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ZiZ Inspire Travel Packages & Itineraries
15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour


Overview
“All the accumulated restraints of western life could be abandoned in the primitive simplicity of Indochina”.
Jon Swain, River of Time (1996)
Signature Indochina Tour & Itinerary
Our 15-Day Signature Indochina Tour takes you not only through the lands of Indochina, formerly French
Indochina during the colonial era, but does so in style! The journey begins in at Buddhist-bathed Luang
Prabang in Laos and continues to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

From Vientiane the trip plan incorporates Vietnam from top to toe; Hanoi, Halong Bay, then down to the
central highlands of Vietnam where you visit Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue. Continuing south, the
Vietnam leg of the journey concludes at Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Whilst here you can
visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and enjoy a Saigon city safari, one of Southeast Asia’s most bustling but exciting
cities.

From Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) fly to Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia for a fleeting but absorbing visit
before continuing onto Siem Reap and the doorway to Angkor Wat and the Temples of Angkor; one of the
worlds most important and magnificent monuments.

This is a feature-packed itinerary with highlights at every turn; the morning alms-giving in Luang Prabang, a
Halong Bay Cruise, city safaris in fascinating Southeast Asia cities and Angkor Wat and the other temples of
Angkor, one of the most awe-inspiring and unforgettable monuments and experiences.

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15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour
Location
Our signature Indochina private tour takes you at a relaxed pace through the lands of Indochina; Laos,
Vietnam and Cambodia. Fascinating in all respects and steeped in a millennia of history, each of the 3
countries provides a different experience and combined, as they are in this trip, the experience will be
mesmerising and unforgettable.
Laos
"Laos is such a mystical place and there are only 6 million of us living in what is a national park. Why
on earth would we change?". Sinlasone Soumpholphakdy, a local.

Southeast Asia’s best kept secret, Laos offers visitors a glimpse of an untainted, traditional and in many
ways content Southeast Asian lifestyle. Although Luang Prabang is establishing itself on the tourist map,
Laos is still an Asia country that you visit as a traveller rather than a tourist. The Mekong River flows through
it, or rather ambles through it. Accessing the vast majority of the country still rates as “extreme travel”. There
are a multitude of ethnic minority groups, jungles, remnants of fading French Indochina and UNESCO listed
monuments, land areas and towns.
Cambodia
"An idyllic, antique land unsullied by the brutalities of the modern world . . .bucolic plenty, Buddhist
serenity, neutralist peace". William Shawcross Sideshow . . . Cambodia in the 1950’s and 60’s.

With Angkor Wat, a World Heritage Site and one of the most important architectural monuments in the world
in its backyard, for the majority Angkor Wat is Cambodia. Undoubtedly magnificent, Cambodia has so much
more to offer the more adventurous and intrepid traveller and it is a country that intrigues from its epidermis
to the depths of its bone marrow. A complex political past, ironically conserved wildlife, forgotten jungle
temples, the fading legacy of French Indochina, beaches, islands, the Mekong River, the phenomenon of the
Tonle Sap lake and so much more.
Vietnam
Vietnam is without doubt one of the most hauntingly beautiful countries in Southeast Asia both visually and
culturally. Vietnam has an immensely varied landscape which hosts fifty four ethnic groups. From the rugged
and staggeringly beautiful northern highlands, Vietnam is washed by the South China Sea from top to toe
with the Mekong Delta in the south providing the ultimate pedicure.

Over the years Vietnam has been invaded and colonised whilst also being a magnet for traders and it has
quietly extracted all that is worth keeping from these influences and woven them into its own cultural
tapestry; the coffee and café culture from France, the architecture, the cuisine and more. Vietnam is a truly
unforgettable part of any Indochina experience.





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Bangkok :: Thailand

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15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang – Arrival
We meet you upon arrival and transfer you by car to the Maison Souvannaphoum, a former palace and a
gem of a hotel in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Laos. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local
restaurant and then, accompanied with your guide, visit the National Museum before climbing Vat Phousi, a
hill that offers incredible views over the city and Mekong River. Continue you on to the Vat Visoun stupa,
That Makmo and the shrine of Vat Aham. The afternoons sightseeing culminates at Vat Prabaht Tai which,
located beside the Mekong River, is timed to coincide with sunset.
Day 2: Luang prabang – Pak Ou – Luang Prabang
After breakfast at the hotel the first stop is at Vat Xieng Thong which is considered to be one of the most
beautiful temples in Luang Prabang with classic Laotian temple architecture. Several pagodas dot the temple
compound, most housing golden Buddha images but the Royal Funeral Pagoda is also here with the original
12m high funeral hearse within. Afterwards board a traditional boat for a river journey up the Mekong River to
the caves of Pak Ou and the thousands of Buddha statues within. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant with
views over the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers and then return to Luang Prabang by boat.
Upon arrival switch to a car and visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong which also produces traditional
Sa paper.
Day 3: Luang Prabang – Khuang Xi Waterfall
After breakfast your guide collects you and takes you to the Riverside where you board a traditional riverboat
for a trip down the Mekong River. Twenty minutes down river and on the opposite bank to Luang Prabang is
Ban Chan, home to the Lao Loum who are renowned for their pottery. Back on board the boat continue
downriver for about an hour to Ban Sing, also a Lao Loum village. At this point switch to a car and continue
onwards to Khuang Xi Waterfalls. Crystal clear water cascades over several tiers into emerald pools below
which are ideal for a refreshing swim. Have a picnic lunch beside the waterfalls, relax and take time to
explore the area before returning to Luang Prabang by road.
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Surface before dawn this morning to go and watch the Alms Giving procession of monks which is what
Luang Prabang has become most known for. Afterwards, as the sun rises visit the morning market before
returning to breakfast at your hotel.

After breakfast there is time to visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre which depicts the various and
varied ethnic cultures of Laos. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to the airport for your flight
to Vientiane. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your Vientiane hotel and in the afternoon there will
be time to explore the city and its sights; the temples, the architecture of French Indochina and Patousay, the
victory gate also known as Anousavari. As evening falls enjoy sundowners beside the Mekong River before
migrating to any one of the fabulous restaurants in Vientiane.
Day 5: Vientiane - Hanoi
Depending on time a trip to the morning market in Vientiane, with its silk weaving, metal work, and
woodcarving, is well worth it before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Hanoi. Having settled
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15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour
in you may want to visit the Bat Trang Pottery Village in the afternoon which is 15km outside Hanoi.
Surrounded by verdantly green rice paddies the village artisans shape, paint and glaze their creations, the
finished products emerging from huge kilns a few days later.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Spend the morning getting to know Hanoi, its rich culture and artistic traditions. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s former
residence, the Mausoleum (the Mausoleum is closed during Oct-Nov), the One Pillar Pagoda & the Temple
of Literature. Also explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi by Cyclo, peddling past the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son
temple and around the labyrinth of alleyways before arriving at a local restaurant for lunch in the Old Quarter.
After lunch visit the History Museum before jumping into a car to be driven to Halong Bay, 165km east.

With over 1,500 limestone islets and rock karsts jutting perpendicular up from an emerald green sea, Halong
Bay is utterly beautiful, a UNESCO World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty and “must visit” in any
Vietnam Itinerary.
Day 7: Halong Bay
No trip to Halong Bay is complete if you don’t get out on the water and that is exactly what we recommend
doing today. Take a 4 hour cruise around the islets and rock karsts to really experience the magical qualities
of Halong Bay and also an incredible seafood lunch. There is plenty of time to relax, swim and to be
entranced by the absolute beauty of Halong Bay which will inevitably become one of the highlights and most
memorable experiences of your Indochina journey. Upon returning to Hanoi, you may want to watch a water
puppetry performance in the evening which sounds touristy but it is the most traditional art form here that
dates back to the 11th century. There will also be plenty of time to explore Hanoi and its evening scene
which is by no-means as boisterous as Ho Chi Minh city but with ample quantities of character, personality
and culture unique to Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An
Spend the morning simply enjoying personal time in Hanoi before departing by air to Da Nang in the
afternoon. We collect you by car from Da Nang Airport and whisk you off past China Beach and onto the
graceful town of Hoi An with its distinctive Chinese flavour, a legacy of its mercantile history. The Old town of
Hoi An is also UNESCO World Heritage listed and features Tan Ky and Phuc Kien houses with a 300 year
history. Explore the narrow streets and alleyways of Hoi An, the riverfront boulevard, the Hoi An market. In
the evening venture to one of Hanoi’s restaurants to indulge in some of its unique culinary delights.
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue
Leave Hoi An by car and travel to Marble Mountain for lunch before continuing on, over the spectacular Hai
Van Pass, to the imperial capital of Hue. Hue, sitting on the banks of the Perfume River, is a real gem in
Vietnam and spend the rest of the day just soaking up the atmosphere and exploring Hue at your own pace.
Day 10: Hue – Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
In the morning take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and there is also plenty of
time to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, Dong Ba market and Tu Duc mausoleum with a break for lunch in
between. Depart for Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon by air and be transferred to your hotel by car on
arrival.
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15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
Take a trip to Cu Chi district which is 75km from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to see the rabbit warren of Cu Chi
Tunnels. Actually if you are not claustrophobic you can actually go in and crawl through the tunnels yourself.
The Cu Chi Tunnels extend for about 200km with a main axis with off-shooting branches that lead to
hideouts, shelters and yet more tunnels.

