Along the border of Indochina - 18 Days - IAD01

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi is one of Asia's most charming cities, with its romantic tree-lined boulevards and colonial houses. The day is free for your own exploration and shopping. Overnight at hotel.

A full day spent touring Hanoi, the political, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Starting with the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), which offers informative and well-documented information on the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill-tribe costumes. The display continues in the outside garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses from the Kinh’s to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We will then visit the Temple of Literature,  a temple built in honor of Confucius in 1070, and served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam founded in 1076. This temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about the  Mandarin education that has shaped Vietnam for 1000 years and to relax in this tranquil setting. The afternoon is spent exploring the alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple or the Jade Mountain Temple situated in the heart of Hanoi. A delightful water puppet show will perfectly wrap up our day. Overnight at hotel.

Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. We will arrive in Mai Chau around noon and check into the Thai ethnic homestay in Van village. A village of the ‘White Thai’, who predominantly inhabit this area. A typical Thai meal will be served for lunch at the homestay. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk around the village where you will encounter friendly local people, and get the chance to communicate with them and get to know their traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional dance show at night while tasting Ruou Can, the local rice wine. Overnight at homestay.

After breakfast, we drive to Tam Coc also known as the "Dry Halong Bay" in Ninh Binh province. On the way, we will stop to visit  Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Arrive at Tam Coc, embark small rowing boats and discover the outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc is home to three caves, all adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes, reminiscent of gemstones. You will have the chance to soak in the relaxing atmosphere and marvel at the natural beauty of the area. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Halong Bay, along beautiful scenery sporting lush rice paddies and meandering rivers.We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark the elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. It is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and refresh your soul. A fresh seafood dinner will be prepared by an experienced chef and served on deck.  A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.

Savor your breakfast and enjoy an incredible sunrise on the sundeck as the boat cruises to Luon Cave and Halong’S floating fishing village. Back to the harbor, from where our car will transfer you to Hanoi. Stop to visit Phu Lang pottery village en route. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Upon arrival, you will be taken to Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO as the best preserved city in Southeast Asia. Explore this charming city with its impressive Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Mai Temples. We will then climb to the top of Phousi Mount to visit its sacred, gilded stupa as well as enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. Return to Luang Prabang to visit the night market where lovely handicraft items are sold. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

In the morning, we will visit the oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its sweeping roofs, typical of classic Laotian architecture. We then embark a boat to cruise upstream on the Mekong, a scenic journey with breathtaking views of the tranquil countryside and a glance of life on the water. Discover the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves filled with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes donated by pilgrims.  Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. Upon return, we will take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its amazing woven handicrafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

A morning visit to Phousi Market will allow you to discover diverse local products such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt among live chicken, vegetables and hill tribe weavings. Continue the drive to Khuangsi Waterfall, intercepted by a stop at Ban Na Oune village inhabited by Hmong and Ban Tha Pane village where Kh'mu ethnic minority people live. Arrive at the beautiful Khuangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. Lunch will be a picnic served near the waterfall. We then return to Luang Prabang to explore its ethnic night market. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. We start our trip by visiting the Roluos Temple Group built between 877-889, situated 13km outside Siem Reap. They were constructed during the first Angkor settlement of the ancient Khmer. The group boasts three temples:

- Bakong is the most impressive of the three, much older than Angkor Wat it features beautiful carvings on its lintels that remain in good shape

- Preahko Temple is close to Bakong and consists of six elegant brick towers with exquisite decorations and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.

- Lolei Temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu god Shiva. 

The afternoon is spent exploring the amazing World Heritage "Angkor Wat", the world's largest religious building, and Phnom Bakheng  on Bakheng Hill the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor era, marking the move of the Khmer empire's capital from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom (Great city), the famous Bayon temple built in the late 12th century and Baphoun temple dedicated to Shiva – the Hindu God, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Phimeanakas ( Heavenly Palace).In the afternoon, transfer to visit the World Heritage "Angkor Wat" - the world's largest religious building. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Bakheng Hill temple for an incredible sunset  from the top of the hill. Back to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning visit to the “Small Circuit” group of temples including: Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees. This is one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects dedicated to his mother, Thommanon built at the same time with Angkor Wat and Chau Say Tevoda temple, Banteay Kdei – surrounded by four concentric walls, Srah Srang – “The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing and Ta Keo known as “ The mountain with golden peaks” dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.The afternoon spent for visiting the “Grand Circuit” including: Pre Rup- a temple-mountain with beautiful bas reliefs and excellent views of the surrounding countryside, East Mebon- a large temple – mountain dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents, Tasom- the most distant temple of the Grand Circuit, Neak pean a small island temple originally dedicated to Buddha and the Preah Khan dedicated to Jayavarman VII's father. Overnight in the hotel.

Drive to Kompong Thom then transfer directly to Sambor Prei Kuk, once the ancient capital of Chenla built in the early 7th century. This group of temples is scattered throughout the forest. Lunch at Kompong Thom. Continue the drive to Phnom Penh with stops at a stone carving workshop and Kuha Nokor Temple. Arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning, we will visit the National Museum then the Silver Pagoda situated inside the Royal Palace complex and Wat Phnom considered the spiritual heart of Phnom Penh. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will travel to Chau Doc in Vietnam by speedboat. Arrive in Chau Doc in the late afternoon where our local guide will meet you and bring you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.

In the morning, you will take a boat trip to visit a number of floating houses and fish farms where you can feed the fish and discover life on the water. You will then be taken to Sam Mountain which offers fantastic views of Chau Doc and Cambodia’s countryside on the other side of the border. On the way, drop by a village of the Cham minority group. Drive to Can Tho for overnight stay.

At 5 am we take an early morning boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and busiest floating market in the Mekong Delta. This is the best time to visit the market, as it is crowded with hundreds of sampans that offer fruit, vegetables, plants, food and other goods for trade. This is the perfect opportunity to take photos, communicate with locals and taste fresh tropical fruis. Leave the market, and return to Saigon. On the way back, stop at an old Binh Thuy house 5kms from Can Tho city andExplore Cai Rang floating market - Drop by Long Dinh mat weaving village. where you will witness the making of a mat, a very popular item closely associated with Vietnamese culture. Overnight in Saigon.

In the morning, visit Cho Lon, Vietnam’s largest China Town where you can shop to your hearts content and sample the fabulous cuisine. The central market in Cho Lon is the Binh Tay Market, which offers a wide range of products from food to clothing. Drop by Thien Hau Temple and Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city. Back to the city centre to visit Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1877 and the Central Post Office, built by the French. The tour ends with visiting the Reunification Palace formerly known as the Independence Palace. It served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Overnight at hotel. 

Free time for a last bit of shopping or exploring the city on your own before we take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight home. The hotel room is available until noon only. Asiatica Travel's services end here.