18 Days The Best Heritages of Indochina Tour

Day 1

Upon you arrive at Siem Reap International airport will welcome by tour guide and

transfer to local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon, We excursion to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10

kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will explore the different of Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the "village" move from place to place following water levels and current.

Then visit Les Artisans D’ Angkor and see their stone and wood carving workshops where the artisans are taught to use traditional Khmer techniques.

In line with its mission to produce fine Arts & Crafts objects, Artisans d’Angkor has set up a silver plated workshop in order to demonstrate this know-how and encourage the revival of this Cambodian heritage Wood and stone carving, The art of stone carving goes back to the glorious epoch of the Khmer empire and its monumental constructions that gave rise to the Angkor temples. Like the work of craftsmen from previous centuries, stone carving is done on sandstone. Artisans d’Angkor mainly uses sandstone from Siem Reap province.

Dinner will be at local restaurant & overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2

Breakfast will be at hotel.

In the morning, we will visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk) the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) and visit Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara),the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King and visit the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees. Ta Prohm (pronunciation: prasat taprohm) is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara. Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray, it was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university.

Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.

UNESCO inscribed Ta Prohm on the World Heritage List in 1992. Today, it is one of the

most visited complexes in Cambodia’s Angkor region. The conservation and restoration of Ta Prohm is a partnership project of the Archaeological Survey of India and the APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap).

In the afternoon, Wat Thmei (New Wat) The wat contains a unique glass-walled stupa

containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. 500m west of the road to Angkor about 1.5km north of town. Then continue to visit the 7th world heritage, Angkor Wat a unique and stunning blend of spirituality and symmetry, an enduring example of man's devotion to his Gods. It is the largest and undoubtedly the most breath taking of the monuments of Angkor and it is widely believed that it is the largest religious structure in the world until sunset.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3

Breakfast will be at hotel.

In the morning, we will drive to visit the Banteay Srei, the beautiful ‘Women’s Citadel’.

Located 37 kms. From Siem Reap town, this was Cambodia's last major Khmer temple to be re-discovered. This temple has the best engravings among all the ruins and was used in the film ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider’. Then the way back, you can visit local village called “Preah Dak Vilage”. Preah Dak Village is a famous and popular place for souvenirs such as objects and arts. Visitors can discover beautiful places and natural life mixed with souvenirs shops. Most things are handmade. It is located in the east of

grand circuit at Angkor on the communication road to Phnom Kulen in the North. Then we will stop and visit to Banteay Samre built in the third quarter of the 12^th century.

In the afternoon, explorer to grand circle: Preah Khan temple, built by the King

Jayavarman VII and, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Ta Som temple, East Me Bon, is a large temple-mountain-like ruin, rising three levels and crowned by five towers.

Jayavarman IV, a usurper to the throne, moved the capital from Angkor to Kh Ke in

928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and shortly thereafter constructed East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Bary. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Then move to the major Pre Rup temple, built by Rajendravarman II in late 10th century. Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautiful carved false door on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Richly detailed well-preserved carvings, particularly on the lintels. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time then catch your flight to Luang Prabang.

Welcome to Luang Prabang, a tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia”. You are greeted by your guide and driver at the airport for your transfer to the hotel.

Pay a short visit to the Night Market – a great place for wandering, offering a lovely variety of handmade textiles crafted by local and hill-tribe people, along with street food, knick-knacks and friendly banter.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5

Set off after breakfast for a visit of the Morning Market where, together with the guide and local host lady, we pick all ingredients needed for our upcoming cooking class. Today, we will not take part in a regular tourist-oriented cooking class. We will instead drive a little outside Luang Prabang center to a small village where you will join your hands to cook some major dishes. You will experience how typical Laos dishes such as Laap Laos, Orlam soup and papaya salad are cooked. The food is then brought to a local temple to offer for the monks’ lunch, and as part of this ritual, your name will be asked for a blessing chant. Later, join in an open talk about Buddhism in Laos with monks. We will also have the chance to have further exchange with the community before returning to Luang Prabang for a light lunch with the left food you will have cooked

Afternoon: explore the city highlights including The National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, showcases many treasures of Laos' royal past and features the Prabang, the sacred Buddha image for which Luang Prabang was named.

Our next stop at the most reputed and beautiful temple of the city, Wat Xieng Thong – Luang Prabang's largest and most splendid temple, is best known for its impressive Tree of Life mural depicting the Buddhist story.

