Indochina Heritage Trip

Sample itinerary

13-Days From A$3240 *

Including international flights to/from Australia

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Tay Ninh, Phnom Penh, Angkor Temples, Vientiane, Luang Prabang

This Indochina Exploratory trip is a trip through the less travelled parts of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The itinerary includes visits to local schools, far lung natural features, ethnic minority villages and the regions beautiful museums and cultural sites.

This tour has been specifically designed for students of Indochina’s history and politics wishing to visit some the regions remote areas including the further south-western provinces of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, south east Cambodia and northern Laos. The trip also includes several side trips to places of special historical interest including Ba Chuc on Vietnam and Cambodia‘s western border, the magnificent temples of Angkor, Vientiane and the enchanting world heritage listed town of Luang Prabang in Laos.

Your group leader

Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your holiday. Thus Tailor Made Vietnam chooses to employ professionals who have lead groups of people throughout all areas of Vietnam for several years. They speak fluent Vietnamese/Khmer so you can communicate with the people you meet. All have been chosen because of their ability to deal sensitively with your needs as a foreigner in this wonderful and at times, most foreign of countries.

Itinerary

This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting on day one of the tour.

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Upon touch down in Ho Chi Minh City you will be met at the airport by your group leader who will escort you to your centrally located hotel. After a short group meeting to discuss the itinerary we will enjoy an afternoon walking city tour before dinning at one of the city's finest restaurants. After dinner there is the option to tour the city on cyclos and/or motorbikes to experience the energy and dynamism of this most varied of cities. Then we will retire to one on the city’s many rooftop cafes for drinks and dinner. (L, D)

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City This morning we will journey by cyclo (a rickshaw propelled by a cyclist) to see more of this fascinating city. What better way to take in the hustle and bustle of this city. On our trip we will travel deep into China Town, visit the War Remnants Museum and explore a huge local market. Following this your group leader will take you to the main shopping districts and let you free to roam amongst the best and cheapest textiles, handicrafts, linen and antiques to be found anywhere in southeast Asia. We will also have time to visit one of the city’s most prominent art galleries where you will be aquatinted with the intricacies of Vietnamese art by expert local curators (optional). In the evening we will dine at one of the cities outer local restaurants to try some fine local southern fare. After dinner there is more time for shopping or independent exploring. (B)

Day 3 Can Tho / Chau Doc An early morning departure by bus will take us through the heart of the Mekong Delta region to the famous southern city of Cantho. On route we will visit remote villages and farming communities. Arriving in Can Tho around lunchtime we will have a short time to wonder through the towns wonderful market followed by lunch before a 4-hour boat journey to the border city of Chau Doc. On arrival in Chau Doc we will check-in to our hotel situated on the river only 8 miles from the Cambodian border. Dinner tonight will be a feast of fine Mekong Delta specialties. After dinner we will enjoy a twilight tour of the town in the comfort of unique ‘delta’ style cyclos. (B, L).

Day 4 Chau Doc Today we journey to the peak of nearby Sam Mountain to enjoy a spectacular sunset across the Cambodia border overlooking the site of the Khmer Rouge’s invasion of 1978, which was followed by Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia until 1989. We also take a boat trip along one branch of the main river to see floating fishing farms and remote river communities. Later in the after noon we stroll through Chau Doc market filled with herbal medicines, smuggled goods from Thailand and a huge range of fresh produce. Dinner tonight will be a feast of southern Vietnamese specialties followed by an evening stroll around this bustling border town. (B)

Day 5 Phnom Penh-Cambodia This morning our real adventure begins as we embark on a boat journey across the newly opened Vietnam-Cambodia river border crossing into Cambodia on route to Phnom Penh. Our trip provides glimpses of remote Cambodian scenery only recently opened for access to foreigner travelers before arriving in Phnom Penh in the early afternoon. On arrival we will be transferred to our central Phnom Penh hotel. We will have a short time this afternoon to visit a few of the city’s attraction including the Russian Market which features some of the best CD’s, pirated software, handicrafts and silverware to be found anywhere in the Indochina region. Time permitting we will also visit the National Museum. There will also be time for some independent exploration or a swim at the hotel pool. In the evening we will wonder along the city’s esplanade and enjoy a drink on the banks of the Tonle Sap River before enjoying our first taste of Khmer cuisine at a nearby local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 6 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap This morning we will visit Phnom Penh's famous sights including the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon we will visit the infamous Toul Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history. After a delicious local lunch we will return to our hotel to prepare for our late afternoon 1-hour flight to the town of Siem Reap – Gateway to the magnificent Temples of Angkor. On arrival we will be transferred to one of the towns finest hotels, and relax before enjoying another fine dinning experience at a fine local restaurant before experiencing nightlife Khmer style. (B,D)

Day 7 Siem Reap – Angkor Temples Today we will explore this amazing complex guided by one of our carefully selected local experts. This morning we will visit the largest and most inspiring of all the sites – Angkor Wat. Our local guide will tell stories of the glory of the Angkor period, Khmer myths and legends and the sacking of the Angkor city. After a tasty local lunch we venture further into the complex to visit the Bayon Temple, Terrance of the Leper King and the Elephant Terrace. In the afternoon we will visit temples in the area including Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and the fascinating Ta Prohm jungle temple. In the evening we will travel back to the hotel to relax and perhaps enjoy a swim at the hotel pool before enjoying fine Khmer food at our hotel restaurant (B,D)

Day 8 Siem Reap There is the option this morning of an early morning departure out to the temple complex to experience a sunrise over Angkor Wat. We then travel back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before another full day of exploring many of the other temples. We will venture out to visit one of the most beautiful temples of them all - the out lying Banteay Serei Temple - for years off limits to travellers because of unrest in the Siem Reap Province now long since past. In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to visit and outlying local school to meet local students and gain an understanding of there aspirations for the future. In the afternoon there will be time for a swim and relax before dinner at a fine local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 9 Angkor Temples / Vientiane (Laos) After breakfast there will be a short time to enjoy a morning swim in the hotel pool or pay a final visit to the central market to find a few final Khmer bargains. Time permitting we will also make time to visit the Landmines Museum in order to gain an understanding of the landmine situation in Cambodia and current land clearing operations funded by foreign organisations. Mid-afternoon we take a flight to Vientiane, one of the quietest capital cities you will encounter. Upon arrival your group leader will run through the Laos section of your itinerary followed by a light dinner and a stroll around the streets. (B,D)

Day 10 Vientiane Thursday Today we visit the morning local market, beautiful Wat Si Saket Temple and That Luang Shrine (Great Sacred Stupa). There is time mid-afternoon to stroll around the city with its French-colonial buildings and robed clad Monks. This afternoon we will also visit the Patouxai (Gateway of Victory) - revealing panoramic views of the city, then explore the central market. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional meal at one of the city’s fine restaurants. (B)

Day 11 & 12 Luang Prabang A short flight takes us to Luang Prabang the former royal capital of Laos. The unique atmosphere and architecture of this town is a reminder of former colonial times. For two days we explore this beautiful town and surrounding area. Our first day we take a short climb to the top of Mount Phu Si revealing panoramic views of the town. We will also visit the National Museum/former Royal Palace and nearby temples such as Wat Xieng Thong. One day we take a boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves famous for its Buddhist images. We visit a H’mong hill tribe village where you will witness traditional practices of the H’mong and their distinctive costume. Our final activity includes a trip out to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls. Whilst in Luang Prabang there will also be the opportunity to visit the town’s delight centre textile market and have time to explore this most charming town independently before our final nights dinner. (2B,D)

Day 13 Depart Laos Today is departure day. After breakfast your group leader will take care of your flight re-confirmations, escort you to Luang Prabang International Airport and wave you farewell. (B)

(B)= Breakfast, (L)= Lunch, (D)= Dinner. Meals included on tour.

Summary

Grading: Easy. Anyone with reasonable fitness should be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties although the itinerary is fast paced. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances.
Accommodation: Accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are travelling alone you will be teamed up with someone of the same sex. A single supplement is also available at cost if you choose not to share.
Hotels 12 nights: All hotels hold a 3-star plus rating. All are clean and comfortable, centrally located with air-conditioning. Hotels used: Bong Sen Annex (Saigon), Cuu Long Hotel (Can Tho) Hoa Binh Hotel (Chau Doc), Phnom Penh Hotel (Phnom Penh), Freedom Hotel (Siem Reap), Hotel Lao (Vientiane), Manoluck Hotel (Luang Prabang).
Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, cyclo.
Meals included: Breakfasts 15, lunches 2, dinners 5.
Group size: Minimum 20, maximum 22.

Land Tour Inclusions

International flights (Australia to Ho Chi Minh City & Luang Prabang to Australia)
All accommodation and transport including all internal flights on route
Flights include; Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Vientiane, Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Australian departure taxes and other charges
All airport transfers on route
Tailor Made Vietnam Group Leader throughout the tour
Local English speaking guides where required
All sightseeing and entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in the itinerary
Breakfasts 13, lunches 1, dinners 7

Land Tour Exclusions

Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos tourist visas
Travel insurance
Laotian departure tax

Other Costs

Vietnam Visa: $70pp (Must be organised before departure from Australia)
Also allow US$65 on route for: Cambodian departure tax (US$15), Laos Visa (US$30) and Laos departure tax (US$20).

Optional Extras

Single supplement: $640pp
Pre/post accommodation: $70pp (per room per night)
Insurance: $143pp (23-day policy)

Require Further Information?

If you have any queries or require further information regarding this tour please feel free to contact Tailor Made Vietnam at any time.

* Including Internationals Airfares from Melbourne/Sydney, less from Southeast Asia. Please note prices are subject to currency fluctuations and charges until paid in full. Prices based on 20 paying student with 2 complimentary trips for teachers. 13 days/12 nights