Day 1: ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE (D)
Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After a short rest,
we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the Central Market call ‘Morning Market’ where you can find the antique items for collection, well handmade textile and gift away items. Overnight in Vientiane
Day 2: VIENTIANE - LUANGPRABANG (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel , transfer to airport for your flight to Luangprabang . We spend the day touring Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (Revolutionary Museum) where varied antique items and legend of Laos’s history fighters and leaders displace from the ancient times to new revolution period. We then board a short flight to Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best - preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. UNESCO registered 1995 as World Cultural Heritage City. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel. After a short rest, we are strolling around to see the Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang, we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful panorama sunset over this once royal ancient city and the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: LUANGPRABANG - PAK OU CAVE (B/L)
Breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then board a boat embarking upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, We take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: LUANGPRABANG - HANOI (B/L/D)
06.00 Early this morning you may want 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. This is the highlight of tour prior goodbye to this charming city.
Breakfast, we then visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We continue visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market are not to be missed. We visit these sights before we catch a flight goodbye to this ancient. You are warmly welcomed by our Tour guide at Noibai Airport and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi capital. Be free and relax after long journey. In the evening, attend Water Puppet Show and enjoy welcome dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong - Hanoi (B/L)
Leave Hanoi at 8:00 for Halong Bay, on arrival at Halong city at about 11.30am, get on a private boat. Have seafood lunch on boat while the boat cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches. Stop to visit Surprise Caves, one of the biggest, nicest cave in Halong Bay. Finish cruise about 15.30pm. Drive back to Hanoi and end tour at 19:00.
Day 6: Hanoi – City tour - Hue (B/L)
Start at 8:00 from your hotel by car to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One pillar pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda. After lunch, visit to Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, Army museum (or Art museum, History museum, Women museum is at your choice). Hanoi Flag Tower. Wonder around Hoan Kiem lake, visit NgocsonTemple. Then we transfer to airport, take the flight to Hue. The local guide welcome you and transfer to hotel. Check in hotel and relax. Overnight in Hue.
Day 7: Hue city tour (B/L/D)
Start the tour with a visit to Imperial Citadel and King Minh Mang tomb, King Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda. Have dinner in reataurant. Then we will embark a boat cruise along Perfume river to admire sunset and enjoy Vietnamese traditional folk song on boat. Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An – My Son holy land (B/L)
In the morning, take a private car from Hue to Hoi An through Hai Van pass, Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beaches of Vietnam. Then drive to My Son Holy Land – one of the world heritage site of Vietnam. Go to Hoi An city. In the afternoon for beach activities or relax on the bank of Thu Bon river or go shopping around. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoian – Ho Chi Minh (B)
Have a breakfast at hotel. Free and easy on the beach. In the afternoon, take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. The guide will pick up you and transfer to hotel. Free in the afternoon. Relax and walk around in the evening. Feel the beauty of Ho Chi Minh in night with the color lights and noisy restaurants and coffee bar. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 10: Cu chi tunnel – city tour (B/L)
Drive a long way on the country side of Vietnam to Cu Chi, the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Return to Ho Chi Minh. Have lunch at restaurant. Then we go to city tour. The tour begins with a visit to Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral. On the way back, stop at Chinatown which should not be missed. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong delta- Ho Chi Minh (B/L)
Leave at 8:00 from your hotel for My Tho, on arrival, get on a private boat cruising Floating Fish Market and along small creek to Mekong River estuary, to Phoenix Island and stop at a garden restaurant for Vietnamese lunch. The motorized boat cruises more along natural creeks and quiet village in Ben Tre Province. Visit orchards, bee - keeping farm, taste natural honey and honey wine, enjoy tropical fruit, traditional music, wonder around a distillery, explore the local coconut candy production process, taste candy & coconut pulp. On the way back to Hochiminh, stop at a bonsai garden in My Tho. End tour in the late evening.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, we will transfer to airport, take the flight to Phnompenh. Our guide and coach will pick up at Phnom Penh International airport then transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch at the local restaurant.
Afternoon, transfer to visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Preahkeo Morokot, National Museum and Central Market.
