Indochina Classic

14 days $3439 visiting

• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
• Saigon
• Hue
• Hoi An
• Halong
• Hanoi
• Luang Prabang

From $3439 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 Phnom Penh
Arrival in Phnom Penh
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Let’s see what Cambodia’s capital city has to offer! The riverfront promenade that lines the mighty Mekong is a hive of activity, from the chaotic traffic to busy pavements full of street-side vendors and pedestrians. We’ll visit the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda, and then rub shoulders with the royals in the Royal Palace, where King Norodom Sihamoi still lives today. And of course, there’s time for shopping for exotic souvenirs in one of the city’s fabulous markets. We’ll either visit the art-deco Central Market or the sprawling Russian Market to barter for locally made silk, crafts, jewellery and lots more. Let us know if you have a preference! Today’s Highlights: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market or the Russian Market
Sunset cyclo ride around Phnom Penh
Enjoy a cyclo ride around Phnom Penh at sunset – Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 2 Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Angkor Wat
The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted from the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Visit Angkor Thom
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle – Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 3 Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is one of the most romantic temples in Angkor. Built from pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Today’s Highlights: Banteay Srei.
Visit Banteay Samre
Banteay Samre is a mid-12th century temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.
Visit Ta Prohm temple
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.
Visit Ta Keo
Ta Keo was built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001, it was the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone and was dedicated to Shiva. The summit of the central tower is 50 metres high and is surrounded by four lower towers.
Visit a temple for sunset
Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple – Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 4 Siem Reap – Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Roluos Group Temples
The Roluos Group of monuments mark the beginning of Khmer classical art, and they represent some of the earliest great temples built by the Khmer. They served as the capital of Indravarman (who reigned from 877 to 889). Lolei was built on an islet by Yasovarman I (who ruled from 889 to 910), the founder of the first city of Angkor. The sandstone carvings in the niches of the temples are notable as are the Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorposts. Preah Ko was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century in dedication to his defied ancestors in 880. There are inscriptions in Sanskrit on the doorsteps of each temple. Bakong was built and dedicated to Shiva by Indravarman I, and is the largest and most interesting of the Roluos Group of temples and still has an active Buddhist monastery.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Siem Reap to Saigon
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 5 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
We’re going underground
deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see. Today’s Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnnels
Sightseeing in Saigon
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing – this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We’ll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Today’s Highlights: Reunification Palace, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Marke – Overnight in Saigon

Day 6 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Home-hosted lunch in Ben Tre )
Pedal and Paddle in Ben Tre
We could end up feeling fruity as we cruise the Mekong River Islands! This area may be Vietnam’s -rice bowl’ but fruit orchards and coconut groves also thrive here. We’ll stop to see all the different uses for coconuts. A bicycle ride will bring us to the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six, who will show us how he climbs the coconut trees using just his bare hands. We can even try if we want! A rowing boat will take us along the water palm creek giving us a glimpse of daily life on the delta. Lunch will be an assortment of delicious dishes cooked by one of the locals of the Mekong Delta. Today’s Highlights: Ben Tre by boat and bicycl – Overnight in Saigon

Day 7 Saigon – Hue (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Saigon to Hue
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Hue
Let’s go back in time and bask in the beauty of the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Imperial Citadel is a city within a city. The striking Flag Tower and imposing Ngo Mon Gate lead into spacious courtyards, palaces, pavilions, reception halls and lotus ponds
providing a fascinating glimpse into court life. Today’s Highlights: Sightseeing in Hue
Visit the Imperial Citadel
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum..
Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Perfume river
Rumoured to be haunted, a flashpoint for anti-government protests, and the site of a famous self-immolation by a monk. Thien Mu Pagoda will lure us in with its beauty, elegant architecture and evocative past. We’ll travel by boat along the Perfume River to visit the iconic pagoda. Today’s Highlights: Boat to Thien Mu Pagod – Overnight in Hue

Day 8 Hue – Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Hue
Let’s go back in time and bask in the beauty of the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Imperial Citadel is a city within a city. The striking Flag Tower and imposing Ngo Mon Gate lead into spacious courtyards, palaces, pavilions, reception halls and lotus ponds
providing a fascinating glimpse into court life. Today’s Highlights: Sightseeing in Hue
Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
Venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into traditional Vietnamese architecture.
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An
Drive south from Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang.
Sightseeing in Hoi An
Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers’ paradise. We’ll walk through the narrow winding streets past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. Today’s Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, Lantern Making Worksho – Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9 Hoi An – Danang – Hanoi – Halong (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang
Flight from Danang to Hanoi
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Stop en-route for stretch your legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity. – Overnight in Halong

Day 10 Halong – Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port
Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch
Halong Bay was formed by dragons who used their tails to gouge out valleys and crevasses, and spat out jewels that turned into islands. Or so the Vietnamese believe. Whether true or not, this is an otherworldly landscape. On a traditional wooden junk we’ll drift through a fairyland of sheer limestone islands that rise from the emerald water. We’ll pass by unique rock formations and discover caves in the rocks. At a floating village we’ll see pearl fisheries and fishermen casting their nets. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip through Halong Bay, Surprise Cave, Titov Island
By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi
– Overnight in Hanoi

Day 11 Hanoi – Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Arrival in Luang Prabang
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang (half day)
Make sure your cameras and phones are fully charged for today’s tour of the charming UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang. Golden Buddha images adorn gilded temples with sweeping roofs, while saffron-clad monks drift silently by. One of the most photographed sights is the unique pink mosaic of the tree of life at Wat Xieng Thong. We will, of course, visit this temple, along with many others that line the streets of the tiny town. Today’s Highlights: Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop, Wat Sene
Visit Mount Phousi for sunset
Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river – Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 12 Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
How about grilled insects for breakfast today? Only kidding, but these are just some of the exotic produce that we will see at the morning market. It’s a great place to get a flavour of local culture
and if you do have a craving for fried crickets, you can get them here too! We’ll then go to see the rich treasures in the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Check out the royal family’s private quarters. They have been preserved just as they were when the royal family were forced to leave. Nearby is Hor Phra Bang, an ornate temple housing a sacred Buddha shrouded in legends. At New Year, the Buddha is carried to Wat Mai. So we’ll go there too! Today’s Highlights: local market, National Museum (Royal Palace), Hor Phra Bang, Wat Mai
Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls
Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the spectacular Kuang Si Falls. Water tumbles over limestone rocks into numerous turquoise pools that are used as natural swimming holes. It’s refreshingly chilly and impossible to resist! On the way back to Luang Prabang stop for a walk around a local village. Today’s highlights: Kuang Si Waterfall, local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane – Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 13 Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves
Let’s get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise down the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. If there’s time, we’ll stop at a village where the eye-watering Lao Lao whisky is made. Be warned, it’s potent! Today’s Highlights: River cruise to Tham Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hai Village
Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong
Visit Ban Xang Khong, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper – Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 14 Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle