Compare Grand tour of Indochina: Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia by Audley Travel vs Indochina Essence by Exotic Voyages
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 24 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 12,296 | $ 5,959 |
| Price Per Day | $ 512 | $ 397 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
please check meal details of the tour on our website |
| Description |
Laos is one of the few destinations where, in some areas, visitors are yet to deviate from a few well-trodden sights. It’s Indochina’s final frontier, and our specialists have trekked through jungles, scouted out caves and journeyed up rivers to get to know it more intimately. They can help you plan your holiday to Laos to follow in their wake. |
As the name suggests, this Indochina tour is truly the essence of the region. Visit the historically and culturally significant sites of the three countries Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia to understand their people, their way of life, as well as the natural wonders that these countries hold dear. Start off exploring Southern Vietnam featuring busy Saigon and the mighty Mekong Delta. Go northwards through the ancient town Hoi An and Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam with its unique architecture and cuisine. Spend 1 night on a luxury cruise along Halong Bay - one of the World Wonder. Then, explore Laos with the amazing province of Luang Prabang and finish with Cambodia's city of heritage, Siem Reap. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Chiang Rai.
Day 2 : Golden Triangle
Arriving into Chiang Rai you will be transferred to the Anantara, where you will have two days to enjoy a variety of activities in spectacular surroundings.
Day 3 : Golden Triangle
Full day at the Anantara.
Day 4 : Pakbeng
The Anantara will transfer you to the border this morning where you will embark on a leisurely cruise along the Mekong towards Luang Prabang.
Day 5 : Luang Prabang
Continue south today to reach the historic centre of Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong River. Here you will be met at the riverside and transferred to your hotel.
Day 6 : Luang Prabang
A full day to explore Luang Prabang with your driver and guide. The day begins with an early morning start to witness alms giving before continuing to explore some of the stunning temples.
Day 7 : Luang Prabang
Today you visit the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall and visit the surrounding ethnic minority villages of the area on this full day excursion with your guide.
Day 8 : Hanoi
After a final morning at leisure in Luang Prabang take a flight onto Hanoi this afternoon. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the chance to head out and enjoy a late night snack before bed.
Day 9 : Hanoi
A full day to explore the sights and sounds of Hanoi with your guide, explore the warren-like maze of the Vietnamese quarter or perhaps consider a visit to one of the city's famous museums such as Hoa Lu prison, or the Hanoi Hilton.
Day 10 : Hanoi
An interesting day awaits today with a walking tour of Hanoi's warren-like old Vietnamese old quarter. You will also enjoy a visit to the fascinating museum of ethnology where you can learn about Vietnam's colourful ethnic minorities.
Day 11 : Halong City
Drive to Halong Bay this morning for your overnight stay on a traditional junk. Spend the afternoon cruising among the stunning limestone karst scenery.
Day 12 : Hoi An
Wake up to see sunrise over the bay. Continue cruising before returning to the mainland. You will then transfer to Hanoi Airport and board your flight to Danang. On arrival your guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 13 : Hoi An
Enjoy a morning walking tour of this quaint riverside town with its beautiful merchant's houses, artisan shops and temples.
Day 14 : Hoi An
A morning where you can immerse yourself in the local fishing community. Learn the Vietnamese way to fish, board a traditional fishing vessel and head out along the Hoi An River to the mouth of the South China Sea and try your hand at fishing.
Day 15 : Hue
Travel to Hue by road over the Hai Van Pass, on a clear day you will be afforded with wonderful views.
Day 16 : Hue
Enjoy a trip on the romantic Perfume River this morning to the impressive tomb of Minh Mang and the Thien Mu pagoda. This afternoon your guide will show you around Hue's impressive citadel.
Day 17 : Can Tho
This morning you will fly south, arriving into Saigon and then driving down to the Mekong Delta. You will have the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the area.
Day 18 : Saigon
Today is an exciting and busy day, as you rise early to visit the floating markets the area. You then will retrace your steps to Saigon. Saigon is a bright and lively city which is thriving at night, and you will head with your guide to explore this vibrant city this evening and see a side of the city that few tourists usually see.
Day 19 : Phnom Penh
This morning you will be collected and transferred to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, with the rest of the morning to relax at the superb Raffles. After lunch you will be met and taken out on a cultural tour of the city.
Day 20 : Siem Reap
This morning you will embark on a cultural tour of the city with your guide, visit the stunning Royal Palace and then onto the National Museum which houses the world's finest collection of sculpture from the Angkor period. This evening fly to Siem Reap, home to the majestic Temples of Angkor, and transfer to your hotel.
Day 21 : Siem Reap
A full day to explore the Temples of Angkor today beginning your day with a visit to jungle encased Ta Prohm at dawn. Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, confronting the colossal faces of the Bayon. Your day will culminate with exploring the majestic Angkor Wat, a truly breathtaking sight.
