The Best of Indochina
19 Nights / 20 Days

Destinations: Thailand-Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia (Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Hauixai-Mekong River-Pak Beng-Luang Prabang-Vientiane-Hanoi-Sapa-Halong Bay-Ankor Wat).

Activities: Sightsee extraordinary ancient palaces, temples, museums, and historical sites of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, cruise down the Majestic Mekong River, excursions to hill tribe villages to explore ethnic cultures and scenic places, Elephant trekking and bamboo rafting, visit the Nature World Heritage site of Halong Bay, Cultural World Heritage sites of Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, and savor the delicious cuisines of the Mekong Sub-Region countries.

Trip Grade: Easy and fun filled trip
Best Season: October to March is the best time to visit the Mekong Sub-Region countries.

Itinerary: The Best of Indochina 20 Days:
Day 1 Arrive Bangko
Meet on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Remaining time at leisure. Evening-group briefing on tour schedule, staff introduction and various necessities to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok Grand Palace and ancient Temples
Breakfast at the hotel,
08:00am depart to visit Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is also well known as the first open university of Thailand; for example, Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massage techniques from this temple.

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) located within the palace complex, various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart Throne Hall and the residential area. Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most beautiful temples in the royal grand palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Dress Code: Semi formal casual attire is required to enter the Royal Grand Palace. Thus, please be in comfortable casual formal clothes while touring the Royal Grand Palace. High cut shorts, skirts, beach attires, and bare shoulders are not allowed. If you are not in proper attire, you will be asked to rent one at the palace gate! Recommendation on Foot Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes such Tevas, tennis shoes and others that you can easily take off and put on because you are required to take off your shoes while visiting the temples.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant.
After lunch, visit the National Museum in Bangkok. The visit to the National Museum is to give you an insight about the history of Thailand, its people and culture. Museum opens 9.00am to 4.00pm, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays. At the end of museum tour, transfer back to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 3 Bangkok-Chiang Mai flight, Doi Suthep and Handicrafts tour
Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Bangkok Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, transfer to visit National Museum and the Hill-Tribe Museum. After the museum visits, we drive to visit Wat Prathad Doi Sutep, which proclaim to have a holy relic of Lord Buddha, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai located on a scenic hilltop inside the Doi-Pui National Park. To reach the temple, we drive up the base of Doi Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps are flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Those of you do not wish to walk up the stairs can take the tram both ways. Then, we will return to Chiang Mai town for lunch break.

Chiang Mai Handicraft and cottage industry in the afternoon:
In the afternoon, we visit local handicraft centers on Sankampaeng Road to see Thai silk and cotton loom industries, Bo-sang the paper and umbrella-making village; lacquer-ware, teak-wood carving, jewelry, and silverware artworks. This particular street in Chiang Mai is set aside for small and medium handicraft as well as cottage industries to show case and make their products. Thus, visitors can see how the local handicrafts are made, a first hand experience. Then, return to hotel and at leisure until departure for Khan-toke Dinner.

Evening-we enjoy Khan-toke, traditional northern Thai welcome dinner, and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in costumes, dialects, and culture. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai. Meals. BLD.

Day 4 Elephant Nature Park and Bamboo rafting
After breakfast, we'll travel about 30 miles from the city to visit the Elephant Nature Park. This organization rescues elephants from loggers, the streets of Bangkok and other cities, and from other commercial parks. We will learn about the challenges of caring for these magnificent animals and reintroducing them into the wild. On arrival, we will be met by the volunteers, get introduced to the elephants and the project. Then, we will feed the elephants. A delicious lunch will be served by the volunteers. Then, we will go with the elephants to the river to help them bath. At the end of bathing the giants, we will bamboo raft for about an hour and transfer to our country resort with spa facilities for the evening. Meals: BL.

Remarks: Please note that elephant camps cannot be stationary in one mentioned location permanently because Government regulations in relation with deforestation, land management, private property regulation, and environmental factors could force the camp to move elsewhere. If the mentioned venue is not available, an alternative will be offered. This information must be updated close to trip departure.

Day 5 Overland to Thaton and at Leisure
Breakfast at resort, and drive to Thaton through the scenic road. En-route stops are made at scenic places and at Wat Tha Ton to see the scenic valley. Next, we'll take a short long tail boat ride to Huai Khum Village Resort, the only boutique as well as eco resort in the Mae Kok River valley, which is truly a paradise. On arrival, check in, have lunch and remaining time at leisure. Swim at its beautiful pool, walk along in the nearby village or simply relax to enjoy the scenery. Evening-we will have dinner with Lisu folk song and dance show. Meals: BLD.

Day 6 Thaton-Golden Triangle of Chiang Rai
Early morning breakfast and travel by long tail boat down the Nam Mae Kok River. Along the way, we will visit hill-tribe villages such as Ban Jakku, and Ban Ruamit. At the end of boat trip, we will drive to Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR borders meet. We'll enjoy the scenic views of the Mekong River and triangular border area from the Thai side. Next, we visit the Chiang Saen National Museum. Lunch served en-route at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meals: BLD.

Day 7 Chiang Rai (Thailand) to Ban Houaysai (Laos)-Pak Beng
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and 07.00AM drive to Thai-Lao border at Chiang Khong. On arrival, go to Thai Immigration departure clearance, board the local canoes and cross the Mekong River to Laos. Farewell to Thai staff.

