February 1, 2024
Xin Chao, welcome to Vietnam!
You will be landing at Danang international airport.
Our VIP representative will meet you at the end of the jetway and escort you through the terminal, to passport control. Fast track service through passport control has been pre-arranged. You'll then collect your baggage and continue to be escorted by our VIP representative through customs to meet with your guide.
You will transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, ancient town. Once checked in, the rest of the day is yours to settle in.
Spinning and selling silk to foreign traders was a thriving business in Hoi An centuries ago. Now the transactions occur inside more than 600 tailor shops. Bring a favorite garment to be copied and allow time for alterations; turnaround is within 36 hours.
VIP assistance through airport procedures at Danang international airport
Tourist visa for Vietnam
Private transfer to hotel
February 2, 2024
This morning, we will go on a guided walking tour around Hoi An ancient town.
We will visit:
• One of Vietnam's most iconic attractions, Hoi An's Japanese covered bridge which dates back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water.
• The Chinese Assembly Hall. Initially, the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation was adopted to worship Mazu goddess (Thien Hau Thanh Mau) and Confucius
• One of the many trading houses established in the 18th century which have since been turned into museums.
• Central Market - one of Vietnam’s best, offering an unmissable shopping experience. Rich in the smell of fragrant herbs and spices and vibrant colors of Vietnamese silk, this market provides an authentic slice of Vietnamese life.
• Traditional lantern shops. Lanterns were first introduced to Hoi An in the 16th century by the Japanese, who settled in the far end of the Old City. The lanterns became popular with the locals for their aesthetic and perceived ability to bring good fortune.
• Tra Que Garden cooking school where we will learn how to make ‘tam huu’ (spring rolls) and Banh xeo (pancake), both local specialties of central Vietnam. We then enjoy our simple but delicious lunch before heading back to the hotel.
In the evening, we will dine at the Gia Thien restaurant. The restaurant offers a unique dining menu where we are introduced to a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine.
Most meals in Hội An include an abundance of the fresh vegetables and herbs that make eating in Vietnam such a delight. And much of it will have come from Tra Que, a fresh-vegetable village between town and An Bang beach. This small farming community grows everything from fine spring onions to hefty taro root.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
February 3, 2024
For this morning's adventure, we will cycle out to the local Vietnamese countryside. (Duration: 8:30 – 12:30).
Our guides will be waiting for us at the hotel with bicycles and helmets. Our first stop is Duy Vinh Commune - the village famous for its sedge mattress weaving. We will visit a local family for a closer look at their traditional weaving looms.
Next, we will cross the river in a traditional boat, and continue on our bicycles to Cam Thanh Village. Here we are awarded with a refreshing foot bath and a home-cooked lunch with a local family. After lunch, we will be transferred back to the hotel by taxi or electrical cart.
Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
February 4, 2024
This morning, we will travel northward to Hue - the Imperial City.
Enroute, we will stop at Son Tra Peninsula - a beautiful peninsula with long, white sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes and primeval forests. Named "Monkey Mountain" by American soldiers stationed here during the Vietnam War, the area remains covered with an evergreen tropical forest inhabited by thousands of monkeys.
Arrive in Hue city in the early afternoon.
This evening's dinner will be our introduction to the fine imperial Nguyen Royal Cuisine.
Breakfast, Dinner
February 5, 2024
This morning, we will visit the Imperial Citadel –a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage where Kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945.
Next, we will board our traditional dragon boat to cruise upstream on the peaceful Perfume River (Huong River) to the Royal Tomb of King Minh Mang.
After lunch, we explore the ancient town via cyclo. Riding through the city's cobbled stone streets is an authentic way to discover the hidden charm of Hue.
Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
What to do in your free time in Hue:
- Visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors
- Walk along the Perfume River
- Sample the food
- Take a photo at the Hue Sign
- Visit the Ho Quyen Tiger Fighting Area.
- Admire Hon Chen Temple
- Take a Huda Brewery Tour
- Shop at Dong Ba Market
- Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum
- Walk across the Thanh Toan Bridge
Breakfast, Lunch
February 6, 2024
Morning at leisure, before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, we will be transferred to our hotel located in the heart of the old city.
Later, we will embark on a foodie walking tour around Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter. We will explore the winding streets and lively markets which are teeming with food stalls and unique eateries.
A great place to explore on foot, this French-colonial city is also known for its delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, silks and handicrafts, as well as a multi-cultural community that’s made up of Chinese, French and Russian influences.
