Grand of Indochina

Activities: Cruise down the Mekong Delta, travel to Cai Be to visit a candy workshop and fruitful orchard garden, pass by some tranquil islands, take a biking tour to explore the countryside of the delta, and transit to Can Tho.

After breakfast, depart Saigon for the Mekong River Delta in the early morning. A Vietnamese tour guide and driver will take you to Cai Be, a hybrid river-land town in Vietnam. It is a Tien Giang Province rural district in the Mekong Delta area. On the way, we’ll stop at a candy factory and orchard garden to enjoy the serene ambiance and traditional music of southern Vietnam.

Following lunch at a riverfront restaurant, board a speedboat to traverse the Mekong River, visit gorgeous islands, and explore the countryside by bike. After that, you'll be taken to Can Tho for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho

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Activities: Visit the Cai Rang floating market and Mekong Delta's famous orchards, explore the countryside, return to Can Tho for lunch, drive to Chau Doc, enjoy a Mekong River boat trip, and see stilt dwellings with a fish farm.

Rise and shine! Get up early to see the famed Cai Rang floating market, which is one of the three most prominent in the Mekong Delta. You’ll know why when you observe the large and small boats moving in and out of the market in the early morning.

This largest floating market in Vietnam offers a vibrant spectacle of boats laden with various fruits such as mangoes, bananas, papayas, and pineapples, as well as illicit items like cigarettes, transforming the river into a labyrinth of activity.

To continue, the boat trip sails to some famous orchards in the Mekong Delta travel, where visitors can have a chance to taste fresh exotic fruit, a signature of the tropical climate.

As you travel further into the countryside, you will notice many traditional houses and the daily activities of the locals, all of which evoke a typical vibe of Mekong Delta life. Return to Can Tho for lunch before continuing on to Chau Doc, a city in An Giang Province, which borders Cambodia.

It is well-known for its variety of fish sauces (nước mắm) and, in particular, "Mắm Tai," a type of anchovies. Prepare for a bustling trading center as you travel here as the business activities with Cambodia are super busy!

After the hotel check-in process in Chau Doc, spend the rest of the day on a private boat touring the Mekong River. One suggestion for you is to visit a Cham village's stilt houses and a local fish farm to discover more about the rich culture.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc.

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Activities: A Mekong speedboat trip to Phnom Penh, hotel check-in, and a visit to the Russian Market.

After your breakfast in the hotel, Asia Private Travels guide will escort you to a speedboat departing for Phnom Penh, the capital and also the largest city in Cambodia. Check-in at your hotel and gear up for a free and easy day!

Welcome to Phnom Penh - a city situated at the confluence of three vast rivers in Southeast Asia: the Mekong, Bassac, and the Great Tonle Sap. That is why it was once called the “Gem of Indochina”. A city tour around Phnom Penh will give you the most memorable time, as you can see some constructions featured in the unique combination of French colonial mansions and tree-lined streets, amidst the spectacular architecture of Angkor.

Take your time and enjoy your lunch at a downtown eatery. Then we’ll head to the Russian Market (Toul Tompoung), as the tour guide will explain to you this curious name! The market is considered a treasure trove for tourists and technicians, so you’ll get to see the lively environment of locals purchasing and selling their wares.

Accommodation in Phnom Penh: Hotel

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Activities: See the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek, then take a Phnom Penh bike ride to the National Museum and the Royal Palace.

The entire day is for you to explore this fascinating city! Learn more about its history with a quick Phnom Penh city tour. The first stop is the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes in Phnom Penh. What makes it special is the stories behind, that Tuol Svay Prey High School was forced to turn to a prison named Security Prison 21 (S-21) by Pol Pot’s security forces.

This quickly became the country's largest detention and torture facility. Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 prisoners imprisoned at S-21 were sent to the Choeung Ek killing fields. Afterward, S-21 was converted into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which serves as a memorial to the Khmer Rouge's crimes. Many of the victims' paintings and photographs are now on display throughout the building, make sure to see them when you visit the museum.

Continue the Phnom Penh trip to Cheung Ek, the most well-known of the Killing Fields sites. However, it is now more of a memorial with a Buddhist stupa.

