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Vietnam 8 Nights: HANOI - HALONG BAY - NINH BINH / PHAT DIEM - LAO CAI / SAPA - DIEN BIEN PHU - TAY TRANG BORDER

Laos 8 Nights : SOBHOUNE BORDER - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE - PAKSE - DON KHONG ISLAND

Cambodia 8 Nights: SIEM REAP (Angkor Complex) - KAMPONG THOM - KAMPONG CHAM - PHNOM PENH - SIHANOUK VILLE Beach

This is quite an itinerary for our people, I would like to book this tour programe. Click here

Arrival in Hanoi, warm welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting of the tour guide in the meeting point's Noi Bai Airport.

Hanoi - its legendary beginnings from 1,010 to 15th century then before the World War II, after 1954 as well, is the cradle of Red River Delta civilization with green rice-fields, its Old streets and colonial Quarter, its calm lakes, the shaded boulevards, its verdant public parks and sunny smiles with truly Far-East Asian faces ...Our experienced tour guide will transmit you the most lovely aspects of Hanoi - the ancient city of 1,000 yrs, during 45' by coach from the airport to your hotel in the centre city.

Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi, let’s experience the basic concepts of political Vietnam currently by visit to the Chairman Palace area, there are Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ba Dinh National square, Stilt House; One Pillar Pagoda, a nice group picture should photo in the parade yard of Ba Dinh National square with the great back view of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Continuing to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple are located on an islet of West Lake, then the Temple of Literature, is a classic Confucianism temple from the category "Confucianism", was founded as a Confucian Temple and a huge statue and alter to Confucius remain there today, the first university in Viet Nam was founded here and many rows and rows of big stone slabs that sat on the backs of stone tortoises. These slabs are actually the stele of the school's successful doctorate candidates.

Afternoon, you visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where contains more than 10,000 objects which depict all aspects of life, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. You will enjoy later an interesting tour by traditional Pedicabs, the best and most stylish way as far more charming to see Hanoi and to take in the sights and sounds of the Old quarter is by Cycle ( a tricycle ), your people will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour the Old Quarter and shopping streets to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas, the small rickshaws will carry you strolling around the Old Quarter and shopping streets, to relax and view to daily-life surrounding or communicating is a good way to have a full impression of the city, catch the spirit of Vietnam. Rickshaws will return back at the Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake - the Return-Sword Lake, to visit Ngoc Son – Heroic Temple, But Tower, where you will be fascinating with legendary stories from 600 years that a turtle stole a king's sword and took it to the bottom of this lake.

A moment free in Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the lovely Hanoi landscapes in the sunset until the time of water puppet show, a unique art form of Vietnamese, at Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe, and you will also experience more about a specific culture in South-East Asia coming from agriculture of wet rice during the performance.

Day 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY by A/C car 175km, Cruising tour by wooden junk

After breakfast, check out then depart to Halong Bay, 175 km from Hanoi, the highway is smoothly and cost you of 3.5 - 4 hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages ....there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explanation of Vietnam by our tour guide.

In 1994 UNESCO classified Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage and in November 2000, the World Heritage Committee reconfirmed this classification, your excursion to Halong Bay will re-evaluate the classification of UNESCO to this fairyland.

In the book intituled “Wonders of the World” published in 1950. The French marshal Lyautey compared it with Venice rocks in the “Letters of Tonkin and Madagascar “ (June 24, 1895). The French novelist Yvonne Schultz did not hesitate to praise the miraculous beauty of this bay:

All heights and ten thousand forms; imagination, imitation, pagodas, Hindu temples, menhirs, Chinese towers, pieces of chess-board or true immense mountain. And the extraordinary flows simulating the ruined keeps, the broken down bastions, a succession of palaces with the open belly and tribes of mutilated idols.

