Highlights:
- Discover the history and culture of Vietnam by taking the city tour in Hanoi, Hue, ho Chi Minh City.
- Stay overnight on cruise and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Halong Bay.
- Discover the daily life in Mekong Delta.
- Touch in the Cambodian culture by visting Phnompenh, Battambang, Siem Reap
- Explore the splendid temples in Angkor Wat
- Enjoy a boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, explore the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang
- Explore the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang.
- Enjoy scenic sightseeing in Vang Vieng and Vientiane.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL - HANOI CITY TOUR - WATER PUPPET SHOW (-/LUNCH/-)
Our driver will pick you up at airport, transfer to Hanoi city central, we start our city tour. We visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle o"s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh"s house on stilts.
Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi and Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake ( One of the oldest in Vietnam ). Have lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum, continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam. Vietnam"s first university constructed in 1070, it"s gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam"s past. Walk to visit Dong Xuan market. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful waters, and visit Ngoc Son temple. Then enjoy the Water Puppet Showbefore coming back to hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking tour guide, all entrance fees, meals, accommodation: hotel
DAY 2 : HANOI – HALONG BAY ( BREAKFAST /LUNCH/DINNER)
8.00 – 19.30: Our shuttle bus will come to pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi centre. Drive to Halong City. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta country side. Stopover at Hai Duong province for refreshment about 30 minutes.
Arrive at Tuan Chau island – Take break and welcome drink at Glory Legend Cruise Lounge. Transfer to Glory Legend Cruise.
Welcome drink - receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Enjoy a lunch with Vietnamese dishes served while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island.
Visiting Tung Sau area, is covered by the leaping rocks, cultured pearl fishery. You can wit yourself the process of the jewel, from culturing to harvesting and sculpting, Moreover, you have a chance to do kayaking based on your preference. Enjoy busy space with pearl maker, you can experience the completion of pearl.
Visiting the beautiful Ti Top island for swimming (if the weather permits), Ti Top Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance for tourists to relax or passengers can take steps to reach on the top of Ti Top beach to have a whole panorama view of Halong Bay.
Back to the boat and free time while sailing to Luon Bo area, and anchor overnight.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Attend the Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls - traditional Vietnamese food. Then enjoy Happy Hour(Buy one drink-get one free). It is time for chit chat and relaxing. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay.
19.30 – 23.00: Dinner – Deluxe Vietnamese and International BBQ Set Menu Dinner
Evening activities include: Leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies and many sort of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Glory Legend Cruise’s music, playing cards, chess are available, reading magazines in room and dining room. You may also try your luck at squid fishing & fishing from the boat.
23.00: End of Program for Day One.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 3 : HALONG BAY - HANOI (BREAKFAST /LUNCH/-) - NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI
06:00 – 08.00: The day starts early onboard with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi also called Tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements.
Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
08:00 – 11.30: Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most biggest cave in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
Back to Glory Legend Cruises. Check out and settle your bill at reception.
Have a lunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery while approaching the wharf.
12:00 – 17.00: Disembark to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye to the crew.Return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop and refreshment about 30 minutes. Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip.
Free and easy until 08:30 pm, our staff will pick you up at hotel and transfer to Hanoi train station. Take the night train to Lao Cai.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, train ticket (soft sleeper train cabin 4 berth with A.C - sharing cabin )
DAY 4 : Y LINH HO - LAO CHAI - TA VAN (BREAKFAST / LUNCH /DINNER)
At 06:30 Am, our shuttle bus will pick you up at exit gate of train station, transfer to sapa town, have breakfast and hot shower, our guide and car will transfer you to Cat Cat village, then from Cat Cat village will start our trekking to Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van villages – which belongs to Muong Hoa valley. Arrival in Ta Van, then get on private car back to Sapa town. Check in hotel. Free and easy discover Sapa town in evening. Stay overnight in Sapa.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation.
DAY 5 : MA TRA - TA PHIN - LOVE WATERFALL (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/ DINNER) – AFTERNOON BUS TO HANOI
After breakfast at hotel, at 09:00 Am, Our guide and car will transfer you to Ma Tra village - a black H’mong village. There will be time for visiting with local families and learning about their traditional fiber processing. We continue go by car to Ta Phin village of the Red Dzao, in one of the most scenic valleys in Vietnam. Here we’ll stop for a simple lunch before exploring the village. Continue to visit Love Waterfall, then back to Sapa town for a short rest before get the bus at 15:30 to return Hanoi. Drop you off at hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi. ( This day we only trek around 2,5 hours. )
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 6: HOA LU - TRANG AN TOUR (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/ DINNER) – FLY TO HUE
After breakfast at hotel, At 08:30 Am, we start our journey to Ninh Binh, in the morning, we go to visit Hoa Lu – ancient capital of Vietnam. Visiting 2 temples: Temple Dinh and Temple Le. Have lunch at local restaurant. Then get on boat trip at Trang An, visit 9 caves in around 2 hours on boat rowed by local farmer. Get back to harbor, cycling around 45 minutes surrounding countryside roads. Transfer you straightly to Noi Bai airport, fly to Hue. Arrive at Hue Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel in Hue. Stay overnight in Hue.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation.
