Duration:
15
Days
Group size:
Single supplement:
Destinations:
Departs From:
Ends In:
Travel Styles:
Booking validity:
–
Best Months to Visit
10:25 pm: Upon arrival into Hanoi, once you deplane you will be met by an Immigration Officer who will meet you a the end of the jet bridge (or at the end of the terminal if there is no jet bridge), holding a signboard with your names on it. The officer will assist your with the immigration procedures. After clearing immigration, you will be escorted to baggage claim to collect your luggage and to introduce you to your Trails of Indochina – Vietnam representative who will be waiting outside of the terminal to transfer you to La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa, where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationHanoi
Accommodation:
Accommodation La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Enjoy the morning at your leisure before you are collected by a Trails of Indochina – Vietnam representative and taken on a Half Day Hanoi City Highlights Tour.
2:00 pm: Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the photogenic Old Quarter where each street is named after the goods originally sold there, from silk to silver. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life.
Location:
LocationHanoi
Accommodation:
Accommodation La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina – Vietnam representative for your private road transfer to Yen Tu.
About 30km north of Haiphong lies Yen Tu Mountain, famed for the historic shrine sitting atop its misty peak. Reflecting the growing influence of Buddhism in the Vietnam, the shrine was once visited by the emperors of the 13th century Tran Dynasty, who started the tradition of surrendering the throne early to lead a life of asceticism amidst Yen Tu Mountain’s lush natural scenery. Arrive at Legacy Yen Tu Mgallery where you will stay for one night.
Enjoy a private aromatherapy workshop, a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant before checking into the hotel and embarking on a 2 hour mountain discovery trek. (Walking up and returning by cable car) After your trek, receive a quick foot massage before dinner, and if desired continue on to watch a village cultural show. The nightly show is held at Hanh Huong Village, only a 5 minute walk from your hotel. A village night market with street food is also available.
Location:
LocationQuang Ninh Province
Accommodation:
Accommodation Legacy Yen Tu MGallery
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis Lunch and Dinner
At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina – Vietnam representative for your road transfer to Ha Long Bay where you will board and check into Y Lang Cruise where you will stay for two nights.
Your luxurious floating home sets sail around noontime. You will be greeted with a welcome drink upon boarding while you get acquainted with the facilities and procedures of the Heritage Line Ship. Your first anchorage spot is the local pier at Cat Ba Island, which is the entry point for a visit to the charming village Viet Hai. Hop on bicycles for a scenic ride along the small paved pathways, through the lush tropical forest towards the local village nestled in the valley.
Once back on the ship, dinner will be served and afterwards, you can join fellow passengers for a movie in the dining room or night fish for squid with the crew.
Accommodation:
Accommodation Ylang Heritage Line
Type:
Accommodation Type Cruise Ship
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy the morning on board the ship and a visit to the Cat Ba National Park.
For those who awake with the sun, coffee, tea, and pastries are offered. To get the full wellness experience from Ylang, a Tai Chi session is held on the sun deck to ease mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun. Or sign up for a guided yoga class in our dedicated yoga room.
Once energized, breakfast is served at the dining room or to your suite before we set off to visit one of the few remaining local floating fishing villages. Get a close view of how the families live and work on the water in their unique community. We continue to the shore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads to the Cat Ba National Park. A leisurely hiking tour brings you close to the elements of this lush national park with its jungle-like nature. Learn more about the endemic fauna and flora as well about the island itself as Northern Vietnam’s largest island in the Golf of Tonkin.
During lunch, Ylang continues to sail through the bay to a secluded spot in the bay. The afternoon is at your own pace and choice: you may like to swim and sun bath on a natural beach, or join in on a kayak tour – or a bit of both, or just kick-back on board and treat yourself from our wide selection of wellness offerings. After dinner you may like to engage in our presentation and quiz with interesting facts and insights about both Lan Ha and Halong Bay or simply kick-back on your private balcony enjoying the serenity of Lan Ha Bay.
Accommodation:
Accommodation Ylang Heritage Line
Type:
Accommodation Type Cruise Ship
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
At a time to be advised: Once arrived at Lan Hay Bay you will be collected by a Trails of Indochina – Vietnam representative for your private road transfer to Hanoi for your scheduled flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival into Luang Prabang, after completing immigration and customs formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met by a Trails of Indochina – Laos representative for your private road transfer to Pullman Luang Prabang where you will stay for three nights.
Location:
LocationLuang Prabang
Accommodation:
Accommodation Pullman Luang Prabang
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
9:45 am: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina-Laos representative and taken on a Pak Ou Cruise with Imekong. The Mekong is the world’s 10th longest river, snaking over 4900km from the mountains of Yunnan Province to rice fields of Vietnam. The name Mekong is derived from Lao and Thai, reflecting those peoples’ understanding of the Mekong as their “Mother River”, a life giving flow of nutrients to fertilise their crops and a major transportation artery.
Cruise upstream to visit the local village of Ban Muang Kham, renowned for producing a river weed (called Khaipen in Laotian) that makes for a both a nutritious and delicious appetizer. Next, head to the Tam Ting Caves (also called the Pak Ou Caves), a site of ancient spiritual significance and were the regions animistic religions were peacefully united with Buddhism in the 15th century. Within the two caves of Tam Ting are stupas, shrines and over 4,000 carvings of Buddha, many highly ornate and a testament to the skill of centuries old Lao craftsmen. Back on board the Imekong, savor local cuisine for lunch whilst cruising back to Luang Prabang.
5:00 pm: You will be taken to a Baci Ceremony at a Local Home. Baci ceremonies are an integral part of Lao culture. Held to celebrate a special event like a marriage, homecoming, or departure. It is based on an ancient belief that the Baci ceremony re-aligns the kwan (or soul) which watches over and the body and its 32 organs. At the ceremony, a village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. In Laos, white is the colour of peace, good fortune and warmth. Enjoy this authentic experience in a local family’s home and feel refreshed and enlightened by taking part in this ancient practice.
Location:
LocationLuang Prabang
Accommodation:
Accommodation Pullman Luang Prabang
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy a full day Mandalao-Inside Hearts of Elephants Expedition.
8:30 am: You will begin with the Therapeutic Trek with the addition of another half-day of incredible Lao experiences. The Inside the Hearts of Elephants tour lets you form a deep connection with your own special elephant – enjoy traditional Lao lunch, walk with your elephant to a seldom-visited waterfall and end the day by escorting your new friend to their feeding grounds, before bidding them a bittersweet farewell.
Start your elephant bonding adventure with a stroll through picturesque rice fields to a peaceful forest clearing where you can rest, relax, and eat lunch sitting on bamboo mats in traditional Lao fashion. Journey on with the elephants to Tad Kuang Song Waterfall, named after a Golden Deer spirit seen standing on its crest many centuries ago. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in its cool waters or stand under the waterfalls gentle flow; take your time to meditate and admire the stunning beauty of this rarely seen natural treasure.
While the elephants eat their lunch, visit a small village to encounter the Khmu, one of the many different ethnic groups living in Laos with their own language and religious beliefs; they will offer you a warm welcome and proudly present their traditional handmade crafts. After the elephants have had their fill (for now!), you and the mahouts will walk with them to their nighttime feeding grounds. Take time for a long goodbye and know that the connection you have built is not only felt by you, but by your new friends too. Enjoy a few moments to recall your days rewarding experiences as you look out at the vast Luang Prabang mountain range from the terrace at MandaLao. Tour concludes back at your hotel.
Location:
LocationLuang Prabang
Accommodation:
Accommodation Pullman Luang Prabang
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
5:30 am: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina – Laos representative and taken to an Early Morning Luang Prabang Alms Giving.
The morning alms round (called Tak bat in Lao) is a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang and dates back generations. You will witness and participate in offering alms to a procession of hundreds of saffron-robed monks in the early morning light. If you wish to make an offering, please inform your guide a day in advance so that a gift of alms can be prepared. After the alms giving, watch the town come to life during a visit to the bustling morning market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
Later, you will be transferred by a Trails of Indochina – Laos representative to the airport for your scheduled flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, walk to the main gate, where you will be met by a Trails of Indochina – Cambodia representative with your name on it who will transfer to your you own arrangements, where you will stay for three nights.
Enjoy full day in Siem Reap.
4:45 am: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina-Cambodia representative and taken on a Well Off The Beaten Path Tour.
