Indochina Explorer -Vietnam and Cambodia

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As the bloody conflicts the region of Indochina used to be frequently associated with, are fortunately gone away in the distant past, this corner of Asia if fully open to visitors revealing its natural beauties and genuine local culture and traditions. We offer you a comprehensive itinerary taking you through the immensely beautiful shores of Vietnam, through the magnificent temples and the vibrant life along the Mekong river in Cambodia.

Designed in a way that will provide you with a high interaction with the local people, this trip will let you experience Indochina in the most profound way possible!

Highlights:

♦ Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city
♦ Boat ride along the Hạ Long Bay – exploring by boat the beautiful bay, listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list
♦ Saigon – the biggest city of Vietnam
♦ Mekong Delta - exploring the vibrant life along the Mekong river
♦ Temples of Cambodia – the spectacular Angkor, Bayon and Baphuon temples

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Pick up and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Discover the sights of Hanoi including the Old Quarter
Our tour guide picks you in the morning taking you on a sightseeing tour with a bus across the city and Old Quarter. The sites that you see today include: the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the West Lake, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One-Pillar Pagoda, Ethnology Museum, Hanoi Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. The tour ends in the late afternoon, when you will have free time until the rest of the day. Overnight in Hanoi.
B/-/-

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long
Today we depart to the city of Ha Long, where we go on a boat ride, taking us through the Sung Sot and Luon Cave areas where we swim and kayak as well as hike the Titop island if the time and conditions permit. Return trip, relax, dinner and evening entertainment possibilities such as Squid fishing, board games, movies or star gazing on the upper deck. Overnight on the boat. B/ L/D.

Day 4: Ha Long – Hue
We spend another day boat cruising at the Halong Bay, enjoying more of ride on the way back and seeing some Islets shaped like the Fighting Cock, Incense Urn, Lonely Dog, Finger and Duck. After lunch on the boat we get off and drive back to Hanoi where we take a night train to Hue. Overnight on the train (soft beds with air-con compartments). Meals: B/L/-

Day 5: Hue
Pick up at the train station. Visit Imperial city and cruise on the Perfume River. Overnight at Hue.
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Day 6: Hue - Hoian
After breakfast we drive to Hoian. On the way we make a short stop at Hai Van pass and Visit a stone carved village. In Hoian we go on a walking tour visiting the Chinese community’s assembly halls, the Japanese bridge and Tan Ky House Hoian textile factory. Overnight at Hoian. B/-/-

Day 7: Hoian – Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Free time to explore Hoi An. Transfer to the airport in DaNang for domestic flight to Saigon. Meeting upon arrival in Saigon. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at Saigon. B/-/-

Day 8: Saigon - Cu Chi tunnels
Morning excursion visiting the famous Cu Chi Underground Tunnels which have become well-known worldwide as the symbol of Vietnamese bravery during the wartime. Free afternoon for shopping and shightseeing. Overnight at Saigon. B/-/-

Day 9: Saigon – An Binh island
Depart for Cai Be and visit Cao Dai temple on the way. On arrival in Cai Be, we set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Keep cruising to An Binh Island through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food with local family. Take a rowing boat ride along the creeks. After check in take a walk through the fruit plantation and the village. In the evening join a cooking class, enjoy the foods of your labour and enjoy dinner. Overnight: Homestay at An Binh Island. Meals: B/L/D

Day 10: An Binh island – Chau Doc
Explorer the island by Bike. Take the boat to Vinh Long City. Transfer by bus to Chau Doc. We take a slow boat to visit floating fish farm where you will hear about the ways of life and doing business of the floating- house people. A Cham minority village is the next one visited, where a towel weaving workshop is located with the weaving of the colorful traditional wears (Sarongs and towels). We have a chance to learn more about the Mekong Delta people on stilted houses, especially Cham ethnic minority people. Ovenight at Chau Doc. B/-/-

Day 11: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
We board an express boat in the morning, and sail along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Speed boat to Phnom Penh, arrive At noon we arrive to Phnom Penh, where we visit the Palace compound, Silver Pagoda, Independence Monument and Wat Phnom. Overnight: Phnom Penh B/-/-

Day 12: Phnom Penh
Today we visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum), Killing Fields, PSE, Central Market and Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE), a French non-profit organization which has been established at the end of 1995. Ovenight at Phnom. B/L/-

Day 13: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
Today we stop at Skoun, Kompong Kdei, Angkorian bridge and go for a boatrip at Kampong Khleang. Dinner at a local family. Overnight hotel Siem Reap. B/-/D

Day 14: Angkor, Bayon and Baphuon temples
Today we visit the Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm & Angkor Wat temples. Dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant. Hotel in Siem Riep. B/L/D

Day 15: Flight to Bangkok

Notes: The Vietnamese celebrate New Year (TET) in the period 11.02 - 16.02 2021. TET is a national holiday and one of the year's biggest events. Tour price will rise if they are in this period. During the New Year celebrations, many stores could be closed, but still it is possible to make the most necessary purchases. There may also be a few changes due to the New Year. TET celebration is a very special experience, when the streets will be beautifully decorated with lots of flowers, lanterns and light show.

Price Includes:
airport/train station pick-ups/dro-offs as described in the program
meals as described in the program (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner)
accommodation in double room as described in the program (homestay at day 9)
guided city tours as described in the program
English-speaking local guides
entrance fees for the sites described in the program
boat rides/cycling tours as described in the program
all entrance fees for the sites included in the program
bus/train tickets/boat tickets
flight tickets: Danang -Saigon and Siem Reap - Bangkok

Not Included:
meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
tips
international flight tickets (apart from the mentioned)
visas

Additional Services:
single supplement
air-conditioned room for the Homestay on day 9 - 15 EUR

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