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FootlooseBhutan.com |
Bhutan Myths * Tour Options * Festival Dates * Travel Info
15-DAY GRAND INDOCHINA TOUR
TOUR CODE : GIN & GIP
DEPARTURE : Every Saturday for seat-in-coach tour with minimum 2 persons
Daily for private tour with English, German or French speaking guide
MEAL BASIS : As specified in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
ITINERARY:
Saturday
Day 01 Q LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (-/L/-)
13.20 Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport by PG 632, transfer and check-in at hotel.
The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao cultures with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankalese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous for the five – tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard of Luang Prabang style. Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding overview of the city. Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai, located along the Mekong River.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Sunday
Day 02 LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The main sanctuary represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal funeral chapel. Inside are an impressive 12 meter high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each royal family member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Then board a traditional boat for a trip upstream the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha.
Picnic lunch at a bamboo cottage overlooking the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue by car to visit Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village where traditional Sa paper is also produced.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Day 03 LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to the Khuang Xi Waterfall, located 30 kms (approximately 1 hour drive) South of Luang Prabang. The waterfalls tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxation. Picnic lunch nearby the waterfalls.
Close to the waterfall is the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene. Take a walk through the village before continuing to Ban Xom, a lowland Lao village, known for its cotton production.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Tuesday
Day 04 LUANG PRABANG Q VIENTIANE (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Next, visit the Central Market where ethnic minorities come daily.
Transfer to the airport for flight Luang Prabang – Vientiane (flight time: 40 minutes).
Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport, transfer and check-in at hotel.
Vientiane’s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the center of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture.
Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. All other temples in the city have undergone extensive restoration. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. Special displays include antique brass drums and palm leaf manuscripts. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phraw Kaew. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang stupa. King Sethtathirat built this great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, in 1566. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Wednesday
Day 05 VIENTIANE Q HANOI (B/-/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the surroundings of Vientiane, including the Buddha Park and Friendship Bridge (if time permits). The Buddha Park is a religious sculpture park located by the Mekong River, 24 KM south of Vientiane. The Buddha Park captivates visitors with an unusual blend of Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Short stop to admire the impressive Friendship Bridge, which links Laos and Thailand. Return to hotel.
(Lunch – own account)
In the afternoon, visit the Morning Market.
Transfer to the airport
17.40 Depart Vientiane by VN 840 for Hanoi
18.40 Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport, transfer to hotel for check in.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Thursday
Day 06 HANOI – HALONG (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
In Hanoi we experience the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam’s capital. We visit Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda & the Temple of Literature.
Check out of the hotel and enjoy a cyclo ride through the old quarter past the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple to a local restaurant for lunch before the drive to Halong Bay via the Ethnology Museum.
Halong Bay (165 km east of Hanoi) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea“ as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Halong Bay has more than 1,500 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Friday
Day 07 HALONG – HANOI (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy a relaxing 5 hour boat trip through Halong Bay with a fresh Seafood lunch prepared and served on board (please let us know if you do not eat seafood). Cruise around the islands, relaxing and swimming before returning to Hanoi.
In the evening we attend a performance of water puppetry, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century and have some free time to explore Hanoi.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Saturday
Day 08 HANOI Q DANANG – HOI AN (B/-/D)
Breakfast at hotel
At leisure until transfer to airport for flight to Danang in the early afternoon.
(Lunch – own account)
From the port town of Danang we drive the short distance south past famous China Beach onto the enchanting town of Hoi An. Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. We take a walking tour to discover Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ancient town, visiting 300 year old Tan Ky and Phuc Kien houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An market.
We soak up the atmosphere of these narrow streets, lane ways and friendly atmosphere before dinner in a local restaurant to sample some of Hoi An’s culinary delights.
Accommodation
Sunday
Day 09 HOI AN – DANANG – HUE (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Free morning at leisure until boat ride to local restaurant for an early lunch before the departure from Hoi An, via the Marble Mountains, over the most spectacular Hai Van Pass and onto Vietnam’s former imperial capital and charming town set on the banks of the Perfume River.
We visit the local Dong Ba market in Hue, where the famous conical hats are made before an evening of leisure in this quiet town.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Monday
Day 10 HUE Q HO CHI MINH (B/-/D)
Breakfast at hotel
A morning of culture takes us by dragon boat to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
(Lunch – own account)
In the afternoon fly to Ho Chi Minh. After check in at your hotel, enjoy Ho Chi Minh (still called Saigon by residents) by night beginning with a pre dinner sunset drink at one of the roof top bars and a walk down the famous Dong Khoi street (formerly Rue Catinat) to a local restaurant for dinner
Accommodation
Day 11 HO CHI MINH – CU CHI – HO CHI MINH (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
In the morning drive to Cu Chi district (150 km from HCMC) to visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels at Cu Chi. There are more than 200 km of underground tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels before returning to Saigon for Lunch.
