8-DAY FAMILY TRIP TO INDOCHINA

Welcome to Siem Reap! Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in. Situated in the northwest of Cambodia, Siem Reap was once the heart of the mighty Khmer Empire and is renowned for its exquisite temples, making it a top destination for tourists exploring Cambodia. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Meals are not included. Overnight stay at the hotel.

08:00 AM: After meeting our tour guide, we will drive to Angkor Thom, a masterpiece created by King Jayavarman VII. Following the Chams’ occupation of Angkor from 1177 to 1181, the new king built an impregnable fortress at the heart of his empire.

Our first stop is Bayon Temple, located at the center of Angkor Thom. This temple is a unique expression of the creative genius and grand ego of Cambodia’s most celebrated king. Its 54 towers are each adorned with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear a striking resemblance to the king himself.

Next, we visit the Terrace of the Leper King, an intricately carved platform that served as the royal crematorium. The statue originally thought to be the leper king is now believed to be Yama, the god of death. We then proceed to the Terrace of Elephants, used as a viewing gallery for the king to oversee parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating back to the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century.

We will also visit Ta Prohm, famous for its appearance in “Tomb Raider.” Ta Prohm has been left to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, nature’s power continues unabated. The tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly enveloping the surviving stones, symbolizing nature’s reclaiming of human creations.

Our journey continues to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is a perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry, and a source of pride and strength for all Khmers. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it is the most famous temple at Angkor.

We will return to your hotel afterward. Dinner will be on your own. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be taken to your hotel for check-in. Meals will be at your own expense. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a visit to the morning market, an ideal spot to mingle with locals, savor Lao cuisine, and observe the bustling atmosphere. Treat yourself to a cold drink and a slice of blood sausage as you explore.

Next, take a short drive to Vat Xieng Thong, also known as the Temple of the Royal City. This significant Lao monastery is a testament to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art.

Afterward, head to the stunning Kuang Si Falls, a turquoise waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass through rice fields and charming villages. Make a few stops to visit these villages before relaxing at the waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its many basins.

In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, housed in a UNESCO-preserved historical building. The exhibition features traditional clothing, religious artifacts, and daily tools of Lao minorities, offering insight into their lifestyle and traditions.

As the day winds down, head to Phousi Mountain for a beautiful sunset and panoramic views of the city.

On the way back to the hotel, stop by the H’mong Night Market, where you can find traditional Lao souvenirs. It’s also a paradise for street food lovers, and you can have dinner on your own. Our guide will recommend a great spot to enjoy traditional Lao food or a hot pot at a riverside restaurant.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Check out of the hotel and leave your luggage with the receptionist for safekeeping.

At 09:30 AM, our Tuk Tuk driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the boat jetty.

Board the Nava Mekong, a traditional riverboat, for a shared cruise on the mighty Mekong River, departing around 10:00 AM. Enjoy the dramatic yet tranquil scenery and observe the simple lives of the rural communities along the river.

During the two-hour upstream cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, we will stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai. The Pak Ou Caves, located near the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, house numerous ancient Buddha images dating back centuries. This site is a significant religious destination for pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities in mid-April.

On the return journey downstream, you will be served a selection of typical Lao dishes onboard.

The cruise will take about 1.5 hours to return to Luang Prabang, arriving around 2:00 PM. We will pick you up at the boat jetty and transfer you back to your hotel.

Collect your luggage, and our driver will take you to the airport for your regional flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Dinner is on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

08:15 – 08:30 AM: Meet your tour guide at your designated location around Hanoi Old Quarter. Your tour will include:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda: A Buddhist relic and national heritage site located on West Lake.

• Ho Chi Minh Complex: The final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader, including his stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda, which is designed to resemble a lotus flower, a symbol of Hanoi.

• Temple of Literature: Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars, it was Vietnam’s first university.

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Hanoi Old Quarter. In the afternoon, explore:

• Bat Trang Ceramics Village: Visit showrooms and watch artisans create their products.

• Ngoc Son Temple: Dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, the General Commander known for his resistance against the Mongolians.

03:30 PM: Return to your hotel.

Dinner is on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

08:00 – 08:30 AM: Begin your Halong Bay day trip with a morning hotel pickup. Travel by air-conditioned bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, enjoying a scenic 3.5-hour drive through the Red River Delta. Along the way, you’ll see the daily rural life of Vietnamese farmers, including rice fields and water buffaloes.

Upon arrival at Halong Bay, embark on a day cruise. After a brief introduction by the tour guide, savor a delicious local seafood lunch onboard (vegetarian options available upon request). The nearly 4-hour cruise allows you to explore the breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with its thousands of limestone islets and mountains. Cruise through emerald waters, passing landmarks like Dog Stone, Burning Incense Islet, and Fighting-Cock Islet, the iconic symbol of Halong Bay.

After lunch, visit Ba Hang Fishing Village for a kayaking or bamboo boat trip, one of the highlights of your day. Next, explore the magnificent Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), with its vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

Enjoy a tea break and sample green bean cake, a local specialty, while watching an unforgettable sunset over Halong Bay.

Return to Hanoi by shuttle bus, with drop-off at your hotel around 08:30 – 09:00 PM.

Dinner is on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.

You have the morning free to relax before your transfer to the airport (without a tour guide) for your departure flight. Your room is available until noon. Meals are not included. End of service.