Thank you Helen. We have great memories from our trip, and will recommend you to any friends who are considering a trip to Vietnam Laos Cambodia.
We Plan to put a comment in Tripadvisor too.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Sat 23 December 2017 : Arrive in Ho Chi Minh (-) | Guide and driver
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon or "Pearl of the Far East", you will be welcomed by our guide and brought to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the largest city of Vietnam with its wide elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 . Sun 24 December 2017 : Ho Chi Minh- My Tho (B) | Guide and driver
Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life.You'll transfer to the remote My Tho.This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First you'll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall whitem Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packedMekong Delta Coconut Forests with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry.Next, you'll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages.After lunch (lunch will be paid by yourself), you'll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. Next, you will take a short cycling trip through the island.Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals. After the tour is finished, you'll return to Saigon. The evening is at your leisure.
Day 03 . Mon 25 December 2017 : Ho Chi Minh cooking class- Cu Chi- Siemreap. (B, L) | Guide and driver
Start Ho Chi Minh City at 7:30am( 12:30pm or 3:00pm ) to HCM Agricultural Villages 8:30am
- Visiting HCM Agricultural Villages from 8:30am – 10:00am(1:30pm -2:30pm or 4:30pm - 5:30pm )
+ Visiting Cow areas
+ Visiting Buffalo Areas
+ Visiting Rice Fields
+ Visiting Fish, prawn, chicken, duck areas
+ Visiting Big Herbs, Spices, Vegetables and Mushrooms areas
+ Challenges on the Garden Become real Vietnamese Farmer on Vietnamese Traditional Hat and Pick up a lot of Herbs ,spices ,Vegetables and Mushrooms on The Garden
- Cooking Challenges 10:00am -1:30pm
+ Hands on cooking class with three dishes and 1 dessert and enjoy what they have done
+ Enjoy Great Healthy Cooking Tips
+ Congratulation with nice certificate, recipes, souvenirs
+ Collect email and Update nice healthy recipes monthly
Next, you'll take your adventures underground for an adventure in history you won't forget with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels . Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War.
You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you'll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.Then you'll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you'll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.Then, our guide and driver will transfer you to airport for a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check in.
Day 04 . Tue 26 December 2017 : Biking in Angkor Thom Ancient (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
Today, you will enjoy a relaxing but fun biking tour in the Angkor Thom. It is an easy biking route but with temples, rural scenery, good road and easy off road conditions.
The biking tour will start near Angkor Wat towards the Angkor Thom which was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. When you reach the south gate of the Angkor Thom, bike along the city wall to the West gate with a stop to visit the Corner Temple in the midway. Near the West Gate, you will visit the village outside the city wall Easy Biking Trip to Discover Ancient
where you will discover the daily life of local Temples villagers. After visiting the village, bike inside the Angkor Thom and visit the Bayon Temple where you will be surrounded by 216 gigantic stone faces which fame as “Khmer Smile”, you will also visit the Terrace of Elephants, the Royal Palace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to bike heading north to get away with the crowed place with tour groups, you will bike through quiet path flanked by trees to the Temple Preah Khan and Ta Keo Temple. You easy biking trip will finish in Ta Prohm Temple, which is widely known as“lost to the jungle temple”.You will be pick up by van from Ta Prohm Temple and transfer back to hotel. Rest of the day will be free for you to relax that can have fun in the swimming pool.(Support vehicle is provided throughout.)
Dinner will be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.The rest of the evening is at your leisure.Overnight in Cambodia.
