VIETNAM

Start the tour from Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi [Arrival]

Explore the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the rich history of Vietnam's first university. Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake. Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Take a cyclo tour for sightseeing around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Watch video.

• Overnight in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 2: Hanoi → Sapa

After breakfast, pick you up at hotel and transfer to Sapa. Arrival in Sapa around 13:00, take a little time for refreshment. Enjoy a tasty lunch of local Vietnamese dishes.

Then, we embark on a short trek to Cat Cat village. This village, home to the Black H'mong ethnic group, is nestled in a deep valley near the base of Fansipan Peak. With a knowledgeable guide, we explore the village, witness daily life, and visit the picturesque waterfall that once powered a French-built Hydraulic Power Station. We capture memorable photos before hiking uphill to meet our return bus to Sapa town. The trek covers 3.5 km and lasts about 2 hours. We return to Sapa Town by 17:00.

• Overnight at hotel.
• B,L

Day 3: Sapa → Hanoi

After breakfast, we start our trek, get through the rice terraces in Muong Hoa valley. We reach the village of Black Hmong, see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Enjoy picnic lunch at Lao Chai Village.

Continue our trek to Ta Van village – home of Dzay ethnic people. Enjoy the scenery until we meet our van at Ta Van bridge and head back to Sapa town. The total trekking distance is about 12 kms and it lasts for 4.5 hours.

A late lunch will be prepared for you near the craft centre and then visit a village school. Later, we make our way back to Sapa town and return to Hanoi.

• Overnight in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 4: Hanoi → Halong bay

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00am.

Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we will board the vessel and partake in a delectable lunch. During the meal, we will cruise through thousands of stunning islands and islets. Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the Surprising Cave, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Later, return to the vessel, get a drink and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay. Halong photo.

• Overnight on boat in Halong bay
• B,L,D

Day 5: Halong bay → Hoi An

Morning, breakfast on boat. Cruise further and stop at a Pearl Farm village. Continue cruising through many island and islet to explore the hidden charm of the bay. Lunch on board while going back to the pier.

We go back to Hanoi airport and take a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, we head to Hoi An which is 30km far and it takes around 45 minutes. Check-in at hotel in Hoi An.

• Overnight in Hoi An.
• B,L

Day 6: Hoi An [Visit My Son]

Morning breakfast at hotel. Today, we start the tour by visiting My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon, visit Hoi An town on foot: Hoi An’s Colorful Local Market, Old House of Tan Ky, Fu Jian Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Overnight in Hoi An.
• B,L

Day 7: Hoi An → Hue

Morning, breakfast at hotel in Hoi An.

Your leisure time in until we transfer you to Hue.

• Overnight in Hue.
• B,L

Day 8: Hue → Ho Chi Minh

Morning, breakfast at hotel in Hue. Your leisure in Hue until we transfer you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Rest of the day is your leisure time to discover the city on your own.

• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
• B

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh [Visit Cu Chi]

Morning, we explore the Re-Unification Palace, which was the home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and played a pivotal role in the war's end. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and learn about its unique history. Continue your tour at the War Remnants Museum, which provides a thought-provoking look into the harsh realities of the Vietnam War.

Afternoon, we leave the city and drive 60km to Cu Chi, where you can delve into the intricate system of tunnels and explore the Cu Chi Tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering that played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla's food during the war). Once the tour is complete, we will make our way back to the city.

• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
• B,L

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh → Mekong Delta

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Ho Chi Minh and head towards Ben Tre. Our journey will include a boat trip along the Mekong River, during which we will visit a family-run business that exemplifies the idyllic rural lifestyle. We will also have the opportunity to stroll through the fruit plantation village.

• Overnight in Can Tho.
• B,L

Day 11: Mekong Delta → Chau Doc

Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong river. Proceed to Chau Doc, continue our visit at Tra Su, getting to the wild birds Sanctuary.

• Overnight in Chau Doc.
• B,L

Day 12: Chau Doc → Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. After that, take a speed boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Arrive at Sisowath tourist quay in Phnom Penh around 2.00pm.

Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

• Overnight in Phnom Penh.
• B

Day 13: Phnom Penh → Siem Reap

Morning, visit the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda. Next, you will have the opportunity to explore either the Khmer Rouge Killing Field and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. These sites offer a sobering reminder of Cambodia's turbulent history and provide a deeper understanding of the country's rich culture and heritage. You can visit the Wat Phnom insteadly, depending on your preference.

Afternoon, we make our way to Siem Reap.

• Overnight in Siem Reap.
• B,L

Day 14: Siem Reap [Explore Angkor]

In the morning, you will visit Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Then, you will continue your visit to Ta Prohm, a stunning temple complex with trees and vegetation growing around and through its structures. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples in Angkor. Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world.

In the evening, enjoy buffet dinner and watch Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant.

• Overnight in Siem Reap.
• B,L,D

Day 15: Siem Reap [visit Koh Ker temple]

We depart the city at 8:00am and head to Koh Ker, which takes about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will venture into the deserted ruins and surrounding forest and explore the Koh Ker temple complex, the former capital of the Angkorian empire during the years AD 928 to AD 944.

