Sunday, August 12, 2012

Enchanting Asia Tour 21 days/20 nights

Price: from $ 1675/pax
Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
Tour route: Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos - Thailand
Transportation type: Airplane, Boat, Car, Cruise
Tour code: IET - IN 14
 
Itinerary in brief

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Day 2: Bangkok Temple Tours
Day 3: Bangkok Touring
Day 4: Bangkok - Luang Prabang
Day 5: Luang Prabang Touring
Day 6: Luang Prabang Touring
Day 7: Luang Prabang - Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi City Touring
Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruising in Style
Day 10: Halong Bay Cruising in Style
Day 11: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An
Day 12: Hoi An Touring
Day 13: At leisure
Day 14: Hoi An - Saigon
Day 15: City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 16: Saigon - Mekong Delta River Cruising in Style™
Day 17: Back to Saigon
Day 18: Fly to Siem Reap
Day 19: Siem Reap Angkor Temple Tour
Day 20: Siem Reap Angkor Temple Tour
Day 21: Depart Siem Reap

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Pick up upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and transfer to the hotel in the city. Welcome to Thailand, the land of smiles. Bangkok is the financial, political and cultural capital of Thailand, located in the centre-south of the country, in the heart of a fertile rice-growing region. Bisected by the Chao Phraya River, which is overlooked by all the major palaces, Buddhist temples and luxury hotels, Bangkok is seventh heaven for those who love their food and their shopping. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok Temple Tours
This half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok will allow you the opportunity to explore the Grand Palace complex, which houses a number of attractions including Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and then we will proceed to see Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit. A Wat is a Buddhist building where both men and women can be ordained as monks or nuns. Wat Traimit is also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha. The 3 meter tall statue is made from solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons and is a fine example of Sukhothai style art. You will then pass through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. At 46 meters in length and 15 meters high the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabophit, or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built out of white Italian marble from Carrara in the late 19th century. Overnight at hotel in Bangkok

Day 3: Bangkok Touring
Those that love architecture and buildings or are interested in local culture will be fascinated by the Jim Thompson house and the Vimanmek Palace, two of the finest Thai residences to be found in Thailand today. The Jim Thompson House is the former home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who returned to live in Bangkok after the Second World War. Continue to amazing Vimanmek Palace, the largest teakwood building in the world. The former home of King Rama V, the palace fell into disuse until it was restored in the 1980s and today it is a fascinating museum reflecting the Thai heritage from the dramatic reign of King Rama V. A fantastic way to end your day in Bangkok, this relaxing dinner cruise aboard one of Bangkok’s luxurious restaurant boats will take you through the heart the city along the Chao Phraya River past wonderful night time views of illuminated temples and sparkling skyscrapers. As you relax in modern comfort and dine on a variety of local, regional and international dishes you will pass landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. Transfer back to hotel and stay overnight at hotel in Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok - Luang Prabang
Morning flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 5: Luang Prabang Touring
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. Later, we visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace.  It displays a collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. In the afternoon, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 6: Luang Prabang Touring
The day starts with a visit to the Big Brother Mouse shop to select some books for the village visit.  We then head north by car along route 13, before taking a unpaved road to Ban Khia Luang village.  We then have ample time to visit the school, play with the kids and watch them enjoy their new books.  We also take some time to explore the rest of the village, where you can see weaving and visit the local temple.  We stop for lunch at the village, which can either be a western picnic lunch, or traditional Lao food such as sticky rice, fresh vegetables cooked by the villagers.
After lunch we say good bye to the village and drive to Ban Khoklin, which takes us through some beautiful scenery of mountains and paddy fields.  At Ban Khoklin we then 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.  and continue down the Mekong River back to Luang Prabang, arriving back there by late afternoon. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi. Our tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival to Hanoi City-  the capital city of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Restored Sword Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there. Much of the city was transformed by the French when it became a French protectorate in the 1880s and there are wide boulevards and large colonial buildings which are now home to government departments and foreign embassies.  Transferring to your hotel in the city center to refresh. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi City.

Day 8: Hanoi City Touring
This comprehensive day tour takes in all of Hanoi's essential sites. In the morning we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and historical presidential relics and then the Temple of Literature nearby. Afterwards we head to Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake and dates back to the 13th century. The lake itself is a picturesque focal point of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike. In the afternoon, we will visit   Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country which houses a display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority peoples. Then we will take 1 hour by cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarters to experience daily life of people who are living in the oldest parts of the city, Enjoying the famous traditional water puppetry show in Thang Long Theatre where you will have chance to get a general picture of the daily activities typical to Vietnam's rural areas. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruising in Style
Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Check-in and you are warmly welcomed by friendly crew members. A longer cruise at a relaxed pace with more time to  get “off the beaten track” and discover the secrets of Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay, visit the fishing villages, explore by kayak, unforgettable dining. This worthwhile three day trip on one of our traditional junks offers the highest quality luxuries and comforts as you enjoy the truly wonderful Ha Long Bay. Cruise with us aboard this once in a life time experience.

Day 10: Halong Bay Cruising in Style
Wake up at sunrise before breakfast, cruise Bai Tu Long, have the whole day exploring the islets and pocket lagoons by kayak or aboard. One of the meals can be served at a special place. Sleep aboard.

Day 11: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An
This is your last day in the bay so enjoy it, breakfast, cruise, a short trip on a local rowboat to visit a floating fishing village called Vung Vieng, chance to learn more about the daily life here. Cruise ends at noon and our car will be awaiting to pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi and then we will head for airport for a short flight to Danang. Welcome by a local tour guide and driver and then we will drive you along the coastal road to Hoi An. Check-in at resort in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An Touring
Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. In the morning, you will enjoy a walking tour with first stop is the bustling fish and vegetable market and then we will go through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. It transforms itself at night, when many of the shops hang lanterns outside. We will transfer you back to the town and rest of time at your own leisure. Hoi An is well know for souvenir shopping with great prices and also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to get a cloth tailor made to measure, this is the time to do it. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 13: At leisure
You will be free at leisure or make your own exploration to the town. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An - Saigon
We will drive you to the airport to catch flight to Ho Chi Minh City, which is formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis that is home to over 5 million people. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 15: City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels
Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. In the morning we visit the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. In the afternoon. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City. On arrival watch a video presentation on the construction of the tunnels before making your way into the tunnels. Here you can spend around an hour exploring the maze of tunnels and also view the various mantraps on display and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. This unique experience gives a fascinating insight into what underground life in the war must have been like. The return journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby. Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Day 16: Saigon - Mekong Delta River Cruising in Style
The journey starts at 07:00 from your hotel and we will head for Mekong Delta. Explore the magnificent Mekong Delta with bustling floating market of Cai Be and get an insight into rural life. Enjoy Signature cruising and tours in Style and stay aboard.

Day 17: Back to Saigon
Your cruise journey will end at around 10.00 am. End of the cruise and services. Driving back to Saigon City.

Day 18: Fly to Siem Reap
Today we will fly to Siem Reap, the charming riverside which is located in Northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap is the major tourist hub in Cambodia, as it is the closest city to the temples of Angkor. The most recognizable of the temples, Angkor Wat, literally Capital Temple, built by King Suryavarman II the early 12th century. Check-in hotel and at leisure or spend your time to walking around the Old town. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 19: Siem Reap Angkor Temple Tour
Your private tour of Angkor Wat starts from the South Gate of Angkor Thom City. Explore the centrepiece of the ancient city, The Bayon. The Bayon is known for it's decorative Khmer temple and it's distinctive features are the serene and massive stone faces that tower around the central peak. Your tour continues with visits to Baphuon temple, the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Enjoy lunch in front of Angkor Wat before entering this magnificent temple - easily the most famous and best-preserved of all structures within the Complex. Enjoy most of the afternoon here to watch sunset over the Angkor before heading back to Siem Reap. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 20: Siem Reap Angkor Temple Tour
In the morning, you will continue your temple visits. Included are Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures, Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths" was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the "Mountain Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer to the archaeological site and continue to the temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area - The Buddhist monastic complex of Ta Prohm is one of the largest sites at Angkor. Having been left untouched by archaeologists, this Bayon style temple is ethereal in aspect. Stone pillars and tree roots intertwine in this impressive complex. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery, then, visit Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 21: Depart Siem Reap
Free at leisure until we will transfer you to the airport to take your flight onward. End of service. 
 
This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel. An indication of the cost for this itinerary is between US$1675 -US$7387 per person based on four people travelling in high season.

Inclusions of the trip
* Accommodation based on double/twin share
* All American breakfast served in hotels
* All private vehicles with chauffeurs
* All internal flights specified in the tour
* Private local tour guides (on-spot)
* Other meals included in the tour
* Entrance and visiting fees
* Boat trip if specified in the tour
* Mineral water during the tour

Exclusions of the trip
* Visa to Vietnam (tourists must obtain before traveling to Vietnam)
* International flights to and from Vietnam
* Airport departure tax if required
* Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal)
* Daily personal expenses
* Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
* Tip and gratuity for local tour guides and drivers during the tour
 
 
 

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