Dinner at the local & overnight at hotel in PNH.
Day 13 PHNOM PENH-SIEM REAP (B/L)
After breakfast at hotel, then transfer to Phnom Penh International airport for flight to Siem Reap, arrival to transfer to check in hotel. Lunch at the local.
Afternoon, transfer to visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat and take a romantic view Sun Set from the top of Bakheng Hill. overnight at hotel in Rep.
Day 14 SIEM REAP-ANGKOR RUINS (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King and Phimean Akas temple. Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon, transfer to visit other Angkor Ruins, Thommanom, Chao Say Tevoda, Takeo, Taprom, Bunteay Kday and Sras Srong. Overnight at hotel in Rep.
Day 15: SIEM REAP- DEPATURE (B/L)
Morning breakfast at hotel, then transfer to visit Chantier Ecole-Artisant d’Angkor, the place are Ministry of Education, & was create in 1992 and this place renowned woodworking, stone carving and polychrome training center and workshops. Free tours of the classes and workshops offer glimpse Cambodian artistry. Lunch at the local restaurant.Afternoon, do shopping at old market and some souvenir shop till suitable time to transfer to the airport for flight departure. End of services
Tour include:
- Private car
- Private boat
- English speaking tour guide at each destination
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Meals as indicated
- Domestic flight tickets within Indochina (Vientaine – Luanprabang – Hanoi – Hue – Ho Chi Minh – Phnompenh – Siemreap)
- Airport tax included
- Daily bottle of mineral water.
- All activities mentioned
- All service charge and government tax
Tour exclude:
- Insurance (Highly recommend to take your own insurance before your departure)
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- International flight tickets
- Tips
Laos:Vansana Riverside Hotel***
LangPrabang:Villa Santi Hotel***
Hanoi:Flower garden hotel/ Superior room***
Saigon:Saigon morin hotel/ Superior room****
Ho Chi Minh:Grand hotel/ Superior room****
Phnom Penh:Sunway Hotel****
Angkor:Tara Angkor****
Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or traveling documents issued by any country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay, a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.
Most visitors still need to apply for a Vietnamese visa in advance to enter the country. Vietnamese visa is inexpensive in comparison to any other countries' visa fees ranging from US$45 - 85 if application is sent directly to the Embassy or US$25-55 if your visa has been pre-approved. A fairly convenient visa on arrival process has recently been introduced, but this requires a pre-arranged application to Hanoi Immigration Department and is generally helpful to nationals of countries without Vietnamese embassies.
Transport in Thailand is extremely well-organized and makes the whole stay in Thailand comfortable and easy. The air, rail, bus, road and water transport is very competent. The different islands and cities are connected to each other and the tourists can easily move about the country. Bookings and reservations should be done preferably in advance to avoid the rush at the last minute. The transport in Thailand is broadly divided into five categories. They are, Air, Bus, Railway, Road and Marine.
By Air
With more limited time, flights present the best option to hop between the further apart destinations in the north, south and central areas of Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines (VN) has daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang. Regular flights are also provided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong, Na San, Phu Quoc, Qui Nhon, Pleiku, and Vinh.
Pacific Airlines offers domestic flights between major cities as well as travel routes to Bangkok and Taipei at a generally lower rate than Vietnam Airlines.
Sea/River
A local area network operates between ports. Cruise services are available. Contact the Embassy for information prior to departure.
Simple water-means of transportation are widely used among Southern Provinces, while canoes are used to travel within bays and islands along the coast.
Driving on your own:
Chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire. Motorbikes are for rent in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat. You can buy one at very low price in any of these cities.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are mandatory before driving. However, foreigners’ motorbike- licenses are hardly checked by the police.
Climate
Thailand can best be described as tropical and humid for the majority of the country during most of the year. The area of Thailand north of Bangkok has a climate determined by three seasons whilst the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two.
In northern Thailand the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry, however this is broken up into the periods November to February and March to May. The later of these two periods has the higher relative temperatures as although the northeast monsoon does not directly effect the northern area of Thailand, it does cause cooling breezes from November to February.
