Indochina Grand Circle

13 nights, 15 days tour to Saigon, Danang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap & Phnom Penh, from $3680 INCLUDING AIRFARES!

Itinerary

Day 01: Australia/Saigon

Fly from Australia to Saigon, the dynamic city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights.

Day 02: Saigon (B/L)

Morning excursion to Cu chi Tunnels, a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories during the American War. After lunch, take a half day city tour which includes all important sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, The Central Post office, City Hall, Ben Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street or "Rue Catinet" where you can shop for local handicrafts.

Day 03: Saigon - Danang - Hoi An (B)

Take a morning flight to Danang. Upon arrival take a tour to Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world and briefly pass China Beach. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the Marble Mountains. Arriving Hoi An, check in at the hotel for 2 nigths.

Day 04: Hoi An (B/L)

Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. It was once the main port of Southeast Asia thus so many beautiful architectures, which are best seen on a walking tour. Afternoon at leisure to see more of this beach town on your own pace.

Day 05: Hoi An - Hue (B)

This morning we drive to Hue passing Hai Van Pass, Lang Co and Danang. On the way, you will pass Truong Son Mountain range that is just south of China Sea which give the spectacular views. Afternoon: after checking in at the hotel in Hue, take a half-day city tour which includes The Old Imperial City and the Imperial Tombs. A visit to Dong Ba Market is where you will see the real life of local people.

Day 06: Hue - Hanoi (B)

Take a morning flight to Hanoi, the dynamic capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for 2 nights then enjoy a city tour of Hanoi with lunch at the local restaurant. The tour includes One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom, Temple of Literature; dedicated to Confucius, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh, St. Joseph Cathedral then a rickshaw to famous the "Old Quarters".

Day 07: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L)

After breakfast, drive east along Highway 5 across Hai Hung province. Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including Seafood Lunch (4 hours) Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald water and craggy rock formations. Return to the pier and drive back to Hanoi.

Day 08: Hanoi - Luang Prabang (B/L)

Take a morning flight to Luang Prabang, an enchanting old capital of Laos. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for 2 nights then begin your tour with some of the oldest temples in Laos which dates back to 1513 with some antique wooden Buddha images at Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. From there, strolling down the main street of this charming old town by Mekong River in the evening with all friendly people are one of the highlights of the trip.

Day 09: Luang Prabang (B/L)

Morning visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs giving you a unique insight into the history of Laos. After lunch, you will have an excursion by boat to Pak Ou Caves which is located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River. They are full of Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. We will stop at Ban Xang Hai which was once a Jar-Maker Village. Nowadays these jars are filled with rice whisky which is the village's main business now.

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Siem Reap (B/L)

Take a morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, visit the crowned jewel of Khmer arts, Angkor Wat, one of the world's seventh wonders. Angkor Wat at sunset is also stunning.

Day 11: Siem Reap (B/L)

Visit more of this world famous Angkor Temples: Angkor Thom, a fortified Royal City with five monument gates where city's most important monuments are located including Bayon, Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King. After lunch, visit Ta Prohm, another famous Angkor temple, which most of the temples are still in the jungles.

Day 12: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh (B/L)

Morning excursion to Tonle Sap (Great Lake) with a boat trip through the heart of Cambodia, where you will explore floating fishing villages, submerged forest, shops and restaurants in the middle of the lake. Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for a flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for 2 nights.

Day 13: Phnom Penh (B/L)

Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Start our tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital; Then visit the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihamoi, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer arts. After lunch, visit Sleng Museum, formerly a High School which became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime. Then visit two of Phnom Penh's great markets, the Central Market and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more.

Day 14: Phnon Penh - Saigon - Australia(B/L)

Take an easy morning to visit local market for your last minute shopping.Late afternoon take a flight to Saigon to connect with an overnight flight back to Australia.

Day 15 Australia

Morning arrive back to Australia.

Departures

2009 - 18/03, 29/04, 27/05, 17/06

Tour cost

(Per Person Share Twin Basis)
From SYD/MEL: $3,680
From ADL/BNE/CBR: $3,800
Land only: $2,590
Single supplement: $1100

Hotel List

Hanoi - Anise Hotel or similar
Hue - Green Hotel or similar
Hoi An - Hoi An Beach Resort or similar
Saigon - Amara Hotel or similar
Can Tho - Golf Can Tho Hotel or similar
Siem Reap - Khemara Angkor Hotel or similar

Inclusions and Exclusions

Price includes

 International & Domestic economy class airfare with Vietnam Airlines
 3-4 star hotel accommodation
 Meals as indicated
 Private air-conditioned car
 English speaking guide with admission fee as specified

Price excludes

 Australia, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia airport taxes approx. $700* per person
 Vietnamese Visa: $80 per person; Laos & Cambodian Visa could be done on arrival USD$80 per person
 Travel insurance, tipping and personal expenses

* Taxes are subject to change without notice.