Explore the Beauty of Southeast Asia
Hanoi – Ha Long bay – Luang Prabang – Siem Reap
12 Days/11 Nights
12 Days/11 Nights
Now 50% off! Inquire by July 31st*.
This relaxed paced, upscale tour takes you to some of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. Relax on a 3-day/2 night cruise on Halong Bay, exploring the unique karst formations with high-class cuisine and drinks on deck. Explore Lao culture, temples and monk life in and around Luang Prabang and the Mekong River for 3 days. Then to the iconic, thousand year old temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and a boat cruise learning about local fisherman’s life on Tonle Lake. All with un-rushed travel days in-between, at 4-5-star resorts, and at 50% off right now! This is a trip you will not forget.
12 days in 3 countries, including car/boat transfers, activities and many meals for a special offer price of only $1375 per person, plus flights (for travel between June 1, 2017 and September 30, 2017), or $1569 per person (for travel between October 1, 2017 and December 19, 2017) for travel by two persons sharing a twin/double room.
We plan and book all the details of your itinerary, including lodging, in-tour flights and transportation, activities and admission, and all meals noted. Send us an inquiry to start planning now!
12 days in 3 countries, including car/boat transfers, activities and many meals for a special offer price of only $1375 per person, plus flights (for travel between June 1, 2017 and September 30, 2017), or $1569 per person (for travel between October 1, 2017 and December 19, 2017) for travel by two persons sharing a twin/double room.
We plan and book all the details of your itinerary, including lodging, in-tour flights and transportation, activities and admission, and all meals noted. Send us an inquiry to start planning now!
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Arrival in at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi city, you’re welcomed by our experienced guide and transferred to the city center. Check in to your hotel and be free for refreshment and to enjoy the comfort of your hotel facilities, or to explore your first night in Hanoi! Overnight in Hanoi.
Arrival in at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi city, you’re welcomed by our experienced guide and transferred to the city center. Check in to your hotel and be free for refreshment and to enjoy the comfort of your hotel facilities, or to explore your first night in Hanoi! Overnight in Hanoi.
THE LAPIS HOTEL – 4 STAR - DELUXE ROOM
Day 2: Hanoi’s highlights & Street food (B)
After breakfast, you will explore Hanoi’s must-see places including Ho’s Mausoleum, his garden, and his house-on-stilt. Extend your visit to the One-pillar Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century. The pagoda has special architecture, erecting a pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. Next, you will visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam and famous for its 82 stone tortoise carrying tablets.
Continue with the Museum of Ethnology which includes full size replicas of amazing ethnic minority tribal buildings found across Vietnam. It’s also the biggest and the most interesting museum in Vietnam.
Later, return to the city center and stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter from Hang Be market near Hoan Kiem Lake to Thanh Ha wet market. Along the way, you’ll discover delicacies, unique food items and our guide will give you explanations of Vietnamese food practices. These busy eclectic markets are alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and are the essence of Vietnamese culture. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats. You will learn about the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will leave Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, UNESCO Heritage. Across Red River and drive through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta passing by rice fields where you will surely see water buffalos and everyday life of Vietnamese villages.
Upon arrival, board our cruise at Tuan Chau marina. Enjoy a welcome drink while your cruise manager gives you a briefing and safety instructions. Start your 3-day cruise through Ha Long Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet.
Arrive at Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
Late afternoon, your cruise will move to overnight area before dark falls. Attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will introduce you to the art of Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing guests how we decorate and make several traditional Vietnamese foods. Dinner will be served with delicious Vietnamese food.
Evening activities: Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service (massage service is available throughout the cruise with surcharge). Also, everyone can try their hand at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew
21:00 – 23:00: Happy Hour! Buy one drink – get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).
After breakfast, you will explore Hanoi’s must-see places including Ho’s Mausoleum, his garden, and his house-on-stilt. Extend your visit to the One-pillar Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century. The pagoda has special architecture, erecting a pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. Next, you will visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam and famous for its 82 stone tortoise carrying tablets.
Continue with the Museum of Ethnology which includes full size replicas of amazing ethnic minority tribal buildings found across Vietnam. It’s also the biggest and the most interesting museum in Vietnam.
Later, return to the city center and stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter from Hang Be market near Hoan Kiem Lake to Thanh Ha wet market. Along the way, you’ll discover delicacies, unique food items and our guide will give you explanations of Vietnamese food practices. These busy eclectic markets are alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and are the essence of Vietnamese culture. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats. You will learn about the routine of Vietnam meal times and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will leave Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, UNESCO Heritage. Across Red River and drive through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta passing by rice fields where you will surely see water buffalos and everyday life of Vietnamese villages.
Upon arrival, board our cruise at Tuan Chau marina. Enjoy a welcome drink while your cruise manager gives you a briefing and safety instructions. Start your 3-day cruise through Ha Long Bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet.
