42 Days Fantastic Circle Of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand & Laos Tour

Morning, join in a half day cooking class tour including a market visit.
Afternoon, visit Reunification Palace; War Museum; Notre Dame Cathedral; Central Post Office.
Evening is free to explore the night and food market near Ben Thanh market in the downtown.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast & Lunch

Moring, we will travel to Tay Ninh to visit the great Cao Dai Temple of the monotheistic religion of Caodaism. We will learn more about the sect and its relationship to Buddhism, Christianity, and Confucianism. As you know, Caodaism is a religion in Vietnam that they worship only 1 eye of Heaven and under Heaven’s eye, they worship everyone. We will see the symbolic Left Eye of God and attend the noon ceremony organized by the followers of Cao Dai.

Aftetrnoon, we will go to visit Cu Chi Tunnels (Củ Chi Tunnels) and learn more about the labyrinth of underground rooms used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
Under the fabulous and impressive tunnels, we will explore the subterranean field hospitals, weapon factories, and command centers. Moreover, we will try some of the main food of the Viet Cong with a cassava tasting served with tangy tea.
Late afternoon, transfer back Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. 
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and check out the hotel at 7:30am to leave for the Mekong Delta.
On arrival in Cai Be, board your private Song Xanh sampan cruise at Phu An Jetty at 10:00 am. Begin with a bicycle ride around this remote countryside area, ending up at Le Longanier Restaurant. Lunch is served in this exquisite colonial-style villa set in a lush tropical garden by the river.
After lunch, start your leisurely cruise on the Delta’s beautiful waterways, with stops along the way to explore local cottage industries that provide a living for the river people.
Before arriving at Sa Dec, visit a traditional brick factory where everything is made by hand. Arriving at Sa Dec, step ashore and stroll to the outdoor market. Visit the Kien An Cung, ancient Chinese architecture has played an important part in the Chinese community in Dong Thap for nearly a hundred years. Dinner is served on board. Enjoy your first night on board the Song Xanh on the Mekong River.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Breakfast is served on board while you cruise towards Long Xuyen along a narrow canal, passing several scenic monkey bridges.

After enjoying lunch on board, arrive in Long Xuyen to visit Tiger Island, birthplace of Vietnam’s second president. Return to the sampan for dinner and resume your cruise towards Chau Doc. Your boat sails until approximately 10:00 pm before anchoring for the night. Overnight on board.

Breakfast is served on board while your sampan cruises towards Chau Doc. Close to the border with Cambodia, Chau Doc is the gateway to Phnom Penh. Known throughout Vietnam for its pagodas and temples, Chau Doc is also famous for the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, a superb eucalyptus mangrove. Disembark at Victoria Chau Doc private pier at approximately 10:00 am. Transfer to the hotel in Chau Doc town and rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Chau Doc. 

After breakfast, you will board the speed boat to Phnom Penh at 7:00am. Visa formalities take about 45 minutes at the border and Cambodian visas can be issued at the border. Continue by river to Phnom Penh. Meet our guide and transfer to your hotel on arrival at noon. This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm.

Later in afternoon, we begin our discovery of Phnom Penh in the thriving old market areas and then zip around the modernising parts of the city, visiting the exotic Central Markets where gems, silks and statues entice. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Morning, take the sightseeing of Phnom Penh city and visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
Afternoon, drive 15km out of town and pay a visit to the 'The Killing Fields' to learn about the (modern) history that Cambodia shockingly suffered under Pol Pot's reign during the 1970's. Return to the city.  
Meal included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel, take the high quality bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap passing the towns and countrysides along the country. There are some stops on the way to relax and to have own lunch. 
On arrival in Siem Reap after 6 hours drive, you are met and transferred to the hotel and time at leisure to relax or self explore this small and charming town and local market on your own.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal included: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Afternoon, Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara). Late afternoon, enjoy the Sunset at the Angkor Wat.  Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal included: Breakfast

Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

Afternoon, visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal included: Breakfast

Morning, transfer to Siem Reap airport for the short flight to Bangkok. On arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel.

