Classic Indo-China
Itinerary
Day 1
Sydney – Hanoi, Vietnam
Depart Sydney this morning and upon arrival at Hanoi later this evening you are met and transferred to your Hotel. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many fascinating cultural and historic monuments for visitors to enjoy. When the nation’s capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city of Hanoi continued to flourish, especially after the French took control in 1888 and modeled the city’s architecture after their tastes, lending an important aesthetic to the city’s rich stylistic heritage. The city boasts more than 1,000 years of history and that, of the past few hundred years has been well preserved. It is without doubt one of Asia’s most beautiful cities – wide tree lined boulevards, narrow alleyways packed with bicycles and merchants, five beautiful lakes, a magnificent Opera House and delightful low rise buildings produce an unique atmosphere.
Day 2
Hanoi - Halong Bay
After breakfast set out on a leisurely drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s scenic wonders comprising over 3,000 islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Here check-in, enjoy a refreshing cocktail prior to embarkation aboard the delightful wooden sailing junk – the Bhaya. You will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board as you commence your cruise of Halong Bay. The vessel features luxurious cabins furnished in classic Eastern Style. Spend the afternoon cruising among the limestone islands, explore the Cave of Surprise (Sung Sot Cave) and have time to relax on board. Perhaps, you may like to participate in cooking demonstrations, or take the excursion to the Van Gia Fishing Village. Halong Bay is a photographer’s paradise. Dinner and overnight on board.
The Bhaya is a new boat with an ancient history. A true traveller of his time, the Vietnamese Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) defied the custom of taking thousands of courtiers on a royal trip, and took just twelve of his most trusted followers on a very exceptional trip to Halong Bay. His ship was one of the best of the wonderful wooden junks that sailed the waters of Halong. Inspired by the romantic landscape of the limestone karst islands rising in the middle of the waters, Khai Dinh commissioned a poem in praise of the bay’s beauty to be carved on the cliff of Dau Go Cave. The embodiment of an ancient Halong dream, the Bhaya is a flawless combination of traditional eastern delicacy and western luxury and comfort. Sailing in the midst of the wonder and natural beauty that distinguishes Halong Bay, the Bhaya plays a considerable role in the embellishment and protection of this glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site! BLD
Day 3
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Victoria Express
Start the day with relaxing Tai Chi on deck this morning prior to breakfast and we will be disembarking at 10.00am. Once ashore, we re-join our coach for the return journey to Hanoi and our hotel where we have arranged day - use rooms up until our evening departure to join our train - the Victoria Express. During this free afternoon you may like to visit the vast Dong Xuan markets, here you can be part of the bustling throng in this thriving three-story complex. The markets have a colourful history and once witnessed fierce battles between the Vietnamese resistance units and the French when the French required local merchants to bring their goods inside the fenced boundary of the market in order to facilitate tax collections. When the number of merchants increased, the market was enlarged. Then, in 1889 a new structure was built and in 1992, the market was renovated and a new facade erected.
This evening, at approximately 8.00pm transfer to Tran Quy Cap rail station to board the overnight train for your journey north to the mountain region of Lao Cai. Reaching Sapa has never been more appealing as we travel in style on board the Victoria Express and enjoy dinner in ‘Le Tonkin’ dining carriage where you can savour the delights of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisines. Fine wines add a further exquisite touch to a memorable experience. BD
Day 4
Victoria Express - Lao Cai - Sapa
Your train pulls in to the Lao Cai rail station this morning at 06.00am. Here you board the waiting coach for the 34km drive to Sapa. On arrival, and after check-in (your rooms have been reserved to allow for immediate occupancy) we have time for a leisurely hot shower and breakfast prior to your morning tour.
Sapa nestles among the Haong Lien Mountains, close to the Chinese border and at 1650 mtrs above sea level, is rightly famous for its pristine environment, unparalleled scenery and its cool climate. Sapa is also home to more than 30 distinct, colourful hill tribes and close to Vietnam’s highest peak – Mount Fansipan.