HALONG BAY is nearly a hidden bay with thousands of limestone islands densely rising from the blue jade water in a sea area of over 1500 square kilometres. Its 1969 green islands enfeeble the strong winds blowing from the ocean to leave the transparent water of the bay often calm in cool and healthy air. From time to time, sailing Junk appearing and disappearing between the islands make the poetic sight more colourful like sparkling pearls or coral reefs found out in the bay. The beauty of the bay is not monotone, at different positions of viewing, it will astonish viewers with quite different fascinations. In the caves and grottoes of stone islands, visitors will discover and admire how many impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

12h00-12h30 Embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise (or similar) followed by a short cruise briefing.

13h00-15h30 Savor a delectable lunch as V’Spirit Classic Cruises among the limestone islands…

16h30-17h30 Cruise to Soi Sim island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Soi Sim or climp up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.

17h30 Return to the main boat for a shower. Relax or snap photos as the sun starts to set 19h00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, fish for squid, or just laze around. Overnight on board. (B, L, D)

08h30-09h30 Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay.

09h30-10h30 Continue cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet & more…

10h30-11h30 While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

NOTES: Cruise itineraries and schedules are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.

Our car is waiting for you at the pier and straight-up to Ninh Binh / Hoa Lu ancient capital.

Day 5: NINH BINH - HANOI by A/C car 90km, bicycle, night-train to LAO CAI

Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh, where people commonly call “Halong Bay on Land”, to enjoy its marvellous nature, the poetic delight views of lush rice paddies and lime-stone shapely mountains. There is really Historical & Cultural Vestiges, a most ancient land and first capital city of the monarchical Vietnam - Hoa Lu Ancient Royal Capital. Enjoy bicycle tour to visit Dinh Temple worships King Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Temple worships King Le Dai Hanh, they were built in 17^th century. Proceeding to Van Lam Village, take a rowing boat alongside streams through the rice-fields to admire the picturesque views, into beautiful landscapes with channels meandering between rocky hills, grottoes and gaze with veneration at gigantic sceneries of three caves Tam Coc to be adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites shapely and colourful.

Later, enjoy an interesting tour biking along the peaceful country road to visit Bich Dong Pagodas hide itself on the slope’s rocky hill range, built on Ngu Nhac Mountain, is divided into three levels: lower pagoda, middle pagoda and upper pagoda. On the mountain peak stands the statue of a scholar Mandarin looking at the horizon in hope of viewing the spectacular landscapes of Hoa Lu. From the upper pagoda, one has the most magnificent view of Bich Dong, which is romantically charming in terms of architecture and history. The location for this pagoda was chosen in year of 1428 after two monks were charmed by the view of the river and the mountains. Later, King Le Canh Hung wrote a poem in honour of the beautiful pagoda and landscape, who said that Bich Dong Pagodas was the second nicest pagoda in Vietnam, after the Perfume Pagodas.

Then transfer by auto to visit the Cathedral of Phat Diem-the center of Catholicism in north Vietnam and also a tourist site attracting foreign and domestic visitors. Located 28km southeast of Ninh Binh, Phat Diem Cathedral was built between 1875 and 1899 and consists of a network of ponds, lakes, churches, and artificial caves.

After that, transfer straight-up to Hanoi Railway station for a night train to Lao Cai – a boundary town in the range after range of mountains with China. Welcome on board for departure to Lao Cai ETD 21:15 PM. Enjoy your night train in A/C Superior cabin with 4-6 soft berths. Overnight on train. (B)

Arrival in Lao Cai in morning ETA 06:30AM. You will be picked up at Lao Cai Railway Station.

Transfer to Sapa Town, a small market town perched dramatically on the western edge of a high plateau facing the hazy blue peak of Fan Si Pan Mountain. The refreshing climate and vaguely Alpine landscape struck a nostalgic chord with European visitors. On 1,600 meters above sea level, is the kingdom of colorful Orchids, a big summer resort, the homeland of Nung, Dao, Tay, Cao Lan, Paxi, and Xa Phong minorities. Sapa’s invigorating air is a real tonic after the dusty plains, but cold nights make warm clothes essential throughout the year.

Drive to a local restaurant for breakfast, then enjoy a walking tour to visit the most lively context of Sapa, visit Sapa Market, are crowded and merry, and are especially attractive to visitors. Minority groups come here to exchange and trade goods and products, proceeding to Sapa Church – as an impress mark, timing witness of this solitary mountain region. After that, drive 20km northeast to explore the bird life in the tropical forest near Ban Khoang village, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life.