Afternoon, take the half day sightseeing tour of Bangkok to visit Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the temple is famous for its 900-years old five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image and then continue to visit Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. After that, visit to Wat Po, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, as well as the largest single Buddha image: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage Reclining Buddha.
Overnight in Bangkok.  
Meal included: Breakfast

A 120 km drive to the most colorful Floating Market in Thailand. Passing the largest source of Salt Production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. At Damnoen Saduak, visit the gardener's house, see how the sugar is being made right from the coconut tree and as option take the long tailed speedboat to the main part market. See a fascinating Thai way of life from the ancient time which is still widely practiced in this area. A chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts available at the spot. Return to Bangkok by noon.

Afternoon, we continue to visit the most famous tourist places in Bangkok, Royal Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). After this place we return back to the hotel and free at leisure.
Overnight in Bangkok
Meal inclusion: Breakfast.

Early morning, transfer to Bangkok airport for the flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival in Chiang Rai, take the sightseeing visit to city tour and also Karen Hill Tribe; visit to Phraya Mang Rai the Great Monument: King Meng Rai is the founder of Lanna kingdom’s Chiang Rai. When you visit to Chiang Rai, first things to do are pay homage to Phraya Mang Rai the Great Monument. Wat Klang Wiang: Wat Klang Wiang the old name called Wat Chantalok; this name comes from in history of the temple area which has the big tree “Chan” grown here. The temple has importance for Chiang Rai because it’s like a pillar of city. Then, we continue to visit Karen Hill Tribe by boat and after that, we back to the hotel and free at leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Meal inclusion: Breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer to Mae Sai Border, one of the biggest border market of Thai (Thai - Myanmar border). There you see several products such local foods, clothes, jewelry, silverware, stones and etc. - lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Golden Triangle where the 3 borders (Laos, Myanmar & Thai) are met and also connected to China by the boat as well. In the past, Chinese used this route for delivering the opium to Siam Country before spreading to any others. Later on, visit the Opium House where is located nearby. You will find the Opium routing, the history, galleries, accessories and etc. After that, return to the hotel and free at your leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take the car ride to Chiang Mai. Visit the White temple & Hot Spring, on the way. Check in hotel and free time for the rest of the afternoon.

In the evening enjoy the famous dinner "Khantoke Dinner" or known as the northern welcome dinner including hill tribe dancing. Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meal inclusion: Breakfast & Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel, sightseeing to Meow Hill tribe village where is located on Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. It is 1500 meter above the sea level. Trip continues on to Wat Doi Suthep Temple and then driving up offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Then visit to San Kamphaeng district, heart of the Silk and Cotton Home Industries, to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village, where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted. From here, onwards to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai where exquisite ceramics is are produced. These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least are stops to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meal inclusion: Breakfast & Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and then we visit the Elephant Camp at Mae Taman Camp, to see the 'Elephants at Work’. You have a chance to ride the elephants, crossing the river and into the forest. This lasts about 1 hour. Then return by Oxcart to the elephant village followed by lunch. After lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river, for around 45 minutes. Then, onwards to an orchid farm, where are many beautiful species of orchid. After that going back to hotel and free at leisure in the afternoon.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Meal: Breakfast

Morning is at leisure.

Early afternoon, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang, Laos at 15:15. On arrival in Luang Prabang at 16:25, you are met and transferred to the hotel by our guide.

Evening is at leisure to explore the night market and town on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Today we will have the sightseeing of Luang Prabang. Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; 

Visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc

Climb up Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. 
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Morning, we depart hotel to the boat landing, and take an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away.

Afternoon, we take a drive (30 km South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. Return to the hotel in late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to relax or explore more of the town on your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meal inclusion: Breakfast

Morning, transfer to Luang Prabang airport for a short flight to Vientiane.

Afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, to visit the museum of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to survive the Siamese war of 1828 , its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, Symbol  of Lao nation the single most important monument in Laos, it was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today the land-mark of Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meal included: Breakfast

After breakfast, a road trip to outskirts of Vientiane, following the road along the Mekong river bank to visit the Buddha park of Xieng Khuan, (28km East of Vientiane), containing a combination of hundred statues of Hindu divinities and Buddha. We drive pass villages on the bank of Mekong through beautiful views of vegetable garden, tobacco plantation ... etc. , make photo stops and see rural life of local people. We also have a nice view of the Mekong Friendship Bridge as the border between Laos and Thailand. Return to Vientiane town and continue to visit Ban Nongbuathong the hand weaving Village.  Take a walk on Mekong Riverside before transfer back to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane. 
Meal included: Breakfast

Morning is at leisure.
Check out hotel at 12:00pm and transfer to Vientiane airport for the flight to Hanoi at 14:40. On arrival in Hanoi at 15:50, take our 45 minutes transfer to the hotel in city center. Evening is at leisure to visit the colorful Hoan Kiem lake by night or stroll down in the Old streets of Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meal included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will leave for Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you will board your boat, a wooden junk built from the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure, that will take you first to the busy World Heritage area and then to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Weather permitting, you will be able to swim, fish, climb a hill for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood. Your overnight will be aboard.

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai - The Chinese border town around 6:00AM, then transfer to Lao Cai town. Have breakfast in a local restaurant.

In this area there are some Fair Markets which can't be missed. (Coc Ly on Tuesday, Cao Son on Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday, Can Cau on Saturday, Bac Ha on Sunday, etc)

After breakfast, you will leave for about 2 hours driving to the market. Join in the colorful market of the tribal people in this region. On the fair market the H'mong, Dzao, Phu La people in their best traditional costumes go to the market for shopping and meeting friends and relatives.

Afternoon, drive to the Chinese border gate for a short visit and continue our drive to Sapa town on the high mountain. On arrival in Sapa, check in hotel and spend the rest of the day for exploring the charming town, visiting local market and getting acquaint with the hill-tribal people such as H'mong, Red Zao, Zay... on your own. Overnight at hotel in Sapa town. 

Have breakast at hotel and today is for discovering the nature as well as different culture of hill tribal people.
From hotel we start our short car drive passby the scenic Muong Hoa valley.
For the trekking lovers we will start the trekking from Y Linh Ho village (7km trek) throught the rice terraces, hills, bamboo forests and streams to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages which are decorated by terraced-fields and the house of H'mong, Red Zao and Zay people.
For most travelers, we will start our trek at Lao Chai Village to Ta Van Village (5km).
You will have great opportunity for taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, meeting friendly hill-tribe people at home and work, and getting to understand their tradition, habits... We will return to our hotel in Sapa by car in afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Sapa. 

After breakfast, you can choose one of the 2 tour options below for today: 

Option 1: Visit Cat Cat & Sinchai Villages

We will take a 2km short trek with the local guide to Cat Cat and Shin Chai Villages, the home of H’mong Ethnic. Meeting and talking with locals at their home to learn more about their daily life and get to know their habits. From here, you will have a chance to see the hydroelectric power station built by the French by the wonderful Cat Cat waterfall. Get back to the town by car.

Option 2: Visit Fansipang Peak by Cable car
After breakfast, check out the hotel about 9am and the guide will take you  to visit the Silver Waterfalls by car.  That is 18km away from Sapa – the most beautiful water fall in Sapa. After that, the car picks you up to Fansipang Cable Car Station and spend 20 minutes with cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Reach the altitute of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Spend about 1,5 hours for hiking and taking photos).
Get down the mountain by cable car and return to Sapa town by car. 

You will have some free time to relax or explore more of Sapa town and local market in town on your own before our transfer to Lao Cai train station for the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train in an air-con soft berth cabin.

Note: We also offer an option of taking the high quality tourist bus or tourist mini-van from Sapa to Hanoi in the afternoon (from 14:30pm to 20:30pm) and spend this night at hotel in Hanoi instead of the overnight train is available on request.

