Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Hanoi (Vietnam) – Vientiane, Luang Prabang (Laos)

Upon arrival Siem Reap. (D)

Breakfast at the hotel
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, Pre Rup, East Mebon, and Neak Poan. Visit Krovan, Royal Bath of Srah Srang and Banteay Kdei temples.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel
We board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. Here, enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Free leisure on own time for rolling at local market for shopping until transfer to Siem Reap International airport departure flight Hanoi. On arrival at Noibai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi,

Overnight in Hanoi

Today we will visit Halong Bay, truly a World Heritage of Vietnam. On arrival, we will embark a cruise for an exploration of the legendary Halong bay. This exciting four-hour cruise provides us with a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands which amazingly rise from the clear and emerald water. The limestone kart formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. After a seafood lunch on board, we continue our cruise and reach Cat Ba island about late afternoon. A short transfer to our hotel for check in

Overnight in Cat Ba

AM: After breakfast, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the central market known as the ‘Morning Market’ which is a great place for browsing antiques, handmade textiles and gifts.

PM: We spend the rest of this day touring the Lao capital, visiting the National Museum (close Tuesday) former name Revolutionary Museum, which exhibits artifacts, photos and legends of Laos’s history fighters and leaders from the ancient times to the new revolution period. We then board our short flight to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City Luang Prabang, which is perhaps the best - preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Asia. On arrival, we transfer you to hotel. After a short rest, we stroll around the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of textiles made by the local and the hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful and panoramic sunset over the ancient and once royal city and the Mekong River.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. This is a real highlight of the tour prior to saying goodbye to this charming city. Following breakfast, we visit The National Museum (close Tuesday) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of the artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. After we visit the silver smith’s and Fine Arts School and the Central Market, which is not to be missed. We then say farewell and depart this ancient city