Breakfast, Dinner
February 7, 2024
This morning we will check out the sights of Hanoi and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Then, we continue on to the serene Temple of Literature before enjoying our lunch with one of Hanoi's local delicacies, Cha Ca, an iconic fish recipe marinated in turmeric.
After lunch, we will meet with a local water puppet artisan. Originating in the 10th century, water puppetry is a unique folk art found only in Vietnam. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would entertain by standing waist-deep with their puppets performing over the water.
We will have the opportunity to chat with the artisan in his local house before our private 30-minute puppet performance.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi offers an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity within the country.
The Temple of Literature is a worship temple founded by the Nguyen Dynasty to dedicate to celebrated scholars of Confucianism.
Breakfast, Lunch
February 8, 2024
Today we will drive to Lan Ha Bay, the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, neighbour of Ha Long Bay.
After arriving at the cruise’s meeting point on Tuan Chau Island, we will board our Indochine Cruise.
Enjoy a buffet lunch on board.
During our cruise, we will visit Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Take a stroll around the idyllic enclave before cycling onto village paths to see the fabulously rustic homes of the locals and lush greenery for which Cat Ba Island is known.
Indochine Cruise will anchor overnight and you can watch the sunset over the bay. Join the chef's evening cooking demonstration.
Lan Ha Bay is known as the ‘adventurous bay’ – because there are loads of activities to get involved in! From swimming, kayaking and caving to rock climbing, trekking and even cycling on some of the larger islands of the bay, there’s something for every adventurous spirit!
February 9, 2024
Start your day with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises.
After breakfast, it’s time to get ready for another exciting day exploring Lan Ha Bay. We will transfer to the Indochine Cruise day boat, a spacious and comfortable cruiser with a lounge, dining area and sundeck. We will visit the Van Boi floating village, one of the few remaining floating communes in the bay. The more adventurous can also opt to kayak.
After our morning excursion, re-energize with a fresh and delicious lunch in the restaurant.
Depending on the tide and weather condition, we might be taken to visit a beautiful naturally formed cave on Cat Ba Island or relax on one of the untouched beaches of the Three Peaches islets in the Bay.
Back onboard to relax as we sail to the overnight anchorage.
A romantic legend surrounds the origin of Ba Trai Dao Islet - according to the tale, there was once a fairy who was in love with a fisherman and wished him to be immortal like she was. To give him immortality she stole three peaches from heaven to give to him, but God noticed the peaches were missing and turned them into stone to punish the fairy.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
February 10, 2024
After breakfast and perhaps a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck, we will visit the popular Dark and Bright grotto (also known as Bat Cave), one of the most beautiful tunnels in the area. We will explore the cave by bamboo boats rowed by local guides. This is also an opportunity to kayak if you like.
After disembarking from the Indochine Cruise, we will drive back to Hanoi.
Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day is spent at your leisure.
Enjoy an early dinner at the Duong Dining restaurant, serving delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes with Western influences.
After dinner, we recommend spending time at the Hanoi Weekend Night market which runs every weekend through the Old Quarter district. The market bridges the gap between tourists and locals. It is equipped with delicious food and souvenirs, and while the market is a popular destination, it remains off the beaten path.
Breakfast, Dinner
February 11, 2024
Today, we leave behind bustling Hanoi, driving towards the peaceful mountainous area of Mai Chau, home to green mountain ranges, rice terraces and ethnic villages. Spend a couple of days here, and you'll forget what century you're in.
We will stop at Mai Hich village for a local lunch. Mai Hich is enriched with the fascinating indigenous cultures of the Thai and Hmong ethnic populations, as well as the regions beautiful mountainous landscape and special local food. We will visit the remote rural villages of Thai ethnicity and learn about their culture and lifestyle. A walk along the stream through cornfields and rice paddies leaves you feeling totally immersed into nature. The afternoon finishes up with a gentle float down the Xia River.
Check-in to our eco-lodge for the next 2 nights.
Breakfast, Lunch
February 12, 2024
This morning you will wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature.
Our visits today include:
• Pa Co, a village of Hmong people known for their needlework and indigo dyeing
• traditional local market
• Hang Kia Valley where we will observe the local daily life of the ethnic communities
Enjoy a delicious local lunch and return to the resort in the afternoon.
Mai Chau locals make their silk brocades from scratch: starting with harvesting silkworm cocoons, reeling the silk from the cocoons, dyeing the threads using natural colors, and ending with selling the brightly-colored end product in Mai Chau's villages and markets.
Hang Kia valley is embraced by clouds all year round. It’s about 1200 meters above sea level, and can be cool in February. (day temp range 14C to 21C).