10.30am, we drive back to Siem Reap. On the way back, we stop at two famous temples: Prasat Neang Khmaw & Prasat Pram. Lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

1.30pm, we visit Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and discover the wonders of an overgrown temple, Beng Mealea, which lay undiscovered for centuries. We proceed to the last one that we visit today, Banteay Srey, the “gem” of the Angkor area.

• Overnight in Siem Reap.
• B,L

Day 16: Siem Reap → Luang Prabang

Morning, visit the National Museum at 7.30am. After that, you will have a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake for sightseeing.
Afternoon, transfer you to airport for flight to Luang Prabang (16:55-18:55).
Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 17: Luang Prabang [city tour]

Morning, visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. Then visit Wat Xieng Thong, the royal city's most important temple.

Embark and cruise upstream on the Mekong River, visit the famous and mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Back to the city. Stop at the village of Ban Xanghai where they make the local rice wine. Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit some major places: National Museum (Royal Palace), Wat Mai, UXO Visitor's Centre and Wat Visoun famous for its enormous stupa and its collection of old gilded Buddhas.

Finally, we reach the Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic sunset view of Luang Prabang.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang.
• B,L

Day 18: Luang Prabang → Xieng Khouang

After breakfast, we drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. Before coming back to Luang Prabang, we still have time to visit Kuang Si Falls Butterflies Park, newly opened January 2014, it is now one of the must-see spots in Luang Prabang.

After that, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khouang, best-known for having been heavily bombed during Indochina War and also famous for its historic Plain of Jars. The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities.

Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xieng Khouang province and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang. (B,L)

Day 19: Xieng Khouang [explore “Plain of Jar”]

Morning, we make a visit to the 3 "Plain of Jars" sites and also discover some local villages where you can observe local village life.

Afternoon, we drive to Muang Khoun, one that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. Return to Phonsavan.

Overnight in Phonsavan. (B,L)

Day 20: Xieng Khouang → Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we have time today to explore the site and some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. Even though living a poor life, they possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history.

We leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Arrive at Vang Vieng by late afternoon.

Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B,L)

Day 21: Vang Vieng [cycle tour]

In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a gimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. We then visit Organic Farm Vang Vieng.

After that, we visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngae, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyles.

Afternoon, start cycling to Blue Lagoon (7Km from the town center), of which the waters are an aqua-blue, and are always cool. Visit the nearby Tham Phoukham Cave.

We go back to the city and board on a leisurely long-tail boat along the Nam Song River to admire the sunset.

Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B,L)

Day 22: Vang Vieng → Vientiane

Morning, your leisure time in Vang Vieng. After early lunch, we leave Vang Vieng and head to Vientiane.

We visit Ban Houy Mo, a fishing village, along the way. Continue our journey and stop to visit an archaeological site of Vang Xang, where you can admire one of the country's oldest Buddha statues, dating back to the 11th century. Arrival in Vientiane, check-in at hotel.

Overnight in Vientiane. (B,L)

Day 23: Vientiane → Yangon

At 7.30am, We do a quick city tour. First, we visit the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art.

We stop at the Patuxay monument, then transfer you our of the city to visit Buddha Park which contains numerous religious images.

We transfer you straight to airport for flight to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon. (B,L)

Day 24: Yangon [city tour]

Morning, you will visit the most spectacular & major sights of Yangon. Your first stop is Bogyoke (Scott) Market, which offers a wide range of food, clothes, handicraft and gem stores. You will then progress by visiting the ancient Sule Pagoda, which was built over 2,000 years ago.

Take a walk to downtown to admire the old colonial buildings built in the 19th century. Explore the local life of Burmese in China Town. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, a quick photo stop at the Karaweik Hall before visiting the Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha Temple, one of the most revered reclining Buddha images in Myanmar. Continue our visit at Shwedagon Pagoda. See the Shwedagon Pagoda in sunset when its gilded stupa is bathed in the fading rays of the sun and takes on a magical glow.

Overnight in Yangon. (B)

Day 25: Yangon → Bagan

After enjoying your breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Bagan.

Your first port of call is the Ananda Temple – one of the most exalted of Bagan’s temples, enjoy the splendor of the temple in relative tranquility. Continue to various other temples dotted around the temple plains to experience a variety of architectural styles in the area as well as the artistic wonder of the 9-14th centuries.

Next, we visit to two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products - lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch in amazement as the skilled craftsmen use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items.

Add-On: SUNSET CRUISE

Late in the afternoon, board a private wooden river boat. During the cruise, we pass several small villages, fishermen, local boats and of course many of the ubiquitous Myanmar Buddhist temples. Enjoy the sunset scenery on the river.

Overnight in Bagan. (B)

Day 26: Bagan [explore the Old Bagan]

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to start your Bagan excursion.

ADD-ON: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER BAGAN
An exciting hot-air balloon ride above the Bagan countryside. Observe particular views of Bagan. You’re simply not going to find many other opportunities like this on Earth. (Available from October/November through March)

We visit the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, where the locals come to trade fresh produce and other goods daily. Next, visit Shwezigon Pagoda, constructed by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious memorial. Travel over dusty lanes and tree shaded roads past temples and monasteries to a small village. At one of the monasteries, you will participate in a special traditional Buddhist ceremony.