Return to Saigon for lunch and in the afternoon take a ZiZ Inspire City Safari of Saigon on foot to get your
bearings. Starting at the Saigon River, the walk takes you past the Opera House, Town Hall and Notre Dame
Cathedral, into the Reunification Palace (a museum) and Ben Thanh market as well.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh
Take personal time to explore Saigon before flying to Phnom Penh Cambodia. After checking into your hotel
take a Phnom Penh City Safari and visit the Independence Monument and the National Museum which is still
offered referred to as “Musee des Beaux-Arts”. Although very Khmer in appearance the National Museum
was actually designed by Georges Groslier, a French archaeologist and today houses the finest collection of
pre- and post-Angkor sculpture and pottery in the world.

The city safari also takes you to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda with its 5,000 silver tiles on the
floor, eventually ending up at Wat Phnom the symbol of Phnom Penh and perhaps its most focal landmark.
In the evening relax on the riverfront overlooking the Mekong River and sample some of the gastronomic
fare that Phnom Penh has to offer; Khmer food, Khmer Fusion food, French Haute Cuisine or a wealth of
other international cuisine that is fast making Phnom Penh one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.
Day 13: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
In the morning return to the airport for to depart for Siem Reap and another of many highlights within this
Indochina Itinerary: Angkor Wat and the Temples of Angkor.

Visit Victory Gate, the twin temples of Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda, Takeo and Ta Prohm. Ta Phrom
is arguably one of Angkor’s most beautiful temples and since being discovered it has remained largely
untouched and something of a mystery. The Angkor tour continues with Banteay Kdei which is encircled by
four concentric walls, Srah Srang ("the Pool of ablutions") undoubtedly used in the past for ritual bathing and
Prasat Kravan temple with its unique brick sculptures.

After lunch its off to the North Gate of Angkor Thom and onwards to Preah Khan temple which bears slight
resemblance to Ta Prohm with its towered enclosures and cramped corridors. Visit the fountain of Neak
Pean which was designed to represent a paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake and continue to Ta Som
before ending the afternoon at Pre Rup, the "Mountain Temple", to watch the sunset.
Day 14: Siem Reap
Prise yourself from your slumber before the crack of dawn to experience an Angkor sunrise either from
Phnom Bakheng, a hill that dominates the plain of Angkor and has spectacular views of the western Baray or
instead see the sunrise from Srah Srang. Whichever you choose it is well worth the effort with some
incredible photo opportunities.

Return to the hotel for sustenance before going to visit the most famous of all Angkor Temples; Angkor Wat.
Covering 81 hecatares, Angkor Wat is a colossal Temple and feat of engineering given that it was
constructed in the 12th century! The land area that Angkor Wat covers is comparable to the Imperial Palace
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15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina Tour
in Beijing and Angkor Wat’s five towers which symbolize Meru’s five peaks, are also emblazoned on
Cambodia’s National flag.

Slow the pace down now particularly after such an early start with a 1 hour Khmer Massage and then enjoy
lunch. In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, the South Gate with its huge statues
depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over
200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the
Terrace of the Leper King before returning to Angkor Wat for more photo opportunities as the sunsets.
Day 15: Siem Reap – Departure
In the morning a car is provided to take you to Siem Reap airport after breakfast for your onward journey. ::
End of the itinerary ::
Signature Indochina Itinerary Notes
From time to time small deviations may have to be made to the itinerary due to climatic conditions, flight
schedules and room availability for example.
Customise It!
This is a suggested Indochina Itinerary which can be personalised and customised according to your
individual requirements. If you like the basic flow we can work together using this Indochina Itinerary as a
foundation tweaking it until all your preferences are met. Simply get in touch with us using the Contact Us or
Book It form both of which are free from commitment.
Find out more about your Indochina Trip plan at http://www.zizinspire.com

Get in touch with us at ZiZ Inspire to book 15 Day Laos to Vietnam & Cambodia Indochina tour :
Phone : +66 (0)2 948 7711
Email : team@zizinspire.com

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