GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Duration: 18 Days/ 17 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Bangkok/ Siem Reap
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (-)
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L)
Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya World Heritage City - Flight to Chiang Mai - Overnight in Chiang Mai (B)
Day 4: Half-day Morning Elephant Nature Park Joint Tour - Visit Doi Suthep Mountain - Thai Elephant Home (B, L, D)
Day 5: Chiang Mai Temples Tour & Warorot Market (B)
Day 6: Chiang Mai - Flight to Luang Prabang (B, D)
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khoang Si waterfall (B)
Day 8: Luang Prabang City Tour - Flight to Hanoi (B)
Day 9: Classic Hanoi Heritage City Tour (B, L)
Day 10: Halong Bay Wonders with La Regina Day Cruise (B, L)
Day 11: Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Overnight in Hoi An (B)
Day 12: Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery (B, D)
Day 13: Transfer to Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 14: Deep into the Mekong Delta Vietnam Tour – Red Kingdom (B, L)
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Flight to Siem Reap - Evening Khmer Dance Show (B, D)
Day 16: Full-day Angkor Wat Exploration (B, L)
Day 17: Banteay Srei Tours - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Trip (B)
Day 18: Siem Reap Departure (B)
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (-)
Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels! On arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local guide and driver then transfer to our city hotel for check-in and relaxation. Enjoy the rest of the day free at your own leisure.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Meal: None.
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, we will venture out to explore the City of Angels. We start off the day by visiting the magnificent Grand Royal Palace – a sprawling temple complex boasting some of the finest Thai-Buddhist architecture in the entire country. Exploring the vast grounds and numerous dazzling buildings, among which is the Wat Phra Kaew, home to the prized Emerald Buddha statue dating back to the 14th Century. Then, we will move on to the Wat Traimit, home to the world’s largest solid golden Buddha - before hopping across the old city streets to see an even larger Buddha statue at Wat Pho. Here, get to see the famous Reclining Buddha which might not be solid gold but it’s well known for its size and that it is ‘leaning’ on its side - a reference to the Buddha’s “Lion Sleep” position.
We will also make stop to enjoy a nice welcome lunch with delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, we will spend time on a traditional ‘long tail’ boat cruising along the water, meandering through the quaint canals and taking in the quieter side of life in bustling Bangkok. We will complete the experience at the spectacular and iconic Wat Arun. Here, takes your time to explore the iconic temple towering 79 meters over the Chao Phraya River. After the tour, you will be escorted safely back to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya World Heritage City - Flight to Chiang Mai - Overnight in Chiang Mai (B)
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel and check-out, then we will be picked up and depart to Ayutthaya – World Heritage City and historic capital of Thailand (approx. 1 hour driving). Here, we will get to witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins.
First, you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, known as the “Monastery of the Golden Mount”, which is located just outside Ayutthaya. Then, you will proceed to the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. We will then visit Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, one of the largest bronze Buddha’s in Thailand. Afterwards, you will visit Wat Lokaya Sutha where enshrines a large reclining Buddha image. After the tour, we will be escorted to the Airport in good time for yourflight to Chiang Mai today. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and free time for your relaxation.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 4: Half-day Morning Elephant Nature Park Joint Tour - Visit Doi Suthep Mountain - Thai Elephant Home (B, L, D)
This morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel then be picked up at 07:30 – 08:00. Our schedule for the day will go as follows:
09:30 Arrives at Elephant Nature Park and embark on a guided walk with our knowledgeable staff to see the elephants, emphasizing a no-riding policy. We will take you to the river outskirts the park, where you can observe and learn about the elephants’ habitat and history.
12:00 Make stop to enjoy lunch: we will indulge in a healthy and diverse vegan buffet featuring a range of Asian and International dishes.
13:00 After lunch, it´s time to bid farewell to the elephants and Elephant Nature Park, as we begin the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai. We will escort you safely back to your hotel. From here, we will transfer to Doi Suthep Mountain. Here, climb 309 steps to the top (tram is available for a small surcharge) and get to enjoy truly breathtaking scenery all along the way. You will find Wat Phra That at the very top, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. At the top, get a short break, rest and relax while marveling at the panoramic views of the city of Chiang Mai before returning to hotel for refresh. In the evening, at around 6:45 PM, your personal driver (no guide) will meet you in the hotel lobby and head out to go enjoy a Khantoke dinner and Thai cultural show.
Here, you will have the chance to experience the oldest customs of Chiang Mai. Savor a traditional Northern Thai meal - the Khantoke Dinner - a generous portion of home-cooked family meals on large plates and seated on mats at low tables. The highlight of your Thai dinner experience will be a traditional cultural show, including dance and music performances by several of Chiang Mai's hill tribes.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Chiang Mai Temples Tour & Warorot Market (B)
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then after checking out, you will be picked up by your personal guide and we will go out for a walking tour around the Old Town with stops for photo ops at: the old wall, the moat, the door of the old town.
After, we will go visit some of the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai, such as Wat Phra Singh or “The temple of the Lion Buddha”, one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai with Lanna style architecture. Then, Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple with beautiful garden area and the Wat Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple and is one of the tallest structures in the old city. There are a lots of important Buddhist holidays take place here. Then, we will stroll along the small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walk through the central market of Warorot, which is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience true Thai culture.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 6: Chiang Mai - Flight to Luang Prabang (B, D)
Today, time will be free for you to as you wish. At check-out time, your driver and guide will escort you to the Airport in good time for your flight to Luang Prabang today.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, be warmly greeted by your local driver and guide before transferring to your city hotel for check-in and have a well-deserved rest. We will enjoy a nice welcome dinner at a local restaurant in town. Suggested evening activities at own expense: take a stroll to town and visit the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by hill tribe people.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khoang Si waterfall (B)
An OPTIONAL early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving.
Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then we will board a cruise trip upstream along the Mekong River, get to enjoy a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We will also pay a visit to see the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which housed hundreds of beautiful Buddha statues.
Later this afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si Waterfall. Make stop en-route to visit the Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Na Ouane Village. When you arrive at the waterfalls, take a refreshing hike through the national park towards the waterfalls, passing by the Asian bear rescue center. This is a great place to cool off, you will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Afterward, we will be escorted safely back to our hotel stay.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 8: Luang Prabang City Tour - Flight to Hanoi (B)
This morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and check-out then we will visit the Morning Market, where you will see diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Then, transfer to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
Continue to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, built in the 20th century, displaying a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating back from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Next, we will venture out and climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful over view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Mai, the largest and most richly-decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. After the tour, we proceed to the Airport in good time for farewell and your flight to Hanoi.
On arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local guide and driver then transfer to our city hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the day, time will be on your own! If you like shopping, the Silk Street in the Old Quarter is a good place for art galleries, embroidery, lacquer ware, silver articles, and jewelry; Hang Than Street where you will find delicious local snacks: Flan cake, Coconut Jelly or Mixed fresh fruit served with crushed ice and condensed milk.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 9: Classic Hanoi Heritage City Tour (B, L)
Today, at 9AM, your personal guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel stay. Our first stop will be a coffee shop on the famous Train Street of Hanoi. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. Recharge your energy for the day ahead, try out the city’s most famous drinks such as coffee with condensed milk (Bac Xiu) or egg coffee.
After spending approx. 1 hour here, we then move to the as the first attraction. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which houses his everlasting corpse so that people can come to pay gratitude. Visit his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh's final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period when Buddhism was most magnetically prosperous.
