Encounter breathtaking scenery, diverse cultures, captivating history and gracious people on this Grand Tour of Indochina.
Vietnam will fascinate you with bustling Saigon and the mighty Mekong River. Board the overnight train to the charming town of Sapa where you will explore minority villages.
In the neighbouring country of Laos, you will see some of the most stunning landscapes, dominated by beautiful mountains and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in history as you tour some of the country’s oldest temples.
The magnitude of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat will astound you, as will the beauty and serenity at Ta Prohm.
Embrace this extensive journey of discovery through three of the most charming countries in Indochina, and you will be rewarded with lasting memories.
DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO SAIGON
Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Saigon for a fournight stay.
DAY 2: SAIGON
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cholon (Chinatown) and Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.
DAYS 3-4: SAIGON
Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta today. Tomorrow visit Tay Ninh where you will experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion and explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels where you are led by a War Veteran.
DAY 5: SAIGON TO HOI AN
Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route.
DAY 6: HOI AN
Today you will explore Hoi An by foot, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple.
DAY 7: HOI AN TO HUE
Drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hue. Upon arrival visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Tomb of Minh Mang.
DAY 8: HUE
Take a cyclo ride this morning to the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda before enjoying a boat trip along the Perfume River.
DAY 9: HUE TO HANOI TO SAPA
This morning you will fly to Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will see the Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature before boarding your overnight sleeper train to Sapa.
DAYS 10-11: SAPA
Arrive in Sapa early this morning. Over the next two days explore different minority villages by foot. On the second night you will board your overnight sleeper train back to Hanoi.
DAY 12: HANOI
Arrive in Hanoi this morning. Later, visit the Ethnology Museum and watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets.
DAY 13: HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Travel to Halong Bay where you spend the night onboard a junk boat relaxing and watching the sun set over the bay.
DAY 14: HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Continue cruising this morning before returning to Hanoi.
DAY 15: HANOI TO LUANG PRABANG
Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Tour the city by tuk-tuk visiting Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, Wat Sene and the National Museum. Later, climb Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city.
DAYS 16-17: LUANG PRABANG
Rise early this morning to partake in Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony. Cruise the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, visiting Tham Ting and Tham Phoum caves en route. Return to Luang Prabang, stopping along the way at Ban Xang Khong. Tomorrow you will drive to the Kuangsi Waterfalls, visiting a H’mong village en route. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre on the way back to the city.
DAY 18: LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG
Drive to Vang Vieng, visiting Phoukhoune en route.
DAY 19: VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE
Today you will visit Tham Chang Cave before driving to Vientiane.
DAY 20: VIENTIANE
Tour the city today, visiting Thongkhankham Market, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and the Patuxai Victory Monument. Later, visit Talat Sao and the Buddha Park before watching a traditional Lao dance show this evening.
DAY 21: VIENTIANE TO PHNOM PENH
Fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This afternoon you will visit the majestic Silver Pagoda to see the Emerald Buddha and explore the National Museum.
DAY 22: PHNOM PENH
This morning you will visit Wat Phnom, from which the city got its name. Also stop at the Apsara Association, where underprivileged children are taught traditional dance and music. Later, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and then have some free time at the Russian Markets.
DAY 23: PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP
Fly to Siem Reap where you explore the temples of Sreah Srang and East Mebon before enjoying the sunset from the summit of Pre Rup.
DAY 24: SIEM REAP
Drive to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the South Gate, viewing the Bayon, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This afternoon you will explore the magnificent Angkor Wat.
DAY 25: SIEM REAP
August to February - High water season Cruise on Tonle Sap, visit a floating village and the temples of Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som and the spectacular Ta Prohm.
March to July - Low water season Visit Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som and the spectacular Ta Prohm.
DAY 26: DEPART SIEM REAP
This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Siem Reap airport to board your overnight flight to Australia (via Saigon).
DAY 27: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
Arrive home this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours Review:
"I have just returned from a wonderful trip through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. I have to say it was so well planned. Your local guides are just great. Knowledgeable, funny, caring, more than happy to share their personal experiences with us.
We had John in Vietnam, Sert in Laos, Thea and Bros in Cambodia. All of them a delight.The excursions were well planned and very comprehensive. My only criticism would be the amount of food!!!!
Well done Wendy Wu Tours. I would definitely recommend you to anyone wanting to travel in the East."
Kate Tamaki, Wellington NZ – October 2010
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