EXPLORATION AND LEARNING IN INDOCHINA
Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay - Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City
15 Days / 14 Nights
15 Days / 14 Nights
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Cambodia – Laos - Vietnam are the most friendly and peaceful countries in Southeast Asia, the ideal and attractive places for family holiday. More Fun in Indochina is the combination of classic destinations and fun activities that most children like! You will drive a quad bike and explore countryside villages surrounding Siem Reap. You will meet your giant friends – elephants - and learn to become a good mahout or spend your time to play adventurous games at Vinpearl Amusement Park. Your kids will also learn more about the Asian’s colorful culture, unique architecture and rich history that are completely different to yours.
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Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival
Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in to your hotel and be free for refreshment after a long-haul flight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Angkor Complex with most beautiful temples (B)
Today you can start the new day a little bit late as your kids may need time to recover from jet lag. Don’t forget to reconfirm buffet breakfast time and require a wake-up call with your hotel.
After late breakfast, meet our guide and you will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. The complex is inclusive of the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII.
Next, visit Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism. At least two different art styles of Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
Back to the town and be free at your leisure. You can walk from your hotel to the Old Market, where you can find local handicrafts, hand-made souvenirs, nick-nacks or you can experience Khmer traditional massage for adult and fish massage for children– fish massage is a glass container with many small colorful fish, where you put your feet inside and fish will surround your feet, kick to your feet and eat dead skin! Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Angkor Wat temple by tuk tuk & Quad Bike Adventure (B/L)
After breakfast, you will visit the famous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk tuk, a local transfer vehicle. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Walk between misty walls of the temples, enjoy its amazing architecture and beauty as long as you want.
Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant with Khmer cuisine and shade to avoid the top heat at noon time.
In the afternoon, meet our quad bike adventure guide. Our guide will give you a safety driving instruction how to drive the quad bike, and will make a short training for the beginner to adapt with quad bike before departure.
Ride the roads less traveled in rural villages and communities, including a visit to the rice paddy field, water buffalos, Cambodian Buddhism Monastery, and one of the non touristic temples which was built before Angkor Wat temple in the 9th Century. Break for local fresh coconut or cool drink on the way, then we will head back to town in a different way.
All rides are accompanied by Cambodia Quad Bike professional guides and your kids can sit behind or in front of you. Don’t wear bright color clothes as they will be painted by red dust after the adventure.
Your evening is free for shopping at the Angkor Night Market or a dinner with Apsara Dance Show. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Siem Reap and then transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave & the city’s highlights (B)
After breakfast, board a traditional Lao river boat for a four-hour lunch cruise. During this cruise, the boat stops at the Pak Ou Caves for adventuring among the 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images scattered about the two limestone grottoes.
Back to the town by boat at 2pm. You’re picked up by our driver and transferred to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue our city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Mai and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classic architecture of Luang Prabang temples. Then you will climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. This is easy enough for children, as it is not too high and steps are low. We see many families there)
From there, we explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collections of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – JOINED TOUR of Mahout Experience with Bathing (B)
After breakfast, you’re picked up by our guide and drive out of Luang Prabang to the Elephant Village Camp:
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Hanoi by flight (B)
Morning is free at leisure or further walking to explore more beautiful golden temples in the town. In the afternoon, you will board a flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you are met by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in your hotel and overnight in Hanoi. Take the evening to get situated after a few days of traveling and adventure.
Day 8: Hanoi – Highlights (B)
After breakfast, meet our guide and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which successfully presents the recognition of Vietnam as a multi-ethnic country and promotes socio-cultural diversity. This is the biggest museum in Vietnam with indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Traditional long house, Rong House, rammed-earth house…and even grave house of different minorities throughout Vietnam were moved to the backyard of the museum. The museum became a weekend outing place for Hanoian families.
Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century. The temple is renowned for 82 stone turtles carrying steles. It’s said that touching the head of those stone turtles will bring luck to students who are going to attend important examinations.
Then explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by a cyclo ride through its 36 bustling streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. This is the most lively and colorful area in Hanoi.
Our car will drop you off at your hotel after the visits and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You can take more walking around the Old Quarter of Hanoi for shopping, try local ice-creams by the lake, or find a good restaurant to taste Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi is a family friendly city. Walking is highly recommended.
Day 9: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay by car – Overnight onboard (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take a 3.5 hour drive to Halong bay, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival around noon, transfer to a “junk” for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. The cruise passes through the limestone rocks and islets in many unique and funny shapes. Again your dinner is served on board. In the evening, enjoy night fishing (optional), drinks, and overnight on board anchored in a peaceful bay.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car – Nha Trang by flight (Brunch)
In the morning, your brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the Bay before returning to the Wharf. The junk continues cruising toward Ha Long port. Ready for disembarking. Our car and guide will be there to pick you up toward Hanoi. Drive directly to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Nha Trang. Landing in Cam Ranh Airport, you are greeted by our driver and transferred to Nha Trang city. Check in to your hotel and overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 11 to day 12: Nha Trang – free (B)
Three days for your beach relaxation in Nha Trang!
