The Best of Indochina

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. (N)

Day 2 Bangkok to Siem Reap – by air

Arrive Bangkok and connect onto a flight to Siem Reap. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. Siem Reap is the gateway to the temples of Angkor – some of the most spectacular religious monuments ever built. Capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, Angkor was abandoned in 1431 and reclaimed by the thick Cambodian jungle only to be rediscovered 400 years later by French naturalist Henri Mouhot. After check in, why not opt to visit the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, Cambodia’s first nature conservation centre which aims to rescue, rehabilitate and breed threatened wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to see various endangered species, reptiles and a beekeeping project. (N) (N)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor

Day 3 Siem Reap – visit Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat

This morning visit Angkor Thom, the spacious walled capital of Jayavarman where highlights include the temple ruins of Bayon, Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and 12th century Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, visit the epic Angkor Wat. Explore its extraordinary architecture and enjoy the beautiful Khmer architecture and reliefs which adorn this ancient monument. Departing Angkor Wat, travel to Pre Rup, a pyramidal temple surrounded by lush rice paddies. This lesser-known and quieter temple offers visitors a peaceful setting to catch the beautiful evening light and watch the sun set behind the impressive structure. That evening embark on Siem Reap’s ‘Dining for a Cause’ culinary tour where you can enjoy drinks and dinner at four social enterprise restaurants throughout city. (B/D)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor

Day 4 Siem Reap – visit Roluos Temples

Today visit the outlying Roluos group of temples which are located away from the main Angkor complex. Over 1,100 years old, the initial sanctuaries were built by Indravarman and his son Yashovarman, however, at a later date the site was to become one of Jayavarman’s capitals. The Roluos temples are considered the best preserved of the earliest monuments and are adorned with sculpted human figures and guardian spirits. After lunch, enjoy an authentic tour to Tonle Sap Lake where you have the opportunity to learn about local life. Discover the stilted houses on the lake, pass the boats and nets used by fisherman and meet locals who inhabit Tonle Sap’s floating villages. (B)
Accommodation in Siem Reap: Jaya House River Park (or similar)
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence d’Angkor
Alternative upgrade option: Raffles Grand d’Angkor

Day 5 Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City – by air

After breakfast return to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City where you will stay for the next three nights. Renamed at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the city is still known to many as Saigon. Growing from a small 15th century Khmer trading port, today Ho Chi Minh City is the modern face of Vietnam – a bustling dynamic metropolis of crumbling colonial buildings, chaotic streets, colourful markets and informal pavement cafes. (B)
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: Majestic Hotel
Upgrade option: Caravelle Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Park Hyatt Saigon

Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City

This morning embark on a sightseeing trip of Ho Chi Minh City with your guide. Places of interest include the Warm Remnants Museum, which tastefully details the Vietnam War, the former Presidential Palace, the city’s colonial centre including Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office and colourful Chinatown with its historic pagodas and temples. In the afternoon take a walking tour through the busy side-streets ending at a small shop, formerly the secret weapon storage of the Viet Cong that was used during the Tet Offensive of 1968. (B)
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: Majestic Hotel
Upgrade option: Caravelle Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Park Hyatt Saigon

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City – visit Mekong Delta

Leaving the city, today drive south to the Mekong Delta and quiet Ben Tre – the heart of Vietnam’s coconut growing region. Travelling deserted country roads, stop and experience local village life, visit a small farmstead and travel by small sampan on the many side streams that criss-cross this riverine landscape. After lunch at a local farm, board a larger boat and, if time permits, visit one of the bank-side coconut factories that line the river before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. (B/L)
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: Majestic Hotel
Upgrade option: Caravelle Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Park Hyatt Saigon

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City to Hue – by air

Today fly to the imperial city of Hue and continue to your hotel for a two night stay. With one foot planted firmly in the past, Hue represents the best of Vietnam and is a city of infinite charm and personality. Home to the powerful Nguyen dynasty, Hue sat at the centre of a vast Vietnamese empire and underwent a building programme designed to reflect its power. Despite the damage caused by the 1968 Tet Offensive, much of this magnificence remains and later travel by boat down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest religious structures in the city. (B)
Accommodation in Hue: Pilgrimage Village Hue
Upgrade option: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 9 Hue

Today you will explore the spectacular Imperial City of Hue with your guide. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is enclosed by ancient walls encompassing a vast complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. In the afternoon visit the Dong Ba Market then travel to the countryside outside of the city to explore some of the astonishing tombs of the ancient emperors of Vietnam. In Hue a visit to a local Garden House can also be arranged as can scenic cycle rides through the outlying rural villages to the beautiful Thanh Toan covered bridge. (B)
Accommodation in Hue: Pilgrimage Village Hue
Upgrade option: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 10 Hue to Hoi An – 140kms

