Tour Code: JOI Prices start from: $6,530 Ex Australia 17 Days Crowning glory of three vastly diverse lands
A truly amazing Asian adventure tour that reveals the best of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia travel. This magical journey delves into the region's unique essence, beauty and allure. From the age-old lands to friendly people and the many cultural attractions, there is so much to experience in one travel package! Starting at the awe-inspiring site of Angkor Wat and culminating with the Mekong Delta and the floating markets, along the way you will discover temples, monuments, caves, a cooking class and a cruise.
Laos Map [enlarge]
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SAT: AUSTRALIA/SIEM REAP
Depart Australia on Singapore Airlines to Siem Reap via Singapore. Transfer to Grand Raffles Hotel d’Angkor for three nights. (Passengers ex Brisbane will depart one day earlier on the overnight flight.)
SUN: SIEM REAP
Visit Angkor Thom, last capital of the Khmers and home to the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and the 12th century masterpiece, Bayon Temple. Join a tethered hot air balloon for a panoramic view of Angkor, Phnom Bakheng and Siem Reap. Visit 12th century Angkor Wat, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and experience sunset from the upper terraces of a temple. Dinner at the Amazon Angkor Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1 | Dinner 1
MON: SIEM REAP
Visit the temples of Preah Khan, Banteay Samre and Bateay Srei, “the citadel of women”. Tiny Banteay Srei's charm lies in its exquisite carvings and is considered one of the jewels of Angkor. Visit Ta Prohm where giant fig and banyan trees are slowly reclaiming the temple. Later, experience traditional tuk tuk transport to McDermott Gallery for a welcome drink before continuing onto the Foreign Correspondents Club for dinner.
TUE: SIEM REAP/VIENTIANE
Excursion to Kampong Kleang on Tonle Sap Lake. Boat past submerged forests and fishing farms and discover the fishing villages at the edges of the lake. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Transfer to Settha Palace Hotel for two nights.
WED: VIENTIANE
Orientation tour of Laos’ capital city. Visit That Luang Stupa, Laos' most important national monument. See Wat Si Muang Temple, home to guardian spirits of Patuxai, a structure similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Also visit the Talat Sao market.
THU: VIENTIANE/LUANG PRABANG
This morning visit Buddha Park stopping en route at the Friendship Bridge before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the Phou Vao Hotel for three nights. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the city and end your day by climbing Phousi Hill for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding countryside. Stop at the evening hill tribe market before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast 1 | Lunch 1
FRI: LUANG PRABANG
Today visit at Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. Continue onto the Kuangsi Waterfalls for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon visit the villages of Ban Ou and Na Ouane. Enjoy dinner this evening at the Elephant Restaurant.
SAT: LUANG PRABANG
This morning visit Wat Xieng Thong and the famous Pak Ou Caves at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Ou River. These popular limestone caves are reached through a series of steps and are filled with a variety of Buddha images. Also visit Ban Xang Hai, once the ‘Jar Maker Village’ and today the village community fill the jars with luo-luo, the local rice whiskey. This afternoon visit the former Royal Palace, now Laos’ National Museum and continue onto Wat Mai with its unique five tiered roof.
SUN: LUANG PRABANG/HANOI
Fly to Hanoi for three nights at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel. Enjoy a cyclo tour through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Tonight watch skilled puppet masters at the Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake. Dinner at Koto Restaurant, owned by respected Australian-Vietnamese Jimmy Phan who helps street kids gain work and independence in the hospitality industry.
Meals: Breakfast 1 | Dinner 1
MON: HANOI
A full day excursion to beautiful Halong Bay, acknowledged as one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the emerald green waters from which thousands of islands and grottoes rise majestically towards the sky. Whilst on board enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
TUE: HALONG BAY EXCURSION
Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before setting off on a walking visit to the colourful markets with a chef from the Hanoi Cooking Centre to search for the freshest ingredients. On return to the Hanoi Cooking Centre, your chef will demonstrate the preparation of mouth watering Vietnamese dishes followed by lunch. Your afternoon tour will include a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s wooden cottage and the One Pillar Pagoda. Early this evening, visit an artist gallery where you will enjoy a welcome drink as you browse the impressive display and finish with a dinner at the Press Club Restaurant.
WED: HANOI/SAIGON
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon where you will stay for two nights at the Sofitel Saigon Hotel. A cocktail reception at the historic Rooftop Garden Bar of the Rex Hotel will be arranged.
THU: SAIGON
This morning you will travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Constructed by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War, these tunnels ran directly under military bases and were used both as shelters and to stage surprise attacks. Explore the city, visiting the Reunification Palace, History Museum or Revolutionary Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and Dong Khoi Street. Stop at Cholon (Chinatown) and Ben Thanh Market, the central market of Saigon and one of the liveliest areas in the city. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at Annamite Restaurant.
FRI: SAIGON/CAN THO (MEKONG DELTA)
Transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple and sanctuary for orphan and needy children. Board a local boat and explore the islands of the Mekong, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea. Here in the lush delta area you have the opportunity to observe the daily life of Vietnam’s rural people. Continue onto Can Tho and stay overnight at the Victoria Can Tho Hotel.
SAT: CAN THO/SAIGON
Early visit to the floating markets of Cai Rang where boats loaded with local produce are moored ready for the day’s trading. Sail through the markets, watching locals haggle and trade their wares. Explore Can Tho, passing the local market and Khmer Pagoda. Return to Saigon.
SUN: SAIGON/AUSTRALIA
Your amazing Asian tour ends today when you transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Meals: Breakfast 1
MON: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
WHAT'S INCLUDED