The Indochina Explore 17 days

    • Tour Code : SAIC-17D
    • Duration : 17 Day
    • destination : Asia
  • Hanoi- Hue- Hoi An- Saigon- Phnom Penh- Siem Reap
    Var.A US$2499/per person 3-4* Accommodations Single supplement US$529
    Var. B US$2749/per person 3-5* Accommodations Single supplement US$739
    All price are per person in USD, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for the listed category. Single supplement will be charged starting from 2 passengers up for each passenger occupying a single room.
Day 01 HANOI - HALONG
Itinerary
By vehicle from Hanoi (city) to Halong Bay (160 kms)
Overnight in Halong
Cities
  • Hanoi

    Hanoi

  • Halong Bay

    Halong Bay

Day 02 HALONG - HANOI
Itinerary
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 kms)
Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch (Half day, include lunch) (4 hours)
At Tuan Chau island, board the day cruise and begin cruising through the incredible limestone karsts of Halong Bay. After lunch, paddle through islets: Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi) Finally, touch the majesty of Halong bay by visiting Thien Cung (Heaven) cave on a guided walking highlighting the incredible natural artwork inside. Continue to explore the areas of Ba Hang by bamboo rowing boat or kayaking yourself. Back to the boat and sail back to Tuan Chau island.
By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi (city) with sightseeing at Bo Duong water puppet village.
Welcomed by the head of the troupe of puppets to a water puppet village in the countryside of Vietnam which is located in the Red River Delta of northeastern. Stop at the communal house to visit and understand more about the water puppet in the past, present and future. Enjoy a water puppet show - Overnight in Hanoi.
Cities
  • Hanoi

    Hanoi

  • Halong Bay

    Halong Bay

Meals
(B, L)
Hotel
Var. A: Ha Long New Day Hotel, Deluxe
Var. B: Ha Long Palace Hotel, Deluxe
Day 03 HANOI
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries.
Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it's many beautiful public spaces
lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments; give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum be viewed from the outside only)
Start the exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex with a stroll past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 15 August). View the outside of the Presidential Palace and then walk through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Visit the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison)
Hoa Lo Prison was a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War. During this later period it was sarcastically known to American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton. The prison was demolished during the 1990s, though the gatehouse remains as a museum.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem means Lake of the Returned Sword), is a lake in the historical centre of the Hanoi capital. It is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the centre of the lake is linked to the legend. - Overnight in Hanoi
Cities
  • Hanoi

    Hanoi

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: May De Ville City Centre 2, Deluxe
Var. B: Flower Garden Hotel, ROH
Day 04 HANOI - HUE
Itinerary
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Hanoi to Hue, Transfer by air conditioned vehicle, Sightseeing in Hue.
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.
Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
Khai Dinh was the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty and was constructed between 1920 and 1931. It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. It has a long staircase flanked by dragons. There are ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes.
Visit the Imperial Citadel
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum..
Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Perfume river
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the Pefume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monuments. During the early 1960s, this became a centre of anti-government protests, and the site of the famous self-immolation by the monk Thich Quang Duc - Overnight in Hue
Cities
  • Huế

    Huế

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Park View Hotel, Deluxe
Var. B: EMM Hotel Hue, Superior (No Extra Bed)
Day 05 HUE - HOI AN
Itinerary
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An
Drive south from Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang.
Sightseeing in Hoi An
Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town, was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This walking tour includes many of the town's highlights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Near the bridge is Sa Huynh Museum which houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Wander into the Tran Family Chapel, a 200 year old house built for worshipping ancestors. Visit Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans in the Hoi An area and is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen. Also enter into a Lantern Making Workshop to see how the frame is made and the silk cloth put onto the lantern - Overnight in Hoi An
Cities
  • Hội An

    Hội An

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Indochine Hoian Riverside Hotel & Spa, ROH (No Extra Bed)
Var. B: Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel, Rosemary Deluxe
Day 06 HOI AN - DANANG
Itinerary
Excursion to My Son (6 hours)
Journey to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Today, all that is left are five archaeological sites from different periods, in a beautifully green setting of hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor's Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, visit each ruin in turn, walking along forested paths.
Visit Cham Museum (45 minutes)
The Cham Museum houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artefacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.
Overnight in Hoi An
Cities
  • Hội An