The other northern season is from May to November and is dominated by the southwest monsoon, during which time rainfall in the north is at its heaviest.
The southern region of Thailand really has only two seasons -- the wet and the dry. These seasons do not run at the same time on both the east and west side of the peninsular. On the west coast the southwest monsoon brings rain and often heavy storms from April through to October, whilst on the east coast the most rain falls between September and December.
Overall the southern parts of Thailand get by far the most rain with around 2,400 millimetres every year, compared with the central and northern regions of Thailand, both of which get around 1,400 millimetres
Sightseeing
There are 3 kinds of major destinations in Thailand you should go. First of all, it should be the Central region, it has a dramatic history, and its heritage of ancient temples, battlefields and ruins and two capitals, Ayutthaya and Bangkok, are a continuing fascination for visitors. The east and west sea coasts at the region’s southern end also draw huge numbers of visitors every year. Bangkok residents spend long weekends enjoying the relaxing seaside atmosphere, while holiday-makers from around the world to discover the delights of the tropical beach life.
The North
The North is the birthplace of the earliest Thai civilisation and has many sites of archaeological and cultural interest. Northern people are famous for their courtesy and hospitality, and the region is also noted for its variety of cultural traditions. Many tourists from the surrounding provinces converge on Chiang Mai for the annual Songkran Festival, and to Sukhothai for Loi Krathong.
The North falls into two distinct areas, the plains of the lower north from Nakhon Sawan to Sukhothai, and the mountainous upper north leading to borders of Myanmar and Laos. The mountain ranges along the borders are breathtaking, with waterfalls and fast-flowing rivers ideal for rafting. They are also the home of many ethnic hill people.
Most overseas visitors make for Chiang Mai, the northern capital, as a base for visiting ethnic tribes, soft adventure activities and shopping. Further north still, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are centres for rafting, trekking and tours of tribal villages. To the south, the HistoricalPark at Sukhothai is an essential destination for all those wishing to discover more about the history and culture of Thailand.
The South
This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying between the AndamanSea its west side and the South China Sea on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its people and its commercial viability.
The South is made up of 14 provinces from Chumphon in the north down to the Malaysian border 1,200 kilometres from Bangkok. It has a long coastline on either side with sandy beaches and offshore islands on both, and a rugged central hinterland of mountains and forests. Phuket is a famous sightseeing points in the South region.
Time zone
GMT+7
Language
English is the most popular foreign language in Thailand and is taught is school. Many people speak English and information in English can be found easily in big cities such as Bangkok & Phuket.
Currency
The currency of Thailand is the baht
Currency Notes
Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige).
Currency Coins
There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10.
Essentials
Electricity
The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit.
Internet
Internet cafés are widespread and most are inexpensive - prices as low as 15 baht/hour are commonplace, and speed and reliability of connection is generally reasonable. Higher prices prevail in major package-tourist destinations (60 baht/hour is typical, 120 baht/hour is not unusual). Islands with multiple Internet cafés include Ko Phi Phi (Don), Ko Lanta (Yai), Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Chang (Trat), Ko Samet (Rayong), Ko Si Chang (Chonburi), and of course Phuket. Many budget hotels and guesthouses ("mansions") now provide free or inexpensive Internet access by LAN or Wi-Fi, so bring your own laptop computer
Climate
Because of its geography, the climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south. Tropical monsoons occur from October to April in the north and south and from May to September in the centre, this is when most of the country's rain falls. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. It can get exceptionally hot, however, all year round, but the north has a cooler time between October and April. It is best to travel between the shifting of seasons. Temperatures around the country often reach 40C in the height of the hot and rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and Hanoi can often seem chilly in the winter.
Required Clothing
Loose, natural fabrics all year, but warmer clothing is required in the highlands, and in the winter in north Vietnam. Rainwear is essential during the wet season.
