World Heritage Indochina - Independent Travel

Starting your journey in Vietnam's dazzling metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, you will experience a place like no other. Saigon is a city on the move, with its chaotic traffic, bright lights, international shopping malls, traditional markets, fine-dining restaurants and street food vendors this city will not fail to create an impression. After exploring the city's many sights and taking a must see visit to the humbling Cu Chi tunnels you will travel onward to central Vietnam.

 

Thanks to its role as Vietnam's capital under the Nguyen Emperors between 1802-1945, Hue is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on the bank of the Perfume River, with an endless choice of pagodas, tombs and temples to visit and with the impressive Imperial City all on your doorstep, Hue is a great place to explore. Drive over the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds from Hue en route Vietnam's most picturesque city, Hoi An. Try your hand at a cookery class, see how colourful silk lanterns are made, head out to the ruins at My Son or just watch the world go by as you soak up the traditional atmosphere for which Hoi An is famed.

 

Heading north again savour a time of total serenity as you arrive at Halong Bay. You will have a couple of days to unwind and relax as you cruise gently between Vietnam's iconic limestone pinnacle-studded bay. After this rejuvenating excursion you will swap the tranquil waters of the bay for the bustling streets of Hanoi and arrive into Vietnam's capital. With its old world charm, lively markets and chaotic roads Hanoi has a splendid choice of things to see and do. Visit one of the excellent museums or Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum; take in a traditional water puppet show and explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter or the many lakes on foot or by bike to really get beneath the surface of this historic capital.

 

Saying goodbye to Vietnam, your next stop is the land of a million elephants, Laos. Nestled in the mountains, Luang Prabang is a beautiful UNESCO World heritage site known for its magical atmosphere. The combination of the many gold temples and shrines scattered across the town, beautifully lit markets and orange robed monks meandering the streets, creates an unforgettable scene. From here you fly to Siem Reap, where your trip culminates in at the great temples of Ankor. Without doubt one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, Angkor will be the perfect end to your phenomenal World Heritage Indochina tour.  

 

 

On arrival at Ho Chi Minh's International Airport you will be met by your English speaking guide and taken by private transfer to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at your leisure to relax and enjoy Saigon. Within easy walking distance of your hotel is the Ben Thanh Market, one of Saigon's biggest and most well-known markets, the riverfront and countless restaurants and shops to enjoy. 

 

After breakfast head out of the city to see the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, where great numbers of Viet Cong and Northern Vietnamese supporters hid during both the Independence War against the French and the subsequent American-Vietnamese War.  Return to Ho Chi Minh City by lunch time and have the rest of the afternoon to spend at leisure to further explore Saigon and enjoy the many sights this cosmopolitan city has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 3 Hue 

After an early breakfast take a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. Have the rest of the day at leisure to  start exploring the historical past of Hue or just spend your time moseying along the lively streets and enjoying the local atmosphere. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today you will enjoy the many sights and tastes Hue has to offer. You will meet your guide after a leisurely breakfast and start your full day city tour. Take a cruise on the Perfume River; visit many of the pagodas and tombs, and pay a visit to the impressive Imperial City. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

After breakfast take the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds south to Hoi An. Arriving by late morning in Hoi an you will have the rest of the day to enjoy this picturesque town. The old town of Hoi An is a UNESCO world Heritage Site and boasts some of the finest and best-preserved traditional architecture in Vietnam. The town is easily navigated at your own pace and hours can be spent meandering slowly through the pedestrian only streets, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese coffee or snack and just taking time to enjoy these colourful streets which are lined by hand crafted silk lanterns. Meals included: Breakfast

 

A full day at leisure allows you to explore Hoi An further at your own pace. As well as being known for its cultural and historical significance, Hoi An is known as the place to take a Vietnamese cookery class. Local tailors can create a unique piece of made-to-measure clothing for you in just a day, so if you fancy having a garment made for you, Hoi An is the place for it. You may also want to arrange a trip to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son, an hour's drive out of town. Meals included: Breakfast

 

A short flight this morning brings you to Hanoi, Vietnam's modern bustling capital. Arriving by lunch time the rest of the day will be spent on a gentle half day city tour which will take you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's houses and the One Pillar Pagoda. Your tour will end with a colourful Water Puppet Show. Meals included: Breakfast

 

After an early breakfast you will take the four hour journey to Halong Bay ready to board your overnight cruise at noon. A fabulous lunch will be served onboard and you will spend the afternoon cruising through the beautiful islets that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. As part of your trip today there will be a chance for an optional swim, and for those who have the energy a chance to take a short kayak trip through these tranquil waters. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day starts with tai chi on the deck, after which a leisurely morning is spent exploring some of the natural caves found in Halong Bay's islands. On your return to the mainland you start your journey back to Hanoi, from where you fly on to Luang Prabang, in Laos. After a short transfer you have the evening at your leisure to enjoy one of the many restaurants this beautiful town has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today you will have a full day tour to take in the golden temples, monasteries, waterfalls and glorious scenery of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an astounding place to discover with or without a guide. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today you will have the full day at your leisure to further enjoy and relax. As Luang Prabang is set in the mountains there are countless treks and walks to choose from, or for a more leisurely option try a traditional Laos massage, or watch the orange-robed monks walking between monasteries from a street side cafe. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 12 Siem Reap 

After a leisurely breakfast and final morning enjoying Luang Prabang you will take an early afternoon flight to Siem Reap. Your airport transfer in Laos and meet and greet in Cambodia will be included, and after arranging your Visa on Arrival your guide will transfer you to your final hotel for check in. Arriving by late afternoon you will have the rest of the day at your leisure in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 13 Siem Reap 

Start at sunrise at magical Angkor Wat, then explore by tuk tuk with your guide, taking in the stony faces of the Bayon, the jungle-clad Ta Phrom or the many more remote temples deep in the forest. Return to Siem Reap town and have the evening to explore the colourful and thronging night markets. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Today you will have a full day at your leisure for further exploration. You may like to hire a bike to explore the backroads without the crowds, jump in a tuk tuk or simply relax by the pool for your final day in Southeast Asia. Meals included: Breakfast

 

After a good breakfast your guide and driver will be arranged to transfer you to the airport to start your journey back to the UK.  Meals included: Breakfast