Day 1
ARRIVAL - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
On arrival at Siem Riep Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The town of Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. After checking into hotel, we drive to the archeological area to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. The largest as well as most complete structure of Angkor Wat is not to be missed. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns , libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. O/N in Siem Reap.
Overnight : at hotel
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Day 2
SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES
The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 3
SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES - BANTEAY SREI
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex through the Preah Dark village to the intricately carved and well preserved Banteay Srei Temple. We stroll around this beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. The roads begin to deteriorate but it is still fascinating to drive past the rolling mountain scenery towards Kbal Spean. This interesting site locally named the river of 1000 Lingars, has been largely reclaimed by the jungle; however it invovles a walk to catch a view over its riverbed carvings. The next stop is Banteay Samre which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends. Today we also have a chance to explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 4
SIEM REAP - PHNOM PENH
The following destination is Phnom Penh via an express boat from Siem Reap. This river journey takes anything from four to six hour depending on season but it is still an unforgettable experience as we can see the picturesque scenery changing all along the way. On arrival at Phnom Penh pier you are greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. This riverside town still maintains considerable charm despite its recent turbulent history. An afternoon city tour acquaints us with some major sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We visit both structures as well as the National Museum for an appreciation of the splendour of Khmer history. The sightseeing completes with a walk uphill to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and catch a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 5
PHNOM PENH - HO CHI MINH
The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. We include these infamous sites in a morning tour before we board a short flight to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. On arrival you are greeted and driven to hotel. This bustling metropolis, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. An afternoon will acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh. We drive past many lively streets on our way to the Reunification Palace. This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We follow these with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War remnant exhibit. The final stop is Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 6
HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA
Upon leaving Ho Chi Minh Town we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta. This plain region boasts the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. On arrival in My Tho we board a boat navigating around the intricate small canals, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting river trip will pass by the lush green vegetation towards the famous Unicorn Island where we have a chance to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and see farmers at work. We navigate some narrower canals using small rowing boats to Ben Tre Province for an interesting visit to some local industries. The extra enjoyment is a lunch at one of the famous local eating spots. We drive back to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off en route to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Saigon's Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast/Lunch
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Day 7
HO CHI MINH - TAY NINH - CU CHI - HO CHI MINH
Heading out of town we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. This thrilling excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon�s Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 8
HO CHI MINH - DALAT
The journey northwards begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh and pass through the many tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Da Lat, sometimes known as the " City of Eternal Spring". The drive is long but views are fantastic all along the way. Once arriving in Da Lat we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want by spending our time to wander around and catch our first glimpse of this town. The influence of the French is evident in local culture and architecture since Da Lat was founded as a hill retreat for the colonials to escape the oppressive heat in the coastal plains and the chaos of Saigon. This charming town is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. Overnight in Da Lat.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 9
DALAT - NHA TRANG
Today we enjoy a drive through the charming pine hill to the summer residence of Vietnam's last Emperor Bao Dai. He was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. This mansion displays a lovely collection of Vietnam treasures. We follow it with a trip to the sacred Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse. This construction is well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The lively central market and the old rail station are also visited before we travel by roads passing through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. En route we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people in central coast areas. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 10
NHA TRANG
The turquoise water surrounding a string of islands and the white sandy beach stretching the whole length of Nha Trang City make it one of Vietnam's premier beach resorts. We board a boat to explore the coastal islands. The aquarium lake is our first stop before we head out to Hon Mun Island. Today we have plenty of time to enjoy swimming and snorkeling on the blue and clear water or simply lazing on a beach. The thrilling boat trip continues towards Hon Tam Island, giving us a choice of various water sports and good restaurant for lunch. By mid afternoon we cruise back to Nha Trang Pier and complete our day with a short city tour. The impressive Ponagar Cham Towers overlooking the colourful fishing port, and the famous Long Son Pagoda with its huge Buddha image are a major part of our sightseeing. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast/Lunch