    Hội An

  • Da Nang

    Da Nang

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Indochine Hoian Riverside Hotel & Spa, ROH (No Extra Bed)
Var. B: Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel, Rosemary Deluxe
Day 07 HOI AN - DANANG - SAIGON
Itinerary
Transfer to Danang airport (35 kms)
Flight from Danang to Saigon
Transfer (15 kms)
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Saigon
Cities
  • Hội An

    Hội An

  • Da Nang

    Da Nang

  • Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

    Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

Meals
( B )
Hotel
Var. A: Sonnet Saigon Hotel, Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Var. B: Northern Hotel, Premier Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Day 08 SAIGON
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown) (Full day) (8 hours)
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), 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 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. 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. Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas.
In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a walking tour from Tran Hung Dao Street through Nguyen Trai and Soai Kinh Lam market (cloth wholesale market), visit Cha Tam Church. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Overnight in Saigon
Cities
  • Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

    Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Sonnet Saigon Hotel, Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Var. B: Northern Hotel, Premier Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Day 09 SAIGON
Itinerary
Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong, bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
Afternoon at leisure
- Overnight in Saigon
Cities
  • Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

    Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Sonnet Saigon Hotel, Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Var. B: Northern Hotel, Premier Deluxe (No Extra Bed)
Day 10 SAIGON
Itinerary
Pedal and Paddle in Ben Tre
Immerse yourself fully in the local culture of the Mekong Delta with a day out to rustic Ben Tre. A journey of about two and a half hours will bring you to a peaceful area of lush orchards, green rice paddies and coconut fields. The fresh sweet coconut juice is said to be the best in the country. The industrious local residents have found many other uses for the humble coconut, including turning them into household items and cosmetics. Hop on a bike for a ride along the shady paths to visit the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six. This friendly older man will welcome you into his home from where he also sells his ceramics. If you're feeling fit, Uncle Six will even show you how to climb the coconut trees using just your bare hands. Continue your two-wheeled exploration along rural pathways that wind their way alongside dense vegetation and small tributaries of the Mekong. Board a rowing boat and cruise along the small canals under the shade of the coconut trees. Then change your mode of transport to a motorised boat. After a delicious lunch of local specialties cooked by the host, visit some local workshops to see how rice paper and sticky coconut sweets are made
- Overnight in Saigon
Cities
  • Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

    Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Le Duy Grand Hotel 3* Grand Deluxe
Var. B: Saigon Hotel Villa* Deluxe
Day 11 SAIGON - PHNOM PENH
Itinerary
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Saigon to Phnom Penh
Arrival in Phnom Penh
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
- Overnight in Phnom Penh
Cities
  • Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

    Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

  • PHNOM PENH

    PHNOM PENH

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Samnang Laor Phnom Penh Hotel, Superior
Var. B: Kravan Hotel, Superior
Day 12 PHNOM PENH
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendors hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start the tour with an insight into Cambodia's cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally, 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 or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewellery and more.
Excursion to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum
Just outside Phnom Penh, in a peaceful rural setting, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities under the Pol Pot regime. Thousands of people were killed here between the years of 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. Visit Tuol Sleng (S-21). Learn about a chapter from Cambodia's more recent, tragic, past at the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide). Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975, this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Kept largely unchanged, this prison now showcases photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through these doors
only seven of whom came out alive.
Transfer to/from Show
Enjoy traditional dance performance at the National Museum by Cambodian Living Arts on Stage
Cambodian Living Arts on Stage is a non-profit organization based in Cambodia that focuses on Cambodian arts. The troupe, featuring live singers and musicians, present eight Classical and folk dances on the stage in the beautiful grounds of the National Museum. This vibrant show presents an array of dances from Khmer and different ethnic minorities that reside in Cambodia, ranging from the traditional elegance of Apsara to the folkloric romance of Nesat (the fishing dance). The performances will captivate you through their beauty and poise, enhanced with outstanding costumes and colour with the most enjoyable pieces set in the splendid gardens of the National Museum.
- Overnight in Phnom Penh
Cities
  • PHNOM PENH

    PHNOM PENH

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Samnang Laor Phnom Penh Hotel, Superior
Var. B: Kravan Hotel, Superior
Day 13 PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP
Itinerary
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Afternoon at leisure
- Overnight in Siem Reap
Cities
  • Siem Reap

    Siem Reap

  • PHNOM PENH

    PHNOM PENH

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Ibis Styles Siem Reap, Superior
Var. B: Treasure Oasis Hotel, Superior
Day 14 SIEM REAP
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Angkor Wat
The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, 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. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted from the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Visit Ta Prohm temple
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.
Visit Angkor Thom
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle.
Visit a temple for sunset
Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple - Overnight in Siem Reap
Cities
  • Siem Reap