Day 05 . Wed 27 December 2017 : Banteay Srei Jungle Temple - Kompong Phluk Floating Village (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast your private guide will pick youup from the hotel to discover the women temple called Banteay Srei, which was build in 10th century, which dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Located in northeast of main group temples. It lies near the hill of Phnom Dei. It is 25 km away from Siem Reap city. Banteay Srei is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings, which are still observable today. Thebuildings themselves are miniature in scale, Stilt houses at Kompong Phluk unusually so when measured by the standards of Angkorian construction. These factors have made the temple extremely popular with tourists, and have led to its being widely praised as a precious gem, or the jewel of Khmer art. Then enjoy your lunch at local restaurant ( Lunch will be paid by yourself). After that, continue the trip to one of the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, the biggest in Southeast Asia’s fresh water lake, called Kampong Pluck, is one of the commune located in south-east of Siem Reap and 16 km away from Siem Reap. Kampong Phluck means, Harbor of the tusks this village has it unique mangrove forests, which other floating village does not has. This mangrove forest offers a much more authentic floating village experience than the other floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, and you will see the forest of stilted houses rising up to 10 meters high in the air. After the whole day tour, relax yourself and indulge to leisure activity of your choice back in the hotel.
Day 06 . Thu 28 December 2017 : Angkor Wat Temple | Ceramic Water Filter Donation | Old Market and Artisan Angkor (B) | Guide and driver
For your last day in Siem Reap, you’ll experience the temple relics in a way that will really let you feel like you’ve escaped the 20th century and traveled a thousand years back to a time when life was simple and nature was surreal. After breakfast, you’ll go for a gondola ride through the moats of Angkor Thom to see the vast ruins of the Khmer Empire at its peak. Close your eyes and smell the sweet perfume of the romdoul flowers growing wild on the shore mixed with the scent of lotus flowers bobbing in Angkor Wat Temple the water. Finally, be prepared today to enjoy one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Angkor Wat. At this point, you most probably have gotten glimpses of the towers over treetops and the gates in front in passing. But now you’ll finally get to satiate that curiosity that’s grown in the last few days . Enter Angkor Wat and learn about the stories and amazing architecture that has stunned archeologists leaving more questions than answers. Angkor Wat possesses some of the most intricate and longest stone carvings in the world. This complex is four times the size of the Vatican City making it the largest religious site in the world. Spend the morning adventuring through the many passages, levels, and exploring chambers that once housed one many treasures of the ancient world. It will be an experience you won’t forget.
In the afternoon, you will be escorted to a village home to donate a ceramic water filter and have a chance to meet and interact with the family. The water filter will provide potable/drinking water for the household. Our guide will also instruct the family on how to clean and maintain the filter.
Optional recommendation: We recommend that if you have any used children’s books in your home that you no longer need, you may bring them with to donate to the children in the household or village. This can impact the village Siem Reap Old Market - Souvenir Depot children to focus on their education and provide them English reading materials not available from their school. You'll continue to the Old Market. Here many souvenir collections are on display. Next, you'll go to visit Artisans d'Angkor, a school of art dedicated to preservation of traditional Khmer skills in silk-weaving, stone-carving, wood-carving, lacquering and painting. It is also an organization dedicated to promoting the education of individuals from impoverished backgrounds. Return to your hotel by evening.
In the evening, you'll go to visit Phare Cambodian Circus. Be amazed by stunts and choreography unique to Cambodia's performing arts. You'll watch as a story written by locals is acted out with an impressive stage show. Be prepared for laughter and wonder as you enjoy the performance. After the hour long spectacle, you'll return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 07 . Fri 29 December 2017 : Siemreap- Luang Prabang. (B) | Guide and driver
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the city on your own until transfer to take a flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will meet and greet you at airport and transfer you to your hotel for check in.
Day 08 . Sat 30 December 2017 : Kuang Si Waterfall | Temples of Luang (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, we visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Our next stop in the city is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre. We make the next stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday, and from 03rd May to 19th June every year), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15-minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora.The lunch will be served at the Butterflies Park among the green nature
This then takes us to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. You can also see up close Asiatic bears at the Bear Rescue Centre along the jungle walk to the waterfall.Arriving in Luang Prabang, we take a look at the Traditional Art & Ethnology Center to learn about the many Lao ethnic groups. Late afternoon, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 09 . Sun 31 December 2017 : Befriending with Gentle Giant of Asia (B, L) | Guide and driver
In the morning, you will be picked up and transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you'll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you'll take place in the following activities:
- Riding an elephant – you'll have the opportunity to ride directly on the neck of an elephant
- Mahout Training - learn about the Elephant Training Camp commands of how to communicate tothe elephant
- Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
- Bathe your elephant - Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!