After lunch at a downtown restaurant, enjoy a leisurely biking tour down Sihanouk Boulevard to the National Museum and the Royal Palace, which still houses personal treasures from the royal family, such as portraits and musical instruments,...

Accommodation in Phnom Penh: Hotel

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Activities: Take a flight to Siem Reap, check into your hotel, and see the sunset at Phnom Krohm Moutain.

After the first meal of the day, you will fly to Siem Reap - the most prosperous city in Cambodia. The colonial and Chinese architectural influences created the signature fusion of the Old French Quarter and the Old Market in this bustling city.

Upon arrival, Asia Private Travels will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. It is time for you to check in and freshen up, and then in the late afternoon, we will drive to the spectacular Angkor Archeological Complex for a sunset capture from the viewpoint of Phnom Krohm Mountain.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap city center

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Activities: Kick off with a tuk-tuk to Ta Prohm, then Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, and enjoy Khmer dance.

Today, let’s spend the entire day touring the mesmerizing Angkor temples. Take a tuk-tuk early in the morning to Ta Prohm, which is located southwest of East Mebon and east of Angkor Thom. This is the largest of the Angkor complex's monuments, featuring 260 deity sculptures, 39 towers with pinnacles, and 566 housing groups, so it is a must-see in Cambodia travel.

Visiting here, you will see the trees growing out of the ruins right away, as it is Ta Prohm's most distinguishing feature. Don’t forget to capture some moments at this movie-like spot!

Continue on to Angkor Wat, the world's biggest religious monument, and the image on the Cambodian flag. Angkor Wat, built in the first half of the 12th century, is the best-preserved architectural marvel of all time. See with your own eyes its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief, and sculpture.

Head to Angkor Thom, which is obviously a work of brilliance. It is a three-dimensional work on a grand scale, representing thoughts that only great painters would dare to portray. Try to see if you can perceive the thoughts! Then pay a visit to the well-known Bayon Temple. Bayon Temple, which dates from the 12th century, is the magnificent center temple of the ancient city of Angkor Thom.

Continue on to the Terrace of Elephants, which stretches for more than 300 meters into the heart of Angkor Thom. It is a 300-meter-long terrace wall decorated with carved elephants and garudas that spans the front of Baphuon and stands two and a half meters tall. Take a few steps to the Terrace of the Leper King, which is a double terrace wall at the northern end of the Terrace of the Elephants.

Wrapping a day in Angkor Wat, you’ll be treated to a beautiful Khmer dance performance at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Siem Reap Hotel

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Activities: Cooking class in Siem Reap, flight to Luang Prabang, Wat Xiengthong visit, Royal Palace Museum, Wat Visoun, and Wat Mai excursions, sunset at Phousi Mountain, and Night Market exploring.

In the morning, you'll get the opportunity to learn more about authentic Khmer food during an engaging cooking demonstration. Your day begins with a stroll through the village. Cambodian veggies, herbs, and other ingredients will be introduced to you - these are the soul of Cambodian cuisine! Then return to the cooking class to demonstrate your culinary skills.

Savor your dishes before returning to your accommodation to check out and prepare for your trip to Luang Prabang, Laos. You will be taken to the hotel for check-in upon your arrival. After a short rest, begin your short city tour with the following highlights:

• Wat Xiengthong (Temple of the Royal City), is one of Laos' most important monasteries and a notable testament to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art.
• Royal Palace or National Museum - preserving personal relics from the royal family, such as photos and musical instruments.
• Vat Visoun, is one of Luang Prabang's oldest and most magnificent temples.
• Finishing the city trip with Vat May - the largest and most elaborately decorated temple in Luang Prabang.

After that, climb Mount Phousi in the early evening for a spectacular sunset view of the city and surroundings. On your walk back to your hotel, you'll pass by a local market, so you can buy local souvenirs as you wish.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

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Activities: Continue your Luang Prabang trip to Wat Sene and Wat Xiengthong, take a boat tour to Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xanghai Village, explore mysterious caverns, and take a short flight to Hanoi.

You have some time on this day to see some of the oldest temples in the city, such as Wat Sene, which is among the most stunning structures in Luang Prabang. It is distinguished by a recently restored artwork that is a vibrant, colorful ochre color and sparkling with gold. Wat Xiengthong, one of the most notable Lao monasteries, is another impressive one. It stands as a great testament to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art.