Afternoon orientation by foot from the Saigon River past the Opera House, Town Hall & Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit Reunification Palace (museum) and the famous Ben Thanh Market.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Wednesday
Day 12 HO CHI MINH Q PHNOM PENH (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport
11.55 Depart Ho Chi Minh by VN 817 for Phnom Penh
12.45 Meet upon arrival at Phnom Penh International airport and transfer to hotel (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon)
Lunch at hotel
Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Thursday
Day 13 PHNOM PENH Q SIEM REAP (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer from hotel to Phnom Penh International airport
Departure to Siem Reap by Siem Reap Airways International or similar airline
Upon arrival at Siem Reap International airport, meet and transfer to the hotel (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon)
In the morning 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 of Avolokitesvara, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King
Lunch at hotel
In the afternoon visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. 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 Cambodia flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond. Enjoy the sunset on Angkor Wat
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Friday
Day 14 SIEM REAP (B/L/-)
For early birds: Sunrise from Phnom Bakheng, one of the two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and the surrounding plain. Return to the hotel
Breakfast at hotel
Morning, visit Victory Gate, the twin temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda twin temples, Takeo and Ta Prohm. The latter is one of the most beautiful temples in the area. It has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it has been left to be swallowed by the jungles, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorer first stumbled upon them. Banteay Kdei, surrounded by 4 concentric walls, Srah Srang, "the pool of ablutions" which was doubtless used for ritual bathing and Kravan temples with unique brick sculptures
Lunch at hotel
Afternoon, visit the North Gate of Angkor Thom, Pre Rup, the "Mountain Temple", Mebon Oriental, guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation. Continue your tour at Ta Som, Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool and representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake, and Preah Khan temple, built by the King Jayavarman VII and, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. However, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation
(Dinner – own account)
Accommodation
Day 15 SIEM REAP Q DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Breakfast at hotel
09.40 Depart Siem Reap by PG 931 for next destination
** End of services **
The detailed program and schedule flights are subject to change without prior notice.
Departure date: Seat-in-coach (minimum 2 persons)
|
E, G/F |
Oct 29 - Nov 12, 2005 |
E |
Nov 05 - 19 |
E, G/F |
Nov 12 - 26 |
E |
Nov 19 - Dec 03 |
|
E, G/F |
Nov 26 - Dec 10 |
E |
Dec 03 - 17 |
E, G/F |
Dec 10 - 24 |
E |
Dec 17 - 31 |
|
E, G/F |
Dec 24 - Jan 07 |
E |
Dec 31 - Jan 14 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
E, G/F |
Jan 07 - 21, 2006 |
E |
Jan 14 - 28 |
E, G/F |
* Jan 21 - Feb 04 (No operation) |
E |
* Jan 28 - Feb 11 (No operation) |
|
E, G/F |
Feb 04 - 18 |
E |
Feb 11 - 25 |
E, G/F |
Feb 18 - Mar 04 |
E |
Feb 25 - Mar 11 |
|
E, G/F |
Mar 04 - 18 |
E |
Mar 11 - 25 |
E, G/F |
Mar 18 - Apr 01 |
E |
Mar 25 - Apr 08 |
|
E, G/F |
Apr 01 - 15 |
E |
Apr 08 - 22 |
E, G/F |
Apr 15 - 29 |
E |
Apr 22 - May 06 |
|
E, G/F |
Apr 29 - May 13 |
E |
May 06 - 20 |
E, G/F |
May 13 - 27 |
E |
May 20 - Jun 03 |
|
E, G/F |
May 27 - Jun 10 |
E |
Jun 03 - 17 |
E, G/F |
Jun 10 - 24 |
E |
Jun 17 - Jul 01 |
|
E, G/F |
Jun 24 - Jul 08 |
E |
Jul 01 - 15 |
E, G/F |
Jul 08 - 22 |
E |
Jul 15 - 29 |
|
E, G/F |
Jul 22 - Aug 05 |
E |
Jul 29 - Aug 12 |
E, G/F |
Aug 05 - 19 |
E |
Aug 12 - 26 |
|
E, G/F |
Aug 19 - Sep 02 |
E |
Aug 26 - Sep 09 |
E, G/F |
Sep 02 - 16 |
E |
Sep 09 - 23 |
|
E, G/F |
Sep 16 - 30 |
E |
Sep 23 - Oct 07 |
E, G/F |
Sep 30 - Oct 14 |
E |
Oct 07 - 21 |
|
E, G/F |
Oct 14 - 28 |
E |
Oct 21 - Nov 04 |
|
- |
|
- |
* Please note that NO operation for departure of Jan 21 - Feb 04 & Jan 28 - Feb 11, 06 due to
Lunar New Year.
