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PROGRAMMES 2012 - 2013

PROGRAMMES INDEX

VIETNAM PROGRAMMES

VACLA-05 VIETNAM ESSENTIAL (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS) 4

VACLA-06 VIETNAM CLASSIC (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS) 5

VACLA-07 VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS) 6

VACLA-08 VIETNAM DISCOVERY (13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS) 7

NORTHERN MODULES

VANMD-01 HA LONG BAY DISCOVERY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 9

VANMD-03 HA LONG BAY & WATER PUPPETRY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 9

VANMD-04 SAPA WITH MINORITIES (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 9

VANMD-06 SAPA SAPA ROMANCE (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 10

VANMD-09 MAJESTIC HA LONG BAY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 11

EXCURSIONS FROM HANOI

VAEXN-01 DUONG LAM CYCLING (FD) 11

VAEXN-02 WATER PUPPETRY AND CYCLING (FD) 11

VAEXN-04 VIETNAM ANCIENT ARTS (HD) 11

VAEXN-05 NINH BINH RURAL LIFE (FD) 11

VAEXN-06 NINH BINH VILLAGE AND CAVE (FD) 12

VAEXN-07 DIDIER CORLOU AND VIETNAMESE COOKING (HD) 12

VAEXN-12 HANOI EARLY BIRD (2-3HRS EXCURSION) 12

VAEXN -13 THO HA VILLAGE (HD) 12

VAEXN-14 VIETNAM FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE (FD) 12

VAEXN-15 CRAFT VILLAGES ON BIKE (FD) 13

EXCURSIONS FROM SAPA

VAEXN-08 SIN CHAI VILLAGE DISCOVERY (Black Hmong; HD) 13

VAEXN-09 TREKKING GIANG TA CHAI VILLAGE (Red Zao; HD) 13

VAEXN-10 EXPLORE MA TRA (Black Hmong, HD) 13

VAEXN-11 HIKING Y LINH HO VILLAGE (HD) 13

CENTRAL MODULES

VACMD-03 CENTRALHIGHLANDS SPIRIT (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 13

VACMD-04 AUTHENTIC CENTRAL VIETNAM (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 14

VACMD-05 ANCIENT CENTRAL VIETNAM (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 15

VACMD-06 CENTRAL VIETNAM HERITAGE (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) 15

VACMD-07 HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHT (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 16

EXCURSIONS FROM HUE

VAEXC-01 CYCLING TO THANH TOAN BRIDGE (HD) 17

VAEXC-02 THA OM GARDEN AND HUE COOKING (HD) 17

VAEXC-03 CYCLING HUE (HD) 17

VAEXC-04 ARTS & CRUISE (HD) 17

VAEXC-05 ROMANTIC DINNER AT THA OM GARDEN. 17

EXCURSIONS FROM HOIAN

VAEXC-07 EXPLORING HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE (HD) 17

VAEXC-08 HOI AN SPECIALTIES (HD) 17

VAEXC- 09 CANDLELIGHT DINNER IN HOI AN. 18

VAEXC-10 MY SON MARVEL (HD) 18

VAEXC-11 TRA QUE VILLAGE (HD) 18

SOUTHERN MODULES

VASMD-01 CENTRAL HIGHLAND AND COASTLINES. 18

VASMD-02 MEKONG DELTA WITH FLOATING MARKETS (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 19

VASMD-05 MEKONG DELTA WITH CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 19

VASMD-06 MEKONG DELTA WITH BASSAC CRUISE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) 19

VASMD-07 MEKONG DELTA WITH SONG XANH SAMPAN (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 20

VASMD-08 MEKONG DELTA & PHU QUOC ISLAND (4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS) 20

VASMD-09 RADEAUX DU MEKONG (2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT) 20

VASMD-10 MEKONG UT TRINH HOME STAY (2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT) 21

VASMD-11 RADEAUX DU MEKONG-BIKE-CRUISE (3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS) 21

VASMD-12 MEKONG SECRET (4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS) 22

VASMD-13 BASSAC CRUISE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 22

VASMD-14 MEKONG NOSTALGIE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS) 23

VASMD-15 MEKONG LODGE & LE COCHINCHINE (3 DAYS/ 2NIGHTS) 23

EXCURSIONS FROM HO CHI MINH CITY

VAEXS-01 CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE (FD) 24

VAEXS-02 EXPLORING BEN TRE (FD) 24

VAEXS-03 THE ARTS OF MUSIC AND CALLIGRAPHY (HD) 24

VAEXS-04 CAI BE FLOATING MARKET (FD) 24

VAEXS-05 BEN TRE COCONUT KINGDOM (FD) 24

VAEXS-05 BEN TRE EXPERIENCE (FD) 24

VAEXS-07 BIKING CAI LAY (FD) 25

VAEXS-08 SAIGON EARLY BIRD (2-3HRS EXCURSION) 25

VAEXS-09 CHARITABLE MEALS (FD) 25

VAEXS-10 “LA” PAGODA ORPHANAGE CENTRE (FD) 25

SPECIAL INTERESTS

VASPE-01 HA GIANG DISCOVERY (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 26

VASPE-02 HA GIANG EXPLORER (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 27

VASPE-06 ECOTOUR AT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 28

VASPE-07 KY SON HOMESTAY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 28

VASPE-10 GLIMPSE OF MAI CHAU (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 29

VASPE-11 KY SON & NINH BINH EXPERIENCE (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 29

VASPE-12 CYCLING THROUGH THE MEKONG (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 30

VASPE-13 NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 30

CAMBODIA PROGRAMMES

VACAM-01 THE LEGENDARY ANGKOR WAT (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS) 31

VACAM-02 CAMBODIA THE KHMER LEGACY (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) 31

VACAM-03 CAMBODIA HERITAGE (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 32

VACAM-04 CAMBODIA ESSENTIAL (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS) 33

VACAM-05 CAMBODIA ADVENTURE (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS) 34

VACAM-08 CAMBODIA REVEALED (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS) 35

VACAM-09 CAMBODIA DISCOVERY (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) 37

VACAM-10 WILDLIFE OF CAMBODIA (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) 37

VACAM-11 KHMER HERITAGE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) 38

VACAM-12 ENCHANTING CAMBODIA (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS) 39

VACAM-13 TRIP TO BATTAMBANG (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 40

VACAM-14 CHAMBOK COMMUNITY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 40

VACAM-15 CAMBODIA COUNTRYSIDE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 40

VACAM-16 CAMBODIA NATURE & BEACH (4 DAYS /3 NIGHTS) 41

VACAM-17 IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN SEARCH (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT) 41

EXCURSIONS FROM SIEM REAP

VACEX-01 EXPLORE KOH KER AND BENG MEALEA TEMPLES (FD) 42

VACEX-03 EXPLORE BANTEAY CHHMAR (FD) 42

VACEX-04 EXPLORE KBAL SPEAN (HD) 42

VACEX-05 EXPLORE KULEN MOUNTAIN (FD) 42

VACEX-06 EXPLORE THE TONLE SAP LAKE (HD) 42

VACEX-10 DISCOVER INSTITUTE FOR KHMER TRADITIONAL TEXTILES (FD) 43

VACEX-11 BENG MEALEA TEMPLE (HD) 43

VACEX-12 SIEM REAP - SAMBO PREIKUK. 43

EXCURSIONS FROM PHNOM PENH

VACEX-08 SUNSET ON THE MEKONG RIVER (1 HR) 43

VACEX-09 CRUISING TO KOH DACH ISLAND (FD) 43

VACEX-13 OUDONG MOUNTAIN - BASET MOUNTAIN AND SILVER CRAFTS (FD) 43

VACEX-14 TONLE BATI - PRASAT NEANG KHMAU - CHISO TEMPLE (FD) 43

VACEX-15 PHNOM PENH - PURSAT - KAMPONG CHHNANG PROVINCE - PHNOM PENH (FD) 44

LAOS PROGRAMMES

VALAO-01 LAOS CLASSIC (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) 44

VALAO-02 PEACEFUL LUANG PRABANG (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS) 45

VALAO-03 CHARMING LUANG PRABANG - THE HERITAGE TOWN (4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS) 45

VALAO-07 MYSTERIES OF LAOS (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) 46

VALAO-04 LUANG SAY CRUISE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS) 47

VALAO-04 WAT PHU CRUISE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS) 47

VALAO-08 SOUTHERN LAOS UNVEILED (4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS) 48

VALAO-09 SOUTHERN LAOS DONE DAENG (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) 48

EXCURSIONS FROM LUANG PRABANG

VAEXL-01 LUANG PRABANG SCHOOL AND CAVE (FD) 49

VAEXL-02 LAO TRADITIONAL STENCIL CLASS (1 – 2H EXCURSION) 49

VAEXL-03 PUPPET CEREMONY AT WAT XIENGTHONG (1HR EXCURSION) 49

VAEXL-04 GECKO CLIFF TREKKING (FD) 49

EXCURSIONS FROM VIENTIANE

VAEXL-05 ORCHID & WATERFALL (FD) 50

INDOCHINA PROGRAMMES

VAIND-01 INDOCHINA GRAND TOUR (16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS) 50

VAIND-02 INDOCHINA EXPLORER (14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS) 52

VAIND-03 SOUTHERN INDOCHINA DISCOVERY (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS) 54

VAIND-04 VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA HIGHLIGHTS (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS) 55

MYANMAR PROGRAMMES

VAMYN-01 MYANMAR CLASSIC (10 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS) 57

VAMYN-02 MYANMAR HIGHLIGHTS (6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS) 58

VAMYN-03 THE SHAN EXPERIENCE (7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS) 59

VAMYN-04 MYANMAR ESSENTIAL (9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS) 60

YANGON MODULES

VAMYN-05 GLIMPSE OF YANGON (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS) 61

VAMYN-06 YANGON AND THE GOLDEN ROCK (2 DAYS/1 NIGHT) 61

PROGRAMMES 2012 – 2013

VIETNAMPROGRAMMES

CLASSICTOURS

VACLA-05VIETNAMESSENTIAL (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS)

Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive in Hanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years.

Overnight inHanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi – Sightseeing

Take a full day to exploreHanoi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the firstuniversityofVietnam, theTempleofLiterature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit theHoanKiemLakeand theNgocSonTemple. A one-hour cyclo tour ofHanoi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancientHanoiand learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture. The tour includes a stop at an ancient Vietnamese "long house."

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hanoi – Hue – Sightseeing

Fly toHue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, take an excursion to the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba Market. The spectacular Citadel (which was built in accordance to strict principles of geomancy) houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. In the afternoon, visit the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Enjoy a peaceful tour on thePerfumeRiverand relax on a sunset cruise back toHue.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast or Brunch]

Day 4 Hue – Hoi An

Drive along the coast and via mountain passes to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic village of Lang Co. Upon arrival in Hoi An, pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learn how to make one yourself before setting out on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-oldJapaneseCovered Bridgeand the vibrant riverside market. Take a peaceful boat trip on theThuBonRiverto Thanh Ha pottery village and afterwards enjoy free time to further explore the old town.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City

Depart forDa Nangto catch your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing

In the morning you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return toHo Chi Minh Cityin the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer toTanSonNhatAirportfor your departure.

[Breakfast]

VACLA-06VIETNAMCLASSIC (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hue – Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive inHanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years.

Overnight inHanoi

Day 2 Hanoi – Sightseeing

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Drive through green rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. You will board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (if weather permits) before visiting a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Overnight on a junk. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 4 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi – Hue

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Transfer toNoiBaiAirportfor your flight toHue. On arrival, transfer to hotel.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast or brunch]

Day 5 Hue – Sightseeing

Take a morning boat cruise on the peacefulPerfumeRiverto visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and then take a car to the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The spectacular Citadel (which was built in accordance to strict principles of geomancy) houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Drive along the coast and via mountain passes to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic villageof Lang Co Beach. Visit the ChamMuseumin Da Nangwhich houses the world’s finest collection of Cham artworks before proceeding to Hoi An. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the town.
Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Hoi An – Sightseeing

Pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learn how to make one yourself before setting out on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-oldJapaneseCovered Bridgeand the vibrant riverside market. Take a peaceful boat trip on theThuBonRiverto Thanh Ha pottery village and afterwards enjoy free time to further explore the old town.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City

Depart forDa Nangto catch your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Boat Cruise

Depart for theMekongDelta. Upon arrival in My Tho, enjoy a boat cruise along the river and take a short walk to a handicraft workshop where products are made from coconut trees. Experience an exciting horse-drawn cart ride to visit a local house where you will enjoy tea and taste home grown fruits. Board a sampan and drift along the narrow, tree-lined canals for further exploration of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, visit a family-run business making coconut candy before returning to My Tho. On the return trip toHo Chi Minh City, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda if time permits. Return toHo Chi Minh Cityby the late afternoon.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer toTanSonNhatAirportfor your departure.

[Breakfast]

VACLA-07VIETNAMHIGHLIGHTS (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Hoian - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive inHanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years.

Overnight inHanoi

Day 2 Hanoi – Sightseeing

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hanoi – Dong Tam – But cave complex – Ninh Binh

LeaveHanoifor Ninh Binh. Start your exploration with a leisurely bike ride (~5km) through paddy fields to visitDongTamVillage. You may interact as well as take part in lunch preparation with the locals. Enjoy your lunch with a family. After lunch take a sampan ride through the But cave complex (2.5-hr cruise). Explore the dry caves as well as the water caves. End the trip at Thung Nham dock. Drive to your hotel inNinhBinhTown.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4 Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay

Overnight on a junk. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 5 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Transfer toNoiBaiAirportfor your evening flight toDa Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Hoi An – Sightseeing

Set off on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-oldJapaneseCovered Bridgeand the vibrant riverside market. In the afternoon, visit one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learn how to make one yourself. End the day by taking a sunset boat trip on theThuBonRiverto Thanh Ha pottery village.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Hoi An – Hue – Sightseeing

Depart for the ancient capital ofHueon a coastal drive via theCloudyPassand the photogenic village of Lang Co. Upon arrival inHue, visit the Imperial Citadel (which was built in accordance with strict principles of geomancy) housing a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Hue – Ho Chi Minh City

Take delight in cruising upstream on the peacefulPerfumeRiver. Visit the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Transfer to the airport for your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat cruise to the Cai Be Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a village where you will see some family run businesses that produce rice cake and rice paper. After eating lunch at a local house, you will proceed to Binh Hoa Phuoc islet for a sampan ride before disembarking at Vinh Long for your drive onto Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 10 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City – Chinatown

Enjoy a boat cruise to the Cai Rang Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a historic house in Binh Thuy before returning toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, take a tour of Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either theThienHauTempleor the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer toTanSonNhatAirportfor your departure.

[Breakfast]

VACLA-08VIETNAMDISCOVERY (13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Hoian - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive inHanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years.

Overnight inHanoi

Day 2 Hanoi – Sightseeing

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Overnight on a junk. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 4 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Return toHanoiwith a stop en route at a ceramic factory.

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast or brunch]

Day 5 Hanoi – Hue – Sightseeing

Catch a flight to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Arrive in Hueand take an excursion to the Imperial Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The spectacular Citadel (which was built in accordance with strict principles of geomancy) houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges.
Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Hue – Danang – Hoi An

Take a morning boat cruise on the peacefulPerfumeRiverto visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and then take a car to the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Drive along the coast and via mountain passes to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic village of Lang Co. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the town.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Hoi An – Sightseeing

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang

Depart Hoi An forDa Nangto catch your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore this beach city.

Overnight in Nha Trang. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Nha Trang – Boat Cruise

Enjoy Nha Trang’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches with a morning boat cruise to offshore islands inNhaTrangBay. In the afternoon, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Dam Market, the Nha Trang Stone Cathedral or the Long Son Pagoda where the giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue sits on the top of the hill.

Overnight in Nha Trang. [Breakfast]

Day 10 Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the airport for your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Boat Cruise

Return toHo Chi Minh Cityby the late afternoon. Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Sightseeing

A sightseeing tour ofHo Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, includes a photo stop at theReunificationPalaceand visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and theThienHauTemple. Observe Cao Dai mass at noon. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer toTanSonNhatAirportfor your departure.

[Breakfast]

MODULES

NORTHERN MODULES

VANMD-01 HA LONG BAY DISCOVERY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Drive to HaLongBay. Board a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise among hundreds of islets ofHalLongBay, where you will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting). Afternoon visit a grotto before dropping anchor for the night on Ha Long bay.

OVERNIGHT ON JUNK. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Ha Long Bay - Boat Cruise - Hanoi

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before getting back to the wharf in the early afternoon. Return toHanoistopping en route at a ceramic factory. End of services. [Brunch]

VANMD-03 HA LONG BAY & WATER PUPPETRY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Traditional Water Puppet Show - Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Drive to HaLongBay. Board a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise among hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay, where you will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting). Afternoon visit a grotto before dropping anchor for the night on Ha Long bay.

OVERNIGHT ON JUNK. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Ha Long Bay - Boat Cruise - Water Puppet - Hanoi

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before getting back to the wharf. In the afternoon proceed through picturesque scenes of rice fieldsand rural life to a small village known as the birthplace of water puppetry in the Red River Delta. Witness the unique spectacle of an outdoor water puppet performance whilst sampling local delicacies and be presented with a wooden water puppet by local artisans. Drive back toHanoi. End of services. [Brunch]

VANMD-04 SAPA WITH MINORITIES (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

*Friday departure

Day 1 (Fri): Hanoi - Lao Cai by train

In the evening board the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN

Day 2 (Sat): Lao Cai - Can Cau market - Bac Ha

Morning drive to the mountain town ofBac Hato visit Can Cau Market, one of the most exotic tribal markets in northernVietnam. Can Cau attracts a large number of minorities including Flower H’mong, Tay, Nung, andThai.Proceed to Bac Ha town. In the afternoon take a walk (or car drive) to Thai Rang Pho to visit a school and H’Mong village. OVERNIGHT IN BAC HA. [Breakfast]

Day 3 (Sun): Bac Ha market - Sapa

Morning to explore the Sunday market of Bac Ha with its colorful array of ethnic minorities including Flower H’mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen before proceeding to Sapa. Afternoon is free to explore Sapa town.

OVERNIGHT IN SAPA. [Breakfast]

Day 4 (Mon): Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Ma Tra - Hanoi

Morning car drive to Y Linh Ho. Start trekking down the valley, enjoy view over beautiful terraced paddy fields in Muong Hoa valley, the largest one in the area. Trek of 3 hours along the Hoang Lien mountain range with photo-stop, encounter Hmong minorties en route. Trek up at Lao Chai junction to the main road to enjoy the panoramic view of Muong Hoa valley before returning to Sapa by car. Afternoon you will start a walk through the town ofSapaand along a dirt trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. You will then hike through the Black Hmong ethnic minorityvillageofMatra, a very small village hiding away from the civilisation. Continue hiking through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day you will also be able to visit a local school. From the school, you head to thechurchofTaphin, where your car will take you to Lao Cai train station for the return train journey toHanoi.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN. [Breakfast]

Day 5 (Tue): Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival, transfer to hotel inHanoi. End of services.

