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Active Indochina Honeymoon Vacation: 4-Week Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Holiday

If you fancy a honeymoon where you can explore the best of three countries, with lots of memorable off-the-beaten-track adventures thrown in along the way – look no further. On this action-packed holiday to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, trek around jungle landscapes, cruise along the Mekong River, and visit Angkor Wat, remote hill tribes and riverside villages, followed by some well-deserved relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Ha Long Bay

HIGHLIGHTS

Various activities on sites

  • Cycling tour of Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh city
  • Cruise tour around Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Trekking the rugged mountains of Sapa in northern Vietnam
  • Countryside exploration of Hoi An and experiencing the life of local people
  • Boat trip along the Mekong River in Luang Prabang and southern Vietnam 

Unforgettable moments

  • Exploring the temple of Angkor Wat and learn about the turbulent history of Cambodia
  • Admiring the unfaded beauty of Luang Prabang with many small quiet charming streets
  • Strolling around the street of Hanoi whilst the sea of motorbike running around
  • Admiring the sunrise and sunset over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay
  • Cruising along the complicated canal system in the Mekong River Delta and admiring the local life

Nature exploration

  • The nature of Siem Reap and surrounding area, especially Tonle Sap Lake
  • The nature of Luang Prabang countryside whilst exploring Pak Ou cave & Kuang Si waterfall
  • The nature of northern Vietnam whilst exploring plenty of colorful hill-tribe villages
  • The nature of southern Vietnam whilst exploring the Mekong River Delta

Culture experience

  • The culture of Cambodia people in Siem Reap and Tonle Sap
  • The culture of Lao people in Luang Prabang and surrounding area
  • The busting culture of Vietnam in Hanoi and Saigon with the effect from western culture wave
  • The colorful culture of the hill-tribe groups living in northern Vietnam
  • The friendly feeling of local life in central Vietnam in Hoi An
     

Map

Detailed schedule

Day 1 - Welcome to Siem Reap

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, you are warmly welcomed by our friendly tour guide and then transfer to hotel for check in & refresh.

Siem Reap province is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the world famous temples of Angkor (the Angkor temple complex is north of the city). The proximity of the Angkorian ruins turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade. Siem Reap is a safe, friendly, and pleasant town.

Tonight enjoy our welcome dinner with Apsara Dance Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Notes

Check out the Siem Reap travel guide

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Day 2 - Siem Reap - Cycling the Angkor Wat Complex

Set out to explore Angkor complex via bicycle this morning, pedalling through dense jungles of the magnificent temples of Angkor.

Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple (the setting of one of the Tomb Raider films), built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries in dedication to Jayavarman VII’s mother. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle, trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.

From Ta Prohm, dive back into the jungle and pedal through hidden passages to the ruins of Ta Nei (Grandfather Nei) and Preah Khan (dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father) before heading to Angkor Thom. This was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. An eight meter high wall draws a perfect square around the city ruin. Enter through the ancient East Gate. On each side of the entrance path a row of fifty-four gods and demons hold the sacred Naga snake of Hindu lore.

From the walls of Angkor Thom, head inward for Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its fifty-four towers with enigmatic faces representing the fifty-four provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Southward now, through Angkor Thom to the famous Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century.  Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods.

Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people.

One of the first Western visitors to the temple was António da Madalena, a Portuguese monk who visited in 1586 and said that it “is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of.”

Tonight, enjoy an evening show and go see Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), which means “the brightness of art.” Phare is a cultural organisation in Cambodia, that offers young people a way out of poverty by training them to become professional artists and performers. Take part to this extraordinary human adventure and witness for one evening the astonishing skills of these young artists.  

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Notes

Transfer from Angkor Complex to hotel: 20 minutes; Difficulty: Easy

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Day 3 - Beng Mealea - Koh Ker - Sra Aem (Near Preah Vihear)

After an early breakfast, meet the guide and begin a lovely cycle to the famous Beng Mealea Temple.  It’s about a 55 km ride on the backroads to see the real Cambodia.  There is an option to be transferred by air-conditioned vehicle anytime.

