Brief  Itinerary

Notes:

VIETNAM

Day 1

1 Jan 2011

Hanoi arrival

Flight/Hotel

Day 2

2 Jan 2011

Hanoi City Tour

Hotel Hanoi

Day 3

3 Jan 2011

Hanoi – Halong

Aboard Halong

Day 4

4 Jan 2011

Halong- Hanoi- Hue

Flight/Hue

Day 5

5 Jan 2011

Hue- Khe Sanh 1 day

Hue Hotel

Day 6

6 Jan 2011

Hue- Hoi an- Walking tour

Hoi An Hotel

Day 7

7 Jan 2011

Hoi An- My Lai- My Son 1Day tour.

Hotel Hoi An

Day 8

8 Jan 2011

Hoi an- Saigon City

Saigon Hotel

Day 9

9 Jan 2011

Saigon-Cu Chi Tunnels

Saigon Hotel

CAMBODIA

Day 10

10 Jan 2011

Ho Chi Minh City - Siemreap

Siemreap Hotel

Day 11

11 Jan 2011

Siemreap Temple tours

Siemreap Hotel

Day 12

12 Jan 2011

Siemreap Temple tours

Siemreap Hotel

LAOS

Day 13

13 Jan 2011

Siemreap – Luang Prabang

Flight/Hotel

Day 14

14 Jan 2011

Luang Prabang Sightseeing tour

Luangprabang Hotel

Day 15

15 Jan 2011

Luang Prabang Departure

No

DAY 1:  HANOI ARRIVAL

On arrival Hanoi International airport. We will be transferred to the hotel in downtown, check in to the hotel and overnight in hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: N0

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes

DAY 2: HANOI  CITY TOUR

This morning, we will start our city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples.

Take a visit to Ho Chi Minh President Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the house on stilts, presidential palace, the One Pillar Pagoda). Our next stop is the Temple of literature, the first university of Vietnam, which was built in 1070. After lunch you will visit the B52 Lake. Hanoi Hilton prison, Army Museum.

Lunch at famous Anh Tuyet restaurant.

Return back to hotel and go for dinner. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY

Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk.  Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and is the first of six World Heritage sites we’ll visit. While cruising the exquisite waters, we will sample the region’s fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay while enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bien Ngoc or Bai Tho Junk Deluxe Cabin

Tour Guide: Yes

Car: Yes

DAY4: HALONG- HANOI –HUE

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi by road and will be back Hanoi at early this afternoon, on arrival transfer back to Noi Bai airport for our flight to Hue,

On arrival Phu Bai airport of Hue, meet with our guide and driver at airport to transfer to our hotel in Hue

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:  Hotel in Hue
Tour Guide: Yes

Car: Yes

DAY5:HUE –KHE SANH

After breakfast in the hotel, we will depart for Khe Sanh former battlefield this morning.  Tthis old American base is the site of one the most important battles (or diversions) of the Vietnam War. All that remains at Khe Sanh now is an eroded pock-marked dust bowl with a memorial near the airstrip and many scrap hunters still searching for leftovers from the war. There are numerous large bomb craters.
Khe Sanh became a sizeable marine base in late 1966 with a view to training the surrounding hill tribe people and stopping Viet cong incursion into the area. By late 1967, American intelligence detected huge movements of Viet Cong in the area and in January 1968 the siege of Khe Sanh began. It was not until 75 days later, with hundreds of US dead and innumerable Viet Cong killed, that the siege was finally lifted. Only then was it discovered by the US leaders that Khe Sanh had been little more than a monumental diversion for the Tet Offensive which itself proved to be a running point of the war. When the US forces finally pulled out of Khe Sanh in mid 1968 everything that could have been used by the Viet Cong was blown up, bombed from the air or buried. Thus ended another bloody and seemingly pointless chapter of the Vietnam War. Rumor has it that the Vietnamese are planning to rebuild Khe Sanh combat Base as a tourist attraction. 

