Indochina Encompassed - Small Group Tours

One of the great pleasures of a tour that combines all three of the Indochina nations is the remarkable contrasts of culture, cuisine, scenery and atmosphere that unfold as your journey progresses. The histories of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have intertwined over many centuries, most notably perhaps during the 20th century when first the influence of the colonial French, and subsequently the impact of the Vietnam War shaped the region and left a lingering and tangible presence. Each retains a distinct character and identity, however, and it is this combination of neighbourly similarity and cultural difference that makes this such an unforgettable tour.

 

We commence our journey in the Pearl of the Orient, Phnom Penh, the elegant colonial capital of Cambodia, and travel clockwise through the region exploring the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site at Angkor before flying on to Luang Prabang in Laos. After experiencing the unique atmosphere of the town and exploring the minority cultures and beautiful scenery of northern Laos, we continue to Vietnam's capital Hanoi, an exciting and energising contrast to the laid-back lifestyles of Laos and Cambodia.

 

An overnight cruise on the celebrated waters of Halong Bay feels a world away from the bustle of the city streets and shows a different aspect of Vietnamese life. We move on from here to the ancient port of Hoi An; once amongst the largest in Asia, the town welcomed traders and absorbed influences from across the globe, and remains today one of Asia's most appealing destinations. Our final destination is the economic powerhouse of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. Still known as Saigon to the locals, this was the final place to fall to the North Vietnamese in 1975, and many sites of interest in and around the city provide a fascinating and often unfamiliar perspective on this infamous period.     

 

 

Day 1 Phnom Penh 

Our tour commences today in the 'Pearl of the Orient', Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. The city, located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap, was once considered amongst the most beautiful in Asia, and despite its recent turbulent history it retains a colonial charm that complements a growing confidence and vitality. Tonight, once all members of the group have arrived we will venture out into the city to indulge in an included welcome dinner of your Tour Leader's choice. Meals included: Dinner

 

Today we explore both the sombre aspects of modern history at Tuol Sleng, the Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum, and the more ancient history of the city. Included is a visit to the National Museum, housing the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer artistic, archaeological, and religious artifacts, and the Royal Palace. Later this afternoon we fly on to low-rise, laid-back Siem Reap, gateway to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. After clearing customs and checking in to our centrally-located hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals included: Breakfast

 

We start early today to beat the crowds and savour the magical atmosphere of sun rise at the 'Tomb Raider temple', Ta Prohm. Built between the mid 12th to early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by great jungle trees and strangling vines. We then set out like the early explorers, on foot, trekking through the dense jungle to the magnificent temples of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. We enter through the East Gate of the towering city wall, beneath the gaze of the great stone faces, and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for their intricate bas-reliefs.  Walking from temple to temple is a unique way to see these magnificent ruins: glimpses of small temples can be spotted amongst dense jungle; towers loom overhead, and the sheer number of ruins along the way is staggering. We finish our morning at the Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur; 54 towers with huge, impassive faces staring out over the engulfing jungle. The afternoon is yours to explore further or relax at the hotel before a late afternoon visit to the iconic Angkor Wat, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The image of Angkor Wat forms the centrepiece of Cambodia's national flag, such is its symbolic power. A visit at this time of day ensures there are fewer visitors and the carvings of the beautiful Apsara dancers glow in the late sunlight. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 4 Siem Reap 

Today is a free day for personal exploration. You may like to hire a bike or jump in a tuk tuk to explore further under your own steam, or join your tour leader on an adventure to one of their favourite outlying and less-visited temples. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning we head out of Siem Reap to visit the vast Tonlé Sap, South East Asia's largest freshwater lake. We take a local boat out to Kampong Phluck, a village where you will see stilt-houses that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends during the rainy season. On the way, we will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. We return to town for a final souvenir hunting opportunity in Cambodia before heading to the airport for our flight over the border to the enchanting town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site - truly a museum without walls. Meals included: Breakfast

 

This morning we commence our exploration of the town at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family, and is now home to exhibits of art and jewels as well as the residence itself. From here, we continue on foot to visit Wat Mai, with its unique 5-tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs.  During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the small Buddha statue called Pra Bang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple. Our last stop before lunch is Wat Visoun (dating back to 1513) which contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. After lunch, we continue to the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center. The Centre is dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos' ethnic minorities.  Traditional costumes, tools, and artifacts are on display alongside in-depth descriptions and written histories, providing a great insight in to the Lao people. We finish our day on a high by climbing the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

After breakfast we head out of town and drive north through glorious mountainous scenery toward Nong Khiaw, passing the villages of local minority groups along the route. We check in and have lunch at our accommodation before embarking on a fabulous afternoon boating and kayaking on the Nam Ou River. We set off upstream by boat, travelling for 40 minutes to the beautiful riverside village of the local Khmu people. After exploring the village and meeting the locals we return to the river, and after receiving an introduction and instruction from our river guide, paddle back downstream by kayak, getting back to Nong Khaiw by late afternoon. For those not keen to kayak the option of travelling by boat is available. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Today is a day of relaxing onboard as we cruise downstream on the Nam Ou River through the magnificent scenery of northern Laos, back toward Luang Prabang.  We stop for lunch along the way, and pay a visit to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff overlooking the river. We reach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon and enjoy a final meal together on our last evening in Laos. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

The final morning in Luang Prabang is at leisure for further exploration, before a mid-afternoon flight takes us on to the third of our Indochina countries, Vietnam. We arrive in the nation's capital; the fantastic jumble of styles and influences that is modern-day Hanoi. Our base here is located in the heart of the city's old town, surrounded by street food stalls, markets and cafes, and within a few minutes walk of Hoan Kiem Lake. Your tour leader will be able to point out some great places to sample the fantastic local cuisine - one of Hanoi's many attractions! Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 10 Hanoi 

Ho Chi Minh died before the conclusion of the Vietnam War, but the reverence in which he was held was such that his body was preserved and a grand mausoleum created in Hanoi to allow the Vietnamese people to pay their respects. Our exploration of the city commences here, at the complex that houses the Stalinist mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's more humble private residence. Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university constructed in 1070, with lovely gardens and well-preserved architecture. After lunch you are free to head off under your own steam, or see what your Tour Leader has planned. You may like to stop in at one of the city's excellent museums - the recently-opened Ethnology Museum, where Vietnam's diverse minority cultures are explained in a thoughtful and hands-on manner, and the Women's Museum are both highly recommended. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 11 Halong Bay 

We leave Hanoi early this morning for the four hour drive east to Halong Bay. We board our comfortable Chinese-style junk boat in late morning and set sail into the wonderful scenery of the bay. During the afternoon we will disembark to explore one of the remarkable floating fishing villages that shelter in the lee of the towering karst pinnacles that stud the bay. There is also the chance to swim or hire a kayak for some personal water-borne exploration. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 12 Hoi An 

A leisurely morning of cruising through the bay brings us back to the harbour in late morning. A short drive brings us to Haiphong, where we arrive in time for our flight south to Danang, a popular coastal city home to China Beach, made famous as the GI R&R location during the Vietnam War. On arrival a coach will be waiting to transfer us down the coast to one of Vietnam's most magical destinations: the ancient trading port of Hoi An. Our hotel is located on the edge of the beautiful Old Town, making it an ideal spot for personal exploration. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 13 Hoi An 

A short walking tour of the Old Town this morning helps you get your bearings sufficiently to make the most of your afternoon at leisure. The pool at the resort hotel is inviting, or the many wonderful riverside cafes and restaurants might appeal for a spot of people-watching. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 14 Hoi An 

A full day of leisure awaits today - for those of a more active persuasion bikes can be hired to get out into the countryside, or your Tour Leader could help you to arrange a cookery class or a visit to the Cham Dynasty ruins at My Son, an hour's drive from town. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City 

This morning a short flight brings us to Ho Chi Minh City, our final destination, and Vietnam's most energetic and electrifying city. We finish in style, staying in a fantastic location just by the Opera House, surrounded by bustling streets full of cafes, restaurants and shops. District One, where our hotel is located, is an incredibly accessible area with many of the city's highlights, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi Street, all within walking distance. Take your pick and head out this afternoon to make your own discoveries - a trip to Benh Thanh Market for last-minute souvenirs is recommended! A final group meal will round off our expedition, with a last chance to reminisce on the highlights of the trip and exchange addresses before parting ways the following day. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

 

Sadly the tour is over and we all have to say our farewells and go our separate ways. Unless you have chosen to extend your trip with a few days to explore the Mekong Delta or on one of Vietnam's excellent beaches, you will be taken to Ho Chi Minh International Airport by your tour leader or a guide and waved off on your return flight home. Meals included: Breakfast

 

 

11 Jan 2014 - 26 Jan 2014

03 Aug 2014 - 18 Aug 2014

23 Nov 2014 - 08 Dec 2014