Indochina Odyssey

Depart early this morning for the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network originally constructed by the Viet Minh during the French Indochina War and subsequently expanded during the Vietnam War. The tunnel system once extended for approximately 200 kilometres and included meeting rooms, kitchens, medical facilities and weapons storage areas. Begin the visit with a documentary presentation before proceeding through selected sections of the tunnels and learning about the remarkable conditions in which people lived and worked during the war. There will also be an opportunity to sample boiled cassava, a staple food consumed during the war.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a city tour featuring the Central Post Office, with its structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and Dong Khoi Street. The city's architecture reflects its French colonial heritage alongside strong Chinese influences.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. On arrival, visit Mr Muoi Nghiep's home to see the traditional production of coconut rice paper. Continue through the coconut groves to a local coconut workshop, where the traditional processing methods are demonstrated, from husking through to removing the outer peel by hand. Travel along a small waterway to a local bee garden, with tropical fruit, honey tea and traditional music. Next attend a coconut candy workshop before visiting a local family producing traditional sleeping mats.
From here, choose between a short bicycle ride through the rural countryside, a xe loi ride through coconut groves and vegetable gardens, or time at leisure. Continue by rowboat along a shaded canal lined with palm trees before lunch at the Green Garden Riverside Restaurant. The excursion concludes at the main pier in Ben Tre, where a motorboat transfer meets your vehicle for the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival, meet your driver and local guide and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel in the charming riverside town of Hoi An.
Discover the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Hoi An, once a thriving international trading port. Wander through narrow lanes lined with beautifully preserved buildings and explore highlights including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Temple and historic Tan Ky Trading House. The town’s unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and French influences creates one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric destinations. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore further or relax.

Set out early by bicycle through the Cam Thanh countryside, travelling approximately one hour through rice fields and rural landscapes while observing local life. On arrival at the boat pier, board a local boat for a 30–45-minute journey to Cua Dai, at the mouth of the Thu Bon River.
Witness traditional fishing techniques using large nets operated with specialised pulley systems, followed by a ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat through the mangrove forest. There will be an opportunity to try paddling the basket boat under local guidance. Continue to the home of a local family for lunch featuring traditional dishes prepared by the fishermen. Return to Hoi An following the excursion.

After checking out, meet your driver and transfer without guide assistance to Danang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.
Late this afternoon, take a guided walk through Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter, traditionally known as the “Quarter of the 36 Guilds”. Its narrow streets remain associated with traditional crafts and trades, with artisans, market stalls, workshops and vendors continuing to bring this historic district to life.

Begin the day's sightseeing with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a significant monument to Vietnam's former leader, followed by his traditional stilt house and the One-Pillar Pagoda, dating from the 11th century.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and regarded as Vietnam's first university. Its traditional courtyards, gateways and distinctive architecture provide an insight into the country's scholarly heritage.
This evening, attend a traditional water puppet performance. Originating approximately 1,000 years ago among farmers of the Red River Delta, this distinctive art form combines puppetry, music and storytelling to portray scenes from Vietnamese life and traditional legends.

Important: Visitors entering the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum must cover their legs and observe the required rules of conduct, including standing in pairs in silence and keeping hands out of pockets.

Depart Hanoi this morning for Lan Ha Bay, arriving around midday. Board your overnight cruise and begin your journey through the spectacular seascape of limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
Lan Ha Bay forms part of the wider landscape of northern Vietnam's famous bay region, characterised by towering limestone formations covered in lush vegetation.
Lunch and dinner are served onboard as the vessel cruises through the bay.

Depending on the season and weather conditions, rise early for sunrise over the waters of the bay. Continue cruising through Lan Ha Bay before disembarking late morning. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang (flight not included). On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.

Welcome to Laos, one of Asia’s hidden gems and best kept secrets. Laos is an enchanting country that remains largely unspoilt; a testament to a way of life untouched by time remnant of Asia as it has been for centuries. Laos is not a place you simply visit, it is a country you feel and experience.

Luang Prabang lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and is framed by an ancient mountain range. Today, visit some of the city's most significant cultural and architectural landmarks with your local guide. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the temple of the Royal City and one of the finest examples of traditional Lao religious architecture. Continue to Wat Mai, an important 18th-century Buddhist temple noted for its distinctive multi-tiered roof.
Later, transfer to the river pier and board a local motorboat for a scenic journey along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. The route passes dramatic limestone cliffs and riverside villages, providing an insight into life along the Mekong. On arrival, climb the steps to the caves, which house thousands of Buddha images accumulated over generations.

This morning, visit the Royal Palace Museum followed by Wat Visoun, the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. Continue by road to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a series of limestone cascades and turquoise pools set within lush forest. The lower section of the falls forms part of a public park, while a trail leads further upstream to the natural limestone pools created by centuries of water erosion.
There will be time to relax beside the falls and, conditions permitting, bathe in selected pools.
Return to Luang Prabang.

After checking out, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap (flight not included). On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning, travel through the countryside to Angkor Thom, the “Great City”, entering through its imposing stone gateway. Visit the Bayon Temple, renowned for its monumental towers carved with serene stone faces. Continue to Baphuon, an impressive temple mountain dating from the 11th century, followed by the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, both decorated with intricate carvings and Apsara figures.
This afternoon, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, the most celebrated monument within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Admire its monumental scale, architectural design and intricate artistic details. Continue to Ta Prohm, where extensive tree roots and tropical vegetation have become intertwined with the temple's ancient stone structures.

Travel to Kompong Khleang and board a local boat operated by a village captain.
Cruise through the waterways and along the canals leading towards Tonlé Sap, passing floating villages and observing the traditional lifestyle of communities living on and beside Cambodia's great lake. During the dry season, there may be an opportunity to walk through the village and meet local residents. Continue to a traditional high-stilted house, where a locally prepared lunch is served in an authentic village setting. Return to Siem Reap following the excursion.

Transfer by private vehicle to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Vietnam & Cambodia
• 13 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
• 1-night Lan Ha Bay cruise – on a non-private junk
• Breakfasts daily
• 5 lunches
• 1 dinner
• Domestic flight: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang - Hanoi
• Airport transfers throughout by private vehicle
• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle (unless otherwise specified)
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to included sites
• Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares Hanoi - Luang Prabang – Siem Reap
• Optional tours and excursions
• PorterageTipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above