In three weeks you will get to know the versatility of the former Indo-China, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. You travel through magnificent scenery with beautiful karst rocks, wild rivers and gorgeous beaches. You will meet friendly people in rural countryside villages and get swept along in bustling cities. Of course you will visit beautiful Buddhist temples and the overgrown ruins of Angkor Wat, in addition there are numerous cultural culinary delights. The beauty of pure Indo China leaves no one indifferent !

TOUR SUMMARY

Day 1: Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok - Chiang Khong

Day 3: Chiang Khong - Houexay (Laos) - Pakbeng

Day 4: Pakbeng - Pak Ou - Luang Prabang

Day 5: Luang Prabang

Day 6: Luang Prabang

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Vientiane

Day 8: Vientiane - Savannaketh

Day 9: Savannaketh - Hue

Day 10: Hue

Day 11: Hue - Hoi An

Day 12: Hoi An

Day 13: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Phnom Penh

Day 16: Phnom Penh

Day 17: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (Angkor)

Day 18: Siem Reap (Angkor)

Day 19: Siem Reap (Angkor)

Day 20: Siem Reap (Angkor) - Bangkok

Day 21: Bangkok

DAY 1: BANGKOK

Welcome to Thailand! Your tour starts in Bangkok, where you can check in to your hotel room from 12 pm at noon on Day 1. Most of your travel companions will arrive later in the early morning of Day 2, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule.

The next day (Day 2) a transfer has been arranged to bring you from the hotel in Bangkok to the airport where you will join with the rest of your travel companions on the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. This domestic flight is included. In your welcome letter you will find the pickup time from the hotel and the flight details for your domestic flight.

Overnight in BANGKOK. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 2: BANGKOK - CHIANG KHONG

Today a transfer has been arranged to take you from your hotel in Bangkok to the airport. Pick up time depends on the flight schedule. At the airport you can check in for your flight to Chiang Rai. The other participants will be on the same flight. After arrival in Chiang Rai you meet your tour leader and travel onwards to Chiang Khong. You will meet with your tour leader at 4 pm in the hotel lobby. Chiang Khong is the border town of Laos and Thailand, situated on the beautiful Mekong River. Here you can acclimatize to your surroundings.

Overnight in CHIANG KHONG. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 3: CHIANG KHONG - HOUEXAY (LAOS) - PAKBENG

We leave Thailand early and journey through Laos, cross the Mekong River by bus, before travelling on to Houexay. Here we take a slow boat to Pakbeng on an adventurous journey along the river as it curves back and forth through the jungle shores of Laos and Thailand.

Overnight in PAKBENG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 4: PAKBENG - PAK OU - LUANG PRABANG

We continue our journey on the slow boat to Luang Prabang, passing small villages and large boats sailing from China. We see the impressive Pac Ou Caves, a sacred Buddhist site since the 16th century that lies inside a steep chalk cliff where the Nam Ou River flows into the Mekong. In two particularly splendid caves there are thousands of Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes, brought by pilgrims throughout the centuries. We travel on through to the small, UNESCO World Heritage Site, city of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in LUANG PRABANG. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG

Today you are free. The special town of Luang Prabang is one of the highlights of this diverse journey through classic Indochina. Here, in the middle of nowhere, there is suddenly this rustic town, built around a granite hill in a bend of the Mekong River. For centuries the town was hardly accessible to outsiders. After the death of King Suliya Vongsa in 1694, Luang Prabang became the capital of the new kingdom. The existence of this new kingdom extended well into the 20th century, first by the French and later by various Laotian governments. Only in 1975, was the last king deposed by the communist Pathet Lao.

Luang Prabang is a very peaceful city. It is especially wonderful to see tens of thousands of monks here in the temples. These temples and old French bungalows are the silent witnesses of the illustrious history of this place. The king lived here until a few decades ago in what is now a beautiful museum. Small, but beautifully decorated the palace is the backdrop for a collection of Buddhas and other precious objects, mostly in gold, which is unprecedented. The night market with lots of handmade souvenirs is well worth a visit.The most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thong. The temple is richly decorated with a beautiful mosaic of the tree of life on one of the temple walls. Several other temples are worth visiting and all just about within walking distance! From the top of the hill on which the Phu Si temple is built, you have a magnificent view of Luang Prabang and its surroundings. Especially at sunset, the view here is quite special. Meanwhile, backpackers have discovered the town and have created an atmosphere very similar to that of Kathmandu in the late ’60s. Your evenings can be spent sampling delicious food on the Mekong River or on one of the terraces in the main street.

Overnight on LUANG PRABANG. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG

You will have plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace so why not visit the high street as the monks collect alms, make the stunning trip to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can even have a dip, or visit one of the small traditional villages outside Luang Prabang.

