Itinerary in Brief:
Day 1: Ha Noi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city – night train to Sapa (B, L)
Day 3: Sapa Cat cat village – Silver waterfall (B, L)
Day 4: Lao chai – Tavan village (B, L)
Day 5: Sapa – Sunday Bacha market – night train back Hanoi ( B, L )
Day 6: Ha Noi - Ha Long Junk Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi (B, L)
Day 8: Hanoi – Danang flight – Hoian ( B )
Day 9: Hoian ancient town (B, L)
Day 10: Hoian free ( B )
Day 11: Hoian - Hue (B, L)
Day 12: Hue – Flight to Ho chi minh city (B, L)
Day 13: Ho chi minh (B, L)
Day 14: Ho chi minh – Cu chi tunnel ( B )
Day 15: Ho chi minh – Mekong detal – My tho – Ben tre - Can Tho (B, L)
Day 16: Can Tho – Chau Doc (B, L)
Day 17: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (B, L)
Day 18: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B, D)
Day 19: Siem Reap – Angkor (B, L)
Day 20: Siemreap tour (B)
Day 21: Siem Reap – Vientiane (B, L)
Day 22: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 23: Luang Prabang- Pak oucve (B, L)
Day 24: Luang Prabang departure (B )
Itinerary in Details:
Day 1: Ha Noi arrival
Upon your arrival in Noibai International Airport in Hanoi, you are welcomed and transferred to hotel in Hanoi center by our Asia View Travel guide, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour – night train to Sapa( B, L )
After breakfast, pick up at hotel, start city tour with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & October, half of November for annual maintenance), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We continue to visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple, do a cyclo tour around around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Transfer to the train station for night train to Sapa. The train leaves Hanoi at around 9:00 PM. Overnight on train with soft sleep 4 berth / cabin.
Day 3: Sapa – Cat cat vilage ( B, L )
The train arrives at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 05:00 AM. There will be a vehicle and tour guide waiting to transfer us to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is only 33 km but it takes around 1.5 hours to make our way up the mountains. Arrive Sapa and enjoy breakfast at the hotel (There will be surcharge if require early check in).
After breakfast, we do the a tour with car and guide to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, and Sansaho village home to the H'mong hill tribes minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Back to the hotel , check in, then enjoy lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon you travel by car toward the Silver Waterfall where you will be able to take a short walk to waterfall. You will then drive further to Heaven Gate, the highest peak of roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains as well as enjoy stunning views. The walk commences at a point nearby the waterfall, by a descent on a trail through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. Transfer back Sapa town. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Lao chai – Tavan village ( B, L )
After breakfast, we start the trip to the Lao Chai village, take picture of paddle field and visit minority house and school. The lovely walk that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is a absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. Opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages - study textile tradition of craft women o Black H'mong and Red Dzao. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Sapa – Sunday Bacha market – night train back Hanoi ( B, L )
The beginning of the day on which you visit a big market filled with many different hill-tribe peoples. It takes you around 2 hour drive to the Bac ha market.
This is the most colourful market in North Vietnam. At the market, you have chance to enjoy BacHa people's simple but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches... talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation. Leave the market for the H'mong King's house (King Hoang A Tuong) built by the French colonists and the Chinese in 1920. Return the town for lunch. In the afternoon, spend time visiting another village (BanPho village) Say good bye to BacHa and get back to Sapa. Reach Sapa late in the afternoon. Check in hotel.
Transfer back Lao cai for the night train back Hanoi.
Overnight on train with 4 berth / cabin
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay on board (B, L, D) – 180km – around 3,5 hour drive
Arrival in Hanoi in the early morning at round 5:00 am. Pick up at train station and the guide will take you to a mini hotel near the train station gate to have shower and basic set menu breakfast.
8:00 Am pick up at hotel, depart for Halong bay. It takes around 3,5 hours traveling by road.
Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
11:30-12.15 Arrive in Ha Long city, board our traditional wooden junk boat for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin your cruise through the bay.
13.00 Start sail from Bai Tu Long Bay area, Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among beautiful of islets (Tea pot islet, Mat Quy–Monster Face islet, Yen Ngua islet, Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet etc.) to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot - Amazing cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. Swim at Soi Sim beach or Titov beach or a short trek to the top of Titov mountain (426 Steps) for a magnificent panorama scenery.
