Project Description

Indochina Passage

19 Days / 18 Nights

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
angkor thom
Indochina Passage

PRICE AND DATE

DATES Twin
Sharing
Apr  – Sep CAD 6,310
Oct  – Mar CAD 6,590

Prices include accommodations with breakfast, private transfers & tours, admissions, some meals, boat tickets. Package excludes gratuities, visa fees, international and intra-Asia flights.

Peak Season surcharges apply.

To customize this tour, please call 1-800-387-0387

E-Mail: tours@jadetours.com

CUSTOMIZE

ITINERARY

DAY 1. Arrival in Siem Reap

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia!

Arrival in Siem Reap and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel.

Cambodia is much more than temples. Its history is both inspiring and sobering, uplifting and heartbreaking. Visit Siem Reap’s magnificent temples, abandoned centuries ago by the Khmer kingdom and now surrounded by its lush forests.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 2. Siem Reap – Angkor Sunrise Tour

Wake before sunrise this morning and make the 15-minute journey to Angkor Wat, a legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site. Said by some to symbolize the soul of the Khmer people, the magnificent temple was built during the reign of King Suryavaman II in the early 12th century. Historians believe that many of the fascinating bas reliefs and stone carvings immortalize many of the mighty king’s wars. Images of Apsara dancers decorate the five famous towers which replicate the universe according to Hindu mythology.

After viewing of the stunning sunrise, then leave to have Breakfast at hotel.

Finished the breakfast and continue to visit the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. After entering the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by the walls and wide moat; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. And let’s not forget the haunting beauty of Ta Phrom – left to the clutches of the jungle, bound by the roots of massive trees. But nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale and the spiritual atmosphere that you will experience when seeing these ancient monuments in real life.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meal(s): Breakfast,

DAY 3. Siem Reap Banteay Srei - Floating Village – Roluos Group

This morning we will visit Banteay Srei, which is one of the most romantic temples in Angkor. Built from pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy.

All you need to do today is sit back on a boat, relax and enjoy the views of Kampong Kleang, a fishing community on the edge of the Tonle Sap Lake. We’ll cruise past wooden houses built on towering stilts, submerged forests and fish farms.

The Roluos Group of monuments mark the beginning of Khmer classical art, and they represent some of the earliest great temples built by the Khmer. They served as the capital of Indravarman (who reigned from 877 to 889). Lolei was built on an islet by Yasovarman I (who ruled from 889 to 910), the founder of the first city of Angkor. The sandstone carvings in the niches of the temples are notable as are the Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorposts. Preah Ko was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century in dedication to his defied ancestors in 880. There are inscriptions in Sanskrit on the doorsteps of each temple. Bakong was built and dedicated to Shiva by Indravarman I, and is the largest and most interesting of the Roluos Group of temples and still has an active Buddhist monastery.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

DAY 4. Siem Reap – Luang Prabang

Our representative will escort you to the international airport for your onward flight towards the next destination.

Welcome to Laos!

Arrive and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel (6 km)

Traditionally known as the Kingdom of a Million Elephants, Laos is blessed with verdant countryside, glittering Buddhist temples, languid village life and gentle people. Years of isolation from the wider world have helped preserve Laos’ peaceful nature and allow a glimpse into a quieter time.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5. Luang Prabang city tour – Kuang Si Waterfall

Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the Kuang Si Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes where both tourists and locals can enjoy a refreshing dip.

Once there, take also the opportunity to visit the Bear Rescue Center founded by “Free the Bears” Foundation. The Foundation helps to rescue bears held in horrifying conditions throughout Asia, and regularly milked for their bito be used in traditional medicines. It also provides ongoing care to hundreds of rescued bears and operates rescued bear sanctuaries in several countries. Return to the city

Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai:

Visit the National Museum, a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Then, visit Hor Phrabang. In the right front corner room of the Palace which opens to the outside, is a collection of the palace’s most prized art pieces, including the Phrabang, cast of a gold, silver and bronze alloy. This Buddha stands at 83 cm tall and weighs around 50 kg. Continue to Wat Mai, which was constructed in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, and was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy).

Visit Wat Xieng Thong, which was built in 1560 and is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. It is the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang and features the typical Lao art style with old religious artifacts and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art.

Climb up to Mount Phousi for the sunset. Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.

Transfer to/from Talat Night Market (Hmong Market).

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6. Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves - City Tour

5.30: Early this morning, give alms to the monks before starting your tour of Luang Prabang. Begin your excursion with a visit to the local market to see the bustle and activity of the early morning.

Let’s get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves by traditional boat. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise down the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. On the return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village. This village has for centuries made the earthen jars used as fermenting containers for Lao wine. It specializes in producing a wide range of lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine). On return by boat visit to Ban Xang Khong a traditional Saa paper making village

Visit Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat dating back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas.  Visit the nearby Wat Aham

Experience Petanque with Locals

Elderly locals gather in the evenings to play their favorite game, Petanque. This game originated in the South of France in the early 1900’s is played widely across the country. Join in a game with a local group, and as a way of saying “thanks”, surprise them with some snacks and “Beer Lao” we’ve brought with us.

Transfer to/from Talat Night Market (Hmong Market).

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7. Luang Prabang – Hanoi

9.00: Activity at Ock Pop Tok, a weaving center created by Lao women for Lao women, in order to preserve traditional weaving techniques and to give to Lao women a fair income to help their family and improve their livelihood. Ock Pop Tok (meaning “East Meets West” in Lao) was founded on the principles of fair trade and sustainable business practices. The company was pioneering social business and ethical fashion before these terms were even a part of our cultural lexicon. Ock Pop Tok or OPT to those ‘in the know’ has grown from a small shop selling only a few designs, to becoming one of the most important text and artisanal institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia.

Natural Dyeing/Duration: 3 hours

Gather plants and bark from our garden, and crush roots, seeds & leaves whilst following traditional dye recipes. Leave with your own naturally-dyed set of napkins, t-shirt or scarf. Great for solo travelers, families with kids and groups of friends.

Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), this place is more than a museum to visit and a boutique for fine handicrafts. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Lao, PDR, TAEC is the only independent resource center in Laos dedicated to the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups. Founded in 2006, TAEC collects, preserves, and interprets the traditional arts and lifestyles of the country’s many and diverse ethnic groups. The doors opened in July 2007 with professional exhibitions on the ethnic cultures of Laos, and a museum shop promoting handicrafts from village artisans [About 50% of the proceeds go directly to the artisans making the products, providing a good source of income and preserving traditional skills.]. // a museum dedicated to exploring the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Hanoi

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 Hanoi

Enjoy a full-day city tour including the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum, and Hoa Lo Prison. Wind up your day with an exhilarating street-level cycle ride through Hanoi’s bustling lanes and alleys in the Old Quarters.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 Hanoi - Halong Bay

Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route for stretching our legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity.

Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).

Cruise aboard through Halong Bay without your guide on board.

Board the cruise and inspect your cabin before heading to the restaurant for a safety briefing. Enjoy the welcome drink while meeting the Cruise Manager and the crew. Cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Overnight in Halong Bay

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 Halong Bay

Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay. Enjoy the day tour with the cruise’ staff.  Spend the night on board

Overnight in Halong Bay

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 11 Halong Bay – Hanoi - Hue

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before preparing to check out. Disembark from the cruise at Tuan Chau International Marina.

Drive to Noi Bai Airport (160 km) for your flight to Hue. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12 Hue

This half-day cycling takes you to Thanh Toàn village near Huế. Beside beautiful rural scenes and the ancient tile roofed bridge, you can visit local market, ancient communal houses along the way to understand Vietnamese village culture. At multiple stops, make your travel meaningful by experience farming, fishing, sharing stories with hospitable farmers

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at a local restaurant.

Afternoon visit the Imperial Citadel (Forbidden Purple City).