Overnight on LUANG PRABANG. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 7: WLUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE

A long day of travelling brings us past spectacular landscapes to the sleepy capital city of Vientiane. Though this is the largest city in the country, the atmosphere is still more reminiscent of small village life and there are few cars. A famous landmark of the city is the Victory Gate or the Patuxaias it is also known. It is a Laotian version of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and stands as a memorial to all Laotians who fell during the wars before the revolution in Laos. In the evening visit the late market on the banks of the Mekong, where you can watch the youth of Vientiane relaxing, or walk through the atmospheric old city center. Due to the proximity to Thailand, you can buy just about anything in Vientiane and there are various supermarkets, a large main market and a number of little shops where you can buy clothes and souvenirs. Most of the meat eaten in Vientiane is from hunted wild animals, so lizard, armadillo or juicy fat frogs are often available for dinner.

Overnight in VIENTIANE. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 8: VIENTIANE - SAVANNAKETH

Today we travel on to Savannaketh, a town occupied by Thai armed forces during the French-Thai war.

Overnight in SAVANNAKETH. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 9: SAVANNAKETH - HUE

A scenic drive brings us to the old imperial city of Hué, an amazing city set on the sweet smelling Perfume River (Huong Giang). It is characterized by old French buildings and broad avenues and has imperial tombs set in the rolling terrain around the city. The most recent addition to the historical architecture of the city is the Forbidden City, dating back to the 19th century, the time of the Nguyen emperors. You can join an optional boat trip along the Perfume River to see the imperial tombs and pagodas, one of which is the 69-foot, 7 storey Thien Mu Pagoda which sits on the north bank of the river, was built in 1844 and was the definitive symbol of Vietnam for many years. On every floor there is a different statue of the Buddha, and behind the pagoda is a splendid courtyard.

Overnight in HUE. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 10: HUE

Spend more time in Hue among the quaint streets and alleys of the city. It is very simple to explore by foot. Alternatively you may prefer to rent a bike or motorcycle and tour around that way.

Overnight in HUE. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 11: HUE - HOI AN

Today we travel by bus via Lang Co Bay and the famous ‘Cloud Pass’ to Hoi An, formerly Faifo. Visit the Cham museum which has the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world (entrance is excluded). At Lang Co Bay you will have the opportunity to swim, sunbathe and have lunch before continuing on to Hoi An, an attractive city on the coast of the South Chinese Sea.Near the city of Danang, stop at the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son). This is a flat country situated in the sacred rock formation that is laced with caves and caverns. During the Vietnam War it was a refuge for the Viet Cong. Now it is a Buddhist shrine. There are many statues in the caves and the fascinating temples. If you climb the many stairs, you will be rewarded by the panoramic view. We will then arrive in Hoi An.

Overnight in HOI AN. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 12: HOI AN

You are free today to explore Hoi An. Hoi An is a town with traditional houses. It is considered by many travelers as one of the nicest and most charming places to experience in Vietnam. Visit the picturesque market there with baskets full of exotic fish, shrimp, vegetables or fruit. Many old wooden houses and historic buildings are evidence of the towns’ past. Some of the old Chinese houses are open for visitors. The interior of these houses looks the same as centuries ago. Even some old Chinese temples are still in use. The old town of Hoi An is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can organize your time today as you wish. You could go on a long bike ride through the countryside, or relax at the nearby Non Nuoc Beach. Fans of excavations will certainly want to visit My Son. The sites are about thirty kilometers from Hoi An. With a rented car or a motorbike, this place is easily accessible. My Son was a political and religious center and was built between 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa. It is an interesting place to visit for half a day.

Overnight in HOI AN. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 13: HOI AN - DANANG - HO CHI MINH CITY

In the morning, meet up our guide at lobby of hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, take a short introductory tour of the city (this city tour is included in the price). You’ll pass the former U.S. embassy on Le Duan Street. You will also see the former Presidential Palace. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office clearly show their French influences. In the Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) the famous writer Graham Greene rented an apartment. During this short tour there are no stops but you will have time to explore the city afterwards.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY

Today you are free to get to know this buzzing city. The streets are filled with people, bikes and mopeds and vendors sell delicious food and souvenirs on corners. Take time to visit the small local restaurants, museums, pagodas, temples, colonial buildings and churches especially the Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest in the city, and Cholon, the bustling Chinese district. There are also the War Memorial Museum and the Historical Museum which are well worth a visit.

Overnight in HO CHI MINH CITY. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 15: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - TAY NINH - PHNOM PENH

Today we continue our journey via Cu Chi and Tay Ninh to Cambodia. Tay Ninh is the centre of the colourful Cao Dai religion, the result of an attempt to create a fusion of both Eastern and Western philosophies and religions, at midday you can witness the daily ceremony in the extravagant temple.

We will also travel to Cu Chi. This impressive underground tunnel network was built by the Vietminh in the 1940s to resist the French colonists and Japanese occupation and was later used by Vietcong guerrillas for surprise attacks against American troops during the Vietnam War.

In the late afternoon we will arrive in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

Overnight in PHNOM PENH. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 16: PHNOM PENH

Today you have a free day. During the reign of Pol Pot, Phnom Penh became a ghost city and was largely destroyed. The Tuol Sleng-prison and the Choung Ek, better known as the Killing Fields, bear testament to this tragic past.

