|
INDOCHINA
CLASSIC
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos |
 |
This
extraordinary 18-day tour takes in thee astounding countries
and 5 World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the contrast of the ethereal
and ancient beauty of Angkor one day, the quaint French colonial
styles of Vietnam the next and the intricate Hindu and Buddhist
architecture following that. These extreme contrasts make
this tour one of extraordinary texture and variety. In these
18 days we journey back in time to many different stages of
development and progress in this extraordinary part of the
world.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Phnom
Penh |
|
02
|
Phnom
Penh |
| 03 |
Phnom
Penh / Siem Reap |
|
04
|
Siem
Reap |
|
05
|
Siem
Reap / Ho Chi Minh City |
|
06
|
Ho Chi Minh
City |
|
07
|
Ho Chi Minh
City |
|
08
|
Ho Chi Minh
City / Hue |
|
09
|
Hue |
|
10
|
Hue
/ Danang / Hoi An |
|
11
|
Hoi An
|
|
12
|
Hoi An / Danang / Hanoi |
|
13
|
Hanoi
/ Ha Long Bay |
| 14 |
Ha Long Bay / Hanoi |
| 15 |
Hanoi
/ Luang Prabang |
| 16 |
Luang
Prabang |
| 17 |
Luang
Prabang / Vientiane |
| 18 |
Vientiane
/ Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour
|
|
Angkor (1992) |
Angkor
is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East
Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested
area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent
remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire,
from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous
Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple
with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has
set up a wide- ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic
site and its surroundings. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour |
| Complex
of Hue Monuments (1993) |
Established
as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hu� was not
only the political but also the cultural and religious
centre under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The Perfume
River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial
City, the Forbidden Purple City and Inner City, adding
natural beauty to this unique feudal capital. |
| Ha
Long Bay (1994, 2000) |
Ha
Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some
1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape
of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature,
most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by
man. The exceptional esthetic values of this site are
complimented by its great biological interest. |
| Hoi
An Ancient Town (1999) |
Hoi
An constitutes an exceptionally well preserved example
of a South-East Asian trading port from the period of
the 15th to 19th centuries. Its buildings and its street
pattern reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign,
that combined to produce this unique heritage site. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Laos covered on this tour |
| Luang
Prabang (1995) |
This
town reflects the exceptional fusion of traditional architecture
and urban structures built by 19th and 20th century European
colonial rulers. Its unique township is remarkably well
preserved, illustrating a key stage in the blending of
these two distinct cultural traditions. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Wednesday: Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Sohm swaakohm! (Welcome in Khmer) We arrive in Phnom Penh, the
Cambodian capital, located at the confluence of the beautiful
Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. The city is considered
to be the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina
and was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer
woman by the name of Penh after she found four Buddha statues
in a tree trunk on the bank of the Mekong. She set up the monastery
at a nearby hill or “Phnom”. Check in your hotel
(early check in subject to availability).
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (2 nights)
Day 02 Thursday: Phnom Penh
Morning, set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum,
which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods
of Cambodian history and visit the Royal Palace. The palace
was built in 1866 by the French for King Norodom and is also
home to the Silver Pagoda. It got its name because its floor
is made up of 5,329 silver tiles. The palace has been inhabited
by kings at all times with the exception of the period when
the radical Khmer Rouge party took control in 1975. We end the
morning tour at the Central market to witness the bustling and
daily life. Although the murderous reign of the Khmer Rouge
ended over 20 years ago, justice for its victims remains elusive.
Most of its senior officials never faced trial and even the
United Nations backed genocide trial is not giving the Khmer
people the comfort they need to leave this horrific chapter
of their history behind. Only few people remain open to talk
about their experiences during the Khmer Rouge period. Vann
Nath is one of only seven survivors out of 14,000 inmates of
S21 interrogation prison, nowadays known as Toul Sleng genocide
museum. The S21 site is one of the most brutal excesses of the
regime, where 14,000 people were viciously tortured before being
executed or brought to the Killing Fields where they would found
their deaths. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Vann Nath’s
home/gallery and speak to him understand this tragic chapter
of Cambodian history and his own experiences. Vann Nath’s
artistic capabilities made him survive S21 as his jailors demanded
him to paint and sculpt portraits of Pol Pot. Now 63 years of
age, Vann Nath advocates justice for Khmer Rouge victims and
puts his work that depicts the regime’s brutal ways on
display around the world. Followed by a visit to Tuol Sleng
museum and if time permits, the Killing Fields. (B)
Day 03 Friday: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap.
