Grand Indochina Holidays with Thailand Stopover (#2304)

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok (no meals)

Transfer (no guide) by air-conditioned coach to hotel in the city. Rest of the day is free for leisure and relaxation.

Day 2: Departure Bangkok – Luang Prabang Arrival (B)

Transfer (no guide) to the International Airport, for the flight to Vientiane then connect flight to Luang Prabang by Bangkok Airways or Laos Airlines flight.
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you are welcomed and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. 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 Laos. After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (B)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene. 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, 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 cruise 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 potent local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xienglek, well known for its hand made of Jute Sar paper. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Kuangsi Waterfalls – Vientiane (B)

Breakfast; this morning you may want to rise 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. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city to transfer to airport for your late afternoon flight to Vientiane by flight. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 5: Vientiane – Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at hotel, take city tour to see the major temples 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, sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph, and shopping at Morning Market to buy souvenir from Laos before transfer to airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival Hanoi/Noi Bai airport, transfer (no guide) to hotel for check in.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D), no escort guide from Hanoi, guide on boat/cruise

Have breakfast at hotel

PROGRAM WITH GLORY CRUISE
7.30 – 12.00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
12.00 – 13.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Glory Legend Private Lounge
13.00 – 15.30: Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy set menu lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.
15.30 – 17.30:Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
17.30 – 19.30: Back to the boat and free time for relaxing

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make spring rolls. Then enjoy spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.
19.30 – 23.00: Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served
Evening activities include: Leisure time for chatting around the bar, watching many sorts of Vietnam cultural films. Relaxing and spending a romantic night on Glory Legend Cruises’ music. Reading magazines in room and dining room. Passengers may also try their luck with squid fishing on the boat.

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

PROGRAM WITH PELICAN CRUISE
7.30 – 12.00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta
Stopover at Hai Duong province for refreshment about 20 – 30 minutes
12.00 – 13.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Pelican Privateb Lounge
Transfer by tender to the boat
13.00 – 15.30: Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy buffet lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.
15.30 – 17.30: Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
Free optional swimming and kayaking around many small and big islands at emerald Bai Tu Long water.
17.30 – 19.30: Back to the boat and free time for relax

Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Then enjoy the spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.

19.30 – 23.00: Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served

Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – citytour, no escort guide from Halong Bay back Hanoi!

PROGRAM WITH GLORY CRUISE (Brunch)
06.00 – 09.00: Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries… for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
09.00 – 11.30: Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a set menu brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.
11.30: Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye to the crew
12.00 – 16.30: Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop
16.30: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip.

PROGRAM WITH PELICAN CRUISE (Brunch)
06.00 – 09.00: Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
09.00 – 11.30: Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a buffet brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.
11.30: Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye to the crew
12.00 – 16.30: Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop
16.30: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip.

Return to Hanoi abt 16:00 on shuttle bus
Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Hanoi continue city tour – night train to Hue (B)

Pick up at hotel in Hanoi then transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature (Den Van Mieu, circa 1070), Vietnam’s first national university.
Visit too to St. Joseph’s Cathedral 1886, Ba Dinh Square: One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot, circa 1049, an architectural masterpiece), Dien Huu Pagoda, Ethnology Museum, Hoan Kiem late with Ngoc Son temple.
18:00: transfer (no guide) to Hanoi Train Station, address: 120 Le Duan street, Hanoi – for overnight train to Hue. Soft sleeper ticket, A/C 4-berth sharing cabin. SE1 (1930/0848+1) or SE19 (2010/0942)
Overnight on train.

Day 9: Hue train station – Hue city tour (B)

Morning arrival Hue train station. You are welcomed by local tour guide & driver in Hue, transfer to local restaurant for having breakfast then to your hotel for short relax. Early check-in is not included but you can leave luggage there without any matter. (pls note: standard check-in time is 14:00, check-out time is 12:00)
Enjoy your full day visit ancient city, started by visiting the Forbidden Purple City, a smaller replica of China’s Forbidden City and a UNESCO site. Enter the complex via the Ngo Mon (Noontime Gate) and enter the magnificently restored Thai Hoa Palace. Visit the Royal Library and the recently completely restored Hien Lam Pavilion. Afternoon visit Nguyen Dynasty tombs as Ming Mang, Khai Dinh. Minh Mang is the Nguyen Dynasty’s second-emperor (1820-1849), in the foothills of the Central Highlands. The tomb is the most harmoniously blended tomb with its natural environment of all of the royal tombs. Boat trip on Perfume river to visit the Thien Mu (Heavenly Mother) Pagoda, symbol of the City of Hue. Return to hotel, free evening.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Hue – Danang – Hoian by land (B)

