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Mekong Legends

This is a fascinating tour that covers the cultural highlights of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. With convenient flights connecting the main destinations, it’s perfect for those travelers who don’t have a lot of time but wish to see as much as possible without spending hours driving from A to B. This trip can be easily combined with some quality time relaxing on a tropical beach before flying home.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 2 - Angkor Wat Temples, Cambodia

Day 3 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 4 - Saigon, Vietnam

Day 5 - Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 6 - Halong Bay, Vietnam

Day 7 - Vientiane, Laos

Day 8 - Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 9 - Luang Prabang, Laos

Day 10 - Rural Laos

Day 11 - Fly Home or Extend Your Trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Cambodia

Upon arrival at SiemReap’s International airport you will be met by your driver and escorted to your centrally located hotel by private vehicle. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, to recover from the long journey and get a first taste of your exotic new surroundings.

Day 2 - Temples of Angkor (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of ancient Khmer architecture, and is the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The main temple of Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day,however sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times to watch the colors change.

After a guided tour of the main temple, you will continue to the temple of Angkor Thom. This fortified city covers an area of 4 square miles and is surrounded by a moat. You enter the city via the monumental South Gate, after crossing a causeway lined with statues of demons and gods.

Continue to the Terrace ofThe Elephants and the Terrace Of The Leper Kings, both of which are former spaces for public ceremonies and are adorned with dramatic carvings. After visiting the ruined Royal Enclosure and temple of Ta Prohm, made famous in the movie Tomb Raider, you will continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, one of the most impressive in Angkor.

Watch the sunset over the countryside from a high terrace of an ancient temple, before returning to your hotel. Tonight, explore the town at your leisure, sampling some local cuisine.

Day 3 - Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

This morning you’ll take a flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. After checking into your hotel you will start to discover this interesting city by visiting the spectacular Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, known as the ‘Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha’.

After visiting the the elegant National Museum, which contains a huge collection of ancient Khmer Art, you will continue to Tuol Sleng. Here you will learn about a terrible, but significant chapter of Cambodia’s more recent and tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Museum. In 1975, this former high school became the interrogation and torture facility for the regime of the Khmer Rouge, and thousands of Cambodians passed through here. It’s a sobering place to visit, but an important experience to learn about the history of Cambodia.

This afternoon a visit to the Central Market, will be a complete change of scenery as you walk through this labyrinth of stalls selling everything from bootleg CDs and DVDs to local silks, handicrafts, jewelry and much more.

Day 4 - Saigon (Vietnam)

This morning a short flight will take you to Saigon, also called Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon is a fascinating city of 7 million people, and today’s tour will include a stop at the Reunification Palace, before continuing to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War (called the American War here). The historic center is home to the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, as well as the City Hall and the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and old Opera House. Your tour ends at the central Ben Thanh Market, where you can sample some of the delicious street food.

Day 5 - Hanoi (Vietnam)

After a 2-hour flight to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi. After checking in to your hotel, you will embark on a sightseeing tour, beginning with a visit to the Temple of Literature, with its peaceful walled courtyards and graceful gateways. From here you’ll continue to the One Pillar Pagoda and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex.

After visiting the Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral, you’ll then see Hoan Kiem Lake, in the heart of the city. This is a peaceful lake that contains an island that’s home to the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. From here you’ll walk to the nearby Old Quarter, a fascinating area of narrow alleys and historic shop houses before returning to your hotel to spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 6 - Halong Bay (Vietnam)

This morning you’ll be driven by private vehicle to Halong Bay. This is an area of spectacular natural beauty, best enjoyed from the deck of a traditional wooden boat as you cruise through the thousands of craggy limestone islands, caves and cliffs. Make sure you have plenty of memory on your camera as the area is incredibly picturesque and photogenic.

Day 7 - Vientiane (Laos)

The capital of Laos, and one of the most pleasant cities in southeast Asia, Vientiane is a delightful place to visit. With its meticulously manicured gardens and tidy streets you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re in one of the poorest countries in Asia. Lao citizens are known for their friendliness and curiosity of foreigners and interacting with them is a highlight of any visit here.

Today’s tour begins with the Pha That Luang, the most important national monument of Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Next, you’ll visit Ho Pha Keo, the former royal temple as well as Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting the bustling night market, along the banks of the mighty Mekong River which runs through town. You can sample plenty of delicious, fresh and very inexpensive street food here.

Day 8 - Luang Prabang (Laos)

Luang Prabang is Laos’ second city and is known for its beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and its relaxed atmosphere. It consistently ranks high on travelers’ lists of their favorite cities and today you’ll learn why. After checking in to your hotel, your tour will begin with a visit to Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in the city, before continuing to the nearby Wat Aham and the Wat Xiang Thong, the crown jewel of Laos’ temples. The city is an exotic and extremely charming place where it’s common to see saffron robed Buddhist monks walking the streets.

This evening, climb the hillside stairs to visit the small temples atop Phou Si, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city, the river and temples.

Day 9 - Luang Prabang (Laos)

Your sightseeing of this lovely city continues with a visit to a local market to see the busy activities here and where you can bargain for local handicrafts and silk products if you like. After a visit to the National Museum, you’ll take a leisurely boat ride down the Mekong River, past steep limestone cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, home to the famous Tham Pak Ou Caves. On the return journey you’ll stop in Ban Xang Hai, a traditional rural village to learn about life in this region and the production of lao-lao, the local rice wine. Continuing to the village of Ban XangKhong, you’ll learn how the local people produce traditional hand woven cotton and silk, as well as the the production of mulberry paper.

Day 10 - Rural Laos Tour

This morning your fascinating tour to see something special will begin after breakfast at your hotel, when you will drive through the lush and beautiful countryside outside the city to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. These are the country’s largest falls in a spectacular, tranquil setting. On the way you’ll stop at some local villages to meet the locals and experience what life is like for rural Laotians. Upon reaching the falls you’ll have plenty of opportunity to swim in the refreshing pools and explore the many walking trails in the area before returning to your hotel.

Day 11 - Fly Home or Extend Your Trip

This morning you will be escorted to LuangPrabang’s airport for your flight home, or to continue tour tour to another part of Asia. How does a few days relaxing on one of Thailand’s tropical beaches sound?

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Siem Riep - Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (5 star - Deluxe)

This beautiful hotel is set in 15 acres of landscaped French gardens. The hotel’s style combines tranquility and old-world grandeur in a spiritual setting. Ornamental gardens set around the hotel’s pool create a peaceful setting, while the other public areas of the property are stylish and elegant.

The 131 rooms and suites are classically furnished, elegant and luxurious, featuring everything a discerning traveler would expect from a luxury, 5 star hotel.

 

Siem Riep - Lotus Blanc Resort (4 star - Luxury)

Lotus Blanc is a premier boutique style hotel, enriched by conceptual French design. Combining an elegant style of romance and harmony in its architecture, its public areas are wonderful for socializing and relaxation. The 100 recently refurbished rooms and suites all feature private balconies overlooking a tropical landscape of gardens and a large swimming pool

 

Phnom Penh - Raffles Le Royal (5 star - Deluxe)

The Raffles is Phnom Penh’s premier luxury hotel. Opened in 1929, it has gone through several major renovations and modernizations over the years, however it retains an old world charm and sophisticated service unmatched by other city hotels.

The 170 guest rooms and suites harmoniously blend classic style with modern features and luxury. This is a beautiful property, unlike any other in Cambodia.

 

Phnom Penh - Amanjaya Pancam Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Located opposite the Wat Ounalom overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, the Amanjaya Pancam is within walking distance of the Royal Palace and National Museum. Decorated in a blend of traditional and contemporary Khmer style, the hotel offers a riverfront restaurant and a rooftop bar with lovely views over the river. All rooms feature views over the Tonle Sap River or Wat Ounalom and are furnished with Cambodian hardwood furniture and textiles.

 

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - Park Hyatt (5 star - Deluxe)

Centrally located on Lam Son Square in the heart of the historic district, the Park Hyatt is Saigon’s premier luxury hotel. The hotel reopened after a complete overhaul in 2015 and has a wonderfully fresh look that blends perfectly with its signature French colonial style. The 245 renovated rooms and suites are decorated with lighter tones, locally sourced, handcrafted furniture and local art. All rooms feature modern amenities like Nespresso machines and iPod docks and the hotel’s service is second to none.

 

Saigon Liberty Central Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

The centrally located Liberty Hotel has easy access to the Cathedral, the city’s main museums and shopping. The 247 guestrooms feature a modern, contemporary style and stunning views over the city. All are bright and stylish, featuring modern bathrooms. The hotel has an international restaurant with an open kitchen concept, as well as a lobby bar with an outdoor terrace and a stylish rooftop bar with outside terrace, perfect for a nightcap 20 floors above the busy streets.

 

Hanoi - Sofitel Legend Metropole (5 star - Deluxe)

One of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the Sofitel Legend Metropole was constructed in 1901. Boasting a century long tradition of hospitality for heads of state, ambassadors and other dignified people, the hotel prides itself on service. It is located in the heart of the city and offers 363 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, providing all amenities one would expect from a world-class luxury hotel.

 

Hanoi - Mercure Hanoi La Gare (4 star - Luxury)

The Mercure La Gare is centrally located opposite the railway station, within easy walking distance to the Old Quarter and is a relaxing oasis in the bustling city center. The 102 spacious and contemporary rooms have all been recently refurbished, some featuring stylish, open-plan bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant, a French brasserie, offers a varied menu of French and Vietnamese contemporary cuisine.

 

Vientiane - Lao Plaza Hotel (5 star - Deluxe)

This was the first officially recognized 5-star hotel in Laos and has set the standard for all others. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel features 142 recently renovated modern rooms and suites. The style of the hotel, from the expansive lobby to the luxurious rooms is strongly influenced by Lao culture, blended with contemporary art. The sparkling pool offers views over the city, while the hotel’s restaurant offers a creative menu of Lao and international cuisine.

 

Vientiane - Green Park Boutique Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Located beside the largest park in the city and within walking distance of the main tourist attractions of Vientiane, the Green Park is an intimate, luxurious hotel and a perfect base for exploring the city. With only 34 rooms and suites, the hotel has a unique style and a delightful blend of traditional Lao and contemporary architecture. The lush, tropical gardens feature an organic farm, which provides the restaurant with much of its ingredients.

 

Luang Prabang - Belmond La Residence Phou Vao (5 star - Deluxe)

Located on a hilltop, with views across the mountains surrounding Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao is conveniently located just a mile and a half from the center of town. Decorated in traditional Lao style, the furnishings feature Lao teak as well as locally sourced textiles and artwork. The hotel’s rooms are modern, stylish and luxurious, averaging over 500 square feet of space, with large windows and terraces overlooking the tropical gardens of the hotel.

 

Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang View Hotel (4 star - Luxury)

Boasting spectacular, panoramic views over the countryside and town, the Luang Prabang View Hotel is a beautifully restored, recently updated hotel. The modern, stylish rooms are designed to take full advantage of the views, and all feature elegant design and furnishings. The Som View Restaurant offers a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding hills for outdoor dining and features an open show kitchen preparing gourmet Lao cuisine.

 

Optional Extensions

Tropical Beaches in Thailand or the Philippines (3-7 days)

Thailand and the Philippines are home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. A few days relaxing on an unspoiled, idyllic, powder-soft, white sand beach is the perfect way to end a busy tour around southeast Asia. Snorkel, SCUBA dive, visit uninhabited paradise islands by boat, or simply relax poolside at your luxury hotel as you contemplate the stunning turquoise water, while you enjoy the freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten at a fraction of the price you’d pay at home.

Bangkok (3-4 days)

Thailand’s capital and one of the most exciting cities in Asia, Bangkok is a real feast for the senses. It is one of the most confounding and chaotic, yet most rewarding cities in the world to visit. From the royal core of the city and its Grand Palace to the busy Chao Phraya River slicing through it, the incredible and exquisite historical temples and monuments, to the congested streets, lined with the best street food in the world, it’s exotic and mesmerizing at every turn.

Hong Kong (3-4 days)

Hong Kong is an enigma. A city of modern, glass towers, cosmopolitan cuisine, home to one of the world’s largest financial centers, and one of the world’s most modern, efficient transport systems; it’s also home to quiet villages and idyllic beaches not far from the chaos of the city. The food here is amazing, and the views - whether from the deck of the world-famous Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour (the best 25 cent ticket you’ll ever buy), or from the lofty heights of Victoria Peak are simply sublime.

Singapore (3 days)

Unlike any other city, Singapore is a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, harmoniously blended with the cutting-edge, ultra-modern style of the most modern cities in the world. Immaculately clean, tidy, efficient and organized, with some of the best food offerings in the world, from simple ‘hawker’ stalls to Michelin starred restaurants, it’s a great place to spend a few days. With international non-stop flights all over the world, it’s also the most easily accessible city in south east Asia.

Fully guided, private tours are priced from:

Luxury - US$4055 per person (4 star hotels)

Deluxe - US$4395 per person (5 star hotels)

Ultra-Luxe - US$5795 per person (best available hotels, business/first class flights)

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double room in low season.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of our representatives while in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Private transportation and private tours as described in the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
Flights:
   Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
   Phnom Penh to Saigon
   Saigon to Hanoi
   Hanoi to Vientiane
   Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

Flights to/from Asia
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)