After that, board a slow boat for an incredible journey along the Mekong River to the enigmatic Pak Ou Caves. You'll arrive at this attraction in the late afternoon. Enjoy some time admiring this well-known cave with a large number of Buddha statuettes, which is the "mouth" of the "Ou" River. The Mekong boat trip will give its guests a spectacular view of the vast river.

En route, we will make a stop at Ban Xanghai Village to show you some interesting making processes for the famous rice wine here.

In the late afternoon, Asia Private Travels arranges a flight to Hanoi.

Accommodations: Hotel in Hanoi

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Activities: Car transfer to Halong Bay, cruise ship sailing around Dinh Huong and Ga Choi, visiting either Thien Cung, Dau Go, or Sung Sot, and anchoring at an island for a swim.

Let’s start this morning by setting off on an amazing journey to another charming site in Vietnam. Halong Bay, one of the great natural wonders of Asia, is the best place for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi. Recognized by UNESCO and including 3000 islands, this bay is also considered a must for any tourist in Northern Vietnam.

Are you ready to explore this gem of Indochina? Hop in the car and enjoy a scenic 3.5-4-hour drive to one of the most unforgettable sights of your trip. Our boat trip will take you out to the stunning islands and inlets of the bay, where you can unwind and soak up the serene atmosphere.

More interestingly, you will be spellbound by the peculiar shapes of the limestone islands and the mesmerizing stalactites of the caves. It's like wandering through a maze of enchanted fairyland! And, as if the sights weren't enough, you'll also be treated to the freshest seafood imaginable on a delicious menu.

After lunch, the deluxe Halong Bay cruise will take you on a leisurely tour of some stunning islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way, we'll make a stop at one of Halong's largest caves - Thien Cung, Dau Go, or Sung Sot. And, for the ultimate refreshment, we'll make a pitstop at an island where you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the East Sea.

Get ready to rest your head on the exquisite cruise on Halong Bay tonight, and dream about the memories you've made today!

Accommodation: Cruise on Halong Bay

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Activities: Tai Chi class early in the morning, stunning sunrise capture, nearby island discovery, navigation back to Halong City, and Hanoi transfer.

Are you ready for the most breathtaking moment of your Grand of Indochina trip? Set your alarm and wake up early to witness the magic of the sunrise over Halong Bay. You won't believe how stunning the crystal-clear sea surface looks as the first rays of sunshine down - it's truly a masterpiece of nature!

After taking in the fresh moment, head to the top deck for a Tai Chi class and indulge in some rhythmic exercise, or simply lie on the couch and soak up the serene view. Meanwhile, the vessel will quietly cruise through the impressive limestone formations of Halong Bay.

Guests are then invited to embark on a rowboat adventure to explore the nearby islands and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Then, return to the junk for a scrumptious breakfast, all the while admiring the incredible rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay on your journey back to Halong City. After lunch on board, you will be whisked back to Hanoi. Rest up at your hotel in the city center to recharge for an action-packed day!

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

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Activities: Explore Ho Chi Minh Complex, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda; enjoy the vibrance of the Old Quarter, the stunning Temple of Literature; West Lake, and the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, fly to Yangon and hotel check-in.

Today is all about immersing yourself in the enchanting city of Hanoi! This vibrant capital is a must-see destination for anyone eager to visit Vietnam. Be ready for a city tour lined up, offering you a chance to discover the very best that Hanoi has to offer.

The adventure kicks off with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, you'll see the famous President's Mausoleum, where his body is interred, as well as his stilt house and the Presidential Palace with its stunning French architecture.

Next up is the One Pillar Pagoda, a beautifully preserved ancient monument that dates back to the 11th century. As you explore this awe-inspiring structure, you'll feel like you're traveling through time and experiencing the richness of Vietnamese history.

But that's not all! We'll also take you on a charming exploration of the Old Quarter - a vibrant hub of culture that vividly represents the soul of Hanoi.

Then, we'll make our way to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam and a popular spot for taking graduation pictures. As you traverse its hallowed halls and soak in its intricate architecture, you'll get to know the long-standing studious tradition of Vietnam.

We'll wrap up the package tour in Hanoi by visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest one in Hanoi, located on West Lake. Capture its serene beauty with your eyes!

In the afternoon, you'll jet off to Yangon, the former capital city of Myanmar to start the Burma journey. Upon arrival, we'll whisk you off to the city center to check in at your hotel. Ready to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of this fascinating city? Send requests to us to see Yangon with your eyes.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon city center.

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Activities: flight departing to Bagan, unveiling Nyaung U Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, and so on, visit a local lacquerware workshop and meet locals.

Your 13th day in Indochina starts with a delicious breakfast before catching an early morning flight to Bagan, the World Heritage Site that boasts thousands of incredible temples. This Bagan day tour will be filled with stunning views you won't find anywhere else on Earth.

Your first stop is the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan, where you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of locals. From there, head to the impressive Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the most significant religious buildings in Myanmar. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Burmese religion and Theravada Buddhism.

Next up, brace yourself for another breathtaking temple - the Ananda. This stunning temple is hailed as one of the most surviving masterpieces of Mon architecture. Along the way, be sure to stop by and explore some other Bagan attractions too.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the lacquerware workshop, a highlight of culture and history in Myanmar. You'll witness talented craftsmen use traditional techniques to create one-of-a-kind, beautiful products unique to the region. Don't miss out on the chance to talk to the locals and learn more about their traditions. After all, cultural experience is what makes Myanmar travel distinctive!

Spend the night at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

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Activities: A horse cart ride to Nan Paya Pagoda and nearby sites, Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, MyaZedi Pagoda, Manuha Temple, and a sunset view at Shwesandaw Pagoda.

After a delicious breakfast, hop on a charming horse cart and head to Nan Paya Pagoda, one of the most magnificent temples in Bagan. This awe-inspiring pagoda boasts a unique blend of sandstone and brick, beautifully adorned with intricate stone windows. Don't miss the breathtaking four-faced Brahma on the primary stone pillars in the central sanctuary.

Next up is Minkaba Gubyaukyi Temple, known for its vibrant paintings that adorn the walls of the vestibule, corridor, and sanctum. Adjacent to the temple is the dazzling Myazedi Pagoda, a stunning masterpiece of golden stupa sitting atop several square tiers.

But the adventure in Bagan doesn't stop there! Make your way to Manuha Temple, an impressive rectangular base construction with two dazzling white-washed stories. Built by the Mon King Manuha himself in 1059, it's a sight you won't want to miss!

Finally, wrap up your day with a spectacular sunset at the Shwesandaw Pagoda. This iconic pagoda is one of the top destinations in Bagan, offering a mesmerizing panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. With its golden hues and serene atmosphere, it's the perfect way to end the day!

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

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Activities: Depart to Mt. Popa, join the pilgrims, visit some statues, reach the peak for panoramic views, and take a sunset slow boat.

Start your morning by leaving the serene Bagan and embarking on a breathtaking drive to the sought-after Mt. Popa. You'll arrive at an extinct volcano that houses the Popa Taungkalat monastery, clinging to a colossal rocky outcrop. Share the journey with locals and indulge in the remarkable sculptures dotted along your path. Once you reach the peak, brace yourself for a mesmerizing 360-degree view and marvel at an intricate network of shrines.

After that, return to Bagan and immerse yourself in a delightful short cruise. The journey will take you along the majestic Irrawaddy River, culminating in a captivating sunset that will leave you speechless.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

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Activities: Bagan - Mandalay flight, Sagaing Hill, Buddha cave exploration, Uminthonze Pagoda, and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda, car drive to Amarapura and visit Mahagandaryon Monastery, Ubein Bridge, and Mahamuni Image.

Today, the Indochina tour takes you to the enchanting city of Mandalay. Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore this city, steeped in rich history and traditional culture. Our first stop is Sagaing Hill, where you will discover the different Buddhist education systems for monks and nuns. Marvel at the intricate design of the Buddha Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda, and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda, take some time to learn about their beautiful Buddha images.

Next up, we travel to Amarapura, known for its stunning ancient Buddhist architecture. The Mahagandhayon Monastery is one of the largest and most famous ones to travel in Myanmar. You can experience the pure life of the monks and learn more about Buddhism. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ubein Wooden Bridge, a breathtaking 1.2-kilometer structure built from teak planks and said to be the world record in length.