    Siem Reap

Meals
( B )
Hotel
Var. A: Claremont Angkor Boutique Hotel 3* Superior
Var. B: Royal Empire Hotel 4* Superior
Day 15 SIEM REAP
Itinerary
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Roluos Group Temples
The Roluos Group of monuments mark the beginning of Khmer classical art, and they represent some of the earliest great temples built by the Khmer. They served as the capital of Indravarman (who reigned from 877 to 889). Lolei was built on an islet by Yasovarman I (who ruled from 889 to 910), the founder of the first city of Angkor. The sandstone carvings in the niches of the temples are notable as are the Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorposts. Preah Ko was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century in dedication to his defied ancestors in 880. There are inscriptions in Sanskrit on the doorsteps of each temple. Bakong was built and dedicated to Shiva by Indravarman I, and is the largest and most interesting of the Roluos Group of temples and still has an active Buddhist monastery.
Visit Pre Rup Temple (30 minutes)
Pre Rup was built by Rajendravarman Ii (ruled 944 to 968), it consists of a pyramid shaped temple with the upper-most of the three tiers carrying five square shrines arranged as a quincunx. The name means turning the body and refers to the traditional method of cremation.
Visit East Mebon (30 minutes)
East Mebon is an ancient Angkor ruin built by King Rajendravarman Ii, who was also instrumental in the construction of Pre Rup a short distance away. Both share a number of similarities including the floor plan, construction and artistic decoration.
Visit Ta Som (30 minutes)
Ta Som was built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman Vii for his teacher, Som. Ta Som means old Som.
Visit Neak Pean Temple (40 minutes)
Neak Pean was built by King Jayavarman Vii (ruled 1181 to 1201), it is a Buddhist temple consisting of a square pool with four smaller square pools arranged on each axis. In the centre of the large central pool is a circular island encircled by two nagas with intertwined tails.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Cities
  • Siem Reap

    Siem Reap

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Ibis Styles Siem Reap, Superior
Var. B: Treasure Oasis Hotel, Superior
Day 16 SIEM REAP
Itinerary
Excursion to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean (8 hours)
Banteay Srei was built in the late 10th century, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is square with entrances on the east and west. Of primary interest are the three central towers which are decorated with male and female divinities and exquisite filigree relief work.
At Kbal Spean, also known as the River of 1000 Lingas, there are carvings in the riverbed (in the same way as at Kulen). It should be more spectacular but many of the carvings have been looted. Near Kbal Spien is a waterfall that can be reached by hiking 2km uphill.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Cities
  • Siem Reap

    Siem Reap

Meals
(B)
Hotel
Var. A: Ibis Styles Siem Reap, Superior
Var. B: Treasure Oasis Hotel, Superior
Day 17 SIEM REAP
Itinerary
Excursion to Phnom Kulen (8 hours)
Phnom Kulen is historically revered by all Cambodians as a sacred place of pilgrimage. It was the site, which was then known as Mount Mahendraparvata, that Jayavarman Ii chose in 802 to proclaim himself a divine universal ruler which marked the beginning of the Angkor period of Khmer history. Here it is also possible to see some of Kulen's spectacular riverbed rock carvings, waterfall.
Cities
  • Siem Reap

    Siem Reap

Meals
(B)
Add-On
Pricing
- - Adult(12+Yrs)Single Supple.
- [ USD ] Var.A$2,499.00$529.00
Select Your Package
Var.A US$2499
Var. B US$2749
Terms

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS
1) English-speaking guide.
2) Accommodation in hotels as mentioned above or equivalent.
3) Meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight
4) Flight ticket(s) as mentioned in the itinerary.
    
Flight from Hanoi to Hue
    
Flight from Danang to Saigon
    
Flight from Saigon to Phnom Penh
    
Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
5) Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.
6) Boat ticket(s) according to the itinerary.
7) Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
8) 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
9) Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.

EXCLUSIONS
1)International air fare and taxes from home city.
2) Visas
3) Travel Insurance
5) Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary

Remarks


  • Flight ticket penalties may apply if changes or cancellations are made outside of 31 days prior to arrival date. You will be advised of ticket issuance deadlines if any are outside of our cancellation policy time frame.

  • Special conditions apply to Vietnam Airlines flight bookings. Please go to http://www.is-intl.com/html/vnairflightpolicy.htm for details.


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