Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)
Proposed Hotel:
Standard Double/Twin-shared room at Viet Hotel or equivalent (Viet Hotel: http://www.viethotel.vn/index.php?mod=rooms)
Day 2: HANOI – HALONG OVERNIGHT ON BOAT (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we leave Hanoi for Halong Bay, a World Heritage with thousands of limestone and dolomite island and islets. It will take you roughly 3.5 hours to arrive Halong with stops en route for your refreshment. Upon arrival in Halong, check-in the Deluxe Junk where will spend your 2-day-1-night trip. Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood while the boat goes about unusual seascape with thousands picturesque rocks and islets, beaches and hollow islands.
Within your time on boat, you will enjoy the visit to karts grottoes, swimming, and other activities as well as the magnificent sunset on Halong Bay. Dinner and overnight on the boat.
Proposed Junk:
Twin-shared cabin on Bai Tho Junks or equivalent (Bai Tho Junks: http://baithojunks.com/vn/cruises/31/10-cabins.html)
Day 3: HALONG – HANOI (B/-/-)
The Vietnamese call the “South China Sea” by a point-oriented name “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. Our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscen like Sail island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Enjoy the brunch onboard before back to Halong Wharf. Your vehicle is waiting to bring you back to Hanoi for your leisure evening. Overnight in Hanoi.
Proposed Hotel:
Standard Double/Twin-shared room at Viet Hotel or equivalent (Viet Hotel: http://www.viethotel.vn/index.php?mod=rooms)
Day 4: HANOI – VIENTIANE VN841: 08.40-09.45 (B/-/-)
We leave Hanoi early today to catch the morning flight from Hanoi to Vientiane. VN841: 08.40-09.45.
Welcome by your new tour guide upon arrival Vientiane. Upon arrival meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After a short rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. Over night in Vientiane.
Proposed Hotel:
Standard Double/Twin-shared room at Lao Orchid hotel or equivalent (Lao Orchid hotel: http://www.lao-orchid.com/reserved.html)
Day 5: VIENTIANE – PAKSE – BOLOVEN Plateau - TADLO (B/-/-) (QV 512: 06.30-07.45)
We leave Vientiane early today to take the only daily flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you are met and drive ahead to Saravanh province via Tateng. The stumbling water and lush vegetation around Tad Fan waterfall of today's Atacular. We make a stop en route observing the traditional local making tea
and coffee, a cup its can be tasted prior exploring the local cultures and its way of life along the way to Boloven Plateau area, the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops are being seen along both side of our way. This is allowed time for visitors to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known areas of Laos pointing for full exploration of the wild beauty of this southern region, Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we visit villages of Alak, Nge, Katu, the ethnic group of minority. Overnight in Tadlo.
Proposed Hotel:
Blue Bungalow on Double/Twin-shared basis at Saise Tadlo resort or equivalent (No website available)
Day 6: TADLO – PAKSE – WAT PHOU – KHONG ISLAND (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we are heading out toward Khong Island with stop en route to visit Wat Phu. Cross the Mekong ferry to visit the pre-Angkorian, ruins of Wat Phu, one of Southeast Asia 's most dramatically situated temples. Explore these Khmer ruins, perched atop a nearby hill, which is one of Lao World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dated back to the 9-12th centuries. We continue our way by land to 4000 islands region and catch a ferry motor boat to Don Khong. Overnight in Don Khong.
Proposed Hotel:
3-star: Mekong View Double room at Pon Arena Hotel or equivalent (Pon Arena Hotel: http://www.ponarenahotel.com/pons/rooms.htm)
Day 7: KHONG ISLAND – KHONE ISLAND (B/-/-)After breakfast, we enjoy a visit of the surrounding countryside, and board on a long trail boat to Khone Island. Upon arrival check in at your hotel. After a short rest, we start to visit the remains of French period, enjoy a soft trekking to Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". Overnight in Khone island.
Proposed Hotel:
Mountain view Double/Twin-shared room at Pon Arena Hotel or equivalent (Pon Arena Hotel: http://www.ponarenahotel.com/pons/rooms.htm)
Day 8: KHONE ISLAND – VERNKHAM BORDER Laos/Cambodia – KRATIE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we return to the mainland by boat at Ban Nakasang, a fishery village and drive southward to the border gate between Laos and Cambodia with stop en route to visit Khone Phapheng, the biggest waterfall in the South East Asia. Arrive the border gate at around 10.00. Exit Laos and your new tour guide in Cambodia side is waiting to welcome you.
After finished the immigration procedures and entered Cambodia, you are welcome by your tour guide and driver. We will head to to Kratie. Arrived at Kratie, check-in hotel then we take boat ride on the river to observe dolphins.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Kratie – a small colonial city, located on a hill at the foot of the Mekong, and presents superb traditional Khmer houses. Overnight at Kratie
Proposed Hotel:
Double/Twin-shared room at UDOM SAMBATH Hotel or equivalent (No website available)
Day 9: KRATIE – KOMPONG CHAM – KOMPONG THOM (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we visit the morning market of Kratie before leaving to Kompong Cham. Visit Wat Nokor also called Nokor Bachey Pagoda, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite with a large reclining Buddha and numerous alcoves containing Buddha images. Then depart for Kampong Thom (138km from Kampong Cham). The journey will takes approximately three hours. Arrive Kampong Thom late afternoon. Check-in hotel and free at leisure for your own dinner. Overnight in Kampong Thom.