17.30 Fresh fruits serve at lounge or sundeck. Enjoy vegetable/fruit carving & Folding Napkin 19.30 Enjoy your dinner on board. 21.00 Squid fishing or relax and chatting with your partner,
friends, family.
Overnight on Junk.
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi (B, L )
06.20 Tai Chi Exercise with an opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the Bay.
07.00 For early riser complimentary tea, coffee and break fast are served.
08.00 Visit Luon cave on small bamboo boat paddle by out crew staff and enjoy the quiet atmosphere enclosed by high islets and mountains. Be back to our Huong Hai Junk. Sail past rock formations such as and passing Finger islet, Hoa Cuong fishing village area, Ga Choi – Fghting Cock islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Little Dog islet. Enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Ha Long city, etc.
09.00 Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard.
10.15 Enjoy a lunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11:30–12:00: We will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3.5 hours back Hanoi. We reach hotel at around 15:30–16:00, check in, relax
Day 8: Hanoi – Danang flight – Hoian ( B )
This morning free to discover Hanoi by yourself.
Afternoon transfer to airport for fligh to Danang. The guide in Danang will pick you up, transfer to hotel in Hoian, check I, relax.
Day 9: Hoian ancient town (B, L)
Today there are a lot of time to explore Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders. Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 10: Hoian free (B)
Today there is plenty of time to discover Hoi An by yourself. You can spend your time walking around exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen genera ions. The town is also famous for it's shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here. You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. Perhaps you would like to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to ancient town, about 4 km away. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson. One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town. Overnight at hotel in Hoian
Day 11: Hoian - Hue (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, say good bye Hoian and embark on northern bound journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Stop en route at the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. In Danang you will visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds.Arrival Hue in Hue at noon time.
This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 12: Hue – Flight to Ho chi minh city (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, we embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River, viewing the city and the tranquil villages on the riverbank. We will walk up to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a nicely located pagoda, overlooks the Perfume River and the beautiful scenery beyond, where you get to learn more about the Buddhism in Vietnam. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperors final resting place. Transfer to the airport for flight to Ho chi minh . The guide in Ho chi minh will pick you up, transfer to hotel in city center, check in, relax.
Day 13: Ho chi minh (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel, We spend all day to visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office before we shall see the exhibition on Vietnam War to the famous War Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we pass a place with its famous lacquers and the city's finest shopping street, Dong Khoi Street and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
Day 14: Ho chi minh – Cu chi tunnel ( B )
Breakfast at hotel, driver to Cu chi tunnel. Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. Visitors to our country should not miss a visit to this underground village with us intricate network of over 200 km of tunnels at Ben Dinh, 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Don"t miss the experience a short, exciting trip through this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels. In addition, green paddy fields along the road to Cu Chi, and see local peasants at work and buffaloes led by children…These are really pleasant sights and will offer you some insights into Vietnamese agriculture as well
Transfer back city at around noon time.
Afternoon free at leisure.
Day 15: Ho chi minh – Mekong detal – My tho – Ben tre - Can Tho (B, L)
8:00 AM You will be picked up at hotel, transfer to My Tho, 84km from Ho chi minh city. This trip provides a look at a wide variety of the life and scenery on Vietnam River from the peaceful Mekong Delta region. The huge ships, which come from many different countries moving slowly, quietly along the river is what you will see at the Saigon River. Do not miss this sight! On the way you will see daily activities of local people along the river sellers and buyers bargaining, exchanging fish, the products that they got from their working on the sea. From My Tho, you will ride on a local motor boat around Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island and stop at the famous Unicorn Island. While at the Unicorn Island, you will take a short trek and go for a rowing boat trip. You will also enjoy lunch, tropical fruit and free time bike ride in the rural village.
From there, you will continue your motor boat trip to Ben Tre province to visit a handmade coconut candy workshop. Then transfer to a small motor boat and travel along the lush, green canals that are so beautiful for photography. We continue drive to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.
Day 16: Can Tho – Chau Doc (B, L)
Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we breakfast and start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Cairang floating markets. There will be hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostling for trade. Sellers advertisers their wares by crying out across the waters. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits. After lunch continues to ChauDoc with a stop over at the stork garden near Thot Not. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 17: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, board the speed boat to Phnom Penh. It takes you around 5 hour on boat on Mekong river. Noon time, meet our guide in Phnompenh pier and transfer to hotel. Lunch at local restaurant. Phnom Penh city tour starts after lunch. We visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.
Day 18: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel, take a half-day to visit the Killing Field and Toul Sleng Museum of the genocide Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide): former Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975 it became the Khmer Rouge's main torture and interrogation center. It was known as Security Prison 21 - or just S-21. Transfer to the airport for flight to Siemreap. The guide in Siemreap will pick you up.
This afternoon, we visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area's most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Dinner at local restaurant, enjoy the Apsara Dance Show.
Day 19: Siem Reap – Angkor (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: 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.
Lunch at restaurant.
Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara).
Day 20: Siemreap tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, Visit Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration using the method of "anastylosis". The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle period similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple.
Visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a traditional wooden boat for a ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.
Day 21: Siem Reap – Vientiane (B, L)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival Vientiane Capital, meet our guide welcome to Vientiane. Transfer to hotel for check-in. After that, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, to visit religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, Symbol of Lao nation the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 22: Vientiane – Luang Prabang (B, L)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for morning flight to Luangprabang. The guide in Luangpraban will welcome you at the airport after clearing custom, transfer to hotel for check in. Then enjoy a half day city tour around Luang Prabang…and you will understand why it deserves the World Heritage title! Visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao.
We visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana - Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; Climb up Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill
that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 23: Luang Prabang- Pak ou caves (B, L)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily alms giving ritual to saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.
After breakfast at the hotel, We depart hotel to the boat landing, and take an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant. We arrive back at Luang Prabang in late afternoon, visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc, Overnight in Luangprabang.
Day 24: Luang Prabang departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.
Accommodation Options
Location |
Standard 3* |
Superior 3 * |
First class 4 * |
Deluxe 5 * |
Hanoi |
Le Carnot 3* |
Le Carnot 3** |
Lan Vien 4* |
De L’ Opera 5* |
Halong boat |
V Spirit 3* |
V Spirit 3* |
Pelican 4* |
Starlight 5* |
Sapa |
Sapa Lodge 3* |
Sapa Lodge 3* |
Chau long II 4* |
Victoria Sapa 4* |
Hoian |
Vinh hung II 3* |
Vinh Hung Emerald 3* |
Hoian Beach resort 4* |
Palm Garden 5* |
Saigon |
Ruby River 3* |
Tan Hai long hotel &spa 3* |
Grand Silverland 4* |
Majestic 5* |
Can Tho |
Hau giang 3* |
Kim tho 3* |
Ninh kieu II 4* |
Victoria Can Tho 4* |
Chau doc |
Chau Pho 3* |
Chau Pho 3* |
Victoria Chau Doc 4* |
Victoria Chau Doc 4* |
Phnompenh |
Cardamom 3* |
King grand Boutique 3* |
White Maison 4* |
Sofitel l 5* |
Siem reap |
Casa angkor 3* |
Central Boutique 3* |
Prince D'angkor 4* |
Borei Angkor 5* |
Luang prabang |
New Daraphet 3* |
New Daraphet 3* |
Villa Stanti hotel 4* |
Villa Maly 4 * |
Vientiane |
Orchird 3* |
Orchird 3* |
Vansan Riverside 4* |
Setha Palace 5* |
Tour includes:
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All accommodation in double / twin room with daily breakfast at selected hotels
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2 days 1 night cruise in Halong Bay ( private cabin – sharing boat )
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2 nights on train with soft sleep 4 berth / cabin Hanoi – Lao cai - Hanoi
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All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
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Private English or French speaking guide
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Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
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Boat cruise as stated
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Airfare & aiport taxes: Hanoi – Danang, Danang - Ho chi minh, Phnompenh – Siemreap, Siemreap – Vientiane, Vientiane – Luangprabang
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Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
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Mineral water & towel
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Government taxes & Service charges
Tour excludes:
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International flights that not mentioned above
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Vietnam visa arrangement (We can apply Visa on arrival if you request)
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Cambodia Visa (available at the airport at 20 USD/person)
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Laos Visa ( available at airport at 30 USD / person )
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Kayak in Halong Bay
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Meals not indicated in the itinerary
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Surcharge on 24,31 December and Lunar New Year
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Personal travel insurance
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Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills, drink during meals
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Tips and gratuities