Itinerary
Days 1 - 3 ~ Saigon & Mekong Delta
Arrive in Saigon and get to know the sites and sounds of Vietnam’s most exciting destination. A walking tour past some of the iconic sites in District One, such as the Opera House and Hotel de Ville, will help you get acquainted with Ho Chi Minh City. Take a day-trip out to the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, where you will experience the ‘rice basket’ of this fertile region, and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the tenacity and resilience of the Vietnamese.
Days 4 - 6 ~ Hoi An
Enjoy the architecture, local delicacies and friendly locals that make Hoi An a true Vietnam highlight. Visit her tailors and galleries, relax at the beach or take part in a cooking demonstration. An ambient boat trip down the Thu Bon River will bring you to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. Early risers should pack plenty of film; you will be mesmerised by the sights and sounds of this fishing town’s early morning market as boats arrive from the sea.
Day 7 ~ Hue
Drive north to Vietnam’s former imperial capital and wander the last empire’s Forbidden City, the Citadel, as well as tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and the banks of the Perfume River. The journey itself is part of the appeal; travel over Hai Van Pass for spectacular views of the mountains, the sea and lush rice paddies.
Days 8 - 9 ~ Hanoi & Halong Bay
Fly to Hanoi and take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, the best way to get to know the ancient laneways and local people. Discover historic Ba Dinh Square and take time at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Spend a magical afternoon cruising Halong Bay, where you will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting).
Days 10 - 11 ~ Vientiane
Explore the capital’s most famous landmarks this afternoon, including That Luang, Wat Sisaket, Haw Phra Kaew, the Patuxai Monument, and take part in a unique, traditional Lao ‘baci’ welcome ceremony. You can chose to enjoy a sunset drink on the banks of the Mekong River in this peaceful, casual capital city.
Days 12 - 14 ~
Luang Prabang is the jewel of Indochina’s crown. Here you will meet the local monks, discover hilltribe villages and can indulge in the night market. Start with a samlor tour around town, including stops at Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai and Wat Pha Bhat Tai before sunset drinks. Spend time at the National Museum and cruise up the Mekong by slow boat to the Pak Ou Caves, and take part in a fun Lao cooking class. The sight of a thousand monks collecting alms at dawn is truly amazing, and a visit to Kuang Si Falls allows a glimpse into the lush countryside. Depart on day 14.
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.
Q: Who will I be travelling with?
A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour?
A: The Laos & Cambodia Experience is graded Moderate and is suitable for travellers with an average to above average level of fitness and mobility. This tour involves some walking in the heat and boarding and disembarking boats. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Laos & Cambodia Experience deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.
Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller?
A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.
Q: Can I bring the kids?
A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.
Q: What are the visa requirements?
A: A Thailand tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA or New Zealand. You will need a valid visa in order to enter Laos and Cambodia. It is possible to obtain one on arrival at the border in Huay Xai. The price of a Lao visa varies according to nationality and is $30USD for holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, $35USD for holders of USA and UK passports, and $42USD for holders of Canadian passports. For travellers of all nationalities payment should be made in USD cash and a passport photo must be provided. Cambodian visas can be obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh airport (cost $20USD, 1 passport photo required). Cambodian visas can also be obtained online at www.mfaic.gov.kh for a cost of $25USD and a processing wait of approximately three business days.
Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
A: Stay in magnificent rooms in stunning, luxurious hotels and resorts including the exquisitely designed La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, the charismatic Luang Say Lodge in Pakbeng, the colonial Settha Palace in Vientiane and two elegant Raffles properties in Cambodia. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they, too, represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.
Q: Who will accompany our group?
A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.
Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included?
A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Chiang Rai airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel.
Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Laos & Cambodia Experience?
A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The longest drive is no more than two hours from the Golden Triangle to the Thai/Lao border at Huay Xai. At the temples of Angkor we tour for a half day in a tuk tuk (motorised trolley). There is a two day boat cruise on an atmospheric wooden barge along the Mekong River, a day trip on Tonle Sap Lake, and a fixed tethered balloon ride at Angkor. There are several flights included: from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, from Vientiane to Phnom Penh and from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.
Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Cuisine is an extremely important part of the essence of Asia experience and is a highlight on our journeys. You will find a world of delicious flavours in both Laos and Cambodia. A significant French influence is present in these two countries and you will be delighted by the combination of tastes and cuisine on offer. We choose to eat at quality restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the delicious array of cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.
Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Laos and Cambodia offer great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.
Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel?
A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!