VANMD-06 SAPA ROMANCE (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Ethnic market - Sapa - Hanoi

Please note: This trip departs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Day 1 Hanoi - Lao Cai by train

In the evening board the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN

Day 2 Lao Cai - Ethnic Market - Sapa

Morning drive to the mountain town with its colorful array of ethnic minorities to visit ethnic market, one of the most exotic tribal markets in northernVietnamand attracts a large number of minorities. Afternoon is free to explore Sapa town.

OVERNIGHT IN SAPA. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Ma Tra - Hanoi

Morning car drive drive to Y Linh Ho. Start trekking down the valley, enjoy view over beautiful terraced paddy fields in Muong Hoa valley, the largest one in the area. Trek of 3 hours along the Hoang Lien mountain range with photo-stop, encounter Hmong minorties en route. Trek up at Lao Chai junction to the main road to enjoy the panoramic view of Muong Hoa valley before returning to Sapa by car. Afternoon you will start a walk through the town ofSapaand along a dirt trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. You will then hike through the Black Hmong ethnic minorityvillageofMatra, a very small village hiding away from the civilisation. Continue hiking through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day you will also be able to visit a local school. From the school, you head to thechurchofTaphin, where your car will take you to Lao Cai train station for the return train journey toHanoi.

OVERNIGHT ON TRAIN. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Hanoi

Upon arrival, transfer to hotel inHanoi. End of services.

VANMD-09 MAJESTIC HA LONG BAY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - But Thap - Dong Ho Village - Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi – But Thap – Dong Ho – Halong

In the morning, you will drive to Bac Ninh. En route visit the But Thap Pagoda before proceeding to the Dong Ho Village where artisans have been practicing the craft of woodblock painting since the 17th century. You will explore the art of Dong Ho paintings which rely on local materials such as traditional shell-coated “Gio” paper and natural pigments. These folklore paintings depict the wishes of laypeople, historical figures, allegories and daily life. Have picnic lunch at a local house or at local restaurant. In the afternoon, proceed to Ha Long for the night.

Overnight in Ha Long. [Lunch]

Day 2 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi

Take a delightful morning cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Visit a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites before enjoying a seafood lunch onboard before returning to the dock. Drive back toHanoiwith a stop en route at a ceramic factory.

[Breakfast, Lunch]

EXCURSIONS FROM HANOI

VAEXN-01 DUONG LAM CYCLING (FD)

Hanoi - Duong Lam Village - Thay Pagoda - Hanoi

This excursion will take you to the ancient and well-preservedvillageofDuong Lam.This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse in the calm and tranquil atmosphere of country life and meet the local people. You will exploreMongPhuVillagewith quaint houses before visiting the Phung Hung andNgoQuyenTemplesand enjoying lunch at a local house. In the afternoon, we will drive to visit the Thay Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. Return by car toHanoi. [Lunch]

VAEXN-02 WATER PUPPETRY AND CYCLING (FD)

Hanoi - Dong Ho - But Thap - Water Puppetry - Hanoi

Drive to Dong Ho Village in the morning where artisans have been practicing woodblock painting since the 17th century. Then explore the art of making Dong Ho paintings before cycling along the dike ofDuongRiverto But Thap Pagoda. Afterwards, continue riding to Dinh To Village to visit a traditional Vietnamese family. Have a picnic lunch at a historic house typical of Vietnamese architecture in the northern delta. Discover the daily life of a Vietnamese farming family and their ancestral worshiping practice. In the afternoon, proceed through picturesque scenes of rice fields and rural life to a small village known as the birthplace of water puppetry in the Red River Delta. Witness the unique performance of an outdoor water puppet performance before returning toHanoi.

[Lunch]

VAEXN-04VIETNAMANCIENT ARTS (HD)

Hanoi - Bat Trang - Dong Ho - Hanoi

In the morning, drive toBatTrangVillage, which is renowned for its ceramics. On arrival, take a stroll through narrow lanes of the ancient village to discover and witness the art of pottery and ceramics coming to life. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you will learn how to shape ceramic products before continuing your trip to Dong Ho Village to see the final products and practicing Dong Ho block printing. Return toHanoi.

VAEXN-05 NINH BINH RURAL LIFE (FD)

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Vuon Thi - Hanoi

Drive to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, you will take delight in a scenic bicycle ride around paddy fields, pagodas, small villages and markets. A visit toVuonThiVillagewill offer you a chance to interact with the local people by partaking in their daily activities. Discover the lifestyle, hospitality and friendliness of the Northern people when you prepare lunch with a local family. Later, work alongside the farmers in the field and learn how wet rice is cultivated. Sit back and take in the mesmerizing limestone cliffs while cruising on the Van Long reservoir. Drive back toHanoiin the late afternoon. [Lunch]

VAEXN-06NINHBINHVILLAGEAND CAVE (FD)

Hanoi - Dong Tam Village – But cave complex - Hanoi

Drive to Ninh Binh. Start your exploration with a leisurely bike ride through paddy fields to visitDongTamVillage. Interact with the friendly locals as well as take part in lunch preparation. Enjoy your lunch with a local family. After lunch, take a sampan ride through But cave complex (2.5-hour cruise). Explore the dry cave as wells as the water caves. End the trip at Thung Nham dock. Return toHanoiin late afternoon.

[Lunch]

VAEXN-07 DIDIER CORLOU AND VIETNAMESE COOKING (HD)

Hanoi

Corlou's school offers private cooking classes with the team of Chef Didier Corlou and his assistant.

In the morning, meet the chef who will conduct the market tour. At the market, you will experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the Hanoian market to understand more about the Vietnamese culture and people. Then, follow the chef to his school.

Cooking demonstration: Learn about various aspects of Vietnamese cuisine, and how to prepare some ofVietnam's most delicious dishes. Lunch will be served to sample the different dishes prepared during the demonstration. Enjoy the fruits of your efforts!

[Lunch]

VAEXN-12HANOIEARLY BIRD (2-3HRS EXCURSION)

Hanoi

Early morning drive toBa Dinh Squarewhere you will witness the Vietnamese Flag Raising Ceremony (summer, 6:00am; winter, 6:30am). After the ceremony, this is a favourite gathering place for daily morning exercises. Take part in the morning activities such as “Tai Chi” and badminton, or walk along and chat with the locals.

Enjoy moments of tranquility while taking in one of the most beautiful tree-lined avenues in the city and passing by many famous landmarks of Ha Noi. Take a walk and view the Red River from theLongBienBridge, a historical relic that miraculously survived the war. You will gain a good feel for the Hanoian way of life when weaving through many narrows streets of the Old Quarter. Get a glimpse into daily life, including shop openings, mobile flower and fruit vendors working, children going to school, locals having coffee and breakfast on sidewalks and people on their vehicles heading to work. Stop and enjoy a typical Hanoian breakfast if you wish. Drive back to the hotel after breakfast.

VAEXN -13 THO HA VILLAGE (HD)

Hanoi - Tho Ha - Hanoi

After an hour plus drive followed by a short ride on a small local ferry, you will discover the wonderful architecture of Tho Ha Village. This village’s primary source of commerce is in rice paper and noodle production. You will delight in interacting with the friendly local people and learning about rice paper production on the local family level. A mini traditional music performance by a war veteran is an added bonus to your visit. You may stroll around the village for additional exploration and local encounters. Drive back toHanoi.

Note: Optionally, you may arrange lunch at a local family’s home in Tho Ha for an additional fee.

VAEXN-14VIETNAMFRIENDSHIPVILLAGE(FD)

Hanoi

Your full day volunteer trip will begin with an introduction to theVietnamFriendshipVillage’s Management Board Representative. Then, you will take a tour of the village activities before participating in volunteer activities. Your lunch at the village gives you an opportunity to interact with children. You will be invited to play football with children after school if you wish. Return to your hotel.

[Lunch]

“You can make a difference.” - George Mizo, one of the founders of the Vietnam Friendship village.

The VietnamFriendshipVillagewas officially opened on March 18, 1998, with 6 veterans and 9 children. The Vietnam Friendship village has the duty to carry out the policy of closing the past, abandoning animosity, orienting to the future and the desire to cooperate for helping Agent Orange victims in Vietnam to reduce their pain. It gives treatment and rehabilitation for the Agent Orange/Dioxin affected veterans and their children who are facing many difficult conditions in their life. For the veterans’ children, the FriendshipVillageprovides them with special and integrating education, vocational training and creates favourable conditions for the children in order to reintegrate into their communities.

VAEXN-15 CRAFT VILLAGES ON BIKE (FD)

Hanoi - Dong Ho - But Thap - Bat Trang - Hanoi

Drive to Dong Ho Village in the morning where artisans have been practicing woodblock painting since the 17th century. Then explore the art of making Dong Ho paintings before cycling along the dike ofDuongRiverto But Thap Pagoda. Afterwards, continue riding to Dinh To Village to visit a traditional Vietnamese family. Have a picnic lunch at a historic house typical of Vietnamese architecture in the northern delta. Discover the daily life of a Vietnamese farming family and their ancestral worshiping practice. In the afternoon, we will drive toBatTrangVillage, which is renowned for its ceramics. On arrival, take a stroll through narrow lanes of the ancient village to discover and witness the art of pottery and ceramics coming to life. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you will learn how to shape ceramic products. Visit the local market that boasts a variety of ceramic products. Return toHanoi.

[Lunch]

EXCURSIONS FROM SAPA

VAEXN-08 SIN CHAI VILLAGE DISCOVERY (Black Hmong; HD)

Drive from Sapa toSinChaiVillageof the Black Hmong minority, which is situated right at the foot of Hoang Lien Mountain Range. You will be captivated by the magnificent landscape and spectacular view of theFansipanPeak. Take a walk around an ethnic minority village and interact with the local people. (Difficulty level: 2/5. Trek duration: 2 hours).

VAEXN-09 TREKKING GIANG TA CHAI VILLAGE (Red Zao; HD)

From Sapa, you will travel by car toGiangTaChaiVillageof the Red Dao minority. Stop en route for snapshots at theMuongHoaValley. Start your trek through a bamboo forest, which is part of theHoangLienNational Park. During the trip, you will pass by a waterfall where you may rest and enjoy the surroundings. Later, you will hike uphill to a road where a car has been arranged for your journey back to Sapa. (Difficulty level: 3/5. Trek duration: 3.5 hours).

VAEXN-10 EXPLORE MA TRA (Black Hmong, HD)

Take a stroll around the town ofSapaand along a dirt trail flanked by beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Then hike through the Black Hmong ethnic minorityvillageofMatra, a small and isolated community. Continue hiking through rice paddy fields and soak up the spectacular scenery. During the weekdays, opportunities are available to visit a local school. Proceed to thechurchofTaphinwhere your car will take you back to Sapa. (Difficulty level: 2/5. Trek duration: 3.0 hours).

VAEXN-11 HIKING Y LINH HO VILLAGE (HD)

Drive to Y Linh Ho where your scenic trek will lead you down to theMuongHoaValleyfestooned with lush terraced paddy fields from September to October. Enjoy a 3-hour trek along the Hoang Lien Mountain Range with several photo stops before heading to the Lao Chai Junction for a panoramic view of theMuongHoaValley. Return to Sapa by car. (Difficulty level: 3/5. Trek duration: 3.5 hours).

CENTRAL MODULES

VACMD-03 CENTRALHIGHLANDS SPIRIT (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Buon Ma Thuot - Kon Tum - Hoi An

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Buon Ma Thuot

Take a scenic drive to the Central Highlands town ofBuon Ma Thuotwith stops at rubber, tea and coffee plantations along the way. Stop and visit the famous Dray nur waterfall before checking in to your hotel in Buon Ma Thuot.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 2 Buon Ma Thuot – Lak Lake – Buon Ma Thuot

After breakfast, drive toLakLakethrough vast coffee plantations. Join in the activities of taking an elephant trek through Mnong hill tribe villages, enjoy a dugout canoe ride on the pristine Lak Lake and take in a traditional ‘gong’ show and dance performance of the Mnong tribes. Drive back to Buon Ma Thuot with an optional visit to theTrungNguyenCoffeeVillagefamed for its coffee culture and its agricultural andCentral Highlandpeople museum.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Buon Ma Thuot – Kon Tum

After breakfast, drive through the beautiful landscape to Kontum. Stop to explore the colourful culture of the J'rai people atPleiphunVillage. Enjoy a brief walk around the village to see the daily activities of the local people and visit a traditional house and an impressive graveyard with decorated statues. Check in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight in Kon Tum. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Kon Tum – Trekking – Konkotu

Take a short city tour to a seminary and a museum before travelling to Kon Jri for a 10km easy trek through local villages, forests, rivers and cassava plantations. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the upper reaches of the DakblaRiver. Relax and take a dip in a local stream (suitable for swimming), followed by a boat ride downstream to the Konkotu Hamlet to meet the Bahnar minority people. Finally, return to town.
Overnight in Kon Tum. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 5 Kon Tum – Hoi An

Drive over beautiful mountain passes to Hoi An. You will be captivated by the picturesque scenery and mountainous landscapes. Arrive in Hoi An and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

[Breakfast]

VACMD-04 AUTHENTICCENTRAL VIETNAM(5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Danang - Hoi An - Hue

Day 1 Da Nang – Arrival – Hoi An

You will be welcomed at either theDa NangAirportor at your hotel inDa Nang. The trip starts with a visit to theChamMuseumwhich houses the world’s finest collection of Cham arts. Take a short drive to the riverside town ofHoi An.Upon arrival, you will set off on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-oldJapaneseCovered Bridge, and the vibrant riverside market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 2 Hoi An – Kim Bong Cycling – Thanh Ha Village – Tra Que Village

Take a morning boat cruise toKimBongVillagewhere you will visit a shipbuilding yard and cycle through the village with stops at old colonial houses, temples and local cottage factories. You will continue cruising to the Thanh Ha pottery village and visit a traditional pottery workshop for some hands on experience in shaping pottery items. Drive toTraQueVillagefor a visit to a kindergarten built by VIANTOUR. Join the pupils (weekdays only) in planting trees before walking to a farm to discover traditional gardening methods. Taste the local specialty “Tam Huu” spring rolls and indulge in a traditional herbal footbath.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hoi An – Hue

Depart for the ancient capital ofHueon a coastal drive viaCloudyPassand the photogenic village of Lang Co. Upon arrival inHue, visit the Imperial Citadel and the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Hue Cycling – Tha Om Garden House – Boat Cruise

The tranquil villages and picturesque countryside makeHuean ideal place for cycling. In the morning, cycle through bamboo groves and villages to theThanhToanCovered Bridge. Continue your journey by meandering along paths to the Sam Market and the Thuong Lam Pagoda. (Total cycling on flat roads and paths: 23km).

In the afternoon, visit a Tha Om Garden House to discover the friendliness and hospitality of the host family and taste traditionalHueconfectionaries. Proceed to the Thien Mu Pagoda to witness a daily Buddhist prayer before enjoying a sunset cruise on the river back to town.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Hue – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

[Breakfast]

VACMD-05 ANCIENTCENTRAL VIETNAM(4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Day 1 Hue Arrival

The tour starts either fromPhuBaiAirportor from your hotel inHue. Visit the Imperial Citadel (which was built in accordance to the principles of geomancy) housing a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. In the afternoon, witness a daily Buddhist prayer at the Thien Mu Pagoda before enjoying a sunset cruise on the river back to town.

Overnight inHue.

Day 2 Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc before driving toDa Nangvia Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. Stop at theChamMuseumfor a visit. Arrive in Hoi An and the rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hoi An – Sightseeing – Thanh Ha Village

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Danang – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

[Breakfast]

VACMD-06CENTRAL VIETNAMHERITAGE (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS)

Hue - Phong Nha - Danang - My Son - Hoi An

Day 1 Dong Hoi – Arrival by Plane

On arrival, take a half-day excursion to the World Heritage recognized site of the PhongNhaCavesby boat. Return to the hotel for check in and afterwards relax on the beach.
Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Day 2 Dong Hoi – Sightseeing – Hue

Take an excursion in the morning to the Vinh Moc Tunnel and stop en route at the HienLuongBridge, the Quang Tri Citadel and the La Vang Church. Arrive in Huein the late afternoon. In the evening, dine at the Tha Om Garden House situated in Nha Ruong, a Huegarden with lotus ponds and trees.
Overnight inHue. [Breakfast, Dinner]

Day 3 Hue – Boat Cruise – Citadel and Royal Tombs

Take a morning boat cruise on the peacefulPerfumeRiverincluding a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Drive to the Imperial Citadel (which was built in accordance to the principles of geomancy) housing a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. In the afternoon, visit the elaborate mausoleums of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Hue – Danang – My Son – Hoi An

Enjoy a morning drive toDa Nangvia the Hai Van Pass. Stop at Lang Co Beach for relaxation and for an opportunity to wet your feet in theSouth China Sea. Visit theChamMuseuminDa Nang. In the afternoon, proceed to the remarkable ruins of My Son located in a remote jungle valley. My Son was formerly the religious centre of theChamKingdomand is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 20 well-preserved monuments. Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Hoi An – Sightseeing – Thanh Ha Village

Set off on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-oldJapaneseCovered Bridgeand the vibrant riverside market. In the afternoon, visit one of Hoi An’s famous lantern workshops and learn how make a lantern for yourself. End the day by taking a sunset boat trip on theThuBonRiverto the Thanh Ha pottery village.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Danang – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

[Breakfast]

VACMD-07 HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHT (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Pleiku – Buon Ma Thuot

Day 1 Buon Ma Thuot arrival from Da Nang

Pick-up at Buon Ma Thuot Airport after taking an afternoon flight fromDa Nangand drive to Buon Ma Thuot City. In the afternoon, visit theAkoDhongVillageof the Edeh tribe and theTrungNguyenCoffeeVillagefamed for its coffee culture and its agricultural andCentral Highlandpeople museum. Free to relax and explore the town.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 2 Buon Ma Thuot – Lak Lake – Buon Ma Thuot

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Buon Ma Thuot – Pleiku

After breakfast, drive to Peiku with stops en route for photos. Enjoy an afternoon visit to theDektuVillageandDerolVillages, home of the Bahnar ethnic minority who were one of the first native people to settle in the Gia Lai Highland. Discover the local culture with an easy trek through local villages, by streams and plantations.

Overnight in Pleiku. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Pleiku – Kon Tum – Pleiku – Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, drive through the beautiful landscape to Kontum. Upon arrival, visit Kontum, which is home to a wooden cathedral, seminary, museum and suspension bridge. In the afternoon, visit a Banah village before returning to Pleiku. Drive to Pleiku airport for a late flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends.
[Breakfast]

EXCURSIONS FROM HUE

VAEXC-01 CYCLING TOTHANHTOANBRIDGE(HD)

Hue - Thanh Toan Biking

The tranquil villages and picturesque countryside makeHuean ideal place for cycling. Cycle through bamboo groves and villages to theThanhToanCovered Bridge. Continue your journey by meandering along paths to the Sam Market and the Thuong Lam Pagoda. (Total cycling on flat roads and paths: 23km).

VAEXC-02 THA OM GARDEN ANDHUECOOKING (HD)

Upon arrival at the Tha Om Garden House, greet and get to know the chef. Following a cooking demonstration, everyone can take part in the action to test their culinary prowess. After class, lunch will be served in the Tha Om Garden House to sample all the different dishes prepared during the demonstration.

[Lunch]
Note: this tour is only operated in the morning and on a privately arranged basis.

VAEXC-03 CYCLINGHUE(HD)

Start a cycling trip in the afternoon by first visiting the Hope House, a vocational training centre for disabled and underprivileged children inHue. Here, washed recyclable materials are used to make Vietnamese traditional souvenirs which will then be sold to visitors from all around the world. All of the money raised from such sales is used to finance the activities of the disabled and partially fund heart surgery for Vietnamese children. Next, proceed to Phu Mong Garden House Villages to admire the beauty ofHue's architecture and learn the history of each house. Finally, cycle to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a river cruise back to the hotel.

VAEXC-04 ARTS & CRUISE (HD)

In the afternoon, drive to the XQ Embroidery house which is situated near the banks of the enchantingPerfumeRiver. This place is a stylish open-air workshop designed to showcase the intricate and delicate skills of some ofHue's and indeed the country's finest seamstresses. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, guests will learn how to embroider and stitch and then keep the finished article as a gift. Next we visit the Tha Om Garden House to discover the friendliness and hospitality of the owner's family and taste traditionalHueconfectionaries. The complex is a fully functioning replica of a traditional 19th centuryHuegarden house complete with lotus ponds and tropical trees. Lastly, proceed to the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda to witness a daily Buddhist prayer recital led by the monks before enjoying a sunset cruise on the river.

VAEXC-05 ROMANTIC DINNER AT THAOMGARDEN

Delight in an unforgettable candlelit evening withHue's unique regal cuisine in the magical setting of the Tha Om Garden House. The complex is a fully functioning replica of a traditional 19th centuryHuegarden house complete with lotus ponds and tropical trees. [Dinner]

EXCURSIONS FROM HOI AN

VAEXC-07 EXPLORING HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE (HD)

Hoi An - Kim Bong

Enjoy a boat cruise in the morning toKimBongVillagewhere we will visit a shipbuilding yard and cycle through the village with stops at old colonial houses, temples and local cottage factories. (Cycling distance: 8km)

VAEXC-08 HOI AN SPECIALTIES (HD)

Hoi An

Experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of the Hoi An Market on a personally-guided tour with the chef of the Red Bridge Restaurant. Interact with the stall holders and purchase fresh ingredients for the day's meals. After completing the shopping, take a boat cruise along the Hoi An River to theRedBridgeCookingSchool. Learn about Vietnamese herbs and spices, local ingredients, and the art of food decoration. The chef will demonstrate how to prepare some ofVietnam's most delicious dishes. Guests then have an opportunity to prepare their own meals under the Chef's guidance. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal of Vietnamese and Hoi An specialties. [Lunch]

VAEXC- 09 CANDLELIGHT DINNER IN HOI AN

Hoi An

You will pamper your palate with a candlelit dinner set in a vegetable garden at TraQueVillage. Appetizers will include popular finger foods such as marinated beef with fresh mustard leaves from the garden accompanied by local wine from the family's wine collection. For those who are not sure about local wine, cocktails will be available. Then enjoy delicious Hoi An specialties cooked by the family's chef. Before leaving, enjoy a relaxing foot treatment using a local home-grown remedy.
Recommended on full moon nights (every 14th, 15th, 16th of the lunar calendar month).

VAEXC-10 MY SON MARVEL (HD)

Delve into the extraordinary ruins of My Son which is situated in a remote jungle valley. Formerly known as the religious centre of theChamKingdom, My Son has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 20 well-preserved monuments.

VAEXC-11 TRA QUE VILLAGE (HD)

Hoi An - Tra Que

Drive toTraQueVillagefor a visit to a kindergarten and where you may join in tree-planting activities along with pupils.

Later, continue toTraQueHerbVillagewith stops along the way to visit old Japanese tombs. On arrival, watch the locals water and tend to their gardens and also sample local delicacies such as Tam Huu spring rolls. Relax with a foot soak in an herbal solution before driving back to Hoi An.

SOUTHERN MODULES

VASMD-01 CENTRAL HIGHLAND AND COASTLINES

Nha Trang - Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Nha Trang – Arrival by Plane

Arrive atCamRanhAirportand transfer to your hotel in Nha Trang. The rest of day is at your leisure.

OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG.

Day 2 Nha Trang – Boat Cruise

Enjoy Nha Trang’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches with a morning boat cruise to offshore islands inNhaTrangBay. In the afternoon, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Dam Market, the Nha Trang Stone Cathedral, or the Long Son Pagoda where the giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue sits on the top of the hill.

OVERNIGHT IN NHA TRANG. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Nha Trang - Dalat

Early morning drive to Dalat hill station in the central highlands with a stop en route to visit a hill tribe village (near Cau Ba - Khanh Vinh) and immerse in the magnificent landscape at Hon Giao pass. Arrive in Dalat, visit the Dalat Cremaillere Railway and explore the summer palace of the last emperor ofVietnam- Bao Dai.

OVERNIGHT IN DALAT. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City

You start exploring Dalat’s flower and vegetable market before visiting the Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery located above the sereneTuyenLamLake. Depart forHo Chi Minh Citywith a stop en route to visit tea and coffee plantations. You will arrive inHo Chi Minh Cityin late afternoon.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-02MEKONGDELTA WITH FLOATING MARKETS (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Vinh Long - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Overnight in Can Tho. [Lunch]

Day 2 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a morning boat cruise to the Cai Rang Floating Market full of small boats and vessels that deliver goods from all parts of the Mekong Delta. You will have a chance to observe lively activities of merchants trading their produce. Visit the Binh Thuy historic house before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-05MEKONGDELTA WITH CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Phu an - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be Princess – Can Tho

Take an early morning drive to Cai Be to enjoy a day out in the lush surroundings of the Mekong Delta. Board the Cai Be Princess Boat and start your adventure through this riparian region. Cruise to the colourful Cai Be Floating Market and a historic house in the Mekong Delta. Stop en route to visit some thriving cottage industries and observe how rice paper and rice cake are made. Lunch will be served at Le Longanier Restaurant, a lovely property set amidst a verdant tropical garden. Continue your cruise along the river and immerse yourself in the countryside scenery. Bikes are available on the boat for those wishing to embark on further exploration. Disembark and transfer to a waiting car for the drive to Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho. [Lunch]

Day 2 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a morning boat cruise to the Cai Rang Floating Market full of by small boats and vessels that deliver goods from all parts of the Mekong Delta. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of merchants trading their produce. Visit the Binh Thuy historic house before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-06MEKONGDELTA WITH BASSAC CRUISE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Bassac - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Tra On

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat to the Cai Be Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a village where you will see some family run businesses that make rice cake and rice paper. Board the riverboat Bassac and head to Cho Lach. Have lunch onboard while cruising on the waterways with a stop for a brief guided tour around riverside villages. Drop anchor at Tra On for an overnight stay onboard.

Overnight onboard the Bassac. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Tra On – Cai Rang Floating Market – Leisure Cycling – Can Tho

Leave Tra On market early in the morning for Can Tho City. On arrival, explore the colourful and bustling floating market at Cai Rang. Visit a historic house at Binh Thuy before checking in to the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a bicycle ride along quiet riverside lanes to get a taste of life in ruralVietnam.

Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning is at your leisure before driving back toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-07MEKONGDELTA WITH SONG XANH SAMPAN (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Sadec - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Sadec – Can Tho

Take a morning drive to Cai Be. The Song Xanh Sampan, with along with a guide from Song Xanh’s, will introduce you to some local cottage industries where you can observe how rice cake, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will then visit the Cai Be Floating Market and cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables before continuing to Sa Dec with stops en route to visit a local village and fruit plantations. Disembark in Sa Dec Town for a walk and to discover the charming town with numerous beautiful old French houses, Chinese temples and a market. Visit a historic house, dating from 1890, which was home to Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, a character from "The Lover" by Marguerite Duras. Lunch will be provided onboard. Continue your cruise down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal. During the cruise, you will pass under several wooden "monkey bridges" and have opportunities to visit a village and aCaoDaiTemple. A candlelit dinner will be arranged at a splendid historic house. We will moor for the evening and enjoy a wonderful night on theMekongRiver.

Overnight onboard the Song Xanh Sampan. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy your breakfast onboard while the Song Xanh cruises to Can Tho City. On arrival, explore the colourful and bustling floating market at Cai Rang before disembarking at Can Tho Pier. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

VASMD-08MEKONGDELTA & PHUQUOCISLAND(4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City – Tra On - Can Tho - Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Tra On

Enjoy a morning drive to Cai Be (with or without a transfer guide). Upon arrival, embark on the riverboat Bassac and cruise to Cho Lach. Have lunch onboard and continue on the water. Stop for a brief walking tour of villages lining the riverbanks with Bassac’s guide. Dock at Tra On for an overnight stay onboard.

Overnight onboard the Bassac. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Tra On – Cai Rang Floating market – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Leave for the Tra On Market early in the morning and then cruise to Can Tho City. On arrival, explore the colourful and bustling floating market at Cai Rang before disembarking. A local driver and guide will meet and transfer you to the Can Tho Airport for your flight toPhuQuocIsland. On your arrival, transfer to a hotel onPhuQuocIsland.

Overnight in Phu Quoc. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Phu Quoc

Spend a full day at your leisure to relax and explore this beautiful island.

Overnight in Phu Quoc. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the airport for your flight back toHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

VASMD-09 RADEAUX DUMEKONG(2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Radeaux du Mekong

Take a morning drive to Ben Tre, an island province renowned for its coconuts. Board a local boat for a cruise on theBenTreRiver. Stop and gain more knowledge of the production of bricks, coconut candies and other coconut products at the local cottage industries. Stop your boat journey and take a walk to the sedge mat making house. While strolling, take in the flora and fauna and experience the Mekong Delta characteristics of generosity and straightforwardness. Learn traditional weaving techniques while tasting a great variety of tropical fruits. Your day will continue with a ride on a “Xe Loi,” a local cart drawn by motorbike, to a farmer’s home for lunch. Feel free to join the host and help with lunch preparation. After lunch, relax and take a sampan ride on a quiet creek to the boat for a cruise back to the pier. Transfer by car at the dock and take a ride to Radeaux du Mekong floating houses. Relax and enjoy slow paced activities like fishing, sampan rowing or even swimming in theMekongRiver.

Overnight at Radeaux du Mekong [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2: Radeaux du Mekong – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Have breakfast. Relax before cruising to main land. Transfer to visit Vinh Trang pagoda and attend the noon mass at My Tho Cao Dai temple before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-10MEKONGUT TRINH HOME STAY (2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City- Ut Trinh home stay – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City - Biking Cai Thia – Home stay.

LeaveHo Chi Minh Cityfor Tien Giang province. Upon arrival, cross the river and cycle along the Cai Thia village path through serene countryside and stop at an orchard to sample the local fruit. Board your boat and cruise to a local house where you will have lunch. Take a sampan ride around small creeks before cruising to your home stay. On arrival, the host will welcome you. In the afternoon, you can relax or walk around the islet. Take part in dinner preparation with the host.

Overnight homestay at Ut Trinh. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2: Home stay – Biking on islet – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, begin cycling around the islet, passing orchards, the local market, schools and other small villages. Then take a boat trip to Vinh Long including a visit to the town market before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-11 RADEAUX DU MEKONG-BIKE-CRUISE (3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre – Vinh Long – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Radeaux du Mekong

Overnight at Radeaux du Mekong [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2: Radeaux du Mekong – Biking Phuoc Hau – Cruise Can Tho

Have breakfast and afterwards cruise to the mainland. Take a car to the outskirts of Vinh Long. Start cycling (~5km) through the serene Phuoc Hau countryside passing by a local market, schools and a vegetable village. Board a boat and cruise to Can Tho. En route visit a shipyard and take a short walk along the river to a café for refreshments. Enjoy your lunch onboard. In the afternoon, enjoy the passing riverside scenery including pottery shops, rice mills and vegetable nurseries. Take a short walk (~1km) to visit a place that specializes in making dried tofu before crossing theHauRiverto Victoria Can Tho Resort and Spa. For the rest of day enjoy the pool and indulge a 20-minute foot massage (included) at the resort.

Overnight atVictoriaCan Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Take the morning boat trip to visit the Cai Rang floating market. Disembark and visit the Binh Thuy historic house and/or a Khmer pagoda before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-12MEKONGSECRET (4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre – Ut Trinh home stay – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Biking Ben Tre – Radeaux du Mekong

Overnight at Radeaux du Mekong [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2: Radeaux du Mekong – Biking Cai Thia – Home stay.

Have Breakfast. Cruise to the mainland and drive to Tien Giang province. Upon arrival, cross the river and cycle on the Cai Thia village path through the serene countryside. Stop at an orchard to sample the local fruit. Take a boat to a local house where you will have lunch. Tour the small creeks nearby in a sampan before arriving at your homestay. On arrival, the host will welcome you. In the afternoon, you can relax or walk around the islet. Take part in dinner preparation with the host.

Overnight homestay at Ut Trinh. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 3: Home stay - Biking Phuoc Hau – Cruise Can Tho

Leave the homestay after breakfast. Then, take a boat trip to Vinh Long. Start cycling (~5km) through the serene Phuoc Hau countryside passing by a local market, schools and a vegetable village. Board a boat and cruise to Can Tho. En route visit a shipyard and take a short walk along the river to a café for refreshments. Enjoy your lunch onboard. In the afternoon, enjoy the passing riverside scenery including pottery shops, rice mills and vegetable nurseries. Take a short walk (~1km) to visit a place that specializes in making dried tofu before crossing theHauRiverto Victoria Can Tho Resort and Spa. For the rest of day enjoy the pool and indulge a 20-minute foot massage (included) at the resort.

Overnight atVictoriaCan Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Take the morning boat trip to visit the Cai Rang floating market. Disembark and visit the Binh Thuy historic house and/or a Khmer pagoda before returning toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASMD-13 BASSAC CRUISE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Bassac - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Tra On

Enjoy a morning drive to Cai Be. Upon arrival, embark on the riverboat Bassac and cruise to Cho Lach. Have lunch onboard and continue on the water. Stop for a brief walking tour of villages lining the riverbanks with the Bassac’s guide. Dock at Tra On for an overnight stay onboard.

Overnight onboard the Bassac. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Tra On – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City

Early in the morning, leave Tra On and cruise to Can Tho City. On arrival, explore the colourful and bustling floating market at Cai Rang before disembarking at Can Tho Pier. Drive back toHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

VASMD-14MEKONGNOSTALGIE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be – Vinh Long - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City– Cai Lay– Mekong Lodge

Depart for a day out, a great day for learning how Mekong Delta people live and work. Upon arrival at Cai Lay, start your cycling trip on the gravel countryside road along the calm canals and rivers to Cai Be. Cycle and explore local life in depth, view lively images of the evergreen gardens, orchards, markets as well as the local cottage industries like making rice paper, coconut candies, rice cake... Keep cycling to Mekong Lodge for lunch & check in. In the afternoon, you can spend time in activities of walking, biking, fishing or cruising from the Mekong Lodge.

(Total cycling distance: approximately 20km).

OVERNIGHT INMEKONGLODGE [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Mekong Lodge - Biking Phuoc Hau – Cruise Can Tho

After breakfast, transfer by car to Vinh Long outskirts. Start cycling (~5km) on serene Phuoc Hau countryside passing by local market, school, and vegetable village… Embark your boat for cruising to Can Tho. En route visit the shipyard, a short walk along the river to café shop for refreshment. Enjoy your lunch onboard. Afternoon, enjoy the riverside view such as pottery jars shop, rice mill, vegetable nursery… Take a short walk (~1km) to visit dried tofu making place before crossing theHauRiverto Victoria Can Tho Resort & Spa. The rest of day enjoy the pool and indulge a 20min foot massage (included) at resort.

OVERNIGHT ATVICTORIACAN THO [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Take the morning boat trip to visit the Cai Rang floating market. Disembark and visit Binh Thuy ancient house /or a Khmer pagoda before returning toHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

VASMD-15MEKONGLODGE & LE COCHINCHINE (3 DAYS/ 2NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be – Le Cochinchine – Tra On - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Lay– Mekong Lodge

Depart for theMekongDelta. Upon arrival at Cai Lay, start your cycling trip on the gravel countryside road along the calm canals and rivers to Cai Be. Cycle and explore local life in depth, take in the verdant gardens and orchards along with bustling markets and the local cottage industries where rice paper, coconut candies and rice cakes are made. Keep cycling to the Mekong Lodge for lunch and check in. In the afternoon, you can spend time walking, biking, fishing or cruising near the Mekong Lodge.

(Total cycling distance: approximately 20km).

Overnight inMekongLodge. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Mekong Lodge – Le Cochinchine cruise – Tra On

After breakfast, cruise to visit a floating market and local cottage industries before embarking on the Le Cochinchine cruise. Travel to Tra On while enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, take an excursion onshore on foot or cycling through the village paths and experience rural community life. Return to the boat and relax. Enjoy an aperitif over sunset. Dinner and overnight onboard

Overnight on Le Cochinchine. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 3 Tra On – Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Have breakfast and cruise to visit the Cai Rang floating market before disembarking. Drive back toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

EXCURSIONS FROM HOCHIMINHCITY

VAEXS-01 CAI BE PRINCESS CRUISE (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City

Take an early morning drive to Cai Be to enjoy a day out in the lush surroundings of the Mekong Delta. Board the Cai Be Princess Boat and start your adventure through this river region. Cruise to the colourful Cai Be Floating Market and a wonderfully preserved historical house in the Mekong Delta. Stop en route to visit some thriving cottage industries and observe how rice paper and rice cake are made. Lunch will be served at Le Longanier Restaurant, a lovely property set amidst a verdant tropical garden. Continue your cruise along the river and immerse yourself in the countryside scenery. Bikes are available on the boat for those who wish to explore further. Disembark and transfer to an awaiting car for the return toHo Chi Minh City.

[Lunch]

VAEXS-02 EXPLORING BEN TRE (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Depart for theMekongDelta. Upon arrival in My Tho, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the river and take a short walk to a handicraft workshop where goods are made from coconut trees. You will experience an exciting horse-drawn cart ride to visit a local house where you will enjoy tea and taste home-grown fruits. Board a sampan and drift along the narrow, tree-lined canals for further exploration of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, visit a family-run business making coconut candies before returning to the mainland at My Tho. On the return trip toHo Chi Minh City, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda if time permits. Return to Ho Chi Minh

City by the late afternoon. [Lunch]

VAEXS-03 THE ARTS OF MUSIC AND CALLIGRAPHY (HD)

Ho Chi Minh City

In the afternoon, you will visit a Buddhist calligrapher and enjoy samples of his or her artwork. You can also engage in a conversation with him or her to learn more about calligraphy. Proceed to visit a family of local musicians and enjoy their performances. They will introduce you to, and allow you to play, some traditional musical instruments.

VAEXS-04 CAI BE FLOATING MARKET (FD)

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat to visit the floating market. Continue by river to see family-run business producing a local version of popcorn and rice paper. Lunch is in a local house. Afternoon continue to Binh Hoa Phuoc islet for a sampan ride before disembark in Vinh Long. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh city. [Lunch]

VAEXS-05BENTRECOCONUTKINGDOM(FD)

Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City

Take a morning drive to Ben Tre, an island province renowned for its coconuts. Board a local boat for a cruise on theBenTreRiver. Stop and gain more knowledge of the production of bricks, coconut candies and other coconut products by the local cottage industries. Take a break from the boat journey and take a walk to a house where they produce sedge mats. While strolling, explore the flora and fauna as well as experience the Mekong Delta characteristics of generosity and frankness. Learn weaving techniques while tasting a great variety of tropical fruits. Your day will continue with a Xe Loi ride, a local cart drawn by motorbike, to a farmer’s home for lunch. Freely join the host to help prepare lunch. After the meal, relax and take a sampan ride on a quiet creek to the boat for a cruise back to the pier. Return toHo Chi Minh City. [Lunch]

VAEXS-05 BEN TRE EXPERIENCE (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City

Take a morning drive to Ben Tre, an island province renowned for its coconuts. Start your leisurely cycling trip (~7km) through the villages. While cycling, explore the flora and fauna as well as experience the Mekong Delta characteristics of generosity and frankness. Stop by the local cottage industries to learn how Ben Tre coconut candies are made. Taste a great variety of tropical fruits and enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta music performance.

Your day will continue with a sampan ride on a quiet creek to the boat for a cruise to the floating house Radeaux du Mekong for lunch. Relax with the breeze from theMekongRiverbefore transferring to the mainland and driving back toHo Chi Minh City. [Lunch]

VAEXS-07 BIKING CAI LAY (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City

Depart for theMekongDelta. Upon arrival at Cai Lay, start your cycling trip on the gravel countryside road along the calm canals and rivers to Cai Be. Cycle and explore local life in depth, take in the verdant gardens and orchards along with bustling markets and the local cottage industries where rice paper, coconut candies and rice cakes are made. Keep cycling to the Mekong Lodge for lunch. After lunch, transfer to the Cai Be dock. Return toHo Chi Minh Cityin the afternoon.

(Total cycling distance: approximately 20km). [Lunch]

VAEXS-08SAIGONEARLY BIRD (2-3HRS EXCURSION)

Ho Chi Minh City

At dawn, take a cab to Tao Dan Park and mingle with the locals who are in the middle of their morning exercising routines. Some gather here to get in shape, others to lose weight or gain energy for the new day, and the remaining to simply socialize with their friends. There are several active activities including Tai Chi, jogging, and badminton. Visit the Saigon Bird Club and be entertained by the lively chirping songbirds while sipping a cup of Vietnamese hot coffee with condensed milk. Take a walk to the famous Ben Thanh Market and pass some ornate Chinese and Hindu temples along the way. Enjoy your breakfast with authentic Pho noodle soup at Pho 2000, which had the honour of receiving the former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Take a cab back to the hotel.

[Breakfast]

VAEXS-09 CHARITABLE MEALS (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City

We all would like to know how to develop community health inVietnam. The poverty stricken does not have the opportunity for regular medical checkups and treatment. As a result, they can develop serious illnesses. When they are at the hospital, they really need support from the community. Would you like to lend them your hand?

Bao Van is one of the charitable centres providing food to more than 3000 poor patients and people every day.

Drive to Bao Van Centre at around 8 a.m. Here you will help prepare rice, vegetables and other food for donation. Your volunteer work will give you an in-depth look at the real life of some of the most unfortunate in the city. In addition, this is also the chance to learn more about other Vietnamese volunteers. After preparations are complete, you will help deliver food to patients’ relatives. Enjoy your vegetarian lunch with other volunteers before joining the afternoon session where you can further assist the centre. Drive back to your hotel about 3 p.m. [Lunch]

VAEXS-10 “LA” PAGODA ORPHANAGE CENTRE (FD)

Ho Chi Minh City

This full day tour will give you an in-depth look at the pagoda orphanage. Depart from your hotel for Huyen Trang pagoda, known as La Pagoda, which is about 15km from the city center. Located in a verdant rural area, the pagoda surroundings give you a chance to see and experience local daily life. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a monk who will relate the story of the pagoda orphanage and its activities. Begin volunteer work in the morning and have your vegetarian lunch at the pagoda. Further volunteer work and actives will take place in the afternoon. [Lunch]

SPECIAL INTERESTS

VASPE-01 HA GIANG DISCOVERY (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Tay Homestay - Hanoi

Day 1 (Fri) Hanoi – Ha Giang (320km)

Upon your arrival, visit theTayminority people at the Phuong Do Village which is dotted with stilt houses and surrounded by terraced paddy fields. You will have an opportunity to walk around the village to get a taste of very authentic rural daily life. Afterwards, observe the locals completing their daily work and making their way home by buffalo carts. Then take a bike ride during the peaceful twilight. You will return to Ha Giang in the late afternoon and check in to a hotel.

Overnight in Ha Giang. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 (Sat) Ha Giang – Dong Van (160km)

Drive on the undulating terrain, between 700m and 1,300m in height, through extraordinary mountainous landscapes and terraced paddy fields. You will stop at the Quyet Tien Market where the minority groups of the Nung, the White Hmong, the Po Y, the Dao Lanten and theTaygather to trade their produce. Proceed to the Heaven Gate and theFairyMountainbefore visiting a White Hmong village which specializes in flax weaving. This is a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the village. There will be another visit to a village of the Zao Ao Dai (“Zao Long Traditional Dress”) before taking a lunch break. After lunch, drive up to the altitude of 1,432m to visit an ancient village of the White Hmong; you will then proceed to Sung La to discover a LoLo house and its people (the LoLo minority is one of Vietnam's least-common ethnic minorities and some are only found within this region). Afterwards, visit the impressive ancientHmong KingPalacebefore reaching Dong Van Town. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to a hotel.

Overnight in Dong Van. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 3 (Sun) Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang – Tay Minority Homestay (170km)

In the morning, visit the Sunday Dong Van minority market (one of the most beautiful minority markets inVietnam). Before reaching thepeakofMa Pi Leng, you will be able to admire the panoramic views of a rocky mountain, a river and paddy field terraces. Visit Meo Vac Market where cattle are traded and then proceed to visit thevillageofZao Ao Daibefore lunchtime. Return to Ha Giang. Upon arrival, experience a warm welcomed from a hospitableTayfamily who offers an overnight accommodation in their stilt house. Although the place only provides basic comfort, you will surely find the stay an unforgettable experience. Have a memorable dinner with a localTayfamily.

(Optional: indulge in a traditional herbal bath or simply have a relaxing foot soak using herbal remedies).
Overnight homestay in a house on stilts. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 4 (Mon) Ha Giang – Hanoi (320km)

Take a walk or bike ride in the morning around the village to observe the local lifestyle and immerse yourself in the tranquil mountainous scenery. Return toHanoi. Lunch en route. Arrive inHanoiand transfer to a hotel. [Breakfast, Lunch]

* OPTIONAL – Responsible Tourism: Tree Planting in Ha Giang

VIANTOUR is a proud pioneer in introducing homestays in Ha Giang to travellers worldwide. Specifically, we have received overwhelmingly positive responses and we are delighted that Ha Giang is attracting further interest and attention. More importantly, the ethnic communities now realise that tourism is improving their living standards in a constructive manner. In an attempt to ensure more benefits for both visitors and locals, VIANTOUR is offering guests an opportunity to green their stay and improve local people’s lives by planting trees in their orchards. This is an interesting joint effort for both parties wherein guests plant trees during their visits and the host families cultivate the trees until they bear fruit

VASPE-02 HA GIANG EXPLORER (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Tay Homestay - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Ha Giang – Hanoi

Day 1 (Thu) Hanoi – Tay Minority Homestay (293km)

After a long journey fromHanoi, you will arrive in Ha Giang. Relatively undiscovered, this “off-the-beaten-track” destination is unique for its well-preserved traditions and local culture. Lunch will be provided en route to Ha Giang. Upon your arrival to the Me Village, receive a warm welcome from a hospitableTayfamily offering overnight accommodation in their stilt house. Although the place only offers basic comfort, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Participate in common everyday rural activities and have a memorable dinner with the localTayfamily.

Overnight homestay in a house on stilts. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 (Fri) Tay Minority Village – Trekking – Cycling

Choose from three options:

Option 1: A full day trekking along the Tay Con Linh mountainside through terraced rice fields, a tea plantation, remote villages and the thatched-roof homes of theTay minority. Enjoy the scenery and have a picnic lunch on top of the hill before visiting a village inhabited by the Dao Lanten tribe. In the afternoon, trek down to the village and indulge in a traditional herbal bath or simply relax with a foot soak of herbal remedies. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at theTay village. (Difficulty level: 4/5; distance: 15km; and duration: 7 hours trekking).

Option 2: Enjoy a full day trek from the Me Village through the paddy-fields and palm forest to visit the minority people at either Phuong Do Village orPhuongTienVillage. These areas support the oldestTay community in Ha Giang and are surrounded by terraced paddy fields with big stilt houses. Enjoy a picnic lunch. In the early afternoon, you will return by car to the village and indulge in a traditional herbal bath or simply have a relaxing foot soak with herbal remedies. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at theTay village. (Difficulty level: 2/5; distance: 9km; and duration: 4 hours trekking).

Option 3: A full day of cycling and hiking.

AM: Take a morning cycling trip around the Me Village to get a taste of authentic rural daily life and enjoy the peaceful and pleasant mountainous sceneries. Enjoy lunch at the village. (Difficulty level: 1/5, and duration: 2 hours cycling).

PM: Drive to Phuong Do Village, the oldestTaycommunity in Ha Giang, which is surrounded by terraced paddy-fields with big stilt houses. You will then return by car to the village and indulge in a traditional herbal bath or simply relax with a foot soak of herbal remedies. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at theTayvillage. (Difficulty level: 1/5; and duration: 1 hour walking).

Overnight homestay in a house on stilts. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 3 (Sat) Ha Giang – Dong Van (160km)

Overnight in Dong Van. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 4 (Sun) Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang (170km)

Overnight in Ha Giang. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 5 (Mon) Ha Giang – Hanoi (320km)

After breakfast, drive back toHanoi. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrive inHanoiand transfer to a hotel.

[Breakfast, Lunch]

* OPTIONAL – Responsible Tourism: Tree Planting in Ha Giang

VASPE-06 ECOTOUR ATCUCPHUONGNATIONAL PARK(2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - Cuc Phuong National Park - Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park

Depart for the CucPhuongNational Park. Drive to Bong Station with stop to visit the Caveof Prehistoric Man, where human remains and stone tools dating back 7,500 years ago were found. Take a walk from Bong station to discover the diversity the local fauna and flora set against the backdrop of perennial trees. The 7km trail passes through giant trees and leads to the 1000 year-old tree.
Overnight in theCucPhuongNational Park.

Day 2 Cuc Phuong National Park – Hanoi

Wake up in the morning to the chirping sounds of song birds. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre where you can capture snapshots of some of the rarest primate species in the world. Then set off on a 7km hike on trails with narrow rocky slopes to the “Big Tree” and a 200 million year old dinosaur fossil. Return toHanoiin the afternoon.

[Breakfast]

VASPE-07 KY SON HOMESTAY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - Ky Son - Thay pagoda - Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi – Ky Son (Walking – Cycling)

Drive to Ky Son Village in the morning. Take a pleasant walk around the village to get a taste of the northern countryside lifestyle of Vietnambefore joining your homestay host for lunch preparation. Have lunch and learn more about the Vietnamese cultural through conversations with locals. In the afternoon, set out on a bike ride along local trails with stops for taking pictures, picking herbs and vegetables, chatting with children and farmers and shopping at the village market while soaking up the pastoral atmosphere and divine tranquility. Return to the homestay for a relaxing traditional herbal bath before dinnertime. Before sleeping, soak your feet in a traditional herbal treatment.

Overnight homestay in Ky Son. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Ky Son – Thay Pagoda – Hanoi

The serene morning will inspire you and the host to practice Yi Jin Jing, a series of exercises coordinated with specific breathing techniques and mental concentration. Leave Ky Son and head towards Ha Noi visiting the Thay Pagoda en route.

[Breakfast]

VASPE-10 GLIMPSE OF MAI CHAU (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi – Mai Chau walking

Depart in the morning for Mai Chau. On arrival, you will check-in and have lunch at the Mai Chau Lodge. Drive toXamKhoeVillage. You will set off on a walking tour toBuocVillage(populated by the Thai ethnic minority). Drive back to the lodge with a stop en route to explore the magnificent Van Mai Valley. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Overnight at the Mai Chau Lodge. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Mai Chau cycling – Hanoi

After breakfast, take delight in biking through rice paddies to theMaiChauValleywhich is dotted with stilt houses. The ride provides opportunities for taking photos, visiting families and interacting with locals. On the return to the Mai Chau Lodge, we will pass by the Vang Village of Mai Chau Town. Lunch at the Mai Chau Lodge before returning toHanoi. [Breakfast, Lunch]

VASPE-11 KY SON & NINH BINH EXPERIENCE (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Hanoi – Ky Son – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park – Hanoi

Day 1 Hanoi – Ky Son (Walking – Cycling)

Overnight homestay in Ky Son. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Ky Son – Ninh Binh

The serene morning will inspire you and the host to practice Yi Jin Jing, a series of exercises coordinated with specific breathing techniques and mental concentration. Leave for Ninh Binh after breakfast. Arrive and enjoy your day at Ana Mandara Ninh Binh in the afternoon. Free to discover the surroundings.

Overnight in Ana Mandara Ninh Binh [Breakfast]

Day 3 Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park – Ninh Binh

Depart for the CucPhuongNational Park. On arrival, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. If time permits, take an optional visit to the Caveof Prehistoric Manbefore having lunch at a local restaurant at the headquarters of the park. After lunch, drive to Bong Station and take a walk through the forest where to witness the diverse flora and fauna highlighted by a backdrop of perennial trees. The 7km trail passes through giant trees to a 1000 year-old tree. Drive back to Ninh Binh for overnight.
Overnight at Ana Mandara Ninh Binh. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4: Bai Dinh biking – But Cave complex – Hanoi

Drive from Ana Mandara Ninh Binh to the Bai Dinh area with an optional stop to visit the Bai Dinh pagoda. Pick up your bike and start cycling through the rural landscape to Dong Tam village (~8km). You may interact with as well as take part in lunch preparation with the locals. Enjoy your lunch with a family. After lunch take a sampan ride through But cave complex (2.5 hr cruise). Explore the dry caves as well as the water caves. End the trip at Thung Nham dock. You will be picked up and driven back toHanoi.

[Breakfast, Lunch]

VASPE-12 CYCLING THROUGH THEMEKONG(5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre

Drive to Tan An and then set out cycling to My Tho (25km) along country roads. At My Tho, board a private boat (with bicycles) and cruise to an island for lunch. After finishing lunch, visit a workshop which produces local coconut candies before cycling through the rural landscape. Stop at a local garden to have refreshments and savour local fruits. Continue to cycle further (9km) to the Phu Tuc Homestay. On your arrival, take a rest and later experience dinner preparation under the guidance of the host. Enjoy a short traditionalMekongmusic performance before dinner. Spend the night in a local house in Ben Tre. (Total cycling distance: approximately 45km).

Overnight at a local house in Ben Tre. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Ben Tre – Can Tho

Cycle to the HamLuongBridge(16km) and continue biking to Cai Mon (20km) via Ba Vat. This leisurely cycle tour offers an opportunity to explore the countryside biking trails, as well as to visit the quaint church in Cai Mon. Drive to Vinh Long for lunch before continuing cycling or bussing to Can Tho (24km). Arrive at Can Tho City and check in to a hotel. (Total cycling distance: approximately 60km).
Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3 Can Tho

Take a morning boat cruise to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market. The market is filled with small boats darting through the water to sell their goods. Cruise through narrow canals and stop at a fruit orchard to taste some of the succulent fruits of the region. From here, cycle to Binh Thuy and visit a historic house before returning to Can Tho City (approximately 11km). In the afternoon, enjoy a bicycle ride along quiet riverside lanes to get a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life (approximately 8km). On the return to Can Tho City, you may explore the city on bike. (Total cycling distance: approximately 20km).
Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Can Tho – Chau Doc

Take a morning drive towards Chau Doc. After Long Xuyen, we exit the highway onto quiet roads to begin our cycling ride which will loop around to Chau Doc (55km). On arrival, those who are energetic may wish to climb SamMountainfor a sunset view. (Total cycling distance: approximately 55km).
Overnight in Chau Doc. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City

The morning is at your leisure before driving back toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

VASPE-13NAMCATTIENNATIONAL PARK(4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Nam Cat Tien National Park - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Nam Cat Tien National Park – Hiking

Leave Ho Chi Minh forNamCatTienNational Park. Upon arrival, check in to a local guesthouse. Embracing a wide variety of exuberant flora and fauna, this 70,000-hectare park is a national sanctuary for wildlife. Take a hike in the afternoon in the Ben Cu area to see the legendary “Pham Van Dong” tree. Have dinner at the guesthouse before taking a safari drive toNuiTuongForestto look for nocturnal animals. Return to the guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 2 Bau Sau – Trekking Tour

In the early morning, drive to the staging point near Bau Sau for the day's trek (round trip distance: 10km). Trek for three and a half hours deep into the forest. In Bau Sau, boat around a lake and then hike back to the vehicle for the return trip to the guesthouse. After lunch, drive toNuiTuongForestfor bird watching. Return to the guesthouse in the evening.

Overnight in guesthouse. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Bau Chim – Trekking Tour

Get an early start to an area known as Bau Chim where you will trek into the forest for bird watching. You will then trek back to the vehicle and drive back to the guesthouse around noon. In the afternoon, drive to “Thac Troi” (Heaven Waterfalls), before visiting the Ma minorityvillageofTa Laiwhere the residence specialize in weaving. Return to the guesthouse for another night.

Overnight in guesthouse. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Nam Cat Tien – Ho Chi Minh City

The morning is free until transferring back toHo Chi Minh City.

[Breakfast]

CAMBODIAPROGRAMMES

VACAM-01 THE LEGENDARYANGKORWAT (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Siem Reap

Day 1 Siem Reap – Arrival

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Khmer temples from the early Angkorian period. Visit the Roluos group of temples dating from the 9th and 10 century, including Preah Ko, Bakong, andLoleiTemples. Return to your hotel in the early evening.

OVERNIGHT IN SIEM REAP.