Proposed Hotel:
Standard Double/Twin-shared room at Kompong Thom Villa or equivalent (No website available)
Day 10: KOMPONG THOM – SIEM REAP (B/-/-)
Morning we head to the archeological sight of Sambor Prei Kuk, which is dotted with hundred Pre-Angkor styled temples. The site, part of the Chenla Kingdom, includes an area of nearly 1000 acres enclosed by double walls, and hundreds temples and towers; its construction predates Angkor Wat by several centuries. The road conditions are very poor, but the spectacular scenery, with a mixture of temples and forest makes the hardship all worthwhile. After seeing this landmark we make our way towards Siem Reap and pass through various Khmer traditional villages. On the way visit archeological “Naga Bridge” at Kompong Kdei. Arrive Siem Reap late afternoon. Check-in hotel and free for your own dinner. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Proposed Hotel:
Superior Double/Twin-shared room at Angkor Home Hotel or equivalent (Angkor Home Hotel: http://www.angkorhomehotel.com/accommodation.php)
Day 11: SIEM REAP EXPLORATION (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we start our full day exploring the Angkor Complex at
+ The Roluos Group, which is inclusive of Lolei, Preah Kô, Bakong – Located in the center of the first large scale Baray constructed by a Khmer King, that is an island temple consisting of four brick towers on a double late rite platform.
+ Banteay Srei: nearly everyone's favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving
+ Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.
Back to the town for your dinner and overnight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Proposed Hotel:
Superior Double/Twin-shared room at Angkor Home Hotel or equivalent (Angkor Home Hotel: http://www.angkorhomehotel.com/accommodation.php)
Day 12: SIEM REAP EXPLORATION (B/-/-)
Early morning we start witness sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listening singing birds over the ancient land of Angkor area. We walk to nearby Pagoda and offering food to monks. Spend your own time talk to the monk and nuns to exchange the culture or relieve. We return to hotel for breakfast. Rest of the day will be spent at:
+ The fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
+ Prasat Kravan – With its unique brick sculptures
+ Srah Srang – The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing
+ Banteay Kdei – Surrounded by four concentric walls
+ Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple
Later this afternoon, we enjoy a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise passing by floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals.
Back to the town for your dinner and overnight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Proposed Hotel:
Superior Double/Twin-shared room at Angkor Home Hotel or equivalent (Angkor Home Hotel: http://www.angkorhomehotel.com/accommodation.php)
Day 13: SIEM REAP EXPLORATION (B/-/-)
We start on our bike and cycle (45 minutes for cycling) to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist.
+ The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)
+ The South Gate, Bayon Temple- unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
+ Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru
+ The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas
+ The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King
+ The fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
This afternoon, we are going to visit the famous Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology, visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Back to the town late afternoon and enjoy foot massage for 1 hour. For your leisure activities in the evening, take a walk on the busy pub street of Siem Reap where you can find many bars for cool drinks or enjoy the fun of shopping at Angkor Night Market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Proposed Hotel:
Superior Double/Twin-shared room at Angkor Home Hotel or equivalent (Angkor Home Hotel: http://www.angkorhomehotel.com/accommodation.php)
Day 14: SIEM REAP – PHNOM PENH (B/-/-)
Morning take the speed boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (4.5-5hours).
Welcome upon arrival Phnom Penh and you will be transferred to hotel for checking-in. Afternoon, visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Continue to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Our next stop is the National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Proposed Hotel:
Standard Double/Twin-shared room at Lux Riverside Hotel or equivalent (Lux Riverside Hotel: http://www.luxriversidehotel.com/room.php?id=1)
Day 15: PHNOM PENH DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Free at leisure until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.
PACKAGE RATE (In USD/person)
USD 1,960 per person
USD 370 for Single Supplement (if anyone wish to stay alone).
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Twin shared/double room in proposed hotels or equivalent and daily breakfast
- All transfer and transportation by private A/C vehicle as per program.
- Private English speaking guides
- International air ticket Hanoi - Vientine with airport tax (Vietnam Airlines)
- Domestic air ticket in Laos: Vientiane - Pakse with airport tax (Lao Airlines)
- Ticket for speed boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
- Package 2-day trip in Halong Bay with full board (Join-in basis)
- Other boat trips in the program are on private basis.
- Bicycles for biking day in Siem Reap.
- One hour foot massage in Siem Reap.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Admissions to all sightseeing places as mentioned in the program.
- Mineral water and wet tissue during tour (One bottle of 500ml/person/day)
SERVICES not INCLUDED:
- International airfare & airport taxes
- An entry visa to Cambodia , Laos and Vietnam
- Any other meals apart from those mentioned in the services included.
- Drinks and personal expenses (Laundry, phone calls, tips for tour guide and driver, etc)
OTHERS:
Meals are quoted separately:
USD 09/lunch/person
USD 10/dinner/person
NOTICE:
The official check-in time at hotel is 14.00 and check-out time is 12.00. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to the availability of the hotel and there will be certain surcharges if early check-in or late check-out is definitely required.
