Laos + Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery
Expand your Southeast Asian experience with two nights in Luang Prabang - a diverse and enchanting 'city village' infused with colour and tradition.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Ta Keo, Siem Reap
The awesome Halong Bay
Banteay Srei Temple, Siem Reap
Vietnam Discovery Tour
Floating market, Hue
Local villagers in Hue
Workers in the paddy fields
Hanoi locals
A fruit and flower market, Saigon
Forbidden Purple City, Hue
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Son My, Vietnam
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok.
DAY 3: Bangkok - Luang Prabang.
On arrival in Luang Prabang you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 4: Luang Prabang.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient royal city is famed for its beautiful temples and the surrounding province for its awe-inspiring mountain panorama. Although the city itself is fairly small and basks in a peaceful, languid atmosphere in harmony with the incredible beauty of the natural landscape, the area's hidden history is one of conquest, invasion and capture with an underlying intricate culture and complex traditions. Renowned as a 'temple town', the city is home to over 40 delicate, ornate wats and numerous colonial-style buildings. Start the day with a boat trip along the river to Pak Ou for a visit to the Tham Ting and Tham Theung caves, set in a cliff face high above the Mekong. The limestone cave system is renowned for its collection of Buddha and icon sculptures, both carved into wall niches and laid out across the cave floors. Next, cross the river to Bang Xang Hai village, famous for its production of jars of rice whisky or 'lao lao'. Learn about the process as you watch villagers manufacture this simple brew and perhaps purchase a bottle, but beware, lao lao is an acquired taste! This afternoon return to Luang Prabang and visit the oldest living temple in the city, Wat Visoun, which dates back to 1513. Next visit Wat Aham before continuing to Luang Prabang's most famous wat: Xieng Thong. Set on a confluence between the Khan and Mekong rivers, the 'Royal Patronage' temple is richly gilded, decorated with ancient Lao artwork and coloured glass, and touted as the most beautiful wat in Luang Prabang. From here stroll down the main street (or Wat Street), and if time permits, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Luang Prabang - Hanoi.
This morning explore a lively local market before visiting the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Museum. As a former Royal Palace, the museum provides an insight into the lives of previous Lao royalty and still houses many items of regalia, including the royal throne of the Lan Xang Kingdom, as well as religious artefacts including the Pra Bang Buddha, after which Luang Prabang is named. Lastly, visit Wat Mai - a large temple famed for its aesthetic beauty, beautiful golden terrace and for the residency of the Phra Sangkharat (the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary). Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. (B, L)
DAY 6: Hanoi.
Vietnam's capital is a laid back city with charming French-Colonial style buildings, spacious boulevards and bustling markets. Today's included tour takes in the city's highlights including the Temple of Literature - a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda - designed to resemble a lotus blossom. Also see Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, the History Museum and a fascinating network of alleyways and shop-houses in the Old Quarter. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Hanoi.
Begin today with a drive amidst tranquil countryside to Chua Thay Pagoda. Beautifully ornate and serene, Chua Thay is home to an ancient stage where it is believed the first water puppet show was performed. Next, head to Tay Phuong Pagoda, one of Vietnam's first pagodas, to admire the carved wooden roof and unique architectural shape, said to resemble a buffalo. Later, return to Hanoi for a water puppet show. (B, L)
DAY 8: Hanoi - Halong.
Drive through picturesque Hai Hung Province to Halong for an overnight stay on board your Halong cruise boat. Enjoy a delicious lunch as your boat begins its leisurely journey, cruising between the dramatic limestone islands. You will have the chance to explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) grotto, before visiting Luon Cave by rowing boat. Back on board, a cooking demonstration reveals the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine before arriving in the Tung Sau area. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Halong - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An.
Continue to cruise through Halong Bay this morning. Visit Titov, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay where you can climb 400 steps to be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view. Disembark your cruise boat late morning and journey back to Hanoi to board your flight to Danang, Vietnam's fourth largest city. Pass tranquil rural scenery and traditional villages en route to the charming town of Hoi An, where you'll stay for three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Hoi An.
Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a vibrant yet traditional town brimming with wooden houses, colourful temples, ornate architecture and a vast selection of bespoke tailoring shops. Today, explore the town on a leisurely walking tour taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Sa Huynh Museum with its early Hoi An history, and a family chapel. In the afternoon, board a local boat for a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside on the way to a pottery village and a wood carving village before returning to Hoi An. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Hoi An.
Today is free to further explore Hoi An. Perhaps take a cooking class, visit a spa, or take a day trip by local ferry to the beautiful Cham Island, with its pristine, white beaches and turquoise water. (B)
DAY 12: Hoi An - Danang - Hue.
Journey back to Danang, stopping just outside the city at the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five hills, each said to represent one of the five elements of the universe, before continuing on to Non Nuoc Beach (China Beach). Next head to Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum. Later, journey past the pretty, island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand at Lang Co, and through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, to the imperial walled city of Hue. Your included sightseeing tour takes in the Forbidden Purple City, modelled on Beijing's famed Forbidden City; and includes visits to Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, the Halls of the Mandarins and the Nine Dynastic Urns. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Hue - Saigon.
Begin with an included boat trip on the Perfume River to the pretty Thien Mu Pagoda, made up of seven tiers, each of which is dedicated to a form or step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Preserved within the Pagoda's sanctuary is the Austin motorcar used to transport monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation. Continue up the river to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic and idyllic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples. Later, fly to Saigon, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B, L)
DAY 14: Saigon.
Also known as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, packed with timeless traditions, the beauty of an ancient culture, fantastic architecture, bustling markets and a modern business district. Today's included sightseeing tour takes in Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterwards visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, as well as Cholon, the Chinese district. (B, L)
DAY 15: Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels.
An exciting day lies ahead. Visit the impressive Caodai Great Temple in Tay Ninh before heading to Cu Chi, an important base during the Vietnamese War due to its strategic location. Learn about the impressive 200km tunnel network constructed by the Viet Cong to connect command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. (B)
DAY 16: Saigon.
Modern Saigon - or Ho Chi Minh City - is a colourful mix of old and new. Sleek skyscrapers, shopping malls and bars are set against a vibrant Asian backdrop of pagodas, market stalls and street vendors. Today is yours to further explore this fascinating city. (B)
DAY 17: Saigon - Phnom Penh.
Fly to Phnom Penh. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)
DAY 18: Phnom Penh.
Explore this lively city on an included sightseeing tour taking in the Royal Palace - the 19th century home of the Royal Family. Next take in the haunting Genocide Museum, or Tuol Sleng - a former torture and interrogation centre - followed by a visit to the sobering Killing Fields. Both sites are considered by many to be key in understanding the history of the Khmer Rouge and its effects on Cambodia. (B, L, D)
DAY 19: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap and Angkor.
Today, fly to Siem Reap and visit nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Visit the splendid temple complex including Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beauty and splendour, and Angkor Thom, the former fortified Royal City built by King Jayavarman VII, which houses the Bayon and Baphuon temples, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimeanakas or the 'Celestial Palace'. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Siem Reap and Angkor.
Enjoy a second day to really make the most of the amazing sights at Angkor. Visit the exquisite 10th century Banteay Srei Temple and Ta Keo, the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone. Also visit Ta Prohm, Sras Srang and Prasat Kravan. (B, L, D)
DAY 21: Siem Reap - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, or extend your stay on Phuket or Koh Samui. (B)
DAY 22: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Luang Prabang: Villa Santi Hotel; Hanoi: MGallery Hanoi; Halong Bay: Halong Cruise boat; Hoi An: Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort; Hue: Celadon Hotel; Saigon: Equatorial Hotel; Phnom Penh: Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh; Sien Reap: Angkor Century Resort & Spa.
Visa Requirements - Laos
A visa is required for entry into Laos. This must be obtained prior to departure.
Laos + Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Laos + Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
Laos + Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery
Price from £3245.00
Holiday Highlights
- Hanoi City sightseeing, excursion to Chua Thay, Chua Tay Phuong Pagoda and Water Puppet Show
- Halong Bay Overnight cruise and visit to caves
- Hue City sightseeing, boat trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda
- Saigon Included city sightseeing and visit to Cholon (Chinatown)
- Phnom Penh City sightseeing including Tuol Sleng
- Siem Reap Sightseeing, Banteay Srei Temple and Ta Keo
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
08 Oct 2012 to 25 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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