Day 22 : Siem Reap
Today you head away from the main temples and away from the tourists to visit Beng Melea, a cavernous network of corridors and courtyards, the river of a thousand lingas at Kbal Spean and the ornate masterpiece of Banteay Srei.
Day 23 : International return flight
Today you have time to relax before you head to the airport for your flight home.
Day 24 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
DAY 1 SAIGON
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your flight or taking a stroll along the busy streets of the city.
DAY 2 SAIGON
Today's highlights
Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon Landmarks
Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the tunnel network of Cu Chi which was sheltered to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina with historic landmarks like the Old Saigon post office and Notre Dame Cathedral (under construction until 2027). Visit Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government in the 60s, and the War Remnants Museum to learn some more about the Vietnam War's history.
DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA & RIVER
Today's highlights
Follow the waterway to discover Ben Tre's local businesses
Hotel: Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, depart from Saigon to Ben Tre, the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Follow the waterway to discover different local family-owned businesses including a brick factory. Stop at a small village, where you get to know the locals specializing in carpet weaving. Visit traditional farms, rice fields and vegetable plants, before stopping at a small local restaurant to taste a delicious lunch made of regional specialties. Check-in at the hotel. Later, hop on the bike and get around the village. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 HOI AN
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get on a boat and see the commercial life on the water with loaded boats transporting goods. Visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple as well as the busy local market. Head back to Saigon and stop by the Ancient House Cai Be, and listen to the host about the history of this land. Have lunch in the lush garden. Then, transfer directly back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for a short flight to Danang. Meet your driver, head to Hoi An, and check in at the hotel.
DAY 5 HOI AN
Today's highlights
Get refreshed by a visit to Tra Que herb village
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautiful countryside of Hoi An today. Breathe in the fresh aroma of many kinds of herbs when you come close to Tra Que herb village. Here, ride a bike through the village and help the local farmers with their garden. After lunch at a local house, drive back to the Old Town. Take a leisure stroll to see Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and an ancient bridge.
DAY 6 HOI AN
Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own leisure, seeing what interests you. Along with the historic buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town captivates millions of visitors with its charming vibe and mouthwatering food. Banh mi, Com ga, Cao lau,... you make your own list.
DAY 7 HANOI
Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hanoi and transfer to your next hotel. After spending time for yourself, meet your guide to get acquainted with Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology - two of the best attractions in the city. Later, a cyclo will take you around the Old Quarter to listen to the music of Hanoi that comes from its architecture, small pagodas nestled in crowded streets, and lively sounds from sidewalk restaurants and cafes.
DAY 8 HANOI
Today's highlights
A hanoi's morning tour on a scooter
Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at around 5.30 and discover the charming city from dawn on a scooter tour. Explore the wholesale flower market, the 100-year-old Long Bien Bridge, and other typical morning sites, and witness the local life at the early stage. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast and then an Egg Coffee or Cafe Sua Da, just as the way the locals start their day. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest at your leisure.
DAY 9 HA LONG BAY
Hotel: Ginger Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. You will board the luxury cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site from your cabin then followed by a fresh seafood meal as you watch the amazing sunset over the dramatic seascapes.
DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise among the islands to discover more about the bay. Return to the dry land after a hearty lunch and drive to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to Sofitel Luang Prabng. This poetic city is your next destination.
DAY 11 LUANG PRABANG
Today's highlights
Picnic lunch at Kuang Sy Waterfall
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to discover some treasures of Luang Prabang. You will visit the Royal Palace and gorgeous Kuang Sy Waterfall where you have a picnic lunch. Return to Luang Prabang and start exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River by visiting some of the most beautiful temples like Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phou, Vat Aham, and a Hmong Night Market.
DAY 12 LUANG PRABANG
Today's highlights
Discover Pak Ou cave by boat
Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early for the Buddhist ritual of 'Tak Bat' at Vat Nong temple. Next stop is a local market where your senses are awakened. Sample some tasty snacks before breakfast at a local restaurant. Relax by the Mekong with a cup of coffee. Embark a traditional boat to cruise along the Mekong River to visit the sacred cave of Pak Ou which is home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Hai to discover how Lao people make their traditional rice wine.
DAY 13 SIEM REAP
Today's highlights
Cycle to learn about the most ancient temple sites in the region
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambodia. Arrive at the airport and meet your local guide who will drive you to your hotel. After a short rest, explore by bicycle one of the most ancient temple sites in the region: the Roluos Group. You will visit a 9th-century Bakong temple, impressive Preah Ko, and Lolei which today houses a small monastery. Continue your ride to a local house where you will try Khmer pastries and talk with the locals.
DAY 14 SIEM REAP
Today's highlights
Private lunch at a secret temple
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It's famed for extraordinary ruins and bas-reliefs that feature the great architectures of the Khmer Empire. Meet your guide this morning to explore the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk. Your visit includes the famous Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the raised terrace of Leper King. A private lunch at a secret temple will make your day unforgettable.
DAY 15 SIEM REAP
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the magic city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