After breakfast, check out then transfer to Dien Bien Phu via Phong Tho. Photo stop at O Quy Ho which is a mountain pass connecting two northern provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, an area home to the magnificent Hoang Lien Range including the Indochina's roof of Mount Fansipan with the height of 3,414 meters. It is also known as Hoang Lien Pass, but travelers having a strong love for the Northwest region prefer using the name O Quy Ho Pass. You will also have opportunities to view the Fansipan Peak, scenic mountains in the northwestern, the villages of ethnic Thai, also the rice terrace fields among the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam, Local mountain people, the Hmong, Giay, Dao, Tay, and Giay, grow rice and corn on these paddy terraces, along with vegetables. Because of the climate, only one rice crop a year can be produced, resulting in abundant malnutrition. Stop-over to picture at Hang Tom Bridge – the biggest chain-bridge in Vietnam.

Dien Bien Phu town. It once was the violent battlefield where historical combats between Resisted Vietnamese and the French Colonialists Expeditionary Corps took place. It is the beautiful valley, surrounded by the river of Nam Rom and the high mountain with different ethnic minorities.

After breakfast, you will have full day to visit the vestiges of the first Indochina War, visit to Dien Bien Phu Museum –

where a scale model of the battle and a video presentation explain the chronology of the 57 days. Display cases present a moving exhibition of black and white photos, documents and objects, such as the Viet Minh bikes which were used to transport artillery, the tools used to dig the tunnels, and the cotton jackets which served as uniforms;War Cemetery-A formal French War Memorial, erected on the 30th anniversary of the 1954 battle, commemorates the 3000 French troops buried under the rice paddies. On the other bank of the Nam Ron River, the immaculately maintained Dien Bien Phu Cemetery commemorates the Vietnamese dead, each gravestone bearing the gold star of the Vietnamese flag and a clutch of incense sticks. Eliane Hill, Command bunker of De Castries at the heart of the entrenched camp of Dien Bien Phu in the middle of the Muong Thanh Field, and hamlets of ethnic minorities in surroundings. Then Muong Thanh Bridge which crosses Nam Rom River was built by French after parachute jump to occupy Dien Bien Phu. Finally, the bridge became means of transport to Vietnamese People’s Army assail and raise the "determined to fight, determined to win" flag high on the General De Castries tunnel.

Return to the hotel and free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. (B)

Day 9: DIEN BIEN PHU - TAY TRANG BORDER by A/C car 40km / LAOS: SOBHOUNE BORDER - LUANG PRABANG (via Oudomxay) by A/C car 380km

This morning, early check out then transfer to the Vietnam / Laos border (around 1.30 hour for 40km mountainy road) at the Tay Trang / Sobhoune checkpoint for crossing into Laos. The tour guide will welcome you at the border in Lao side then transfer to Luang Prabang (around 8hours for 380km mountainy road) via Muong Khua and Oudomxay. On the way, we stop to visit Khmu, Lantene minorities villages on both side of the road. They are living with a nature forest. A long the way, photo-stops can be made for beautiful scenery with mountain ranges and to see rural life of various ethnic groups at small village & photos stop can be made for a very beautiful view of northern part of Laos, and the Nam Ou river. Then we drive straight up to Luang Prabang. This tranquil town with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop has claimed by UNESCO to be “the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia”.

Arrive in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, check-in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

After breakfast, we visit Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple that is most interesting more than any temple in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Enjoy a boat trip of few hours upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives you a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, located in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Our first stop will be at Ban Shanghai Village, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao as distilled. On return, we disembark traditional villages, visiting Ban Xienglek and Ban Xangkong, the villages of handmade jute papermaking and continue taking a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village well known for its hand weaving. We are welcome to taste it and take away.

We return to Luang prabang city around late afternoon, observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Dinner with music & Baci ceremony will take place inside hotel or at local restaurant (see supplement).

Baci Ceremony is one of its famous traditions of Lao People held at any time of the year for occasions such as the receiving of a Scholarship, a birth, a wedding, a trip overseas or any other occasion deemed worthy. It purposes is the raising of the soul and the calling back of the spirit, which is lost. When people or animals get sick it is said, “We lost spirit, the spirit escaped, or our spirit is weak.

This ceremony is consist of one important PA KHUAN (Lao Word) or ‘’ Altar “is an elegant pyramid arrangement of rolled bananas leaves. At the end of each rolled leaf is a marigold flower or gold flower of the thousand layers. In addition to the flower, the rolled leaves hole the white strings for the wrist tying by the well-wisher at the end of the formal ceremony. Threaded through the “ Altar “ are long white strings which are held by participants connecting them to others on the other side of the “ Altar “ They are white of purity and the link with the spirit of the universe. At the foot of the Pyramid, a boiled chicken placed in addition to boiled eggs. This custom has its origins in India.

The well-wisher is traditionally a monk or Ex-monk and a respected elder. He sits in front of the “Altar “while the participants sit on the other side in a semi-circle. At certain point of the well-wisher‘s chanting the voice of the participants are raised in laughter or contrition. At the end of the ceremony, the tying of the white strings around wrist begins. After finishing tying of all participants & then the ceremony ends with parties, Participants drink, eat, sing & dance and wish each other.

You can explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local, and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang (BY YOUR OWN). Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

After breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early morning for our excited journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be strenuous as we drive along one of the most scenic but also one of the roughest routes in Asia. Along the way, photo-stops can be made for beautiful scenery with mountain range and also to see rural life of various ethnic groups at small villages.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. We take traditional boat trip for 20mins to Tham Jang cave, Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.

Breakfast and continue to drive forward just off route 13 north are two of Vientiane Province’s well known attractions: a small man-made reservoir known as Nong Nok near Ban Sivilay which is a great bird watching site. Then transfer to Vientiane. We will arrival Vientiane around late afternoon, check in hotel and free at leisure.

Vientiane - the Capital of Laos - the only land - locked country in Southeast Asia 'land of a million elephants' and one of the last places to see old Indochina. Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the highlight of southeast Asia.

Sits on a bend in the Mekong River amid fertile alluvial plains. Despite its chequered past, Vientiane is a laid-back city with a number of interesting Wats and lively markets.

After breakfast, we start visiting some of the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image, a former royal temple, built in 1565 by King Setthathirat, the temple was originally designed to house the famous Emerald Buddha, which he had brought with him from the Kingdom of Lanna.

We will visit the Lao’s national precious heritages, the famous and sacred structure as That Luang Stupa - The most important national monument in Vientiane, is a symbol of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty, was constructed in 1566 by King Setthathirat. You will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Patuxay Monument - Lao for Gateway of Victory is adorned with an array of rough hero Lao historical imagery and offers a splendid, panoramic view of the city from its top.

After that visit National Revolution Museum and Kisone Phomvihanh Museum of which where varied antique items and legend of Laos 's history fighters and leaders displace from the ancient times to new revolution period. Then the most busiest Sang Market in Vientiane and Laos also.

Early morning, transfer to airport for flight to Pakse by flight QV305 VTE/PKZ at 06.15-07.05, meet at airport and drive to Pakse.

We continue our journey through Boloven Plateau. The Boloven Plateau, known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can see easily en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region.

Day 15: PAKSE - VAT PHU - DON KHONG ISLAND by A/C car 200km, long-tail boat

Transfer to boat pier and take traditional boat trip downstream on the Mekong River to Champasak for 1.30hrs.

Arrive to Champasak and transfer by car about 15’ drive to visit the fascinating pre-angkorian VAT PHU, Vat Phu Champasak is the most famous Hindu temple complex built in Laos under the Khmer Empire, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which dominated much of Southeast Asia from the 10th-14th century. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001. If your travel date is in time, you may enjoy The Vat Phu Festival which will take place every year, on the 15th day of the increasing moon of the 3rd month (in January-February) and coincides with the Makha Busa Buddhist Festival. For 2015, the festival of Vat Phu started on January 28th until February 3rd. The festival would probably inclusive the BUDDHISTACTIVITIES OF LAOS TYPICAL SOCIAL COMMUNITY, there are elephants racing, buffaloes fighting, and performances of Lao traditional music and dance.