By sunset time, leave the city hustle to ramble the beautiful countryside near Hue. Along the rivers, village temples, trade off happy smiles with local farmers from the fields. Call on a beautiful ancient house where a multi-generation family heartily welcomes you. Spend your memorable evening connecting, cooking and enjoying a home meal in a peaceful atmosphere. Indulge with some special treats and a sweet gift to take home.

Overnight in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 13 Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Drive to Da Nang (110km) and enjoy the beautiful landscape along the way through the Hai Van Pass. Proceed to Hoi An, a historic trading post of seafaring Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese merchants.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 14 Hoi An

Discover this charming colonial town on a walking tour. Visit Hoi An markets and walk along the high streets and back streets to meet the vendors selling a variety of exotic foods. Stops at the Quan Cong Temple, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Japanese Covered Bridge and one of the beautiful ancient houses.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 15 Hoi An

Experience rural and fishing life on the waterways in Hoi An. Highlights include a leisurely cycling along country roads, a visit to an organic farm with opportunity to ride on a water buffalo on the rice paddies; paddle a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and gain hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. Lunch is at a local home. Balance of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16 Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, a historic city with well-preserved colonial landmarks. Proceed a city tour from downtown to Chinatown with stops at Thien Hau Temple, Notre Dame Cathedral, Binh Tay Market, Municipal Post Office and the History Museum.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 17 Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Explore Mekong Delta

07.30 AM: Heading out of the town, we set forth to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest granary.

The program will start with get on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi) ride to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads.

Arrive at the waterfront, board the charming Mango Cruise for a glimpse at the Delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. First stop for a visit at the coconut processing, then back to your cruise and the cruise will stop at a brick making shop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand where you will start a Bicycle trip around Phong Nam village around 4km. Then, continue the bicycle trip for about 05 minutes to Mrs. Huong’s home. Her family lives on fishing, shrimp and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before taking the rowing sampan , be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals.

Then head to Mango home restaurant and enjoy your 5-course lunch and freshen up before switching to a bicycle and riding 500m, about 4 minutes (or 7-10 minutes’ walk) on village roads past green gardens and local houses.   Then enter the local house to learn the fascinating process of rice wine making.  Lastly, a memorable visit to another local family who is a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

15:30 After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to take you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 18 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City

Spend the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200 km network of tunnels used by the Vietcong in the Vietnam War.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 19 Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Transfer to the airport.

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Sapa Extension

4 Days / 3 Nights

DATES Twin
Sharing
Single
Supplement
May  – Sep CAD 1,205 CAD 190
Oct  – Mar CAD 1,260 CAD 210

Prices include accommodations with breakfasts, private transfers & tours, admissions, some meals & train tickets (4 berth in 1). Prices exclude gratuities, visa fees and any flights. Single supplement applies to Victoria Sapa Hotel only.

DAY 1   Hanoi – Lao Cai

Board your overnight train to Lao Cai. Train departs at 9:35pm.

Victoria “Orient” Express train is the best train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, with one restaurant and two luxury air-conditioned sleeping carriages.

Overnight: Victoria Express Train (Superior 4 berth cabin -1 night)

DAY 2   Lao Cai Sapa                 B, L

Arrive early morning in Lao Cai (approx. 5:30 am) and proceed to Sapa for check in at your hotel. After breakfast, visit Lao Chai and San Chai minority villages. Late afternoon, climb up the steps of Ham Rong Mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Sapa Town with gothic villas, gardens and paddy fields.

Hotel: 4* Victoria Sapa Resort or similar (1 night)

DAY 3   Sapa Lao Cai   – Hanoi                 B, L

This morning, set out on a light trek to discover Sapa’s lesser known areas. Visit Cat Cat village, home to H’mong hill tribe minority peoples. Proceed to the spectacular 100 meter high Thac Bac Waterfalls (18 kms from Sapa), and enjoy the views of Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain. Late afternoon, head back to Lao Cai for your overnight train journey to Hanoi. Train departs at 9:00 pm.

Overnight: Victoria Express Train (superior 4 berths in 1 cabin- 1 night)

DAY 4   Hanoi Departure

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to the airport.

第二天:罗马斗兽场