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Day
1: LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL and VISIT
Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, transfer and check-in
at the hotel.
The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang, is
perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia.
Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation
as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery
and sense of timelessness. In 1995 UNESCO voted Luang Prabang
as a World Heritage City. Visit with private guide and car, Vat
Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa,Vat Makmo,
more Srilankalese style than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat
Aham, which is one of the city's major tutelary shrines,
dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors).
Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the
city. Continue to visit Vat Mai, built in 1796, famous
for the five - tiered roof of its wooden sim built in the standard
of Luang Prabang style. Sunset at Vat Siphouthabath located
along the Mekong River. Overnight accommodation at the MUANGLUANG
hotel.
Day 2: LUANGPRABANG-
PAK OU -LUANGPRABANG
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as
the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the
classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep
low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels
housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in
1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside
are an impressive 12-meter high funeral chariot and various funeral
urns of each Royal Family's member. The gilt panel on the exterior
of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana. Then
board a traditional riverboat for a trip upstream the Mekong
River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou housing thousands of
statues representing Lord Buddha. Return to Luang Prabang and
car to visit teh village of Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village
for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural
dyes.
Day 3
/ LUANG PRABANG
Departure by road with guide and private car to the Khuang Xi
Waterfalls (30 kms, approx. 1 hour drive). The waterfalls tumble
over multi - tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools
ideal for swimming and relaxing. On the way to the waterfalls,
visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene for a glimpse
into their lifestyle. Return to Luang Prabang and visit of Vat
Sene monastry built in the year 1718. Accommodation at the MUANGLUANG
hotel.
Day 4: LUANGPRABANG-
VIENTIANE
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the National Museum (former King's
Palace) displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the
Royal Family: photos, musical equipment and gifts received from
foreign countries. Visit local market/ Transfer to the airport
for flight to Vientiane. Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay
airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Vientiane's major
attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate
the center of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with
tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French
architecture.
Visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built
in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828.
Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images.
Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy.
Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970
and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts
in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous
Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok's Wat Phra Keo. One
of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patousay, the
victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its
architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another
famous Vientiane landmark is the that Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath
built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure
is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated
lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord
Buddha. Acommodation at the NOVOTEL hotel 3 star superior.
Day 5
/ VIENTIANE - HANOÏ
Ventiane, free time at leisure and transfer to airport for your
flight to Hanoi in Vietnam. at arrival transfer to hotel. overnight
in hotel.
Day 6:
HANOI VISIT
visit of the town, capital of Vietnam. and discover its colonial
and traditional places including: Sword Lake, Temple of Literature,
One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple by
the West Lake. and visit ethnology museum, then have stroll in
the trishaw in the colonial districts around the "36 corporation"
quarters of the city, and visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. In the
evening, water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7
/ HANOÏ - NAM DINH - HAIPHONG- CAT BA
morning depart with private car and guide, following the Red
River to Nam Dinh, visit of Tuc Mac et Pho Minh sanctuary and
arrive Haiphong. Board on a hydrofoil to travel to Cat Ba Island.
Night in Cat Ba island
Day 8
/ HALONG - Cruise in HALONG BAY -HANOÏ
Departure with private boat for a cruise of 6 hours on the clear
and emerald water through the extraordinary landscapes of Halong
Bay with nearly 3000 small islands and various types of limestone
and natural caves with various shape of stalagmites such as Thien
Cung, Dau Go. Lunch on board served with fish and seafood. Return
to Hanoi. Night Hanoi
Day 9/
HANOÏ - HUE
Short visit of Hanoi and departure by plane to Hue. At arrival,
transfer to hotel and visit with private guide and car, of the
Imperial city Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty, and visit
Dongba market
Day 10:
HUE
After breakfast we embark on a private Sampan boat for cruise
upstream on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of
the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to The beautiful
pagoda of Thien Mu. Upon leaving this symbol of Hue we continue
navigating to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil
setting of gardens and lakes. The next stop of our trip is the
elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous pagoda
of Tu Hieu. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the
bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots
where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies
Night in Hue. (B)
Day 11 : HUE
- HO CHI MINH Ville (Saigon)
time at leisure, then we take a short fligh to the south. Ho
Chi Minh City ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is
crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping
area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour of dynamic
Ho Chi Minh City, (still called Saigon) Ben Thanh , China town,
Ba pagoda, Ngoc Hoang temple. Night in Saigon
Day 12
: HO CHI MINH Ville - MEKONG DELTA - CHAU DOC
Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta,
Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on
a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta
region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up.
The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before
arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some
fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste
many seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we return
to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful
Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which
is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.
Departure to Chau Doc towne. O/N in Chau Doc.
Day 13 / CHAU
DOC - PHNOM PENH (Cambodia) by boat
Morning departure by boat for a 5 hours cruise from Chau Doc
to Phnom penh in Cambodia. On the we pass the border between
Vietnam and Cambodia. At Arrival in Phnom penh, your Cambodian
guide is waiting for you, and transfer to hotel. Start visits
of Phnom penh with private car and guide. we will visit the Royal
Palace and the Silver Pagoda . The Palace is a magnificent example
of Khmer architecture, it was built in 1866. You will see the
Throne Hall and the Napoleon III Pavilion. Silver Pagoda is one
of the richest shrines in the world . The floor is made of 5.000
silver tiles, the, visit of central market. Night Phnom penh
Day 14 / PHNOM
PENH
With your professional guide and prived car we start to visit
Phnom Penh . Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle
Sap Rivers, the Cambodia's capital city look like a big village-
town where French colonial influences can still be seen in old
buildings restored. We will first go to see Wat Phnom Temple.
Then, we will visit of the National Museum, a Khmer red pavilion,
which is dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority are
from the Angkor period (9th to 15th century), and some from the
4th century. If you would like to see, you will visit Tuol Sleng
Genocide Museum and the russian market. we will enjoy a boat
cruise on the Mekong River to see Phnom Penh from the river,
and watching the sunset over Phnom Penh. overnight in hotel
Day 15:
PHNOM PENH /SIEM REAP
Transfer to the the harbor at 6 AM transfer to the speed boat
to Siem Reap-Angkor. (about 5 hours boat) . Landscape and scenic
views of the Cambodian rural life along the riverbank (optional
by air, extra 45 dollars). At arrival in Siem Reap Port, Transfer
to your hotel in Siem reap. Begining of visit with you private
guide and car. Visit of Siem reap town and market and at 14h30
departure to the Angkor site to see Angkor Wat from outside when
the sunlight its the best and will visit Bakheng Temple on the
top of a hill with spectacular views over Angkor Wat and watch
sunset on all Angkor site. overnight in hotel
Day 16:
ANGKOR VISIT
Siem Reap is the nearest town to the temple complex of Angkor.
From the 9th to 13th Century, Angkor was the heart of a rich
and sophisticated civilization. You will see massive stone monuments,
wide majestic causeways, imposing gateways and towers - all in
a wonderful jungle setting. Morning you will visit with your
prived professional guide, the "Great City" of Angkor
Thom, visits include the famous Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas Temple
within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace
of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Afternoon dedicated to visit the most famous & magnificent
Angkor Wat temple.
This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century
and covers an area of about 210 hectares.With many galleries
with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full
of water, carved bas-reliefs about Ramayana Story and day-to-day
life at the time of Angkor's construction.
Day 17: ANGKOR
VISIT
Morning visit of a selection of temples, including the Royal
City of Preah Khan whi impressive sculptures, Neak Pean built
on a small circular island, Ta Som, East Mebon, Preah Rup.
Afternoon we will continue our visits by Thommanon temple , Ta
keo , one of Angkor's great temple mountains, Ta Prohm with a
part of the jungle, Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang a Royal bathing
place, Prasat Kravan with unique brick sculpturesWe will visit
Les Chantiers Ecole, a handicraft center located in the center
of Siem Reap. Les Chantiers Ecole was founded in 1992 and its
goal is to revive that ancient Khmer art. This organization gives
young people the opportunity to learn the art of stone, wood
carving, and silk weaving .
Day 18:
VISIT BANTEAY SREI / ROLUOS
Morning we will visit the enchanting Banteay Srei. It appears
that the temple was designed to leave no space undecorated, and
the fine carvings in pink sandstone are quite unique. The second
visit will be to Banteay Samre, with elaborate architecture and
exceptional carvings, and we will visit of a local village. Afternoon,
we will visit the earliest temples of Angkor area a the Roluos
group. The three Roluos temples have been in years 877 to 889.
They are the Bakong Temple Mountain with beautiful carvings on
the false doors and lintels, the funerary temple of Preah Ko,
and Lolei Temple.
Day 19:
BOAT RIDE on TONLE SAP LAKE / SILK CENTER / DEPARTURE
This morning we will enjoy a boat ride on the Tonle Sap lake.
This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South East
Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom
Penh. We will see a fisherman "floating village" with
floatting schools, floatting police station, etc. It is same
as a big village floatting on the lake, and the "village"
move from place to place following water levels and curant.
Time permitting, we will visit Siem Reap central market and the
Silk Farm in Puok, established by a French NGO to revive Cambodia's
beautiful silk production. We can see every step of silk production
. Transfer to Siem Reap Airport. 2hours before your departure
with international flight. |