Cap off our day with a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda, home to the most highly revered Buddha image in the country. Take your time to admire this awe-inspiring sight before heading back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

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Activities: Sail a boat to Mingun, travel to Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Mingun Bell, marvel at Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, and then observe the stunning sunset at Mandalay Hill.

In the morning, Asia Private Travels tour guide welcomes you to a picturesque Burma boat trip downriver to the awe-inspiring ruins of Mingun. You'll get to see the incredible Mingun Pagoda - a sprawling, unfinished structure that was once the country's largest pagoda. But that's not all! You'll also get to marvel at the colossal Mingun Bell - the world's largest working bell.

After lunch, head to Mandalay Palace, built by King Mindon in the 1800s as a fulfillment of an old prophecy. And no trip to Mandalay is complete without a stop at Shwenandaw Monastery - the only remaining structure of the former wooden Royal Palace. But we're not done yet! You'll also visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda - known as "the world's largest book" for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.

Finally, marvel at a breathtaking sunset view from the top of Mandalay Hill. A day packed with history and cultural experiences like this is perfect for experiencing the mystical region of Myanmar.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay.

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Activities: Take a flight to Heho, a Myanmar boat trip to explore Inle Lake, Phaungdawoo Pagoda, Ngaphechaung monastery, a visit to a cotton and lotus weaving factory, cigar making workshops.

Get ready for a day of pure magic as you set off on a flight to Heho in the morning - the start of the Inle Lake tour! This stunning lake is the second-largest in the country and boasts a plethora of attractions, including floating villages, gorgeous gardens, and various ethnic tribes living close by. The cherry on top? Fishermen who row their boats with their feet - yep, you read that right!

Upon reaching the lake, hop onto a magnificent motorboat to traverse around the lake's picturesque settings. As you sail, you'll come across several quaint villages with houses perched on stilts and floating gardens made using water hyacinth strips and mud that anchor to the bottom using bamboo poles.

Make sure to visit Phaungdawoo Pagoda on this Inle Lake trip, which is the most highly-revered monastery, housing five ancient Buddha images completely coated in gold leaf! And, don't miss out on the Ngaphechaung Monastery - a stunning wooden monastery built on stilts over the lake in the late 1850s, also known for its collection of old Myanmar Buddha images sourced from different areas.

Before wrapping up, swing by the Nam Pan village to witness the Innthar people using traditional silk-weaving techniques to create unique and top-tier cotton and lotus products!

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

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Activities: Visit a local market, take a boat trip to the temple of Indein, stroll along the corridor, and enjoy the scenery of stupas.

Make the most of your day in Inle with a visit to the vibrant morning market, brimming with fresh produce and locals eager to sell their goods.

After a delicious lunch, take a boat to Indein and explore one of the charming villages nestled along Inle Lake's western shore. Hike to the top of the Indein Pagoda complex and soak in breathtaking views of the lake below, adorned with hundreds of tiny stupas scattered throughout the hillside.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

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Activities: Depart for Yangon, visit Sule Pagoda, Chaukhtayi Pagoda, and Kandawgyi Lake, admire the charm of Shwedagon Pagoda, and uncover Scott Market.

Today, let’s bid farewell to the stunning Inle Lake and make our way to the bustling city of Yangon. Get your cameras ready because we have some exciting sights on this Yangon city tour! Our first stop is the Sule Pagoda, a timeless wonder that's been standing tall for over 2,000 years. Next, we'll visit the striking Chaukhtayi Pagoda and take in the refreshing greenery surrounding Kandawgyi Lake.

After a well-deserved lunch break, we'll continue our Yangon tour with a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. This incredible Buddhist monument stands an impressive 99 meters high, is an outstanding site in Myanmar tourism, and is sure to leave you in awe. We'll conclude the day with a stroll through a vibrant afternoon market. You can take time to see the colorful local products and buy some adored souvenirs to bring back home!

Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

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Activities: Free until departing

Today is all about doing what you love until it's time to reach the airport for the departing flight. Enjoy your free time and make the last moment of this Burma tour count!

If you want to explore more about each country in this Grand of Indochina tour, check out our highlighted Vietnam tours, Myanmar tours and Cambodia tours, or send requests to us to customize your one and only Indochina tour!

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