After breakfast leave Hue drive and south following Highway 1 as it winds its way up the Hai Van Pass – the historic border between the kingdoms of Vietnam and Champa. Soak up the fabulous views along the coast whilst you descend into Danang. Stop off and visit the Cham Museum which houses the largest collection of Cham art in the world and then continue to China Beach, close to Hoi An, where you will stay for three nights. (B)
Accommodation in Hoi An: Boutique Hoi An Resort
Upgrade option: Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Alternative upgrade option: The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Day 11 Hoi An

Today explore the beautiful riverside town of Hoi An. Wander or cycle down the town’s winding cobbled streets and admire the colourful wooden houses, pretty pagodas and 18th century Japanese Covered Bridge. Around two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling little port home to Chinese traders and a strong commercial link to Japan which, over time, influenced the town’s architecture, food and design. In the afternoon, visit local clothes merchants and craft shops or relax on China Beach. (B)
Accommodation in Hoi An: Boutique Hoi An Resort
Upgrade option: Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Alternative upgrade option: The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Day 12 Hoi An

The majority of resorts provide a free shuttle service into the old town of Hoi An should you wish to return and discover more of the picturesque UNESCO town. Alternatively, a day trip to the ancient Cham city of My Son can also be arranged where you can explore the abandoned Hindu temples, visit a local fishing community or take part in a local cookery class. (B)
Accommodation in Hoi An: Boutique Hoi An Resort
Upgrade option: Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Alternative upgrade option: The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Day 13 Hoi An to Danang – 30kms / Danang to Lan Ha Bay via Hanoi – by air & 165kms

This morning transfer to Danang Airport for the flight to Hanoi. On arrival continue by road and speed boat to Lan Ha Bay for an overnight cruise. Lan Ha Bay is a wonderful alternative to Ha Long Bay which now receives hundreds of boats a day, making it feel very crowded. Lan Ha Bay is a serene and tranquil alternative which is home to over 300 karst islands, sea caves and the untouched Cat Ba Island. That afternoon visit the sleepy town of Viet Hai on Cat Ba and take a cycle through the countryside and learn about the important part the island played during the Vietnamese War. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional dinner and drinks on deck that evening. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ha Long Bay: Ylang Boat by Heritage Cruises

Day 14 Lan Ha Bay

Enjoy an early Tai Chi session on the terrace deck overlooking Lan Ha’s stunning surroundings before breakfast. That morning sail to Ben Beo to visit one of the area’s floating fishing villages that is home to 300 families. Unlike Ha Long Bay where most of the fishing villages have dispersed, Lan Ha is still home to a large number of authentic fishing communities. In the afternoon travel to a secluded island beach where you can kayak through the limestone karsts, take a swim or enjoy a guided meditation session.

Accommodation in Ha Long Bay: Ylang Boat by Heritage Cruises

Day 15 Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi – 165kms

Enjoying breakfast onboard, cruise back towards the mainland through both Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay. Leaving the boat, travel by road to Hanoi where you will stay for the next two nights. A handsome city of tree-lined boulevards, temples, lakes, parks and a frenetic, vibrant old colonial centre, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life. (B)
Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel
Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Day 16 Hanoi

Today explore Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi with your guide. Begin your day at the former Presidential Palace where you will Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing to his house. Other highlights in Hanoi include the One Pillar Pagoda, the wonderful Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the island temple of Ngoc Son. End the day exploring the narrow lanes and historic buildings of the atmospheric old quarter, and sample on Hanoi’s speciality – pho noodle soup. (B)
Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel
Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Day 17 Hanoi to Luang Prabang – by air

This morning transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly to Luang Prabang for a three night stay in the town. Encircled by the mountains of northern Laos and resting on the banks of the Mekong River, the former Royal capital of Luang Prabang is an eclectic mix of historic temples and beautiful old French colonial mansions. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, MGallery by Sofitel
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Alternative upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Day 18 Luang Prabang

With its historic temples and colonial architecture Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderfully atmospheric place to explore. With your guide start the morning with visits to the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and That Makmo, known locally as the ‘Watermelon Stupa’. Leaving the town, travel south to the villages of Xangkhong and Xienglek, which are famous for the textiles they produce, before returning to Luang Prabang for sunset viewed from the temple atop Mount Phu Si. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, MGallery by Sofitel
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Alternative upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Day 19 Luang Prabang

Today visit the picturesque falls at Khouang-Sy which are on a tributary of the Mekong. Crystal blue, there a numerous sheltered pools ideal for swimming and walking routes through the lush vegetation. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon and travel by boat to Pak Ou – a place famous for caves full of small Buddha images. Later leave Pak Ou and return to Luang Prabang where the rest of the day will be at leisure. (B)
Accommodation in Luang Prabang: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang, MGallery by Sofitel
Upgrade option: Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
Alternative upgrade option: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel

Day 20 Luang Prabang to Bangkok – by air/ Bangkok to the UK

This morning return to Luang Prabang Airport for the onward flight to Bangkok. Here connect onto the Thai Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Day 21 Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning. (N)

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Itinerary: The Best of Indochina

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