DAY 7: HUE CITY TOUR (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/ DINNER)
After breakfast at hotel, Our guide and driver will pick you up at hotel, depart for Hue city tour. In the morning, You visit : Minh Mang tomb and Khai Dinh tomb and a martial show. Have lunch at local restaurant. Continueing to visit Imperial Citadel and boat trip on Perfume River. Visit Thanh Tien Paper Flower village before going back to hotel. Stay overnight in Hue.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation
DAY 8: HUE - LINH UNG PAGODA - MARBLE MOUNTAIN - HOI AN (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
At 08:00 Am, our guide and car will pick you up at hotel and transfer to Hoi An, on the way we have chance to see Hai Van Pass, Lang Co beach. Arrival in Danang, we go to visit Linh Ung Pagoda then have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit Marble Mountain where you can see Tam Thai Pagoda, Huyen Khong Caves and Thuy Son. Arrival in Hoi An at late afternoon. Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation
DAY 9: HOI AN FREE AND EASY (BREAKFAST/-/-)
Free and easy visit Hoi An, relax on beach or walking in town. Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Inclusion: breakfast, accommodation
DAY 10: HOI AN FREE AND EASY (BREAKFAST/-/-) – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Free and easy visit Hoi An, relax on beach or walking in town. Until our driver will pick you up at hotel and transfer to airport, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Another driver will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport, transfer to hotel. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, breakfast, accommodation
DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS ( BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
At 08:30 AM, Our tour guide will pick you up at hotel. We will start city tour to visit War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, followed by exploring Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office
We will have lunch before go to Cu Chi to explore the amazing site where Viet Cong hid during the War. It is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists - the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. There is plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here during the 1960s when Cu Chi was a "Free Target Zone". Visitors can watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed before entering the tunnels. Spend the next hour exploring the tunnels. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla’s food in war time). Then we transfer you straightly to hotel. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation.
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH - CAN THO (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
8am: Pick up at your hotel in HCMC . Depart for My Tho. Take a leisurely boat ride through the Bao Dinh natural canal which is bordered by traditional stilt houses and fruit plantations. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to Tortoise island. Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. Enjoy a boat ride through the Tan Thach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruising in the shadows of the water coconut trees. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle. After trekking through the fruit plantation on Thoi Son island, enjoy a rowing boat ride along the creeks before returning to My Tho by motor boat. Proceed to Can Tho via Vinh Long to visit the snake market. Check in hotel. Overnight in Can Tho.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 13: CAN THO - CHAU DOC (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
After breakfast, 8am take a boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit the Cai Rang floating market, which are the best in the region. You will probably have tried Vietnamese vermicelli soup, so now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and talk with the local people. Learn how to cross a "monkey bridge" which is built from a single bamboo. Break for lunch. Proceed to Chau Doc, stopping off at Long Xuyen to visit the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary. From the summit of the Sam Mountain, admire the beautiful landscape around the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Visit the carved pagoda. Dinner on guests account. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation.
DAY 14: CHAU DOC - SPEEDY BOAT TO PHNOMPENH (BREAKFAST/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to a Hang Chau express speed boat at 06:40 AM for the final part of the journey to Phnom Penh. Arrive at Sisowath tourist dock in Phnom Penh at around 12pm. We will pick up and transfer to hotel for check in. Free and easy in Phnompenh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, Speedy boat tickets, accommodation
DAY 15: PHNOMPENH CITY TOUR (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at hotel. We visit Independence Monument. Continue to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. we visit the Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek-both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot. It is almost inconceivable to confront the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, but the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek, commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 Pol Pot regime. This excursion may prove distressing for some. It is, however, an important piece of this country’s historical and cultural puzzle. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation.
DAY 16: PHNOMPENH - BATTAMABNG (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at your hotel and depart for Battambang by overland transfer (290 km. 4-5 hrs drive). Stop at the Silversmith village, see the pottery manufactories in Kompong Chhnang and visit also a fish market. Arrive in Battambang, and check-in at the hotel. Walk through the town to discover its beautiful colonial architecture. Overnight at hotel in Battambang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation.
DAY 17: BATTAMBANG (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at the hotel: Drive along the picturesque Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda, the residence of the provincial Buddhist patriarch Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom. Visit a market where Prahoc, the Cambodian fish paste, is made. Visit the Provincial Museum (closed on Saturdays / Sundays) and the local market. Drive to Phnom Banan, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains until sunset. The same afternoon, we are also enjoying bamboo train village with a great experiences of sliding on this funny train. Overnight at hotel in Battambang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 18: BATTAMPANG - SIEM REAP (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-) BY LOCAL PUBLIC BOAT
Breakfast at hotel. Travel by by speed boat to Siem Reap along the Sangkar River; enjoy unspoiled landscapes and traditional daily-life scenes. Crossing Cheur Khmao Pagoda, “Black Wood Pagoda”, in Bak Prier floating village and cross the Biosphere Reserve and the floating villages of Prek Tuol.Picnic lunch on board. Continue by boat across the Tonle Sap lake to Chhoeung Kneas floating village. Arrive at Siem Reap port and transfer to Siem Reap town. The same afternoon, we use Tuk Tuk as our transportation to take us to visit Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation.
