Sensational Indochina Journey

Take a step away from the everyday to experience the unique on this adventure through Southeast Asia. There is no end to the splendor of natural towering karsts and ancient city complexes. Emerald paddy fields blanket the countryside and historic streets are lined with shimmering paper lanterns. Your time in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam will do more than just show you the local history and culture but will also immerse you in it. The moment you arrive you can feel the difference.

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam (D)

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport, you’ll be cordially greeted and transferred to hotel for check in and tour briefing. This evening, you’re honored guests at the Welcome Dinner at Wild Rice – one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in town.
Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing (B/L)

Our morning tour of Hanoi starts with a visit to the mausoleum and former residence of Ho Chi Minh to know the amazing life of the founder of modern Vietnam. Continue with the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture. After lunch at Press Club, we visit the Hoa Lo Prison, one of the most historical place in the center of Hanoi. Next, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares the way they have done for centuries. Later, we take a short walk through the maze of bustling streets to a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Tempt our taste buds with one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets - egg coffee. Sample this scrumptious local delicacy and watch the hustle and bustle of the city centre below.
First class seating for the famed water puppet theatre can be arranged at your wish.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay (B/L/D)

After breakfast we check out and journey east through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, Vietnam's greatest natural wonder. Welcome aboard the Au Co!!! The first day of our cruise is an introduction to the amazing scenery of Halong Bay and its southern sister, Lan Ha Bay. Cruising through Halong Bay will literally take your breath away, as we pass famous spots like Thien Cung and Me Cung caves, plus Soi Sim and Titov islands. Also located in the Gulf of Tonkin, to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave offers tranquility and nature at its best, and a guided kayaking tour or a refreshing swim in the Bay’s emerald waters are two of the best ways to enjoy it. Then we anchor at Ho Dong Tien area, a peaceful and beautiful location. Lunch and dinner are both onboard.
Day 4: Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island - Bai Tu Long Bay (B/L/D)

After breakfast you can opt to relax aboard or visit Cat Ba Island - the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin. The island is covered by a dense rainforest home to numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna. Take an easy walk or cycle to the secluded village of Viet Hai in the middle of the pristine park and pay a visit to an organic farm that provides green for the Au Co.
Later, we return to the ship and sail to Bai Tu Long Bay. Located a little further east of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long is the most remote area of our voyage. The exceptional scale and variety of the geological rock formations in this area are sure to make this a future destination for cruising in the Gulf of Tonkin. A relaxing rowing boat tour through the floating village of Vung Vieng and cruising into the geological park of this bay will definitely be delightful moments to remember. Enjoy another night onboard.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Luang Prabang (B/D)

We’re back in Halong Bay, designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its limestone rock formations, is home to about 2,000 isles and islets of different shapes and sizes, creating a truly breathtaking seascape. At its heart is the highest concentration of limestone rocks in the area and caves and grottoes abound. Visit the beautiful Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and enjoy a wholesome breakfast on way back to the shore. We disembark about 10:00 and return to Hanoi, straight to the airport. En route, you’ll take short rest for having lunch at Chi Linh Golf Star Restaurant. Catch a late afternoon/early evening flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Meeting and greeting upon arrival and transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Luang Prabang (B/ L)

After breakfast, we soak in the history of Luang Prabang at the Palace Museum which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock given to "the people of Laos" by President Nixon. Continue to Wat Visoun with its iconic Watermelon Stupa, the old-aged temple Wat Sene, the shrine of Wat Aham, and the Wat Xiengthong, arguably the most stunning in the country, with its roofs sweeping down to the ground. After lunch at L’Elephant, we’ll watch the adept skills of weavers as they demonstrate the significance of silk weaving at the Ock Pop Tok gallery. You may be inspired to design your own scarf. Late afternoon, we head to the top of Mt Phousi, with its panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. The mountain is dotted with small shrines and monasteries. This is a perfect spot for sunset, as the golden spires of wats are beautifully illuminated.Saunter the iridescent Night Market at the foot of Mt Phousi and admire a lovely selection of handicrafts.
Day 7: Luang Prabang (B/L)

We embark on a cruise upstream the Mekong River to the Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Dine on fabulous Lao cuisine while anchored beneath the limestone karsts on a tranquil stretch of river. On the return cruise, stop at small villages to see the production of traditional Lao textiles and Sa paper by local artisans. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure to explore the city or relax at your luxury hotel.
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (B/L/D)

Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadside. (optional)
After free morning and having lunch at House restaurant, we bid farewell to Luang Prabang and take a flight to Siem Reap, gateway to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Welcome at the airport then transfer to the hotel. After short rest, you’ll enjoy dinner at AHA restaurant
NOTE:Dinner with Apsara dance show at Apsara Theater can be arranged
Day 9: Siem Reap (B, L)

We set out to discover the fascinating history and mythology of Angkor Thom – the Great City. Enter through the imposing South Gate and continue to Baphoun, Bayon and Phimeanakas temples, the Terraces of Elephant and Leper King. Transfer back to hotel for lunch and short rest. In the afternoon, we drive to Kompong Khleang, one of the largest settlements on the Tonle Sap Lake. Over 20,000 people live in high stilt houses which tower up to 10 meters over the water. It is a spectacular place which only gets a small number of visitors. There is a small island at the centre of the village which has a bustling market. We take a boat tour to see life on the waters of the Great Lake of Tonle Sap.
Day 10: Siem Reap (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll be exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century as the capital of King Suryavarman II’s kingdom, this is the largest and best-preserved of the Angkor temples. It is the apogee of classical Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the national flag, and stands on par with such other monumental achievements as Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramid. Ease away any temple-fatigue with a massage back in town; and then the awe-inspiring Ta Prohm temples. After having lunch at Viroths restaurant , we will have a joyful afternoon visiting to Artisans D’Angkor and Senteur D’Angkor.
Day 11: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

We take a late morning flight to Phnom Penh, a friendly riverside city with loads of Khmer charm and faded French-colonial style. We’ll be met upon arrival and escorted to the hotel. After having lunch at Bopha Phnom Penh restaurant, we wander through the serene Royal Palace with its spectacular Silver Pagoda. During free time, delve deeper into Khmer history at the National Museum. Mosey along Sisowath Quay at sunset and take the opportunity to see stalls selling fried cockroaches, spiders, crickets or grasshoppers or other culinary delights. Indulge in some strong local coffee if you wish before dinner at FCC Phnom Penh.
Day 12: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

We’ll confront the tragic history of Cambodia on a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, before paying respects to the thousands of Cambodians who died during the Pol Pot regime at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Having lunch at Khmer Surin then spot monkeys, and perhaps have your fortune told at the hilltop temple Wat Phnom. You may transfer to hotel for relax or delve in the vibrant local life at the Central Market housed in a distinctive domed Art Deco building, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. This evening, we gather at the Farewell Dinner by Malis restaurant of the famed Khmer chef Luu Meng - a culinary highlight of the trip.
Day 13: Departure (B)

Free at own leisure till transfer to Pochentong airport for departure flight