23 Days Thailand Vietnam and Laos Tour

Meals: B / L

This morning visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you will experience the traditional Thai market with numerous vendors selling local foods, fruits and products from their boats. Explore the market before continuing on to Kanchanburi to learn about the region's storied past and present-day culture. Made famous by the book and movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, the infamous bridge and railway is a notable part of the Kanchanaburi landscape. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to get an understanding of the deadly, Herculean task many Thais were faced with decades ago.

Then continue to Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park. The park is full of examples of the Khmar influenced architecture in this part of Thailand. Take some time to just relax here, before making your way back to Bangkok hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

This morning, you will start to visit the Grand Palace, a beautiful example of an ancient Siamese court, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue. Then, ride like a Local by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho temple, to behold the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue. Next, explore the city’s renowned klongs (canals) by boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Also visit Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum.

When tour finish, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrive, guide will meet and escort to your hotel for check in. Rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals: B / L

The golden triangle is a mysterious region for most of Indochina tour makes, today you will enjoy a full day excursion to the heart of golden triangle region.

Your fascinating day will start from morning by firstly visit the Long Neck Karen village to see the long neck hill tribe people who relocated from the Thai and Myanmar border. If it is possible, you will also able to visit a Cock Fighting near the hill tribe village. Keep driving to Mt. Doi Mae Salong and visit the Chinese village on the top of the mountain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the trip to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. Doi Tung, provides an opportunity to view enrooted many different Lahu and Akha village as well as terraced farming areas and see from distance the Princess Mother's frigid flower Garden.  Doi Tung temple, built in A.D.1493, is located at the peak. Its scenery reminds one of Switzerland, features many unique images and temple architecture overlooking the entire northern rice field plain. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

After breakfast, we will drive toward Chiang Mai to continue your Indochina tour in northern Thailand. En-route, you will take a tour of the remarkable Wat Rong Khun. (also known as the White Temple) is an impressive modern temple. Its construction began in 1998, and its expected to take several generations. Marvel at this amazing and ornate white temple, originally conceived by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. After around 2.5 hours drive, you will arrive Chiang Mai.

After lunch, visit the Meow Hill Tribe Village where locates on the Mountain Doi Pui and it was once famous for opium cultivation. Continue to visit the Temple Wat Doi Suthep where you will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Chiang Mai City. If you like, here is also one of the best places to enjoy sunset.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals: B / L

Enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support their regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

Itinerary:

Starting From: 8:00am - 8:30am from your Chiang Mai city hotel or you must be at our office at 7:40am.

Feeding the Elephants. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform.

Lunch: Enjoy a sumptuous and varied buffet of Asian and International dishes.         

Walk with our staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Bathe these gentle giants as they splash around. If going into the river is not for you then watch the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the river bank.

Late afternoon and it`s time for goodbyes to the elephants and to Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Note: Park visits are all about spending quality time observing and being with the herd. We do not adhere to a strict schedule; the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch and learn from the elephants.

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

In the morning, start your cultural tour of Chiang Mai. First stop at Kad Ton Payom Market, renowned for its fresh fruits and flowers, aromatic spices and northern Thai cuisine. You can participate in the local tradition of almsgiving — offering food to Buddhist monks. Continue to the Buddhist temple of Wat Umong, nestled in the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. Learn about the Buddhist proverbs posted throughout the grounds in English and Thai before you head inside to see the impressive Buddha statue. You’ll also visit the 14th-century Wat Suan Dok, a white bell-shaped temple housing a 20-foot (6-meter) Buddha. See the large prayer hall and the unique open-sided chapel, then enjoy an opportunity to chat with a monk about Buddhism and temple life.

In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh, upon arrive, guide meet at the airport and escort to your hotel for check in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: B / L

Today, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks. You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war. Then stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.

Overnight in Saigon

Meals: B / L

Today you will discover the Mekong River and villages at the Mekong Delta region, essential to Vietnamese life.

