GRAND TOUR OF INDOCHINA Sample Itinerary Speak to an expert ...

GRAND TOUR OF INDOCHINA

Sample Itinerary

Speak to an expert today! Call us: 01242 253 073

Email us:

[email protected]

First-hand Knowledge | Sensible Prices | Honest Opinions

CONTENTS Map / Overview Your Itinerary Your Accommodation Price Examples Next Steps

About us Gallery

2

MAP AND OVERVIEW

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Hue

Hoi An & Danang

The ultimate itinerary through Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos – without any of the major sights missed and with all the iconic experiences included. There are too many highlights to list, suffice to say the itinerary includes the best that the region has to offer, including all 3 capitals (plus the largest city of them all – Saigon), the temples of Angkor, laidback Luang Prabang and Hoi An, the hill tribes of Mai Chau, overnighting on a traditional junk in Halong Bay and cruising through the Mekong Delta from Vietnam in to Cambodia. If time is no obstacle, then this is the itinerary to follow.

Saigon

Mekong Delta

This is just a suggested itinerary; you can either book it as it stands, or use it as a starting point and tailor it to fit your exact requirements. Please contact us to discuss the trip in more detail.

Speak to an expert: 01242 253 073

[email protected]

3

YOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart from the UK, flying overnight to Thailand.

International flights included. Day 2 Arrive in Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, where you are met and transferred to a riverside hotel in the Golden Triangle. Spend the remainder of the day recuperating after your long international flights.

Lake, Chiang Rai

Stay: Thailand Day 3

Cross the border into Laos to board a leisurely 2-day cruise down the Mekong River, heading towards Luang Prabang. Overnight in an atmospheric lodge on the banks of the river in the small town of Pak Beng. Stay: Luang Prabang Temple, Luang Prabang


[email protected]

4


Day 4 Continue south on the Mekong River and, after visiting the Pak Ou Caves, you eventually reach Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong River. You are met at the riverside and transferred to your central hotel. Stay: Luang Prabang Day 5

Local Children, Luang Prabang

A full day at leisure to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace. We provide electric-powered bicycles, which are the perfect way to navigate the largely pedestrianised streets. Stay: Luang Prabang Day 6 A second day in Luang Prabang. We could organise a tour of the surrounding countryside, including beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Stay: Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang


[email protected]

5


Day 7

A final morning in Luang Prabang – it's a difficult place to leave! In the afternoon its only a short flight to Vientiane and, having been taken to your central hotel, we would recommend dinner in a restaurant on the banks of the river. Stay: Vientiane

Monument, Vientiane

Day 8 City tour of Vientiane, fitting in as much as possible before your afternoon flight to Vietnam. First stop will be the Patuxai Monument, for orientating views over the city, and then it's the Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keow, Wat That Luang and finally the Golden Stupa. In the afternoon it's only a short flight from one capital to another - Hanoi. Stay: Hanoi

Temple, Hanoi


[email protected]

6


Day 9 A full day city tour of Hanoi, taking in Ho Chi Minh's former home and Mausoleum (if open), the War Remnants Museum, the Temple of Literature, and, if you have time, both the Fine Arts and the Women's History Museum. The chaotic and atmospheric Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and bustling markets, will invariably be where the tour ends.

Market, Hanoi

Stay: Hanoi Day 10 A full day's excursion in to the remarkable countryside west of Hanoi. You head to the town of Mai Chau in a region which is home to several ethnic minority communities. You have lunch with a local family and have opportunity to walk to several of the surrounding villages. Stay: Hanoi

Colonial Building, Hanoi


[email protected]

7

YOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 11 Morning transfer to Halong, where you will board a traditional Vietnamese junk for an overnight cruise. Spend the afternoon cruising around Halong Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves, with opportunity to swim, kayak and visit floating fishing villages. Stay: Halong Bay Day 12

Halong Bay

Wake up early to witness sunrise over Halong Bay. The cruise continues for several hours after breakfast, returning to the mainland at midday. Transfer to Haiphong airport for your flight south to Central Vietnam. On arrival transfer to your beachside hotel near Hoi An.

Stay: Hoi An Day 13 You have the day free to explore the charming riverside town of Hoi An at your own pace. You may choose to spend the afternoon on the beach Thu Bon River, Hoi An

Stay: Hoi An


[email protected]

8

YOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 14 Either spend the whole day relaxing on the beach or, alternatively, head by jeep to My Son to visit Cham ruins which pre-date those at Angkor. Stay: Hoi An Day 15 Head north on Highway 1 over the dramatic Hai Van Pass, arriving in the ancient capital of Hue in the afternoon. Evening at leisure, with several excellent restaurants to choose from.

Boats, Hoi An

Stay: Hue Day 16 A river trip on Perfume River first thing this morning to the remarkable ancient tomb of Minh Mang and the Thien Mu pagoda. Upon your return to the city in the afternoon visit the Citadel, an important relic from the imperial days. A second night to enjoy Hue. Stay: Hue

Colonial Building, Hue


[email protected]

9


Day 17 Fly south from Central Vietnam to Saigon. On the transfer to your central hotel, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels en route - an amazing underground tunnel network once used by the Viet Cong. After lunch, take an orientating tour of Saigon - Rue Catinat, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace and the Museum of War Remnants. If you have time you may also like to visit Cholon (Chinatown), to visit the Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay market.

Nightlife, Saigon

Stay: Saigon Day 18 Today you head deep on your cruise in to the Mekong Delta, spending time on small boats on one of the many backwaters that criss-cross the region, before spending the night near the main city, Can Tho. Stay: Mekong Delta

Boat, Mekong Delta


[email protected]

10

YOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 19 An early rise to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest of its kind in the Delta. You then head even deeper in to the Mekong Delta, eventually arriving at Chau Doc, close to the Cambodian border. Again, you spend considerable time on the water, the best way to experience life in this region. Stay: Mekong Delta Day 20

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Cross into Cambodia by speedboat, arriving into Phnom Penh for lunchtime. In the afternoon visit the Royal Palace and, for those with the inclination, learn about Cambodia's more recent tragic history through visiting Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields. Stay: Phnom Penh Day 21 A morning at leisure in the Cambodian capital, with time to visit the Russian market and in the afternoon take a very short flight to Siem Reap, close to the temples of Angkor. Dinner in one of Siem Reap's many fine restaurants. Stay: Siem Reap


Monks, Siem Reap

[email protected]

11

YOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 22 A full day to explore the temples of Angkor. The exact itinerary will be discussed and adapted by your guide, having taken in to consideration your interest, the time of year, your stamina for temple visits and how congested the many sites are likely to be. You location for sunrise and sunset are key. You may choose to stay out all day, or break for several hours' lunch and siesta. Stay: Siem Reap Buddha Statue, Siem Reap

Day 23 A second day exploring the many temples of Angkor or perhaps spending some time exploring Siem Reap town. Stay: Siem Reap Day 24 Fly from Siem Reap back to Bangkok and then connect for the lunchtime return flight direct to London, arriving back in the UK this evening.

International flights included.


Temple, Angkor

[email protected]

12

SAMPLE ACCOMMODATION These are some recommended hotels from a 3* to 5* rating within Vietnam to give you a taste of what is on offer…..

Three-star options

La Fairy Sails, Halong Bay

Chi Boutique Hotel, Hanoi

Sanouva Saigon, Saigon

Victoria Beach Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Jasmine Junk, Halong Bay

Apricot Hotel, Hanoi

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Four-star options

The Lapis Hotel, Hanoi

Five-star options

Hyatt Regency, Danang


[email protected]

8

PRICE Price Options:

Our prices are normally based on 2 people sharing and include international flights. The exact costs for your holiday can vary a lot depending on availability, special offers and airfares, so please contact us to put together an itinerary for your exact dates with an exact price.

Price Includes: ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

International flights return to Bangkok All accommodation as stated in the itinerary Daily breakfasts & additional meals as indicated in the itinerary Local English speaking station guide Private driver and air-conditioned vehicle Domestic flights as mentioned in your itinerary including taxes Entrance fees to all sites mentioned Cold water and refreshing towels on touring days


[email protected]

14

NEXT STEPS Perfecting Your Holiday: We know you want this holiday to be exactly right for you, so nothing in this sample is set in stone. The next step is to get in touch and we can work with you on any tweaks, changes or amendments you’d like to make; this is also a great opportunity for us to answer the many questions you’ll undoubtedly have now that the trip seems a little more real! You can either give us a call on 01242 253 073 or fill out our quick quote form online found here: Booking Your Holiday: Once you’re completely happy with everything we’ll check availability and hold provisional reservations of the flights, hotels and services for your trip. Only at this point, when we know everything is available and being held for you, will we take payment of the deposit (except in rare circumstances). You can pay the deposit for your trip by card over the phone (*), bank transfer or cheque (unless we require cleared funds quickly in order to secure certain services). We’ll also send you a booking form to complete and return at this stage. We can then wrap up your invoices and confirmation documents and get them sent out to you. * There are no card processing fees charged when paying your deposit. When paying the balance of the cost of the holiday, MasterCard and Visa credit cards will attract a 1% processing fee and AMEX cards a 2% processing fee, which is marginally less than the full processing fee we are charged by our card payment system provider. Debit cards never attract any processing fees. Approaching Your Holiday: We require payment of the final balance of the holiday 10 weeks prior to departure. About a month before you leave you’ll get our travel documents through the post; this is the essential stuff like flight e-ticket references, as well as additional information and tips from us to help make the most of your trip. During Your Holiday: At all times before you go, you can call or email us with any questions you might have. Whilst you are away on your holiday, you’ll have office numbers for both us and our local agents, as well as 24hr emergency contact numbers for both us and our local agents: you’re completely covered in any eventuality.


[email protected]

15

ABOUT HOLIDAY ARCHITECTS We’re a company of dedicated and experienced professionals, averaging over ten years each in the industry and with countless trips to Vietnam under our belts. We use that experience to give you honest advice and plan your individuallytailored itinerary. We like to push the boundaries a little bit, getting you away from the crowds and enjoying excursions that are crafted to your interests, as well as smaller, more characterful hotels and guest houses. We’re committed to fair pricing, believing tailor-made travel should not be a luxury; all of which means you can experience the true Vietnam and not the Vietnam most visitors buy off-the-shelf.

Meet the team: Sophie Rowley - Vietnam Specialist

Call us: 01242 253073

Sophie’s passion for travel developed at an early age after being lucky enough to jet around the world on long haul holidays with her adventurous family. Realising the rewards of travel, Sophie later studied International Tourism Management at university and moved to New Zealand to live, work and travel the country by campervan. Not long after she was off again, this time landing in India to begin a solo journey throughout South East Asia. Her travels have seen her cycling through the fabled temples of Angkor, living in jungle lodge tree-houses in Thailand and evening training to be a mahout in Burma. After falling in love with South East Asia, Sophie has been lucky enough to travel through Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia & Burma. She continues to return to Asia on a regular basis to scout out the best hotels, guides and excursions to keep our product on the quirky side!

Financial Protection…. Every Vietnam holiday is fully bonded through the ATOL scheme and the Travel Vault. All our holidays are 100% financially protected through either our ATOL bonding (for all holidays where we are providing flights to / from the UK) or through the Travel Vault.

Email us: [email protected] 16

17

18

19

www.vietnamholidayarchitects.net