Itinerary
| Tour Code: | GINCST-02 |
| Tour Route: | Luang Prabang (Laos) – Hanoi (Vietnam) – Halong Bay – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Hanoi – Quang Binh – Lang Co – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong Delta – Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – Siem Reap – Koh Chang Island (Thailand). |
| Tour duration: | 28 Days/ 27 Nights |
| Intended Travel date: | Upon your request |
| No of participants: | Upon your request |
| Designed Itinerary by: |
E-mail: jenny@greendiscoveryindochina.com Mob/WhatsAp/Viber/Line. +84 987184390 |
With perhaps more world-class tourist attractions than any other country, Indochina has drawn explorers, adventurists, travelers and epicureans for centuries. The region has the long continuous histories of any country in the world and seeing that ancient history juxtaposed with its striking modernity is truly something to experience. Quickly growing, but resiliently traditional, Indochina is like nowhere else.
Taste Indochina – 28 Days/ 27 Nights is a luxury holiday for our travelers to sample different tourist highlights and sensational cuisine of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in 23 days.
Our trip is covered 5 World Heritage Sites which are the Temples of Angkor, Hoi An Old Town, Hue Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay, Saigon: The Pearl of The Far East and Luang Phabang Royal Capital City.
The pace of travel is easy with guided cultural visits and free time to explore the destination at your own pace. Accommodations for the tour include luxurious hotels and resorts with convenient location for touring purpose. Means of transportation on the tour include airplanes, private tourist boats and modern air-conditioned cars.
Eating is half the fun of travelling. Food is one of the defining aspects of every culture, and when you taste local flavours, you enrich your perspective and bond with residents of the places you’re visiting. Indochina has some dishes to tantalize your palate.
Many dishes in the region feature a rice or noodle base, and fish is a common part of meals. Fresh seasonal vegetables, cooked in sauces, add crunch and texture. One of the best ways to explore Indochina cuisine is by meandering through night markets where vendors try to tempt your taste buds with their concoctions.
Whether you’re craving authentic pad Thai, Vietnamese Pho, Lab Laos, Amok Fish Khmer or you want to try something different, Indochina has a diverse culinary offering.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1/ Luang Prabang Arrival – Welcome Dinner
Day 2/ Sighseeing around Luang Prabang
Day 3/ Luangphrabang – Flight to Hanoi – Water puppet show – Welcome Dinner in Hanoi
Day 4/ Hanoi – Halong bay
Day 5/ Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 6/ Hanoi – Mai Chau
Day 7/ Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Mai Chau
Day 8/ Mai Chau – Hanoi
Day 9/ Hanoi – Half day sightseeing – Flight to Quang Binh
Day 10/ Quang Binh – Phong Nha Cave – Lang Co Beach
Day 11/ Lang Co – Hue Citadel and Royal Tombs sightseeing – Royal Banquet Dinner
Day 12/ Lang Co Beach – Free at your own leisure
Day 13/ Hue – Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town
Day 14/ Hoi An – Tra Que Cycling and Boating
Day 15/ Hoi An – Red Bridge Cooking Class – Flight to Saigon – Dinner on Bonsai Cruise.
Day 16/ Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Cai Be
Day 17/ Cai be – Sadec – Tan Chau
Day 18/ Tan Chau Border Crossing – Phnom Penh
Day 19/ Phnom Penh
Day 20/ Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham (Mekong)
Day 21/ Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)
Day 22/ Kampong Cham – Tonle
Day 23/ Tonle Sap – Siem Reap
Day 24/ Siem Reap
Day 25/ Siem Reap – Border Cross Laem Ngop – Koh Chang Island
Day 26/ Koh Chang Island
Day 27/ Koh Chang Island – Bangkok
Day 28/ Bangkok – Half day sightseeing – Departure.
********************************************************************************************************
DETAILITINERARY
Day 1/ Luang Prabang Arrival – Welcome Dinner (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Welcome Dinner)
On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, you will meet and transferred to your chosen hotel. then have lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Wat Xienthong the most beutifull temple in town build dating back to the 16th entury. You will also stop at Wat Visoun and the Melon stupa next to Wat Aham, then leisurly climb up Mount Phousi to catch the sunset and on the way back visit the famous colourful night market. Transfer back to our hotel for relaxing.
