Indochina Delights

Indochina Delights – 17 Days

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, exploring the rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures of Indochina. From the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake to the majestic Angkor Wat and the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay, this tour showcases the very best of Southeast Asia.

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – 15 nights in 4-star hotels & a Halong Bay cruise
✔ Meals – 35 meals (15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners)
✔ Flights – International and domestic flights with current taxes
✔ Transport – Private transfers, internal flights, and boat cruises
✔ Guided Tours – English-speaking guides for all sightseeing experiences
✔ Entry Fees – Admission to all included attractions
✔ Cultural Experiences – Traditional Apsara dance show, Baci ceremony in Laos, and Vietnamese water puppet show
✔ Boat Cruises – Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, and Tonle Sap Lake

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Saigon

• Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam’s dynamic financial and cultural hub.
• On arrival, meet your expert guide and transfer to your hotel.
• Enjoy free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 3: Discover Saigon

• Visit historic landmarks including:
  • Central Post Office
  • Reunification Palace
  • War Remnants Museum
• Explore Cholon (Chinatown) and the Thien Hau Pagoda.

Day 4: Mekong Delta Cruise

• Travel to Ben Tre to cruise the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “Rice Basket”.
• Paddle through palm-fringed canals and visit local fruit orchards and rice farms.

Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels & Hoi An

• Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War.
• Fly to Danang and transfer to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An Walking Tour

• Explore:
  • Japanese Covered Bridge
  • Hoi An Market
  • Ancient Merchant Houses
• Visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop.
• Afternoon at leisure – relax by the beach or in a riverside café.

Day 7: Tra Que Village & Hanoi

• Visit Tra Que farming village and observe traditional agricultural techniques.
• Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

Days 8-9: Halong Bay Cruise

• Sail through the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk boat.
• Enjoy fresh seafood while cruising past limestone karsts and floating villages.
• Overnight on the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.
• Return to Hanoi and enjoy The Quintessence of Tonkin, an open-air cultural performance.

Day 10: Fly to Luang Prabang

• Explore:
  • Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • Temple of Literature
  • Ngoc Son Temple
• Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and enjoy a Vietnamese coffee overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Day 11: Discover Luang Prabang

• Witness the Takbat alms-giving ceremony at sunrise.
• Visit:
  • Wat Xieng Thong (Laos’ most beautiful temple)
  • Pak Ou Caves (filled with thousands of Buddha statues)
  • Ban Xang Khong village (known for traditional weaving)

Day 12: Kuang Si Waterfalls & Baci Ceremony

• Visit the National Museum, formerly a royal palace.
• Take a scenic trip to the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls.
• Witness a Baci Ceremony, a traditional Lao blessing ritual.

Day 13: Fly to Siem Reap

• Visit Artisan D’Angkor, a centre dedicated to preserving Khmer arts and crafts.

Day 14: Angkor Wat & Bayon Temple

• Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, home to over 1,000 ancient temples.
• Highlights include:
  • Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple (famous for its smiling stone faces)
  • Ta Prohm (a temple overtaken by jungle vines)
  • Angkor Wat (Cambodia’s most iconic temple)
  • Banteay Srei (renowned for its intricate carvings)
• Enjoy a boat ride on Angkor Thom’s moat to view its hidden water systems.

Day 15: Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages

• High Water Season (Aug–Feb)
  • Visit Beng Mealea, a jungle-covered temple.
  • Cruise Tonle Sap Lake, exploring the floating village of Kampong Khleang.
• Low Water Season (Mar–Jul)
  • Explore Beng Mealea and Chong Kneas Floating Village.
• Evening Apsara dance performance with traditional Cambodian dinner.

Days 16-17: Fly Siem Reap to UK

• Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ See Three Countries – Experience the best of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
✅ Cultural Immersion – Local village visits, traditional performances, and ancient rituals
✅ UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Angkor Wat, Halong Bay, Luang Prabang, Hoi An
✅ Authentic River Cruises – Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, Tonle Sap Lake
✅ Luxury & Comfort – 4-star hotels, all transport included, expert guides

This 17-day adventure is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and culture, making for an unforgettable Indochina experience.