Day 2 Siem Reap – Angkor Complex

Enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city, then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, a visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat with its extraordinary architecture will provide an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

OVERNIGHT IN SIEM REAP. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre – Taprhom – IKTT

After breakfast, visit the graceful 11th centuryTempleof Shiva – Banteay Srei – and the BanteaySamreTemple. On the way back, be impressed by the Ta Prohm Temple which is mystically enveloped by the jungle. In the afternoon, you will travel to visit the ‘Wisdom from the Forest’ project 35kms north of Siem Reap. Here Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) focuses on the restoration of the natural environment for producing materials to make traditional textiles, and a vegetable garden that has been lovingly cultivated to feed 30-40 families working on its 22 hectares. Here you will see all the trees that are needed to produce the natural dyes for the silk, as well as the Mulberry trees that are vital in the production of silk. You can see the silk worms munching on the Mulberry leaves, and forming the all-important cocoons. As you wander around the site you will discover the entire silk process from boiling the cocoons, to pulling out the silk thread, to dying the silk, and finally weaving it into beautiful designs.You can browse through the workshop where a variety of silk products is displayed for sale as a souvenir for family and friends.

OVERNIGHT IN SIEM REAP. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Siem Reap – Departure

Freely leisure until the transfer to the airport for the departure flight. [Breakfast]

VACAM-02CAMBODIATHE KHMER LEGACY (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Siem Reap

Day 1 Siem Reap – Arrival

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. Enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city. Then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Explore its extraordinary architecture for an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 2 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre – Taphrom – IKTT

After breakfast, visit the graceful 11th centuryTempleof Shiva – Banteay Srei – and the BanteaySamreTemple. On the way back, swing by the Ta Prohm Temple which is mystically enveloped in the jungle. In the afternoon, travel to the ‘Wisdom from the Forest’ project 35kms north of Siem Reap. Here Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) focuses on the restoration of the natural environment for producing materials to make traditional textiles and cultivates a vegetable garden to feed 30-40 families working on its 22 hectares. Here you will see all the trees that are needed to produce the natural dyes for silk, as well as the Mulberry trees that are vital in the production of silk. You can see silk worms munching on the Mulberry leaves and forming the all-important cocoons. As you wander around the site you will discover the entire silk process from boiling the cocoons, to pulling out the silk thread, dying the silk and finally weaving it into beautiful designs.You can browse through the workshop where a variety of silk products are displayed and are lovely souvenirs for family and friends.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Siem Reap – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. [Breakfast]

VACAM-03CAMBODIAHERITAGE (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Arrival

Upon your arrival inPhnom Penh, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit some of the capital’s most impressive sites including theNationalMuseum, the Silver Pagoda containing the Emerald Buddha statue, theRoyalPalaceand Wat Phnom,Phnom Penh’s oldest shrine.

Overnight inPhnom Penh.

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Cyclo Riding – NGO – Boat Cruise on the Mekong River

Take a Cyclo tour in the morning through the old colonial streets ofPhnom Penhand get a glimpse of urban life inSoutheast Asia. Noteworthy Cyclo Centre, a local NGO, has been working with cyclo drivers since 1999 to promote healthy lifestyles. It provides accommodation, English classes, and even courses on quitting smoking. Stop at the Apsara Arts Association to embrace their efforts in providing needy children and orphans access to education and training in dance, music and theatre. Learn how these youngsters emulate traditional theatrical gestures and familiarize themselves with ancient forms of music. In the afternoon, you will visit Wat Than to observe an organization that trains disabled land mines victims in various handicrafts skills. Visit the Russian Market which showcases a vast selection of bargain souvenirs like of clothing, silverware, silk, bags, DVDs, CDs and ceramics. In the late afternoon, take a one-hour boat cruise on theMekongRiverand enjoy the scenery of green vegetation, fishing villages, pagodas and a spectacular sunset over theRoyalPalace. Overnight inPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Angkor Complex

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city. Then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Explore its extraordinary architecture for an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre – Taphrom – IKTT

Day 5 Siem Reap – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. [Breakfast]

VACAM-04CAMBODIAESSENTIAL (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Kompong Cham - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Arrival

Overnight inPhnom Penh.

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Cyclo Riding – NGO – Boat Cruise on the Mekong River

Overnight inPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham – Kompong Thom

Take a morning drive to Kompong Cham, a small town which still retains its colonial-era charm. Upon arrival, visitWatNokorTemple, the local market and some French colonial buildings. After lunch, drive to Kompong Thom. En route visit the 11th century Wat Kohear Nokor and meet local monks and villagers.

Overnight in Kompong Thom. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Kompong Thom – Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap

A morning drive of 30km will take you to the 7th centurySamborPreiKukTemple. Along the way, observe the vivid daily life of ruralCambodia. Visit the ancient capital of Chenla comprised of 100 temples dating from the pre-Angkor period. The complex at Ishanapura has four groups of temples that are amongst the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture. After lunch, drive to Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Siem Reap – Roluos Group – Ta Prohm

Visit the Roluos group of temples dating between the 9th and 10th centuries, including Preah Ko, Bakong, andLoleiTemples. In the afternoon, visit the Bantey Kdei with its rarely seen sculpted female deities, theLakeofSrah Srangand the impressive Ta Prohm Temple mystically enveloped by the jungle. Visit the Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevada andThommanonTemplesbefore returning to the hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Siem Reap – Angkor Complex

Enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city. Then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. Explore its extraordinary architecture for an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Banteay Samre – IKTT

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Siem Reap – Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight.

[Breakfast]

VACAM-05CAMBODIAADVENTURE (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Rattanakiri - Kratie - Kompong Cham - Kompong Thom - Siem Reap

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Stung Treng

After an early breakfast, take Road 6 to the Stung Treng (approximately 455km/6-7hrs away) which is located on a high sandy bank overlooking theMekongRiver. This region initially was under the influence of the Khmer Empire, then the Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang and later the Lao Kingdom of Champassack. The province was later ceded back toCambodiaduring the period of French Indochina in 1904. In the afternoon, visit the Stung Treng Women’s Development Centre (SWDC) to explore the sericulture centre for vulnerable Cambodian women inStungTrengProvince, which includes 2 weaving units and a dye shed used for silk-making training and production, classrooms for education programs, administration offices and sleeping quarters. You will have an opportunity to discover the silk production process from initial phase of the growing of mulberry tree, to feeding the silkworm, and finally the silk dying and weaving phases. Visit a gallery that showcases and sells Mekong Blue products to visitors and a small kindergarten. The Centre’s operating hours are from 7:30 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday.

Overnight in Stung Treng.

Day 2 Stung Treng – Rattanakiri

After breakfast at local restaurant, drive along Road 7 to Ban Lung, the capital of Rattanakiri Province (approximately 133km/2hrs away) which is home to shy hill tribes, endangered wildlife and numerous natural attractions. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. In the afternoon, drive to Lom Phat to visit an old abandoned airport parched with bomb craters, a Laotian pagoda, and villages of ethnic minorities of the Charai, Laotian and Khmer people perched along the banks of the scenic Se San River. In the late afternoon, visit the Eisei Patamak Hill for a panoramic view of town and the statue of a reclining Buddha.

Overnight in Ban Lung. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Ban Lung

Today you will take an early morning excursion to a bustling ethnic-minority market. Return to the hotel for breakfast before driving to the weaving handicraft village at Choeung Phnom. Visit the crystal clearLumkutLakeand another market at Borkeo. Later in the morning, stop by the gem-mining region of Borkeo District and visit a Tumpoun minority village before continuing to Aundong Meas for a boat cruise on the Se San River where you will explore Charai ethnic graveyards in an abandoned forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Ban Lung in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ban Lung. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4 Ban Lung – Yeak Lom Lake

In the morning, drive to Voen Sai which is located on the banks of the Se San River. En route visit the Kreung minority villages of Noang Le and Kala. Upon arrival at Voen Sai, take a boat and cruise upstream to Popeak and pass a number of Tampoun villages, a Chinese community, and Laotian and Kreurng villages. After a picnic lunch, drive back to Banlung for a visit to Yeak Lom Lake, a beautiful lake formed by a volcanic eruption approximately 4,000 years ago.

Overnight in Ban Lung. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 5 Rattanakiri – Kratie

In the morning, we will leave RatanakiriProvincefor Kratie (290km, approx. 5hrs drive) and stop en route stop to visit Kampi Pool to watch for the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Upon arrival in Kratie, board a local ferry heading to the last destination of the day, the Koh Trong Community Based Tourism Site. Koh Trong is an island situated in the middle of the Mekong River directly opposite Kratie Town. There is a 9km circuit road around the island’s perimeter which provides opportunities for visitors to leisurely cycle or take an ox-cart through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields while observing the rituals and routines of traditional village life. Afternoon is one of the best times to explore the island. Keep an eye open for traditional rooftop decorations as the numbers on the top of the roof indicate house’s construction year. Some houses even date back to the 1960s. The highlight of the tour includes leisurely cycling or ox-carting on shady trail around the island, visiting a Reforestation Project where you can plant a tree with your name (option), tasting a nationally renwoned Koh Trong pomelos, visiting a floating village and pagodas and of course interacting with the villagers. Today, we will stay overnight at a home stay.

(There is one privately-owned guesthouse and two community-run homestays - one in the western part and another in the northern part of the island (each homestay can accommodate between 10-15 guests maximum). A traditional Khmer homestay is equipped with only basic facilities such as a pillow, mattress, blanket and mosquito net (no AC) as well as sharing the sleeping area and bathroom.

Note: Meals can be arranged by the community onKohTrongIsland, but to do this requires one-day notification prior to arrival. Guests are suggested to inform their tour leader or us so that we can arrange and advise the community-based tourism site accordingly.

Overnight homestay at Koh Trong [Breakfast]

Day 6 Kratie – Kompong Cham – Kompong Thom

After breakfast, visit the old colonial town ofKratiebefore driving south to Chhlong, a small town dotted with fine French buildings. Proceed to the provincial town ofKompong Chamto visit the local market before heading to theWatNokorTempleand the 11th century Wat Kohear Nokor to meet local monks and villagers.

Overnight in Kompong Thom. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Kompong Thom – Sambor Prei Kuk – Siem Reap

In the morning, drive 30km to the 7th centurySamborPreiKukTemple. Along the way, observe the everyday life of ruralCambodia. Visit the ancient capital of Chenla to see 100 temples dating from the pre-Angkorian period. The complex at Ishanapura is comprised of four groups of temples that are amongst the most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture. After lunch, drive to Siem Reap.

[Breakfast]

VACAM-08CAMBODIAREVEALED (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)

Stung Treng - Kratie - Mondulkiri - Kompong Cham - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Arrival at Laos – Cambodia Border – Stung Treng

Arrive at the Cambodia/Laos border and after visa processing, meet with the Cambodian local tour guide and travel down to the boat dock where we will board a boat and navigate for an additional half an hour to the Cambodia/Laos border Community-Based Tourism, Preah Rumkel (the boat is a little bit noisy so it is suggested that everyone should use earplugs or something similar to minimize the sound. Travel by boat for around 30 minutes, 4pax/each, lifejackets provided). Some key highlights of the Preah Rumkel Community-Based Tourism are the flooded forest, endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins, unique biodiversity and the people. Upon arrival, one can stroll around to observe local livelihood, play volleyball with the locals, take a leisurely boat ride to catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins in Anlong Cheu Teal Pool or take in a traditional performance by Mlop Baitong children

(traditional performance is optional at a cost of 30 US$).

Overnight in Preah Rumkel [Breakfast]

Day 2 Preah Rumkel – Sopheak Mitt Waterfalls – Preah Rumkel

Our journey today is quite interesting and some highlights include a boat trip, trekking through the forest and more. After breakfast, get ready and we will board our boat for around 7km/1hr cruise against the current witnessing heart-stirring and scenic views on the river, as well as catching a glimpse of various birds. Our journey today is to head for Sopheak Mitt Waterfall where we will spend time to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere and to enjoy our packed lunch (packed lunch arranged by the community). Before reaching the falls we will dock and start our trekking for approximately 3.3Km, up and download the hills, crossing streams, snaked through the jungle (dependent on individuals’ physical strength, some may finish the trekking trip early than others. The rest of the day is free to relax). In the dry season from December to May, the water level of theMekongRiveris low and the water as well as the waterfalls are very clear and wonderful.

Overnight in Preah Rumkel. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Preah Rumkel – O’ Svay – Stung Treng Women’s Development Center – Kratie

Arise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the horizon and to see local fishermen start their day. After breakfast in the commune, board a boat and navigate to another community-based tourism site, O’ Svay via a beautiful Ramsar Wetland (the boat is a bit noisy and takes around 20mn, 4pax/each, lifejackets provided). En route via Anlong Chheuteal, there is a chance to witness the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin. Upon arrival at O’Svay, a car will be waiting to pick us up and travel direct to visit Stung Treng Women’s Development Center (SWDC) before continue heading for Ratanakiri (140km, approx. 2.5hrs.) There is a possibility to have lunch at Mekong Blue Restaurant

(please advise one day in advance whether or not to have lunch so that the center will be able to prepare beforehand)

and visit the center afterwards. Established in January 2001 by Mrs. Ngoun Chantha who used to work for Medicins Sans Frontiéres (MSF) and Partners for Development (PFD), SWDC evolved into a training and development center aimed at providing vulnerable women with basic literacy, health/nutrition and childcare education. A visit to the center is both an opportunity to learn about the process of sericulture being carried out by the women and a chance to contribute to the improvement of the local livelihood by purchasing the silk products made by these women. You will have an opportunity to discover the silk production process from the growing of mulberry tree and feeding the silkworm to the silk dying and weaving.

(The Center is open from 07: 30 to 11:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday. If a group arrives on Sunday, we will skip this center and drive directly to Ratanakiri.

After check in at the hotel, we will continue to visit the magnificentYeakLomLakeand trek around the lake.YeakLomLakewas formed by a volcanic eruption around 4,000 years ago and is 50 meters deep, 800 meters across with a walking path around 2500 meters long and places to swim in the very clear and beautiful water.

Overnight in Ratanakiri. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Kratie – Mondulkiri

After breakfast, we will explore a 9km circuit road around the island’s perimeter which provides opportunities for visitors to leisurely cycle or take an ox-cart through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields while observing the rituals and routines of traditional village life. Afternoon is one of the best times to explore the island. Keep an eye open for traditional rooftop decorations as the numbers on the top of the roof indicate house’s construction year. Some houses even date back to the 1960s. The highlight of the tour includes leisurely cycling or ox-carting on shady trail around the island, visiting a Reforestation Project where you can plant a tree with your name (option), tasting a nationally renwoned Koh Trong pomelos, visiting a floating village and pagodas and of course interacting with the villagers. In the same morning, depart from the island to visit the old colonial town ofKratie before driving south to Chhlong, a small town dotted with fine French buildings. Continue eastward to the elevated capital ofMondulkiriProvince, Sen Monorom with its unique flora and fauna. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel.

Overnight in Mondulkiri [Breakfast]

Day 5 Mondulkiri – Elephant Ride

Take a morning drive to the Phnong minorityvillageofPutangwhere you will have an elephant ride through the forest. Rest by a lovely waterfall before continuing your journey into the wilderness. In the afternoon, explore Sen Monorom and its surrounding areas including Phnom Doh Kromom (Maiden Breast Hills) where you have a panoramic view over the town and can watch a sunset from the crest of the hill.

Overnight in Mondulkiri. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Mondulkiri – Bou Sraa Waterfall

Drive 37km to Bou Sraa Waterfall, the most impressive waterfall of all inCambodia. It boasts an unusual double drop, plunging 15m and then 30m into the jungle below. In the afternoon, visit a weavingvillageofBusrabefore returning to town.

Overnight in Mondulkiri. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 7 Mondulkiri – Kompong Cham

Drive 250km to Kompong Cham, one ofCambodia’s largest towns, located on the banks of the mightyMekongRiver. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After lunch, explore some French colonial houses, nearby Chup rubber plantations andHancheyTemple.

Overnight in Kompong Cham. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Kompong Cham – Phnom Penh

In the morning, visit the uniqueAngkorianTempleof Wat Nokor, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine built from sandstone and laterite. Pay a visit to the hilltop temples of Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Phnom Srei (Woman Hill) before proceeding toPhnom Penh.

[Breakfast]

VACAM-09CAMBODIADISCOVERY (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Battambang - Banteay Chhmar Temple

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Pursat – Battambang

Drive toOudong Mountain,Cambodia’s former capital, to see royal tombs situated on the Royal Fortune Hill. Then proceed toPursatProvincewhere Klieng Moeung and the floatingvillageofKampong Leungdisplay glimpses of authentic rural life. In the afternoon, resume your trip toBattambangProvince.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 2 Battambang – Sightseeing

After breakfast, transfer to the Bamboo Train Station. The Bamboo train was set up by the villagers to facilitate the transportation of both goods and passengers. The train’s very basic technology is comprised of a platform on 4 wheels which is activated by a small motor. For your comfort, VIANTOUR provides some cushions for the 8km travel through beautiful landscapes and rice paddies to the next station. Leave the train and start your discovery of local country life by visiting a village. Stop at a workshop that specializes in wooden sculpture and afterwards visit a local NGO named “La Maison de Coco” and the downtown area populated with its beautiful houses dating from colonial time. On the weekdays, for groups with more than 10 participants, we offer a visit to Phare Ponleu Selpak instead of “La Maison de Coco.” This is a local NGO that gives circus, drawing and music classes to children from poor families. The visit is followed by a circus performance by the students. In the afternoon, you will visit the provincial museum before driving along the picturesqueSangkerRiverto the 11th century Wat Ek Phnom. The day ends with a visit to Phnom Banon which boasts five hilltop sandstone towers and a magnificent view over the plains below.

Overnight in Battambang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Battambang – Banteay Chhmar – Siem Reap

Drive northwest toBanteayMeanCheyProvince(Sisophon) andBanteayChhmarTemple, one of the capitals of Jayavarman II. It was rebuilt by Jayavarman VII in honour of his sons and four generals who were killed in a battle repelling a Cham invasion in 1177. The 11th century sandstone structure was also dedicated to God Avalokiteshvara and unfortunately suffered significant damages during repeated Thai invasions. Fortunately, many of its huge bas-reliefs, which are said to be comparable to those of Bayon and Angkor Wat, remain to this day. A picnic lunch will be arranged. Later in the day, you will visitBanteayTorpTemplebefore arriving in Siem Reap.

[Breakfast, Lunch]

VACAM-10 WILDLIFE OFCAMBODIA(6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Kratie - Mondulkiri – Kompong Cham - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Kratie

Drive to Kratie, a small town that retains its colonial-era charm and is known as the best location to spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins. Upon arrival in Kratie, board a local ferry heading to the last destination of the day, the Koh Trong Community Based Tourism Site. Koh Trong is an island situated in the middle of theMekongRiverdirectly oppositeKratieTown. There is a 9km circuit road around the island’s perimeter which provides opportunities for visitors to leisurely cycle or take an ox-cart through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields while observing the rituals and routines of traditional village life. Afternoon is one of the best times to explore the island. Keep an eye open for traditional rooftop decorations as the numbers on the top of the roof indicate house’s construction year. Some houses even date back to the 1960s. The highlight of the tour includes leisurely cycling or ox-carting on shady trail around the island, visiting a Reforestation Project where you can plant a tree with your name (option), tasting a nationally renwoned Koh Trong pomelos, visiting a floating village and pagodas and of course interacting with the villagers. Today, we will stay overnight at a home stay.