Breakfast, Lunch
February 13, 2024
After a relaxing morning, we will be transferred to Hanoi airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Welcome to Laos, “Sabaidi”!
This evening, enjoy a dinner under the stars overlooking a magical display of lotus blossoms and floating lilies at Manda de Laos, Luang Prabang's fine Laotian dining restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
Visa for Laos (approx. $32USD - direct payment on arrival)
February 14, 2024
Today we will explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the capital of the first kingdom of Laos. Luang Prabang is a highly spiritual city with a high density of temples.
Our visits today included:
• Royal Palace Museum
• Wat Xiengthong - one of Laos' most beautiful and richly decorated temples
• Wat Mai or “New Temple”, the largest and most splendidly decorated temple of Luang Prabang. Take this opportunity to join chanting with the local monks while visiting inside this temple
In the evening we are invited to a local family's home for a traditional Baci ceremonial blessing. We will be hosted for an authentic home-cooked Laotian meal and an evening of great conversation sharing stories about daily life.
Baci Ceremony (also spelt Basi) is a specific ceremony in Laos which has been practiced for hundreds of years. The term commonly used is “Sou Khuan” which means “spirit enhancing or spirit calling”. The ceremony involves the tying of white cotton strings around a person’s wrists and the prayer saying or well wishing for the person that the ceremony is intended for.
Breakfast, Dinner
February 15, 2024
Awake at sunrise to experience the Alms Giving Ceremony, an experience that should not be missed while in Luang Prabang. At sunrise, people line on the streets in order to offer alms (food) to the Buddhist monks. Leaning from a legend which said that when people offer alms to the monks, their family’s member from the “other life” also could receive some. The offerings consist mainly of sticky rice with some fruit and other sweet treats.
On the way back, stop at a local morning market, where you will find interesting and authentic food. If you wish, taste some of the snacks that locals have for breakfast every day.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a scenic cruise up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves and Ban Xang Hai. On the way back, we will stop at a local elephant conservation camp. Here, we'll have the opportunity to interact with the elephants while practicing conservation respectfully.
We will have a late lunch at the Elephant Conservation Camp before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch
February 16, 2024
Morning at leisure, before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap.
Welcome to Cambodia!
We will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.
This evening, we will have an early authentic Cambodian dinner before we attend Phare The Cambodian Circus.
Just a short walk from Shinta Mani you’ll discover Siem Reap’s rising arts’ and culture precinct. Kandal (Middle) Village is home to a vibrant and eclectic new mix of around 25 cafes, galleries, baristas extraordinaire, arty homewares, shops, spas and cool fashion stores unique to Cambodia. If you’re looking for unique gifts, superb coffee, specialty juices, beautifully designed lacquer and ceramic homewares, fashion accessories, eco-friendly delights for home and body, art, street fashion, jewellery, furniture and more, you’ll find it in this delightfully walkable block.
The circus is a project run by an NGO named Phare Ponleu Selpak, meaning “The Brightness of the Arts”. It’s origins can be traced back to a refugee camp on the Thai border following the Khmer Rouge years. Here, 9 refugee children from a drawing class were taught, through self expression, to use art as means of recovery from the trauma they had experienced during the genocide. Years later upon return to Cambodia they founded the school, aimed at empowering other vulnerable children through art, the same way they had done in the refugee camps the years before.
VIP assistance through airport procedures at Siem Reap international airport
Tourist visa for Cambodia
Breakfast, Dinner
Cambodian Circus
February 17, 2024
This morning, we go via tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat .
We have visits today to:
• Angkor Thom
• Bayon
• Ba Phoun
• Elephant Terrace
• Leper King Terrace
• Ta Prom Temple
Afternoon at leisure.
Once the day cools and the light softens, we will drive to the Banteay Srei Temple, often referred to as the “jewel of Khmer art”.
Breakfast, Lunch
February 18, 2024
For the earlier risers and keen photographers, we will go to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat .
Transfer back to the hotel for breakfast and a leisurely morning.
In the afternoon, visit Mr. Theam, a true Cambodian artist with over a decade of experience as the artistic director of Artisans d’Angkor. A personalized tour is offered around the exhibition and workshop, an opportunity to learn more about the traditional Khmer art and how it has revived over the years.
Our farewell dinner tonight is at Abacus restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants in Siem Reap, boasting a fine menu with a fusion of traditional French and local Khmer cuisine with a contemporary style.
Breakfast, Dinner
February 19, 2024
Today you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
Airport transfer
