|
INDOCHINA
CLASSIC
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos |
 |
This
extraordinary 18-day tour takes in thee astounding countries
and 5 World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the contrast of the ethereal
and ancient beauty of Angkor one day, the quaint French colonial
styles of Vietnam the next and the intricate Hindu and Buddhist
architecture following that. These extreme contrasts make
this tour one of extraordinary texture and variety. In these
18 days we journey back in time to many different stages of
development and progress in this extraordinary part of the
world.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Phnom
Penh (CAMBODIA) |
| 02 |
Phnom Penh |
| 03 |
Phnom
Penh / Siem Reap |
| 04 |
Siem
Reap |
| 05 |
Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM) |
| 06 |
Ho
Chi Minh City |
| 07 |
Ho
Chi Minh City |
| 08 |
Ho
Chi Minh City / Hue |
| 09 |
Hue |
| 10 |
Hue
/ Danang / Hoi An |
| 11 |
Hoi
An/Danang/Hanoi |
| 12 |
Hanoi/Ha
Long Bay |
| 13
|
Ha
Long Bay /Ha Noi |
| 14 |
Hanoi/
Luang Prabang (LAOS) |
| 15 |
Luang
Prabang |
| 16 |
Luang
Prabang / Vientiane |
| 17 |
Vientiane |
| 18 |
Depart
Vientiane |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour
|
|
Angkor (1992) |
Angkor
is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East
Asia. Stretching over some 400 sq. km, including forested
area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent
remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire,
from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous
Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple
with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has
set up a wide- ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic
site and its surroundings. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour |
| Complex
of Hue Monuments (1993) |
Established
as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hu� was not
only the political but also the cultural and religious
centre under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The Perfume
River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial
City, the Forbidden Purple City and Inner City, adding
natural beauty to this unique feudal capital. |
| Ha
Long Bay (1994, 2000) |
Ha
Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some
1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape
of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature,
most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by
man. The exceptional esthetic values of this site are
complimented by its great biological interest. |
| Hoi
An Ancient Town (1999) |
Hoi
An constitutes an exceptionally well preserved example
of a South-East Asian trading port from the period of
the 15th to 19th centuries. Its buildings and its street
pattern reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign,
that combined to produce this unique heritage site. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Laos covered on this tour |
| Luang
Prabang (1995) |
This
town reflects the exceptional fusion of traditional architecture
and urban structures built by 19th and 20th century European
colonial rulers. Its unique township is remarkably well
preserved, illustrating a key stage in the blending of
these two distinct cultural traditions. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Wednesday: Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Sohm swaakohm! (Welcome in Khmer) We arrive in Phnom Penh, the
Cambodian capital, located at the confluence of the beautiful
Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. The city is considered
to be the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina
and was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer
woman by the name of Penh after she found four Buddha statues
in a tree trunk on the bank of the Mekong. She set up the monastery
at a nearby hill or “Phnom”. Check in your hotel
(early check in subject to availability).
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (2 nights)
Day 02 Thursday: Phnom Penh
Morning, set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum,
which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods
of Cambodian history and visit the Royal Palace. The palace
was built in 1866 by the French for King Norodom and is also
home to the Silver Pagoda. It got its name because its floor
is made up of 5,329 silver tiles. The palace has been inhabited
by kings at all times with the exception of the period when
the radical Khmer Rouge party took control in 1975. We end the
morning tour at the Central market to witness the bustling and
daily life. Although the murderous reign of the Khmer Rouge
ended over 20 years ago, justice for its victims remains elusive.
Most of its senior officials never faced trial and even the
United Nations backed genocide trial is not giving the Khmer
people the comfort they need to leave this horrific chapter
of their history behind. Only few people remain open to talk
about their experiences during the Khmer Rouge period. Vann
Nath is one of only seven survivors out of 14,000 inmates of
S21 interrogation prison, nowadays known as Toul Sleng genocide
museum. The S21 site is one of the most brutal excesses of the
regime, where 14,000 people were viciously tortured before being
executed or brought to the Killing Fields where they would found
their deaths. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Vann Nath’s
home/gallery and speak to him understand this tragic chapter
of Cambodian history and his own experiences. Vann Nath’s
artistic capabilities made him survive S21 as his jailors demanded
him to paint and sculpt portraits of Pol Pot. Now 63 years of
age, Vann Nath advocates justice for Khmer Rouge victims and
puts his work that depicts the regime’s brutal ways on
display around the world. Followed by a visit to Tuol Sleng
museum and if time permits, the Killing Fields. (B)
Day 03 Friday: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap.
A pleasant and sleepy backwater town, Siem Reap serves as a
gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire temples of Angkor Wat. Check
into the hotel (early check in subject to availability). Start
exploring the stunning temples by tuk-tuk and visit the intricately
carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest
religious monument to get an overview of the Khmer history,
culture, archaeology and civilization from a renowned Khmer
scholar. Learn more about the temple that guidebooks and guides
do not mention. Now working with the Angkor Temple Conservation
Institution, the scholar knows a great deal about the past,
present and future of the temple and can explain how the temple
will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through
the elaborate carved halls of Angkor Wat as the Khmer Empire
is brought by to life through the scholar’s knowledge.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to the ancient royal
city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless
mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic
faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction.
The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential
attackers. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace
of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the
King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the
Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding
along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex.
On the way back, stop at Les Artisans d’Angkor to see
how artisans preserve age-old Khmer arts and crafts.
Overnight: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)
Day 04 Saturday: Siem Reap
After leisure breakfast, proceed to the picturesque Ta Prohm,
a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting
and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push
itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace,
emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel. In the afternoon,
enjoy a scenic drive to the jewel of the Khmer art; Banteay
Srei temple. Its red sand-stone walls are decorated with elaborate
carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Banteay Srei
is the key to understanding the Khmer Empire as it depicts many
ancient traditions in its relief. Cap the day at the Landmine
Museum of Mr. Aki Ra, a former child soldier who has recognized
the need to clear mines and now educates the local community
on the dangers of landmines. Any form of ‘practical’
donation is appreciated in order to help them continue their
work. (B)
Day 05 Sunday: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM)
(Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the
airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival,
meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. (early check in subject
to availability). The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: Duxton Hotel, Saigon (3 nights) (B)
Day 06 Monday: Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, the city retains
its connections to the past. Depart for a walking tour to admire
Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue
Catinat will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House,
a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French
colonists (outside visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed
for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's
Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral,
a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear
reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4PM everyday
otherwise just outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced
by Renaissance architecture. If desired, drive 6km to another
district of Ho Chi Minh City with a large Chinese population
and visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation
in the early 19th century. The temple’s interior courtyard
is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques
shrouded in incense-smoke. Take the opportunity to write out
your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil
and pray for your wishes to come true. Return to the hotel for
fresh up. Late afternoon, visit Truc Mai house, a local family
of musicians, learn about traditional musical instruments through
conversations with the artists and listen to the performances
from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance
to try the instruments with the musicians- a memorable if somewhat
noisy experience. (B)
Day 07 Tuesday: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta, south west of Ho Chi Minh City, is known as
the rice bowl of Vietnam. Ben Tre, one of the closest provinces
in the Delta, is a 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City and you
will notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside
the highway as you leave the city behind for the peaceful Mekong
Delta. The tour starts with a visit en route to Vinh Trang pagoda,
which was built in 1849 and is home to a mixture of Asian and
European architectural features, before being dropped off in
Ben Tre. A relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails
will take you through the local villages where you see glimpses
of daily life. Stop to sip tea and sample fruit with a local
family as they share their stories of life on the Mekong. Let
them guide you on a walk through their orchard as they explain
how tropical fruits are grown. The next leg of the journey involves
being paddled on a sampan through a maze of small canals, which
cut through dense vegetation. After a farewell good bye to your
friendly boat rower you are picked up by a horse and basic cart
for a rustic ride back to the pier – there are no cars
in this neck of the woods. Here you will board a motorboat for
a 20 minute trip to My Tho along the Mekong River and a chance
for some great photo opportunities. You can taste some local
delicacies over lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City mid
afternoon and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.
(B, L)
Day 08 Wednesday: Ho Chi Minh City/Hue (Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the
airport for the flight to Hue, an imperial capital to the Nguyen
Lords, a feudal dynasty, which reigned from the 17th to the
19th century. Arrive Hue, check in the hotel (early check in
subject to availability). With splendid emperors’ tombs,
ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains
its royal charm. Start from your hotel with a 10 minutes cyclo
ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed
site. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate
the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains
about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well
preserved sections still intact and others, which are being
lovingly restored. From there, a 20 minute cyclo ride will take
you to a pier where you will embark on a half-hour boat trip
on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s
best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank
with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold.
Return hotel and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mecure Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)
Day 09 Thursday: Hue
Morning, drive out 30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb,
designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built
on principles of Feng-Shui. An incense stick making house makes
for an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai
Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements
of eastern art and western designs. Then wind your way to Ho
Quyen, the Royal Arena of the Nguyen Emperors, located 4km southwest
of Hue. It was in this amphitheatre that tigers were forced
to fight elephants – the symbol of imperial power –
in order to entertain the Emperors and their entourage. Ho Quyen
is a unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia.
Though it is not as huge as the arenas of the Roman Empire,
it still creates a martial and imposing atmosphere. Transfer
back to your hotel. This evening, enjoy home hosted dinner at
Tha Om restored royal home, a descendent of a Royal family.
Enjoy a meal at their beautifully-furnished dining room with
elaborately carved reliefs and chat to the family to learn about
their daily lives and how they bring the quintessence of the
Royal ambiance and culture into their home. (B, D)
Day 10 Friday: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (Drive 136 kms/85 miles)
Depart for an early 3 hours drive to Da Nang going through stunning
landscape including the Hai Van Pass, offering numerous photo
opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, drive for another 45
minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An with a stop at the Cham
Museum. This museum houses the best collection of the Cham ruins
dating back to the 2nd to 15th century. The objects on display
represent the art of architecture and sculptures of the Hindu-influenced
ancient civilization of Champa. Check in your hotel. Mid afternoon,
enjoy a walking trip through the narrow streets of the ancient
town with your guide to visit the old merchant’s house,
the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market
with its stalls brimming with local specialties. Visit the home
of a lantern craftsman in the old streets of Hoi An for a brief
introduction. Learn more about the history, shape, and colour
of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try to
create your own lantern and produce a souvenir for yourself
or your loved ones at home.