Overnight homestay at Koh Trong

Day 2 Kratie Mondulkiri

After breakfast, you will visit the old colonial town ofKratiebefore driving southward to Chhlong, a small town dotted with elegant French buildings. Continue eastward to the elevated capital ofMondulkiriProvince, Sen Monorom where unique flora and fauna are abundant. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Mondulkiri. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Mondulkiri – Elephant Ride

Take a morning drive to the Phnong minorityvillageofPutangwhere you will have an elephant ride through the forest. Rest by a lovely waterfall before continuing your journey into the wilderness. In the afternoon, you will explore Sen Monorom and its surrounding areas including Phnom Doh Kromom (Maiden Breast Hills) where you will have a panoramic view over the town and watch the sunset from the crest of the hill.

Overnight in Mondulkiri. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Mondulkiri – Bou Sraa Waterfall

Drive 37km to Bou Sraa Waterfall, the most impressive waterfall of all inCambodia. It boasts an unusual double drop plunging 15m and then 30m into the jungle below. In the afternoon, you will visit the weavingvillageofBusrabefore returning to town.

Overnight in Mondulkiri. [Breakfast, Lunch].

Day 5 Mondulkiri – Kompong Cham

Drive 250km to Kompong Cham, one ofCambodia’s largest towns, located on the banks of the mightyMekongRiver. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore some French colonial houses, nearby Chup rubber plantations andHancheyTemple.

Overnight in Kompong Cham. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Kompong Cham – Phnom Penh

[Breakfast]

VACAM-11 KHMER HERITAGE (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Koh Ker - Preah Vihear - Anlong Veng - Siem Reap

Day 1 Siem Reap – Beng Mealea – Koh Ker Temples – Tbeng Meanchey

Depart early for Tbeng Meanchey, the provincial capital of Preah Vihear. Enjoy the Khmer countryside before you reach the remoteBengMealeaTemple(60km away), which has been long left in oblivion and partially reclaimed by the jungle. Proceed to the capital of King Jayavarman IV atKohKerTemple. Here the statues and reliefs were built on a large scale 30 metre-high pyramid, thus conveying a sense of power and grandeur which is rarely found in Khmer art. The “temple-mountain” rises to considerable heights along with long halls (originally, the structure would have had timber roofs). A picnic lunch will be available on site before you proceed to Tbeng Meanchey.

Overnight in Tbeng Meanchey. [Lunch]

Day 2 Tbeng Meanchey – Preah Vihear Temple

After breakfast at a local restaurant, take a long drive to the northern hilltoptempleofPreah Vihear. From here, theDangrekMountains, which form a natural border betweenCambodiaandThailandmay be seen. A picnic lunch will be arranged on site. Return to Tbeng Meanchey for an overnight stay at a local guest house.

Overnight in Tbeng Meanchey. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3 Tbeng Meanchey – Anlong Veng – Siem Reap

In the morning, drive to the former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge to visit the house of the former Khmer Rouge military leader Ta Mok as well as the site of Pol Pot’s cremation near the Thai border. Have a picnic lunch before proceeding to Siem Reap.

[Breakfast, Lunch]

VACAM-12 ENCHANTINGCAMBODIA(5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Takeo - Kep - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Tonle Bati – Chiso Mountain – Kep

Take a morning drive along National Highway 3 toTakeoProvince. On the way, stop at Tonle Bati, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peou Temples and Prasat Neang Khmau before reaching Chiso Mountain to visit the 11th century Khmer Brahmanic mountaintop temple. Enjoy a lunch break at Takeo before proceeding on to Kampong Trach to visit limestone caves and passages that shelter Wat Kirisan. You will be stunned by various stalactites and stalagmites in the shapes of dragon heads, monkeys, whales, and mushrooms. Continue your trip toKepProvince, a coastal city located in the southwest that has much to offer, such as, mountains, evergreen tropical forests, unspoiled islands, coral reefs, sandy beaches and fresh seafood. Founded during the French colonial period, the city was afterwards renovated into a beautiful seaside resort in the 1960s during Prince Norodom Sihanouk’s Sangkum Reastr Niyum Regime. The name Kep is derived from the French words le cap, or cape in English.

Overnight in Kep.

Day 2 Kep – Sightseeing

Take an excursion to visit Kampot, a small provincial town with colonial houses that is widely considered to be the durian plantation ofCambodia. This region is known not only for producing the best durian of all of Southeast Asia but also for its abundance of other tropical fruits including mangosteen, rambutan, mak prang, pineapple, grapefruit, custard apple and coconut. Additionally, Kampot’s Chamkar Mrich (“pepper plantations”) are renowned for producing one of the world’s finest peppers. Visit Tek Chhou Waterfall and discover the surrounding countryside during stops at different villages where you may chat with villagers and witness their daily life. Then enjoy free time to relax on the beautifulbeachofKepuntil sunset.

Overnight in Kep. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Kep – Ream National Park – Sihanoukville

After breakfast, take a drive to Sihanoukville. Stop en-route to visit theReamNational Parkfor a full day boat trip to explore this beautiful protected maritime reserve. This 21,000 hectare park encompasses a vast coastal area including sandy beaches, mangrove forests, the Prek Tuk Sap estuary, off-shore coral reefs and two islands. This is also home to a variety of marine life as well as rhesus monkeys. Relax on a pristine white sandy beach and enjoy a picnic lunch before you move on to Sihanoukville.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4 Sihanoukville

Enjoy an entire day to at your leisure on the beach.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh

Drive back toPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

VACAM-13 TRIP TO BATTAMBANG (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Siem Reap - Battambang - Siem Reap

Day 1 Siem Reap – Battambang

Today, you will drive to Battambang (173km/2hrs away),Cambodia’s second-largest city, which was founded in the 11th century. It is the former capital of Monton Kmer and lies in the heart of theNorthwest Cambodia. Until the war years when most of the infrastructure was destroyed, the province was the leading rice-producing region of the country. You will visit the provincial museum and drive along the picturesqueSangkerRiverto visit Wat Ek Phnom (11th century - Suryavaman I). In the afternoon, you will visit the Phnom Sampeau and killing fields before continuing on to Phnom Banon (most noticeable for its five sandstone towers standing on the top of a hill) and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains.

Overnight in Battambang.

Day 2 Battambang – Sightseeing – Siem Reap

VACAM-14 CHAMBOK COMMUNITY (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Phnom Penh - Chambok - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Chambok

This morning you will leavePhnom Penhfor Chambok, a community-based ecotourism site located at the border ofKiriromNational ParkinKampongSpeuProvince. This is an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers who seek to explore off the beaten track corners ofCambodia. Highlights of your trip include a trek through the dense forest to a beautiful 40-metre high waterfall, a bat cave and some local villages. The landscape along the way is spectacular with opportunities to see wild animals and birds. During harvest time, you may see farmers busy at work in their fields and may even join them for some hands-on experience in ploughing and harvesting. In the evening, dinner will be served at the Community Information Centre to offer an authentic local taste.

Overnight homestay. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Chambok – Phnom Penh / Chiphat / Sihanoukville Beach / Kep

Drive back toPhnom Penh. Optionally, you may choose to continue on to CHIPHAT Community-based Ecotourism for further nature exploration or continue to Sihanoukville or Kep where you may relax and enjoy the beach.

[Breakfast]

VACAM-15CAMBODIACOUNTRYSIDE (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Phnom Penh - Kep - Kampot - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Kampot – Kep

Take a morning drive to visitKampotProvincewhere some old charming French colonial architecture remains to this day. Kampot is also renowned for the quality of its fruits, salt and the famous Kampot Pepper. Visit Teuk Chhou Resort before continuing on toKepProvince. En route stop at a local village to discover the countryside life, traditional salt farms and salt production (only during the dry season), pepper farms, and the Kampong Trach Cave Mountain where one may find limestone caves with lots of natural rock formations in various shapes. Arrive in Kep and check-in to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Kep.

Day 2 Kep – Phnom Penh

Drive to town and enjoy a local boat trip to the sandy beaches and coconut trees onRabbitIslandlocated approximately 4.5km away. Enjoy a picnic lunch and have the afternoon free to leisurely relax on the beach (you may spend your time swimming in pristine water, sunbathing on the white sandy beaches, or taking a stroll around the island on your own). In the late afternoon, return to Kep and drive back toPhnom Penh. [Breakfast, Lunch]

VACAM-16CAMBODIANATURE & BEACH (4 DAYS /3 NIGHTS)

Phnom Penh - Chambok - Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Chambok Community at Kirirom National Park – Sihanoukville

In the morning, leavePhnom Penhfor Chambok, a community-based ecotourism site, located at the border ofKiriromNational ParkinKampongSpeuProvince. This is an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers who seek to explore off the beaten track corners ofCambodia. Highlights of your trip include a trek through the dense forest to a beautiful 40-metre high waterfall, a bat cave and some local villages. The landscape along the way is spectacular with numerous opportunities to see wild animals and birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch and proceed to Sihanoukville.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. [Lunch]

Day 2 Sihanoukville – Ream National Park – Sihanoukville

Drive to theReamNational Parkwhere a full day boat trip has been arranged to explore this beautiful marine reserve. This 21,000 hectare park encompasses a vast coastal area including sandy beaches, mangrove forests, the Prek Tuk Sap estuary, off-shore coral reefs and two islands. This is also home to a variety of marine life as well as rhesus monkeys. Relax on the pristine white sandy beach and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Sihanoukville.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3 Sihanoukville

Enjoy a free day to relax on the beach.

Overnight in Sihanoukville. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh

Drive back toPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

VACAM-17IRRAWADDYDOLPHIN SEARCH (2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT)

Phnom Penh - Kratie - Phnom Penh

Day 1 Phnom Penh – Kratie

Overnight homestay at Koh Trong

Day 2 Kratie – Kg. Cham – Phnom Penh

Take a morning excursion to Wat Rokakandal Centre, originally an ancient Vietnamese pagoda that has since been refurbished and converted to a local museum for displaying Cambodian crafts.VisitChhlongVillageto see charming French Colonial buildings and old Khmer houses before driving to the provincial town ofKg. Cham. Upon arrival, visit the uniqueAngkorianTempleof Wat Nokor, an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine built from sandstone and laterite. Pay a visit to the hilltop temples of Phnom Pros (Man Hill) and Phnom Srei (Woman Hill) and then return toPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

EXCURSIONS FROM SIEM REAP

VACEX-01 EXPLORE KOH KER ANDBENGMEALEATEMPLES(FD)

Siem Reap - Koh Ker - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap

Take a morning drive 120km northeast of Angkor to discoverKohKerTemple, a relic of the capital of King Jayavarman IV. The complex is impressive in scale and conveys a sense of power and grandeur usually not associated with Khmer art. A picnic lunch will be arranged on site. On the return trip to Siem Reap, you will visit Beng Mealea, a unique 11th century temple which almost rivals Angkor Wat in terms of size. The main temple sits on an area of 108 hectares and is surrounded by a 45 metre-wide moat. Although it dates from the same period as Angkor Temples, the artwork and friezes are different in style. Much of the temple is enveloped by the jungle, thus adding to the sense of mystic discovery. [Lunch]

VACEX-03 EXPLORE BANTEAY CHHMAR (FD)

Siem Reap - Banteay Chhmar - Banteay Toap - Siem Reap

In the morning, you will drive northwest toBanteayMeanCheyProvince(Sisophon) to visitBanteayChhmarTemple, formerly an ancient capital of King Jayavarman II. It was later rebuilt by Jayavarman VII in honour of his sons and four generals who were killed in a battle against the Cham. This 11th century sandstone structure suffered significant damage during repeated Thai invasions. Many of its huge bas-reliefs survived and are comparable to those at Bayon and Angkor Wat. Enjoy your picnic lunch before proceeding toBanteayToapTemple. [Lunch]

VACEX-04 EXPLORE KBAL SPEAN (HD)

Siem Reap - Kbal Spean - Siem Reap

Commonly known as the valley of a thousand Lingas, Kbal Spean is set deep in the jungle to the northeast ofAngkor. You will have a hike through the jungle to reach the River of a Thousand Lingas. Historically, the ancient civilization ofAngkorused this waterway for irrigation purposes. Numerous bas-reliefs remain as do the thousand lingas embedded in the river to bless the water before it ran downhill to the royal city. This Hindu Pilgrimage site predates the Angkor Temples by some 200 years, thus making it the most ancient site in the region.

VACEX-05 EXPLOREKULENMOUNTAIN(FD)

Siem Reap - Kulen Mountain - Siem Reap

Kulen Mountian, which served as an important spiritual site during the Angkorian period, is now a nature preserve and popular weekend retreat for the locals. The mountain continues to be a sacred site among Cambodian people who come to pray for good luck or take a dip in the holy water of a nearby river. Your trip to this sacred site includes visits to an ancient temple, some beautiful waterfalls, a holy river with hundreds of lingas carved out from the riverbed, and stunning views over the surrounding forests.

VACEX-06 EXPLORE THETONLE SAPLAKE(HD)

Transfer from your hotel to the famous Tonle Sap, the largest fresh water lake inSoutheast Asia. You will then take a memorable boat cruise to a nearby floating village and get a glimpse of the everyday life of the local people who dwell in floating shacks. For most of the year the lake is fairly small, approximately only one metre deep with an area of 2,700 square km. However, during the monsoon season, the water is pushed up from theMekongRiverinto the lake, resulting in an increased area of 16,000 square km and a depth of up to nine metres, ultimately flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish. The livelihood of most of the local community depends largely on fishing and Tonle Sap accounts for 75 percent ofCambodia’s annual inland fish catch. Return to the hotel later in the day.

VACEX-10 DISCOVER INSTITUTE FOR KHMER TRADITIONAL TEXTILES (FD)

The Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT) is open from 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday. It is an organization that helps preserve traditional Khmer textiles. It involves restoring the whole process of textile-making in the traditional manner as well as initiating the young Cambodian generation to treasure traditional crafts passed down from previous generations. The workshop is an ideal place to observe skilled local craftsmen working on their final products. Remember to buy a few quality items for your own personal souvenirs as well as gifts for your family and friends. The other section of this organization is the “Wisdom from theForest” located 35km north of Siep Reap. It is the source for raw materials. Here you may see all the plants used for natural dye production as well as the mulberries which are vital for silk production. You may observe the whole silk-making process from the silkworms munching on the mulberry and building their cocoon out of a single silk thread to the workers weaving silk rugs on their loom. In the late afternoon, visit a pagoda to witness a Spiritual Cleansing. Nowadays, this ceremony remains popular with many Cambodians as the ritual is believed to assist the acquisition of peace of mind and calmness.

VACEX-11BENGMEALEATEMPLE(HD)

Pick up from hotel and drive to discover Beng Mealea, a unique 11th century temple which almost rivals Angkor Wat in terms of size. The main temple sits on an area of 108 hectares and is surrounded by a 45 metre-wide moat. Although it dates from the same period as Angkor Temples, the artwork and friezes are different in style. Much of the temple is enveloped by the jungle, thus adding to the sense of mystic discovery.

VACEX-12 SIEM REAP - SAMBO PREIKUK

Drive to the 7th centurytempleofSambor Prei Kuk, the ruins of Isanapura and the former capital city of the pre-AngkorianKhmerKingdomknown as Chenla from Chinese chronicles. It is divided mainly into three complexes namely Preah Sambor/North Group; Preah Tor (”LionTemple”)/Central Group; and Preah Yeay Poun/South Group. The main temple complexes are walled and contain a number of prasads in differing states of ruin. Most of these temples date from the 7th century, or 600 years before the period ofAngkor. The principal material is brick, but sandstone may be found in various structures. The brickwork has finely sculptured reliefs reminiscent of those found inIndia.

EXCURSIONS FROMPHNOM PENH

VACEX-08 SUNSET ON THEMEKONGRIVER(1 HR)

EnjoyPhnom Penhat sunset by taking an hour long cruise along theMekongRiver. Along the way, you will visit a floating village and observe how local people go about their daily businesses along the riverbanks.

VACEX-09 CRUISING TOKOHDACHISLAND(FD)

In the early afternoon, transfer from your hotel to the pier and then embark on a boat for an exciting excursion along theMekongRivertoKohDachIslandto visit a traditional Khmer weaving village. You will be amazed to see how the villagers produce their own dyes and weave silk on old looms. Learn about the local way of life as you walk through the village. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then set out on your return journey toPhnom Penh. Enjoy the lush green scenery, a fishing village and a local pagoda as well as sunset over theRoyalPalacewhen you approach the town. Transfer from the pier back to the hotel.

VACEX-13OUDONGMOUNTAIN-BASETMOUNTAINAND SILVER CRAFTS (FD)

In the morning, you will drive about an hour north ofPhnom Penhalong National Route No. 5 to the hills of the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Explore attractive old temples and stupas. Enjoy the beautiful countryside while making your way up the hill. Enjoy a picnic lunch. On the return toPhnom Penh, visitBasetMountainand theNokorVimeanSourTemplewhich is a concrete semi-replica of Angkor Wat built around 1998. Finally, visit silver craftsmen at Kampong Luong Commune before returning toPhnom Penh.

[Lunch]

VACEX-14 TONLE BATI - PRASAT NEANG KHMAU -CHISOTEMPLE(FD)

Take a drive through the countryside toChisoMountainto explore an 11th century Khmer Brahmanic Temple. The temple is located atop the mountain and although ruined, it still has a lot to reveal in terms of religion and history. From its height of 380 metres, you will have a rewarding scenic view of the surrounding rice paddies inTakeoProvince. It may be reached via the western stairs comprised of 180 steps. The path down is to the south and has 408 steps. During the return toPhnom Penh, stop en route to visitNeangKhmauTemplebefore proceeding to a silk weaving village at Tonle Bati. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Visit Ta Prohm andYeayPoeuTemplesbefore returning toPhnom Penh. [Lunch]

VACEX-15PHNOM PENH- PURSAT -KAMPONGCHHNANGPROVINCE-PHNOM PENH(FD)

Drive toPursatProvinceto visit Klieng Moeung historic area and Kampong Leung floating village to observe the lifestyle of poor inhabitants living in floating houses. On the return trip, visitKampongChhnangProvinceto discover a fishing village and an pottery village. Continue and visit the hills of the abandoned Royal City of Oudong. Explore attractive old temples and stupas Enjoy the beautiful countryside while making your way up the hill. silver craftsmen at Kampong Luong Commune before returning toPhnom Penh. [Lunch]

LAOSPROGRAMMES

VALAO-01LAOSCLASSIC (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS)

Vientiane - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khuang Si Falls

Day 1 Vientiane – Arrival

Arrive at Vientianeand transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour including Wat Simuang, Vientiane's most sacred site and the religious museum at Wat Sisaket. The tour includes a stop at Wat Pra Keo, original home of the Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok, the 16th century That Luang Golden Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Gate. The day ends watching sunset on the banks of the MekongRiver.
Overnight inVientiane.