Guests are met on the Lao side of the border at 8am from where we transfer by Tuk Tuk directly to the boat station, Ban Hoeisai. Take the normal/slow boat to Pakbeng. The boats do not stop at villages along the way. The night is spent in a night at Villa Salika Hotel or similar in Pak Beng. Meals: BLD.

Day 8 Pak Beng to Luang Prabang
Another day of a wonderful boat trip on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. We will stop at Pak Ou Cave, the former royal worship place, containing thousands of Buddha images, and continue journey to Luang Prabang. Late afternoon, arrive Luang Prabang. Transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Rama Hotel or similar in Luang Prabang.
Meals: BL.

Day 9 Luang Prabang-Half day city tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning part of the day: we visit to the National Museum (old king's palace), the former royal temples, Phousi Mount, Wat Sen, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visun and the handicraft village "Ban Phanom".

Afternoon: Kuangsi Waterfall or at leisure to explore Luang Prabang on your own.
Transportation: Private, air-conditioned.
Overnight at Rama Hotel or similar.
Meals: BL

Day 10 Luang Prabang to Vientiane flight
Early morning breakfast at the guesthouse and transfer for a flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, check into hotel, refresh, and begin city tour of the historic sites including Wat Sisaket, Hor Prakeo, Wat Simuang, That Luang, Pra Tou Chai.
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel Lao (standard hotel in city center).
Transport: Private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Meals: BL.

Day 11 Vientiane at Leisure
Breakfast at hotel and at leisure to explore Vientiane on your own.
Overnight at Hotel Lao (standard hotel in city center).
Meals: B.

Day 12 Vientiane to Ha Noi flight and tour
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for a flight to Hanoi.

Meet on arrival on arrival in Hanoi, you will clear immigration and customs.
Transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar pagoda, Ho Chi Minh house, Temple of literature. Dinner at restaurant and transfer to Hanoi Station for overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train.
Meals: BLD.

Day 13 Lao Cai-Sapa
Meet on arrival then transfer to Sapa. Breakfast at restaurant. Check in hotel (if room available). Trekking to visit Cat Cat village. Back to Sapa for lunch at restaurant.
Afternoon, transfer you to visit Ta Van village. Dinner at restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 14 Sapa-Lao Cai-Hanoi
Breakfast at hotel. Free for explore Sapa town. Lunch at restaurant. Transfer to visit Ta Phin village then transfer to Lao Cai. After dinner transfer to Lao Cai station for overnight train to Hanoi. Overnight on train.
Meals: BLD.

Day 15 Hanoi-Ha Long
Meet on arrival, breakfast at restaurant, and drive to Ha Long. Arrive Halong. Check in at hotel. Free at leisure on beach. Dinner at restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 16 Ha Long-Hanoi
Breakfast at hotel. Take 04 hour boat trip to explore Halong Bay-the World heritage site. Seafood lunch on boat. Afternoon, we return to Hanoi. Free at leisure or shopping.
Overnight at hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 17 Hanoi-Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for a flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meet guide, visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Bapuon, Terrace of Elephants and Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimean Akas, Jouneay 20Kms. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, visit the famous Angkor Wat, sunset view at Angkor Wat. Dinner at hotel & overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 18 Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, then, visit Main Circuit, with the visit of Pre Rup, Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Preah Khan (passing from East to West). Jouneay. 37 Kms. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Keo, Ta Prohm ( passing West to East), Banteay Kdei, Terrace of Sras Srang, Prasat Kravan. Dinner at hotel & overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 19 Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, visit Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei. Lunch at hotel. Afternoon, visit Gate of the Death, Thommanon , Chau Say, Spean Thma, North Khleang, Preah Pithu. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Siem reap.
Meal: BLD.

Day 20 Departure from Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, and leisure until transfer to the Siem Reap Airport for your next destination flight departure. End of Discover Asia Travel services.
Meal: BL.

Tour Cost Includes:
Nineteen nights accommodation in quality hotels on twin sharing with breakfast,
meals are based on half to full-board as stated in the day-to-day itinerary,
tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary,
entrance fees to monuments and parks visited on this tour,
English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour,
transportation by air-conditioned tour coach, van and boat on the tour,
all internal transfers in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, and insurance for the duration of the tour while in Thailand.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Thailand visa fees (US Citizens are exempted; other nationalities, contact your nearest Thai consulate),
Laos visa fees upon arrival at the airport US$30 per person (processing fee in Bangkok US$20 per person),
Vietnam Visa on arrival can be arranged through us at US$55 per person, Cambodia visa is issued on arrival at US$20 per person,
international airfares, airport departure tax (Thailand US$12, Vientiane US$15, Hanoi US$14, and Siem Reap US$25; these figures are guide lines only and are subject to change);
meals not mentioned in the program, personal insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, and emergencies.

Package Prices Terms and Conditions:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. The package prices are subject to change should there be changes in government tax policies, local currency exchange rates and major changes in US Dollar exchange rates.
We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our guests and us (the tour operator) in the planned destination. In such events, alteration of an itinerary is done for the safety of our clients, and any extra charges in situations beyond our control will have to be born by the guests.
An itinerary may slightly change between now and by the time the trip departs. Changes are usually caused through development in the planned route, environmental changes and government regulations to natural and cultural landscapes. Changes are usually for improvement and safety.