We will then make stop to sit down and enjoy a nice local lunch. After lunch time, we will visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hoa Lo is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and was where former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years. Then, go on a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter", you will be driven through the busy streets, passing by notable locations of the city such as the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake and Sunbeam Bridge (The Huc) to Jade Mountain Temple (Ngoc Son Temple). We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets Show, a traditional art form of Vietnam with Hanoi heritage.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 10: Halong Bay Wonders with La Regina Day Cruise (B, L)
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then be picked up by the cruise’s representative at around 7-7.30AM. Our schedule for the day will go as follows:
Morning
10:00 – 10:15 You have arrived at La Regina Waiting Lounge - Lot 24 Tuan Chau Pier. Our staff will guide you to board the cruise. You will be warmly welcomed by our team and offered a welcome drink while the manager introduces the cruise, safety instructions, and itinerary.
10:15 The cruise is setting sail, and you will have the opportunity to admire and explore the magnificent beauty of the thousands of limestone karsts as we navigate through Halong Bay.
11:45 - 12:30 You will visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most stunning caves in Halong Bay. Here, you will be amazed by the breathtaking scenery and the intricate formations of the sparkling and enchanting stalactites and stalagmites.
Afternoon
12:40 Indulge your taste buds with a premium culinary experience that combines the essence of European and Asian cuisine, meticulously prepared by our talented chefs, while the cruise sails through famous landmarks such as Ho Dong Tien Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Trong Cave. Take some time to relax and unwind before continuing your journey.
14:00 The next stop is the Luon Cave area. Here, you can engage in one of two exciting activities: kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride. Explore the captivating surroundings and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
15:30 Visit Titop Island, a stunning island with picturesque natural scenery and a beautiful beach that resembles a crescent moon. Here, you can freely immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water or trek up to the summit of Titop Island, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bay with a 360-degree perspective.
16:30 Guests can enjoy afternoon tea on the sundeck while admiring the most beautiful spots of Halong Bay during the return journey of the cruise. These include Heaven's Gate, Dog Stone Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet.
17:30 The cruise ship docks at the port, marking the end of our journey exploring Halong Bay. The cruise’s shuttle bus services will take you back to you hotel stay in Old Quarter.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 11: Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Overnight in Hoi An (B)
Enjoy the day free at your own leisure then at your check-out time, your driver and guide will arrive to escort you to the Airport in good time for your flight to Danang today. On arrival in Danang Airport, greet our local guide and driver and we will transfer to your city hotel in Hoi An (approx. 1-1.5 hours driving) for check-in and relaxation.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal: Breakfast.
Day 12: Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Hoi An Ancient Town Discovery (B, D)
This morning, time will be free for you do as you wish: strolling to town, lazing by the pool or go shopping. If you are looking to buy customized silk clothing, there is no better place than Hoi An.
At Mulberry Collection Silk Village, you can also sign up with the receptionist and join a 45-minute tour around their Silk Village complex where you will find sophisticated silk textiles and products for sales and learn the Silkworm Life Cycle. Along this educational tour, find yourself immerse in the local ancient techniques of silk-making, all from the stage of nourishing the silkworms, then spinning and making silk cocoons to the last stage of drying the silk. Tour is scheduled daily at 9 AM and 3 PM, Free-of-charge for clients staying at Mulberry Silk Village.
At 13PM, we will be picked up by our guide and driver for an excursion to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Here, we will explore the 7-hectare Bay Mau palm forest by going on a coracle called “Thung Chai” (traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boat) rowed by professional locals. Along the ride, immerse yourself in the lush and tranquil scenery of the coconut forest while hearing stories about how this place was used as a revolutionary base for North Vietnamese soldiers during the war leading to 1975 Vietnam Reunification.
You will also get to learn from local residents the traditional fishing techniques and how to row the basket boats, watch a one-of-a-kind boat show – the round “basket boat dance” performed by fishermen who have special skills to control and sway the boats. Afterward, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky's old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, and the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance.
This afternoon, walk through the night market here where you can shop for cheap souvenirs, customized clothing, silk and lanterns. Afterwards, we will be taken to a nice local restaurant in the Old Town to enjoy dinner in the peaceful ambience. We will also take rowing boats along the Thu Bon River to release paper lanterns onto the water to make wishes as local still do today. Enjoy the sight of hundred lanterns with different shapes, sizes and colors lighting the old town up at night. Afterwards, you will be escorted safely back to your hotel stay.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 13: Transfer to Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
This morning, time will be free for you to spend at your own leisure. After check-out, we will be escorted to Danang International Airport in good time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City today.
Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat, meet your local guide then transfer to your city hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the day is for you to spend at your own leisure. Explore the bustling nightlife of the city that never sleeps of Vietnam, you can enjoy the night market with food stalls opening till as late as 3AM. Discover why this was deemed the national busiest city!
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 14: Deep into the Mekong Delta Vietnam Tour – Red Kingdom (B, L)
This morning, be warmly greeted by your driver and guide at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City then we will go on a drive to Vinh Long province. We will transfer to the new Vinhlong boat station and proceed to board our boat for a cruise downstream the Mekong River. Along the way, gets to see many floating cages for farming fish. Then, make stop for a quick visit to the local Vinh Long market. Stroll through the busy market and take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables... After, we will visit the brick kilns where you can observe locals making beautiful potteries from clay.
Our journey will take us to the local workshops to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets by a cup of hot tea then walk to visit the orchard and traditional house of a local host family. A warm local lunch and fresh local fruits will be served by the friendly hosts at their traditional house.
Lunch can also be served onboard our boat (additional US $9/person) when we cruising towards the famous Red Kingdom of the Vietnam Mekong Delta. Here, you can see hundreds brick kilns on both sides of Thay Cai, My An and Hoa Tinh canals. We will walk or bike on the peaceful village paths to see how the locals produce bricks, floor tiles, wave bamboo trays, bamboo baskets… Then, we continue to travel on Long Ho canal and the cruise will go back to Vinh Long city where we disembark. After the tour, our guide will escort you safely back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Flight to Siem Reap - Evening Khmer Dance Show (B, D)
This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at 10.30 AM and escort you to the airport in good time for your flight to Siem Reap today. On arrival in Siem Reap, greet your local-stationed guide and driver then we will be transferred to our city hotel for check-in and relaxation.
(Note: Hotel’s check-in time is 14.00, early check-in incurs surcharge and is based on hotel’s vacancy)
Later this evening, we will sit down to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant all the while enjoying the traditional Khmer Dance show.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 16: Full-day Angkor Wat Exploration (B, L)
Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then we will venture out to explore Angkor Wat. Visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12th century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces in stone of Avalokiteshvara. Afterwards, we proceed our sightseeing tour to the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Afterwards, we visit the Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples – adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft's Tomb Raider was filmed. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.
Visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat – the world’s largest unrivaled monument which was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 17: Banteay Srei Tours - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Trip (B)
This morning, we venture out at 8.30AM to visit the intricately carved, beautiful red-pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei – meaning the “Citadel of women warriors”, built in the 10th century and is considered to be a Jewel of the Khmer art culture which features unique decorations and its finest details. We return for a short visit to the palm sugar village, and other various palm handicrafts and discover the serenity of the Banteay Samre Temple.
This afternoon, we will enjoy a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Phluk Village. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a fishermen's "floating village" with floating schools, floating police station, etc. It is same as a big village floating on the lake, and the "village" move from place-to-place following water levels and current.
Overnight in Siem Reap. Meal: Breakfast.
Day 18: Siem Reap Departure (B)
Today, check-out early then our driver (no guide will arrive to pick you up and escort you to the Airport in good time for your departure flight back home.
Have a safe flight!
Meal: Breakfast.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- 17-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detail itinerary
- Transfers for touring and airport pick-up/drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle (minivan) with experienced driver
- Meals as specified in the itinerary with Vegan/Western/Indian food available on request. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees & permits (if have)
- Day cruise excursion and kayaking in Halong Bay
- Boat/sampan excursions as per mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
Exclusions
- Surcharge for early check-in or late check-out unless stated
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes
- Visa Arrangement (kindly advise nationality if need assistance)
- Travel insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Personal and other expenses such as porter, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary
