Indochina in Depth - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

Early start to an adventurous journey from Thailand into Cambodia. (B)

A spectacular day of exploration. We rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat then enjoy a guided tour of the main complex including Angkor Thom, Bayon, the South Gate, the Terrace of the Leper King and the famous Ta Phrom Temple built by Jayavarman VII in the early 12th Century. (B)

A whole free day to further explore Angkor Wat. (B)

We travel to Phnom Penh. (B)

Morning city tour and in the afternoon we uncover the history of Cambodia’s recent tragic past with a visit to Tuol Sleng - the former Khmer Rouge torture centre. The visit will also include the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. (B)

Board the local bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam. (B)

Two free days. (B)

Morning walking tour of this exotic city. We explore the market and see the beautiful old colonial buildings from the French era. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Saigon. (B)

Driving south we visit the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers where there are no cars and the only form of transport is by boat. We spend the night with a local family. (BLD)  Approx 3 1/2 hours driving time.

Morning sampan cruise (these are small wooden boats, like canoes) to Vinh Long. Later we drive back to Saigon and onto Dalat in the heart of the Central Highlands. (B)

A free day to explore nearby waterfalls and hike through the forest in the cool climes of the Central Highlands. (B)

We leave the Central Highlands and travel back to the coast. We have time to explore Nha Trang and walk along the beach. (B)

Free day until we board the Reunification Express to Danang. Time to take a boat trip and go snorkelling on Nha Trang Bay. (B)

Transfer from Danang to the historical fishing and trading village of Hoi An. Tonight you might like to wander the old town with its many cafes, shops and old Chinese merchants’ houses.

A day to do as you choose. You can visit the many historical sites within the Old Town or go to nearby Cua Dai beach for a swim. (B)

Drive over Ocean Cloud Pass and onto Hue. You can hire a bike and explore the Imperial City, now listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage site, or ride to outlying villages and visit some of the many tombs of the Ngyuen Emperors. (B)

Optional boat trip up the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. The afternoon is free to wander the town and maybe taste some of the specialities of Hue cuisine. Tonight we board the Reunification Express to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. (B)

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our guesthouse in the heart of the Old Quarter.

An early start takes us to the spectacular limestone karst area of Halong Bay, with stunning vistas of green steep sided islands dotted around the turquoise sea. We spend the day cruising the bay, with a spectacular lunch on board and opportunities for a swim. Return to Hanoi in the evening. (BL)

Four free days to explore the Old Quarter or visit the many temples, museums, French colonial architecture and lakes that make up the heart of this charming city. There is also the chance to watch a water puppet show. (B)

Today we drive east through stunning scenery to Mai Chau where we are guests of a White Thai family in their stilt house. (BLD)

Today we travel across the border into Laos and onto Sam Neua. (B)

Visit the dramatic Pathet Lao caves used by the revolutionary insurgency during the Vietnam War.

Today we drive on to the ‘Stonehenge’ of Laos, a little known collection of monolithic slabs of stone that protrude from the ground. We arrive in Phonsavan which will be our base for exploring this mysterious area.

Today you have a whole day to explore the ancient and mysterious Plain of Jars. Nobody knows the exact origin or use of these amazing artefacts, some as big as 6 tonnes!

Continue by road to Luang Prabang, one of the most enchanting towns in South East Asia.

Two full free days to explore this wonderful centre of religion and royalty of old Laos. Hire a bike or wander the leafy streets, stopping at golden temples to chat with the monks. You may wish to explore further afield to one of the many waterfalls, temples or hilltops.

Travel by minivan or pickup truck through jungle clad mountains via the market town of Udomxai. Our afternoon drive leads us to the mighty Mekong. We spend the night in a simple guesthouse in Pakbeng.

Start our journey up the meandering Mekong, travelling by public boat and passing through thick jungle and observing life on one of the world’s most famous waterways. We transfer to our guesthouse in Houay Xai.

Today we cross the Mekong and take either a songtheaw (pickup truck) or minivan to Thailand’s northern capital Chiang Mai, where, on arrival, we transfer to the railway station for overnight train to Bangkok.

Arrive and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Tour ends. (B)