Lost Kingdoms of Indochina

Day 1 - Phnom Penh

Arrival in Phnom Penh followed by sightseeing  Visit Arts Training School at Champey Academy Of Arts (CAA) Visit CHAMPEY ACADEMY OF ARTS (CAA), one of local professional and non-profit schools in Phnom Penh working on Cambodian traditional performing arts training programme. The school strongly motivate students from poor and/or vulnerable conditions by giving them free lunch, training uniforms in order to observe young dancers being trained in the ancient tradition of the Khmer Apsara dance and others media arts. Dancers must begin at an early age in order to master the flexibility, grace, and discipline required by this demanding but beautiful art form. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a complex of buildings, which was built to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as well as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. The compound was the citadel of King Ponhea Yat (1393-1463) and rebuilt to its present state in 1886, when King Norodom (1834-1904) relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. The buildings with beautiful towering spires are a great example of classic Khmer architecture found in Cambodia today. The Royal Palace complex and attached 'Silver Pagoda' compound consist of several buildings, structures and gardens all located within 500x800 metre walled grounds overlooking a riverfront park. Marking the approach to the Palace, the high sculpted wall and golden spired Chanchhaya Pavilion stand distinctively against the riverfront skyline. Inside the Palace grounds, street sounds are silenced by the high walls and the various Royal buildings sit like ornate islands rising from the tranquil, manicured tropical gardens. The silver pagoda is often called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Preah Kaew Morokot after the statue housed there. The wooden temple was originally built by King Norodom in 1892 and inside its floor is comprised of more than 5000 silver blocks which together weigh nearly 6 tons. Visit Wat Phnom Explore Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital; according to legend, Phnom Penh was founded here when a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues and built the temple to house them

Meals included - None

Day 2 - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap  Sightseeing in Angkor - Visit Angkor Wat The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted from the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Visit a temple for sunset Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple - Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 3 - Siem Reap

Sightseeing in Angkor Visit Angkor Thom The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle. Visit Ta Prohm temple Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Visit Banteay Srei Temple Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, wondrous atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favourite with visitors - Overnight in Siem Reap

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 4 - Siem Reap - via Saigon to Hoi An

Transfer to the airport for an indirect flight to Danang and transfer onwards to Hoi An.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 5 - Hoi An & My Son

Excursion to My Son Set in a beautiful valley, surrounded by springs, mountains and dense jungle we'll find the ruins of My Son. As we explore, we'll hear the fascinating stories and history behind these abandoned Hindu temples. Dating back to the 4th century, they are Vietnam's most extensive Cham remains. Today's Highlights: My Son Sightseeing in Hoi An Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. Today's Highlights: Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall.

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 6 - Hoi An via Hue to Hanoi

Transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to Hue Drive from Hoi An to Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang. Sightseeing in Hue Go back in time and bask in the beauty of the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Imperial Citadel is a city within a city. The striking Flag Tower and imposing Ngo Mon Gate lead into spacious courtyards, palaces, pavilions, reception halls and lotus ponds providing a fascinating glimpse into court life. Today's Highlights: Sightseeing in Hue Visit the Imperial Citadel Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda The Thien Mu Pagoda, located just outside of Hue on the bank of the Perfume River, was a hotbed of anti-government activity during the early 1960s. Behind the main sanctuary of the pagoda is the Austin motorcar which transported the monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his now famous 1963 self-immolation. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle to Hue airport and fly to Hanoi, transfer to your hotel.

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 7 - Hanoi

Sightseeing in Hanoi There's no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage - the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There's picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let's jump right in and experience it all. We'll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy. Today's Highlights: Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter by electric buggy.

Meals Included – Breakfast 

Day 8 - Hanoi - Vientiane

Transfer to the airport for the Flight to Vientiane  Sightseeing in Vientiane Vientiane confuses us! Is it Asian or French? There are beautiful Buddhist sites such as Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane, and the gleaming golden stupa of Pha That Luang. Yet turn a corner and you come face to face with Patuxai, a monumental arch resembling the Arc de Triomphe, but covered with Lao motifs. You decide after visiting these sights plus more. Today's Highlights: Pha That Luang, Ho Pha Keo (former royal temple), Wat Si Saket, 

Meals Included – Breakfast

Day 9 - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

Transfer to the airport for the Flight to Luang Prabang

Sightseeing in Luang Prabang (half day) Make sure your cameras and phones are fully charged for today's tour of the charming UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang. Golden Buddha images adorn gilded temples with sweeping roofs, while saffron-clad monks drift silently by. One of the most photographed sights is the unique pink mosaic of the tree of life at Wat Xieng Thong. We will, of course, visit this temple, along with many others that line the streets of the tiny town. Today's Highlights: Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop, Wat Sene Visit Mount Phousi for sunset Climb 328 steps starting from the entrance on the opposite side of National Museum, or 410 steps on the other side of Khan River to the small temples atop Phou Si. The hill is 150m high and sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river - Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals Included – Breakfast

Day 10 - Luang Prabang

 Sightseeing in Luang Prabang (half day) How about grilled insects for breakfast today? Only kidding, but these are just some of the exotic produce that we will see at the morning market. It's a great place to get a flavour of local culture and if you do have a craving for fried crickets, you can get them here too! We'll then go to see the rich treasures in the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Check out the royal family's private quarters. They have been preserved just as they were when the royal family were forced to leave. Nearby is Hor Phra Bang, an ornate temple housing a sacred Buddha shrouded in legends. At New Year, the Buddha is carried to Wat Mai. So we'll go there too! Today's Highlights: local market, National Museum (Royal Palace), Hor Phra Bang, Wat Mai Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves Let's get spiritual as we follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims to the Pak Ou Caves. These ancient limestone caves are crammed full of thousands of Buddha statues, many broken and crumbling, covered in dust and cobwebs. But first, relax on a cruise down the Mekong River observing life on the sleepy riverbanks. Today's Highlights: River cruise to Tham Pak Ou Caves Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong Visit Ban Xang Khong, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.

Meals Included – Breakfast

Day 11 - Luang Prabang

Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls Pack your swimsuit for a unique swimming experience at the spectacular Kuang Si Falls. Water tumbles over limestone rocks into numerous turquoise pools that are used as natural swimming holes. It's refreshingly chilly and impossible to resist! On the way back to Luang Prabang stop for a walk around a local village. Today's highlights: Kuang Si Waterfall, local village (Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane 

Meals Included – Breakfast

Day 12 - Luang Prabang

Today your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.

Meals Included – Breakfast