Day 1: Hanoi. Arrival & Free Time

Arrival at Hanoi airport via flight XX.

Welcome by Tonkin Voyage driver and transfer without a guide to the city for check-in (Room available from 13:30). Free time for your personal exploration. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Included: Private transport airport - hotel, Accommodation, Meals: none

Suggested self-guided tour:

Take a stroll through the old quarter of the city and then to the French quarter, exploring key sites: the opera house, the Indochina Bank, the former Superior Residence of Tonkin (Sofitel Metropole Hotel), the street of medicinal plants, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Water puppet show: The theater is a 5-minute walk from your hotel.

Evening: Gastronomy tour on foot in the old town:

Hoan Kiem Street – next to Thang Long puppet theater: green papaya salad with dried beef, "nem chua"

To Tich Street: mixed fruit with yogurt, caramel.

52 Ly Quoc Su: several traditional and authentic dishes.

Ta Hien Street – known as the "international crossroad": fresh beer in a friendly atmosphere with the lively echo of the surroundings...

Day 2: Hanoi. City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30 am: Start your exploration of Hanoi with a cyclo ride allowing you to visit the old quarter of the city and then the French quarter, discovering key sites: the opera house, the Indochina Bank, the former Superior Residence of Tonkin (Sofitel Metropole Hotel), the street of medicinal plants, the cathedral, and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Then, head to Phung Hung mural street, which reproduces images of the ancient and contemporary city on the 17 stone walls of the viaduct, over which the famous Reunification Train passes. Take a walk to Dong Xuan Market – the largest market in the city and a small local market at the back, a very intense place of life and encounters. Finally, end your walk with a visit to the Long Bien Bridge (Paul-Doumer Bridge) dating back to the French colonial era, crossing from one bank to the other you will admire the Red River and discover all the unlikely loads of bicycles, scooters, and the train.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, or the Temple of Confucius, a very important historical and cultural monument in Hanoi and the country. A beautiful temple that makes you realize the antiquity of Vietnamese culture. It is also one of the few remnants of the royal era that remains in good condition today.

And a heritage walk along the West Lake with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on West Lake Island, and Quan Thanh Temple, dating back to the 11th century, a sacred place of pilgrimage for the people of Hanoi. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast,

Day 3: Hanoi – Pu Luong/ Homestay

Easy walk – possibility to modify according to your health condition

Breakfast at the hotel

8:00 am: Transfer to Pu Luong (165 km – 4 hours by road).

Several stops to admire the magnificent landscapes and for the most beautiful photos of terraced rice fields.

Arrival at Pu Luong, check-in and lunch with a local family.

In the afternoon, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you start your walk in search of beautiful water wheels. Discover how water moves from the river to bamboo aqueducts made by simple constructions of all sizes. Upon reaching the picturesque Lap Tan bridge, you will return to your driver for the return to the homestay. Free time to explore this beautiful place, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Pu Luong. Hikes/ Homestay

Breakfast at the homestay

In the morning, depart for a beautiful day of hiking through villages and terraced rice fields. Walk through small paths wrapped in rice-growing areas to slowly reveal a picturesque village nestled at the foot of an imposing mountain.

Your camera will not be able to rest!

First, take a walk along the Ma River, along the way, to enjoy a beautiful view of the river, rice fields, and water wheels. Arrive at Pho Doan, visit the local market. Then we will walk about 2 hours to the Ma River via the other side of Ban Doc to the village of Hieu where you will have lunch with a local family.

In the afternoon, visit Ban Hieu village and if health permits, you will visit Hieu waterfall. In the late afternoon, return to your driver to return to the homestay for your rest. Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh. Authentic Villages

Breakfast at the homestay

In the morning, drive to Ninh Binh (150km – 3h30 drive), one of Vietnam's most renowned sites, also known as the "Inland Halong Bay" due to its reliefs reminiscent of the famous "Halong Bay" with many limestone hills covered with lush vegetation, a succession of natural circuses connected by tunnels dug by erosion.

Upon arrival, visit the magnificent site of Hoa Lu to discover its temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968-80), and Le Dai Hanh of the Le dynasty (980-1009).