Arrive at Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
Late afternoon, your cruise will move to overnight area before dark falls. Attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will introduce you to the art of Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing guests how we decorate and make several traditional Vietnamese foods. Dinner will be served with delicious Vietnamese food.
Evening activities: Board games like cards or Parcheesi are available, as well as massage service (massage service is available throughout the cruise with surcharge). Also, everyone can try their hand at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew
21:00 – 23:00: Happy Hour! Buy one drink – get one free (wine by the bottle excluded).
INDOCHINA SAILS PREMIUM – 5 STAR - SUPERIOR CABIN
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Explore remote areas on the bay (B/L/D)
Wake up early today to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, and admire the sunrise (optional). After breakfast, move to a more agile boat, spacious and comfortable wooden “junk” with a lounge, dining room and sundeck to cruise to less trafficked areas of the Bay, visiting Luon Cave – you can find golden hair monkeys here!-- andexplore Cua Van Floating Village. This is one of the largest fishing villages on the Bay. You can visit the floating village on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by villagers. Lunch will be served on the boat before paying a visit to Pearl Farm in the afternoon.
By mid-afternoon, rejoin your big boat for dinner and evening activities as well as comfortable bed. Overnight on boat.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Luang Prabang (Brunch) – QV314 – 1850/1950
After a light breakfast, visit Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim. Then, you will return the boat for to freshen up and check out.
Enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room while your boat is cruising back to the pier. Disembark at Tuan Chau Island, and our car will pick you up for a transfer to Hanoi. You will drive straight to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’re greeted by our guide and take a short transfer to the town. Check in to your river-side hotel and overnight.
Day 6: Luang Prabang & its golden temples (B)
For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue our city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai.
In the afternoon, we visit the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Back at your hotel, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful evening at your hotel’s riverside restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Wake up early today to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, and admire the sunrise (optional). After breakfast, move to a more agile boat, spacious and comfortable wooden “junk” with a lounge, dining room and sundeck to cruise to less trafficked areas of the Bay, visiting Luon Cave – you can find golden hair monkeys here!-- andexplore Cua Van Floating Village. This is one of the largest fishing villages on the Bay. You can visit the floating village on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by villagers. Lunch will be served on the boat before paying a visit to Pearl Farm in the afternoon.
By mid-afternoon, rejoin your big boat for dinner and evening activities as well as comfortable bed. Overnight on boat.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Luang Prabang (Brunch) – QV314 – 1850/1950
After a light breakfast, visit Titov Island. About one hour is spent on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim. Then, you will return the boat for to freshen up and check out.
Enjoy a full breakfast in the dining room while your boat is cruising back to the pier. Disembark at Tuan Chau Island, and our car will pick you up for a transfer to Hanoi. You will drive straight to the airport for a short flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’re greeted by our guide and take a short transfer to the town. Check in to your river-side hotel and overnight.
Day 6: Luang Prabang & its golden temples (B)
For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. Visit Morning Market where you can find all ingredients for local food. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue our city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai.
In the afternoon, we visit the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Back at your hotel, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful evening at your hotel’s riverside restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
BURASARI HERITAGE HOTEL – 4 STAR - SUPERIOR ROOM
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Boat trip to Pak Ou Cave (B)
After breakfast, you board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which will give you a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Before approaching the caves, we get off the boat to visit the village of Ban Xang Hai which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays the tradition continues however the villagers now specialize in producing 2 Lao specialties, ‘Lau Lao’ whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ wine.
Return to the town by boat at noon time and be free for the remainder of the day.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8: Luang Prabang – free (B)
You will have a free day in Luang Prabang to immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy you hotel. Walk along its narrow and quiet streets, relax by the Mekong River bank at a coffee shop and enjoy sunset, see daily life of local people on the river (children swimming in the river, women washing clothes, men fishing with fishing nets). We also suggest you to try a Laos massage, either body message, food or shoulder massage. It’s very good skill and amazing!!
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (B) – QV513 – 1040/1400
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap (with transit in Pakse or direct flight is subject to flight schedule and flight availability).
Landing in Siem Reap, our guide will welcome you there and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
For the rest of the day, you can relax at the swimming pool of your hotel, enjoy the spa service or cocktails at the pool bar, or walk to the town’s Old Market where you can find all kinds of local handicrafts. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
For early risers, we suggest a sunrise observation over Angkor Wat. Leave your hotel at 4:30am and drive through the sleeping town to the temple. Bring your camera for the best photo shots.
Later on, you will return to your hotel for breakfast before exploring the most beautiful temples.
Try a local vehicle today called a Tuk Tuk. Take a tuk tuk ride to Angkor Thom – an ancient temple dating back to the 12th century. Visit Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
If you have already watched the movie “Tomb Raider”, with Angelina Jolie, written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet, you might recognize this temple - the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. This is one of the most impressive temples in Angkor complex.
