6 minute read
Indochina Delights ..................................................... 17 days
INDOCHINA DELIGHTS
17 DAYS FROM
PER PERSON $8,280
FULLY INCLUSIVE FROM NEW ZEALAND
ALL MEALS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
See local life on the Mekong Wander charming Hoi An Practice Tai Chi on Halong Bay Explore Hanoi by cyclo Be charmed by Luang Prabang Admire Kuang Si waterfalls Marvel at Angkor Temples
PRICE INCLUDES
•14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners •International flights and current taxes •Domestic transportation •3 – 4 star accommodation •Touring with guides and entrance fees •Visa fees for NZ passport holders
Learn ancient cultivation techniques
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE
Try your hand at ancient cultivation techniques with members of the local farming community in Tra Que village and enjoy a cooking demonstration of a regional speciality. After a day of exploration, relax as you float on the gentle waters of the moat of Angkor Thom, seeing the old walled city from a different perspective and savouring the beauty of a peaceful sunset. Head into the forest to visit the stunning tiered pools of Laos’ Kuang Si Waterfalls. Relax by the river or enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful blue waters. Explore Wat Xieng Thong
ITINERARY
DAYS 1-2: FLY TO SAIGON Fly overnight to Saigon. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure
DAY 3: DISCOVER SAIGON Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Central Post Office, Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Later, visit Cholon and the Thien Hau Pagoda.
DAY 4: MEKONG DELTA Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. This area is called the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the rich and fertile lands producing a plethora of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta.
DAY 5: CU CHI TUNNELS Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll see the legendary tunnel network used by the Viet Cong to infiltrate South Vietnam during the war. Later, fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO-listed city of Hoi An.
DAY 6: HOI AN WALKING TOUR Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An, a wonderfully laidback, graceful and traditional town. Visit one of the oldest homes, still occupied by descendants of merchants that built it over 200 years ago. Also visit the elaborate Japanese Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese Temple with a stop en route at Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the beach or in a riverside café. DAY 7: TRA QUE VILLAGE Drive out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community where you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later, take a flight to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, a charming and richly historic city of lakes, parks and shaded boulevards.
DAYS 8: HALONG BAY CRUISE Head to Halong Bay and board your comfortable cruise chip, sailing amongst the spectacular seascapes, fringed by jagged karst formations jutting from emerald waters. Halong Bay with its 1,600 islands and islets, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is a vision of awe-inspiring beauty. Depending on local conditions, activities this afternoon may include kayaking. swimming or sunbathing. Enjoy dinner and spend the night anchored on the tranquil waters.
DAYS 9: RETURN TO HANOI Enjoy brunch on board before disembarking and returning to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, attend a spectacular theatrical performance celebrating the rich history of Northern Vietnam
DAY 10: FLY TO LUANG PRABANG Spend the morning exploring Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature and Ngoc Son Temple – you’ll also take a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a local café. Fly to the enchanting city of Luang Prabang.
DAY 11: TAKBAT ALMS CEREMONY Luang Prabang is the quintessential image of Laos – a place of vivid colours, an extremely rich heritage and enduring French legacy. Today, rise early to watch a Takbat alms giving ceremony. Ascend Phousi Hill for city vistas, visit Wat Xieng Thong, then cruise
LUANG PRABANG (3N) LAOS
HALONG BAY (1N)
DANANG
HOI AN (2N)
SIEM REAP (3N) OVERNIGHT FLIGHT
CU CHI CAMBODIA
VIETNAM
SAIGON (3N)
MEKONG DELTA
PLANE COACH BOAT VIETNAM, LAOS & CAMBODIA
PHYSICAL RATING
1
IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
The perfect way to explore Indochina, tick off three countries with this fantastic introduction to the region. Featuring Halong Bay, Luang Prabang and the temples of Angkor, all of the best sights are covered.
Observe Buddhist monks chanting in Laos Cruise spectacular Halong Bay
along the Mekong River to see the Pak Ou Caves. Return to Luang Prabang and visit Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong Village en route.
DAY 12: VISIT KUANG SI WATERFALLS Visit the National Museum before continuing to the cascading turquoise waters of the enchanting Kuang Si Waterfalls. Relax by the water or enjoy a refreshing dip. Return to Luang Prabang via Ban Na Ouane village and Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre. This evening witness a local Baci Ceremony.
DAY 13: FLY TO SIEM REAP Fly to Siem Reap and visit Artisan D’Angkor, an organisation working to revive traditional Khmer arts and crafts.
DAY 14: EXPLORE ANGKOR WAT The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses over 1,000 temples, the remains of the mighty Khmer Empire that ruled between the 9th and 15th centuries. Enter the walled city of Angkor Thom and head to its heart to see the enigmatic Bayon, followed by the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, an atmospheric temple left in the grips of the jungle. This afternoon is dedicated to the magnificence of Angkor Wat and intricate beauty of Banteay Srei temple. Take a leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems.
DAY 15: TONLE SAP LAKE Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, passing through the floating villages and observing the way of life of these lake communities. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening sit down to a farewell dinner and an apsara dance show. DAYS 16-17: DEPART SIEM REAP Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.
AVAILABLE AS YOUR OWN PRIVATE TOUR Enjoy flexibility, your own guide and vehicle.
EXTEND YOUR STAY...
VICTORIA MEKONG DOWNSTREAM 5 days from $1,780pp twin share
BANGKOK SHORT STAY 4 days from $790pp twin share
Visit page 60 to learn more about all of our extensions and stopovers. PRICES & DEPARTURES
Prices are per person, twin share
2023 DATES
17 Feb - 05 Mar $8,280 15 Sep - 01 Oct $8,280 24 Feb - 12 Mar $8,280 13 Oct - 29 Oct $8,280 10 Mar - 26 Mar $8,280 10 Nov - 26 Nov $8,280 24 Mar - 09 Apr $8,280 2024 DATES
16 Feb - 03 Mar $8,480 13 Sep - 29 Sep $8,480 23 Feb - 10 Mar $8,480 11 Oct - 27 Oct $8,480 08 Mar - 24 Mar $8,480 15 Nov - 01 Dec $8,480
Flight and supplement information
•Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch •Regional NZ departures available and flight upgrades available upon request •Land only (Saigon - Siem Reap) 15 days from $6,680 per person, twin share •Single supplement from $1,040
Important note
Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 01 September 2022, subject to change. Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights’ accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