Nha Trang features the best beaches in Vietnam with clean white sand and calm waves. You can chill out on the beach, swim, or play water sports. You can spend a half day to explore highlights of the city including the Institute of Oceanography with various collections of living and non-living marine specimens, Po Nagar Cham towers built between the 8th to 11th centuries under the rule of Cham Kingdom in the centre of Vietnam, Stone church – not far from Po Nagar Cham tower, a western catholic church built from stone in 1928, Dam Market – a biggest market in the town selling all local specialties.
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park is a must-see place for families in Nha Trang. The park is located on Hon Tre Island, connecting to the mainland by either a cable car system or by a 7 minute speedboat. Vinpearl Land Amusement Park is part of a complex including hotels, villas, golf, restaurants etc. If you book your accommodation at Vinpearl hotel or villas on the island, your room rate is inclusive of free entry to the amusement park and your family can play as many games as you want during your stay. If your family loves a peaceful and quiet pace, Vinpearl hotel/resort is not a good choice as it’s always noisy and crowded. My suggestion is to stay at a hotel in the city or at other beaches and just come to this park for adventure rides or Under Water World.
Day 13: Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City by flight (B)
You will be free today in Nha Trang until meeting our driver for a transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’re met by our guide and transfered to your hotel.
You will check in to your hotel in the city centre and be free for walking and exploring the city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels & city’s highlights (B)
After breakfast, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are 70 kilometers North West of Ho Chi Minh City, created since 1948 to assist the Viet Minh to combat the French. This is an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon shops, field hospitals, command centers. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a fire free zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open for visitors. Adults and older children can try real gun shooting in Cu Chi with M16, M60 & AK47 rifles.
In the afternoon, visit the moving War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting, view of the American War, as it is known in Vietnam. Continue to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in April 30, 1975. The day ends with a visit to The Notre Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
You will be free today until meet our driver for a transfer to the airport in good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> In-tour flight Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Hanoi - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city, including airport taxes (Vietnam Airlines or Laos Airlines, economY class)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Quad bike adventure in Siem Reap with quad bike guide
> JOINT TOUR of Mahout Experience with Bathing
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you’re welcomed by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in to your hotel and be free for refreshment after a long-haul flight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Angkor Complex with most beautiful temples (B)
Today you can start the new day a little bit late as your kids may need time to recover from jet lag. Don’t forget to reconfirm buffet breakfast time and require a wake-up call with your hotel.
After late breakfast, meet our guide and you will visit Angkor Thom from its West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. The complex is inclusive of the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon Temple: lying just to the north of Bayon, a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Ta Prohm was built in the 12th century. It’s a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII.
Next, visit Banteay Kdei, located south of Ta Promh and was built in middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by king Jayavarman II in Mahaya Buddhism. At least two different art styles of Angkor Wat and Bayon are discernible at Banteay Kdei.
Back to the town and be free at your leisure. You can walk from your hotel to the Old Market, where you can find local handicrafts, hand-made souvenirs, nick-nacks or you can experience Khmer traditional massage for adult and fish massage for children– fish massage is a glass container with many small colorful fish, where you put your feet inside and fish will surround your feet, kick to your feet and eat dead skin! Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Angkor Wat temple by tuk tuk & Quad Bike Adventure (B/L)
After breakfast, you will visit the famous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk tuk, a local transfer vehicle. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Walk between misty walls of the temples, enjoy its amazing architecture and beauty as long as you want.
Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant with Khmer cuisine and shade to avoid the top heat at noon time.
In the afternoon, meet our quad bike adventure guide. Our guide will give you a safety driving instruction how to drive the quad bike, and will make a short training for the beginner to adapt with quad bike before departure.
Ride the roads less traveled in rural villages and communities, including a visit to the rice paddy field, water buffalos, Cambodian Buddhism Monastery, and one of the non touristic temples which was built before Angkor Wat temple in the 9th Century. Break for local fresh coconut or cool drink on the way, then we will head back to town in a different way.
All rides are accompanied by Cambodia Quad Bike professional guides and your kids can sit behind or in front of you. Don’t wear bright color clothes as they will be painted by red dust after the adventure.
Your evening is free for shopping at the Angkor Night Market or a dinner with Apsara Dance Show. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang by flight (B)
After breakfast, you will be free in Siem Reap and then transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave & the city’s highlights (B)
After breakfast, board a traditional Lao river boat for a four-hour lunch cruise. During this cruise, the boat stops at the Pak Ou Caves for adventuring among the 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images scattered about the two limestone grottoes.
Back to the town by boat at 2pm. You’re picked up by our driver and transferred to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a precious collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue our city tour with the impressive stupa of Wat Mai and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing the classic architecture of Luang Prabang temples. Then you will climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. This is easy enough for children, as it is not too high and steps are low. We see many families there)
From there, we explore the Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collections of handmade textiles by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – JOINED TOUR of Mahout Experience with Bathing (B)
After breakfast, you’re picked up by our guide and drive out of Luang Prabang to the Elephant Village Camp:
- Welcome and greeting by the camp manager and participate in a short briefing about elephants
- Ride the Elephant: Enjoy the impressive experience of a 3 km elephant ride on the howdah (elephant seat) or on your elephant’s neck! 2 per elephant
- Mahout Training: Receive your basic mahout training on how to control an elephant.
- Lunch: Dine at our Elephant Camp restaurant. Buffet lunch served with coffee / tea and drinking water (vegetarian options available)
- Bathe Your Elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan river for an exhilarating and once in a lifetime bathing experience!
- Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax, dip your feet or take a swim in the clear, cool water
- Depart: Transfer back to your Hotel in Luang Prabang between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Hanoi by flight (B)
Morning is free at leisure or further walking to explore more beautiful golden temples in the town. In the afternoon, you will board a flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you are met by our guide and transferred to downtown. Check in your hotel and overnight in Hanoi. Take the evening to get situated after a few days of traveling and adventure.
Day 8: Hanoi – Highlights (B)
After breakfast, meet our guide and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology which successfully presents the recognition of Vietnam as a multi-ethnic country and promotes socio-cultural diversity. This is the biggest museum in Vietnam with indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Traditional long house, Rong House, rammed-earth house…and even grave house of different minorities throughout Vietnam were moved to the backyard of the museum. The museum became a weekend outing place for Hanoian families.
Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century. The temple is renowned for 82 stone turtles carrying steles. It’s said that touching the head of those stone turtles will bring luck to students who are going to attend important examinations.
Then explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by a cyclo ride through its 36 bustling streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. This is the most lively and colorful area in Hanoi.
Our car will drop you off at your hotel after the visits and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You can take more walking around the Old Quarter of Hanoi for shopping, try local ice-creams by the lake, or find a good restaurant to taste Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi is a family friendly city. Walking is highly recommended.
Day 9: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay by car – Overnight onboard (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take a 3.5 hour drive to Halong bay, a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon arrival around noon, transfer to a “junk” for a cruise around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. The cruise passes through the limestone rocks and islets in many unique and funny shapes. Again your dinner is served on board. In the evening, enjoy night fishing (optional), drinks, and overnight on board anchored in a peaceful bay.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi by car – Nha Trang by flight (Brunch)
In the morning, your brunch will be served while doing further cruising to explore the beauties of the Bay before returning to the Wharf. The junk continues cruising toward Ha Long port. Ready for disembarking. Our car and guide will be there to pick you up toward Hanoi. Drive directly to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Nha Trang. Landing in Cam Ranh Airport, you are greeted by our driver and transferred to Nha Trang city. Check in to your hotel and overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 11 to day 12: Nha Trang – free (B)
Three days for your beach relaxation in Nha Trang!
Nha Trang features the best beaches in Vietnam with clean white sand and calm waves. You can chill out on the beach, swim, or play water sports. You can spend a half day to explore highlights of the city including the Institute of Oceanography with various collections of living and non-living marine specimens, Po Nagar Cham towers built between the 8th to 11th centuries under the rule of Cham Kingdom in the centre of Vietnam, Stone church – not far from Po Nagar Cham tower, a western catholic church built from stone in 1928, Dam Market – a biggest market in the town selling all local specialties.
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park is a must-see place for families in Nha Trang. The park is located on Hon Tre Island, connecting to the mainland by either a cable car system or by a 7 minute speedboat. Vinpearl Land Amusement Park is part of a complex including hotels, villas, golf, restaurants etc. If you book your accommodation at Vinpearl hotel or villas on the island, your room rate is inclusive of free entry to the amusement park and your family can play as many games as you want during your stay. If your family loves a peaceful and quiet pace, Vinpearl hotel/resort is not a good choice as it’s always noisy and crowded. My suggestion is to stay at a hotel in the city or at other beaches and just come to this park for adventure rides or Under Water World.
Day 13: Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City by flight (B)
You will be free today in Nha Trang until meeting our driver for a transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’re met by our guide and transfered to your hotel.
You will check in to your hotel in the city centre and be free for walking and exploring the city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels & city’s highlights (B)
After breakfast, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are 70 kilometers North West of Ho Chi Minh City, created since 1948 to assist the Viet Minh to combat the French. This is an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon shops, field hospitals, command centers. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a fire free zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open for visitors. Adults and older children can try real gun shooting in Cu Chi with M16, M60 & AK47 rifles.
In the afternoon, visit the moving War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting, view of the American War, as it is known in Vietnam. Continue to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in April 30, 1975. The day ends with a visit to The Notre Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
You will be free today until meet our driver for a transfer to the airport in good time to connect to your departure flight.
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> In-tour flight Siem Reap – Luang Prabang – Hanoi - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city, including airport taxes (Vietnam Airlines or Laos Airlines, economY class)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> Quad bike adventure in Siem Reap with quad bike guide
> JOINT TOUR of Mahout Experience with Bathing
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