Day 2 Vientiane - Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Falls

Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. After checking in, take a city tour to Wat Sen and Wat Visun. Late afternoon take a half-hour drive toKhuangSiFalls, where the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Return to town to enjoy sunset on top of Mount Phou Si, overlooking the Luang Prabang ancient capital. From there, we enjoy visiting the Street Night Market where local people and surrounding hill tribes display their textile fabric, silk worm and hand made traditional customs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves

Take a full-day boat trip on the mightyMekongRiver. Our tour is begun to visit Wat Xiengthong, the most famous royal temple then cross the Mekong River to explore local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Continue with the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun, which once belonged to the royal family and nearby Sackarine Caves and continue cruising Pak Ou cave. Explore caves and crossMekongRiverat Ban Ou for lunch at a local restaurant. [Lunch is your owned expenses] Return by road to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai, where the residents create a unique rice wine called lao lao and continue to typical Lao villages at Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, well known for their hand weaving and hand made Jute Sar paper.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving – Departure

You may wish to wake up early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. After breakfast visit Highlights include theFormerRoyalPalace, now theNationalMuseum[close on Tuesday]. If time permit, we visit Luang Prabang Market and a number of shops selling antiques and silver jewelry made by mountain tribes. Transfer to airport for departure. End of services. [Breakfast]

VALAO-02 PEACEFUL LUANG PRABANG (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou

Day 1 Luang Prabang – Arrival

Arrive at Luang Prabang, transfer to hotel. After checking in, take a city tour to Wat Sen and Wat Visun. Late afternoon take a half-hour drive toKhuangSiFalls, where the waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Return to town to enjoy sunset on top of Mount Phou Si, overlooking the Luang Prabang ancient capital. From there, we enjoy visiting the Street Night Market where local people and surrounding hill tribes display their textile fabric, silk worm and hand made traditional customs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving – Departure

VALAO-03 CHARMING LUANG PRABANG - THEHERITAGETOWN(4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS)

Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Khuang Si Falls

Day 1 Luang Prabang – Arrival

Arrive at Luang Prabang, transfer to hotel. After checking in, take a city tour to Wat Sen, Wat Visun, Wat Aham and Ethnology museum before climbing up the top of Mount Phou Si, overlooking the Luang Prabang ancient capital to enjoy sunset. From there, we enjoy visiting the Street Night Market where local people and surrounding hill tribe display their textile fabric, silk worm and handmade traditional customs.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Luang Prabang - Khuang Si Falls

In the morning we visit the Phou Si Market with its array of offerings including dried buffalo skin, local tea, saltpeter and hill-tribe weavings as well as vegetables and livestock.Laosis known for its traditional crafts, and today we visit the ethnic villages of Ban Ouay, (Hmong), Ban Ou (Lowland Lao) and Ban Thapene (Khmu). Continue driving to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfalls where we can splash around in the pools or walk along forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village before returning to the city by late evening to watch the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving – Departure

VALAO-07 MYSTERIES OFLAOS(5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS)

Vientiane – Xiang Khuang –Plain of Jars - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave

Day 1 Vientiane arrival

Arrive inVientianeand transfer to a hotel. If time permits, enjoy a city tour including: the oldest Wat Sisaket, a temple of thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royaltempleofWat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit Lao national icon, That Luang Stupa, and we stop to take some pictures of the imposingPatuxayMonument, which isVientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Overnight inVientiane.

Day 2 Vientiane – Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xiengkhuang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered across the plateau. Then transfer to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Xiengkhuang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Xiengkhuang – Luang Prabang

Early morning, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh to watch the different hilltribe people barter and exchange merchandises. We then head out towards Luang Prabang. Enroute we stop off to see the Buddha images at Thampra, a site more than 200 years old, and various Hmong and hilltribe minority villages along the way. After numerous photo stops, we continue driving, enjoying the splendid natural scenery of the mountains, the forest and landscape. The journey will take us over mountainous regions until we approach Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

(This journey is about 8hr drive on the uphill mountain)

Day 4 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves – half day city tour

Today, we embark on a cruise upstream on theMekongRiver, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. On the way back, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine then drive to visit traditional villages, typically Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek which are famous for their hand weaving and hand made Jute Sar paper. Arrive in down town Luang Prabang; we climb up on top of Mount Phou Si for sunset overview the Luang Prabang ancient capital. From there, we enjoy visiting the Street Night Market where local people and surrounding hill tribes display their textile fabric, silk worm and handmade traditional customs.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Luang Prabang - Alms-Giving – Departure

[Breakfast]

VALAO-04 LUANG SAY CRUISE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)

Huay Xai – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang – Vientiane

Day 1 Luang Prabang - Luang Say cruise

Take a full-day boat trip on the MekongRiver. The boat leaves Luang Prabang Pier at 7:30am for a cruise up the MekongRiverto Pakbeng. On the way to the Pak Ou Caves, make a brief stop at a village renowned for its unique rice wine called "lao lao". Then proceed to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves built into towering limestone cliffs along the riverbank. Inside the caves are thousands of statues of Buddha in various sizes. Enjoy a buffet lunch onboard and continue the route to Pak Beng, arriving just in the nick of time for a sunset view. Stay at the Luang Say Lodge and then enjoy dinner on a terrace overlooking the MekongRiver.
Overnight at Luang Say Lodge. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Luang Say cruise - Chiang Rai

After breakfast, we cruise on theMekongRiverto the border crossing at Houay Xai. Stop en route to visit hill tribe villages and to witness the common daily life along the riverbank. Lunch is served onboard. Arrive at Houay Xay in the afternoon and transfer to Chiang Rai.

Overnight at Chiang Rai. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 3 Chiang Rai – Departure

The morning is free to rest and explore the city. Transfer to the airport for a departure flight.

[Breakfast]

VALAO-04 WAT PHU CRUISE (3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)

Pakse - Champassak - Don Khong - Pakse

Day 1 Pakse - Champassak - Vat Phou

Depart early in the morning (10:30am) from Pakse to Champassak. Head south aboard a local long tail riverboat, zigzag through mild rapids and sand banks, and arrive at Champassak in time for a riverside lunch. Next is a guided tour of the mysterious pre-Angkorian 10th century templeof Vat Phou, the boat's namesake. As dusk falls, board the Vat Phou for a relaxing cruise downriver. Enjoy a tropical sunset and dinner on the deck. Finally, the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.
Overnight on board Wat Phu. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 2 Huei Thamo - Oum Moung Temple - Khong Island

Breakfast onboard as we set sail for thevillageofHuei Thamo, only a few minutes’ walk away from the spectacular hidden foresttempleofOum Moung. Afterwards, rejoin the boat for a cruise southwards and enjoy lunch on the deck, whilst we continue our leisurely sail further south to the wild paradise of the "4,000 islands". Arrive in the afternoon nearKhongIsland(the birthplace of the President of the Peoples Republic of Laos) at Ban Dua Tae, and visit this traditionalLaotianVillagewhere the accepted lifestyle has not changed for centuries. Board the boat for a quiet dinner under the stars and serenaded by the songs of the buffalo toads. Overnight on board Wat Phu. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 3 Ban Veuthong - Khone Pha Peng – Pakse

Enjoy breakfast on the deck whilst cruising to the smallvillageofBan Veuthongwhere we will board a small long-tail boat toKhoneIsland. After the visit, take a long tail boat back to the mainland for lunch amidst the by-gone splendid of another age; colourful French colonial houses; and an old customs post alongside a stone quay. Take a minivan to the amazingly scenic splendour of the Khong Pha Peng Waterfall ("theNiagaraof the East") which is near to the Cambodian border. We return to Pakse and arrive in the afternoon. [Breakfast, Lunch]

VALAO-08 SOUTHERNLAOSUNVEILED (4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS)

Vientiane - Pakse - Wat Phu - Si Phan Don – Pakse

Day 1 Vientiane - Pakse - Wat Phu - Don Khong

Transfer to theVientianeAirportfor a flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive south on the National Road No. 13th to Champassak to visit the temple ruins of Wat Phu which date from the 5th and 6th centuries and predate Angkor Wat by over 200 years. Originally built as a shrine to Shiva, the temple is thought to have been linked toAngkorby a 100km road marked with stones. Drive toKhongIslandafter lunch and stop en route to visit thevillageofBan Phone Saat.

Overnight inKhongIsland.

Day 2 Don Khong - Si Phan Done - Don Khone

After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour cruise down into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets protrude out in dry seasons, thus giving this area a lovely name of "Si Phan Done” (translated as the “Four Thousand Islands"). Along the way, stop to visit the Liphi Waterfalls and spend the rest of the day to explore the fisherman village of Ban Done Khone. The village houses old French colonial buildings and has traces of the old colonial past with Laos’ first locomotive railway. Optionally, board on a small boat down the MekongRiverto see Irrawaddydolphins (if possible, take a 1hr boat upstream and downstream).
Overnight inKhoneIsland. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Don Khone - Khone Phapeng - Pakse

Cross the MekongRiverin the morning and take a car drive down near Laos- Cambodiaborder to visit the famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, Southeast Asia's largest waterfalls. Return to Pakse in the afternoon.
Overnight in Pakse [Breakfast]

Day 4 Pakse departure

The morning is free until transferring to the airport for a departure flight.

[Breakfast]

VALAO-09SOUTHERN LAOSDONE DAENG (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Vientiane - Pakse - Wat Phu - Done Daeng - Si Phan Don – Pakse

Day 1 Vientiane – Pakse – Wat Phu – Done Daeng

Transfer to the VientianeAirportfor a flight to Pakse. On arrival, we drive south on the National Road No. 13th to Champassak to visit the temple ruins of Wat Phu, which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries and predate Angkor Wat by over 200 years. Originally built as a shrine to Shiva, the temple is thought to have been linked to Angkorby a 100km road marked with stones. Following lunch, we continue our journey by a long tail boat to Done Daeng, and home to La Folie Lodge where you have the rest of the day to either relax or explore the island.

Overnight on Done Daeng. [Breakfast]

Day 2 Done Daeng – 4000 Islands and Surrounding

After an early morning breakfast, we head south by road and boat to Done Khone. Here we begin by re-tracing the French colonial-past at Ban Khone, where some old colonial houses still stand, and also glimpse at the first Laotian locomotive railway. We continue our exploration of the area of the 4,000 islands by boat and visit the beautiful Liphi Waterfall, also known as the Samphamith, which forms a natural border between Lao and Cambodia. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to the famous waterfall of Khone Phapeng (also known as the “Niagara of the East”), the largest waterfall inSoutheast Asia.

Overnight on Done Daeng. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Don Daeng – Pakse – Departure

The morning is free until transferring to the airport for a departure flight.

[Breakfast]

EXCURSIONS FROM LUANG PRABANG

VAEXL-01LUANGPRABANGSCHOOLAND CAVE (FD)

Luang Prabang – Big Brother Mouse – Ban Khia Luang – Pak Ou Caves

The day starts with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse Shop to select some books for the village visit. Then, travel north by car along route 13, before taking an unpaved road toBanKhiaLuangVillage. There is ample time to visit the school, play with the kids and watch them enjoy their new books. Explore the rest of the village, where you may observe weaving and visit the local temple. Stop for lunch at the village, which can either be a western picnic lunch or a traditionalLaos’ meal inclusive of sticky rice, laap and fresh vegetables cooked by the villagers. After lunch, part way with the village and drive to Ban Khoklin, this takes us through some beautiful scenery of mountains and rice paddy fields. At Ban Khoklin, board a private boat down the Nam Ou River for 30 minutes to Pak Ou Caves (two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims). Continue down theMekongRiverback to Luang Prabang, and finally reach our target destination by the late afternoon.

[Lunch]

VAEXL-02 LAO TRADITIONAL STENCIL CLASS (1 – 2H EXCURSION)

Note: 3 pax maximum

Drive to visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground (a signature of classical Laotian architecture). Discover and learn how to produce the Laotian’s traditional stencil made with Saa paper. You will be taught how to make your own stencil and its useful application in your home country.

The fine arts ofLaoshave been developed over centuries and reflect the values and traditions of this gentle but lively culture. The curving and straight lines and soft and hard contours blend harmoniously in the patterns that feature in Laotian arts. The skills of Laotian artists from the past to the present may be seen in the delicate use of these patterns within the architectural features of the heritage town ofLuang Prabang. The warm, courteous nature of Laotian people is reflected in the soft, gentle curves of the motifs, thus providing a restful and pleasing visual experience. Drive back to the hotel.

VAEXL-03 PUPPET CEREMONY AT WAT XIENGTHONG (1HR EXCURSION)

Start the tour by visiting the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground (representative of classical Laotian architecture). Experience a ceremony and puppet show with local puppets which were historically used for festivals and funeral parties in Luang Prabang. Currently, only a few people from thevillageofXieng Thongunderstand the preparation of the ceremony and the use of the puppets. Visitors will discover a “piece of history and culture” of Luang Prabang. Transfer back to the hotel.

Special with additional fee: An expert from UNESCO may explain to you the significance of the ceremony and the puppets (the availability has to be verified upon request).

VAEXL-04 GECKO CLIFF TREKKING (FD)

After your breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 9:00am and transfer you to the boat pier where you board our comfortable private boat for a cruise down theMekongRiverto Ban Chan Tai to start our 2hrs trek to Gecko Cliff. This gentle trek takes us along the banks of theMekongRiverbefore climbing up a forested hill to a stunning view of theMekongRiverand the beautiful surrounding countryside. Following a well earned rest, continue to the second site of the day, an unexplored cave, before heading down to theMekongRiverwhere our boat will be waiting to take us further downstream to Ban Pak Leuang. Here we begin our 20min cycling ride, taking through a Lao Loum village and rice paddy fields before reaching the Hoy Khua Waterfall. Then, stop for a picnic lunch of traditional Laotian food. After lunch, there is time to admire the multi-tiered waterfall before returning by bicycle to our boat. Return to Luang Prabang by river and arrive back in the town by around 4:00pm. [Lunch]

EXCURSIONS FROM VIENTIANE

VAEXL-05 ORCHID & WATERFALL (FD)

The National Protected Area of Phou Khao Khouay is the nearest National Park to Vientiane, the nearest point just over an hour away. Besides some great scenery and beautiful waterfalls, the NPA offers trails through dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, numerous waterfalls and rivers. Wildlife is abundant but elusive.

Tropical butterflies and orchids line the way through forests that are home to rare large mammals such as Sun Bear, Tiger and Elephants.

The friendly village of Ban Hatkhai is a good place to learn more about the genuine lifestyle of the Lao Loum people.

We will be transferred fromVientianeto Ban Hatkhai, where a long-tail boat takes us up-stream on the Nam Mang river, before continuing along the smaller Houay Xai stream, one of its many tributaries. A 2 hours trek passes under an evergreen canopy, while slowly gaining height. A picnic lunch is served on the way.

The magnificent pair of waterfalls, Tad Xay and Pha Xay and only about 800 m apart, are particularly beautiful and thundering during and after the rainy season. Tad Xay has a pool which is great for bathing. We'll be there in the early afternoon.

From here, a pick-up takes the group to Ban Hatkhai, from where we return toVientiane. [Lunch]

PROGRAMMES

VAIND-01GRAND TOUR (16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS)

Luang Prabang - Vientiane - Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Danang - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Day 1 Luang Prabang – Arrival

Arrive at Luang Prabang and transfer to hotel. After check in, take a brief city tour to the former Royal Palace (currently the National Museum); Wat Xieng Thong; Wat Sen; and Wat Visun. End the day by enjoying a sunset view from the top of Mount Phou Si. Afterwards, visit the Night Market to observe local hill tribe people selling their wares.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves

Take a full-day boat trip on the mightyMekongRiverto explore local villages at Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Continue onto theRoyalTempleat Wat Longkhoun, which once housed the royal family; visit the nearbySackarineCavesand continue cruising to Pak Ou Cave. Explore the caves and cross theMekongRiverat Ban Ou for lunch at a local restaurant. Return by road to Luang Prabang stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai (where the locals create a unique rice wine called lao lao) and at the Lao villages Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek (well known for its handmade Jute Sar paper).

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Luang Prabang – Vientiane

After breakfast, visit the Luang Prabang Market where a number of shops sell antiques and silver jewellery made by mountain tribes. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Arrive in Vientianeand transfer to hotel. Enjoy an afternoon city tour including Wat Simuang, Vientiane's most sacred site, and the religious museum at Wat Sisaket. The tour includes a stop at Wat Pra Keo, the original home of the Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok, the 16th century That Luang Golden Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Gate. The day ends watching the sunset on the banks of the MekongRiver.
Overnight inVientiane. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Vientiane – Hanoi

In the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight toHanoi. Arrive inHanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Hanoi – Sightseeing – Ha Long bay

Take part of the day to exploreHanoi’s illustrious history before driving to Ha Long Bay. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS and FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the firstuniversityofVietnam, theTempleofLiterature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. The tour includes stops at theHoanKiemLake,NgocSonTempleandHanoi’s Old Quarter before proceeding to Ha Long bay.

Overnight in HaLongBay. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Ha Long Bay - Boat Cruise - Hanoi

In the morning take a delightful cruise through the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. Visit a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites before enjoying a seafood lunch onboard and then return to the dock. Drive back toHanoiwith stop en route at a ceramic factory.

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 7 Hanoi - Hue - Sightseeing

Fly to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Arrive in Hueand enjoy a river cruise on the peaceful PerfumeRiverto the Thien Mu pagoda. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel which was built in accordance with strict principles of geomancy and the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc.
Overnight inHue. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Hue – Da Nang - Hoi An – Sightseeing

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Depart forDa Nangand catch your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing

This morning you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh Cityin the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat cruise to the Cai Be Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a village where you will see some family run businesses that produce rice cake and rice paper. After eating lunch at a local house, proceed to Binh Hoa Phuoc islet for a sampan ride before disembarking at Vinh Long for your drive to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 12 Can Tho – Chau Doc

Enjoy a morning boat cruise to the Cai Rang Floating Market where small boats and vessels deliver goods from all parts of the Mekong Delta. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of merchants trading their produce. Visit a historic house in Binh Thuy before proceeding to Chau Doc, a trading port near the Cambodian border. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise to the Chau Giang fish farm - where fish are raised in cages beneath floating houses - as well as the Cham weaving villageof Da Phuoc.
Overnight in Chau Doc. [Breakfast]

Day 13 Chau Doc - Phnom Penh by Boat

A half day cruise toPhnom Penhgives you a chance to appreciate the immensity of theMekongRiverand to witness how locals live and work along the river. Arrive inPhnom Penhand check in to hotel. In the afternoon, visit some of the capital’s most impressive sites including theNationalMuseum, the Silver Pagoda containing an emerald Buddha statue, theRoyalPalaceand Wat Phnom,Phnom Penh’s oldest shrine. Overnight inPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

Day 14 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in. Afterwards, access Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate to explore the ancient city, then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat where its extraordinary architecture offers an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 15 Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

After breakfast, visit the graceful 11thcenturyTempleof Shiva – Banteay Srei – and theBanteaySamreTemple. On the return trip, pay a visit to Ta Prohm Temple which is mystically enveloped by the jungle. In the afternoon, visit the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT). Housed in traditional Khmer architecture, IKTT serves to further the preservation of Cambodian national heritage by encouraging the young generation to learn traditional silk-making techniques passed down by their ancestors.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 16 Siem Reap - Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. [Breakfast]

VAIND-02INDOCHINAEXPLORER (14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS)

Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Hanoi - Ha Long – Hue – Hoian – Saigon – Mekong – Siem Reap

Day 1 Luang Prabang - Arrival

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves

Overnight in Luang Prabang. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Luang Prabang – Vientiane

Day 4 Vientiane – Hanoi

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Hanoi – Sightseeing

You will have a full day to exploreHanoi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS and FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the firstuniversityofVietnam, theTempleofLiterature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visitHoanKiemLakeand theNgocSonTemple. A one-hour cyclo tour ofHanoi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancientHanoiand learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture. The tour includes a stop at an ancient Vietnamese "long house."