Lunch will be at your own expense. Our guide will give you many restaurant suggestions depending on your taste. He is the person who knows best about his hometown.
In the afternoon, continue to visit the Angkor complex with Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism with following at least two different art periods Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
If you are on top today, we can visit one more temple – Preah Khan – This is also a fabulous temple built in the 12 century with many beautiful carvings and stone works.
Return to the town by late afternoon and be free in the evening for delicious Cambodian food or shopping at Angkor Night Market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
After breakfast, you board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which will give you a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Before approaching the caves, we get off the boat to visit the village of Ban Xang Hai which has for centuries made the clay jars which are used to ferment Lao wine. Nowadays the tradition continues however the villagers now specialize in producing 2 Lao specialties, ‘Lau Lao’ whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ wine.
Return to the town by boat at noon time and be free for the remainder of the day.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8: Luang Prabang – free (B)
You will have a free day in Luang Prabang to immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere, and enjoy you hotel. Walk along its narrow and quiet streets, relax by the Mekong River bank at a coffee shop and enjoy sunset, see daily life of local people on the river (children swimming in the river, women washing clothes, men fishing with fishing nets). We also suggest you to try a Laos massage, either body message, food or shoulder massage. It’s very good skill and amazing!!
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (B) – QV513 – 1040/1400
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap (with transit in Pakse or direct flight is subject to flight schedule and flight availability).
Landing in Siem Reap, our guide will welcome you there and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
For the rest of the day, you can relax at the swimming pool of your hotel, enjoy the spa service or cocktails at the pool bar, or walk to the town’s Old Market where you can find all kinds of local handicrafts. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 10: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B)
For early risers, we suggest a sunrise observation over Angkor Wat. Leave your hotel at 4:30am and drive through the sleeping town to the temple. Bring your camera for the best photo shots.
Later on, you will return to your hotel for breakfast before exploring the most beautiful temples.
Try a local vehicle today called a Tuk Tuk. Take a tuk tuk ride to Angkor Thom – an ancient temple dating back to the 12th century. Visit Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
If you have already watched the movie “Tomb Raider”, with Angelina Jolie, written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet, you might recognize this temple - the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. This is one of the most impressive temples in Angkor complex.
Lunch will be at your own expense. Our guide will give you many restaurant suggestions depending on your taste. He is the person who knows best about his hometown.
In the afternoon, continue to visit the Angkor complex with Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism with following at least two different art periods Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
If you are on top today, we can visit one more temple – Preah Khan – This is also a fabulous temple built in the 12 century with many beautiful carvings and stone works.
Return to the town by late afternoon and be free in the evening for delicious Cambodian food or shopping at Angkor Night Market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
ANGKOR PALACE RESORT - 5 STAR - DELUXE ROOM
Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat temple & Tonle Sap Lake (B)
Breakfast at your hotel and you will visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Spend as much time as you want at the temple before returning to the town by lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake for 1 hour, visiting a floating village and experiencing the fisherman’s life. Then back to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor which was created in 1998 with the purpose of helping young rural people find work near their home village and revitalizing Cambodian handicrafts.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 12: Siem Reap – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Siem Reap until driving to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight. Plenty of time to review all of your photos from your trip and start posting!
Breakfast at your hotel and you will visit the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.
Spend as much time as you want at the temple before returning to the town by lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake for 1 hour, visiting a floating village and experiencing the fisherman’s life. Then back to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor which was created in 1998 with the purpose of helping young rural people find work near their home village and revitalizing Cambodian handicrafts.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 12: Siem Reap – Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Siem Reap until driving to the airport in a good time to connect to your departure flight. Plenty of time to review all of your photos from your trip and start posting!
Summer 2017 Promotion Pricing
*Pricing valid for inquiries made by July 31st, and bookings made by August 30th.
*Pricing valid for inquiries made by July 31st, and bookings made by August 30th.
Price per person in double or twin sharing room, non-commission, in US dollars.
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Our Land Service Price Includes:
> Breakfast and accommodation in a twin/double room. > Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver > The services of an experienced local English-speaking on touring days > Boat cruises as specified in the program comply with current safety regulations. > Private boat trip to Pak Ou Caves and on Tonle Sap Lake > Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program. > Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary – B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available. > Bottle mineral water and wet wipe on car during the tour > VAT and other taxes |
Our Land Service Price Does Not Include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax. > Domestic airfare: Hanoi – Luang Prabang & Luang Prabang – Siem Reap, and airport taxes > Other meals, except as specified above. > Vietnamese visa stamp fee on arrival: 25$/person for single entry, 30$ for Cambodia and 35-42$ for Laos > Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses. > Camera fees (if any) > Insurance. |