After visiting the temple take a 45 minutes transfer by vehicle to Koh Ker, and see the fabulous ruins.

Under the reign of the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman II, Koh Ker was briefly the capital of the whole empire and more than ten thousand people lived here during that time (928 – 944 AD).  With over 70 temples as well as the highest pyramid style temple in Cambodia, the main Koh Ker temple is as stunning as the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. 

Enjoy trekking to various temples and learn about the history from the knowledgeable guide.  This amazing archaeological site in a remote area is on its way to being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afterwards, take a two hour transfer to the small town of Sra Aem and check into a great hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Sra Aem

Notes

Cycling to Beng Mealea: About 55km; Transfer to Koh Ker: About 45 min; Transfer to Sra Aem: About 2 hours; Difficulty: Medium

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Day 4 - Preah Vihear - 4WD & Cycling to Preah Rumkel

Today is a fantastic day!  After an early breakfast, meet the guide and take a 30-minute transfer to the base of Dangrek Mountain range.

At the base of the mountain, climb into a 4WD vehicle and then ascend the steep mountain to the top.  Take a couple of hours to explore this incredible temple complex.

Prasat Preah Vihear has the most spectacular setting of all the temples built during the six-centuries-long Khmer Empire during the reigns of the Khmer Kings Suryavarman I (1006–1050) and Suryavarman II (1113–1150) and was built to better worship the Hindu god Shiva. At the peak, be rewarded with fabulous views over Cambodia’s and Thailand’s fertile plains. The impressive ruins reach skyward to nearly 525 metres, perched on the edge of cliffs with amazing views over the seemingly endless Cambodian jungle to the south. The temple is not yet restored but has spectacular carvings and lintels which are almost as splendid as those at Banteay Srei.   The spectacular location paired with a unique temple design is the reason UNESCO listed Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site.

Upon descent, it is time for the next chapter of today’s adventure:  Hop onto a 4WD US Army-Style Jeep and drive 100km west ward along the Dangrek Mountain Range that separates Cambodia from Thailand.  Have the option to drive the 4WD or to let the jeep guide drive along a remote and untouched road. This will take about 2-3 hours before arriving at Kampong SreLao, a small community right on the Mekong River across from Laos.  Here, hop onto the mountain bikes (Trek X-caliber 7 series) for a 24 km ride. Traverse along the Mekong in this very beautiful area. Arrive at the Sokhapheamit Waterfalls to take a break and stand in awe of this spectacular series of rapids.

Afterwards, go on a nice 9km ride to the hotel by the river. Although attached with basic facilities, the new property is a comfortable stay.

Note: You have the option to stop cycling at any time and get into the air-conditioned vehicle.  Don’t worry.  You also have the option to skip cycling and go by US Army Jeep all the way to hotel.

Meet the kayaking guide in the late afternoon and take a 1km test paddle across the river to Laos, Don Khone Island (Please note: There are no need for a visa for this). 

Alternatively, ride across the river by motor boat. Enjoy a nice authentic Laos dinner and then kayak or boat back for the evening. Be accompanied by the kayaking and adventure guide for dinner for a full full briefing on what to expect tomorrow.

Get a good night’s rest for the next day of adventure!

Overnight in Preah Rumkel

Notes

Transfer to Preah Vihear: About 30 min; Drive to Preah Rumkel: About 3 hours; Cycling: About 30km but can transfer in van anytime; Difficulty: Medium

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Day 5 - Preah Rumkel - Kayaking the Mekong

This morning, it’s time to pair up and get outfitted for the kayaks.  Spend some time near the lodge to get use to the gear.

Start the paddle southwards towards Stung Treng, about 65 km downstream.  Pass lovely scenery and paddle through the forest submerged in water.  With some luck, spot an occasional Irrawaddy dolphin.  See the fishermen with their nets and paddle pass longtail boats with the locals smiling and waving hello.

Cruise past eddies and whirlpools with the gentle sounds of the paddles. Depending on the season, there may be strong or weak currents.

The paddle today is about 20-30 km.  When tired, be transferred by boat to the camping / homestay site at any time. The support boat will be nearby at all times and will be carrying the camping gear, bedding, food, water and other supplies.