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Drive through rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. Board a junk for a cruise among hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (if weather permits) before visiting a grotto of gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Overnight on a Junk. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 7 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi – Hue

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf area. Transfer toNoiBaiAirportfor your evening flight toHue.

Overnight inHue. [Breakfast or brunch]

Day 8 Hue – Danang – Hoi An

Take a delightful cruise up the peacefulPerfumeRiver. Visit the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Take an excursion to the Imperial Citadel. This spectacular Citadel (which was built in accordance with strict principles of geomancy) houses a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences and colleges. Visit the poetic mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc before driving along the coast and via Hai Van mountain pass to Hoi An with a stop en route at the photogenic village of Lang Co. Arrive in Hoi An and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Hoi An – Sightseeing

Overnight in Hoi An. [Breakfast]

Day 10 Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City

Depart forDa Nangto catch your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to the city centre for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre - Boat Cruise

Depart for theMekongDelta. Upon arrival in My Tho, enjoy a boat cruise along the river and take a short walk to a handicraft workshop where goods are made from coconut trees. You will experience an exciting horse-drawn cart ride to visit a local house where you will enjoy tea and taste home grown fruits. Board a sampan and drift along the narrow, tree-lined canals for further exploration of the Mekong Delta. After lunch, visit a family-run business making coconut candies before returning to the mainland at My Tho. On the return trip toHo Chi Minh City, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda if time permits.

Return toHo Chi Minh Cityby the late afternoon.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in. Afterwards, access Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate to explore the ancient city, then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat where its extraordinary architecture offers an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 13 Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 14 Siem Reap - Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight.

[Breakfast]

VAIND-03SOUTHERN INDOCHINADISCOVERY (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City – Arrival

Arrive inHo Chi Minh Cityand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing

This morning you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where the Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the recent war. Return toHo Chi Minh Cityin the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat cruise to the Cai Be Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a village where you will see some family run businesses that produce popcorn and rice paper. After eating lunch at a local house, you will proceed to Binh Hoa Phuoc islet for a sampan ride before disembarking at Vinh Long for your drive onto Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4 Can Tho – Chau Doc

Enjoy a morning boat cruise to the Cai Rang Floating Market populated by small boats and vessels that deliver goods from all parts of the Mekong Delta. You will have a chance to observe lively activities of merchants trading their produce. Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House before proceding to Chau Doc, a trading port near the Cambodian border. Upon arrival, enjoy the boat cruise to the Chau Giang fish farm - where fish are raised in cages beneath floating houses - as well as the Cham weaving villageof Da Phuoc.
Overnight in Chau Doc. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Chau Doc - Phnom Penh by Boat

A half day cruise toPhnom Penhgives you a chance to appreciate the immensity of theMekongRiverand to witness how locals live and work along the river. Arrive inPhnom Penhand check in to hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit some of the Capital’s most impressive sites including theNationalMuseum, the Silver Pagoda containing the Emerald Buddha statue, theRoyalPalaceand Wat Phnom,Phnom Penh’s oldest shrine.

Overnight inPhnom Penh. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, access Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate to explore the ancient city, then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, the Royal Palace, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, a visit to the magnificent Angkor Wat with its extraordinary architecture offers an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

After breakfast, visit the graceful 11thcenturyTempleof Shiva – Banteay Srei – and theBanteaySamreTemple. On the return trip, be impressed by the Ta Prohm Temple which is mystically enveloped by the jungle. In the afternoon, you will visit the Institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles (IKTT). Housed in the traditional Khmer architecture, IKTT serves to further the preservation of Cambodian national heritage by encouraging the young generation to learn traditional silk-making techniques passed on by their forefathers.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Siem Reap - Departure

Freely leisure until transferring to the airport for the departure flight.

[Breakfast]

VAIND-04VIETNAMANDCAMBODIAHIGHLIGHTS (11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS)

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap

Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival

Arrive inHanoiand transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, take delight in watching a traditional water puppet performance whose origin dates back over a thousand years.

Overnight inHanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi – Sightseeing

Overnight inHanoi. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Overnight on a Junk. [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Day 4 Ha Long Bay – Boat Cruise – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf area. Transfer toNoiBaiAirportfor your flight toHo Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast or brunch]

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Sightseeing

This morning you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels where Vietnamese guerrillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels as hideouts during the war. Return toHo Chi Minh Cityin the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Highlights include the Reunification Palace (photo stop), the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Tra On

Drive to Cai Be and take a boat cruise to the Cai Be Floating Market. You will have a chance to observe the lively activities of local merchants trading their produce from laden vessels. Visit a village where you will see some family run businesses that make rice cake and rice paper. Board the riverboat Bassac and cruise to Cho Lach. Have lunch onboard while cruising on the waterways with a stop for a brief guided tour around riverside villages. Drop anchor at Tra On for an overnight stay onboard.

Overnight onboard the Bassac. [Lunch, Dinner]

Day 7 Tra On - Cai Rang Floating market – Ho Chi Minh City

Leave Tra On early in the morning and make for Can Tho. On arrival, explore the colourful and bustling floating market at Cai Rang. Visit a historic house at Binh Thuy before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight inHo Chi Minh City. [Breakfast]

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Khmer temples from the early Angkorian period. Visit the Roluos group of temples dating from the 9th and 10th centuries including Preah Ko, Bakong, andLoleiTemples. Return to your hotel in the early evening.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

Enter Angkor Thom via the Southern Gate and explore the ancient city, then proceed to visit the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, theRoyalPalace, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat where its extraordinary architecture offers an opportunity to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments.

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 10 Siem Reap - Angkor Complex

Overnight in Siem Reap. [Breakfast]

Day 11 Siem Reap - Departure

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. [Breakfast]

MYANMARPROGRAMMES

VAMYN-01MYANMARCLASSIC (10 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS)

Yangon – Bagan – Salay - Mandalay – Heho – Pindaya – Inle – Yangon

Day 1 Yangon arrival

Transfer to the hotel and sightseeing including colorful downtown Yangon, Chaukhtatkyi pagoda, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most impressive golden stupas.

Overnight inYangon

Day 2 Yangon – Bagan

Morning flight to Bagan. Highlights of our visit include many of Bagan’s distinctive pagodas. At sunset enjoy a marvelous panoramic view of the pagodas.

Overnight in Bagan [Breakfast]

Day 3 Bagan, Salay Mt. Popa excursion

Morning drive to Salay, a small quiet town with interesting monasteries and pagodas. Then drive to nearbyMt.Popa, an extinct volcano renowned as the home of the ‘nats’ (or spirits). Return to Bagan in the afternoon stopping to see a local toddy palm farm on the way.

Overnight in Bagan [Breakfast]

Day 4 Bagan – Mandalay - Amarapura and Inwa

Take flight toMandalay. Visit the former royal capital of Amrapura highlighted by U Bein’s Bridge, the world’s longest teakwood bridge. Then visit Inwa, another former royal capital and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries and the ‘leaning tower of Ava’.

Overnight inMandalay[Breakfast]

Day 5 Mandalay city sightseeing and Mingun

In the morning travel by private riverboat upriver to the massive ruins of the Mingun pagoda and see the huge Mingun Bell. Sightseeing inMandalayincludes Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery, and Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings.

Overnight inMandalay[Breakfast]

Day 6 Mandalay – Heho - Pindaya

Fly to Heho in the Shan state and drive to Pindaya. Visit the fascinating Pindaya caves with their more than 8,000 Buddha images and a Shan umbrella making cottage industry.

Overnight in Pindaya [Breakfast]

Day 7 Pindaya - Inle Lake

Early morning drive to beautiful Inle Lake and sightseeing highlights include the boatmen with their ‘one-legged’ rowing style, the floating gardens, the ‘jumping cats’ monastery and more.

Overnight inInleLake[Breakfast]

Day 8 Inle Lake

ContinueInleLakesightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indain village with its idyllic 17th century pagodas. We can also visit a local silk weaving ‘factory’ which sits on stilts on the lake and where they still use old style hand looms.

Overnight inInleLake[Breakfast]

Day 9 Heho – Yangon - Sightseeing

Return flight toYangonand afternoon sightseeing including Botahtaung Pagoda and the Scott market, built in 1927 with its large collection of local handicrafts and other items.

Overnight inYangon[Breakfast]

Day 10 Yangon – Departure

At leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight. End of services. [Breakfast]

VAMYN-02MYANMARHIGHLIGHTS (6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS)

Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay – Yangon

Day 1 Yangon

Arrive atYangonInt’lAirportand transfer to hotel with afternoon at leisure. Evening visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight inYangon.

Day 2 Yangon – Bagan

Transfer toYangonAirportfor early morning flight to Bagan (80 minutes). On arrival at Nyaung Oo Airport, you will be transferred to hotel for refreshment. After settlement, start to tour in Bagan including colourful Nyaung Oo Local Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi (a cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings) and the elegantHtilominloTemple(noted for its plaster carvings) and Tharaba Gate. More explorations of Bagan in the afternoon including visits

to Ananda (an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple), Ananda Okkyaung (one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period), Thatbyinnyu (the highest in Bagan, rising to 61 m) andDhammayangyiTemple(noted for its remarkable brickwork). Enjoy the fantastic sunset view at one of the famous temples.

Overnight in Bagan. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Bagan

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Myinkaba village and observe the process of traditional lacquer-ware, one of the best-knownMyanmarhandricrafts and a speciality of Bagan. Visit Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi (an early period Pyu-styletempleofHinduinfluence). Next stop at Manuha and Nanpaya temples. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the countrysidevillageofMinnanthu. A visit to some of the most interesting temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyethnar, Sinbyushin, Nandaminnya and Minnanthu monastery. Enjoy sunset over theAyeyarwaddyRiverat Bupaya.

Overnight in Bagan. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura – U Bein bridge

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for the flight toMandalay(30 minutes). On arrival, transfer to hotel. On the way visit Maha Gandayone monastery (more than 1000 monks) in Amarapura, U Bein (the world’s longest Teakwood Bridge ,1208 meters long) and a traditional Silk and cotton Weaving workshops. Afternoon visits ofMandalayincluding Mahamuni Pagoda (famous for its venerable statue of Buddha covered with gold leaf), local artisan’s workshops of gold leaf making, woodcarving and marble carving, Shwenandaw Monastery (noted for its exquisite woodcarving). Next stop at Atumashi Monastery (the incomparable Monastery) and Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures (known as the world’s biggest book). Enjoy the sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Overnight inMandalay. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Mandalay – Yangon

In the morning transfer toMandalayAirportfor the flight toYangon. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Afternoon shopping at Bogyok Aung San (Scott) Market, the city’s busiest & liveliest bazaar. Continue visits toBotataung Pagoda,Chinatown and the fruit market.

Overnight inYangon. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Yangon

Morning visits to Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha and Karaweik Royal Barge (a royal floating barge on theKandawgyiRoyalLake, for photo stop). Transfer toYangonAirportfor departure.

[Breakfast]

VAMYN-03 THE SHAN EXPERIENCE (7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS)

Yangon – Bagan – Heho – Pindaya – Inle – Yangon

Day 1 Yangon

Arrive atYangonInt’lAirportand transfer to hotel with afternoon at leisure. Evening visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight inYangon.

Day 2 Yangon – Bagan

Transfer toYangonAirportfor early morning flight to Bagan (80 minutes). On arrival at Nyaung Oo Airport, you will be transferred to hotel for refreshment. The day is spent exploring the town including colourful Nyaung Oo Local Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi (a cave temple with exquisite jatakas murals paintings) and the elegant Htilominlo Temple (noted for its plaster carvings) and Tharaba Gate.In the afternoon, visit Ananda (an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple), Ananda Okkyaung (one of the few surviving brick monasteries from the early Bagan period), Thatbyinnyu (the highest in Bagan, rising to 61 m) and Dhammayangyi Temple (noted for its remarkable brickwork). Enjoy sunset at one of the most famous temples in Bagan.

Overnight in Bagan. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Bagan

Overnight in Bagan. [Breakfast]

Day 4 Bagan – Mandalay – Amarapura – U Bein – Mandalay

Overnight inMandalay. [Breakfast]

Day 5 Mandalay – Heho – Inle Lake

This morning, transfer to airport for domestic flight to Heho inShanState. On arrival at Heho airport, continue by car and enjoy scenic drive to Nyaung Shwe jetty. A full day tour ofInleLakeby private boat includes a chance to see the leg-rowing fishermen and the floating gardens, built up from the strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit a floating village at Ywama (the lake’s downtown) where a floating market is held every 5 days. The tour also includes a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weavingvillageofInpawkhonand the jumping cat monastery, with beautiful antique Buddha statues.

Overnight inInleLake. [Breakfast]

Day 6 Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon

In the morning transfer to Nyaung Shwe jetty by private boat and then scenic drive toHehoAirportfor the flight toYangon. On arrival, transfer hotel. Afternoon shopping at Bogyok Aung San (Scott) Market, it the city busiest & liveliest bazaar. More explorations of Yangon includingBotataung Pagoda,Chinatown and the fruit market.

Overnight inYangon. [Breakfast]

Day 7 Yangon

Morning visit to Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha and Karaweik Royal Barge (a royal floating barge on theKandawgyiRoyalLake, for photo stop). Transfer toYangonAirportfor departure.

[Breakfast]

VAMYN-04MYANMARESSENTIAL (9 DAYS/ 8 NIGHTS)

Yangon – Mandalay – Bagan – Heho – Inle – Yangon

Day 1 Yangon arrival & sightseeing

Arrive atYangonInternationalAirportand transfer to the hotel. After check in begin sightseeing of colorful downtownYangon, including Chaukhtatkyi, a colossal reclining Buddha; a scenic photo stop on beautiful Kandawgyi lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most impressive golden pagodas.

Overnight inYangon

Day 2 Yangon - Mandalay - Excursion to Amarapura, Inwa

Take a morning flight toMandalayand sightseeing visit to the former royal capital of Amarapura, and see U Bein’s Bridge, the world’s longest teakwood structure. The footbridge is still busily used by locals for crossing Taungthaman lake. Then visit Inwa, another former royal capital, and travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls, wooden monasteries, and the ‘leaningtowerofAva’.

Overnight inMandalay[Breakfast]

Day 3 Mandalay sightseeing

City sightseeing includes gold leaf hammering, Mahamuni pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world’s largest book for its stone slabs of the entire Buddhist scriptures. End the day with a sunset view from Mandalay Hill.

Overnight inMandalay[Breakfast]

Day 4 Mandalay - Bagan

Early morning departure (0600) fromMandalayto Bagan by modern ferryboat service. A pleasant way to spend the day as you travel down the fabledAyeyarwaddyRiver. Arrive in Bagan by late afternoon, in time for evening sightseeing. Overnight in Bagan [Breakfast]

Day 5 Bagan sightseeing

In the morning continue sightseeing of one ofAsia’s premier archaeological sites. Highlights of our visit include many of Bagan’s distinctive pagodas and the colorful local market as well.

Overnight in Bagan [Breakfast]

Day 6 Bagan - Heho - Inle Lake

Take a flight to Heho. Transfer to a hotel atInleLakeand begin sightseeing by long tailed boat of this magical and unique area. Highlights include the boatmen with their ‘one-legged’ rowing style, the floating gardens, the ‘jumping cats’ monastery and more.

Overnight inInleLake[Breakfast]

Day 7 Inle Lake

ContinueInleLakesightseeing today with a memorable visit to Indain village with its idyllic 17th century pagodas. To reach there travel up a scenic creek in your boat. We can also visit a local silk weaving ‘factory’ which sits on stilts on the lake and see genuine hand looms being used.

Overnight inInleLake[Breakfast]

Day 8 Heho - Yangon

Return flight toYangon. Afternoon visit to Botahtaung pagoda on theYangonriver and a chance for a last shopping spree at the sprawling 79 year old Bogyoke (Scott) Market filled with a large collection of local handicrafts and other items.

Overnight inYangon. [Breakfast]

Day 9 Yangon – Departure

At leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight. End of services. [Breakfast]

YANGONMODULES

VAMYN-05 GLIMPSE OFYANGON(3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS)

Yangon

Day 1 Yangon

Arrive atYangonInt’lAirportand transfer to hotel with afternoon at leisure. Evening visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight inYangon.

Day 2 Yangon

A full day tour to discover the colourful capital ofMyanmarwith a close look at the local life of this historical city. By car and partly on foot this tour takes you to theMahabandoolaParkto see the colonial courthouse and the city hall. From there a downtown city orientation tour covering the old colonial centre ofYangon. Continue to visit National Museum & Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha Images. In the afternoon visit Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) market,Chinatownand the fruit market.

Overnight inYangon. [Breakfast]

Day 3 Yangon

You will visit Kaba Aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda),MahaPasanaGuhaCave(where the sixth Buddhist synod took place in 1952),BuddhistArt Museumand traditional jewellery and gemstone workshop to observe the cutting and polishing of precious gemstones. Visit nearby Naga Hlainggu Kalewa Tawya Monastery where over 1300 monks and novices reside. Transfer toYangonAirportfor departure. [Breakfast]

VAMYN-06YANGONAND THE GOLDEN ROCK (2 DAYS/1 NIGHT)

Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo - Bago - Yang

Day 1 Yangon – Kyaikhtiyo

Early this morning, enjoy a scenic journey by road to Kyaikhtiyo, 190 km to the east. It isMyanmar’s one of the most sacred sight, a huge golden-leafed boulder balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. The pagoda at the Golden Rock is said to house a single hair of the Buddha. Late morning, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo base camp and transfer to the pick-up truck for one hour ride to the transit junction. Continue for one hour of light hiking up to the summit.

Overnight in Kyaikhtiyo.

Day 2 Kyaikhtiyo – Bago – Yangon

After breakfast, return to the base-camp by truck and return by road toYangonstopping at Bago to visit the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha. Enroute visit the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyant (the final resting place for over 27,000 allied soldiers), and a local woven bamboo workshop. Transfer back toYangon. [Breakfast]

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