LAOS – VIETNAM - CAMBODIA 11 DAYS 10 NIGHTS

❖    Day 1: Vientiane arrival  - city tour ( L/D)
•    Welcome to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos!
•    Upon arrival, welcomed by guide & local driver then transfer to the restaurant for your breakfast.
•    This morning, we will explore the city by visiting the oldest wat in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Ho Pra keo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques.  We then travel up Lanexang Avenue. You will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which resembles its Parisian inspiration, the Arc de Triomphe.  The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. We continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building the golden stupa of That Luang.  The final visit of the morning will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many of the local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War area.

•    In the afternoon we visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s by a self-styled ‘holy man’ – the park features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures, including a huge reclining Buddha, and a giant pumpkin.  Upon returning to Vientiane we have the option of stopping at the Lao Disabled Womens Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos.  The women here are friendly, and its interesting to have a chat with them to find out about their lives.  A spectacular view of the Mekong River at sunset is a perfect way to finish the day. 

•    Meals at restaurant then free to explore Vientiane at night. Overnight in Vientiane.

❖    Day 2: Train to Luang Prabang -  Haft day city tour (B/L/D)
•    After breakfast & check out, guide & driver pick you up at hotel and transfer to train station for the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang (The train at about 7:30 or 8:30). It takes about 2 hours to arrive Luang prabang.
•    Upon arrival, we next drive out for a distance of 29 km south to the Kuangsi Waterfall through a lush unspoilt countryside which is considered the most beautiful in the area. Kuangsi 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 and are very popular with both tourists and locals.
•    There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists. Take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. 
•    Enjoy your lunch time with Laos traditional cuisine at the restaurant.
•    After lunch, we back to the center, we visit the former Royal Palace which has been turned into a National Museum. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Our final stop of the day is a climb up Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
•    Dinner at restaurant then free to explore Luang prabang at night (night market, traditional massage…) Overnight in Luang prabang.

❖    Day 3: Luang prabang - flight to Hanoi (B/L/D)
●    Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. 
●    We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace where the local people barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken, just set on the ground. Then return to your hotel for breakfast. 
●    After breakfast, we board a private boat for a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. Our first stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo where we start a short trek to reach the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River crammed with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.  We then returned to Luang Prabang by boat, stopping at Ban Nongxai, an artisan's village.  We arrived back in Luang Prabang in time for lunch.
●    In afternoon, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style.
●    Then we will transfer to the airport for the flight from Luang prabang to Hanoi (LPQHAN 19:15-20:20). 
●    Hanoi arrival
●    Depart to have dinner then hotel check in

❖    Day 4( Mar 3): Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay Overnight on Cruise (B/L/D)
●    08:30: Picking up from the hotel and departing for Halong
●    11:45 – 12:00:  Arriving Tuan Chau marina, transferred by tender of La Pandora cruises.
●    12:45 – 13:00: Welcome aboard the cruise. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain, crew in the cruise briefing, safety instruction.
●    13:00 – 13:15:  A special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing favorites are served while sailing through Islets of Con Vit.. 
●    16:00:  The Cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay. The area is surrounding of extraordinary limestone karsts landscapes. We progress to Ong Cam Area of Lan Ha Bay- a separate part of Ha Long Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam, enjoy kayaking and/or enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.
●    17:30: Back to La Pandora Cruise, drop anchor for staying overnight. Enjoy cooking demonstration (teaching you how to make our speciality, Spring rolls) and the complimentary Sunset Party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruit. 
●    19:00: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. After dinner, retiring to your cabin or join the fishing excursion, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar, wifi access or play exciting games. Overnight on board. 

 ❖    Day 5: Ha Long Departure – Da Nang Late Arrival – Free leisure (B/L/ D)
●    06:00: Enjoy sunrise and admire the never-ending miraculous scenery of the Bay.
●    06:30: Light breakfast, coffee and tea served.
●    07.15: Visit Dark & Bright Cave and islets by local rowing boats which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage.
●    9.15: Back to our La Pandora Cruise, relax before checking out.
●    10:00: Lunch is served on board.
●    12.00: Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina. Our driver will take you directly to the Noi Bai International Airport as your departure flight to Da Nang City
●    Arrive in Da Nang City, our driver will take you to hotel for check-in
●    Free leisure and overnight in Da Nang City
❖    Day 6: Da Nang – Private Tour to Ba Na Hills with Golden Bridge – Ho Chi Minh city arrival (B/L/D)
-  Have breakfast at hotel and check out
-  7:30 AM: The vehicle and tour guide will pick you up at hotel and depart for a sightseeing tour of Ba Na Hills.
-  Arrive at Ba Na Hills and start the journey up the mountain on the record-breaking Cable Car system recognized by the Guinness World Records. Upon arrival, you will visit the following attractions:

• The famous Golden Bridge, known as the most iconic bridge in the world. Here, you can freely stroll, take photos, and check in on the Golden Bridge, which is supported by giant moss-covered hands in the midst of majestic mountains.
• Le'Jardin D'Amour, a garden of love with nine unique themed gardens.
• Linh Ung Pagoda with a 27-meter-tall statue of the Buddha, one of the three famous and sacred Linh Ung pagodas in Da Nang. Take a moment to find peace, luck, and admire the serene surroundings, which will bring great tranquility to your heart.
• The tour guide will then take you to visit "Sun World Waterfall, Dragon Cave, Wolf Cave, Airship 4D Cinema 'Flying Eyes'," where you will feel like you are living in a different world, a kingdom similar to those depicted in movies and far from reality.