Mid morning you will take a walking tour to visit nearby Cat Cat. You will have an opportunity to admire its lively and time-held traditions. See the young village women sitting by looms of colourful brocade decorated with designs of flowers and birds. The H’Mong women use plants and leaves to create the dye used to colour the fabrics and then they roll a round, smooth section of wood covered with wax on the fabrics to polish them, making the colours durable. The villagers are also fine craftsman and create beautiful gold and silver jewelry. Return to our hotel this afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Dinner at your hotel this evening. BLD
Day 5
Sapa - Victoria Express to Hanoi
After breakfast you will tour the nearby villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van where you can meet and talk with the local people and discover more about their daily life. After a relaxing picnic lunch you return to the hotel. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant prior to our transfer to the train station to join the Victoria Express for our return journey to Hanoi. BLD
Day 6
Hanoi - Luang Prabang, Laos
The train arrives at approximately 5.00am. You are met at the station and transferred to the airport where you join your flight to Laos and mystical Luang Prabang, the Laotian Royal capital. Upon arrival you are met and welcomed to this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Listed city and driven to your hotel.
Luang Prabang is a small, peaceful town situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers with a remarkably well-preserved combination of Lao and colonial French architecture, which led to UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1995. The former royal palace of Luang Prabang’s last king - built for him by the French at the turn of the 20th century - has been turned into a museum filled with memories of the country’s grandiose history. Here, in a small chapel, can be found a copy of the Phra Bang - a last tenuous link to the once great Kingdom of a Million Elephants. BLD
Day 7
Luang Prabang
Sightseeing today will include Wat Wisunalat, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong. Wat Wisunalat is known for its huge golden Buddha. The wat was constructed in 1512 and held the famous Pra Bang Buddha from 1513 to 1894. On the grounds is the famous That Makmo, or watermelon stupa, a survivor since 1504. Wat Aham is only a few steps away from the Wisunalat sim. Return to your hotel along the main street and time permitting we will make stops at other temples that line the street. The hotel, once a royal residence, became a hotel in 2008 and is only a few minutes walk to the colourful local markets. BD
Day 8
Luang Prabang
Today enjoy an excursion down the Mekong to the limestone cliffs overlooking the rivers. The longtail-boat ride alone, is in itself a worthy day trip. This is a pleasant stretch of the river and from the base of the cave entrance you have a view of the high cliffs and swirling water of the Nam Ou River as it joins the Mekong. Inside the caves are enshrined a pantheon of Buddhist statuary. On your return journey we will stop at Ban Xang Hai, and Ban Zang Khong, returning to your hotel later this afternoon. BLD
Day 9
Luang Prabang
A morning visit to the local markets then the tour continues to the Royal Palace Museum. The palace, built for King Sisavang Vong from 1904 to 1909, was the royal residence until the Pathet Lao seized control of the country in 1975. The last Lao king, Sisavang Vattana, and his family were exiled to a remote region in the northern part of the country and never heard from again. The palace remains as a repository of treasures, rather scanty but still interesting. You can begin your tour by walking the length of the long porch; the gated open room to your right has one of the museum’s top attractions, a replica of a golden standing Buddha that was a gift to King Fa Ngum from a Khmer king. Known as “The Prabang” (thus the town’s name), which translates to “holy image,” the original was cast in Sri Lanka in the 1st century A.D. Past the throne room is a compound of large, spartan bedrooms with what little finery was left after the departure of the last king. The temple at the compound entrance is a gilded wedding cake, and the large Soviet-made statue of Sisavang Vong, the first king under the Lao constitution, has a stiff raised fist like a caricature of Lenin. After your visit return to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure. BD
Day 10
Luang Prabang - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Your last morning in Luang Prabang is free for last minute sightseeing and souvenir hunting. You will check-out of your hotel at noon and transfer to the airport to join your flight south to Cambodia and Siem Reap. On arrival and after clearing airport formalities you are met and transferred to your hotel. Remainder of day free. B
Day 11
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
Today visit some of Angkor’s most fascinating ruins, in particular the UNESCO classified, Angkor Wat: arguably the world’s greatest temple. It is the largest religious building in existence and the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. We will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon (its stones romantically held captive in a stranglehold of figs and vines), Baphuon, Phumeanakas, Elephant and Leper King Terraces with their ornately carved gates. After lunch make further visits to this amazing structure before returning to your hotel. BL
Day 12
Siem Reap - Angkok Wat
Rise early this morning to watch the sunrise at Angkok Wat (weather permitting) returning to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast continue your exploration of this amazing complex - visiting Banteay Samre and Prasat Kravan. Then after lunch the tour continues to Ta Prohm. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a theatre with traditional dance and entertainment. Return transfer to hotel. BLD
Day 13
Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City - Sydney
Today say farewell to Siem Reap. Those travelling home, depart the hotel around noon and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with connecting flight to Sydney. Others, joining the extension Pandaw Cruise will be transferred to join the vessel. B
Day 14
Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney early this morning.
