Grand Indochina Tour - 17 Days

Prices are quoted in US $ per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
Any part of this itinerary can be tailor-made to fit your needs, e.g. tour length, activities, destinations, hotels.

Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap.
Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway into the Angkor temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, your tour guide and a driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Now you can spend the afternoon on a relaxing walking tour, exploring the town and visiting the Old Market.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Discover Angkor.
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and drive to Angkor Wat complex - the largest religious monument in the world at sunrise. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples and see Angkor Wat reflex on the water.
Hot coffee or tea will be served afterward (you could also order breakfast box from your hotel and serve here and avoid the crowd when they go back to hotel for breakfast)
The journey continues with Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next we visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Khmer cuisine served at the home of a local.
Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. Then we visit Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reined Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – City Tour.
Today you fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s modern capital.  Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions holds an undeniable charm. Your driver and guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Start by learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market,” where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Finalize the day with a cyclo ride down Sihanouk Boulevard to visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent Silver Pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc.
Today travel by speedboat down the Mekong River, through Cambodia and into Vietnam. Spending the cruising down the river, enjoying views of the fluvial landscape is an unforgetteable experience... Arrive in Chau Doc in the late afternoon. Your driver and guide will meet you at the dock and take you to your hotel for check in.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc.
Day 5: Chau Doc – Mekong Delta Tour – Saigon.
This morning, drive from Chau Doc to Saigon, stopping along the way to explore the serene Mekong River Delta. Have breakfast then travel by car to the riverside town of Cai Be. Visit a candy factory and orchard garden, where you will have an opportunity to listen to traditional Vietnamese music. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant then set out by rowboat to explore some of the delta’s many islands. In the afternoon continue on your drive to Saigon. Check in to the hotel then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.
Day 6: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels.
Leave Saigon and drive through South Vietnam’s countryside to Tay Ninh province to visit the magical Cao Dai Temple, home to the Buddhist fusion religion that took root in the 1920s. Join a noon-time ceremony at the colorful temple then stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue on a journey to visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground labyrinth constructed by the Vietnamese soldiers to survive American air raids during the Vietnam War. Those bold enough have the opportunity to crawl through sections of the tunnels to understand the living conditions of the Vietnamese soldiers during the wartime. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 7: Saigon City Tour – Hoian
Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city, is a vibrant, modern metropolis, converging East and West. After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning on a guided tour of this captivating city, visiting the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, drive to the airport to catch your flight to Danang. Your driver and guide will meet you at the arrival gate and take you on the short drive to the tranquil, riverside town, Hoian.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.
Day 8: Hoian City Tour.
Enjoy time for relaxation as you immerse yourself in the serenity and charm of this sleepy beach town. From the 16th to 18th century Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the ancient quarter’s narrow winding streets, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200 year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, explore and relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.
Day 9: Hoian – Hue.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check-out and drive northward to Hue over the 500m-high Hai Van pass. Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lang Co Beach for a drink before continuing on to Hue - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through Vietnam’s ancient capital city, visiting the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of King tu Duc - a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation:  Hotel in Hue.

Day 10: Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay.
Today you will travel to North Vietnam’s magical Halong Bay. Have breakfast at the hotel then fly to Hanoi. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you on a drive through the countryside along the Red River Delta to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong City in the late afternoon. Enjoy the afternoon to rest and relax at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Halong Bay.
Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise.
Spend a whole day and a night on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing Halong Bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, you will cruise around some of Halong’s numerous islands. Visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong area. Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (if the weather will be suitable). Pass the night on the junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: on cruise.

Day 12: Halong - Hanoi.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi excercises on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch then take advantage of the sundeck while admiring the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Your driver will await you at Halong pier, then drive back to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet performance - an unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 13: Hanoi City Tour – Yangon.
Spend a half-day exploring Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, french colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour guide will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house); the Presidential Palace; the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature, the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. In the afternoon, drive to the Noi Bai Airport to catch your flight to Myanmar. Transfer to your hotel in Yangon City Centre and check in to.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon.
Day 14: Yangon – Bagan.
Today travel to Bagan: Myanmar’s archeological wonderland and home to over 3,000 ancient temples dotted among lush farmland. After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the airport to catch your short in-country flight to Bagan. Start the day by exploring some of the region’s many red-brick temples. Starting with Shwe Zi Gone Pagoda, believed to enshrine a hair and tooth of Guatama Buddha, then move on to the 11th century, That byin Nyu and Manuha pagodas. In the afternoon visit a lacquer works then enjoy a beautiful sunset over the legendary Irrawaddy river. (Optional Balloon ride over Bagan if the weather conditions will be suitable).
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.

Day 15: Bagan – Mandalay.
Begins with a flight to Mandalay. The driver and guide will meet you at the airport and take on the hour trip through the beautiful countryside to Mandalay. You will spend the day on a tour of Mandalay starting with the Mahagandaryone Monastery to watch the monks partake in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony. Next we visit the adjacent U Bein wooden bridge, continuing on to see the Mahamuni Image - a bronze Buddha statue cast during Buddha’s lifetime, tapestry works, wood carvings & bronze casting workshops, a marble carving workshop and a silk-weaving home cottage. After lunch at a local restaurant continue on your tour and visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monstery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda - known as the “world’s biggest book.” Finish the day with a sunset visit to Mandalay Hill, enjoying panoramic views ofthe brilliant green countryside as the sun trails slowly into the West.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay.
Day 16: Mandalay – Yangon.
Today you will fly back to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon in the late morning and start your tour around this colorful, colonial city. Visit the Buddha's Tooth Relic at Kaba Aye (World Peace) Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave. Savor a lunch of traditional Burmese cuisine then continue on the tour, visiting a glass factory followed by Myanmar’s largest reclining Buddha, a gigantic monument glittering with gold leaf. Then head to the Bogyoke Market for some souvenir shopping before exploring the Sule Pagoda and Mahabandoola Park Independence Monument in the heart of Yangon.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon.

Day 17: Yangon City Tour.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then take a guided walk through Yangon’s old colonial neighborhood. Starting at Sule Pagoda, walk to City Hall, passing the British buildings of Emmanuel Church and the inland water transport. Stroll by Burmese food stalls and admire the exotic selection of edibles. After lunch at a downtown restaurant we will visit the gaudy, golden-temple wonderland, Shwedagon Paya - Yangon’s most impressive monument. Drive to the airport in the late afternoon to catch your departure flight home. Bon Voyage!
Meals: Breakfast.