World Heritage of Indochina (14 days/ 13 nights)
Transport: Road - Air - Water
Region: Trans-Vietnam
Itinerary: Hanoi - Trang An - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An – Siem Reap – Luang Prabang
Price: Contact us
Update: 07/13/2018
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This 14-day tour is designed to take in both natural & cultural World Heritage sites of Indochina which enable travelers to experience the highlights of 3 countries in the region. The trip can be fully customized to start in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap or Luang Prabang and to fit preferences, budget and time frame.

vietnam tour by hainam travel

Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
When you arrive at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, you'll be welcome by one of our representative and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The remainder of the day will be your own.

Meals: None
Overnight in Hanoi 


Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
In the morning, you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the the One Pillar Pagoda. Next visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel which has been declared a World Heritage in 2010, is a very strong citadel, standing in Hanoi from 11 century after Ly Thai To moved the capital here. The Citadel was once the living place of many royal families and nowadays become one of the most famous Citadels of the country.

Afternoon continue visiting the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples (OR visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070). The tour today also takes in a cyclo ride for 1 hour touring through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! The day finishes with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.

Note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 1st October to 30th November (approx.) for annual conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi   


Day 3: Hanoi - Hoa Lu Citadel & Trang An Complex
After breakfast, a two hour road trip through picturesque countryside and agricultural land will take you to Hoa Lu. On arrival, your uide will lead you through this ancient complex which formed the capital city of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this mountain location as the water systems fed from the mountains were perfect for both agriculture and defense. Enjoy the sight of palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions built by different dynasties and visit the Dinh and Le Temples, the two remaining architectures of Hoa Lu.

Afternoon transfer to the pier for a three hour sampan ride to explore the picturesque waterways in Trang An ecological site. The area features more than 30 valleys and 50 cross-water caves, and is home to 600 species of plants and over 200 types of animals. You will venture through a network of 11 caves in the quiet, fresh air, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: Off to Halong Bay (Join with other travelers on the cruise)
After breakfast, you'll leave for Halong Bay with a refreshment break en route. Meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. Return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight on a wooden junk in Halong Bay


Day 5: Halong Bay Cruising - Hanoi - Overnight Train to Hue
Enjoy an early morning swim (if weather permits) followed by breakfast. The tour then visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay before cruising back to the main harbor for the 3,5 hour drive back to Hanoi for dinner and then overnight train SE1 leaving at 19.30 to Dong Hoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight on the train


Day 6: Visit Imperial City of Hue & Royal Tombs
Upon your arrival at Hue Railway Station, you will be smilingly met by another local guide who will take you to your hotel to leave luggage. After a short break, you will start a city tour of Imperial City of Hue, firstly with the ancient walled Citadel including the former Imperial Palace. You'll then visit the Dong Ba market to learn about local produce and specialties of Hue. You might get some great deals done at the local Dong Ba Market. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will cruise the Perfume River by a dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda and drive to visit the majestic Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang or King Khai Dinh. Return to your hotel by road just before sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hue

Day 7: Off to Hoi An – Afternoon Guided Walking Tour
After breakfast, you'll drive to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. The view of the coast line and Danang from the top of the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds) makes your journey interesting and have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, you'll visit either the Cham Museum in the city centre OR the famous Marble Mountain, which stands for the five essential elements that establish nature.

Afternoon your guide will show you around the old town. You'll start a walking tour with numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, Tan Ky Ancient House, a museum and the colorful local market. Following the narrow lanes, you walk along tiny streets with houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures. After your walking tour, your time will be at leisure to wander around or go shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An


Day 8: Explore My Son Sanctuary ½ Day – Free Afternoon of Leisure
In the morning, an hour drive will take you to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son. The route takes you through some incredible scenery and tiny villages that specialize in brass works, with little shops flanking the roadside selling big brass gongs. Upon arrival, guided visit the Tra Kieu capital which was the former administration center of Champa Kingdom. Discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son including ancient towers which were built from the fourth century to fourteenth century. Walk around to see up to three groups of ancient temple and tower ruins set amongst hills and streams. The trip ends with enjoying a 45 min. traditional dance before returning to Hoi An for lunch. The remainder of the day will be your own.

Note: There is a daily traditional dancing show at 9:45 a.m. (except Mondays and included in entrance ticket price).

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Free Morning in Hoi An – Afternoon Flight to Siem Reap
Free morning in Hoi An to spend as your wish!

Afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you will be welcomed and driven to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 10: Siem Reap - Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm Monastery - Tonle Sap Lake
You’ll begin with a visit to Angkor Thom, starting with the Bayon, a bizarre structure of several architectural changes reflecting a switch from Hinduism (the foundations) to Buddhism (the superstructure). Your next visit will be to the Elephant and Leper King Terraces followed by the Baphoun Temple, which is now nearing the end of an eight-year multi-million dollar restoration programme. After lunch, you’ll see Ta Prohm monastery, strangled by massive tree roots and typical of the condition of the whole complex when it was discovered in 1860 by French naturalist Henri Mouhot. Your guide will then show you the Prasat Kravan (also known as the Cardomom Sanctuary) and Srah Srang Lake and landing terrace. After lunch, travel about 15km to the fishing village of Chong Kneas, where you will board a traditional boat to discover the Tonle Sap Lake and see the daily activity of people living on floating houses. “The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.” As dusk nears, a walk to the summit of Phnom Bakheng Hill will afford a panorama of the whole complex lit by the rays of the setting sun, weather permitting of course.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 11: Siem Reap – Visit Angkor Wat – Afternoon Flight to Luang Prabang
Today, you’ll explore Angkor Wat that is the most impressive Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

The remainder of the afternoon is free until you're picked up for your afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Evening you might consider exploring the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 12: Luang Prabang – City Tour & Khouangsi Waterfall
Enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. Visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. The tour also takes in the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.

Afternooon drive to Kuang Si Waterfall with stop en-route to visit the morning Phousi Market where all the locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping.  You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos. At the Kuang Si Falls you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary. Returning to Luang Prabang by road in the late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Visit Pak Ou Caves by Boat & by Road
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.

Enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. Visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. The tour also takes in the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures.

After lunch, board your private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. Disembark and have the option of taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village famous for its hand weaving or returning to the hotel for free time to relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 14: Depart Luang Prabang
Today your time will be your own until being transferred to the airport in time for your departing flight. Farewell from Laos and Indochina.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Prices Include:
- Accommodation in chosen hotels - Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
- 1 night on a traditional wooden junk on Halong Bay.
- All pick-ups and transfers by private vehicles with experienced drivers
- Experienced local English speaking guide and guide on board in Halong Bay
- One-way train ticket: Hanoi - Hue (air-conditioned soft 4 berth cabin on Livitran Express Train)
- Private boat cruise in Trang An, Hue and Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap
- Meals as indicated in the programme
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the programme
- 1 hour cyclo ride & First Class water puppet tickets
- All VAT and other government taxes

Prices Exclude:
- Entry visa to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
- International flights and airport taxes
- Travel Insurances
- Drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not mentioned on the program
- Bank transfer fee

Contact to
Company: Absolute Asia Travel
Address: Suite 1403 Silver Wings Tower, 137A Nguyen Van Cu Str., Long Bien Dist.
Tel: +84 24 3927 6076 | Cell phone: +84 989 695 371
Email:
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