In recent years Phnom Penh has become a bright, fashionable city with a broad boulevard along the Tonle Sap River, with many restaurants, terraces, local shops and pumping nightclubs. You can have a massage from the blind masseurs known as the ‘Seeing Hands’, visit the National Museum with its beautiful collection of history from the Khmer period and Wat Pra Keo a unique building incorporating 5,800 kg of silver and home of a Buddha made from 90 kilos of pure gold encrusted with ten thousand diamonds. Nearby you can visit the Royal Palace and its ‘silver temple’ and at the Russian market you will find everything from earthenware bowls to hammocks, gold and jewellery. A visit to the Art Deco central market is a must.

Overnight in PHNOM PENH. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 17: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP (ANGKOR)

Today we travel to Siem Reap, the ‘gateway’ to the famous Khmer holy site of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival you may want to enjoy a massage at the Angkor Massage Institute, before visiting the charming covered market and sampling some of the delicious Cambodian cuisine from the numerous small kiosks. We recommend trying ‘amok’, a creamy fish curry served in half a coconut shell.

Angkor, the capital city of the powerful Khmer empire in the 10th century is an enormous complex of 110 temples and one of the wonders of the architectural world. The temples were built over the course of hundreds of years by various Khmer rulers and Angkor has been ‘disappearing’ into the jungle for many years. To visit the site fully you will need two full days, and the best way is by moped-taxi or by remorque, a moped with a side car. Some of the temples have been restored but others have been overrun by jungle. There are many temples to visit, but make sure you see Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei.

You can also take a trip to the beautiful Banteay Srei complex 20 miles away through the rice fields. The many sculptures in the complex are some of the finest in Angkor and when you have seen enough of the temples, the tour guide can organise an excursion to the bird sanctuary of Preak Tuol. You can observe the traditional fishing villages and schools, shops and restaurants on the water. The strange ‘flooded forests’ are also a fascinating sight.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 18: SIEM REAP (ANGKOR)

You have another day to explore the vast temple complexes. At dusk you can go up to the Bakheng temple, near Angkor Wat, where you have beautiful views of Angkor Wat as the sun sets. Angkor Thom is the best example of a Bayon temple, built by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Its’ intrusive rock faces look down at you. In the middle of the Bayon temple you will see a statue of Buddha with both Shiva and Vishnu by his side. This temple is best seen at sunrise.

Note: To visit the temple complex of Angkor Wat you need to buy a ticket at the entrance. An access pass for one day costs 20 USD or for 2 or 3 days you pay 40 USD (prices subject to change).

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 19: SIEM REAP (ANGKOR)

If you would like a break from the temples, ask the tour leader to arrange a tour Preak Tuol, a protected bird sanctuary. At the end of the rainy season when the water in the Mekong is decreasing, a unique ecosystem for rare water birds and amphibians is created. From a boat you can see the traditional floating fishing villages with schools, shops and restaurants and the odd ‘flooded forest’ slowly glide past you.

Overnight in SIEM REAP. Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 20: SIEM REAP (ANGKOR) - BANGKOK

Today we make the 8-9 hour journey to Bangkok (during rainy season this may take longer), for the last night of your tour.

Overnight in BANGKOK. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package.

DAY 21: BANGKOK

This is the last day of your tour. You can use your hotel room in Bangkok until check out time (most times at 12 pm noon). We wish you a comfortable journey home and we are sure you will take some wonderful memories of Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia with you.

When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (Day 21) is not included.

Extension: It is possible (request when booking!) to add a four-day extension to the Thai island paradise of Koh Samet. Your program will then be as follows:

Day 21 – Bus from Bangkok to Ban Phe pier, boat to Koh SametDay 22 – Koh SametDay 23 – Koh SametDay 24 – Boat to Ban Phe pier, bus from Ban Phe pier to the airport in Bangkok

The cost of this extension is based on the participation of at least two persons (PRICE TO BE ADVISED). If you book this extension as a single, then there is a single room supplement.

Included in Extension: Transfer from Bangkok to Koh Samet with join-in bus, hotel accommodation with breakfast, transfers from Koh Samet to the airport by minibus or private car.

* Hotel check-out times are midday. Late check-out is not included for regular trip as well as extension.

PRIVATE TOUR

*Accommodation & Transportation is subject to availability at booking moment & Tour price is subject to seasonal fluctuations

Included:

• Accommodation in hotels including breakfast
• Flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
• Transportation in AC (mini)buses only for transfers from hotel to hotel
• Hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Boat transfers
• Short sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit on the way to Pak Ou (entrance fee included)
• visit Marble Mountains, Cham Museum, Cu Chi, Tay Ninh and Sambor Prei Kuk (entrance fees excluded)
• Flight Bangkok to Chiang Rai
• English speaking tour leader

Excluded:

• International flights
• Other meals than mentioned
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.)
• Gratitude to guide and driver
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
• Optional excursions
• All entrance fees if not clearly mentioned
• Booking fee
• Airport transfers
• travel insurance
• Visa Fees, airport taxes or any other government fees or additional surcharges