A pleasant and sleepy backwater town, Siem Reap serves as a
gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire temples of Angkor Wat. Check
into the hotel (early check in subject to availability). Start
exploring the stunning temples by tuk-tuk and visit the intricately
carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest
religious monument to get an overview of the Khmer history,
culture, archaeology and civilization from a renowned Khmer
scholar. Learn more about the temple that guidebooks and guides
do not mention. Now working with the Angkor Temple Conservation
Institution, the scholar knows a great deal about the past,
present and future of the temple and can explain how the temple
will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through
the elaborate carved halls of Angkor Wat as the Khmer Empire
is brought by to life through the scholar’s knowledge.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the ancient royal
city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless
mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic
faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction.
The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential
attackers. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace
of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the
King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the
Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding
along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex.
On the way back, stop at Les Artisans d’Angkor to see
how artisans preserve age-old Khmer arts and crafts.
Overnight: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)
Day 04 Saturday: Siem Reap
After leisure breakfast, proceed to the picturesque Ta Prohm,
a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting
and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push
itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace,
emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel. In the afternoon,
enjoy a scenic drive to the jewel of the Khmer art; Banteay
Srei temple. Its red sand-stone walls are decorated with elaborate
carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Banteay Srei
is the key to understanding the Khmer Empire as it depicts many
ancient traditions in its relief. Cap the day at the Landmine
Museum of Mr. Aki Ra, a former child soldier who has recognized
the need to clear mines and now educates the local community
on the dangers of landmines. Any form of ‘practical’
donation is appreciated in order to help them continue their
work. (B)
Day 05 Sunday: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM)
(Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the
airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival,
meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. (early check in subject
to availability). The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: Duxton Hotel, Saigon (3 nights) (B)
Day 06 Monday: Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, the city retains
its connections to the past. Depart for a walking tour to admire
Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue
Catinat will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House,
a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French
colonists (outside visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed
for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's
Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral,
a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear
reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4PM everyday
otherwise just outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced
by Renaissance architecture. If desired, drive 6km to another
district of Ho Chi Minh City with a large Chinese population
and visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation
in the early 19th century. The temple’s interior courtyard
is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques
shrouded in incense-smoke. Take the opportunity to write out
your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil
and pray for your wishes to come true. Return to the hotel for
fresh up. Late afternoon, visit Truc Mai house, a local family
of musicians, learn about traditional musical instruments through
conversations with the artists and listen to the performances
from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance
to try the instruments with the musicians- a memorable if somewhat
noisy experience. (B)
Day 07 Tuesday: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta, south west of Ho Chi Minh City, is known as
the rice bowl of Vietnam. Ben Tre, one of the closest provinces
in the Delta, is a 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City and you
will notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside
the highway as you leave the city behind for the peaceful Mekong
Delta. The tour starts with a visit en route to Vinh Trang pagoda,
which was built in 1849 and is home to a mixture of Asian and
European architectural features, before being dropped off in
Ben Tre. A relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails
will take you through the local villages where you see glimpses
of daily life. Stop to sip tea and sample fruit with a local
family as they share their stories of life on the Mekong. Let
them guide you on a walk through their orchard as they explain
how tropical fruits are grown. The next leg of the journey involves
being paddled on a sampan through a maze of small canals, which
cut through dense vegetation. After a farewell good bye to your
friendly boat rower you are picked up by a horse and basic cart
for a rustic ride back to the pier – there are no cars
in this neck of the woods. Here you will board a motorboat for
a 20 minute trip to My Tho along the Mekong River and a chance
for some great photo opportunities. You can taste some local
delicacies over lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City mid
afternoon and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
(B, L)
Day 08 Wednesday: Ho Chi Minh City/Hue (Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the
airport for the flight to Hue, an imperial capital to the Nguyen
Lords, a feudal dynasty, which reigned from the 17th to the
19th century. Arrive Hue, check in the hotel (early check in
subject to availability). With splendid emperors’ tombs,
ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains
its royal charm. Start from your hotel with a 10 minutes cyclo
ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed
site. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate
the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains
about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well
preserved sections still intact and others, which are being
lovingly restored. From there, a 20 minute cyclo ride will take
you to a pier where you will embark on a half-hour boat trip
on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s
best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank
with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold.
