Indochina Odyssey 18 DAYS

This 18 day tour of the Indochina region takes you through the mystical world of the east.  On route towards Vietnam, embark on a tour of the former royal capital of Laos, where the first temples of Luang Prabang were built over five hundred years ago.  In this rich historic region, you will discover a country filled with diversity as you head towarsd Siem Reap in Camboia. 

Tour Highlights:

• Luang Prabang
• Vientiane
• Hanoi
• Halong Bay
• Hue 
• Hoi An 
• Mekong Delta
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Siem Reap

 *all prices quoted in US Dollar

Itenerary:

Day 1 : Arrive in Siem Reap
As you arrive into Siem Reap, you are greeted by the world’s more spectacular religious site, the Angkor Wat.  Here you will experience a stunning sunset that will be sure to take your breath away.

Day 2: Siem Reap  (Angkor Temples)
Today, you are given the option to see once again the stunning sunrise at the Angkor Wat.  After which you will be taken on a tour of the fortified city of Angkor Thom, e temple of King Jayavarman VII, reputedly Angkors greatest king.  At the centre of this marvelous site lies the Bayon with its 200 faces smiling down on the spectator. The afternoon is spent discovering and exploring the sights of Angkor Wat.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 3 : Siem Reap (Angkor Temples)
A full day is dedicated to exploring Angkor’s many mystical temples along side with your tour guides.  These temples such as the Ta Prohm, being one of the most beautiful temples; Preah Khan, Preah Neah Pean and Ta Som will also be visited.  Later in the afternoon you will also tour, the Banteay and the remarkably preserved Banteay Srei with its rose-pink sandstone walls; being the most elaborately decorated in the whole of Angkor.
*Breakfast inclusive, accompanied by a complimentary dinner
*Aspara dance performance at the Aspara Theatre

Day 4 : Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City
A flight out to Ho Chi Minh City will send you sightseeing on a tour of the city’s historic landmarks such as the American Embassy, Presidential Palace, War Museum and Thien Hau Temple.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 5 : Ho Chi Minh City
Today you will head out through the rice paddies, outside of the city for noon time prayers to the remarkable temple of Cao Dai.  In the afternoon, an incredible underground tunnel network will amaze you with remnants of 10,000 Viet Cong troops showing where they lived and fought.
*Breakfast and lunch inclusive

Day 6 : Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Witness the fascinating life on the Mekong River aboard the beautiful Cai Be Princess.  Here you will visit a floating market, a gorgeous island and dine at the splendid Indochine restaurant.  This tour is the perfect way to spend the day on the delta.
*Breakfast and lunch inclusive

Day 7: Fly to Danang/ Hoi An
Fly to Danang where you will then transfer to Hoi An to check into your hotel.  Later in the afternoon, a half-day walking tour awaits, this takes you through the winding streets of the Ancient Quarter; on the way visits to the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the Japanese Bridge are also included. 
*Breakfast included

Day 8 : Hoi An
The day is left at your leisure, leaving you to unwind and discover what Hoi An has to offer.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 9 : Hoi An – Danang – Hue
A visit to the Cham Museum is scheduled for today, driving over the Hai Van Mountain pass to Danang.  Here you will board a traditional long tailed dragon boat to explore the Perfume river and visit the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda and Monastery.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 10 : Hue
A morning guided tour will take you to the brilliant Imperial Citadel and Royal Relics Museum.  Later on the day you are given the option to walk through the dynamic streets of central Hue to relish yourself in the wonderful atmosphere, or take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Perfume River.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 11 : Hue – Hanoi
A flight will take you to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.  Here the day is given to you at your leisure.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 12 : Hanoi
A full day guided tour takes you to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature and Fine Arts Museum.  In the afternoon, a ‘cyclo’ tour takes you around the Old Quarter of Hanoi; and later in the evening take pleasure in the traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay
On arrival at Ha Long harbour, climb aboard your private boat for a luxurious overnight cruise and enjoy the scenery of this picturesque region with more than a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its crystalline emerald waters will be sure to amaze you.  This area is now one of the four World Heritage listed sites in the country, making it one of Vietnam’s natural wonders.
*Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive

Day 14 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
In you journey back to Hanoi, cruise through spectacular islands and rock formations, passing by fishing boats and sampans.  This cruise will set you down Hanoi at approximately 4:00 pm.
*Breakfast and Lunch inclusive

Day 15 : Hanoi – Luang Prabang (LAOS)
Arrive in one of South East Asia’s best kept secrets, the old royal capital of Luang Prabang.  Later in the afternoon visit the major sights, including the King’s Palace and National Museum
*Complimentary Welcome dinner at one of Luang Prabang’s culinary delights

Day 16 : Luang Prabang
Drive out to the Kuang Si Waterfalls and visit a local Hmong Hill village tribe.  The afternoon is given to you at your own leisure. 
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 17 : Luang Prabang
Today you are given the choice to either take a scenic boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves where 4,000 statues of Buddha live which are still important to Buddhist pilgrims today.  Or you can stroll around soaking up the atmosphere of this cultural treasure.
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 18 : Luang Prabang – end of tour
The tour ends and you shall be transferred to your airport of departure to either Bangkok, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city.
*Breakfast inclusive

Packages:

4 Star Package: USD $3,535.00

* Surcharge high season from 1st September – 31st October 2008: USD $130.00 per person

5 Star Package: USD $5,440.00

* Surcharge high season from 1st September – 31st October 2008: USD $340.00 per person

All tours include:

• Accommodation based on twin shared room at selected hotels with daily breakfast
  • Check-in time at all hotels is 2.00PM and check-out time at all hotels is 12.00PM.
  • Early check-in and late check-out is subject to availability with surcharge.
• Air conditioned transfers
• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Local English speaking guide for sightseeing days
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
• Economy flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh – Danang/ Hue – Hanoi with domestic flight taxes