DAY 19: SIEMREAP (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at hotel: Start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is 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 and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and 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. Continue to Prasat Krol Romeas and Sra Srang. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, entrance fees, meals, accommodation
DAY 20: SIEMREAP (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at hotel. This morning, we start our tour to countryside on road to Phnom Kulen Mountain, First stage challenging climb up hill 12km to the waterfalls, this is a nice trail on Kulen mountain, taking us to a special stream with thousands lingas in the water. Enjoy swim at the waterfalls & relax. Enjoy lunch break at the waterfalls. Return from the top of the mountain, and then stop to visit well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, Meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 21: SIEMREAP - FLY TO LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Breakfast at the hotel. We visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. We take a boat trip in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. We go to the Roulos Markets and Temples Bakong + Preah KO y Lolei + la aldea de Kampong Phluk. Then transfer to the airport for flight departure to Luang Prabang. Another driver will pick you up at airport, transfer to Hotel. Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, meals, English speaking guide, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 22: LUANG PRABANG – ELEPHANT CAMP - KHOUANG SI WATERFALL - NIGHT MARKET (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
This morning we head to All Lao Elephant Camp approximately 45 minutes’ drive out of Luang Prabang, to experience elephant riding through the teak forests and along the riverside. These elephants were once employed in the logging industry but now enjoy a much easier life in the village.
After lunch at All Lao Elephant Camp we drive on to the stunning Khouangsi Waterfall where 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, home to Asiatic Bears rescued from poachers in the forests of northern Laos.
Returning to Luang Prabang late afternoon you have the evening free to explore the Night Market, dine in one of the many restaurants in town or relax at the hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, meals, entrance fees, English speaking guide, accommodation
DAY 23: LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR - PAK OU CAVES (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.
From here we board our 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.
Returning to Luang Prabang we disembark our boat 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.
Your evening is free to treat yourself a spa treatment or massage, do some shopping or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 24: LUANG PRABANG - XIENG KHOUANG (BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
Today we depart early for a drive through spectacular scenery to Xiengkhouang Province, the home of the Plain of Jars. There are many stunning photo opportunities along the way and a couple of stops to explore hill tribe villages. After check in at your hotel in Phonsavan there will be time to go for a wonder through town, visit the MAG Centre or chill out over a drink at the hotel. Overnight in Xiengkhouang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation.
DAY 25: XIENG KHOUANG – PLAIN OF JARS & MUANG KHOUN ( BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
This morning we head out to explore the Plain of Jars. We will be visiting Sites 1, 2 & 3 as well as taking a short trek to a Tai Dam andLao Leum villagealong the way.
Following lunch we drive on to explore the old capital of Muang Khoun and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people.
Overnight in Xiengkhouang.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, English speaking guide, meals, entrance fees, accommodation
DAY 26: XIENG KHOUANG - VANG VIENG ( BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/-)
On our way out of town this morning we have time to visit the interesting Phonsavan Central Market and then drive on to Vang Vieng arriving there midafternoon.
After check in at your hotel you can explore the town or relax at the hotel and enjoy the stunning views as the sun sets behind the limestone kryst mountains across the river. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, entrance fees, English speaking guide, meals, accommodation
DAY 27: VANG VIENG - HALF DAY CITY TOUR - VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/-)
Beginning our morning tour of Vang Vieng, we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang, which was once used by the local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. We then cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, where we can wonder through the village and observe the locals going about daily life.
At the Organic Farm you will have the opportunity to visit the goats, pigs and other wildlife, observe mud brick making and sample roasted goat cheese and mulberry wine. Follow lunch here we head south to Vientiane, where we will arrive before sunset. Overnight in Vientiane.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, meals, entrance fees, English speaking guide, accommodation
DAY 28: VIENTIANE CITY TOUR (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/-)
This morning’s city tour.You are seeing the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa, stopping along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, from there you visit COPE Center. The COPE was created in response to the need to provide UXO survivors with the care and support they required, namely by way of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This museum was set after in 1997 to help covering the victim during Indochina war.
This afternoon you have the option to continue our tour of Vientiane by bicycle, we will ride the capital taking in sites such Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng and Wat Haisok, the main shopping district and Vientiane’s Central Market, Talad Sao.
Returning to the hotel your evening is free to relax or take in some more sights of Vientiane and enjoy the sunset over a few drinks on the riverfront. Overnight in Vientiane.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, meals, entrance fees, English speaking guide, accommodation
DAY 29: VIENTIANE DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST/-/-)
This morning is free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Inclusion: Vehicle with A.C, breakfast