Take pictures along the way and enjoy the day before arriving at today’s stopping point, an authentic Khmer Homestay at a locals house.  They will have electricity and a basic toilet and shower.

There is an option to sleep in a tent instead with comfortable bedding tonight just advise the guides on preferences.

Enjoy the night full of stars and the serene sounds of the Mekong River while tucking-in to a BBQ dinner by the campfire.

Overnight camping or homestay on the Mekong.

Notes
  • Kayaking: About 20-30km but can transfer in boat anytime; Difficulty: Medium / Hard
  • Depending on river conditions, water speed, and other circumstances on the ground, the route, time and travel distances may be modified. There may be a possibility to cancel or alter certain parts of the above such as being transfers by vehicles instead instead of cycling. As always, safety comes first and the experienced guide will have the authority to alter routes based on his assessment and the physical capabilities of all members of the group. Based on physique and strength, the guide may also assign the pairing of the kayakers.
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Day 6 - Back to Siem Reap

Wake up to a beautiful breakfast in the great outdoors and prepare to kayak again. 

Enjoy kayaking for another 20-30 km and pass by the remote lives of the fishermen and villages dotted along the river.  Sand islands, sunken forests, and raw nature continue.

Depending on the current and physical capabilities, either arrive in Stung Treng or be transferred by boat, then van (approx. 4 hours) on the side of the river back to Siem Reap and check back into the hotel.

Tonight, have a nice hot shower, relax and have dinner at or near the hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Notes

Kayaking: About 20-30 km but can transfer in boat anytime; Transfer about 4 hours by van; Difficulty: Medium / Hard

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Day 7 - Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake - Pakse

After breakfast, depart on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Tonlé Sap is South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it is swelling to about four times its size during the wet season.

Board a local boat and visit the village of Kampong Kleang, where only few tourists venture. Embark on a boat ride through the village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses among the petrified mangrove forests and waterways. Enjoy the fascinating scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

We then transfer back to Siem Reap to take the afternoon flight to Pakse, the biggest city of the southern Laos.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

Overnight in Pakse

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Day 8 - Pakse - Bolaven Plateau

After breakfast, we will drive to Tad Phaseum waterfalls, where we enjoy an easy trek to nearby villages of ethnic minorities villages like Laven, Alak, Taoy, and others.  

From there, we drive further to Tadlo Waterfalls, upon arrival, we will trekking to visit waterfall and other minority village near by Tadlo area of Ban Kiengtanglae and Ban Nanong. We then continue driving over the plateau to Paksong. 

Along the way we will stop Tha Teng Market, a colourfull ethnic minority food market. Next we explore a couple of fascinating minority villages of Ban Pong (An Alak village that boats a sacrificial altar) and Ban Kokphung (A Katu village where they keep coffins under their houses). 

From there, transfer directly through the plateau to your accommodation to spend the night.

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Day 9 - Bolaven Plateau - Jeep Tour

09:00AM, we will meet the Jeep tour specialist at Chai Coffee, and have some discussion with him there when enjoying a cup of coffee.

After that, we will hop on the Jeep and drive 30 minutes to Tad Moun waterfalls, where we can enjoy the fresh cool water, and visit the nearby vegetable farm.

11:00 Am, we continue driving to the Coffee Farm of Mr. Khamsone via the 10KM bumpy and muddy road, which will take you 01 hour with your special Jeep car.

Upon arrival, Mr khamsone, the Coffee farm’s owner will take 1 hour to demonstrate about coffee roasting step and finishing by a coffee cupping to Savor the different kind of coffee (Robusta, Arabica and Typica).  

We will have the picnic lunch on the farm at around 1:30PM before continue driving to Laven village to see their daily life and their paddy field.

From there, we will drive to Suay village, where we can find many traditional long house made by bamboo, which is shared by some generations of 01 family.

Finally, we will drive  back to your hotel. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Paksong

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Day 10 - Bolaven Plateau - Wat Phou - Champasak

After breakfast, we departure for Champasak. 

Along the way, we will have chance to enjoy the scenery around Tad Fan waterfall, which is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. 

