23 Days Grand Indochina Tour

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You are then free to relax and prepare for the next day’s tour.

Meals included: None

Today’s tour begins at 8am, when you will be collected from the hotel for a closer look at Thai Buddhist culture.

First stop is a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting temple, arriving as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand’s Buddhist heritage. On a walk around Wat Pho there is a vast collection of religious treasures to see. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha’s intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image. The tour continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand’s revered royal family for more than two centuries. You are free to choose lunch at a local restaurant before travelling by long-tail boat through Bangkok’s canals to discover the true heart of the city. The journey begins with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the ‘River of Kings’.

Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. Make a stop at the Royal Barges National Museum. See the eight spectacular boats used by Thailand’s royal family to mark special occasions. Carved from teak and intricately decorated with gold leaf and mosaics, the barges are a truly impressive site. Go ashore at Wat Arun, a 79-metre-high pagoda built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. Meaning ‘Temple of Dawn’, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples and the perfect last stop on the day’s tour.    

Meals included: Breakfast

This full day tour begins at 8:00am, travelling by van and boat to explore Thailand’s ancient capital and cultural heartlands. A 90 minute drive will bring you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya. The city was established as the royal capital in the 14^th century and rapidly became the largest city in all of Asia, with grandiose temples and an impressive network of canals. Although much of the city was destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese army invaded, there is still plenty of evidence of its former grandeur. Visit the main sites, admiring their unique architectural styles and learn about the history of the former city. Tour Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a classic example of Ayutthaya architecture and former home to a 16-metre high, gold-covered Buddha which was melted down by the Burmese.

Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, with an impressive collection of seated Buddha Images, and Wat Mahathat where a tree has, over the course of several decades, grown around a stone carving of the Buddha’s face. Stroll through Ayutthaya’s local market and take a walk through the town’s Muslim Quarter which offers the opportunity to sample an unusual local delicacy, candy floss roti.

At midday begin the return boat trip from Ayutthaya to Bangkok with a one-hour drive to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Board an air-conditioned riverboat and cruise down the river, commonly referred to as ‘The River of Kings’. The journey takes three hours, allowing for plenty of time to observe the passing scenery of riverside life. Arrive in Bangkok in the late afternoon and transfer back to the hotel to stay overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast and check out, take a morning flight to Chang Rai where our guide will meet you for transfer to the hotel. The tour today begins from Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple for its unusual all-white structure and extraordinary exhibits of contemporary Thai art. Next stop is Doi Mae Salong where the Chinese refugee settlement Santikiri Kuo Min Tang is located. The town of Mae Salong was founded in the 1960s by former Kuo Min Tang soldiers who had been expelled from Burma. You can visit their tea and coffee plantations, and also their local stores where the villagers sell homemade wines and other locally grown products. The drive continues to Mai Sai, Thailand’s northern most town near the border with Myanmar, a bustling trading scene, with many street vendors from the northern villages and Burmese selling their wares. Return and stay overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals included: Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at the hotel before transfer to the banks of the Kok River. Board a long tail boat for a few hour cruise upstream to riverside hill tribe villages. Arrive in Thaton where you will have a break to visit Thaton Temple, a famous Buddhist temple in Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. Afterwards proceed by road transfer to Chiang Mai.

Meals included: Breakfast

After an early morning pick up from the hotel, you will be driven approximately 50 minutes north through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas to arrive at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. As you walk through the sanctuary, learn about the elephants, before changing into traditional clothing to prepare fruit for their food. You have a chance to feed, interact and play with the elephants in a natural environment, all the while learning about their behavior and history. Photo opportunities abound as you walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them. Enjoy refreshments yourself before departure.

In the afternoon head back toward Chiang Mai for a visit to Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb up the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14^th century pagoda where local devotees come to pay homage and pray. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance. Return down the mountain and continue along the spiritual trail to Wat Suan Dok. A 48-metre golden chedi marks this holy site which was built in the Sri Lankan style. Discover its unique Buddha relic, and wander around the mausoleum where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s trip begins with a short tour to Sankampeang handicraft villages, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Our guide will meet you on arrival and take you to check in at the hotel. Take advantage of a special chance to get acquainted with the local culture by attending the Baci Ceremony at a local house in the evening. A visit to the night market is a perfect way to explore the authentic local life and to find excellent travel mementos.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes: The Baci Ceremony is approximately 90 minutes in length and attendance is optional.

An optional early start offers a special opportunity to participate in the daily Morning Alms Giving Ceremony of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

A tour of the Old Town takes in the city’s oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground in classical Laotian architectural style. Learn more about the ethnic culture from the perspective of an American by taking a private tour at the TAEC center. After lunch, on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, enjoy breathtaking views through the tranquil countryside, before exploring the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Here two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. You will be returned to your hotel and free to enjoy your evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

You will be picked up by your guide and then begin a short trip, travelling through the valley and passing local villages along the way. After reaching the Hmong ethnic community of Ban Long Lao Kao, you will have the opportunity to visit and take in the sights of the village. Then, start your hike to the famous Khuang Si waterfalls, walking through vegetable gardens, rice fields and forests under the shade of hardwood trees, such as rosewood and ebony. After arriving at the Khuang Si waterfalls, enjoy a delicious picnic in the natural surroundings of the area. Enjoy a rest, or the chance to go swimming, before heading back to Luang Prabang. Take advantage of the optional visit to Ock Opo Tok, a sustainably operated Living Crafts Center established to provide opportunities for local women through the preservation of traditional weaving and handcrafts. Purchase unique Laos textiles here and take home a beautiful travel memento.

Meals included: Breakfast

First tour stop after breakfast is the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. On display is a wonderful collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings, right through to the last sovereign. Mix with locals at the Central Market experiencing the bustling atmosphere and explore a range of food and products for what might take your fancy. You are free to enjoy leisure time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, spend some time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature.

In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (called the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs), followed by the Museum of Ethnology, the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups from the rich collections of objects, photos, video tapes and cassettes. Take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter street markets with a local guide who’s passionate about food to discover the exotic flavors of Vietnam with fellow food-lovers. You can sample fruit, hawker street food and local specialties like pork crepes. Visit Hanoi’s largest covered market, Dong Xuan for a personalized taste encounter with Hanoi’s best street food on this walking tour. Pay a visit to a local craftsman’s house to learn how the water puppets are made and enjoy a unique water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and a highlight of any Vietnam tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Please note the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. Your guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly.

The next day and a half promises the enriching experience of a Halong Bay cruise, beginning with a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site. Over 1,600 limestone karst islands dot the bay, traditional sampans and junks sail the glittering waters, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves complete a movie-magical picture. Check-in for the cruise at mid-day, in time to be served a buffet lunch, before embarking on a memorable ocean adventure. Along the way a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming and diving can add to the fun of this trip.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Continue your leisurely Halong Bay cruise today until brunch is finished (around 10:00am-10:30am). Disembark from the boat around 11:00am. The guide and driver will then take you to the airport in Hanoi for your flight to Hue. Once your hotel check in is completed in Hue, you are free to explore the city on your own.

Meals included: Brunch

Get a fine experience of Hue today with a visit to the Imperial City of Hue, where you can stroll around this Forbidden Purple City site to see the Halls of Mandarins. At every turn there are things to broaden your knowledge, experience and understanding of Vietnamese history. Continue the tour to the majestic Minh Mang Tomb and a sail along the Perfume River in a royal dragon boat to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, you will be transferred to the End today’s sightseeing at the bustling Dong Ba Market where you can get up close to local life and sample some of the exotic wares.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning take your time to enjoy this small city before the late morning drive to Hoi An. En route, you will have a pleasant short tour in Da Nang visiting Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. On route take in the spectacular view to the ocean from Hai Van Pass. On arrival in Hue in the afternoon, you are free to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, on a light excursion around the tiny town of Hoi An, you will be able to explore picturesque cultural sites such as the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quan Cong Temple), and the Old House of Tan Ky, home of a former Vietnamese merchant. A boat ride on the Hoai River in the afternoon leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where making pottery is still practiced in the traditional way and you can watch the locals at work. Pay a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum and see photographic work by Rehahn, a French photographer who shares his adventures in Vietnam. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a charming vegetable village which produces fresh leaves, vegetables and fruits for the local community. You may enjoy an opportunity a cooking class learning Hoi An culinary specialties. The evening is yours to explore charming Hoi An, taking in a highly recommended visit to the Hoi An night market.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, you will be transferred to Danang airport to board the flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, the guide will take you to visit Ben Thanh Market where you can mix with locals going about their daily lives while you check out the variety of goods on offer, before heading to the hotel. Gain an overview of the spirit of the people and what they have overcome from turbulent history of Vietnam on display at the War Remnants Museum, featuring artefacts and records of hostilities against French, Japanese and American incursions. Also of significance to the country’s history is the Independence Palace commemorating the declaration of independence and rejoining of the south with the north. A strong French colonial influence is evident at Notre Dame Cathedral and an amazing fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture in Saigon Central Post Office. Further remnants of French colonial architecture can be found strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Meals included: Breakfast

Before arriving at today’s main destination – Cu Chi Tunnels – savor the experience of visiting an organic agricultural garden where you’ll enjoy lunch after a private cooking class. In the afternoon you have a challenging opportunity to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel network, which was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The below-ground network providing living and restorative capability formed an essential part of their strategy for success. Some tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate visitors. Following a drive back to the hotel you will be free to relax for a pleasant Saigon sunset and enjoyable night.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City to visit Cai Thia, passing through Cai Be, in the Mekong Delta. From here, witness local life from a different perspective as you ride a bicycle along paths that wind through plantations, vegetable gardens and tropical vegetation. You will pass peaceful villages and cycle along narrow canals, before stopping at a local family to sip tea and enjoy local fruits. After lunch at a guesthouse, jump aboard a rowing boat for further exploration on the river after which a local boat will return you to dock. From here, continue your journey to Can Tho where you’ll spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: The route for today’s cycling activity is between 5 and 10 kilometers and a maximum 1 hour travel.

Start today’s trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams of the mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang Floating Market, where hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostle for trade and sellers shout loudly to advertise their wares. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes:

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. Traveling on, arrive at the Wat Thmei, Killing Field, featuring a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield.

Proceeding to Les Chantiers Ecoles Artisans D’ Angkor, you will be able to observe a workshop that teaches the unique craft of wood and stone carving in the tradition and style of classic Cambodian artistry, before stopping at Wat Preah Prum Rath, the second oldest pagoda in Siem Reap.

Meals included: Breakfast

The day is at your leisure till our guide and driver escort you to airport for your return flight, concluding your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast