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Exquisite Ancient and Modern Indochina

Price: 
From RMB 13200
Travel days:  10 days
 /  9 nights

  • All flights mentioned in the program in economy class, including tax and fuel surcharge.
  • Transfers in customary air-conditioned van.
  • Accommodation in selected hotels in standard/superior rooms with bath/shower, WC and daily breakfast
  • Meals as mentioned in the program (B: Breakfast).
  • Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the program.
  • All sightseeing and transfers with English-speaking tour guides.
  • TUI China 24-hour hotline service (German or English).
  • Tips and personal expense.
  • Visa fees.
  • All expenses not mentioned above.
  • Hanoi 3* 
    Anise Hotel
    Standard Room
  • Luang Prabang 3* 
    Mouang Luang Hotel
    Standard Room
  • Siem Reap 4* 
    City Angkor Hotel
    Superior Room
  • Saigon 3* 
    Elios Hotel
    Superior Room
  • All rates are subject to availability.
  • Other hotel accommodation available upon request.
  • Min. 2 people; price per person.

Travel content

Allow us to usher you into a realm of beauty, tradition, intriguing history and ancient mysticism in some of the key cities and heritage sites of Indochina!
Beginning in harmonious Hanoi, Vietnam, explore the Old Quarter by 'cyclo', sample the variety of cultural flavors from the colonial era to the vibrant traditions of 54 ethnic groups. In Laos at the Luang Pratang World Heritage site, marvel at the charm of ornate mosaics and gold-embellished murals and enjoy a boat excursion to see the Mekong River's limestone caves and carvings. In Cambodia near Siem Reap, the famous Angkor Wat ancient complex of temples is covered with bas relief carvings that never fail to amaze, from delicately rendered pink sandstone to smiling giant stone faces! Returning to Vietnam, bustling, modern Saigon leads you to sample more recent history with a good glimpse into the cleverly-designed labyrinth of secret Vietcong tunnels, now revealed!

Beijing departure: From RMB 13, 200 p.p.
Shanghai departure: From RMB 13, 550 p.p.

Travel Itinerary

  • Day 1:
    Beijing / Shanghai - Hanoi

    Flight from Beijing / Shanghai to Hanoi, arrival in Hanoi and transfer to hotel.
    Overnight in Hanoi

  • Day 2:
    Hanoi (B) Sightseeing in Hanoi with a visit by 'cyclo' in the Old Quarter

    Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shops invite exploration by 'cyclo', while its many beautiful public spaces, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments, give the city an air of elegance and harmony, unique among Asian capitals.

    Begin your day by visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

    Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. (The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration).

    Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.

    Afterwards head to Hoan Kiem Lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

    From the lake, begin exploring the Old Quarter by 'cyclo' This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop-houses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and an endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The 'cyclo' ride lasts approximately one hour.

    In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum of the Museum of Ethnology. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the History Museum (Bao Tang Lich) is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, and includes exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history, from prehistory to proto-Vietnamese civilizations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.
    Overnight in Hanoi

  • Day 3:
    Hanoi (B) Luang Prabang: town tour of temples and Mt. Phou Si

    Transfer flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang.
    Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, transfer for sightseeing in Luang Prabang. Set between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

    Begin your tour with Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest remaining temple in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas.

    Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang. Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene.

    Visit Mount Phou Si. Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop Phou Si, the 100 meter high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views of the temples and river.
    Overnight in Luang Prabang

  • Day 4:
    Luang Prabang (B) Royal Palace museum, boat trip to Pak Ou Caves

    In the morning, visit a local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning.
    Continue to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays).

    Afterwards, visit Wat Mai. Excursion by boat to Pak Ou Caves: Travel down the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable.

    On the return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky.
    Overnight in Luang Prabang

  • Day 5:
    Luang Prabang - Siem Reap (B)

    Transfer to the airport for the flight from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap.
    Upon arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel.
    Overnight in Siem Reap

  • Day 6:
    Siem Reap (B) Angkor walled city and temples

    Transfer for sightseeing in Angkor. The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga.

    Continue to the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and climb narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

    Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor. Because much of the jungle has not been cleared, it still looks as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

    Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the ideal representation of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors.

    Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
    Overnight in Siem Reap

  • Day 7:
    Siem Reap (B) Angkor Wat, Cultural Village, artisans' school

    The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside.

    On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

    Continue sightseeing in Siem Reap by visiting the Cambodian Cultural Village, a unique open air museum with exhibits that represent the various ethnicities and cultures in Cambodia. Exhibits include replicas of important buildings and building styles, traditional apsara dances, ethnic performances and demonstrations of traditional Khmer rituals.

    Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d' Angkor union) a vocational centre which trains 650 apprentices a year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades. Enjoy guided tours through the different workshops like stone sculpture, woodcarving and polychromie, and watch the artisans at work.
    Overnight in Siem Reap

  • Day 8:
    Siem Reap - Saigon (B) City tour

    Transfer to the airport for the flight from Siem Reap to Saigon.
    Upon arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) transfer and sightseeing in Saigon. A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcycles, chatting on cell phones. Inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense.

    Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

    Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

    Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam - American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
    Overnight in Saigon

  • Day 9:
    Saigon (B) Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels

    Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the Vietnam / American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

    Then do some sightseeing in Cholon (Chinatown). Sprawling, densely packed Cholon constantly bustles with activity and retains a traditional feel, unlike the more modern Saigon city center. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of goods from dried food to T-shirts to electronics.

    Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess, the Nghia An Hoi Pagoda, built by the Chaozhou Chinese congregation, and the Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda, built by the Fujian congregation and dedicated to Me San, the goddess of fertility.
    Overnight in Saigon

  • Day 10:
    Saigon - Beijing / Shanghai (B)

    Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Beijing / Shanghai.

    Hotel Information:

    Anise Hotel 3*
    The Anise Hotel offers comfort and style in the heart of Hanoi. Located just a few steps away from the old quarter and in walking distance to Sword Lake. The well furnished rooms and suites decorated in Asian contemporary style and neutral tones offer guests the utmost privacy. In order for guests to maintain a fitness regime, the hotel offers a charming fitness center equipped with the latest facilities.
    (more information)

    City Angkor Hotel 4*
    For the visitor wishing to have the best, The City Angkor Hotel offers a comprehensive range of deluxe facilities and services to make it one of Siem Reap Angkor's best choices. Strategically located in the hub of Siem Reap, the hotel is just a 10 minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the World Heritage Site of the Angkor Temples. Spacious rooms are attractively decorated and equipped with amenities that enhance comfort and convenience to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay.
    (more information)