- Then return to your hotel for leisure time.
Note: Elephant Village no longer uses Howdahs(Elephant Seats) due to the harm this can cause to the elephants. You will have the choice of riding the elephants neck or walking alongside the elephant depending on what you prefer.(This tour is joint with other travelers)
Day 10 . Mon 01 January 2018 : Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves | Fly to Hanoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
Early morning, you can participate in the Alms Giving Ceremony – a host of monks will solemnly pass the entrance of the hotel while you place sticky rice in their bowls. It is a humbling experience to provide food for monks who have dedicated their lives to studying and celibacy. Feel free to let your tour guide know if you would like to participate this.
After breakfast, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also
gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil Pak Ou Mysterious Caves countryside. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make Laos rice wine and rice whiskey. You'll be able to try some and see the process they use to make it. Then we'll reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.The lunch will be served on the leisurely cruise back to Luang PrabangThen board on an evening flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11 . Tue 02 January 2018 : Art Sence in Hanoi (B) | Guide and driver
In the morning, you'll visit some of Hanoi's best traditional and contemporary art galleries and studios, including Art Vietnam, opened by a longtime Hanoi resident, (American) Suzanne Lecht.. Today, as with every day on your itinerary, will be left very flexible so you can explore with your guide per your interests and your guide's recommendations.In the afternoon, you'll visit the One Pillar Pagoda - a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision. You'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside) before visiting the highlight of this tour - The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings. Next, you'll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you'll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the late afternoon, transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda set on West Lake. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Then return to your hotel for the evening at leisure.
Day 12 . Wed 03 January 2018 : Hanoi- Halong (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up in the morning from your hotel for a private transfer to Halong City.Roughly around noon, you will arrive at the port and board on the ship. Begin sailing and pass through a magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.
Day 13 . Thu 04 January 2018 : Halong bay- Hanoi- Da Nang- Hoi An. (B) | Guide and driver
Wake up in the morning for a Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City at noontime and transfer back to Hanoi with the cruise's shuttle. Then you will be trasferred by flight to Hoi An. Our guide and driver will escort you to airport.Morning Tai Chi on deck .Upon arrival, our guide will greet and meet you at the airport and then transfer you to your resort next to the beach of Hoi An for check in.
Day 14 . Fri 05 January 2018 : Photo Treasure Hunting at Hoi An Ancient Port Town . At Leisure to relax the Beaches (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breafkast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th century Hoi An port town in it's preserved state. You'll start Hoi An Old Town by visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s. Then you'll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China's influence in the region. You'll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You'll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years. At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you've finished the tour, your guide and driver will return you to your hotel. Afternoon is at your leisure to relax on the beaches of Hoi An.
Day 15 . Sat 06 January 2018 : Biking to Kim Bong Village . At Leisure to relax on the Beaches (B) | Guide and driver
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel's lobby and start biking to Kim Bong – a 600 year wood crafting village. Established in the 15th century, it reached its peak in the 18th century, during which time the village craftsmen contributed their skills in woodworking to many different projects, including the Imperial capital in Hue. Entering Kim Bong village itself is free. The part of the village you'll see is distributed down two
parallel streets, with low open-fronted Kim Bong - 600 years old Wood Crafting buildings, their doors flanked with each Village household's finest artworks. You can shop for the handicraft there with from only a few dollars to thousands of dollars.This afternoon is also at your leisure to relax on the beaches of Hoi An.
Day 16 . Sun 07 January 2018 : Relax on the Beaches (B) |
Today you'll be able to relax on the beautiful beaches of Hoi An
Day 17 . Mon 08 January 2018 : Hoi An- Ho Chi Minh (B) | Driver
Free time until you will be brought to the airport for your flight to Sai Gon. Pick up then transfer to your hotel in Sai Gon. Overnight at your hotel in Saigon.
Day 18 . Tue 09 January 2018 : Saigon departure (B) | Driver
After breakfast, free time for relaxation until being transferred to take your departure flight from Saigon. The hotel is available until noon only.Thanks for travelling with us!