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Great Indochina Loop - 17days
From: $0
Code: E-ZCLZZ0001
Tour Style: Classic
Duration: 17 days
Difficulty Comfort Exclusivity
Home » Multi%country » Classic Tours » Great Indochina Loop - 17days

This tour combines the highlights of three great Indochina countries and cultures. You start in Vientiane, the capital of Laos with a tour of the city. You visit some of the many temples here, as well as all the important monuments in this relaxed and unhurried city.


From Vientiane you fly to the ancient capital of Luang Prabang, known for its beautiful scenery and large number of ancient temples. At the end of your temple tour you enjoy an outstanding view of the city and a magnificent sunset from high atop Mount Phousi. The Royal Palace Museum (1904) is also on the agenda.


You say goodbye to Laos as you fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. That evening you have your first taste of Vietnamese food in a fine restaurant. A deluxe cruise on the emerald-green waters of the fantastic World Heritage site of Halong Bay with a delicious seafood lunch is also included. Back in Hanoi you take a city tour that includes a visit to the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" POW prison.


After the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, you fly to the ancient imperial city of Hue, where you explore the sights of the city, including the Imperial Palace. The next day you take a cruise on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Leaving Hue, you take a drive along the coast to the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. This was once a thriving international port during the 15th to the 19th centuries, and has many small shops, cafés and handcraft workshops along the narrow winding streets. Your guided walking tour is the best way to see Hoi An.


Then its a short drive to Da Nang airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). In Saigon you take a tour of this economic powerhouse of Vietnam, and also take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels used in the Vietnam War.


From Saigon you fly to the ancient Angkor Empire in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You visit the Roulous Group of temples, see a spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore the ancient Angkor temples, and watch a beautiful sunset from atop a mountain temple.


After you explore Angkor, you fly to the capital, Phnom Penh. You can be sure there is a tour of this teeming city, capped off by a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
However, all to soon it will be time to leave these fascinating countries you have come to have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for. 


Itinerary Brief:
Day 01 - Vientiane Arrival
Day 02 -  Vientiane - Luang Prabang (Domestic Flight)
Day 03 - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Kouang Xi Waterfall
Day 04 - Luang Prabang - Hanoi
Day 05 - Hanoi City tour
Day 06 - Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 07 - Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Day 08 - Hue City tour - Hoi An
Day 09 - Hoi An city tour
Day 10 - Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An.
Day 11 - Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon (Domestic Flight)
Day 12 - Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 13 - Saigon – Phnom Penh (International Flight)
Day 14 - Phnom Penh City Tour – Flight to Siem Reap
Day 15 - Siem Reap - Angkor Temples & Apsara Dinner-Show
Day 16 - Siem Reap Visit Banteay Srei and Floating Village
Day 17 - Siem Reap Departure
 

Trip Grade:

Moderate - Suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness and mobility. However, some walking and hiking is required.
 

Trip Tips:

Explore the countryside of Siem Reap on your own quad bike, by far the best way to see the real village life. We will end the day watching the stunning sunset over the paddy fields where cattle and oxen graze lazily.

Best Travel Time:

There are two seasons in Cambodia, wet and dry. From early May to the end of October is the rainy season. It often rains heavily but for short periods of time, mostly later in the day or during the night, after which the sun returns. The rain cools the air and freshens up the lush green of the rice plantations. It is cooler in the dry season, which runs from early November to early February, when it starts heating up again, building to the hottest month of April. So the best time for rain lovers is between May and October and from November to early March for those who like it dry and cool.

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
When you arrive in Vientiane you will be met by our professional staff who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in, then in the afternoon you will have a tour of the city. Even though Vientiane is the capital of Laos, it has the feel of a small provincial town. The wide boulevards are not congested with traffic, and with the many temples there, the city is relaxed and unhurried. Your tour includes visits to the major temples of Wat Sisaket and Wat Phrakeo. You also see the impressive that Luang Stupa, the country’s most important monument, as well as the Arch of Triumph, the National Museum, and the main market. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner.
 

Overnight in Vientiane hotel.
Meals: Dinner included.

 
Day 2: Vientiane-Luang Prabang (Domestic Flight)
This morning after breakfast you will be transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Luang Prabang. The ancient capital of Luang Prabang is best known for its beautiful scenery and large number of old temples. After check-in and a short rest, we start our tour. Luang Prabang is a city of temples, and you will visit some of the best examples, such as Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest temple, and Wat Xienthong, one of the best examples of classical Luang Prabang temple architecture.
Next, you climb the steps up Mount Phousi to see the sacred stupa perched on top, and to enjoy the view out over the city and river, and watch a beautiful sunset. Then we head back down to the city to explore the Night Market where you can hunt for bargains on locally made handicrafts. Dinner will be in a first-class restaurant.


Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.
  


