Indochina's Ancient Treasures
The cultural richness of the Indochina region has long been evident to the West: ever since the nineteenth century when the first European travellers arrived there and throughout the often turbulent years of the twentieth century. But this tour offers a glimpse of the cultural and spiritual richness of the region dating many hundreds of years further back.
Five hundred years ago, the first temples of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, were constructed. It is here that the tour begins, before we fly north-east to Vietnam, and the city of Hanoi, founded in 1010. After travelling through the different regions of this wonderfully diverse country, we head to Siem Reap in Cambodia, from where we will visit the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, first built as many as eleven centuries ago.
17 days: from £2349pp
Itinerary
Day 1: Leave from your preferred UK airport
Day 2: Arrive in Bangkok and fly to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Morning tour of Luang Prabang. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy front row seats for a traditional show at the Royal Theatre. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)
Day 4: Visit to Pak Ou Caves, Ben Xang Hai and Kuang Si Waterfalls. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B, L)
Day 5: Fly to Hanoi via Bangkok. Afternoon at leisure. Evening cyclo tour and water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)
Day 6: Morning tour of Hanoi including an interesting historical talk at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum before visiting the Temple of Literature. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)
Day 7:Drive to Halong where you will enjoy a boat cruise around this World Heritage Site of more than 3000 islands. Seafood lunch on board. Overnight in Halong. (B, L)
Day 8: Continue your boat cruise till noon. Return to Hanoi for flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue. (B)
Day 9: Morning cyclo tour to the Royal Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, led by local historian. Followed by a vegetarian lunch with the monks. Afternoon boat cruise to visit Thien Mu pagoda and drive to the magnificent Khai Dinh Royal tomb. Overnight in Hue. (B, L)
Day 10:Morning drive to Hoi An via Danang experiencing spectacular mountain scenery and views of China beach. In Danang, visit Cham museum. In the afternoon, onto Hoi An via Marble Mountain. Overnight in Hue. (B)
Day 11: Walking tour of the ancient town centre, led by a member of UNESCO in Hoi An. Afternoon at leisure to visit the local shops and markets or relax on the beach. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)
Day 12: Morning drive to Danang for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon). (B)
Day 13: Visit the local market, accompanied by a well known local chef. She will then give you a private cooking class, followed by lunch. Afternoon at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh including a shopping district near Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B, L)
Day 14: Drive to Cu Chi tunnels, led by a veteran who lived in them during the war. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
Day 15: Fly to Siem Reap. A guided visit to the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world's most impressive ruins. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 16: Visit the mysterious royal city of Angkor Thom. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 17: Fly to Bangkok and on to your airport in the UK. Or extend your stay on the beach.
17 days (16 nights): From £2349pp
Departures dates:
Airports: Birmingham, Glasgow, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester
Prices based on 2 persons sharing superior accommodation, activities and transfers as per itinerary, with scehduled return flights on Emirates from your chosen airport. Single Supplement: £359. Upgrade to deluxe class accommodation: £235pp (single supplement £799). (Dates and prices are subject to availability.)
To book or for more information, please call 01865 265 200.
To tailormake a tour like this, please call 01865 265 200.