Return hotel and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mecure Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)
Day 09 Thursday: Hue
Morning, drive out 30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb,
designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built
on principles of Feng-Shui. An incense stick making house makes
for an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai
Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements
of eastern art and western designs. Then wind your way to Ho
Quyen, the Royal Arena of the Nguyen Emperors, located 4km southwest
of Hue. It was in this amphitheatre that tigers were forced
to fight elephants – the symbol of imperial power –
in order to entertain the Emperors and their entourage. Ho Quyen
is a unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia.
Though it is not as huge as the arenas of the Roman Empire,
it still creates a martial and imposing atmosphere. Transfer
back to your hotel. This evening, enjoy home hosted dinner at
Tha Om restored royal home, a descendent of a Royal family.
Enjoy a meal at their beautifully-furnished dining room with
elaborately carved reliefs and chat to the family to learn about
their daily lives and how they bring the quintessence of the
Royal ambiance and culture into their home. (B, D)
Day 10 Friday: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (Drive 136 kms/85 miles)
Depart for an early 3 hours drive to Da Nang going through stunning
landscape including the Hai Van Pass, offering numerous photo
opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, drive for another 45
minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An with a stop at the Cham
Museum. This museum houses the best collection of the Cham ruins
dating back to the 2nd to 15th century. The objects on display
represent the art of architecture and sculptures of the Hindu-influenced
ancient civilization of Champa. Check in your hotel. Mid afternoon,
enjoy a walking trip through the narrow streets of the ancient
town with your guide to visit the old merchant’s house,
the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market
with its stalls brimming with local specialties. Visit the home
of a lantern craftsman in the old streets of Hoi An for a brief
introduction. Learn more about the history, shape, and colour
of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try to
create your own lantern and produce a souvenir for yourself
or your loved ones at home.
Overnight: Life Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)
Day 11 Saturday: Hoi An
Indulge in a cooking class to learn about the magnificent ingredients
and recipes that make Vietnamese cuisine world renowned. Start
the day early with a welcome drink served at the Hai Café.
After a short introduction, travel ten minutes to Tra Que organic
village, and walk through the market gardens where local farmers
work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds
of years ago. Pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese
mint for your cooking lesson later today, before trying a special
herbal drink at a local home. Transfer onwards to the Red Bridge
Cooking School where you have a chance to freshen up before
beginning your class. Work together with the Red Bridge chef
who teaches you the traditional ways of preparing and cooking
Vietnamese food from scratch. Use the freshest ingredients and
traditional Vietnamese utensils to prepare four famous dishes,
including the national dish “Pho”. After class,
enjoy a short feedback session and take the chance to savour
the dishes you have prepared. Bid farewell to the chef and board
a local boat for a short cruise along the Hoi An River back
to central Hoi An before returning to your resort. Please be
advised that today’s tour will be on a joined in group
basis. (B, L)
Day 12 Sunday: Hoi An/Danang/Hanoi (Drive/Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon
arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check
in (early check in subject to availability). In the afternoon,
set out to visit the Temple of Literature, the first University
for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoi culture
and ancient Vietnamese architecture. We then participate in
45min of lively presentation on Vietnamese history spanning
a thousand years and the varied aspects of Vietnamese culture
at Dr. Huu Ngoc’s office. Having lived through French
and American time, the 90-year-old Dr. Huu Ngoc is a well-known
historian and writer. This is a great opportunity to find out
how he introduces the nation’s culture to the world and
his life experiences. Followed by an orientation tour by cyclo
to the sights, sounds, and pulse of Hanoi. We will cyclo along
the tree-lined streets to the Old Quarter, one of Vietnam’s
most lively and unusual places, where you can buy anything from
a gravestone to silk pajamas. The maze of back streets is fascinating,
and the area is known for its “tunnel” or “tube
houses.” They were developed to avoid taxes based on the
width of their frontage onto the street, so their small frontages
hide very long rooms. Early evening, transfer to the Thang Long
theatre for a Water Puppet performance. The art of water puppetry
began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded
rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water
and manipulate their charges in such a way that we can’t
help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short skit
in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.
The group will have First Class (front or second or third row
seating) for this performance.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)
Day 13 Monday: Hanoi/Halong Bay (Drive)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of
Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone
islands, with beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the
waves, provide an excellent backdrop for relaxation and swimming.
Embark on a 4 hours drive to Halong with a quick rest stop en
route at a local house. Board your private junk to begin a 5
hours cruise through the spectacular bay, stopping along the
way to explore magnificent grottoes where stalactites hanging
from the high ceiling forms numerous designs and shapes. Whilst
on board indulge in a delicious seafood lunch.