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Day 11
NHA TRANG - DANANG - HOI AN
The wonder full time on beach ends as we board a short flight to Danang. On arrival you are met by our guide and driven to Danang City, a major trading hub in central Vietnam. We enjoy a short city tour seeing the famous Cham Museum, formerly the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been in central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south. Today we also catch a chance to see the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements, and the China Beach on our way to Hoi An. This charming town was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various culture. We enjoy a short walk to catch our first glimpse of this delight full town. Overnight in Hoian.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 12
HOIAN - HUE
The ancient architecture in place is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant central market. We visit these sites on our morning walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Upon leaving Hoi An we set forth to Hue. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam's most impressive panoramic scenes. En route we make a short break in Lang Co Beach for a leisurely swim or simply a breather in wonderful nature. The exciting drive continues to Hue via the scenic countryside. Overnight in Hue.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 13
HUE - HANOI
Today we spend a full day exploring Hue which was once the feudal capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The massive citadel containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City is not to be missed. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We explore this site before boarding a traditional boat navigating along the Perfume River which gives us an interesting visit to the beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda and the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. This impressive landmark in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes, reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. The sightseeing tour is followed with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. By late afternoon, we board the train for an overnight journey to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic ; we travel in soft sleeper class which is a compartment for up to four people. Overnight on board.
Overnight : Overnight on train (Soft Sleeper Cabin)
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 14
ARRIVE � HANOI - THO HA - HALONG BAY
The train journey delivers us at Hanoi Station in mid morning. On arrival you meet with our local guide and travel by roads along the Cau River towards Tho Ha village. This former craft center has remained detached from the world by a boat ride for hundreds of years. We stroll around this charming village to see various ancient style houses and home works such as rice paper making and rice wine distilling. This exciting walk gives us a chance to understand a little more about Dong Trieu pottery village to admire northern farmers' culture and lifestyle. We continue travelling to Halong with stopover at Dong Trieu pottery village to stretch our legs and admire the craftsmen at work. The remainder of day will be free a well earned rest on a beach. Overnight in Halong Bay.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 15
HALONG � HANOI
The legendary Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. We board a traditional boat for a five hour trip around Halong Bay. This exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. We round off our excursion with a seafood lunch served on board and make our way back to Ha Noi. After checking into hotel we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast/Lunch
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Day 16
HANOI
Today we commence our exploration of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The outlaying Ethnologic Museum is also a major part of our sightseeing. This gleaming mansion is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 17
HANOI - VIENTIANE
The following destination of our trip will be Vientiane via a short flight from Hanoi. The charming and fascinating capital of Laos, Vientiane is located on the banks of the Mekong River. This small city conjures up exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. A city tour includes Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane�s own Arc de Triomphe on our way to the great sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. O/N in Vientiane.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 18
VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
The bustling central market in the heart of Vientiane, sells a wide away of local treasures. We include this famous trading center in a walking tour around the town center before we board a flight to Luang Prabang. The royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, retains an unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the Srilankalese styled temple of That Marko, the shrine of Wat Aham and the five tiered roof Wat Mai. We visit these sites in a half day guided tour and embark on a climb up to Phousi Hill for a beautiful panorama view from the town center and the mighty Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 19
LUANG PRABANG - PAKOU CAVES - LUANG PRABANG
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes ,doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. They are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town. On arrival we catch a short drive to Ban Phanom , a well known weaving village of the Tai Lue people who used to make royal silk weaving textiles for the Lao former royal family. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast/Lunch
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Day 20
LUANG PRABANG � KHOUANG SI WATERFALLS - LUANG PRABANG
The mountainous areas around Luang Prabang Town are also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene , Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful history. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals :
Breakfast
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Day 21
LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
The exploration of Luang Prabang would not be complete without a visit to the national museum at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We also have time to enjoy a walk through the charming streets for your own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.
Meals :
Breakfast
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Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver 
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