At 19:00 PM. Meet our local again for Welcome Dinner. After dinner, transfer back to our hotel.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2/ Sightseeing around Luang Prabang (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
After breakfast, embark for a slow boat trip to Pak Ou cave 32km up river and along the way make stop to visit the whisky village and discover the process villagers use to make Lau Lao ( potent rice whisky) then continue to the cave where a thousand budha figures are kept. After the visit, we will take a break for lunch at a typical local restaurant then back downstream to Luang Phrabang.
In the afternoon, we will driving through the Lao countryside by minivan to the Kuangsi water fall located some 29km away. On the way we make a stop at the Minority Hmong village and stop for pictures of the beautiful lush scenery along the way. On arrival at the falls we take a cooling swim in the fall’s turquoise waters.
Drive back to our hotel for relaxing. Dinner and overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3/ Luang Phrabang – Flight to Hanoi – Water puppet show – Welcome Dinner in Hanoi (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Welcome Dinner)
Very early morning (5:45am) private car transfer to Ban Vat Sean to watch a long line of monks in saffron robes collecting ceremonial alms. Back to the hotel for breakfast, check out and visit the former Royal Palace before transferring to the airport, take the flight to Hanoi.
Upon your arrival in Hanoi, be picked up by our Green Discovery’s local guide, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
At 16:00 PM, meet our guide again for short sightseeing Hanoi. You will explore Hanoi, from the fascinating Old Quarter to hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer-ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more.
Enjoy water puppet shows and our dinner tonight will be served at local fine restaurant.
In northern Vietnam, a colder climate limits the production and availability of spices. As a result, the foods there are often less spicy than those in other regions. Black pepper is used in place of chilies as the most popular ingredient to produce spicy flavors. In general, northern Vietnamese cuisine is not bold in any particular taste — sweet, salty, spicy, bitter, or sour. Most northern Vietnamese foods feature light and balanced flavors that result from subtle combinations of many different flavoring ingredients. The use of meats such as pork, beef, and chicken were relatively limited in the past. Freshwater fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, such as prawns, squids, shrimps, crabs, clams, and mussels, are widely used. Many notable dishes of northern Vietnam are crab-centered (e.g., bún riêu). Fish sauce, soy sauce, prawn sauce, and limes are among the main flavoring ingredients. Being the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, northern Vietnam produces many signature dishes of Vietnam, such as bún riêu and bánh cuốn, which were carried to central and southern Vietnam through Vietnamese migration. Other famous Vietnamese dishes that originated from the North, particularly from Hanoi include “Bún chả” (rice noodle with grilled marinated pork), Phở gà (rice noodle with chicken), Chả cá Lã Vọng (rice noodle with grilled fish).
You will stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4/ Hanoi – Halong bay (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel. You will then leave Hanoi by private vehicle at 8:30 a.m., arriving at the jetty around 11.15 AM.
11.30 – 12.15 Arrival at Hon Gai International Harbour.
12.30 – 13.00 Transfer by tender to boat, enjoy Welcome Drink, Depart to Bai Tu long Bay.
13.00 – 14.30 Enjoy Lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way.
15.30 – 16.30 Transfer from boat to rowing boat to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Rowers are local people wearing traditional costume. It’s the opportunity to see the fisher’s daily life with the primary features in the charming nature.
17.30 Return to boat – Continue cruising through the bay.
18.30 Anchor for overnight at Cong Do area.
18.30 – 19.00 Cooking Demonstration in restaurant.
19.30 – 21.00 Savor a delicious Set Dinner in dining room.
21.00 – 22.30 Activities: Relax on deck, Beauty Spa services, drink service available or night time fishing.
23.00 Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.
Day 5/ Halong Bay – Hanoi (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
06.30 Enjoy sunrise over the Bay or take part in our morning Tai Chi session.
06.45 – 07.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in dining room.
08.00 – 08.30 Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son cave.
09.00 – 09.30 Check-out cabins and settle bills – Luggage collection
09.30 – 10.30 Having international Buffet Brunch served in dining room.