The train arrives in Hanoi around 5:30am, check in our dayuse hotel near the train station again for few hours refreshing and having a light breakfast.
8am: Our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive to Perfume Pagoda on the way to Ninh Binh.

On arrival in Perfume Pagoda, take a 50 minute boat ride along the river side to enjoy beautiful landscapes of streams and paddy fields.
Start hiking up to a unique pagoda inside Huong Tich cave on the mountain summit (2.5km in height). You will have a feeling of entering the holy land of Buddhism while experience the breath-taking views of surroundings.
Go back down the mountain by cable car and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant nearby. 
Visit Thien Tru Pagoda and board the boat back to the dock and meet our vehicle again for the transfer to Ninh Binh for overnight.
Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at hotel, take the sampan trip rowed by a local for about 1,5 hours to explore Tam Coc, the limestone caves area stretching along Ngo Dong river which is known as “Halong Bay on the land”. Enjoin the journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of special karst mountain surrounded with rice paddy and the sight of some ancient temples along the way.
After the 2 hour boat trip, take a fun cycling to Mua Cave one of the most alluring places to view in Ninh Binh,  take over 500 steps hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain for the amazing views of all the Tam Coc area.
Afternoon, leisure time on your own. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meal included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we check out the hotel and take a short drive to Van Long – Kenh Ga. On arrival, we take a boat ride along a small river to visit floating fish farm, floating village Kenh Ga, limestone formation, and local people. This is a good opportunity to see daily life and activities of peaceful hidden village by the river in this rural area. After that, disembark the boat and have lunch a local restaurant. After lunch, we drive around 3 hours back to Hanoi city and rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meal included: Breakfast & Lunch

Morning, transfer to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Hue. On arrival, we take the sightseeing in Hue to the Ancient Imperial Citadel, a complex of palaces and temples built by the Nguyen from early 19th Century for which Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum which is dedicated to Vietnam's imperial past and arts of that era
Then, you will embark on a drive to Hue’s countryside to reach the Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, one of the most beautiful royal architectures of Nguyen dynasty.
Late afternoon, visit Thien Mu pagoda and enjoy the leisure boat trip on the scenic Perfume River. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Meal included: Breakfast

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a nice drive over the scenic Hai Van pass along the coast to the ancient town of Hoian. You will have a short stop in spectacular Lang Co beach for a view. Arrive in Danang, stops to visit Cham Sculpture museum - one of the most fascinating museums in Vietnam. It’s home to several cultural artifacts in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam, preserving the spirit of the ancient Champa kingdom; Dragon Bridge - the symbol of Danang City; and Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son), discover the stunning natural caves of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the Marble Mountain. Then continue our trip to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.   
Meal included: Breakfast

Morning, take a discovery trip to My Son Sanctuary, 40km from Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered being in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries were built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Admiring great architectural and art works of the Cham lost Kingdom. Having a brief understanding of the history, culture for which My Son was recognized the World Cultural Heritage. Return to Hoi An at noon.

In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour to see the interesting sights of this ancient city. Some hundreds years ago, this town thrived o­n trading with the Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. You will visit a historical Old House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Temple and Silk Factory. Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and at leisure to explore more of town, villages of Hoi An or do some fun cycling trip, or join a cooking class tour, or relax at Cua Dai beach, or just relax at the hotel, etc... Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and at leisure to explore more of town, villages of Hoi An or do some fun cycling trip, or join a cooking class tour, or relax at Cua Dai beach, or just relax at the hotel, etc... Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and at leisure to explore more of town, villages of Hoi An or do some fun cycling trip, or join a cooking class tour, or relax at Cua Dai beach, or just relax at the hotel, etc... Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and at leisure to explore more of town, villages of Hoi An or do some fun cycling trip, or join a cooking class tour, or relax at Cua Dai beach, or just relax at the hotel, etc... Overnight in Hoi An.
Meal included: Breakfast