VIETNAM

Grand Tour of Indochina

From ZAR 39 585.00 per person - 28 Days Fully Inclusive from South Africa

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, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia 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: South Africa to Saigon

Fly to Saigon with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we are met by our Vietnamese National Escort.
 

Days 3-4:  Saigon

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

Day 10: Hue to Hanoi

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

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 Junk Boat Cruise

After an early morning arrival back in Hanoi, 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.
 

Days 17-18: Luang Prabang

Start with an early morning visit to the colourful fresh market and 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. Rise early tomorow 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..
 

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. 
 

Days 20-21: 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. Tomorrow we visit Thongkhankham market, Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo,Talat Sao and the Buddha Park.
 

Day 22-23: Phnom Penh

Fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This afternoon we visit the majestic Silver Pagoda, Emerald Budha and the National Museum. Tomorrow we visit the Apsara Association where poor children are taught traditional dance and 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 and 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.
 
March to July - Low water season
Today visit Banteay Srei, Ta Keo and the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple.
 

Days 27-28: Siem Reap to South Africa

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

Price Guide

From ZAR39 585 per person

28 Days Fully Inclusive from Johannasburg
From ZAR7 685 Single Hotel Supplement
From POA Single Cruise Cabin and Train Supplement
From ZAR34 385 Land Only
Approx $140 per person Compulsory Tipping

Tour code

Depart SA

Arrive SA

 

2010 

 

V4091*

26 Jan

22 Feb

V4092*

02 Feb

01 Mar

V4093

16 Feb

15 Mar

V4094

09 Mar

05 Apr

V4095

23 Mar

19 Apr

V4096

27 Apr

24 May

V4097

11 May

07 Jun

V4098

30 Aug

27 Sep

V4099

28 Sep

25 Oct

V40910

12 Oct

08 Nov

V40911

26 Oct

22 Nov

2011

 

V4101

25 Jan

21 Feb

V4102*

01 Feb

28 Feb

V4103

15 Feb

14 Mar

V4104

08 Mar

04 Apr

V4105

22 Mar

18 Apr

V4106

26 Apr

23 May

V4107

10 May

06 Jun

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

  • Return international economy class airfares
  • Domestic airfares within Vietnam
  • All meals and accommodation
  • All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions
  • Local National Tour Escort for each country with a minimum of 10 passengers and/or English speaking local guides in each city
  • Visa fees for South African passport holders
  • Domestic airport and land taxes
  • Vietnamese departure taxes
  • An impressive Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet
     

Exclusions

  • International departure taxes
  • Cambodia visas (obtain on arrival approx USD30 pp)
  • Personal expenditure such as drinks (including at meals), laundry service and souvenirs
    Compulsory Tipping (see booking conditions)
  • Optional excursions that may be offered on tour.
  • Land Only package excludes visa fees and arrival and departure transfers
  • Local airport taxes if applicable
  • Compulsory insurance of any kind
     

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