Indochina Overland

19 days visiting

• Saigon
• Buon Ma Thuot
• Pleiku
• Hoi An
• Hue
• Savannakhet
• Pakse
• Don Khong
• Vientiane
• Luang Prabang

From $4094 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 Saigon
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 2 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
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 Market
Old Saigon Walking Tour
This walking tour will show us where the action’s at – right here on the ground! We don’t have to walk far to discover colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops, another selling locally-made guitars, and even one that specialises in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. A stroll through lively apartment blocks will reveal scenes of the urban working class. There’s a market to explore and an unusual museum that showcases the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. We’ll stop for an iced coffee in a hidden cafe frequented by locals. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this retro establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Today’s Highlights: Walking tour of Saigon, market, caf – Overnight in Saigon

Day 3 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
Afternoon at leisure
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 4 Saigon – Buon Ma Thuot (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Saigon to Buon Ma Thuot
– Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot

Day 5 Buon Ma Thuot – Pleiku (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Buon Ma Thuot
Who were the Montagnards? We’ll see the traditional clothes, musical instruments and tools of the -�people of the mountain’ in the Ethnographic Museum. There are also displays of other ethnic groups including Ede and M’non. And of course, no tour would be complete without visiting a few temples! Today’s Highlights: Ethnographic Museum, Khai Doan Pagoda, Lac Giao Temple, Catholic Church
Visit Dray Sap Waterfall
Visit the beautiful Dray Sap Waterfalls, a cascading waterfall over 100 metres wide located in the middle of the jungle.
By vehicle from Buon Ma Thuot to Pleiku
– Overnight in Pleiku

Day 6 Pleiku – Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )
Trekking excursion to Kon Ka Kinh National Park
Kon Ka Kinh National Park has weather cool all year round, river system and beautiful scenery that was listed on Asean Heritage Park for a general description of the park, then trekking to the White Cliff. After picnic lunch in this beautiful place trekking to Langur investigating station II where Asian Langur can be seen where keeping silent. Trekking in the forest and occasionally you can see Pygathrix Cinerea (Langur) that is the most beautiful ones in the world. The endemic birds such as black, grey and long head Chinese Laughing Thrust. Continue on to trek and arrive the sentry-box by clean and cool river called head office of research team. Kon Ka Kinh is surrounded with natural forests. It is almost nearly dark in the forests so trekking back to the beginning departure for a visit a village of minority named Dektu where you can learn about their daily life activities. Total trekking distance is approximately 24km.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
By vehicle from Danang airport to Hoi An
– Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7 Hoi An – Hue (Breakfast: Hotel )
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 Workshop
By vehicle from Hoi An to Hue
– Overnight in Hue

Day 8 Hue (Breakfast: Hotel )
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 Pagoda
Sightseeing in the Imperial Citadel
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: Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Palace, Thai Hoa Palace
Visit Vinh Tu Garden House with the introduction of owner
Visit Vinh Tu (Tha Om Garden House) and enjoy traditional Vietnamese hospitality in the surroundings of an exquisite replica of a 19th century Hue residence. This traditional garden house is a complex of adjoining rooms including bedrooms, living quarters and a room dedicated to ancestral worship, all set in a charming garden complete with orchid trees, tropical plants and a lotus pond. The owner will personally welcome guests and talk about the architecture of the house and the history of Hue – Overnight in Hue

Day 9 Hue – Dansavanh – Savannakhet (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Hue to Lao Bao (Vietnam/Laos border)
Journey north along Highway 1 past Quang Tri and then across west on Highway 9 from Dong Ha to Khe Sanh and the Lao border.
QUANG TRI: the town was once an important Citadel city. During the America War it was heavily bombed and not many of the original buildings of the time are left.
Khe Sanh: site of the most famous siege of the American War in Vietnam. Khe Sanh sits on a barren plateau surrounded by vegetation-covered hills often obscured by mist and fog.
Arrival in Dansavanh (Laos/Vietnamese border)
By vehicle from Dansavanh (Laos / Vietnamese border) to Savannakhet
Transfer along the road to Savannakhet and stopping en route at Ban Dong for visiting old Tank and Weapon from Indochina War (Lamxeun Battle Field) in Ban Dong. Moreover you can also visit Lao Vietnam Friendship Bridge 1975 (Ho Chi Minh Trails) over XE PON RIVER – Overnight in Savannakhet

