, since the peak of the mountain is in the clouds while its foot is close to the sea.  The views over Lang Co Bay and Da Nang are stunning. We’ll make stops along the way for photos and refreshments as required.

Included: tour guide, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, transport, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 17
HOI AN WALKING TOUR

Located on the banks of the poetic Thu Bon River, Hoi An ancient town is an Eastern oriental classic captivation. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port, with a number of foreign occupations. These included the Japanese and Chinese, and and also western (Dutch and Spanish) during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient town is home to well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets, a quaint riverside and unique cuisines. The narrow lanes are ideal for a 3 hours walking tour to give you a glimpse of an ancient town with its illustrious past. You will visit the Japanese Bridge, the Assembly Hall of Chinese, an old merchant’s house – Tan Ky and have a visit to the colourful local market.

This afternoon is free and easy for you.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 18
ANCIENT KINGDOM

My Son, located in an narrow valley in Duy Tan Commune is around 40km from Hoi An. It was an imperial city of the Cham kingdom, between the 4th and 12th century. The construction of My Son was likely to have been started in the 4th century. During many centuries, the temple complex had more buildings and stupas constructed of varying sizes and became the main cultural vestige of the Champa civilization in Vietnam.

Aside from religious celebrations, which allowed the dynastic royals to spiritually connect with the gods, My Son was also a cultural and religious centre and was the burial place of kings and religious leaders. The Sanctuary now is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs.

After this exploration, we’ll take you to Da Nang for your late afternoon flight to Siem Reap.

Scheduled regional fight from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) to Siem Reap International airport (REP) taking approximately 120 minutes (flight details tbc).

ARRIVAL IN SIEM REAP
Your guide will meet you just outside of the arrivals hall at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation to check in.

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, transport, economy class regional flight, tour guide, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 19
FLOATING VILLAGE AND JUNGLE TEMPLE

Today we visit the remote stilted village of Kampong Khleang, on the floodplains of the Tonle Sap Lake.
During the dry season the 6-metre stilted homes tower above the low water line, exposing the various livestock of the villagers, including chicken, pigs and dogs.

The villagers are fishing folk with shrimp harvesting their primary source of income. Giant sheets covered with pink shrimp drying in the sun can be seen on the lake shore and along the main street.

In the afternoon we venture out to visit one of the larger, but further afield temples of the Angkor region, deep in the jungle at Beng Mealea. It has been described as “unquestionably one of the most beautiful Angkorian sites,’ and possibly served as the direct model for Angkor Wat itself.

DAY 20
MAGNIFICENT TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

The day begins early with an unforgettable and awe-inspiring site – Angkor Wat at dawn. Marvel as the sun rises over the spires of the largest religious structure in the world.

We’ll return you to your hotel for breakfast and then continue our discovery of the temples. After exploring Angkor Wat in all its splendor, at the quietest time of day, we take a break for a local lunch, before returning to the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom and the beguiling, smiling faces of the Bayon Temple.

Late afternoon, visit Ta Phrom, when the light is at its’ most magical. See how the massive root tentacles from the towering trees have grown through the temple, binding the ancient stones to the jungle. It’s an evocative sight.

DAY 21
BANTEAY SREI AND PHNOM KULEN

Head north towards the old front of the civil war, taking in the enlightening Landmine Museum along the way. The founder, Mr. Aki Ra, was a 2010 CNN Heroes Award recipient for his anti-mining work. Cross into former Khmer Rouge territory and make the pilgrimage to Cambodia’s most spiritual site – and the birthplace of the mighty Khmer empire – Phnom Kulen.

At the top of Phnom Kulen is the river of a thousand lingas and the enormous reclining Buddha carved from rock at Ang Thom Pagoda. After a local lunch on the banks of the Siem Reap River, feel free to take a dip in holy water at the stunning 32-meter Kulen waterfall.

On the way back into town, visit the charming temple of goddesses, the beautiful pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. Finish the day by watching the sun set over the rice paddies from the top of the ancient crematorium of Prey Rup (‘Turning of the Body’).

Note: There are places to change into swim wear and this can be a great place to enjoy the cool and refreshing water!

Included: tour guide, entrance fees, transport, lunch, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues, bedroom and breakfast

DAY 22
VILLAGE WALK ‘N TALK

This walking tour takes you through a local village that we support and out to the rice fields. Learn about Cambodian stilt homes and life in a typical Cambodian village. This tour includes a visit to the active Pagoda and Ancient ruins. As you wander slowly through the village your guide will show you about the way of life for the local people and answer any questions that you have.

Learn about Cambodia, religion and the peoples lives. This is a chance to meet local people, learn about their lives and interact in a respectful and meaningful way. The tour takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and covers around 2 kilometers.

Photography is welcome and your guide will let you know if any one does not wish to be photographed. This is a wonderful tour for anyone who would like to learn about the real Cambodia and is ideal for photo enthusiasts.

Please do not hand out gifts, money etc within the village.  These well meaning gestures can cause jealousy and lead to the begging cycle.  $5 from every person on this tour goes back to helping this villages poorest families.

DEPARTURE FROM SIEM REAP
Private transfer to Siem Reap Airport which is around 20 minutes drive from the downtown area.
Flight departure details tbc.

Included: tour guide, transport, bottled drinking water and fresh-up tissues