Morning check out and departure from Danang via vehicle for Hue. Stop at the towering Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) enroute. Arrive Danang and proceed on a brief Danang city tour followed by a visit to the Cham Museum, formerly the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. The museum contains exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa [4th century to 18th century], a Hindu kingdom which inhabited the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south. The carvings contain examples of Hindu altars, lingas, garudas, ganeshas and representations of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. Continue on to the Furama Resort at China Beach for an optional lunch and a stroll on the famous beach. Afternoon visit to Marble Mountain which contains numerous temples and pagodas and the marble cutters village nearby the mountain. Transfer to Hoi An, just south of Danang, and a proposed World UNESCO Heritage Site. Transfer to hotel. Free evening.
Overnight at hotel

Day 11: Half day explore the Ancient town (B)

Hoi An is an ancient town which Marco Polo noted in his 13th-Century journals on his visit to China. All day walking tour of this ancient city which contains over 800-structures of historical interest including Japanese covered bridges, ancient temples for various parts of China and Chinese merchant houses. Remain time: free at leisure to discover Hoi An town
Overnight at hotel

Day 12: Hoian – Danang- Saigon – Siem Reap by flights (B)

Free time
Transfer (no guide) to the Danang airport to connect with flight for Saigon. Meet guide and exit customs and immigration, meet guide and transfer to the international terminal to connect with flight for Siem Reap. Clear customs and immigration, meet driver and transfer to hotel. Free evening.
Overnight at hotel

Day 13: Angkor Thom and Angkor Ruins (B)

All day tour of the ruins of Angkor Wat: Angkor Thom and the Southern Gate of Bayon, the temples of Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Chau Saytevada, Thommnoun, Bontey Kdei, Preh Khan, Neak Poan, Sras Srang and Kravann. Return to hotel, free evening.
Overnight at hotel

Day 14: Great Lake (Tonle Sap) and Aspara Show (B/-/D)

Morning boat trip on Tonle lake visiting floating village of Chong Kneas. Afternoon visit to the grandest of all ruins, Angkor Wat, a world UNESCO site Evening.
Evening Khmer performance with tasting of Khmer food.
Overnight at hotel

Day 15: Siem Reap – Departure (B)

Morning check out and transfer to the airport to connect flight to your home country.
Home sweet home!

Prices until 31.12.2024

Price is nett per person in US$, twin shared basis, tax, service charge included in the party of

**Interested in other class of hotels or customizing this tour as per your wish? Please email us for details

Price inclusive

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a double room.
• All airport transfers
• Air-conditioned ground transportation
• All boat, ferry and train transportation as noted
• Shuttle bus Hanoi – Ha Long – Hanoi
• Meals as specified
• Kayak fee Halong Bay (2 people per kayak)
• Service of an English speaking local stationed guide
• Admissions to all noted attractions (Angkor Wat 2 day visitor´s pass)
• Train tickets Hanoi – Hue (A/C Soft sleeper 4 berths sharing cabin)
• Intra-Vietnam airfares: Danang-Saigon by Vietnam Airlines (domestic airport tax included).
• Intra Laos: Luang Prabang – Vientiane by Laos Airlines (domestic airport tax included)
• Inter-country flight Vientiane – Hanoi by Vietnam Airlines (int’l airport departure tax included)
• Inter-country flight Saigon – Siem Reap by Vietnam Airlines (int’l airport departure tax included)
• Inter-country flight Bangkok – Luang Prabang by Laos Airlines (int’l airport departure tax included)
• VAT and other taxes
• Vietnam visa arrangement fee (complimentary)

Price exclusive

• Services not mentioned in the program
• Immigration fees to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
• Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$45,–person payable locally to Immigration)
• Airport departure taxes
• Meals other than noted
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Hotels used for Standard class

Hotels used for Superior class

Hotels used for First class