Day 10 Savannakhet – Pakse (Breakfast: Hotel )
Sightseeing in Savannakhet
Dinosaurs in sleepy Savannakhet! It’s true
dinosaur fossils over 110 million years old have been unearthed in the area. We’ll visit the Dinosaur Museum as well as several of the varied religious sites. And let’s not forget a quick visit to the local market. Today’s Highlights: Dinosaur Museum, Saint Theresa Catholic Church, Vietnamese temple, Wat Lattanalangsi, Wat Sainyaphum, Wat Saiyamoungkhoun.
Visit Pha That Ing Hang
Pha That Ing Hang was built in the mid-16th century, and this 25 metre high stupa is the holiest site in Southern Laos after Vat Phou Champasak.
By vehicle from Savannakhet to Pakse
– Overnight in Pakse

Day 11 Pakse (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to the Bolaven Plateau, Tad Fane, Tad Yuang and Tad E-Tu waterfalls
Today we venture across the beautiful Bolaven Plateau, formed from an ancient volcano. This fertile area is famous for coffee and tea plantations and for being the home of the Laven ethnic group. We’re going to check out some of its dramatic waterfalls! Today’s Highlights: Bolaven Plateau, Tad Fane Waterfall, Tad Yuang Waterfall, Tad E-Tu Waterfall
Excursion to Champasak and Vat Phou Champasak
It’s incredible to think that the ancient Khmer temple of Vat Phou is even older than Angkor Wat, yet so few tourists visit it! Today we will visit the well-preserved temples and shrines located on a hillside on the bank of the Mekong. The ruins are really impressive, but so are the stunning views over the surrounding land and river. After taking in the atmosphere of these ancient temples, continue by vehicle to Pakse. Todays’ Highlights: Vat Phou Champasak, Vat Phou Museu – Overnight in Pakse

Day 12 Pakse – Don Khong (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Pakse to Don Khong
From Pakse, journey south along the east bank of the Mekong. Continue by vehicle southwards to Don Khong.
Sightseeing in Don Khong
Don Khong may be the largest of the -�4,000 Islands’ yet still remains sleepy, laid back, and extremely friendly. Our tour of the island will reveal real Lao life, sensational river views, revered Buddhist temples and a village producing palm sugar. In the late afternoon, we can relax while watching the sunset over the Mekong River. Today’s Highlights: Muang Khong village, Wat Phou Khao Keo, Wat Hua Khong Pha Yai, Wat Kang Khong, Wat Xieng Wang, Ban Hin Siew (Palm Sugar Village, Nov to April only), sunset at Muang Sene – Overnight in Don Khong

Day 13 Don Khong (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat to Don Khone
There are a staggering 4,000 islands in Si Phan Don. Don’t worry, we won’t take you to them all, in fact we’ll just visit two: Don Khone and Don Det, connected by an old railway bridge. This is rural Laos with vegetable fields, a sprinkling of crumbling French villas and the impressive Li Phi Falls, a raging set of rapids. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip to Don Khone and Don Det, Ban Khone Village, Li Phi Fall – Overnight in Don Khong

Day 14 Don Khong – Tad Lo – Pakse (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Don Khong to Pakse with a visit to Khone Phapheng Waterfall
Departing from Don Khong by vehicle and continue to Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and one of the most impressive sites in the area. Here, the entire Mekong with all its force cascades down curving stone outcroppings and tints the massive stones with rainbows. Continue north by vehicle to Pakse.
Sightseeing in Pakse
Sleepy Champasak town is scattered with crumbling colonial-era buildings, traditional wooden stilt houses and beautiful Buddhist temples. We’ll check out the main sights, along with the museum and a local market. Today’s Highlights: Local market, Wat Chomphet Theppanimit, Wat Phou Salao, Wat Luang, Wat Tham Faai (Wat Phabat), Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
Visit Tad Pha Suam Waterfall and Ethnic Museum
TAD PHA SUAM WATERFALL: Is a vast ground of rapids and a long cliff that sends water down in a several stream. This cliff has many indented parts that look similar to the halls, so it called Tad Pha Suam Waterfall which means a hall waterfall of bride and groom. Visit Ethnic Museum – Overnight in Pakse

Day 15 Pakse – Vientiane (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer
Flight from Pakse to Vientiane
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Vientiane
Vientiane confuses us! Is it Asian or French? There are beautiful Buddhist sites such as Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, and the golden stupa of Pha That Luang. Yet turn a corner and you come face to face with Patuxai, a monumental arch resembling the Arc de Triomphe. You decide after visiting these sights plus more. Today’s Highlights: Pha That Luang, Ho Pha Keo (former royal temple), Wat Si Saket, Patuxa – Overnight in Vientiane

Day 16 Vientiane – Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Vientiane to 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 17 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 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 18 Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
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 19 Luang Prabang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle