The Three Jewels
18 Days package price for just £1,735 per person (single supplement £585)
This is an adventure to stir the imagination. From the world renowned Temples of Angkor, the magical and scenic Halong Bay and Mekong Delta, the cultural and historical areas of central Vietnam and finally the old world charm of Laos. This is an unforgettable journey of discovery that will stay in your memory forever.
Mekong River scene
Day 1 to 3 - Siem Reap arrival
Upon arrival you will be transferred to 4* hotel in city centre. Late afternoon before sunset we climb Phnom Bakheng Hill to the temple of Phnom Bakheng for magnificent sunset views over the temples of Angkor. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with Khmer traditional music and dance. (D)
Next day we visit the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, the famous Bayon complex, Phimean Akas temples and Elephants and Leper King Terraces. After lunch in local restaurant we continue our tour to Taprom and Angkor Wat temple. (B/L)
The next morning we wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple. After breakfast we then continue to visit Pre Rup, Mebon, Tasom, Neak Pean and Preah Khan temples. In the afternoon we continue to Thommanum, Chaosay Tevoda temple, Spean Thma (ancient bridge), gate of death, terrace of Sras Srang and Prasat Kravan. (B)
Day 4 - Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
This morning we fly to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival we visit the Khmer National Museum and the Tuol Sleng Museum, with its disturbing account of Pol Pot’s reign of terror. In the afternoon we continue to visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom Don Penh. We finish today with a sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap River. (B)
Day 5 - Phnom Penh to Saigon, Vietnam
The next day we fly to Saigon, Vietnam’s biggest city. Upon arrival you will be transferred to 4* hotel in city centre. The rest of the day is yours free to relax or explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 6 & 7 - Saigon
This morning absorb the frantic atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, as we explore the city’s historic landmarks, pagodas, tree-lines boulevards, bustling markets and Cholon, the China Town of Saigon. We will then enjoy a tasty lunch of “Pho” noodle soup. In the afternoon we continue to the famous Cu Chi tunnel system built by Communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Here you will have the chance to experience what it is truly like in the tunnels! (B/L)
The next day we travel by coach (approx. 2 hours) to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s most fertile region. We take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and exotic fruits. Enjoy lunch with local specialities such as Elephant’s Ear Fish. (B/L)
Day 8 & 9 - Saigon to Danang/Hoi An
Today we fly to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. Upon arrival we visit the city’s fascinating Cham Museum before travelling the short distance to China Beach. We also have the opportunity to visit Marble Mountain. We then continue to the beautiful merchant town of Hoi An. (B)
Next day we walk the cobblestone lanes visiting markets, historic houses and temples. We have the chance to learn Vietnamese cooking at the Red Bridge restaurant before then boarding a boat for a cruise to see handicraft villages of Hoi An. (B)
Day 10 - Hoi An to Hue
This morning we take a coastal drive north crossing Hai Van Pass to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. After lunch in Hue, we start with a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River to see Thien Mu Pagoda then head for the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the ruins of the former royal residence, the Hue Citadel. (B/L)
Day 11 & 12 - Hue to Halong then Hanoi
We make our way to the airport for a flight to Hanoi, where upon arrival we travel to Halong Bay. Overnight onboard a Huong Hai Deluxe Junk. The following morning we cruise amongst the thousands of limestone islets of the bay, Vietnam’s most spectacular natural scenery. We return to Hanoi later in the day. (B)
Day 13 - Hanoi
Today we explore Hanoi’s charming French colonial boulevards, visiting the ancient Temple of Literature, the house on stilts and the museum. We will also visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. In the afternoon we explore Hanoi by cyclo, driving through the lively Old Quarter; a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares as they have done for centuries. We also visit Hanoi’s old house in Ma May street and then walk through Hang Be market, enjoying the famed water puppet theatre. (B)
Day 14 - Hanoi to Vientiane/Luang Prabang, Laos
This morning we fly to Vientiane, the world’s sleepiest capital city. We will visit sites such as That Luang, Wat Sisaket and Monument Anousavari. Later in the afternoon we take a short flight north to the former capital Luang Prabang, set amongst the mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. (B)
Day 15 & 16 - Luang Prabang
Today we visit the stupa of Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred gilded stupa. We will also view a beautiful sunset over the city and Mekong River. We then continue to explore Street Night Bazaar and then watch a traditional Baci ceremony and original Luang Prabang traditional dance show performance. (B)
Next day we visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. We then take a boat ride through the beautiful mountain scenery to the sacred Buddhist cave of Pak Ou Caves. Along the way we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make local rice wine, and Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving. (B)
Day 17 - Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Early this morning you have the opportunity to wake up early and participate in the morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black Alms-giving bowls being given offerings from the local people. This is the highlight of Luang Prabang prior to saying goodbye to this charming city. Later after breakfast we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School. Finally we fly back to Vientiane and mark the end of memorable journey with a farewell dinner. (B/D)
Day 18 - Vientiane departure
Today we transfer to airport for flight home. End of itinerary. (B)
18 Days package price for just £1,735 per person (Single Supplement £585)
Price includes:
- 4* hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel and others as mentioned in itinerary
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides
- All road transportation in private air-con bus or minibus
- Entrance fees
- Domestic flights in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
- Phnom Penh to Saigon, Hanoi to Luang Prabang one way flight tickets
- Boat trips as mentioned in sights
- Government tax and service charge
- Luggage handling and drinking water
Price excludes:
- Visa fee ($20 Cambodia, $25 Vietnam, $30 Laos – available at airports)
- International flights
- Departure tax
- Personal expense such as laundry or drink during meals etc.
- Optional visits
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
| Date (depart - return) |
|---|
| 06 - 23 Oct 2008 |
| 20 Oct - 06 Nov 2008 |
| 24 Nov - 11 Dec 2008 |
| 12 - 29 Jan 2009 |
| 26 Jan - 12 Feb 2009 |
| 16 Feb - 05 Mar 2009 |
| 09 - 26 Mar 2009 |