We will also see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. 

Arriving in Champasak, visit Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer religious complex dating back to the 5th Century. 

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wat Phou is a spectacular pre-Angkorian temple that sits amidst the rice fields and waterways of southern Laos, which was built by the rulers of the Khmer empire before the construction of Angkor Wat. 

The temple served as the most important economic and political centre of the region and still is one of the Lao people’s most revered temples.

After your visit, we continue in to Champasak to see samples of French colonial architecture before transferring to your hotel in town to spend the night.

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Day 11 - Champasak - 4000 Islands

After breakfast, we take the boat to the other side of Mekong River at Ban Muang and transfer directly to Khong Island.

Here, we embark on a 1.5 hour long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name” Si Phan Done”. 

Upon arrival, explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with its locomotive. 

We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by tuktuk and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the "Corridor of the Devil" one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. 

If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. 

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration of the island. We recommend you take a bike for a ride around the island to see the local life and admire the sunset along the Mekong riverbank.

Overnight in Khone Island.

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Day 12 - 4000 Islands - Khone Phaphaeng - Done Daeng

After breakfast, return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng, which is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia

Khone Phapheng is an impressive spot near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. 

Afterwards we drive back to Champasak, where we will take the boat to the isolated island of Done Daeng.

Free for the rest of the day to relax. You can either enjoy the pool of the lodge or cycle into the nearby village to admire the local life.

Late afternoon, we will join a sunset cruise along the Mekong river admiring the last beauties of the day.

Then cruise back to La Folie Lodge.

Overnight at La Folie Lodge

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Day 13 - Done Daeng - Pakse // Luang Prabang

You are free to stroll around the island for your own exploration before transferring back to Pakse to take the flight to Luang Prabang, the ancient city of Lane Xang Kingdom.

Arriving in Luang Prabang, transfer to your hotel in town. Overnight in Luang Prabang

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Day 14 - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall

After breakfast, we visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts.  

Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. 

We then transfer to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. 

You have the rest of the afternoon to refresh at the waterfalls. If you wish, we also see up close Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre along the jungle walk to the waterfall.

Arriving back in town, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.

Transfer back to Luang Prabang, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. 

The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Notes

If you are fond of various ethnic cultures, you can visit Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday). 

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Day 15 - Luang Prabang - MandaLao Elephant Camp

After picking you up from town or your hotel we will leave Luang Prabang around 08:30 for the nearby village of Xieng Lom. Upon arrival you are invited to have coffee or tea as your guide for the day provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior and the ways we should interact with them.

A quick boat ride across the Nam Khan River will deliver you to the waiting elephants. You will be introduced to your new friends and feed them some special treats - a sure way to begin an instant friendship.

Enjoy observing elephants from the river bank as Mahouts wash them in the Nam Khan river. You can experience elephants washing, swimming and playing in the water. Please note this is voluntary activity for the elephants and Mandalao does not force them to get in the water. (On cold days the elephants are less likely to want to get wet.)

After 2 hours crossing through a beautiful stretch of traditional Lao gardens you will arrive at the jungle-covered Huay Nok stream. As you walk alongside the elephants and crisscross through the cool water you will experience a profound sense of understanding, respect, and caring for these amazing animals. As you prepare to start your walk back to MandaLao, you will bid farewell to your new friends with more treats and goodbye hugs.

When you get back to MandaLao, you will head to the restaurant and enjoy a delicious fresh Lao meal made from our own organically grown produce. There you can relax, kick-back, and process the day’s experiences on the veranda overlooking the river and misty mountains.

Following lunch, you will take the short ride back into Luang Prabang and have one more chance to ask your guides any lingering questions. You will arrive back by approximately 1:30.

Free for the rest of the day to relax and recharge to prepare for the next coming adventure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

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Day 16 - Luang Prabang - Kamu Lodge

Board on a traditional Long River boat at Kamu Lodge pier at 08:30am and take a leisurely cruise upstream while enjoying the refreshments served on the boat.
Marvel at the thousands of gold Buddha statues placed in sacred Pak Ou caves by devotees. Most people failed to marvel at Pak Ou towering limestone cliff.