Sightseeing
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a backpacker’s haven, is a melting pot of East and West, with Chinese and French influence from the past. The city has maintained the beauty of its colonial architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is in present days turning itself in one of the most popular Southeast Asian travel destinations. An interesting highlight one must not miss is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the northwest of the city center. The site houses the body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most prominent leader, in a clear glass. To visit the place, make sure to get there early as it is open for just a short time in the morning. Cameras or video recorders are not allowed in the building and must be left at the reception hall. After a short taxi ride from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visitors can see Van Mieu or the Temple of Literature, which is the country’s first university. The One Pillar Pagoda is another famous spot, with unique ancient architecture and history. Known as the symbol of Vietnam, the pagoda was built to worship Avalokitevara, or Guan Yin to the Chinese and Japanese.
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic hub and a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of the country’s rich history and multicultural heritage. You will never get bored as there is plenty of Vietnam sightseeing to do in and around Ho Chi Minh City. To understand about history and the development of the country, visit the Historical Museum. A huge library of information and weapons used in the Vietnam War can be found at the War Museum. Then check out the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and its beautiful French architecture. See one of the oldest Chinese temples in Vietnam here at Thien Hau Temple or walk along the bustling streets of China Town for an impressive Vietnam sightseeing experience.
Halong Bay is Vietnam’s natural wonder that has been a major tourist attraction for many years. It affords some of the country’s greatest sceneries, such as limestone islets, rock formations, lagoons, caves, coves, cliffs, powdery sand and a lot more. Some of the main attractions include the Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave and Cat Ba Island. Add Halong Bay on the top of your travel itinerary as this excellent destination is now listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Time zone
GMT+7
Language
Vietnam’s official language is Vietnamese, a tonal language spoken as a mother tongue by 90% the country’s population. Vietnamese is written using a 29 letter alphabetical system. However, the accent of Vietnamese varies from province to province. Besides Vietnamese, around 50 other languages are spoken by ethnic minorities. English is a popular foreign language and is used in most offices, restaurants… in big cities or tourism places. French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese… are also popular and can be found in tourist places.
English is the most popular foreign language in Vietnam and is taught is school. Many people speak English and information in English can be found easily in big cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh; and growing tourist places such as Da Nang or Nha Trang. Guides in English are usually offered.
French and Russian are fairly popular, especially in Northern Vietnam.
Currency
The US Dollar is the most used foreign currency. British, Australian Singaporean, Japanese, and Thai currency, as well as the Euro can normally be exchanged in the bigger cities; however, difficulty may be experienced trying to exchange any other currencies. There is a service charge for exchanging money in banks.
Essentials
Medical & Health
Hanoi Family Medical Practice
Suite 109-112, A1 Van Phuc , Tel: 844-843 0748
Professionally managed and staffed family health clinic with dull emergency medical services including medevac. Foreign and local doctors include experts in tropical medicine, natal care, psychology and other discriplines.
Hanoi FrenchHospital
1B Phuong Mai, Tel: 844-577 1100
Professionally managed and staffed family health clinic with dull emergency medical services including medevac. Foreign and local doctors include experts in tropical medicine, natal care, psychology and other discriplines.
Columbia Asia
8 Alexandre de Rhodes, Dict 1, Tel: 848-823 8888
24-hour accident & emergency unit with foreign and professionaly qualified local doctors. Counselling Services available in Ho Chi Minh City.
Franco-Vietnamese Hospital
6 Nguyen Luong Bang, District 7, Tel: 844-411 3333
Full health care and medical emergency facilities and services with French and Vietnamese doctors.
24-hour Emegency contact: 848-411 3500
Useful Numbers:
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Emergency: 115
Time: 117
Information: 1080
Directory Assistance: 116
International Operator: 110
Email & Internet
Thank to the technology, E-mail and Internet services are available in most hotels and posts in Vietnam. An other place where you could find the same service is Cafe Internet in the street of major cities. Normally the post will charge you 100 VND per minute for internet service ( about 0.006 USD ) but it could be 150 VND ( 0.009 USD ) or more in the hotel or Cafe Internet. Evident, isn't it?
Electricity
Electric current in Vietnam is 220 volts at 50 Hertz but outlets of 110 volts at 50 hertz are somewhere also available. Today, most outlets are flat pins. The rest are round pins.
SALES BIO
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