After that, we will drive about 2hrs on the National Road No. 13th south then a small ferryboat to cross the Mekong into Don Khong Island. A big island as 16 km long and 8 km wide, the largest island in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos, where the Mekong reaches up to 14km wide during the rainy season. Its capital is Muang Khong, a small former French settlement.

Day 16: DON KHONG ISLAND - MEKONG river on Surroundings by A/C car, long-tail boat

After an early breakfast, we take motor boat to explore the local villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with it’s locomotive. We continue discover the 4000 islands area by boat at our leisure to visit the Liphi waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the end of Lao border to Cambodia, also known as the Samphamith. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. We return to Ban Nakasang and drive to famous waterfalls of Khone Phapeng, the largest waterfall in South East Asia, known as “Niagara of the east”.

Day 17: DON KHONG ISLAND - PAKSE - SIEM REAP by A/C car, plane, long-tail boat

After breakfast, check-out and take a motor-boat upriver to Pakse, then transfer to Pakse airport for a flight to Siem Reap by QV 513 PKZ/REP at 13.10-14.10.

Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap is the base for exploring the fabled temples of Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer empire. Over 100 temples are spread over a vast area and the site easily lives up to its status as one of the seven wonders of the forgotten world.

Siem Reap - The Cradle of Angkor Civilization - Where Cambodian were Born, this is also a famous Archaeological City, as named as one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the World. Covering approx 600 sq km, it contains more than 100 fabulous ancient monuments and over dozen major compound Temples, which were built during the most splendid Era of the Khmer Dynasty between the 9^th - 13^th centuries and were the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in, a moment to fresh-up, then you will the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom.

In the late afternoon, coming to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the YacovarmanI King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvellous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle and Tonle Sap Lake.

For those delegates thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as 'dance-drama' in that the dances are not merely dance but are also meant to convey a story or message.

Evening is the time of an exclusive Cultural Show-Dinner on buffet (see supplement), with the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Cambodian cuisine in a local restaurant. Your clients will enjoy able the tradition Royal musical instruments of Cambodia. A traditional music band will sow in your mind the most memorable moments of lifetime thru the folk-music, folk-singers, folk-songs and folk-dances of Apsara dancers during dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour to discover Angkor complex. Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the famous Bayon temple (12th century in the center of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; Terrace of the Leper King a platform 7m high, on the top stands a nude though sexless statue; Phimean Akas temple means “Celestial Palace”, dedicated to Hinduism. Especially Ta Phrom Temple, was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man's work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.

Afternoon, visit the wonderful Angkor Wat - one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the center of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple's greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls...

Today, you should get up very soon in the morning otherwise we might not see the bird in Tongle Sap Lake, we will plan to spend one full day at Lake Tonle Sap, traveling by motor-boat out through the fascinating floating villages inhabited by fishermen and their families to the stork and heron breeding site at Prek Toal. Spot-billed, Pelican, Oriental Darter, Greater and Lesser adjutants, Painted Stork, and Indian Cormorant are all likely, and there is a chance of Milky Stork. Again there will be lots of great photo opportunities here.

For the rest of day, visit the handicraft of the sculpture center « les Artisans d’Angkor », the finest authentic Khmer arts and crafts, stone & wood carving, lacquer ware, furniture making, silk weaving & accessories. Stop-over to have a look at Old Market & Franco colonial quarter, take your time to enjoy a busy market day, communicating with the local sales or street vendors and all sorts of their products. It’s quite a sight to see, to give somewhat a picture of Cambodian social living. Back to hotel and free leisure at night. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

Today, after breakfast, check out then drive to visit The Bamboo Bridge and Koh Paen beach about two kilometers of Kampong Cham. Bamboo Bridge is a solid bamboo structure built to Koh Paen island across the Mekong river. On the other side is an endless Cham and Khmer village, entirely mounted on stilts. Visit Nokor Wat, an Angkorian temple dating from the 11th century, containing a standard assortment of Angkor architecture; including Wat Nokor Bachey temple is 11th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine of sandstone and laterite, then Prasat Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey temples (Male hill and Female hill), built during the Sangkum Reas Niyum regime ruled by King Norodom Sihanouk. The former hill translates as “Male Hill”, while the latter as “Female Hill”. On the hill there is a pagoda called Wat Sovankiri Rattanak Phnom Pros. The main temple is five peaks, following the style of Banteay Srei Temple in Siem Reap.

