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| Northern Indochina Explorer |
Arrive in Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam, and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the charming colonial city visiting the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter of 36 streets which are named after 36 wares. This evening enjoy a traditional performance by Hanoi’s famed water puppet troupe.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Hai Phong (n.b. all the museums are closed on Monday and Friday)
Half-day city tour visiting the Confucian Temple of Literature, and the prestigious Museum of Ethnology. Depart in the afternoon for a 1½-hour drive passing through spectacular rural landscape before arriving in the port city of Hai Phong, a gateway to Halong Bay. Enjoy a quick city tour of this city and the flower market
Overnight in Hai Phong (B)
Day 3: Hai Phong – Halong Bay – Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, 1½-hour drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival in Halong, board a private boat and begin a 4-hour cruise through a maze of limestone islets in Halong Bay. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard. Drive back to Hanoi in good time to go for dinner
Overnight in Hanoi (B, L)
Day 4: Hanoi/Vientiane (Air)
Morning - transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a 2–hour flight to Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos. Afternoon - city tour include visits to:
Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues;
Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane
Overnight in Vientiane (B)
Day 5: Vientiane/Luang Prabang (Air)
We transfer to the airport for a brief morning flight to the mountain kingdom of Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and onward visit this sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit:
National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, and gifts received from foreign dignitaries;
Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa;
Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture;
Optional visit to Phousi Hill climbing up 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang providing the finest panoramic view in the whole city
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B)
Day 6: Pak Ou Caves
Optional early call to participate with local people giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then travel on a long-tailed boat for a few hours on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimetres to two metres in height. En route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bob by the shore and bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch is at local restaurant on the bank of the Mekong River. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat; continue by car to visit Ban Xangkhong, the village well known for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Transfer back to town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (B, L)
Day 7: Departure
Morning, visit to the local market with free time for last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for departure flight.
End of services (B)