Continue upriver and you would reach Kamu Lodge around noon. A Refreshing welcome drink is served. You can check into your super-size tents with attached modern bathroom amenities and facilities. You will enjoy lunch in an airy SALA settled in the middle of rice paddy fields.

After lunch, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy the traditional Kamu lifestyles and activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields, gold panning in the Mekong (anything you find is Yours!), traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!), visit of the Kamu village, archery contest.
Dinner is a feast by Kamu tribe standards. We want you to see the world from the Kamu's eyes.

After dinner, retire to your tent.

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Day 17 - Kamu Lodge - Luang Prabang

In the morning, you are free to stroll around the lodge or the nearby village. We will take the boat back to Luang Prabang after lunch.

We arrive in Luang Prabang at around 4PM, transfer to your hotel. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang

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Day 18 - Luang Prabang - Pha Tad Ke Garden - Hanoi

After breakfast, transfer to the meeting point in town and take the boat at Ban Wat That and journey across the Mekong River to reach the 40 hectares of Pha Tad Ke. 

The garden staff will welcome you to the garden and ensure that you have maps and the information you need to make the most of your visit. 

Simply follow the map provided to embark on a self-guided stroll around the unique collection of the flora of Laos. 

Look out for gingers, orchids, ferns, bamboos and palms clustered around the limestone cliffs. There are plenty of signs provided to explain the medicinal, handicraft and spiritual significance of the plants on show. 

For those wanting a more challenging trek, take the path to the Buddha Cave (1 hour round trip). In addition to the flora, the Garden contains a Permaculture Demonstration Farm and a Slow Food Garden.

There are free workshops available on tea-tasting (all day at the Cafe), bamboo handicraft (10-11am and 2-3pm), a conservation talk (10am) and an orchid talk (3pm). 

For a cultural and artistic focus visit the exhibitions at Project Space - Pha Tad Ke. Exhibits here combine contemporary art, museum-quality textiles, photography, tribal sculpture and crafts.

After wandering around the gardens relax at the quiet cafe overlooking the lotus pond. Enjoy sipping tea and savouring the Lao dishes as part of your set lunch. This is an opportunity to sample some of Chef Chan’s classic Farm to Table Lao cuisine including Pomelo salad and pumpkin curry.

At the end enjoy a leisurely cruise back to the peninsula with drop off at Ban Wat That. 

From there, free to stroll around for the last-minute shopping before taking the flight to Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam.

Overnight in Vietnam

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Day 19 - Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Pick up at your address in Hanoi at 8:30 by Van and drive to Halong.

Arrive at 12:00. At Halong port, our Crew welcomes you on Ha Long Cruise, enjoy welcome drink and check into your cabin. Lunch with seafood will be served right after.

At 13:00, boat starts 3.5 hours cruising into Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monster’s face) islet, But Moc islet, Cap De islet, Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu cave, to a Floating Fishing village to see this unique way of life and then explore Luon Cave (from 16:40 to 17:30).

There will be lots of time for swimming, sunbathing. Enjoy a great sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.

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Day 20 - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Lao Cai (O/N Train)

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes with a cup of tea, coffee, fresh fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.

The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

And then explore Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave (8:00 to 9:00), swim and relax at Titop Beach. At 9:24, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will served from 10:30 to 11:30, check out procedure at 11:35. Arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, and drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi around 16:00, relax then have dinner before escorted to Railway Station for night train to Lao Cai depart at 21:30.

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Day 21 - Lao Cai - Sapa - Cat Cat Village

Arrive in Lao Cai around 06:00, transfer to Sapa by car.

After breakfast at hotel, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a short trek to Cat Cat village that belongs to the H’mong ethnic people in the valley.

The village has remained generally free of outside influences and provides excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone mountains and lush paddy fields.

Enjoy visits to local families and observe some of their traditional customs then travel down into the valley to see the stunning white curtain of the Cat Cat waterfall surrounded by the flowery valley and deep green pine trees. The rocks near the river and waterfall are a popular place for taking picturesque photos and sunbathing during good weather.

