2008
Grand Indochina - Classic Escorted Tour
A Kuoni Classic escorted tour providing a snapshot of this fascinating region.
Our opinion
Discover enchanting towns, bustling cities, historic temples and monuments and spectacular scenery. A fast paced yet intensely rewarding tour
Escorted
The services of a professional, experienced Tour Manager from London, throughout the tour and back to London again.
Itinerary
- Luang Prabang: 2 nights
- Vientiane: 1 night
- Hanoi: 3 nights
- Halong Bay: Day Trip
- Hue: 1 night
- Hoi An: 2 nights
- Ho Chi Minh City: 2 nights
- Siem Reap: 2 nights
- Phnom Penh: 1 night
Day 1 Mon London/Bangkok/Luang Prabang
Fly Thai Airways from Heathrow overnight to Bangkok and onwards with Bangkok Airways to Luang Prabang, arriving the following day
Day 2 Tue Luang Prabang
Dating back to the 1300s this small and pretty city is surrounded by mountains and sits central between the mighty Mekong and Khan rivers. View this World Heritage Site from atop Mount Phousi and later visit Wat Mai with its beautiful five tired roof and veranda and Vat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in the region. (L,D)
Day 3 Wed Luang Prabang
After breakfast take a traditional boat cruise up the mighty Mekong to visit the Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of Bhudda statues brought by devoted villagers. Following lunch return by car and stop by Ban Xiang Khong, a small village renowned for its hand-made paper artifacts and Ban Xieng Lek, a silk weaving village. The rest of day is at leisure to stroll around this charming riverside town. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Thu Luang Prabang/Vientiane
Visit the morning market and the former King's Palace, now a National Museum housing treasures from the country's regal past. After lunch transfer to the airport for your flight to Vientiane with Lao Airlines arriving late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Fri Vientiane/Hanoi
See the sights of the Laos capital today with visits to the fresh and colourful market of Thong Khan Kham, visit several temples including Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving monastery. Enjoy the silk village of Nong Bua Thong before taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the central market with its rich array of produce, imported goods and handicrafts. After lunch depart late afternoon for Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines for its northern capital Hanoi. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Sat Hanoi
Spend the morning visiting Hoi Chi Minh's former residence the One Pillared Pagoda and the mausoleum housing his embalmed remains before moving on to a cycle tour of the lively streets of Hanoi's picturesque Old Quarter and a tour of the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sun Hanoi (Halong Bay)
Depart early morning for Halong Bay, Vietnam's most scenic area. Over 3000 limestone rock formations lie in the scenic bay and on arrival board a wooden boat for lunch and set sail to explore this mysterious bay and its many caves. Return back to Hanoi for one more night. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Mon Hanoi/Hue
Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hue, the former royal capital. Embark on a scenic journey down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Following lunch continue to the Imperial Citadel and late afternoon visit the lively Dong Ba Market. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Tue Hue/Hoi An
Pretty red tiled villages and fruit orchards lie en route to Danang with spectacular views from above as you traverse the Hai Van pass and arrive in the afternoon. Visit the Cham Museum, the Marble Mountain and China Beach before continuing on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed charming village of Hoi An. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Wed Hoi An
Experience the eclectic mixture of Portuguese, French, Japanese and Chinese architectures and cultures. A tour of Hoi An's breathtaking beauty includes Phuc Kien Hall, the Japanese Bridge and a traditional workshop. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this quaint town, perhaps visit one of the many local tailors. (B,L,D).
Day 11 Thu Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City
Morning at leisure for more discovery of Hoi An. After lunch transfer to Danang for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival freshen up then visit the History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. En route stop at the Notre Dam Cathedral and the Central Post Office. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Fri Ho Chi Minh City
Choose to relax and discover this historic city at leisure or journey to My Tho (included in price) for a boat ride along the Mekong Delta stopping at the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Return to Ho Chi Ming City on the afternoon. B,L, (Mekong Delta only) D.
Day 13 Sat Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap
After breakfast visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground city dug out during the Vietnam War. Afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon transfer for your Vietnam Airways flight to Cambodia and the historical and cultural centre of Siem Reap. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Sun Siem Reap
Today visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple surrounded by rainforest, then enjoy the sights of the Elephant and Leper King Terraces. Following lunch continue to the awe inspiring Angkor Wat where an atmospheric sunset is enjoyed. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with an Apsara dance show. (B,L,D).
Day 15 Mon Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
Visit Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre temples before lunch and the mystical Ta Prohm, Neak Peanh and Preah Khan afterwards. Later transfer for your Siem Reap Airlines flight to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Day 16 Tue Phnom Penh/Bangkok/London
Discover the Royal Palace, National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom. Later depart Cambodia for Bangkok on Thai Airways, connecting with your Thai Airways flight to Heathrow arriving the following day. Alternatively extend your stay in Cambodia with a stay on the beaches of Sihanoukville or from Bangkok to one of Thailand's many beautiful beaches (B,L).
