ID19: Classic Discovery Tour 14 days

 
Day 1: Vientiane arrival ( D )
Upon arrival, our staff and will meet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a fascinating capital, with a fusion of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. This charming and easygoing city will provide a smooth introduction to the country. After a short rest, an orientation walk is a pleasant way to spend the day, strolling around some of the city’s most historical sites and seeing some of the French colonial architecture. We’ll bask in the sunset by the Mekong Riverside and continue to explore until the late evening. Overnight in Vientiane.
 
Day 2: Vientiane – Luang Prabang ( B, L )
AM: After breakfast, we’ll visit the major sights of the capital including: Wat Sisaket, the oldest city temple containing more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue, That Luang Stupa and Patuxay (Lao’s Arc de Triomphe). From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place to browse for antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.
PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (closed Tuesday), which exhibits artifacts, photos and stories of Laos’s military as well as the countries leaders throughout time. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town, with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel and after a short rest we stroll around the Night Market. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to visit the sacred, gilded stupa as well view a beautiful city panorama. Overnight in Luang Prabang .
 
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou cave ( B, L )
After breakfast, we take a short-guided tour of the city’s oldest temple Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Along the way we stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. During the day, we will also visit a few local villages, including one that makes rice wine and the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun. Once back in the city, we finish the day by driving to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving.  Overnight in Luang Prabang
 
Day 4: Luang Prabang – Hanoi ( B )
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning ritual of alms giving to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum (closed Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Afterwards, we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market. We visit these sights before we catch a flight for Hanoi. Arrive at Hanoi and transfer to the hotel in city center, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel  in Hanoi.
 
Day 5: Hanoi city tour ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, This morning we 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 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. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
 
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong bay on board ( B, L, D ) – 180km around 3,5 hour drive
Breakfast at hotel, then 8:30 AM  start a 3. 5 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
12:00 – 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 Ha Long Bay aboard Junk.
 
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi – Danang flight – Hoian ( 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 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 drive back Hanoi. We transfer directly to the airport for flight to Danang. The guide in Danang will pick you up, transfer to hotel in Hoian, check in, relax.
 
Day 8: 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. 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!Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
 
Day 9: Hoian – Danang - Ho Chi Minh ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Danang international airport for flight to Ho chi iminh city. The guide in HCM will welcome you at airport and transfer to city center.
We then start to discover dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals with 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, War Remnant museum and visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.
Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh.
 
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong delta - Ho chi minh (B, L) – 80km for 1 way, around 2 hours on road / 1 way.
You will be picked up at hotel, transfer to My Tho, 80km from Ho chi minh city. It takes you around 2 hours to get the area. This trip provides a look at a wide variety of the life and scenery on Vietnam River from the peaceful Delta. 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. Take 2 hour drive back Ho chi minh city, check in, relax.
 
Day 11: Ho chi minh – Siem Reap ( B, D )
Breakfast at hotel, free until transfer to the airport for flight  to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel(the room might not be ready).
Start your tours to visit the graceful 11th century Temple of Shiva – Banteay Srei – and the Banteay Samre Temple. On the return trip, experience the impressive Ta Prohm Temple which is mystically enveloped by the jungle. Dinner at local restaurant and enjoy the Apsara Dance show. Overnight at hotel in Siemreap.
 
Day 12: Siem reap – Angkor Tour ( 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.
Afternoon, 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 13: Siem Reap – Phnompenh ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to the airport for flight to Phnompenh. Pikc up at Phnompenh airport, transfer to hotel in city center.
Afternoon, we start Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Visit Central Market (or Russian market), 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 14: Phnom Penh - Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then take a half-day city tour at 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 your departure flight. End of tour.