Day 3: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou Caves-Kouang Xi Waterfall
After breakfast, you take a boat ride to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes. On the way, you stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, famous for producing Lao Khao. This national drink of Laos is made from rice, and you see how it is made, and taste the product. You also visit the two Lao-Loum villages of Ban Chan and Ban Xiengmene.
Lunch will be at a famous Luang Prabang restaurant, and you should try some of the local specialties. On our way to Kouang Xi Waterfall, there are stops at two more ethnic villages, Ban Na Oune, a Hmong village, and Ban Tha Pane, a small Khmu village. You will see how different these ethnic groups are in the style of their houses, their dress, and their beliefs and customs.
Then you arrive at the Kouang Xi Waterfall in peaceful green surroundings in a national biodiversity conservation area. You can swim in the cool, clear pools, and enjoy the forest scenery. By late afternoon, You return to Luang Prabang, stopping at the weaving village of Ban Xangkhong where we watch the weaving of intricate patterns on home looms. The final visit of the day is to Wat Siphouthabath to see Buddha’s footprints.
 

Overnight in Luang Prabang hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 4: Luang Prabang-Hanoi
A visit to Luang Prabang would not be complete without seeing the daily early morning procession of monks in saffron colored robes carrying alms bowls walking silently along the streets where many Buddhist believers put offerings of food in the bowls. After breakfast, you head for the Morning Market to buy presents and souvenirs. There will free time for you to do some exploring of the city on your own until it is time to get ready for your departure transfer to Hanoi. On your arrival, you will be met at the airport, and transferred to your hotel in the city center. That night you will have dinner at a fine restaurant in town.
 

Overnight in Hanoi hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.


Day 5: Hanoi City tour

After breakfast, you have a full day to explore the city of Hanoi. You begin your tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's House on stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then you also visit the so-called "Hanoi Hilton" POW prison. The real name is Hoa Lo Prison, and was built by the French at the turn of the century (1901). This was the prison where American pilots were held when their planes were shot down during the war. After that you visit the Temple of Literature, and then you go on a 1-hour cyclo (pedicab) tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. In the evening we enjoy a unique Vietnamese water puppet show.
 

Overnight in Hanoi hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.


Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends from 8am to 11pm. It is closed on Monday and Friday. The mausoleum is also closed for two months of the year, usually October and November, for maintenance.
 

Day 6 Hanoi-Halong
Today you leave Hanoi for Halong bay after breakfast. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the rice paddy, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Halong Bay is a natural wonder and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It lies 160 km to the east of Hanoi. Over 3,000 jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge, cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with birdsongs in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming.
The best way to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay is to cruise among the islands, of course, by boat. Upon arrival in Halong City, board the junk and set sail through bay while lunch is served. Passage into the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with Halong golden sails, go swimming on a quite beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. Later afternoon, visit an interesting fishing village with opportunity to interact with fishmen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. For active travelers, at sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo rowboat to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board and enjoy cocktails while watching sunset and later unwind at restaurant.

Overnight in: Traditional Junk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


Day 7 Halong-Hanoi-Hue
The sound of ocean makes us up for a new day. Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Our car and guide will meet us at dock and transfer to Hanoi. You will have a couple of hours free in Hanoi before transfer to airport for evening flight to Hue.


Overnight in: Hotel in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast included

 

Day 8 Hue City tour-Hoi An
After breakfast, enjoy a morning boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visiting Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang and the Imperial Citadel. You will take time to stroll around Dong Ba market with our guide in the afternoon. Dong Ba market is another of the must-see sites in Hue. A visit to a food market is always very interesting when you go to a foreign country. This is especially true in Vietnam. Here you can see what people eat on a daily basis. In Vietnamese markets you will also find stalls that sell the local dishes. As you can see, conic hats are widely used by Vietnamese women. They use these typical hats to protect their faces from the sun. Tanned skins are still a symbol of low class.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An via Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. From the top of the pass, we can admire the stunning ocean view although it can often be cloudy at the top. You stop in Da Nang to visit Cham Museum, Marble Mountain before heading to Hoi An. Hoi An, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.


Overnight in: Hoi An hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included

 

Day 9: Hoi An city tour
Hoi An is a very picturesque riverside town that used to be a thriving international port during the 15th to the 19th centuries. It has many different architectural influences, and has many small, old cafés and shops along the narrow winding streets. It is a World Heritage site, and some parts of the town have changed little in over a hundred years. In the morning you take a walking tour through the streets of the old town which is the best way to see this part of town. We visit the Fu Kien Assembly Hall, the 200 year old Tan Ky house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Hoi An Museum, and also several handcraft workshops.


Overnight in: Hoi An hotel.
Breakfast included.

