Travel Dates
Departing 14th Sep 2024
Package Provider: Wendy Wu
Package Type: Package
Region: Asia
Duration: 14 Nights
Venture deep into the heart of Indochina, traversing the Southeast Asian peninsula through the vastly contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage of three magnificent countries – vivacious Vietnam, enchanting Laos and captivating Cambodia.
Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:
Tour includes:
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 14-28 September 2024
Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details
Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities & flight upgrades available on request
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Saigon
Fly to Saigon, where you will be met at the airport in the arrival’s hall by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if your room is not ready yet. There is no sightseeing today. (D)
Day 2: Saigon
Explore bustling Saigon with its heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. You’ll pass by the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum. Later wander around Chinatown and visit the Thien Hau Pagoda. You will spend approximately 4 to 5 hours on foot today sightseeing. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Mekong Delta
Drive 2 and a half hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre situated along the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, because its rich and fertile lands produce large amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruit. Spend the day cruising and exploring these waterways by traditional Sampan boat. sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Saigon – Hoi An
Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they did not escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The Cu Chi experience can be emotional for some visitors, but it offers a fascinating window into the hardship and traumas of war. This afternoon, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to Danang and transfer 45 minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An for your 2 night stay. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Hoi An
Enjoy a walking tour this morning of this laid back and traditional UNESCO listed town to see a traditional house occupied by the same merchant family that originally built it over 200 years ago, the bustling markets, Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the elaborate Japanese Covered Bridge. Visit the Reaching Out Arts and Crafts Workshop and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore Hoi An’s narrow and ancient streets, or go to the beach. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Hoi An – Hanoi
This morning, visit a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An - Tra Que village, where the community has come together to create a large vegetable farm. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilise and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds. Later, fly to the bustling city of Hanoi. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Drive 4 hours today from Hanoi to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities (which are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions). Sightseeing includes visiting underground caves on the islands, which require climbing up and down steps inside and outside of the caves. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Halong Bay
Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After brunch disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Hanoi – Luang Prabang
This morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature and Ngoc Son Temple. Later, experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. This afternoon, you will also have the opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee. This evening, say goodbye to Vietnam and transfer to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Luang Prabang
Rise early this morning to view Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony before climbing Phousi Hill for panoramic views of the city. Visit Wat Xieng Thong before boarding a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures that reside within. Return to Luang Prabang and visit the villages to witness the daily life of the local people. (B/L/D)
Day 11: Luang Prabang
This morning, visit the National Museum. Drive 1 hour to Kuang Si Waterfall, sightseeing at the waterfall will involve around 1 hour of light walking and on the way up to the waterfall you follow a bush walking track which has a slight upward gradient. It is possible to take a swim in the river near the falls and if you wish to do this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms are available on site. Return to Luang Prabang stopping at Ban Na Ouane village and Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre before a local Baci Ceremony. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap
Fly 1 and a half hours to Siem Reap. On arrival, you will visit a Cambodian artistry assembly - Les Artisan D’Angkor. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Siem Reap
Spanning from the 9th to 15th century, the Angkor complex with over 1,000 temples was the seat of the thriving Khmer Empire. UNESCO manages the complex and to enter, your group will drive approximately 6km out of town to the main entrance gate to get your entrance passes, which you must carry with you. If you choose to climb at any site, you must be able to climb and descend without assistance. Begin at the temple of Ta Prohm, enveloped in a labyrinth of jungle before continuing to the city of Angkor Thom and the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon is devoted to the fascinating and awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Next visit Banteay Srei to explore the Hindu temple before boarding a boat to view the sunset from the moat of Angkor Thom. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Siem Reap
Today, explore the less-visited Beng Mealea, a mysterious temple completely overrun by the jungle where you will explore on foot for approximately an hour and half. In the highwater season, you will also visit Kompong Khleang, a unique village on stilts. In the lower water season, you will visit Chong Kneas floating village. This evening, enjoy dinner whilst watching an Apsara performance. (B/L/D)
Days 15-16: Depart Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia arriving home the following day; any time before your flight is at leisure. (B)
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.