10.30 – 11.00 Arrival at the pier.
12.00 You will then rejoin our car and drive back to Hanoi. Check-in hotel and free at your own leisure.
19.00 Meet our local guide and driver again for dinner at local restaurant in town.
After dinner, transfer you back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6/ Hanoi – Mai Chau (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
8:00 AM – We will pick you up from your hotel. On the morning drive to Mai Chau, we’ll leave the city behind and pass through craggy, mountainous landscape. We drive up a massive pass and end in the mountainous circus of Mai Chau around noon time. Lunch will be served in a local Thai house. In the afternoon, we’ll have a gentle walk around Mai Chau valley before getting a quick transfer to Mai Chau Eco-lodge. Weather permits there’s a chance for a gentle cycling around the green village. Afterwards, we return for dinner and overnight at Mai Chau Eco-lodge.
18:00 pm: Join the cooking class with your host. You will learn how to cook a Thai dish the local way. Enjoy the meal. 20:00 pm: Enjoy dinner and overnight at Mai Chau Eco-lodge.
Day 7/ Mai Chau – Pu Luong Retreat (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
After breakfast, we will follow our local guide for a day ride to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Located in Thanh Hóa Province, about 3 hours southwest of Hanoi, Pù Luông Nature Reserve would live up to most people’s image of an idyllic Vietnamese landscape and rural life. Jagged Limestone Mountains enclose a fertile river valley, dotted with small settlements of wooden houses on stilts. Luminous-green rice fields extend from the waters’ edge to the thickly-forested slopes, which are streaked with waterfalls.
We can ride the scooter by yourself or just seat on the back of the rider. The 35K bike ride take about 1 hour before arrive in a Muong village, there we start your hike going along the hillside, stream, and the trail of primeval forest. Arrival in Hang village around noon, in time for lunch.
After lunch, we continue drive to Pu Luong Retreat. Enjoy gentle trek around Don Village and Pu Luong Retreat.
Have dinner and spend the second night at Pu Luong Retreat.
Day 8/ Pu Luong Retreat – Mai Chau – Hanoi (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
You have the chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in Kho Muong village. Have glimpses of daily life, walk around the working farmland and rice fields, followed by lunch at the Pu Luong Retreat.
Drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon with the difficult task of deciding which activity has been the best highlight. Arrive in Hanoi around 17:30.
Our dinner will be served at local restaurant in town.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9/ Hanoi – Half day sightseeing – Flight to Quang Binh (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Free at your own leisure until transferring to the airport for your flight to Quang Binh
Upon your arrival in Quang Binh, you will be met and transferred at the airport to your hotel for check-in and relax.
Overnight in Quang Binh.
Day 10/ Quang Binh – Phong Nha Cave – Lang Co Beach (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
In the morning: We will pick you up at your hotel, the one hour driving on Ho Chi Minh Trail East heading to Phong Nha. We will explore the most impressive Phong Nha caves. After 25 minutes on boat, visitors will arrive Phong Nha cave, take a couple hours to see the cave. This cave is called as water cave, is famous for its rock formation which has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”.
12h30: Lunch at local restaurant before exploring National Park in the afternoon.
After lunch, we will visit Paradise cave – the Cave was labeled the World’s most beautiful and magnificent. It has the length of 31.4 kms and is the longest dry cave in Asia. With naturally primitive features, Paradise Cave looks like a landscape painting, making it very attractive to visitors.
After visiting Paradise cave, we will drive straight to Lang Co Beach. Upon arrival Lang Co, check-in your hotel and free at your own leisure.
Enjoy dinner and overnight in Lang Co.
Day 11/ Lang Co – Hue Citadel and Royal Tombs sightseeing – Royal Banquet Dinner (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Royal Banquet Dinner)
08:00 AM – 08h30 AM: Our tour guide come to meet you at your hotel for pick-up. Then depart to visit Hat and incenses stick making village. Here, you have chance to learn how to make a hat and incenses, exploring the traditional job of Hueian, and you can buy some for souvenirs.