Your private guide and car will take you to the remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First you'll Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you'll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. You'll stop at the Tortoise Island where you'll enjoy lunch in the orchard.

After lunch you'll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals. When the tour is finished, you'll transfer to Can Tho.

Upon arrive in Can Tho, you will check in hotel and have a rest. In the evening, you may wander around the night market in the center of the small town, or enjoy some drinks at the riverside bars.

Overnight in Can Tho

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motor boat and captain will greet you and help you on board. You'll be taken to the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk produce for sale. The trip there will see the banks with various flowers scattered throughout.

When you arrive at the market, you'll see boats with colorful fruits and vegetables local to the region being traded in bulk. After this, you'll venture up narrow canals to find a local fruit farm hidden in the natural landscape of the creek. You'll have the chance to see local fruits such as mango, limes, jack fruit, durian and more being grown. Then you'll have the chance to sit and enjoy fresh cut fruit before returning to town by boat.

After the tour, relax at hotel for short time and check out, then you will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh airport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival, guide will meet and escort to your hotel in Hoi An for checking in, rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: B

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China's influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals: B / L

Your guide will assist with check out. Then take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam (4 hours). Start by riding along the beaches of Danang where you'll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. As you approach the steep and narrow ascent you'll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook photo. Continue your climb to a summit where the clouds meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. Onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines you'll find numerous breathtaking scenes, great places to stop for photos. As you enter Hue, you'll be impressed by the many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings. Check in to your hotel in Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B / L

This morning start with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop it's shores. Along the river, you'll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations. Continue on visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb.

In the afternoon, press on to see the Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. View its vast gardens and structural relics. Walk through the outer perimeter of the city to see many of the national treasures and buildings inside. Venture further in to enter the Purple Forbidden City, which was off limits to the general public. Only royalty and the highest officials in the Vietnamese government were allowed to enter. Last stop of the day is the Dong Ba Market where you can purchase local fruits and foods.

After all visiting, it's time to the airport for your onward flight to Hanoi, arrive and escort to your hotel for check in, rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: B / D

Today, you will start to Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a Bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day - The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

In the evening, dinner with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You'll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight in Halong Bay

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or on requests

Your Indochina tour in Laos will start from its capital Vientiane.

Upon arrival in Vientiane airport, your private local guide from IndochinaTour.com will welcome you at the airport then escorts you to your hotel in Vientiane City.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax, you can have a relaxing walk around the hotel to discover the city or stroll along the river bank to enjoy sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B / L / D

Vientiane, the charming capital city of Laos with rich heritage of Buddhist culture, is waiting for you to discover.

You full day city tour will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. Your will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the National Museum, then visit the temple Wat Sisaket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. The temple Wat Prakeo which housing the famous Emerald Buddha image really amazed the Indochina tour makers. Your full day Vientiane city tour will also visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxay Monument.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B / L

This morning we leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. A next stop is the busy and colorful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and also visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang that dates back to the 11th century. Arriving at Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightfully rustic and rural hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves or take a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: B / L

Today you will continue your amazing Indochina Tour in Laos from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang escort you to hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, you can wander around the city and the night market to discover local life of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B / L / D

Luang Prabang, the city surrounded by Mekong River and well known for its golden city is well known for its beautiful decorated Buddhist temples, it is a place that you will keep appearing in your mind for long time after your Indochina tour.

Your memorable trip will starts from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accepts the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then start the half day excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax.

Drive back to the town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Wat Xiengthong which is symbolic temple of the classic Laotian architecture, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Then visit the Wat Aham Temple which means “Monastery of the Opened Heart” and the Stupa of Wat Visoun.

Rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore the city, you can enjoy some drinks in one of the cafés or strolling along the beautiful riverside.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Today you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. Along the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see daily life of local people in riverside fishing village.

Visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River and you will discover numbers of gold-lacquered Buddha statues in the cave. After visiting, take the boat back to Luang Prabang and rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Enjoy relaxing time in the morning until transfer to airport for onward flight to continue your Indochina tour.

End of Service.