Start City: Vientiane
Departure city: Pakse
Route: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane – Hanoi – Halong Bay
Duration: 15 Days 14 Nights
Private Tour. Departure: Daily, upon your request.
– Extendable with optional tours
Please let us know your international arrival and departure flight time, so that we can adjust your itinerary much better.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Phnom Penh arrival
Day 2: Phnom Penh city tour
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Fly to Siem Reap – Floating Village – Phnom Krohm Mountain
Day 4: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Ta Prohm – Angkor Thom
Day 5: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Beng Mealea
Day 6: Siem Reap – Fly to Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang city tour
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khuang Si Waterfall
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng
Day 10: Vang Vieng – Drive to Vientiane
Day 11: Vientiane city tour – Fly to Hanoi
Day 12: Hanoi city tour
Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay overnight on the boat
Day 14: Halong Bay overnight on the boat
Day 15: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
COST: Price is quoted in US dollars per person based on double/twin room.
Group size | 2 persons | 4 pax | 6 pax | Single Supp |
Land Tour/pp | 1,670 | 1,323 | 1,193 | |
4 domestic flights/pp | 465 | 465 | 465 | |
Total/pp | US $ 2,135 | 1,788 | 1,658 |
Tour Includes | Tour Excludes |
– 3 regional & domestic flights: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang; Vientiane – Hanoi |
– International flights |
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Phnom Penh arrival
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Now enjoy some free time to rest and freshen up before driving to the dock to catch an evening boat cruise along the Mekong River to watch the sunset over the shimmering city.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 2: Phnom Penh city tour
Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum – a journey into ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 3: Phnom Penh – Fly to Siem Reap – Floating Village – Phnom Krohm Mountain
Leave Phnom Penh for Siem Reap. Transfer from/ to included.
Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, a guide of Travel Cambodia will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in. In the afternoon, we will head out of town and embark on a short cruise along Tonle Sap Lake visiting the local floating villages. This evening, we will have a chance to watch the sunset from the foot of Phnom Krohm Mountain on the way back to your hotel in town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 4: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Ta Prohm – Angkor Thom
We begin the temple exploration today at Angkor Thom near west gate. From the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple to the intricate base reliefs of the Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Thom is filled with fabulous monuments. From there you will discover the jungle-covered temple of Ta Phrom. At midday have lunch at local restaurant of your choosing. After lunch we will drive to Banteay Srei, it is also one of the most beautiful temples; built in 967 AD by Jayavarman V’s guru, it showcases the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture, and Preah Khan meaning “Holy Sword” is one of the largest temple compounds in Angkor and is defended by four concentric walls. The main shrine and its adjoining buildings are richly decorated with Buddhist motifs and scenes from Hindu epics. We will return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon so you can enjoy your free time shopping and relaxing.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Beng Mealea
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a “tuk-tuk” ride to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat – the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture. After that return to hotel for breakfast then set back out, drive further to Beng Mealea Temple and explore the abandoned temple (11th century), strangled by the jungle.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 6: Siem Reap – Fly to Luang Prabang
After breakfast, explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market” for some last minute souvenir shopping, before driving to Siem Reap airport to catch your flight to Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang – the best preserved city in South East Asia is exceptional for both its rich architectural and artistic heritage that reflects the fusion of Lao traditional urban architecture with that of the colonial era. Its remarkably well-preserved townscape reflects the alliance of these two distinct cultural traditions.
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, a guide and driver of Laos Tours Expert will welcome you and transfer to hotel in town for check in. The rest of day is at your own leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang city tour
This morning you are advised to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. Have a simple preparation by your own and show your respect to the monks and our people is highly appreciated.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will visit the former king’s palace, which is now a Royal Palace Museum. Many items nicely displayed include rare furniture, traditional costumes and arts, jewelry, ornaments as well as working tools and utensils of the early part of the 20th century. Continuing on to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. Then we embark on a tour of this enthralling town to visit Wat Xieng Thong – the Golden City monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be the finest in Laos. Furthermore, we visit Wat Visoun which entirely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, which is shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre for insight in to the countries various ethnic groups and traditional crafts.