-  Noon: Have buffet lunch and take a short break.
-  Afternoon: Explore the French Village, a uniquely designed architectural complex resembling Europe in the heart of Da Nang. Feel free to capture memorable moments and take souvenir photos amidst the spacious landscape and architectural wonders that make you feel like you are living in the capital of France. 
Conquer the peak of the Chua Mountain, enjoy the panoramic view of Ba Na and Da Nang from above. You can also visit the Linh Tu Shrine (Princess of the Forest Shrine) to pray for peace and good fortune for your family.
Join various exciting and modern games at Fantasy Park - the largest indoor amusement park in Southeast Asia, featuring thrilling and whimsical attractions such as the Free Fall Tower, 360-degree Rotating Swing, Racing Coaster, Bumper Cars, Haunted House, and more. With over 200 diverse and free games, everyone can relax, relieve stress, and forget about daily worries and fatigue.

-  14:30 PM: Take the cable car down the mountain, bidding farewell to Ba Na Hills. The vehicle will depart for the return journey to Da Nang. Along the way, the vehicle may make a stop at a local specialty shop near the entrance of Ba Na Hills for guests to purchase souvenirs (if desired). The vehicle will then take you back to the hotel, concluding the program.
-  Our car and driver send you directly to airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh city
-  Arrival at Tan Son Nhat, our driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel for check-in
-  Free leisure and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
❖    Day 7: Ho Chi Minh – Tour to City and Cu Chi tunnel (B/L/D)
•    Have breakfast at hotel
07:45 – 08:15 : Our guide will pick you up at the hotel in centre and visit:
•    War Remands Museum  - one of the most famous history museums in Vietnam, will transform and challenge your history knowledge about the Vietnam War
•    The Reunification Palace - During the Vietnam War, the Independence Palace served as the residence and office of South Vietnamese President . It was designated as a historical monument for having witnessed significant changes in Saigon's history and keeping the essence of Eastern culture.

•    The Central Post Office - was constructed from 1886-1891 and depicts classic elements of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial design
•    Before heading to Cu Chi tunnels – the hiding spots during war which are used by Viet Cong soldiers, we will have a rest and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
•    Arriving at the destination, a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed and used by Viet Cong soldiers during Vietnam War will be given. Then we will spend time to explore the maze of tunnels with countless trap doors, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, kitchens, and more. Besides, we will enjoy the most popular food during war days at Cu Chi tunnels – the cassava. 

•    18:00: Drop off at your hotels.
•    Free leisure and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
❖    Day 8: Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap – city tour (B/L/D)

•    Have breakfast at hotel
•    Today, you will take flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap 
•    Pick up and drop off airport are included by private car 
•    Arrival in Siem Reap and transfer to the hotel for relax ( check in time: 14:00)
•    15:00 start the city tour  - Tonle float village and explore the local life 
•    19:00 watch the Apsara dance - performances often showcase graceful movements and intricate hand gestures, accompanied by traditional Khmer music and elaborate costumes
The Apsara dance is a captivating art form that tells stories about daily life and historical events in Cambodia. Originating from the 18th to 20th centuries, the dance flourished during the Angkor period, thanks to the patronage of many royal figures..     

❖    Day 9: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat  (B/L/D)
•    After breakfast, visit to The South Gate of Angkor Thom: Bayon Temple, The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanaka, Elephant and Leper King Terrace. 
•    Continue visit to Ta Promh (the jungle temple. After lunch, visit to Thommanan, Chaosay Tevoda, Ta Keo: small, attractive temple in very good condition, built all the same time as Angkor Wat. 
•    Continue to Angkor Wat: The “7th Wonders’of the World”. 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. 
•    Continue visit to Bakheng Hill: Sunset viewing on the top of the hill. Bakheng is the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area; this temple-mountain offers extraordinary views of the Tonle Sap and Angkor Wat

❖    Day 10: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh - Royal Palace Complex (B/L/D)
•    06h00: Have breakfast at the hotel, check out, and depart for the Capital, Phnom Penh. Along the way, visit the insect market (Skun Market) specializes in selling various types of shell, spiny, winged, clawed insects like spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, scorpions, caterpillars, cockroaches,… prepared by frying, grilling, soaking in alcohol with various spices that when seeing tourists have to want to try once.
•    12h30: Arrive in the capital, Phnom Penh, have lunch at Sou Sou Suki, a conveyor belt hot pot restaurant, then return to the hotel for check-in and rest.
•    15h00: The afternoon continues with a visit to the Royal Palace Complex, which includes:

           - The Royal Palace – the residence and working place of the contemporary King,

           - The Silver Pagoda – known for its Emerald Buddha statue, a gold Buddha statue and a floor made of silver. 

•    Try your luck at Naga Casino - one of the top-notch casinos in Cambodia. Here, you can try your luck in the bustling games, experience the luxurious space, and admire the elegance of a five-star casino.

•    19h00: Have dinner. Then return to the hotel for rest. Free time to explore the capital at night: tourist street, night market, Diamond Island.
❖    Day 11 (Mar 10): Phnom Penh – City tour - Independence Monument departure(B/L)
•    06h30: Have breakfast at the hotel.
•    9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. 
•    Start the city tour by visiting the statue of  Sihanouk Ville , gemstone centre in the capital 

•    11h00: Have lunch at Tonle Bassac II Buffet Restaurant 
•    After lunch we do shopping at the New Grand Market in Phnom Penh (Phsar Th’mey). And take souvenir photos at Independence Monument - a symbol of Cambodia's peaceful era.