 

Day 10 Hoi An-My Son-Hoi An.
Today you will visit the famous Cham Towers and UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son (“Mee Sun”),  located 69 kms southwest of Da Nang, was an imperial city between the 4th and 12th centuries during the Cham dynasty. The Sanctuary is archeologically rich containing more than 70 temples and towers. You will enjoy the Cham dance performed at a small indoor theatre before getting on the minibus and drive to the local market to buy and learn the ingredients for our cooking class on board. This is the very good opportunity for us to experience the colorful local market, interact with local buyers and sellers.
Around 11.15: Embark Cinamon Cruise. One of the hosts will seat us at our private table. You can relax with a drink and a snack after which you are all treated to a herbal foot massage. Be sure to bring along our camera to capture the spectacular monument views while cruising back to Hoi An. It's time to take part in the fun cooking class on board the boat. The cooking lesson runs for 2 hours and you will cook the same dish ourselves after the Cinnamon Cruises chef demonstrate each dish. You sit down at your private tables and eat what you have cooked. After the meal, you make your last visit to Kim Bong wood sculpture village to see some workshops and boat building yards. On our return to the Cinnamon Cruises pier, the crew will wish us farewell. The tour ends at 14:30. You have free time afterwards. 

Overnight in: Hoi An hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included


Day 11: Hoi An-Da Nang-Saigon (Domestic Flight)

After breakfast you will be transfer to Da Nang Airport for a morning flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). When you arrive in Saigon, our stffl will meet you, and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you have a tour around the city to see the important sights including: Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, the Former Presidential Palace, the Museum of War Remnants, and the Ben Thanh Market.
 

Overnight in: Ho Chi Minh City hotel.
Breakfast & lunch included.


Day 12: Saigon-Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transfer to see Cu Chi Tunnels, which were dug by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Our guide will probably be a former soldier and their insight and personal experience will be invaluable in telling this tragic part of Vietnamese history. Some parts of the tunnels have been widened for easier access by those of larger stature.

Overnight in: Ho Chi Minh City hotel.
Breakfast included.


Days 13: Saigon-Phnom Penh (International Flight)
This morning after your having breakfast then will proceed by checking from the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh, the Capital of Cambodia. On arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be greeted by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you head out to enjoy a cyclo tour which ends in the charming Pagoda located on the top of Phnom Wat. After than you will be transfered to the dock to enjoy a dinner-cruise on the river.
 

Overnight in: Phnom Penh hotel.
Meals:Breakfast, dinner-cruise included


Day 14: Phnom Penh City Tour-Flight to Siem Reap
After breakfast at the your hotel, then you visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Toul Sleng Museum (If you would prefer not to visit S-21 it can be swappe with a visit to the National Museum). After lunch,you take a short flight to Siem Reap, the land of Angkor. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for check in. After that you have free time to relax, or to explore Siem Reap Town on your own.

Overnight in: Siem Reap hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included

 

Day 15: Siem Reap-Angkor Temples & Apsara dinner show
This morning, explore Angkor Thom, the site of the ancient capital of the Khmer period. Visit the South Gate, Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of Leper King. You will end your morning with the visit of Ta Prohm temple. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

You spend the full afternoon exploring the main Angkor Wat Temple itself. Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. Eve. having dinner accompanied with classical Apsara dancers depicting scenes from Khmer mythology.. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch& Apsara Dinner-Show at Angkor Village Theatre.


Day 16: Siem Reap Visit Banteay Srei-Floating Village
This morning, travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple; it is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor.

You will have the possibility to stop at local communities along the way and your guide will help you to interact with the local community to learn about the way of life here.

Stop at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder, was trained as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner. The museum serves also as a rescue centre for a number of landmine amputee children that Aki Ra has brought off Phnom Penh’s streets or from impoverished rural communities.
In the afternoon, you enjoy Tonle Sap Lake, Asia's largest inland lake also the biggest harvest fresh water fish in the world, which swells to ten times its normal size during the wet season; here you will visit the people living, school , hospital , church, fishing farm, crocodile farm, souvenir shop in the floating village then back in town to visit Les Artisan D'Angkor to observe student learning of art carving

Overnight in Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included.


Day17 Siem Reap Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, free time at to relax until your transfer to the airport for the flight home. 

Meals: Breakfast.

 
This is a suggested itinerary. We specialize in custom tours designed to fit your needs and requirements. Let us know how we can design an individual Indochina tour for you.

This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.

 

REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your Cambodia cycling, Vietnam cycling, Laos cycling, Myanmar cyclingor Thailand cycling. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:

>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 40 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels):> 80 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night

Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details

 

If, after reviewing the details of this tour, you would like to receive a "Special Offer" tour price, just click on the "INQUIRY" button below. If you wish to “Tailor Make" your trip, simply click on the "CUSTOMIZE TRIP" and enter your contact details.

 

COST INCLUDED:
Experienced English speaking guide
Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.

 

COST EXCLUDED:
International/domestic airfares & tax
Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
Beverage and alcoholic drinks
Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
 

The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen, but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.

 

Note: Our choices for each level of accommodation have been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.


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