E = Departure dates with English speaking guide
G = Departure dates with German speaking guide
F = Departure dates with French speaking guide
RATES ARE NET PER PERSON IN US$ (01/11/05 – 31/10/06); no dates for later dates published yet:
Subject to Room Surcharge during peak periods: Christmas, New Year, Easter.
Dinner Supplements upon request.
Visa information provided at the time of tour booking.
The tour price is based on the following hotels:-
City |
GIN-B |
GIN-A |
GIP-S |
GIP-F |
GIP-D |
|
Luang Prabang |
Phousi (standard) |
Villa Santi Resort (standard) |
Phousi (standard) |
Villa Santi Resort (standard) |
La Residence Phouvao (pansea) |
|
Vientiane |
Novotel Vientiane (standard) |
Lao Plaza (standard) |
Novotel Vientiane (standard) |
Lao Plaza (standard) |
Settha Palace (deluxe) |
|
Hanoi |
Sunny (superior) or similar |
Sunway (superior) or similar |
Galaxy Green Park Hoa Binh (superior) Golden Key (superior) Sunny |
Hanoi Horison Sunway Hanoi (lakewing) De Syloia (superior) |
Sofitel- Metropole Sheraton Daewoo Hilton Opera |
|
Halong |
Mithrin (superior) or similar |
Pearl (superior) or similar |
Halong 1 Halong Bay Saigon Halong (villa) Mithrin |
Heritage Halong Saigon Halong (building) Pearl |
Halong Plaza (superior) Dream Royal Park (new villa) |
|
Hoi An |
Ancient House (garden view) or similar
|
Hoi An Riverside (superior) or similar |
Hoi An (junior) Pacific Hoi An (superior) Dong An (ROH) Ancient House Vinh Hung Pho Hoi (new wing) |
Hoi An Beach (garden) Hoi An (senior deluxe) Hoi An Riverside (standard) Life Resort (SGV) Palm Garden- Beach (standard) |
Victoria Hoi An (superior) Life Resort (junior suite river- view)
|
|
Hue |
Asia (superior) or similar
|
Saigon Morin (superior) or similar |
Ngoc Huong Century- Riverside (garden) Festival Asia |
Central Huong- Giang (river view) Century River-side (river view) Lango Beach Resort |
Saigon Morin (superior) Abalone & Spa La Residence |
|
Ho Chi Minh |
Chancery (run of house) or similar |
Equatorial (run of house) or similar |
Chancery Saigon Continental Empress Metropole Saigon Que Huong 4 (liberty) Kim Do (royal) |
Majestic (superior) Novotel Garden- Plaza Omni Rex Grand (superior) Windsor Plaza |
Caravelle Sheraton Renaissance Legend Sofitel Plaza Saigon |
|
Phnom Penh |
Juliana (superior) |
Sunway (superior) |
Juliana (superior) |
Sunway (superior) |
Raffles Hotel Le Royal (state) |
|
Siem Reap |
Day Inn Angkor & Resort (deluxe) |
Angkor Century (superior) |
Day Inn Angkor & Resort (deluxe) |
Angkor Century (superior) |
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor (state) |
Included in the tour prices are:-
- Accommodation in shared twin - beded room
- Meals as specified in the program
- SIC: Tours & transfers with English (or as specified) speaking local guides
Private: Tours & transfers with English/German/French speaking local guide
- Inter-city ticket Vientiane/Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh/Phnom Penh
- Domestic ticket Luang Prabang/Vientiane, Hanoi/Danang & Hue/Ho Chi Minh & Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
- Domestic airport taxes in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
- Service charges, room tax and baggage handling
Not included in the tour prices are:-
- All services in Thailand
- Departure airport tax in Bangkok at BHT 500.- nett per person
- Departure airport tax in Vientiane at USD 10.- nett per person
- Departure airport tax in Ho Chi Minh at USD 12.- nett per person
- Departure airport tax in Siem Reap at USD 25.- nett per person
- Laotian visa stamped fee
In Bangkok = USD 20.- nett per person (2 photos are needed) or
Upon arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang = USD 30.- nett per person (2 photos are needed)
- Vietnamese visa arrangement
- Vietnamese visa stamped fee
In Bangkok = USD 60.- nett per person (2 photos are needed) or
Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi = USD 60.- nett per person (2 photos are needed)
- Cambodian visa stamped fee
In Bangkok = USD 25.- nett per person (1 photo is needed) or
Upon arrival at the airport in Phnom Penh = USD 20.- nett per person (1 photo is needed)
- Personal insurance
- Compulsory Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner at hotels
- Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs laundry and gratuity etc
- Other tours & meals than mentioned in the program
- The presently applicable airfare of Bangkok/Luang Prabang & Siem Reap/Bangkok is USD 311.- nett per person
(subject to change without prior notice).