Then climb Mount Truong Yen to discover the tomb of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. From up there, you will have a panoramic view of the village of Truong Yen and its surroundings, wonderful landscapes composed of ancient houses and limestone mountains surrounded by rice fields.

Check-in at the hotel. Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, transfer to Mrs. Thom's house in Yen Khanh where you will have an extraordinary walk in the village to discover popular craft trades: mat making, pottery making, making rice noodles… in the manual and traditional way. Possibility of initiation for mat making, guided by village women.

Return to your hotel and free time to rest. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Ninh Binh, land of the terrestrial Halong Bay

Breakfast at the hotel.

This day is dedicated to discovering Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam's most renowned sites, also known as the "Inland Halong Bay" due to its reliefs reminiscent of the famous "Halong Bay" with many limestone hills covered with lush vegetation, a succession of natural circuses connected by tunnels dug by erosion.

8:00 am: Early morning to avoid mass tourism: Boarding a bamboo rowing boat, you will enjoy an unforgettable 2-hour ride to Thung Nham through a unique landscape between flooded rice fields and karst peaks passing through the 3 beautiful caves that give it its name. A spectacle that is both sublime and relaxing. (Thung Nham - a site as beautiful as Tam Coc but much less touristy).

Then, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, located on Ngu Nhac Mountain, where three pagodas and a monastery built in the 17th century stand. Those who have seen the movie "Indochine" will remember this magical and unreal place where the two fugitives come to take shelter.

In the afternoon, take a walk/bike ride to visit Thai Vi Temple, located amidst rice fields & mountains. Along the way, you will discover local life and typical landscapes of the region.

Continue the walk to the Hang Mua site, climbing the 486 stone steps to the top of the bell-shaped mountain near Tam Coc. At the top, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the "Inland Halong Bay".

Return to your hotel and rest time. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Tam Coc.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Ninh Binh – Lan Ha Bay. Cruise & Overnight on board

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, welcome by the guide and the driver then drive from Tam Coc to Tuan Chau Marina port.

12:00 pm: Boarding. After checking in on board, you will receive a briefing on the cruise and safety instructions. Lunch will be served in the luxury restaurant on board - while you savor delicious Vietnamese and international cuisines, the cruise will slowly head towards magnificent islands of Lan Ha Bay such as Da Chong, Con Vit, and Gia Luan.

3:00 pm: Visit the Dark & Light caves - famous for their immaculate natural beauty and poetic marine landscape of Lan Ha Bay. Here, you will take some photos of the romantic and lyrical local sites. It's also the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boats - which is an interesting activity to discover the true beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay.

5:00 pm: Return on board to admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. A cooking demonstration will be organized on board or enjoy our "happy hour" promotion at the boat bar.

7:00 pm: Dinner will be served. Then, you can rest in your lovely cabin or join the squid fishing with the crew.

Included: Private transport, Private cabin, English-speaking guide on board, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Siem Reap

6:00 am: We advise you to wake up early to admire the bay at sunrise while enjoying a refreshing Tai Chi session on the terrace.

7:00 am: Breakfast on board while sailing to the Tra Bau region - the famous filming location of Kong Skull Island (King Kong) in Quang Ninh in 2018.

8:15 am: Kayaking and swimming to explore the Tra Bau region.

9:30 am: Return to the boat for check-out procedures.

10:00 am: On the way back, you can enjoy a delicious brunch.

11:35 am: We return to the quay on the south side of the bay where our visitors disembark and then join your driver for the road to Hanoi towards Ha Noi airport (~175km, ~3h30 drive) for the flight to Siem Reap: VN843 - 17h55-19h40. Arrival in Siem Reap, welcome and transfer without guide to the city for check-in. Meals on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide on board, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on board, Flight Hanoi – Siem Reap

Day 9: Siem Reap. Angkor Tour by Tuk Tuk

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 am: Departure by Tuk Tuk with a private guide to the Angkor Site, discovering the sites of Angkor Thom: the Bayon mountain temple, the Baphoun, Baksei Chamkrong, the Terrace of the Leper King, the ancient Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Elephants. Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, still by Tuk Tuk, explore Angkor Wat, an imposing "mountain temple" built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. This sanctuary, marking the peak of the Khmer kingdom, is by its concentric enclosure plan, by the perfection of its proportions and the richness of its sculpted decoration, the most beautiful achievement of classical Khmer art. If the traveler had to see only one monument in Angkor, it would be this one! Sunset from Preah Rup temple. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private transport, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Siem Reap. Great City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to the Roluos Group (Hariharalaya). The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital under Indravarman I (reign 877-89), are among the largest temples of the pre-Angkorian era and mark the beginning of traditional Khmer art. Visit Preah Ko, erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century, dedicated by the king to his ancestors in 880. - Bakong, the most important and interesting temple of the Roluos group, with its Buddhist monastery located north of the east entrance - Lolei, with its 4 brick towers, a replica of Preah Kho, built on an island - now covered by rice fields - by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city of Angkor. Lunch on your own.

Followed by a visit to the most astonishing temples in the entire Angkor site, Ta Keo, hidden in lush vegetation, as well as the temples of Neak Pean, Preah Khan, and Thommanon. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Siem Reap. Authentic Villages

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the Prei Monti Village, where you will meet "Mrs. Ri" in front of the colorful local market Roluos, visit the market while buying vegetables, freshwater fish, meat, spices. Mrs. Ri will help you prepare typical Cambodian cuisine. Then continue the visit to KAMPONG PLUK, a fishing village and lake forest. A very special village, the stilted village of Kampong Pluk on Tonle Sap Lake. 2,500 people live there, almost all of Khmer origin fishermen, perpetuating a surprising way of life where water is at the center of everything. Depending on whether you visit the village in the dry season or the rainy season, it can look completely different. Here, traditionally, people change houses every season, moving to the stilted houses during the rainy season (when the water reaches up to six meters deep), returning to the "ground floor" when the river begins to recede, before completely deserting the village as the lake dries up, preferring small temporary huts built by the water's edge.

Return to the Prei Monti village, then continue learning to cook with our hosts. Lunch with this family. It's a simple but typically Khmer meal. Immerse yourself in local life by bike or on foot in the heart of the Khmer countryside if the weather permits. Discover along the way colorful pagodas, small markets, tropical plantations, meet children returning from school, giant white cows, villagers with the help of your guide. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Siem Reap - Flight to Luang Prabang via Paksé

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out at noon. Free day for your personal discovery.

2:30 pm: transfer to the airport for the return flight VN 930 - 5:05 pm - 6:35 pm

Arrival in Luang Prabang, welcome and transfer to the city for check-in. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Luang Prabang. City Tour by Tuktuk

Note: Around 5 am, the monks parade through the streets of Luang Prabang seeking alms. If you wish, you can wake up early and witness this beautiful spiritual spectacle in Luang Prabang. Return to the hotel for a shower and breakfast.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Discovery of the city's historic temple: Vat Visoun built in the early 16th century. It was partially destroyed in a fire in 1887, and the architects responsible for its renovation chose to give it an architecture inspired by the Khmer temple Vat Phou.

A few steps away, discovery of Vat Aham. Continue the visit to Luang Prabang with the temple Vat Xieng Thong, the monastery of the Golden City, whose ornaments, mosaics, stupas are the most refined. In this temple, you can discover a spectacular reclining Buddha in a purely Laotian style.

Heuan Chan Heritage House - The first house supervised by the Heritage House. Located in the city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huean Chan House is a traditional house dating back over 100 years. It is now transformed into a museum, cultural, and recreational center where you are welcome to visit and discover authentic life in Luang Prabang.

Then climb up Phousi Hill for a pleasant exploration of the sacred and golden stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Luang Prabang - Bamboo Experience - Kuang Si Waterfall

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30 am: Start your day at the Bamboo Experience. You will be given an explanation of bamboo work and its significant role among the Laotians. Your guide will show you the technique and use of each bamboo product such as fishing tools, musical instruments...

Participation in a bamboo weaving class with expert teacher guides. Try your hand at cutting bamboo into several pieces with a knife, then weaving them for about an hour to complete your own mat that you will take with you as a souvenir. Then enjoy a bamboo culinary demonstration, namely: bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot with banana leaf sticky rice... After, savor your creations in the traditional Laotian house (Pavilion style) overlooking wonderful landscapes and rice fields.