09h30 Car come to Khai Dinh tomb. Unlike Hue’s other tombs, being a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. Even the stone faces of the mandarin honor guards are endowed with a mixture of Vietnamese and European features.
11h00 Enjoy Authentic Hue food
13h00 Continue to visit Hue Citadel. Tour guide will lead you to visit the tallest flag pole of Vietnam (37m-hight), Ngo Mon gate where Bao Dai ended Nguyen dynasty, Thai Hoa palace ( Palace of Supreme Harmony), Hall of the Mandarins, Forbidden Purple city
14h30 Proceed to visit garden house which are a unique feature of Hue. The houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court.
15h00 Bus take you to Thien Mu pagoda which built on a hillock overlooking the. Perfume river, this pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and the symbol of Hue city.
Cruise the beautiful perfume river by dragon boat viewing daily life along the way. Visit some villages and do not miss viewing sunset on the river.
17h00 Drop off at your hotel in Hue. Free at your own leisure.
19h00 Our car and guide will pick you up for a Special Royal Dinner. Enjoy being Kings and Queens. After dinner, transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 12/ Lang Co Beach – Free at your own leisure (Breakfast/ -/ -)
Free day at your own leisure.
Overnight in Lang Co Beach.
Day 13/ Hue – Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town (Breakfast/ -/ Dinner)
Breakfast at your hotel. We will check-out hotel at 10:00 AM. Then be transferred to Hoi An Ancient Town. After check-in hotel, free at your own leisure.
In the afternoon, we will meet our local guide again for walking tour around the town.
Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market…
After our walking tour, if we have free time, you can do shopping at the old town.
At 19:00 PM, we will enjoy dinner at local restaurant in town.
Overnight in Hoi An Town.
Day 14/ Hoi An – Tra Que Cycling and boating (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
8.30: Our car will pick you up at you at hotel and transfer to Hoi An for check-in hotel.
Free at your own leisure to explore Hoi An Ancient Town.
14:00: Pick you up at hotel by our local tour guide by bicycles through beautiful scenery to the charming Tra Que vegetable with the tour guide, to discover the real life of local farmers. The village is named after the sweet scented herbs such as mint, coriander and basil that are used in daily meals of Hoi An people. Then, you will go to Cam Thanh water coconut village.
- Ride pass small roads, rice paddy fields, take pictures of water buffalos or farmers on daily working at their fields and fish – ponds.
- After that, you will have a chance to local houses built by water palm leaves.
- Explore many beautiful views of Vietnam country side meet many warm hearted local people
15:00 Take a bamboo basket boat on the Cam Thanh water coconut forest; have a brief introduction to the history there.
16:00 Enjoy hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing done by local fishermen.
+ Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and join in a basket boat race.
+ Explore the now peaceful coconut waterways of a past war.
+ Go catch the crabs, coconut mussel.
+ Make funny tools from coconut leaf.
+ Return fisherman house and start short cooking.
+ Enjoy Dinner with local cuisines and mineral water
Day 15/ Hoi An – Cooking Class – Flight to Saigon – Dinner on Bonsai Cruise (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
At 8:00 Be picked up by our local chefs and driver, then start our market tour.
We will visit Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.
On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.
Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our 20 metre swimming pool – towels and showers provided.
In the afternoon, free at your own leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
In the afternoon, we will be transferred to the airport, take the short flight to Saigon.
Upon your arrival in Saigon, be picked up by our local guide and driver, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at your own leisure.
At 18:00 PM. Meet our local guide and drive again for transferring to the harbor, get on the Bonsai Cruise, enjoy our Welcome Dinner on Bonsai Cruise and explore along Saigon river, experience Saigon night life.
You will surely be ready for another relaxing overnight stay in SAIGON CITY.
Day 16/ Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Cai Be (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
We gather before noontime at our welcome lounge in Saigon. Lean back with a drink as our staff welcomes you and collects your details for the boarding.
We bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometers south overland to My Tho to embark your luxury floating home for your coming journey along the Might Mekong.
Upon boarding our crew warmly welcomes you and you check in to your prepared staterooms. The ship set sail and your fasctinating journey of exploring the Mekong can begin. Lunch buffet is served in the restaurant while the vessel steadily glides upstream to reach the overnight spot. Make yourself familiar with all the ship facilities. Now it is time to become one with one of the largest streams in Asia.
