The Grand Tour of Indochina

The Grand Tour of Indochina encompasses the three countries that once made up French Indochine. This tour enables you to experience and understand the diversity of the culture, people, geography and history of the three countries. Explored together, these countries create a tour rich in experience and memories from visiting sites like Angkor Wat and Halong Bay to the unspoilt Vang Vieng.
 

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Saigon

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to Indochina. Travel to Saigon via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we are met by our Vietnamese National Escort.

Day 3: Saigon

Today we visit the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French style central Post Office. We also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, the Binh Tay wholesale market and Thien Hau Pagoda.

Day 4: Saigon - Mekong Delta (My Tho)

Explore the Mekong Delta, take various boat trips visiting local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations.

Day 5: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

Days 6-8: Saigon to Hoi An

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, stopping en route at the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach. Tomorrow undertake a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An. Visit an old home still lived in by descendents of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese pagoda. The afternoon and the following day are at leisure.

Day 9: Hoi An to Hue

Drive over Hai Van Pass to Hue. This afternoon take a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, continue by coach to Thien Mu Pagoda before enjoying a boat trip on the Perfume River. This evening, partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine.

Day 10: Hue to Hanoi

Visit Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, before flying to Hanoi. This afternoon visit the Ethnology Museum and enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets this evening.

Day 11: Hanoi to Sapa

Today we visit Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and drive around Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening transfer to the train station to board our overnight train to Sapa.

Days 12-13: Sapa

Over the next two days undertake walks of 5-6 hours duration into the hills to explore different minority villages, valleys, waterfalls and fine examples of tribal agriculture. On the second night board our overnight sleeper train for the return journey to Hanoi.

Days 14-15: Overnight Halong Bay

After an early morning arrival back in Hanoi and breakfast at a local bakery, travel to Halong Bay, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam. Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay. The following day continue our cruise before returning to the wharf and driving back to Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Fly to Laos and Luang Prabang. Upon arrival we will be met by our Laos National Escort. Enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO listed town visiting Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Vixoun and That Makmo, then climb Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and Mekong River.

Day 17: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou

Start with an early morning visit to the colourful fresh market and breakfast at a local bakery followed by a visit to the National Museum. Embark on a traditional boat upstream on the Mekong River to visit the sacred Buddha caves of Pak Ou. On the way stop at a village and visit Tham Ting and Tham Phoum Caves which house hundreds of Buddha statues. Return to Luang Prabang stopping along the way at Ban Xang Khong and enjoy a walk through a Hmong market.

Day 18: Luang Prabang - Kuangsi Waterfall

Rise early this morning to view Takbat, the monks’ rounds before continuing on to Kuangsi Waterfall, visiting a Hmong village at Ban Na Ouane and a Khmou village at Ban Tha Pen on the way. Enjoy a short walk to the waterfall. We have time for a swim and to relax near the clear pools before returning to Luang Prabang.

Day 19: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Leave Luang Prabang today and drive south to Vang Vieng, visiting Phoukhoune, Ban Houn Xay and Kasi along the way. We also stop at Pathang and enjoy a boat ride on Nam Song River before continuing to Vang Vieng.

Day 20: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Visit Tham Chang Cave this morning before continuing to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. This afternoon visit That Luang Stupa, the most revered shrine in Laos and the Patuxai, resembling the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. This evening enjoy a traditional Lao dance show.

Day 21: Vientiane

Visit Thongkhankham market before continuing to Wat Sisaket, the oldest and most beautiful temple of Vientiane. Visit Wat Phra Keo, the former royal temple, and Talat Sao to buy some Lao textile and basketry as souvenirs. This afternoon visit the Buddha Park, built by a monk in 1950.

Day 22: Vientiane to Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh and meet our Cambodian local guide. This afternoon visit the Majestic Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha and the National Museum.

Day 23: Phnom Penh

This morning visit the Apsara Association where poor children are taught traditional dance and to play music instruments. After lunch, visit the emotional Killing Fields before returning to the city and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes. Finish the day with some shopping at the Russian Market.

Day 24: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Fly to Siem Reap. After lunch visit the Kravan, Sreah Srang, Banteay Kdei, East Mebon temples before watching the sunset from the summit of Pre Rup temple.

Day 25: Siem Reap

After breakfast drive to the incredible fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side. Continue on to ‘The Bayon’ and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here visit the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Day 26: Siem Reap

August to February - High water season
Enjoy a cruise this morning on Tonle Sap and visit a floating village. Continue to Ta Keo and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. Unlike other monuments of Angkor, it has been left to be swallowed by the jungle.

March to July - Low water season
Today visit Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Continue to Ta Keo and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. Unlike other monuments of Angkor, it has been left to be swallowed by the jungle.

Days 27-28: Siem Reap to New Zealand

Enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport to board our flight to New zealand, arriving home the following morning.

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