Later that day, we adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset. Your unforgettable memory is the Bustling Hill Tribe Night Market where sells traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the ethnic local people.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khuang Si Waterfall
After breakfast we take a stroll on the Phousi Market where you see many local products such as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
Then we board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves. En route, stop over to visit Ban Xang Hai where distillation sticky rice wine can be seen. Gently cruise up the Mekong River to admire the startling collection of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the massive limestone caverns of the Pak Ou Cave. On the return cruise, stop at small villages to see the production of traditional Lao textiles and Sa paper by local artisans.
In the afternoon, enjoy a short drive through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. You will have a chance to make the most of beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. After passing the entrance gate, you will visit the Bear Rescue Center where now cares for 23 bears. Most of the bears arrive at the rescue centre as very young cubs having been confiscated by the Lao Government from illegal poaching and trading. It is likely that they would otherwise have been destined for a life of torture in a “bile farm” outside of Laos.
Continue your steps up to the chain of falls to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Sitting under the shade of big trees and swimming or jumping up and down in the pools can be relaxing and enjoyable. The water tumbles down a large drop and cascades gently in to several cool, clear pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 9: Luang Prabang – Drive to Vang Vieng
Today we will travel to Vang Vieng by car. Along the way enjoy the beautiful scenery and see local village life. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, check in your hotel and relax.
If time permits, we paddle downstream the Nam Song River. On the way we stop to explore some stunning caves, take a short trek and visit to the Organic Farm, where mulberry tea and a variety of fruit wines are produced.
The trip offers a number of the regions cave sites and scenic areas. The day can easily be tailored to your preferences. Arriving the dock nearby your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng
Day 10: Vang Vieng – Drive to Vientiane
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a scenic drive along route 13 to Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments.
Check in hotel and the rest of time is free on your own leisure. Stay overnight at your hotel.
(If this day you arrive Vientiane early, we can arrange some sightseeing today, so that we will not rush for the next day visits and the regional flight right after that.)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 11: Vientiane city tour – Fly to Hanoi
Start your first impression of Laos by visiting Wat Sisaket – the oldest surviving monastery in Vientiane with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.
Next stop is Patuxai Monument (or also called Anusawali by Laotian) – the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, where you can climb up on the roof for fantastic panoramic views over the city. Then we move to the most important national monument in Laos and a national symbol – Pha That Luang, and Wat Si Muang – the most popular and venerated temple in Vientiane.
On the way back to the town, enjoy some shopping in the biggest market in Laos – Talat Sao. You can buy some souvenirs such as silk and silver jewellery and get insight into daily life of the people of Vientiane.
Heading to Vientiane Airport for a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, get picked up and transferred to your hotel. Stay overnight at your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 12: Hanoi city tour
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone.
The visit includes most of the City’s outstanding historical and cultural sites.
– Temple of Literature, built in 11th Century and the country’s first University
– The complex of Ho Chi Minh historical sites (include: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, HCM’s Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda – (closed on Monday & Friday)
– Quan Thanh Temples & Tran Quoc Pagoda
– Visit one of the museums in Hanoi (Museum of History, Museum of Ethnology, Museum of Fine Art, Hoa Lo prison which is also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”
Late afternoon, we will have a brief city tour: discover Hanoi Old Quarter on cyclo ride or open electric car. In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay overnight on the boat
After breakfast you will have over 4 hour drive along the country side of the Red River Delta to the UNESCO world’s heritage site of Halong Bay.
Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Tonkin Gulf (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.
Day 14: Halong Bay overnight on the boat
After breakfast, transfer to your day – trip boat with private crew and cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas. Enjoy swimming on quiet beaches, visiting water tunnels, fishing villages or kayaking. Lunch served on board by your private chef. Return to the mother boat for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.
Day 15: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to Noi Bai Airport of Hanoi to catch your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A