Tour ends, transfer back Hue city. Overnight in Hue

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)
Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/ AC)

DAY 6: HUE- HOI AN WALKING TOUR

Hue is the ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1820 – 1945). It has an area 5054 sq km and population of 1 100 000. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hue is neither a great industrial nor great trading center, but holds an undeniable charm in every aspect of its life. Today, Hue remains one of Vietnam’s major tourist attractions.

Starting our city tours including of Thien Mu Pagoda, next is transferred to visit to the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen emperors ruled Viet Nam for 143 years. Next is the imperial tomb of Minh Mang before going for lunch.  Following lunch, we will check out the hotel and drive for Hoi An ancient town, some 120 km away from Hue. We will stop en route to visit the five sacred hills known as the Marble Mountains containing dozens of Buddhist shrines and the famous Cham Museum in Danang City.

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An, another World Heritage Site, was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in the high grade silk, which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century.

Upon arrival to Hoi An, we will be transfered to the hotel for check in. After lunch, take our walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market.  Hoi An has some of the best restaurants I have found anywhere in the world.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Tour Guide: Yes
Car: Yes (New/ AC)

DAY 7:HOI AN –MY SON- MY LAI TOURS  1DAY                       

A

Depart from Hoi an at 7.30 am this morning and heading for My Son, some 60 Km away from Hoi An Town,

My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a Must-See for those people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations and is now one of five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam.

After touring My Son, We will drive back to the main road and head for My Lai village, My Lai, a village that belongs to the district of Son My, 70 km from Danang, was a watershed in the history of modern American combat and a turning point in the public perception of the U.S.-Vietnam War. On March 16, 1968, the angry and frustrated men of Charlie Company, 11 Brigade, Americal Division, entered the village of My Lai. The “search and destroy” mission degenerated into the massacre of over 300 unarmed civilians, including women, children and the elderly. Lt. William Calley ordered his men to enter the village firing. There were no reports of opposing fire.

This day trip to the historical My Lai site from Hoi An allows us to visit the museum, meet the local villagers and tour around the village before driving back the Hoi An.

Tour ends, We will return back to Hoi An Town. Free time for dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes

DAY 8: HOI AN – DANANG -  SAIGON/ Flight

After breakfast there will be a car transfer to the Da Nang Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On arrival to Tan Son Nhat airport, we will be transferred to our hotel for check in.  If time permits, we will visit the reunification palace, war museum and Notre dame cathedral, Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/AC)

DAY 9: SAIGON-CU CHI TUNNELS HALF DAY TRIP

This morning, we will visit for Cu Chi Tunnels, some 60km away from Saigon city to the north, near the border with Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Cu chi, we experience ourselves the underground village built by Cu Chi guerrilla fighters, remains of a real bloody battlefield which is simply a network of tunnels built during the long years of wars. By 1965, 250 km of tunnels criss-crossed Cu Chi and surrounding areas –just across the Saigon River was the notorious guerrilla power base known as the IRON TRIANGLE. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border.

The network, parts of which were several levels deep, 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 feel of what underground life in the American War must have been like. The tunnels have been widened for our benefit (otherwise we would not be able to enter them). For those interested there’s even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Allegedly the old wooden targets resembled US Marines.

Tour ends, transfer back to Saigon, free time for lunch (own account) and dinner is served at local restaurant later, overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast,  Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/ AC)

DAY 10: SAIGON - SIEMREAP CITY (CAMBODIA)/ Flight VN827 @ 11.40

Have breakfast at Hotel and free time at leisure before going back to airport for flying to Cambodia, on arrival at Siem Reap airport, meet and transfer to visit to the mysterious sides of the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Angkor is the fifth of six World Heritage sites we will visit on our tour.

In the late afternoon, visit to the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: the wonder city of Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.  Finally, we will enjoy a sunset view on the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siemreap

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/AC)

DAY 11: SIEMREAP TEMPLE TOURS

Breakfast hotel before our visit to the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang ("The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo, constructed in late 10th early 11th century C.E, the first temple to be

constructed wholly of sandstone. Then we will visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples.  Ta Prohm is called the “jungle temple” because huge trees and tree roots grow over its ruins.