The afternoon allows you pastime at your private balcony or join our tea time at the open air bar as the twilight bathes the land of Mekong Delta into a golden haze.
During the time you savor your dinner the ship reaches Cai Be. Cai Be is a charming small town, famous for its Catholic French church and manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more into modern central markets.
We drop anchor mid-stream and overnight near Cai Be.
Day 17/ Cai be – Sadec – Tan Chau (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Everyday, we offer to our guests an invigorating Tai Chi class on the sun deck. Set in your day like many local people do around Asia just as the sun begins its gentle glow.
A sumptuous buffet breakfast is the perfect start in your first exploration day in the Mekong Delta.
The morning tour takes you Cai Be. Cai Be still hosts a small floating market for boat to boat trading of local goods such as fruits and agricultural products. Our guide explains the particularities of this long lasting dealing cutlture. Each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling.
Cai Be is a rustic town criss-crossed by and many water canals. We go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn about and observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies or rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palmtrees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. With our local boat we continue to cruise through the lush and green canel network and can observe farmers working in the fields.
Back on board lunch is served and you have some time for yourself afterwards to either enjoy a true Vietnamese coffee at the bar or simply watch the life on the riverbanks floating by.
In the afternoon, we reach the area of Sa Dec. We embark a traditional sampan and tour towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyazinths. We visit exclusively one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover we can follow the whole process of ratt making. You can even try yourself the weaving which is still done manually. We will meet also an old local people who shares with us their story on this island and they are happy for any chit-chat with you.
Back on board you may like to pamper yourself with a spa treatment or take a dip in our pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues sailing to Tan Chau-the boarder town to Cambodia. We moor mid-stream near Tan Chau.
Dinner is served and afterwards you can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.
Day 18/ Tan Chau Border Crossing – Phnom Penh (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet sanctuary of your balcony.
Brace yourself for an excursion around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. A xelaoi is a local vehicle which is still used as taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful local market near one of the ancient temples. This is the best time you can interact with the vendors of this friendly town to make your own bargain experience. We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses to finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of fish production to be sold all over the world and we can see closely how fish farmings works.
Back on board our “home” we sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodia countryside towards Phnom Penh.
The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. This is the cruise part when even the last passenger will turn into cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutical influence this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, time for sun bed relaxations, time for private balcony kick-backs – forsooth the time to merge with the river.
A culinary class if offered during the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Some may like to do a flying visit at the bridge – the captain always has a story to share about “his” river. “The Highway Blues” beckons as we float into a state of mild bliss and before you totally drift away join our afternoon high tea for some treats.
Dinner is served before we arrive in the capital of Cambodia around 8 o’clock. The boat docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. You are free to go for your first exploration by yourself. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chating, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).
Day 19/ Phnom Penh (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Welome to Phnom Penh the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town to bespeak centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.
After breakfast we bid farewell to our passenger of the Pearl of the Orient Cruise (3-nights).
At the same time we welcome around 8 o’clock our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).
We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outskirts of the city and after the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when once the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression. Those places have merely changed much since the horrific time back in the early seventies and so it can be heart wrenching. There is the alternative to explore the city during the morning by your own pace individually before re-joining the group.
Lunch we take in a nice restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh focuses afterwards on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are the afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.
Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for some refreshing drinks before our capturing evening activities start:
It begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck or at the open bar. We move to the lounge which is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely among the highlights of this cruise to receive knowledge out of first hand as our lecturer had a private relation to the former King of Cambodia and many other high ranking politician.
After the lecture a feast of barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of traditional music.
As the evening unwinds enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.
Day 20/ Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham (Mekong) (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
We depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh towards the small Angkor Ban village up the Mekong River. Wake up to the gentle cruise motion and get ready for breakfast in the dining room.
The Angkor Ban village is famous for it´s unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers characterize an unbridled warmth.
Back on board our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Lunch is served after this performance.