In the afternoon, depart for an excursion to the Khuang Sy Waterfalls. In the heart of the natural park, the scenery is breathtaking. In the middle of the forest, turquoise waters flow into basins forming natural pools where enthusiasts can swim and enjoy this unforgettable site in peace. (Possibility of swimming if the weather permits. Prepare personal belongings for swimming). Dinner on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Luang Prabang. Mekong Cruise - Pak Ou Cave - Villages

Breakfast at the hotel.

8:30 am: Welcome by the guide and driver from Tonkin Voyage Travel.

We embark on an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering us a panoramic view of the peaceful countryside. We make sure to stop at the Pak Ou caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories of thousands of Buddha images.

We will also stop in a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene. We also have the chance to climb to Wat Chomphet. Here, you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from the other side of the river. Once back in the city of Luang Prabang, we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weaving and Saa paper (jute) making.

Return to Luang Prabang at the end of the day. Meals on your own. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Luang Prabang. Free Day - Flight to Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day until the transfer without a guide to the airport for the flight to Bangkok: QV633 - 07:30 - 09:30 or FD1031 - 15:50 - 17:20

Arrival at Bangkok airport, welcome by the Tonkin Voyage driver and transfer without a guide to the city. Check-in at the hotel (hotel room available from 2 pm). You are free for your personal discovery. Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel in Bangkok.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Bangkok. City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, we visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the royal family ceremony of Thailand. In the same complex is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew known for the Emerald Buddha statue. After visiting this complex, we continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the reclining Buddha.

In the afternoon, a walk in the Chinatown which is considered the liveliest area in Bangkok and renowned for various specialties from countries in the region. The dishes served are prepared only from the freshest ingredients of the day. We will visit Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha.

Then, embark on a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya and numerous lively inner canals that offer fantastic views of local life nearby. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Return to the hotel and free time for relaxation. Meals on your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak - Kanchanaburi

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, take a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, the high-resolution urban landscape dissolves into a lush green rural idyll. This day trip to Samut Songkhram province, just an hour from the capital, will allow you to discover the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.

The day starts with a trip to the Mae Klong railway market; a country market has sprouted up along the tracks. When a train enters or leaves the station, vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again a few moments later, when the train has passed! From there, the journey continues to the famous touristy Damnoen Saduak floating market. Although very touristy today, the market remains the best example to show what a floating market was originally like decades ago.

A relaxing pedal boat ride through the maze of canals offers the chance to see the old part of the floating market and the local lifestyle along the canal. Then it's time to stroll through the lively colorful floating market of boats and tropical fruit and other delicacies vendors.

Then, we continue the road to the city of Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the World War II memorial, including the Jeath war museum, cemetery.

Visit the Kwai bridge. Then, board for a train ride along the death railway, railway enthusiasts can travel on one of Southeast Asia's historic tracks, the remaining part of the "Death Railway" departing from Nam Tok station to Kanchanaburi city for the night.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, depart for Erawan National Park located 65km from Kanchanaburi city. Visit the magnificent Erawan waterfalls, composed of 7 absolutely stunning cascades pouring successively into each other. These cascades with opaque and majestic colors are located in the heart of a green and lush jungle absolutely unique. You will have the chance to enjoy a relaxing swim in these natural pools.

In the afternoon, we will depart for Ayutthaya, it takes about over 2, 5 hours to reach the ancient Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. Free time and relaxation. Meals on your own. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Ayutthaya - Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel.

We will take Kermit tuk tuk. These "cute" tuk tuks are only found in two Thai provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the way, explore the highlights of the city temples from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree) and stroll through a local market on the way to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

And after that, we will visit the summer palace of Bang Pa-In, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace features an eclectic collection of buildings blending European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. It is the king's favorite summer palace. And return to Bangkok. Meals on your own. Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Private transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Bangkok – Free Day – Departure Flight

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Today is a free day until your departure transfer, without a guide, to the airport for your departure flight. Meals are at your leisure, and you'll spend the night aboard the flight.

Included: Private transportation, Meals: Breakfast

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