Overnight: Halong Plaza Hotel, Halong Bay (1 night)
(B, L)
Day 14 Tuesday: Halong Bay/Hanoi (Drive)
We head back to Hanoi with a stop over at Phu Lang Village to
visit the traditional way to produce ceramics. Afternoon arrival
in Hanoi. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)
Day 15 Wednesday: Hanoi/Luang Prabang (LAOS) (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang.
Let’s say “Sabbai Dee” (Hello) as arriving
in Laos, you will receive warm smile from the friendly locals.
Time seems to stand still in Luang Prabang, a city with all
the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful,
woodsy spice of Asia. The city is small, and it seems everywhere
can be reached by foot. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with
your guide and transfer to town. Start visiting this sacred
city of temples with a visit to the National Museum (closed
on Tue), the former Royal Palace housing a collection of valuables
including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign
dignitaries. Other must-see places include Wat Visoun, the 16th
century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts;
Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most
beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace
of Luang Prabang architecture; the privately-run Traditional
Arts & Ethnology Centre (closed on Mon) featuring clothing,
household objects, religious artifacts, and tools of Laos’
ethnic groups. Late afternoon, enjoy interacting with the monks
at Wat Pak Khan. Built in 1567 overlooking Nam Khan river, it
is home to six monks and 20 novices. Here you can witness the
evening chanting, and learn more about a Buddhist monk’s
life by interacting with the head monk Mr. Onh Keo. You will
also get to understand the influence of Buddhism in daily local
life. Check in the hotel.
Overnight: Santi Resort & Spa Hotel, Luang Prabang
(2 nights) (B)
Day 16 Thursday: Luang Prabang
Early risers will have a chance to witness a moving ritual:
as long lines of barefoot monks walking silently along the streets
on their morning alms rounds, watch locals offer alms. This
represents a symbiosis in which rice sustains the monks’
bodies, while the monks’ prayers nourish the spirit of
those giving the rice. Watch the town come to life in the morning
and then return to hotel for breakfast.
Note: With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make
an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe
the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulder,
chest and legs should be covered
After breakfast, embark for a 2 hours cruise in a long-tail
boat over the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.
Situated along the Mekong and surrounded by lime stone cliffs,
opposing the mouth of the Mekong and the Nam Ou Rivers, the
caves are dramatically located. The sanctuaries of Pak Ou consist
of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha
images, which range from mere centimetres to 2m in height. En
route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind a
screen of foliage. Wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached
to bamboo poles can be seen everywhere while floats mark the
location of nets and fish traps. Lunch is at a local restaurant
on the banks of the Mekong River. Before leaving the caves again,
visit Ban Muang Keo village to observe weavers and whisky distillers
doing their daily routines. Return to Luang Prabang by the same
boat or by road. (B, L)
Day 17 Friday: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane.
Hugging a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a quaint and
easygoing place compared to other frenetic capitals in the region.
Meet with your guide upon arrival. Stroll about the city to
admire French colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples.
Spend your day visiting to the city’s major historic sites
including the serene Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple that survived
the Siamese war of 1828 and boasting over 8,000 Buddha statues;
Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue
that today contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques
and artifacts found in and around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa,
the symbol of Laos and whose original, smaller stupa contain
a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; and the Patouxay (the Arc
de Triomphe), built recently in commemoration of those who died
during the wars of the past and offering a sweeping view of
the city from the top. Return to your hotel to relax before
visiting the weaving home-studio of Mrs. Carol Cassidy (interaction
subject to availability), an American textiles expert who arrived
in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to
promote traditional weaving, and who since set up the Lao Textiles
Studio. The Studio today has over 40 weavers creating naturally
dyed and woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao designs.
End the day watching sunset on the bank of Mekong River. Please
note that all museums in Vientiane are closed on Sat & Sun.
Overnight: Green Park Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)
Day 18 Saturday: Depart Vientiane
Check out time is by 1100 hrs and transfer to the airport for
your departure flight. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
Back
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
Every
Wednesday
2011
Every
Wednesday
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
|
2010 |
3595 |
895 |
|
2011 |
3795 |
895 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of local English speaking guides |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Phnom
Penh / Siem Reap, Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon / Hue,
Danang / Hanoi, Hanoi / Vientiane, Vientiane / Luang Prabang,
Luang Prabang / Vientiane. |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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