In the afternoon, we will visit Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic. Preah Khan temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan temple, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Overnight at hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Siemreap

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/AC)

DAY 12: SIEMREAP TEMPLE TOURS

After breakfast at hotel, we will visit Kbal Spean (option can be replaced by Phnom Kulen ), walk 45 mintues through the forest to the top of the hill to reach Kbal Spean to discover the 10th-12th century sculptures chiseled into the rocky-river bed, Royal Bath and waterfall.

In the afternoon, continue to Preah Dark village to visit the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The next stop is Banteay Samre Temple which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Overnight at hotel

Meals: Breakfast   Accommodation: Hotel in Siemreap

Tour Guide: Yes ( English Speaking)

Car Transfer + Driver: Yes (New/AC)

DAY 13: SIEMREAP – LUANGPRABANG (LAOS) Flight

On 13 Jan 2011, there will be one flight (Direct flight VN523 departure at 15.00 pm- arrival at 18.30 pm)

Breakfast at the hotel, then we will visit the Siem Reap killing field, an orphanage, and the war museum, where we will see various land mines and weapons used by the Khmer Rouge. Lunch not included

Transfer to Siem Reap International airport for departure flight to Laos. Meet our local guide to transfer to your hotel for check in, if time permits, we will start sightseeing tour to visit the watermelon shape stupa. Proceed to Vat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temples of Luang Prabang dating from 16th century. The roofs sweep low to the ground and glass colored panels adorn the walls of the chapels. Climb up Phousy Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. Luangprabang is the sixth and final World Heritage site on our trip.  Overnight in Luangprabang.

Meals: Breakfast   Accommodation: Luangprabang Hotel

Tour Guide: Yes  Car: Yes

DAY 14: LUANGPRABANG TOURS

Pick up at your hotel and visit the National Museum, the former Royal King’s Palace (closed on Tuesdays), then proceed to embark at the local pier of Luang Prabang on  a  traditional  boat  and  go  upstream  on  the  Mekong  to  visit  the  sacred  Buddha caves. On the way stop at Thin Hong, a picturesque village, get a glimpse of daily life. Visit Tham Ting and Tham Phoum caves housing hundreds of Buddha statues.

Return to Luang Prabang by boat. On the way back stop at Ban Xang Khong handmade paper village. Drop in the old city for a walk or shop at Hmong market etc. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Luangprabang Hotel

Tour Guide: Yes   Car: Yes

DAY 15:   LUANGPRABANG DEPARURE/ FLIGHT

On 15 Jan 2011, there will be one flight from Luangprabang to Hanoi (Direct flight VN313, departure at 16.40 pm- arrival at 17.40 pm)

Visit the fresh local market, Vat Mai with its five tiered roof and exquisite carved veranda. Transfer to the airport and departure (May be fly back to Hanoi or Saigon for onward flights to Japan)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: No

Tour Guide: Yes

Car: Yes

INCLUSION OF:

4 Star hotels

Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned car

Local English speaking guide in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

Private cabin on boat  in Halong bay
Private Boat in Hue
Private Boat in Luangprabang
Accommodation based on twin share basis with daily breakfast
( Single supplement will be surcharged)

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Relevant permits and fees

Flights (already included in price of trip)

Domestic Flights:

HAN/HUE (72$/one way)
DAD/SGN (72$/one way)

International Flights :

 Saigon - Siemreap (187 $ /one way)

 Siemreap -Luanprabang: 298 USD/ one way

 Luangprabang -Hanoi: 224 USD/ one way

Visa for Cambodia 45 USD

Visa For Laos 35 USD
Visa Approval for Vietnam 25 USD/ Person

EXCLUSION OF:

Trans-Pacific airfare

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos International departure taxes

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips and gratuities

Early check-in/Late check-out