Overnight: Hoi An Beach Resort, Hoi An (1 night) (B)
Day 11: Hoi An/Danang/Hanoi (Drive/Flight)
A full day visiting the many interesting sites of Hoi An, including
Quan Cong Temple, founded in 1653. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda was
built around 1690 and is a typical example of the Chinese 'clans'
that were established in the Hoi An area. The Japanese Covered
Bridge, constructed in 1593 was built by the Japanese community
of Hoi An, to link them with the Chinese quarters across the
river. The Sa Huynh Museum contains exhibitions from the earliest
period of Hoi An's history. Finally we visit the Phung Hung
House, a structure that combines Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese
architectural styles and has been the home to one family for
eight generations. Late afternoon drive to Danang for our flight
to Hanoi. Meet & transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)
Day 12: Hanoi/Ha Long Bay (Drive)
We spend the morning visiting this beautiful city including
the One Pillar Pagoda built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong and
the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, final resting place of Ho Chi Minh,
North Vietnam’s great leader. Time permitting we visit
the local market to take advantage of the bargains. Afternoon,
we depart for Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO
1994.
Overnight: Ha Long Plaza Hotel, Ha Long Bay (1 night)
(B)
Day 13: Ha Long Bay /Ha Noi (Drive)
Embark a traditional-style wooden boat at a nearby wharf for
a 4-hour cruise around the wondrous Halong Bay. Visit to Hang
Dau Go, a huge cave consisting of three chambers that are reached
climbing 90 steps. The cave derives its Vietnamese name from
the third of the chambers, which is said to have been used by
Tran Hung Dao during the 13th century to store bamboo stakes
that were used against Mongol invaders. Return to Hanoi.
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)
Day 14: Hanoi/ Luang Prabang (LAOS) (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital
city of the Lan Xang Kingdom. The city is famous for its historic
temples and an ethereal mountain setting. Wat Xieng Thong, built
in 1560 is situated on the banks of the Mekong River, is considered
the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang with ancient masterpieces
of Lao art. Wat Wisunalat, the oldest operating temple in the
city, boasts a collection of exquisite gilded wooden Buddha
statues dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Wat Mai, constructed
in 1821, was once the residence of the Phra Sangkharaj (the
Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy). We complete this incredible
day with a visit to Phousi Hill to take in the sunset.
Overnight: Santi Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang (2
nights) (B)
Day 15: Luang Prabang
Today we embark on a day excursion to visit the Pak Ou Caves,
located on a steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong
and Ou Rivers.The two caves are filled with Buddha images of
varying styles, ages and sizes. Ban Xang Hai, located near the
Pak Ou Caves, was once a 'Jar-Maker Village' where the community
fills jars with láo-láo, the local rice whisky.
Ban Thing Hong is located opposite of Ban Xang Hai and close
to Pak Ou. Recently an excavated cave has yielded artifacts
dating back 8000 years, including stone, bronze and metal tools,
pottery, skeletons and fabrics. (B)
Day 16: Luang Prabang / Vientiane (Flight)
Our day starts with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace.
Wat That Luang contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong, interred
inside the large central stupa. The inside of the huge temple
contains a few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts. Abbot
Ajannn Khamjan was ordained here in 1940 and is one of the most
revered monks in Luang Prabang. Wat Tham Xieng Maen, located
in a 100m/109 yards deep limestone cave, also contains many
Buddha images. Late afternoon, we take our flight to Vientiane,
the Laotian capital located on a bend of the Mekong River, amidst
fertile alluvial plains. The evening is free to stroll the local
markets in search of exotic bargains.
Overnight: Green Park Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (2 nights)
(B)
Day 17: Vientiane
Vientiane is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively
markets. We visit Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or
Great Stupa) built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, a
symbol of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty. Patuxai is a large
monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; the huge
arch at the end of Thanon Lan Xang also gives an excellent view
of the city. Haw Pha Kaew is the former royal temple of the
Lao monarchy built in 1565, now converted into a museum containing
some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures. Wat Si Saket
was constructed in 1818 in the early Bangkok style; the interior
walls of the cloister are punctured with small niches that contain
more than 2000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. We end the
day with a visit to the Talaat Sao Market to examine the fabrics,
jewels and electronic goods available here. (B)
Day 18: Depart Vientiane
After an incredible journey of Indochina we bid farewell as
we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight.
(B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2012
Daily
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
|
2012 |
3795 |
895 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of local English speaking guides |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Regional/domestic airfares: Phnom
Penh/Siem Reap/Saigon/Hue, Danang/Hanoi/Luang Prabang/Vientiane |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
33
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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