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  • A Glimpse of Indochina

    Code: MUT02 - Duration: 14 Days
    Start: Hanoi | Finish: Saigon
  • For those who like get the most out of their holidays, A Glimpse of Indochina is the ultimate tour. Compacted into fourteen days, we take you to some of South-East Asia’s most unique destinations. We begin in Hanoi - one of Asia's most charming historic cities and some of the world’s best street food. Following this electrifying introduction, we embark a Junk to sail around Halong Bay, famous for its tranquil ethereal beauty.  Leaving this paradise, we travel across to Luang Prabang which is located on a peninsula and formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. After revelling in the night market scene, holy temples and excellent restaurants, we fly to Vientiane with its leafy boulevards surrounded by coconut palms.  We bid farewell to Laos and continue our trip in the mysterious giant Angkor temples with a sunrise not to be missed. Moving on, we fly to Saigon – a truly dynamic city. Last but not least we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and find out just what kind of guerrilla tactics the Viet Cong used. This fascinating trip combines quality and quantity to deliver the ultimate experience.

    Highlights:

    • Discover the exotic capital, Hanoi - immerse yourself amongst thousands of year of culture
    • Explore the breathtaking beauty of more than 2000 islands rising from the emerald waters of Halong Bay, a recognised World Heritage Site by UNESCO
    • Explore the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples and cruise to mysterious Pak Ou Cave
    • Discover the Vientiane’s most famous landmarks: That Luang and Wat Sisaket and take part in a unique Lao welcome ceremony
    • Enjoy a guided introduction to the history and mythology of the Angkor Empire, strolling among the impressive ruins
    • Discover the bustling and dynamic Saigon
    • Visit the famous Cu Chi network of underground tunnels used as a military base for the Vietcong in the Vietnam War
    • Take a boat trip and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Mekong Delta
    • Charming hotels in fantastic locations
    • Comfortable & spacious vehicle for transfers

    Itinerary in brief:

    Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)
    Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)
    Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Overnight on Boat (B/L/D)
    Day 4: Halong Boat Trip - Hanoi - Flight to Luang Prabang (Br/-/D)
    Day 5: Luang Prabang (B/L/-)
    Day 6: Luang Prabang - Flight to Vientiane (B/L/D)
    Day 7: Vientiane - Flight to Siem Riep (B/L/D)
    Day 8: Siem Riep - Angkor Wat (B/-/-)
    Day 9: Banteay Srei - Ta Prohm - Preah Khan (B/-/-)
    Day 10: Siem Riep - Tonle Sap Lake - Apsara Dance (B/-/D)
    Day 11: Siem Riep - Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)
    Day 12: Saigon - Cu Chi - City (B/L/-)
    Day 13: Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon (B/L/-)
    Day 14: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

    • Ability to change the direction of the program
    • Possibility of an extension in Myanmar or Thailand

    Notes:

    + We specialize in “tailor-made” tours for groups of two or more. We carefully inspect each step of your journey from the accommodation to the perfect guide to suit your needs
    + The itinerary is open to modification to fit your personal travel needs
    + Modifications to the itinerary may increase the price of the package
    + For the price of this trip, just ask for a quote by clicking on "TOUR PRICE"

    + If you are looking for a trip modified to your requirements, please send us your needs by filling out the form in Customize your trip” 
    + We will contact and send you a quote, excluding holiday period, within 48 hours of receiving your request .

  • Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

    Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

    hanoi toursUpon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will meet your guide and driver who will then escort you to the city centre. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you for some to relax after your long flight.

    Meals Included: None
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

    Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)

    In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognised ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We then enjoy a 45-minute-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.

    In the evening, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

    Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Overnight on Boat (B/L/D)

    Hanoi - Halong: 180km, 3.5h drive 

    After breakfast, we depart for Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong Bay’s wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for an overnight cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy the striking scenery of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served fresh local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Witness one of the world’s best the sunsets before you sit down for a luxurious dinner. The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island where you’ll have the option night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

    Day 4: Halong Boat Trip - Hanoi - Flight to Luang Prabang (Br/-/-)

    wat xieng thong laos torus

    Hanoi - Luang Prabang: 730km, 1h flight

    After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Halong bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay for in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue sailing around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, your driver will transfer you to your new hotel.