Return to Sapa for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

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Day 22 - Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi (O/N Train)

Breakfast before private car transferred to Lao Chai village, a village of Black H’mong. Short trek down to river to visit hill tribe house to see their living style and the local woman made their handicraft clothes. Further on along the road, the Tavan village where Dzay people staying can be seen. Visit the village and reach their customs. Trek back to main road and the car take you back to Sapa, transferred to Lao Cai for night train back to Hanoi.

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Day 23 - Hanoi // Da Nang - Hoi An

Arriving in Hanoi early in the morning, we will have breakfast at the local restaurant with the famous bowl of Pho before transferring directly to the airport to take the flight to Da Nang.

Arriving in Da Nang, take another transfer to Hoi An. 

Free for the rest of the day to relax and recharge.

Overnight in Hoi An

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Day 24 - Hoi An - Exploration

In the morning, go on a walking tour in Hoi An, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretches of clean white sand. 

In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best tailors. 
Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. 

The walk will lead you around the center of the ancient town to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market.

In the afternoon, take a 15 minutes’ drive from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cua Dai Estuary. 

Upon arrival at Duy Hai Fishing Village, enjoy the bustling morning fish market and then visit a family-run fish sauce workshop under the guidance of the owner to learn about this essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. 

Get on a boat and go upstream the ‘Mother River’ from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. These villages are well-known for traditional weaving sedge mat. This land was created by three Alluvium Rivers such as Thu Bon, Truong Giang and Ly Ly which provides the perfect land to plant the materials for the sedge mat. 

Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse about agriculture river life.

Depending on the season (from Feb to Apr and from Jul to Sep), see golden paddy fields during harvest season or green groves of jute along the banks of the Thu Bon River. 

Upon arrival at Ban Thach Mat Village, where abundant sources of raw rush used to weave mats have allowed the villagers to develop their own handicraft and improve their lives for 400 years and start cycling to explore the beauty of a typical village in the Central of Vietnam. 

Learn the full process of sedge mat weaving from cutting sedge on the field to a finished mat following traditional method. See the way locals manage to keep their traditional occupation in a modern and constantly evolving time. Display personal creativity with unique patterns! 

End the trip sharing a simple yet friendly home-hosted brunch and return to Hoi An by bike across Cam Kim Bridge. 
Then cycle back to your hotel.  Overnight in Hoi An

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Day 25 - Hoi An - Da Nang // Saigon

Morning free at your relaxation and exploration of this charming town.

In the afternoon you will be transferred to airport for flight to Saigon, upon arrival in Saigon, you will be picked up to hotel for relax and overnight.

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Day 26 - Saigon - Evening Vespa Street & Eat

You are free in the morning to stroll around this bustling city for your own exploration.

Late afternoon, just before the dark fall, we will start a Saigon Vespa night tour.

We first enjoy drinks at a Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom, to watch “as the world goes by” (as said in the Lonely Planet guidebook). Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food. Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. We’ll also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music bar, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles.

Guests ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. This tour includes free flowing drinks and all you can eat, so come with an appetite!

We then transfer back to your hotel.

Notes
  • History Museum is closed on Mondays.
  • Routes can change subject to client’s interest
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Day 27 - Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho

Transfer to My Tho. Take the motorized boat through the Bao Dinh natural canal; view the stilhouse and the fruit plantation along the canal sides. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to the Tortoise Island.

Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. Enjoy the nice boat ride through the Tan Tach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruise under the shadow of the water coconut trees.

Visit the family business where you can experience the agricultural lifestyle. Trekking through the fruit plantation in Thoi Son island, enjoy the rowing boat ride on the creeks before returning to My Tho by rowing boat.

Proceed to Can Tho. Check in on arrival.

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Day 28 - Cai Rang Floating Market - Saigon

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang floating markets. There will be hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostling for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the water, we then visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits.

In the afternoon you are transferred back to Saigon. Free to relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon

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Day 29 - Saigon - Departure

Today is departure day. The private car and guide will be at disposal to enjoy some free time for last-minute purchases or simply relax before the transfer to Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat Airport for the onward flight.

Notes

We recommend spending some days to relax by the beach in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc

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