We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (the project is funded by an NGO). Those children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bath you in smiles upon your applause. We continue the travel by road to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views on the Mekong. Another temple on the way is the tiny, colorful monastery of Wat Nokor. Here we might get the chance to engage in a light banter with some of the monks living in the area.
Relax back on board until dinner is served. The boat moors mid-river near Kampong Cham.
Day 21/ Kampong Cham (Mekong) – Kampong Chhnang (Tonle) (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
We sail downstream the Mekong during breakfast time and stop at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products.
By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.
Before lunch our expert guides offer a presentation about “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”.
After lunch a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board will deliver spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.
The cruiser continues its journey, passing the confluence of Mekong and Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Live to see all this life – which is so much different than ours – by a local ox cart ride.
The boat find its anchor spot later in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang allowing you to observe the interesting and close-by life on shore until dinner is served in the restaurant.
Day 22/ Kampong Cham – Tonle (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Wake up early to witness this spectacular water-world in the break of down. Our moring Tai Chi class has the perfect backdrop today. Breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant.
We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. This is the most fascinating cruise part in Cambodia.
We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Definitely you should bring home some. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.
Back on board lunch is served as your floating sanctuary cruises gently along the narrow and meandering Tonle, towards the Great Tonle Lake. The river opens up to a vast “sea” – known as the biggest fresh water lake in Asia. This lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from End-July to Mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way towards Siem Reap.
In the afternoon we serve a high tea at the bar and as the sun sets, our crew invites for a farewell event. Enjoy your dinner and some dance and music afterwards together with the crew.
The boat moors mid-like near Siem Reap.
Day 23/ Tonle Sap – Siem Reap (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. It has more fishes than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life.
Our Heritage Line cruise comes to an end. We prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community.
Around 09:00 o’clock, we arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you with a short transfer to the drop off point in the city center.
We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river same as our crew does every single time. Moreover we wish that you will take plenty of memories and friendships along with you that will linger with your stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.
Day 24/ Siem Reap (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
We start our adventure with a visit to Angkor Wat temple, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. We then move on to Angkor Thom, visiting Bayon, with its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatic smiling faces, Phimeanakas, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. We finish the morning with a stop at the very photogenic South Gate of Angkor Thom City, where the gods and demons line the road leading to the gate, struggling in a cosmic tug-of-war. The Gate itself is crowned with four large faces facing in the cardinal directions.
Lunch is Khmer-style in a local restaurant. Regain your energy enjoying a sumptuous Khmer feast near Sras Srang, the Royal Pool of Ablutions, originally reserved for the king and his consorts. Enjoy a spread of great local food followed by a nap lazing in a hammock, or explore to see the traditional way of life and say hello to the Cambodians living here.
After lunch we continue your day tour by visiting the beautiful Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) temple, which was made famous by Angelina Jolie, of course. Feel like one of the early explorers as you visit this temple which has been left to be reclaimed by the jungle.
If time permits we’ll finish the day climbing one of the oldest buildings in the Angkor complex, the brick pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup.
Day 25/ Siem Reap – Border Cross Laem Ngop – Koh Chang Island (Thailand) (Breakfast/ -/ -)
After breakfast at your hotel, be transferred by our private car to Thai border, after check-in, continues our journey to Laem Ngop Pier, take the ferry to Koh Chang Island (Thailand).
Day 26/ Koh Chang Island (Breakfast/ -/ -)
Free at your own leisure. Overnight in Koh Chang Island.
Day 27/ Koh Chang Island – Bangkok (Breakfast/ -/ Farwell Dinner)
Free at your own leisure. In the afternoon, be transferred to Trat Airport, take the flight to Bangkok.
Upon your arrival Bangkok, be picked up and transfer to check-in hotel.
At 19:00 PM, meet our local guide again for farewell dinner at local restaurant in town.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 28/ Bangkok – Half day sightseeing – Departure. (Breakfast/ -/ -)
In the morning, we will start our half day city tour.
– Visit Royal Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha: This city landmark should be the first place on any visitor’s itinerary, which features some of the most spectacular architecture in South East Asia. The palace begun in 1782. It is a consisting of several building with highly decorated architectural designs.
– Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) The magnificent Royal Chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo in the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha Image, most revered by people.
– Wat Benchamabophit: (Marble Temple) the main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. Its interior is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold this is “the perfect architecture of Thai art”. A large collection of bronze Buddha images lines the spacious inner courtyard.
– The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is a royal reception hall within Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It was commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1908. The building was completed in 1915, 5 years after Rama V’s death in 1910. It now serves as a museum and is from time to time employed for certain state occasions.
– The hall is open to the public every day except on Chulalongkorn Day (23 October), the King’s birthday (5 December) and the Queen’s birthday (12 August). (Close on Monday)
OR
– Golden Mount Chedi Phukhao Thong which was built by the Burmese King Bhueng Noreng after his conquest of Ayutthaya in 1767. The siege of Ayutthaya lasted ten months. Chedi Phukhao Thong, at 80 meters (260 ft) is one of the highest pagodas in Ayutthaya. The Chedi is part of Phukhao Thong Memorial Park which includes a the battlefield where then Prince Naresuan defeated the Burmese after the death of King Bhueng Noreng. Prince Naresuan ascended to the throne in 1590 after the death of King Maha Thamamaracha.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport, take the flight back home. Tour ends.
********************************************************************************************************************************
SPECIAL OFFERED PRICE OF TOUR PACKAGE
The price is valid till the end of December, 2018
Price is quoted in American USD dollar at the newest exchange rate
| Tour Class | 2 pax | 3-5 pax | 6-9 pax | 10 pax up | Single supplement |
| Superior | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | NA |
| Deluxe | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | NA |
| Luxury | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | NA |
Accommodation:
| Destination | Accommodation |
| Superior | |
| Luang Prabang | Chanthavinh Resort and Spa |
| Hanoi | Hanoi Era Hotel |
| Halong Bay | Swan Cruise |
| Mai Chau | Mai Chau Sunset Hotel |
| Pu Luong | Pu Luong Retreat |
| Quang Binh | Muong Thanh Quang Binh Hotel |
| Lang Co – Hue | Lang Co Beach Resort |
| Hoi An | Ancient House Resort |
| Saigon | Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa |
| Mekong Delta | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Phnom Penh | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Siem Reap | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Koh Chang Island | Koh Chang Lagoon Resort |
| Deluxe | |
| Luang Prabang | |
| Hanoi | The Ann Hanoi Hotel |
| Halong Bay | Athena Cruise |
| Mai Chau | Mai Chau Eco-lodge Resort |
| Pu Luong | Pu Luong Retreat |
| Quang Binh | Bao Ninh Resort |
| Lang Co – Hue | Banyan Tree Lang Co Resort |
| Hoi An | Hoi An Beach Resort |
| Saigon | Silverland Jolie Hotel & Spa |
| Mekong Delta | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Phnom Penh | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Siem Reap | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Koh Chang Island | Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort |
| Luxury | |
| Luang Prabang | Le Palais Juliana |
| Hanoi | InterContinental Hanoi Westlake |
| Halong Bay | Victoria Star Cruise Halong bay |
| Mai Chau | Mai Chau Eco-lodge Resort |
| Pu Luong | Pu Luong Retreat |
| Quang Binh | Sun Spa Resort |
| Lang Co – Hue | Angsana Lang Co |
| Hoi An | Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An |
| Saigon | Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers |
| Mekong Delta | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Phnom Penh | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
| Siem Reap | Jayavarman Rive Cruise |
Note:
– This is a cash price. Credit cards incur a 2.5% fee
– This is private tour design for your group only
– This price is Nett. price and non-commission
******************************************************************************************
What’s included?
- Entrance Fees: To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic Vietnamese food.
- Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above). Your comfort is our priority!
- Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city they will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.
- Hotels: Hotel fees are based on two people sharing with Double (Twin) Rooms. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily Western or Local breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
- Daily bottle of mineral water
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
What’s excluded?
- Excess Baggage Charges. Passengers holding an adult fare or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg, for economy class. Total weight of carryon baggage each passenger may not exceed 5kg. The size may not exceed 20x40x 55cm.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.
- Tip
- Single Room Supplement