Transfer to hotel for check in and time of rest. Overnight in Kampong Cham. (B)

Tour of the city of Kampong Cham where keeps its market and some buildings in French style, then Wat Nokor Mahayana Buddhist temple sandstone laterite 11th century. Then route to Phnom Penh, stop at market Skun, market tarantulas and crickets. Continue the road and you will stop at Pch Nil to see the Black Mamie.

Welcome to Sihanouk-ville - “Beach town”, “fledgling resort destination” is Cambodia’s premier beach town. Sihanouk-ville’s white sand beaches and warm Gulf of Thailand waters combine with a laid-back, beachy atmosphere to provide a great little tropical gateway. Still, the pace of life in Sihanouk-ville is very relaxed, cows occasionally wander the main road, outside town foreign faces draw smiles and curious stares.

A full day for Prey Nup Mangrove Ecosystem Discovery, Nonprofit organization Prey Nup Mangrove Conservation Project has been purchasing and protecting old growth mangrove forests on the coast of Southern Cambodia for the past ten years. Recently, they have purchase impacted lands surrounding the old growth forest to restore. You will visit to a large mangrove forest preserve at oceans edge in Prey Nup district north of Sihanouk Ville town, offering a unique look at a delicate and endangered ecosystem. Excellent bird watching opportunities. Species sighting include Painted and Milky Storks, Kingfishers, Kites and Egrets. Guided eco-tours of the forest by kayak and from an observation station.

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure to enjoy the sunny beaches in Sihanouk Ville, you may enjoy the beach right on your hotel or go to Ochheuteal Beach, Victory Beach, Independence Beach, Chann Beach, Sokha Beach; they are so transparent water, often calm and healthy air, you would enjoy yourself free-care full days to sun-sea bathing on beach or just relax yourself and lazing around to discover the exotic sightseeing, a selection of particularly interesting water sports for Pro or just Initiate is available such as non-motorized water sports, inclusive of kayaking, catamaran, body boarding and wind surfing by your own, especially in a wind-surfing, or just snorkelling trips, scuba and diving throughout the area.

Let’s making the most of unforgettable senses of the restful day truly in your life.

On mid-afternoon, you will drive to Phnom Penh. Check in hotel and time of rest.

Phnom Penh - the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind the visitor that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Recent political changes have triggered an economic boom of sorts, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up around the city.

After breakfast, enjoying a day sightseeing tour of the charming city with the most attractions of Cambodia including Independence Monument - the Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia’s ruled by France in 1953, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Proceeding to visit National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, Copper, wood and others. They are really the cultural treasure of Cambodian. Visit the Royal Palace compound, was built by King Norodom in 1866, inside its gleaming yellow walls are most conspicuous feature and impressive colourful Khmer-style Halls for the Royal family, then visit Silver Pagoda, located in the compound of the Royal Palace. Inside its floor is constructed of 5000 silver tiles. In the centre of the pagoda there is a magnificent 17th-century emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal and its walls enclosing are covered with frescoes depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana.

In the afternoon, you will have opportunity to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Continue your visit at Wat Phnom Daun Penh - the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill, Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many forms of leisure activity. Left time of the day is saved for shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists, that you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodian’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their face.

After breakfast, free at leisure until the time for check out at noon, then transfer to Pochentong airport for a flight back home. Have a safe trip come home!

It’s timely; you have to say good-bye the Indochina of Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia then may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the really restful moments in a diversified World and this colourful Sub-region of the Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! Good-Bye & See You Again! (B)

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