Wake up early and transfer by private vehicle to the West Gate of Angkor Wat from where the sunrise can be best observed. Angkor Wat (early 12th century) is surrounded by a 190 meters wide moat 1.5 kilometers by 1.3 kilometers and is claimed to be the largest religious building in the world. It is certainly one of the wonders of the ancient world. You will be amazed by the sheer size of the temple, which took 30 years to construct & used the labors of upto 300,000 workers. Angkor Wat was built as the earthly representation of the universe with its’ central tower symbolizing Mt Meru which, Hindus believe, is at the centre of the Universe. Return to the West Gate and breakfast can be enjoyed just outside of the Angkor complex at a local restaurant (own cost). Drive to visit Banteay Kdei built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruined condition of the temple in no way detracts from the grandeur of this walled temple. Banteay means fortified monastery and refers to the double wall surrounding it. Continue to Ta Prohm, this beautiful temple, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, creating a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. Pause at Ta Keo, which would have been the finest temples in Angkor had it been completed. A short distance further are the twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Return to town for a rest and relaxation at the hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Drive to Angkor Thom, not a temple, but an entire walled city of 9 sq km and served as the ancient royal Capital of the Khmer Empire from approx. 1181. With a probable population of 1 million, it was far bigger and grander than any city in Europe at the time. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The center piece of Jayavarman VII’s Capital is the Bayon temple and, as you approach, you will notice the 216 giant, enigmatic, smiling faces looking into every direction. Return to the South gate where you will board a small, private boat out to Prasat ChrungTemple to watch the amazing sunset.
Enjoy a Khmer Countryside on Horseback Tour.
8:30 am: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina-Cambodia representative from your hotel for your road transfer to The Happy Ranch, a well-established institution in town which take great care of forty horses available for riding. Visit the ranch and get to know your guide and horse. Then, for two hours, horse ride across the countryside, rural villages and rice paddies. At a slow pace, be amazed by the green scenery and welcomed by fascinated children (horses always have that effect). An experienced Cambodian or foreign instructor will join you all the way. If riding is not for you, horse carts are also available.
*Wear respectful and comfortable clothes as you will be riding in and around rural villages. Bring along a hat, sun protection and if you have a camera, a camera strap is advised.
1:00 pm: You will be transferred by a Trails of Indochina – Cambodia representative to Chhong Kneas, trading port of agricultural products on the edge of Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Embark on a private local boat and set out on a Tonle Sap Lake adventure to discover the floating villages and some unique wildlife along the way. Find out how these communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets and police stations.
At a time to be advised: You will be collected from your hotel by a Trails of Indochina – Cambodia representative and transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight to Bangkok to connect with your scheduled flight to Koh Samui. Upon arrival at Koh Samui Airport, after you have collected your luggage, exit and look for the sign that says “Meeting Point” on your left at the arrival hall. Follow the walk path, after a short walk you will meet your Trails of Indochina – Thailand representative who will be holding a sign with your name on it, for your private road transfer to Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa where you will stay for three nights.
*If you cannot locate your guide please call the emergency number (+66) 81 449 7283.
Location:
LocationKoh Samui
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Resort
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, move to your Beachfront Deluxe Bungalow and enjoy the day at your leisure.
On the sands of Samui, lulled by the gentle sound of the wave, the sea breeze drifting over the veranda through the wide open window, the five exclusive Beachfront bungalows of Zazen stand as sun washed holiday dream, a highly sought after, never to be forgotten haven in which to pass your holiday in paradise.
Location:
LocationKoh Samui
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Resort
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy your second day at leisure in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations, by virtue of its idyllic sand beaches, azure waters, spell-binding vistas and easy accessibility from the mainland. The last decade has seen extensive development on the island, bringing with it a flood of luxury hotels and resorts – often complete with beautiful private beaches. The coastline is the main draw card here, but other attractions on Samui include the Big Buddha temple with its 12-meter effigy, the 30-meter Na Muang Waterfall, and the array of world-class spas and restaurants, as well more laid-back beachfront bistros and bars.
Location:
LocationKoh Samui
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Resort
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
At a time to be advised: You will be collected by a Trails of Indochina – Thailand representative for your private road transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible trip!
Location:
LocationKoh Samui
Accommodation:
Accommodation Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
Type:
Accommodation Type Resort
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
From:
5,500.00
Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
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