A unique journey across Indochina. We start this adventure in exciting Bangkok with two nights at a comfortable Middle Class hotel, and a day tour to the Buddhist statues and markets of the city. After flying into Sukhothai we see the 13th C. capital of Thailand and the magnificent ruins of Chiang Mai. In Laos we visit Luang Prabang, exploring the site by TukTuk, and the Pak Ou caves after a cruise on the Mekong River. On several occasions we visit Buddhist Monasteries where we offer alms to the resident monks. We then fly to Hanoi where we explore the Old Quarter, see the French colonial architecture and explore the Confucian Temple of Literature. On beautiful Halong Bay we board a comfortable sailing Junk for an overnight cruise amongst the 3000 islands. Flying south to Hue and Hoi An, both ancient cities where little has changed for several hundred years, we experience ancient citadels and local villages. Hanoi and Saigon are always surprising, bustling market streets, buzzing with small motorbikes, interesting reminders of the  war. They are cities rapidly adjusting to a prosperous future. Finally we enter Cambodia to see the incredible sites of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Little can prepare you for this incredible experience. We then return to Bangkok for our final night before returning home.

Includes: All airport-hotel transfers in Asia, 18 nights comfortable, Middle Class accommodation, meals as indicated, English speaking guide, touring by a/c coach and river/ocean cruising, entry fees to included sites.

Not included: international and domestic flights, airport taxes, visas, tipping, personal purchases and expenses.

ITINERARY
 

Day 1: Bangkok   [D]
Arrival at Bangkok and transfer to our city-centre hotel for 2 nights. This evening we walk to a local restaurant for a Welcome to Indochina dinner.  

Day 2: Bangkok   [B]
We start the day with a guided visit to Wat Pho to see the Buddhist monks at their morning chanting ritual and the famous Reclining Buddha, The Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most important landmarks, and the Emerald Buddha. During the afternoon we stroll through Chinatown, seeing the quaint tea and spice shops, the market streets and temples. Finally we board a Long Tail boat for an excursion on the Chao Phraya River and along some peaceful klongs (canals)

Day 3: Sukhothai   [B]
Transfer and flight to Sukhothai, an ancient walled city founded during the 13th C. Here we find over two-hundred ruins, many in a remarkable condition. We visit several Temples and the Ramkamhaeng Museum. As an option you may hire a bicycle to explore the site. Overnight.

Day 4: Chiang Mai   [B]
After breakfast we drive to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park located on the Yom River. After viewing the many sites within the park we drive to Chiang Mai via Lampang, and overnight at a local hotel.

Day 5: Chiang Mai   [B]
We enjoy a half-hour Trishaw ride in the town. At the local market we suggest you purchase a small parcel of food, sweets or flowers as an offering to the monks at Wat Ket Temple. This temple, rarely visited by tourists, offers a very authentic cultural experience. An afternoon drive takes us to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple, the best known site in Chiang Mai, where the sound of temple bells fills the air. Continue to the mountain-top Chang Khein Coffee Plantation and a traditional Hmong tribal village. Overnight.

Day 6: Luang Prabang   [B]
Leisure time amongst the people of the village until transfer and flight to Luang Prabang. Arrival transfer, leisure time and overnight.

Day 7: Luang Prabang   [BD]
We enter this ancient city by TukTuk as the streets are closed to large vehicles, and begin our guided tour at the former Royal Palace- now the national museum, and the Wat Mai temple. After a break for lunch we again enter Luang Prabang, this time on self-ride electric cycle, and visit the Ethnology Centre, an elephant sanctuary and the Phosy Market. A late afternoon Cooking School is included followed by dinner.

Day 8: Mekong River   [BLD]
Those who wish may visit a monastery during the early morning. After breakfast we board a traditional River Boat for a cruise on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of sacred, century-old Buddha images. Lunch on board and return cruising to Luang Prabang. Late afternoon attendance at a traditional Lao Baci celebration expressing good will to all, and an evening visit to a Hill-tribe local market.

Day 9: Hanoi   [B]
Leisure time until transfer and flight to Hanoi. En-route to the airport we visit a Lao textile workshop. We are met on arrival in Hanoi and transferred to our hotel for overnight.

Day 10: Halong Bay Cruise  [BLD]
Morning transfer to Halong and board our comfortable sailing junk (the M/S Emeraude or similar) for overnight cruising on beautiful Halong Bay.

Day 11: Hue   [B]
Morning cruising and a midday return to Hanoi. On arrival we take a short city tour, seeing examples of French colonial architecture, the ancient Temple of Literature and then board a cyclo-ped for a ride through the Old Quarter. Late afternoon flight to Hue and arrival transfer to our hotel.

Day 12: Hue   [B]
A morning tour of Hue, capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, includes a cruise on the Perfume River and a cyclo-ped ride through the ancient citadel. In the afternoon we see the mausoleum of former emperor, Tu Duc, and a small Sinh village famous for wood-block printing.

Day 13: Hoi An   [B]
Depart after breakfast and drive through scenic rural landscapes, past small fishing villages and across the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. We visit the Cham Museum before driving along China Beach to Hoi An, a trading port dating from the 17thC. An afternoon stroll through UNESCO protected Hoi An follows after check-in at our hotel.

Day 14: Hoi An   [B]
The full day is at leisure in peaceful Hoi An. We encourage you to explore the narrow streets, the ancient houses, the small bars and restaurants.
Optional: Afternoon visit to Tra Que Village, a small farming village located on the edge of the lagoon, and participation in a Home Cooking Class, then enjoy dinner with the family.
 

Day 15: Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City   [B]
Morning transfers and flight to Saigon. On arrival we visit bustling Chinatown, the Thien Hau Temple, Binh Tay Market and some of the exquisite French colonial buildings. Remainder of the day at leisure in Saigon

Day 16: Siem Reap   [B]
The morning is at leisure. Afternoon transfer and flight to Siem Reap and check-in for 2 nights. Later we visit the incredible site of Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. We enter the city by the elaborately carved South Gate, continue to the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephant.

Day 17: Angkor Wat   [B]
On a morning tour we enter 12thC. Angor Wat by TukTuk, then stroll to see the ancient walls covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting the stories of Hindi mythology. The afternoon is at leisure to allow you time to explore either Angkor Wat or Siem Reap on your own, or to simply relax by the pool.

Day 18: Siem Reap   [B]
We explore the Temples along the Small Circuit during the morning, seeing the 12thC.Ta Prohm Temple, overgrown with jungle vegetation. Afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to Bangkok. Arrival transfer and overnight.

Day 19: Departure   [B]
After breakfast transfer to the airport for departing flight