Tour Itinerary

 

 

Best of Indochina Tour16days/15nights  

We promote 3 countries, one destination. This trip takes us to discover the best of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in just 16 days.

Our journey starts from colonial Hanoi, Vietnam, then onto Vientiane , the capital of Laos, to Luang Phabang with it famous temples and King Palace on the bank of Mekong River. We fly from Vientiane to Phnom Penh the colonial of the Kingdom of Cambodia where you will discover the Silver Pagoda and the majestic Royal Palace , Khmer art Museum. We take high speed boat to see the ancient capital Seam Reap with the huge Angkor Wat complex of temples, pagodas, ancient walls .that reflect a glory of former Khmer Empire. Saigon , Vietnam is our final destination of this Indochina Tour.

We also aim to appreciate the multitude of local cultural traditions-wandering the many colorful markets, street stalls, exploring the tranquil villages along the banks of the Mekong and gaining perspectives across a rural landscape that has yet be down into the 21st century.

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Pick up at airport and transfer to our hotel for check in. Free at leisure in town. Overnight in Hanoi at your chosen hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi (B,L,-)

9:am meet our guide and drive at the lobby of hotel, we embark on a city Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh complex, Temple of Literature, first university of Vietnam. PM. Visit Ethnology Museum, dedicated to 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam and then drive to Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll around old quarter for shopping.  Evening free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi- Halong Bay (B,L,-)

One day trip to Wonder Halong Bay is included in this free and easy package. We meet our guide at 07.30 for a three-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Upon arriving in Halong City we transfer to our private boat for a cruise of the crystalline emerald waters of Halong Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will have a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and the opportunity to explore some of the limestone caves in the area. Drive back to Han where we arrive at 19:00.  Rest of the evening free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi free day (B,-,-)

Enjoy the free day in Hanoi at your leisure. Breakfast inclusive at the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

 

Day 5: Hanoi – Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B,L,-)
Early breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for departure flight by Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi to Vientiane, Laos. Upon arrival, meet and greet at airport in Vientiane and proceeding to town for city orientation tour. Breakfast at local restaurant followed by a tour of Vientiane . Although it is a capital city, Vientiane has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are almost devoid of traffic and with its many temples; the city retains the feel of another age. Our tour includes visits to the major temples of Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country's most important monument. We will also see the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum and shop at the Morning market. Depart Vientiane by QV 103 (18.30-19.10) for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival Luang Prabang, transfer to our hotel for check in and rest of the evening free at leisure.  Overnight in Luang Prabang at your chosen hotel.

Day 6 : Luang Prabang (B,L,-)
Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple, then take the traditional boat trip upstream on the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak-Ou, located at the side of the steep cliff on the bank of the Mekong River housing hundreds of Buddha statues. Visit en route local rice-wine distillery and Ban Phanom weaving village. Followed by visit to Wat Phousy on the top of the hill overlooking the Mekong River.

Day 7: Luang Phrabang (B,L,-)
Visit morning market, National museum (the former king's palace), and climb up the Phousi hill for overlooking the city.
Free time in town.

Day 8: Luang Prabang- Vientiane (B,L,-)
Breakfast at hotel and enjoy the free time to shopping or relaxing in this enchanting town. This afternoon we fly on Laos Airlines to the capital Vientiane. Pick up and transfer to hotel. In the evening, following the meal you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.  Overnight in Vientiane at your chosen hotel.

 

 

Day 9: Vientiane - Phnom Penh (B,L,-)
You are free until transfer to airport for your morning flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check in. Lunch at local restaurant and follow by a city tour including the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, the Toul Sleng Museum of Genocide, and Wat Phnom.  Return to hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.  Overnight in Phnom Penh at your chosen hotel.

Day 10: Phnom Penh (B,-,-)
Free day in Phnom Penh at leisure with breakfast included in hotel.

Day 11: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap & Angkor Wat (B,L,-)
After breakfast, check out and take a boat journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The journey will take about 4-6 hours depend on the water level in the lake.  Lunch at local restaurant or picnic lunch will be provided. Once in Seam Reap we visit the fascinating ruins of Ta Prohm shrouded undergrowth and the roots of Banyan trees. From here we head for Banteay kdau and the nearby lake of Sras Srang -"the King's bath" In the afternoon start exploring Angkor Thom the South Gate , Bayon with 4 enigmatic giant faces, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Overnight in Siem Reap at your chosen hotel.

Day 12: Angkor Wat (B,L,-)
Following breakfast at hotel, we drive a 45 km from Seam Reap to Pre Rup and The East Mebon, visit Bantaey Srei and Bantaey Kdei. In the afternoon we visit The World Seventh Wonder Angkor Wat.                                                       
 

Day 13: Tonle Sap Lake - Seam Reap - Saigon (B,L,-)
We enjoy a new day in this ancient land. Following breakfast we have 2 hour boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. Afternoon free at leisure or additional Siem Reap sightseeing until transfer for departure flight to Saigon by VN 822 (17.25-18.25)  Upon arrival in Saigon (of Ho Chi Minh City), meet and transfer to your hotel for check in.  Rest of the evening free at own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon at your chosen hotel.

Day 14: Saigon (B,L,-)
Full day city tour Saigon including the Post Office, Cathedral Notre Dame, City Hall, reunification Palace, War remnant Museum and colorful China town with temples, Pagodas and bustling Binh Tay Market.

Day 15: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels (B,-,-)
Half day visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels . At its height the tunnel system stretched over 250km. from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war must have been like.

Day 16: Departure Saigon (B,-,-)
Tour ends after breakfast; you will be transfer to airport for your onward flight.

 

 

** End of Tour **

 

TOUR COST  - subject to an Acceptance Payment of £150 per person payable in UK.

Valid from November 2007 – September 2008

 

The tour cost in US$ is payable direct to our Associate Company in Thailand

 

           

                        

              

                

          

 

       

      

 

 

Additional charge for air tickets:

International flights (valid till March 2008) – USD 628 per person subject to change

Routing: Hanoi – Vientian   VN841  0825-0930

 Vientiane – Luang Prabang  QV103  1830-1910

 Luang Prabang – Vientiane  Flights are varied according to program

 Vientiane – Phnom Penh  QV841  1010-1140

 Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minch City VN822  1725-1825

 

* Please note that the above flights are for reference and subject to confirmation by the time of booking.  Company reserves the right to modify, change and revise the travel program to match with the flights confirmed.   Airfare from Apr. 08 – Sep. 08 will be advised when the fares are made available by the airlines.

 

 

 

 

 

Choices of hotels provided for the program – subject to availability

              

             

           

 

 * Remark: the company reserves the right to accommodate the guests at other hotel in same category to the above hotels listed in case of the listed hotels are fully booked.

B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Sgl Sup = Single room supplement (if required)

 

Payment.

 

1. On acceptance - £150 per person, Acceptance Payment/Deposit (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”.

 

Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with our Associate Company in xxxxxxxxx to whom payment for the tour is made.

 

2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in Vietnam or on Acceptance - 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Vietnam/Thailand

 

3. On arrival in Vietnam– 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

 

Please Note:  A credit card charge may apply in certain countries.

 

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.

Acceptance Payment non refundable

 

 

Included in the Cost

· Accommodation on a twin sharing basis in the hotels mentioned above or equivalent – subject to availability.

· Any single room subject to supplement shown.

· Room and breakfast basis – or meals as indicated in the itinerary (B), (L) and (D)

· All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned vehicle where appropriate.

· Boat trip from Phnom Penh to Seam Reap

· Services of an English speaking local guide (or a naturalist in National Parks)

· Entrance fees at monuments and parks where applicable

· Train journeys where applicable

· Domestic economy airfares, indicated in the itinerary, are subject to change. All flights within Indochina (Hanoi-Vientiane// Vientiane - Luang Prabang- Vientiane //Vientiane-Phnom Penh//Seam reap-Saigon)
 

· Basic porterage at airports, rail stations and hotels (not tips).

· All currently applicable taxes.

· Where US$ are quoted the UK pounds price shown is for comparison only and is subject to change.

 

Excluded from the Cost

· Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.

· Any other meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary or ‘includes’ list.

· Any international airfares to India and Asia

· Any airport taxes where applicable in each country

· Cambodia visa fee (currently US$20 per person for visa on arrival)
Laos visa fee (currently US$30 per person for visa on arrival)
Cambodia Domestic airport tax (US$6 per person)
Laos Domestic airport tax (US$4 per person)
Multi entries Vietnam Visa beforehand
International departure airport tax ( Phnom Penh / Siem Reap airport at US$25 per person, Saigon 12 US$, Hanoi 14 US$)
 

· Any subsequent increase in airfares, fuel costs, monuments/sightseeing fees.

· Any other taxes subsequently introduced by Government, State or Tourist Ministry.

· Travel Insurance

· Visa Fees, if applicable, in any country

· Any Christmas, New Year and Gala Dinners