We then get to the pier. Cruise across the Mekong River to reach Ban Xieng Mene. Countinue walking through lush green gardens, where you can enjoy listening to birds singing and appreciate the pureness of a Lao village as you stroll to Wat Long Khoun. Get your heart pumping as you climb up 123 steps to Wat Chomphet, where you will be rewarded with stunning scenic views of Phousi Mountain and the city of Luang Prabang from the other side of Mekong River.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at a local restaurant

Day 6

Optional: We have the possibility this morning to wake up very early to go witness the Tak Bat ceremony, when the monks process along the streets of the town to receive the daily alms from locals

After a short transfer to the outskirts of the town, in a tranquil setting made of ricefields and lush green trees, we discover the importance of bamboo in the Laotian culture. Spend the morning learning about several aspects of the local culture, from crafts to music and food. We will have a chance to learn from a skillful craftsman and to enjoy a hands-on cooking class. We will then dine on the food we have prepared.

This afternoon, we drive out through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and villages. You will stop to visit an ethnic minority village to learn about their traditions and culture. Continue to Kuangsi Waterfall, where water tumbles over tiered limestone formations into crystal clear pools, ideal for escaping the heat. Between cooling off in the pools, you can also explore the lush forest setting around the falls. A short walk brings you down to the abrupt waterfall where you will have time to swim or simply relax by the water’s edge. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at a local restaurant

Day 7

Located 25 km upriver from Luang Prabang right on the river bank at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, Pak Ou Caves are a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site with many statues and statuettes of the Buddha in the traditional Luang Prabang style.

You will go by boat to Pak Ou Caves, enjoy splendid natural scenery along the way and observing local fishermen and daily activities along the river. Pak Ou Caves, locally called Tam Ting, are filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of wooden Buddhist figures take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain and reclining (nirvana). Lunch on your own account

On the way back, you will also have opportunity to visit the local riverside villages of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. Second stop at Ban Xang Khong, known for its handmade paper and weaving craft

Dinner at your own account and Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 8

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time then catch your flight to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9

Breakfast at the hotel.

The city tour begins at the War Remnants Museum, a really famous spot in Saigon. Here, you can learn about how the Vietnamese fought for their freedom and peace during the Vietnam War. The museum shows weapons, documents, and photos that prove what happened during the war and how brave the Vietnamese people were.

Next, we'll head to the Reunification Palace, which saw the end of the tough Vietnam War in 1975. Now, it's a museum and a place where important meetings happen. Nearby, you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral (just from the outside) and the Central Post Office, both well-known places in the city.

Late afternoon, we'll visit the lively Ben Thanh Market in District 1. Enjoying shopping time there.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 10

Depart from Saigon and head straight to Ben Tre (90 km ~ 2 hours drive), crossing the impressive Rach Mieu cable-stayed bridge. On arrival board a small boat to visit typical workplaces including small brick factories, a coconut processing workshop and a local mat-weaving house.

Stop at a quiet village, take a short walk to witness local life and hop on a xe-lôi (a kind of motorized rickshaw) to reach acharming local restaurant. After lunch, rest on the hammock or short cycling ride to explore the surrounding fields before boarding a sampan for a tranquil trip along the picturesque canals. Come back to the port and visit Ben Tre local market before heading to Can Tho. 

Overnight in Can Tho

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at local house

Day 11

Check out early morning then cruising  along the Mekong River to Cai Rang floating market before heading up to a quitet canal for a short bike ride along countruside paths to enjoy the peaceful scenesof paddy filed, the monkey bridges or walkthrouogh the farms and houses of a nearby village to see fragrant tropical fruit orchards and pause for a cup of tea with locals. Lunch break then drive to a Khmer pagoda. Then return to Saigon. Catch your flight to Hue. On arrival, our driver will take you to the hotel in Hue.

Overnight in your hotel in Hue.

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at local house

Day 12

08:00AM: After breakfast, you will meet our tour guide and driver at the lobby. We will drive to visit Dong Ba market to get into the busy life of locals. Then take a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda - the oldest pagoda in Hue city, and enjoy the peace here.

Continue to see Hue Imperial Citadel - The home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945)

Then, we will visit Hue Royal Antiques Museum - A collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty.

In the afternoon, we will visit an incense stick village to see how Hue people do incense stick and listen to the story of cultural feature indispensable in the thinking of Vietnamese

Then, transfer to Minh Mang tomb -  a reflection of the Chinese architectural concepts, recommended sightseeing by its monuments, statues, gardens and especially the bridge over a Lake of lotus flowers which gives access to the Imperial Minh Mang tomb.

And wrap your day with The Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh's Royal Tomb - a unique tomb among the royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam. Where other royal tombs are expansive and invite respectful reflection, Khai Dinh built his final resting place to be monumental in style and bombastic in execution. Then return to the hotel.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Hue.

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 13

Breakfast at your hotel.

9AM pick up at your hotel in Hue and drive to Danang. Arrive Danang at noon. After check-in your hotel in Danang and have lunch, head out for Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son), climb Thuy Son (‘Water’ Mountain) by the stone stairs and enjoy the panoramic view of the nearby countryside, and visit Huyen Khong cave before entering Tam Thai and Linh Ung pagodas where you will be rewarded by great city views and amazed by the main cave which houses a beautiful Cham Buddha sitting under a natural shaft of light. Rest at the foot of the mountain, where you can visit Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where the local skillful sculptors create many marble products which are exported to many countries worldwide. Then return to your hotel.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Danang

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel  

Day 14

You will be picked up at the hotel and cross the river Thu Bon for about 15 minutes by a shuttle and reach the first spot Kim Bong carpenter’s village. In this village, you can drop in the shipbuilding workshop, wood carving, mosaic and other workshops.

Move to the next destination – Tra Nhieu Mat Village, have a brief introduction of the war history and their activities.

Continue sightseeing along the river, have a glimpse of coconut water, fishing net and wild birds. Then stroll on a quiet bamboo bridge in water coconut forest. Pay a visit to the craft mats making

Back to the dock and go on the boat. After that, take a bicycle trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village.

The local farmer delivers the cultivation methods and the way to protect developing vegetable from the insects. Take part in gardening acivites with the farmers such as: raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting and tending greens.

Take a rest and have a foot bath. By using a mix of local herbs remedy and Chinese traditional medicine, the foot bath can prevent aches, pains and rheumatism.

Prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make “Tam Huu” spring roll, “Xeo” pancake. Your lunch will consist of many local delicacies including “Tam Huu” spring roll, “Banh Xeo” or local pancake of people in Centre of Viet Nam.

Then join cooking with a local family to learn how to make “Tam Huu” spring rolls, “Xeo” pancakes,… Enjoy the lunch with local food such as “Tam Huu” spring rolls, “Xeo” pancake or local pancake of people in Centre of Viet Nam

After that, you will be taken to the Hoi An ancient town for a walking tour. Hoi An was the center of national trade in the 16th century so you can admire the diversity of ancient streets and homes. Stroll around the unique and magnificent cobblestone alleys and have a glimpse of the Chinese houses that have existed for the hundreds of years. During the leisurely tour, you will have a wonderful opportunity to view historic homes constructed in French, European, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. When it comes to Hoi An, you should definitely visit the 100-year-old Japanese Bridge, the Phuc Kien Hall, and the local fish market, among other amazing locations. You may also drop in a store that specializes in custom clothing to purchase your preferred items.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch included in the cooking class

Day 15

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Starting at 8:30 AM, our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Begin by visiting the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a serene site nestled along the shores of West Lake. From there, transfer to the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you'll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the revered final resting place of Uncle Ho (President Ho Chi Minh), and his stilt house, where he lived between 1958 and 1969. Move on to the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural gem in the middle of a square lake. The journey continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first college dedicated to Confucian principles.

In the afternoon, choose one of the city's museums for further exploration, including options like the History Museum, Ethnology Museum, or the historically significant Hoa Lo Prison, once famously known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Return to the downtown area for a break by Hoan Kiem Lake. Wrap up the day with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, renowned as the 36 streets. This lively district is home to countless small businesses and shops, providing ample opportunities for exploration and capturing memorable photographs.

Back to your hotel and have dinner on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals included:

Breakfast at hotel

Day 16

Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning departure for Ha Long Bay, we will go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights.

11:30 – 12:00: The crew members of  Lotus D’Orient cruise will welcome you at our waiting lough No.28 A, Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh.

12:00 – 12:30: Get on Tender Boat to Lotus D’orient  Cruise and enjoy Welcome drink, meet the captain, crew to get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Complete check-in procedure.

13:00 – 13:15: Enjoy Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch, while cruising in the magnificent Halong bay - Lan Ha Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay.

15:00 – 15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area where has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands.

Immerse yourself in the emerald, green water of the bay or enjoy the cool atmosphere on Lotus D’Orient sundeck.

17:30 –18:30: Joining us for Cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of the cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19:00: Dinner is served at the restaurant. After dinner, you can join the squid fishing program at the main deck or relax on the sundeck and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge)....

Overnight on cruise 

Note: the itinerary of Halong will be changed based on which cruise you choose and depending on the weather without prior notice.

Meals included:

Breakfast at the hotel  

Lunch and Dinner on Cruise

Day 17

6:00-6:30: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon. 

6:15 -7:00: Have breakfast. Morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

7:00:  You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere Tender boat. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam by car transfer. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30: Back to Gia Luan Habor by bus transfer, then our tender boat drops you off to the main boat, you can have a quick showing packing your luggages and check carefully all the belongings before checking out your cabin.

10:00: Check-out from the private cabin and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check-out procedure. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant while the cruise is returning to the harbour.

11:00: You take the Tender boat back to Tuan Chau port. Return to Hanoi

Accommodation at a hotel in Hanoi.

Meals included:

Breakfast/Brunch on Cruise

Day 18

Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the Airport for flight to your next destination. Tour ends here.

Meals included:

Breakfast at hotel

18 Days The Best Heritages of Indochina

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