    Meals Included: Brunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

    Day 5: Luang Prabang (B/L/-)

    After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a short-guided tour to view the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong. Notice the low sweeping roofs typical of the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temples.

    We then board a boat heading upstream the Mekong River providing us with a view of the tranquil countryside as well as visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai where they make a local rice wine. On our return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a town well-known for its hand weaving.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

    Day 6: Luang Prabang - Flight to Vientiane (B/L/-)

    Luang Prabang - Vientiane: 340km, 50min flight

    After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace and the Central Market. We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we see the major temples including the oldest Wat Sisaket, known for its many miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo.  On the way, we view the sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. We take time to stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument (Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph). To wrap up a busy day we enjoy a sunset by Mekong Riverside before driving back to the hotel for the night.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

    Day 7: Vientiane - Flight to Siem Riep (B/-/-)

    monk cambodia tours

    Vientiane - Siem Riep : 675km, 2h55min flight

    After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to airport for flight to Siem Riep. Upon arrival in Siem Riep, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in. 

    After lunch on your own cost, we will visit the Roluos Group which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 8: Siem Riep - Angkor Wat (B/-/-)

    In the morning after breakfast, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. 

    After lunch at a local restaurant on your own cost, we visit the South Gate , the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal EnclosurePhimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper KingSunset at Angkor Wat.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 9: Banteay Srei - Ta Prohm - Preah Khan (B/-/-)

    cu chi tunel sai gon tours

    Morning after breakfast, we travel to Banteay Srei temple (10th century) which is regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Our next destination is Ta Prohm - one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

    In the afternoon, we continue our temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 10: Siem Riep - Tonle Sap Lake - Apsara Dance (B/-/D)

    After breakfast at hotel, we drive south to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10km from Siem Reap. Arrival there, we will take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

    After lunch on your own cost at a local restaurant, we visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap and time at leisure at a local market before back to hotel for your last night in Cambodia.

    This evening, enjoy Dinner with Apsara Dance Show. No visit to Cambodia is complete without at least a quick glimpse of women performing the ancient art of Apsara dance, as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples. Wearing glittering silk tunics, sequinned tops (into which they are sewn before each performance to achieve the requisite tight fit) and elaborate golden headdresses, they execute their movements with great deftness and deliberation, knees bent in plié, heels touching the floor first at each step, coy smiles on their faces. Every position has its own particular symbolism – a finger pointing to the sky, for instance, indicates “today”, while standing sideways to the audience with the sole of the foot facing upwards represents flying.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

    Day 11: Siem Riep - Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

    Siem Riep - Saigon: 465km, 1h5min flight

    After breakfast, we visit Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. We continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

    After lunch, we continue our temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, The temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve its situation. We visit a few more awe-inspiring temples and then head to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

    Day 12: Saigon - Cu Chi - City (B/L/-)

    After breakfast, we depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during their long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, schools and other necessary requirements for life underground. However, they are mostly known for their use as a military base by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

    In the afternoon, we have a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. Following this, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30th 1975 when Viet Cong tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. Enjoy beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next, to the cathedral stands the Old Saigon Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office.

     After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers you many delicious cuisines!  You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching local handicrafts and souvenirs. This is your last night so be sure to as our guides for some great restaurant recommendations!

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

    Day 13: Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon (B/L/-)

    Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

    After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to local as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre, we embark a boat to cruise along Ben Tre River, a tribute to the Mekong. With stops at the brickfield to see how bricks are made by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal where we witness how to make these local delicacy. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow abundantly in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or cycle through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere.

    After lunch at a local restaurant, we will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm trees. We cruise back to the pier and disembark for a drive back to Saigon

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

    Day 14: Saigon - Departure (B/-/-)

    After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to your next destination or back home. Travel safe and we hope you enjoyed your trip with Tonkin Voyage Travel!

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Prices

    This trip is private and therefore can be altered to suit your needs, date of commencement and budget requirements.

    Prices vary due to a number of specifics:

    • Seasonal: during high season (October-April), the prices of services are generally higher when compared to the low season (May-September).
    • The number of participants: the more of you that travel together the less you will pay!
    • The choice of hotels: Fairly obvious one here; a 5-star hotel can cost ten times as much as a 2 star hotel.
    • The activities during the trip: Two trips on the same itinerary and of the same length can have two different prices depending on the number and nature of activities included.
    • The booking date: In some cases, booking your trip late can drastically affect prices due to their low availability.