Journey on by horse cart for an excursion that passes two impressive temple: Thatbyinnyu and Dhammayangyi. Take pleasure in an extraordinary sunset from the upper terrace of one of the surrounding temples.

Overnight stay in Bagan. (B)

Day 27: Bagan → Inle

After enjoying your breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Heho.

Upon arrival at the Heho airport, you will proceed to Nyaung Shwe village. Along the way, visit rural workshops that specialize in traditional Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas. We also stop at a monastery of Shwe Yan Pyay to witness the intricate wood carving artwork and craftsmanship of the monks there.

Then, board a private motorboat and begin heading out onto Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. Pass several villages that are built on stilts over the lake, observe the daily activities of the local leg-rowing fishermen and see their ‘floating gardens’.

Proceed our visit at Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main haven, which contains five sacred images of Buddha decorated in gold leaf.

Then, we can stop for a visit to one making incredible woven items from lotus silk, boat builders (depending on the time of year), a cigar making workshop, blacksmiths or even silver smiths. Return trip by boat back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Inle. (B)

Day 28: Inle Lake [boat trip]

After breakfast, you’ll pay a visit to the lake’s morning market where people come to sell and trade their wares.

A one-hour boat ride down a small canal will take you to the Pa-Oh village of Indein, positioned on the western shores of Inle Lake. We visit the Indein Pagoda complex, one of the most amazing sites around the shore of the lake. It consists of hundreds of small stupas.

On your boat ride back, should time allow and if you wish, you'll stop at the Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake's indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake.

Overnight in Inle Lake. (B)

Day 29: Inle Lake → Mandalay

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer you to airport for flight to Mandalay. Arrive Mandalay, we drive to Amarapura, Myanmar’s penultimate royal capital. After that we visit Mahamuni Pagoda and Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, two well known pagoda.

Continue our visit at Kuthodaw Pagoda, frequently dubbed as “The World’s Biggest Book” for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Then it’s off to the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Golden Monastery which is the only enduring structure from the Royal Palace of the 19th century.

Late afternoon, we move to the legendary U Bein Bridge, which was built in 1782, the longest teakwood bridge worldwide. Enjoy sunset in U Bein Bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay. (B)

Day 30: Mandalay → Bangkok

Morning, enjoy your breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time to explore Mandalay city on your own.

We transfer you to airport for flight to Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok. (B)

Day 31: Bangkok [visit Kanchanaburi]

Start your tour with a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market, known as Talad Rom Hup or the “Umbrella Pulldown Market.” Watch market stalls pull back to make way for passing trains and explore this bustling fresh seafood market with insights from your guide.

Next, head to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Enjoy a paddle boat ride and wander through vibrant stalls where vendors sell goods from their boats. Savor local specialties like mango sticky rice, guided by expert tips on what to try. Then, we return to Bangkok, filled with unforgettable market experiences.

• Overnight in Bangkok.
• B,L

Day 32: Bangkok [visit Ayutthaya]

At 6.30, leave Bangkok for Ayuthaya. Stop to visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Continue to Ayutthaya, visit Wat Maha That. We continue our visit at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest and most important temple.

At 12.30, Embark a cruise, enjoy delicious buffet lunch on board and cruise back to Bangkok. Sightseeing from the boat on the way back to Bangkok city.

• Overnight in Bangkok.
• B,L

Add-On: Phuket

Flight to Phuket and spend some days at one of the most beautiful beach. There’re many interesting places in this island for your to discover.

Day 33: Bangkok → Chiang Mai

Morning, visit famous temples in Bangkok including Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha Temple), Wat Pho. The last one we visit is Wat Benjabophit. Lunch at a local restaurant.

ADD-ON: Pay for your visit at The Grand Palace.

Afternoon, flight to Chiang Mai. Arrival at airport, we transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and spend your time at leisure.

• Overnight in Chiang Mai.
• B,L

Day 34: Chiang Mai [visit Doi Inthanon]

At 8:00, we will be heading to Doi Inthanon National Park, which includes Thailand's tallest mountain. We will explore the modern Chedis of the King and Queen and then proceed to the Karen hill tribe village.

After enjoying lunch, we will visit the breathtaking Vachiritharn and Siritharn Waterfalls. Later, we will head to the flower garden located at the Royal Project Research Station. Finally, we will return to the hotel.

• Overnight in Chiang Mai.
• B,L

Day 35: Chiang Mai [visit Triangle]

At 7.00, visit Mae Khachan hot springs, stunning Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Chiang Saen. Proceed to The famous Golden Triangle area of Northern Thailand.

After lunch, we visit Wat Phrathat Pukhao. We go back to Chiang Mai. On the way back, we stop to visit Akha and Yao hill tribe villages.

• Overnight in Chiang Mai.
• B,L

Day 36: Chiang Mai [Departure]

Morning, breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time in Chiang Mai until we transfer you to airport for your departure flight.

B

End of the journey!