    Inclusion:

    • Accommodation as recommended or similar category according to availability.
    • Transfers according to program by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver except free day
    • English-speaking guide’s assistance at every stage
    • Meals as indicated in program (B: Breakfast /L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
    • Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
    • All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
    • Flights: Hanoi – Luang Prabang; Luang Prabang – Vientiane; Vientiane – Siem Riep; Siem Riep - Saigon
    • Halong Bay overnight on boat (sharing boat)
    • Private boat excursion in Pak Ou, Mekong Delta
    • Water and cool tissues
    • Government taxes & service charge

    Exclusion:

    • Other drinks and meals not clearly mentioned
    • Personal expenditures, tips
    • Personal insurance (compulsory)
    • Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
    • International air transfers associated with airport taxes
    • Visa and visa arrangement (available upon request)

    Booking

    Here are 2 steps to book your trip with Tonkin-Travel:

    Step 1. Focus on your travel program:

    You can choose this trip as is or customize it to your specific desires. Just click on the “Customize this trip” tab and fill in the form. One of our travel consultants will contact you within 48 hours to develop the travel program based on your specifications.

    Step 2. Booking:

    • Following the first step, tour program is selected and we access the rates.
    • Upon confirmation of the trip, the registration must be accompanied by a deposit up to 25% of the total estimate.
    • For programs with private junk (cruise) and/or 5 star hotels, the deposit is represented by 30% of the total estimate.
    • Tonkin-Travel carries out the booking process upon receipt of the deposit. Confirmation of these reservations is sent to customer within 10 days via email

    Nature of travel

    This trip is private. That implies:

    • You will be escorted by a private guide and driver. This approach guarantees a smooth trip with fewer organizational constraints.
    • You will be the master of your trip. We guarantee flexibility in organizing visits at your request.
    • Our services will be personalized according to your desires. Thus the proposals in this package are not fixed and you can bring suggest all the desired changes.
    • You receive individualized care: ample food, organizing small events (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.), targeted information, followed necessary modifications, etc.

    Accommodation

    • Accommodation is an important expenditure of your trip. When you choose a luxury trip for example, the accommodation can represent three quarters of the price. Thus, your choice of hotels is closely related to your budget.
    • Tonkin-Travel has negotiated rates with a wide range of hotels from 2 to 5 stars.
    • In some places you will have the option to choose ‘home-stay’. Although this provides less comfort that a hotel it is a truly authentic experience and highly recommended for at least one night of your journey.

    Transport

    All transfers during your trip are covered by private vehicle with driver, unless otherwise indicated in our offer. We ensure that our vehicles are new and comfortable. Fuel, tolls, accommodation, compensation and the driver are included in our offer. Only gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

    The size of the selected vehicle is based on the number of tour participants according to the following quality standards:

    No. of participants

    2 pax

    3 pax

    From 4 to 7 pax

    From 8 to 14 pax

    From 15 to 20 pax

    Vehicle size

    Car 4-7 seats

    Car 7 or minivan 
    16 seats

    Minivan 16 seats

    Bus 24 seats

    Bus 35 or 45 seats

    Domestic flights

    If your trip includes domestic flights if any, they will be operated by Vietnam Airlines, the largest airline in Vietnam. The fleet consists mainly of Airbus and Boeing. On some short trips, the company operates 72 ATR and some Fokker.

    Rail transport

    Train travel can be offered (particularly between Hanoi-Lao Cai and Hanoi-Hue). Travelling at a speed of 60km/h on average it is not necessarily the fastest but an interesting experience nonetheless.

  • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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      Your message (Ex: The desired steps and activities, what you like, what you do not,
      the health condition of the participants, your questions on this trip...)

    • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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        Which country would you like to discover? *
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        Describe your trip
        These ideas are a guide for creating a trip suitable for your needs and expectations
        • Your desire to travel (culture, adventure, beach extension, local meetings, nature, etc.)
        • The desired pace of your trip (moderate, free and easy, etc.)
        • Your knowledge of the country. Your interests
        • The opportunity of your trip (vacation, wedding anniversary, cultural group, etc.)
        • Remarks (Room types, diet, special requests, etc.)

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