Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

On your arrival, meet your guide and driver at the airport. Transfer hotel follows. Check in and refresh.  A welcome dinner and evening with Jim, co-founder of Remote Asia Travel is on the agenda.   This will be time for you to go over the entire trip and fill in any blank spaces.  During the evening, Jim will also provide you with sim cards for each country of your trip so you may contact us easily.

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: 30 – 40 minutes transfer airport
Meal plan: Welcome diner

Day 2: Bangkok Multi-transport experience

Prepare to be hosted! As one of the world’s great mega-cities, Bangkok is best seen from an insider’s perspective and in the company of those who know it best. Roughly 10 million people call the ‘City of Angels’ home, making it the largest city in Southeast Asia as well as one of the most chaotically-planned. With no central downtown, infamous traffic and teeming with things to see, Bangkok can be confusing to navigate, leaving many visitors exhausted with their experience. With this in mind, we've found a way to ‘nail’ ‘The Big Mango’ in one day.

Unlike many cities, there’s an incredible array of interesting ways to get around Bangkok if you know how to do it. Today we’ll use the elevated Skytrain rapid system, canal boat, motorcycle taxi, three-wheeled tuk-tuk, longtail boat and traditional taxi to see more in one-day than most folks see in three. Hold-on for the best day you’ll ever have seeing a capital city. The only question is what you’ll enjoy more – the sites themselves or getting to them!

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: various mean of transportation!
Meal plan: B/L

Day 3: Ancient Ayutthaya

No trip to Thailand is complete without a journey back in time to the incredible ancient capital of Ayutthaya. That would be like going to Egypt and not seeing the Pyramids!

As the capital from 1350-1767, Ayutthaya was the crowning glory of the Siamese Kingdom . During the 17th century it swelled to a population of more than 1 million, making it one of the world’s largest cities. During the Ayutthaya-era the country also grew to its largest geographical size, occupying much of modern-day Laos , Cambodia , Myanmar and even some of Malaysia . Ayutthaya was finally sacked by the Burmese in 1767, which caused the Thais to flee south and eventually establish Bangkok as the capital in 1782. Preserved in history, Ayutthaya remains a magnificent site to be seen.

A short 70km minivan ride from Bangkok takes us to Bang Pa In, the site of a Summer Royal Palace and our pier for boarding a longtail boat. Enjoy a one-hour ride up the Chao Phraya River to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya. We'll visit a variety of ancient stone temples using van and Mary Poppins-style bicycles. The best thing about these stone palaces is there are no ropes, allowing you to get up close and personal with Ayutthaya’s stunning temples. Along the way we’ll enjoy an authentic Thai lunch and fill you in on lots of nifty historical facts. This intimate exploration of Ayutthaya gives you a genuine appreciation for the city’s significance to the Thai people. At the conclusion of the day our private van will whisk you back to your Bangkok hotel.

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list

Transit: 3 hours

Meal plan: B/L

Day 4: Bangkok - Luang Prabang/Laos

Breakfast at the hotel. You are free until transfer airport for a flight to Luang Prabang. On your arrival in Luang Prabang, you are met by a Lao guide.  Hotel transfer is followed. You check into your hotel and if time permits we take a small tour.

We next are off to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.  The Centre exhibits ethnic clothing, household objects, religious artifacts, and handicrafts, with information in English and Lao languages.  The Museum Shop sells books and exclusive handicrafts and photos from ethnic communities. From here we start our walk up to Wat Phu Si for sunset.  Wat Phu Si sits high above Luang Prabang offering excellent views of the town.

After dinner we suggest a visit to the Night Market to examine local handicrafts and souvenirs found only in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: 1 hour flight/transfer airport by car or minivan
Walking time: 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 5: Luang Prabang City tour and Pak Ou Cave

In the morning, we’ll then visit the old Royal Palace which was built in 1904 during the early French colonial era as a residence for King Sisavang Vong and his family. The building features a blend of Lao motifs and French beaux-arts styles. We continue to Wat Visoun which was built by Visounnarat in 1513. It is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. We continue to Wat Xieng Thong which was built by King Setthathirat in 1560. It is Luang Prabang’s most magnificent temple.  We then drive east to Thai Lu village of Ban Phanom, which is well known for cotton and silk hand – weaving. We finish our half day tour at Ban Xang Khong, Sa paper making village and back to the town for lunch.

After lunch, we drive slightly north of town and take a boat across the Mekong River to Pak Ou Cave.  Pak Ou is a popular pilgrim destination for local people.  The caves are filled with images and statues of Buddha and are a holy site for Lao People.  The upper and lower caves are explored and we will make an offering.  Only a short distance away from the Pak Ou Caves, lies the village of Ban Xang Hai. This village has for centuries made the earthen jars used as fermenting containers for Lao wine. Nowadays, it specializes in producing a wide range of lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine). Be sure to try just a little! We return down river by boat to Luang Prabang is in the late afternoon.  

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: Short period transfer from between locations of City Tour/0.5 hour to Pak Ou by car or minivan/1.5 hours by boat
Walking time: 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 6: Luang Prabang - Elephant Riding - Hanoi/Vietnam

After breakfast, you depart at about 8:30-9:00 a.m. Together with your local guide, you will proceed to the Elephant Park Project area about 15 km out of town and in the middle of a green, natural surrounding just on the banks of the Nam Khan river. After crossing the small river at the “Lao Spirit Resort”, you will be introduced to our protected Asian Elephants and go out for a

scenic ride.  Enjoy the new perspective and the wonderful nature on this

1-1.5 hour ride. A stunning landscape, tranquility and lush

nature gives you a relaxed stay on the back of the Elephant. Lean back in your seat and enjoy… On the ride you make your way through forests and along the Nam Khan River. The ride brings you to/from the amazing waterfalls of Tad Sae waterfalls in July-January (In the dry season, Feb.-August, we walk through rice paddies, on the river bank and into the nearby Village, that is supported through the Elephant Park Project.) At the Tad Sae waterfall you can hang out go for a swim or a short walk into the forest. A short boat ride/transfer on the Nam Khan is also included. We return to Luang Prabang at about 13:30-14:30.

You take an afternoon flight to Hanoi. On your arrival in Hanoi, you are met by your Vietnamese guide. You transfer to your hotel, check in and, if time permits, take an orientation in the Old Quarter.

Note - We are working with animals and in the nature, time and itinerary changes may appear at any time. Bring shoes that can get wet!

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: Short boat ride/1-1.5 hour elephant ride/ 1 hour flight/transfer airport by car or minivan
Walking time: 1 hour
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 7: Ha Noi City Tour

Today we spend a full day exploring the capital city and our first visit is to the Ho Chi Minh Complex.  We first visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the number one place of pilgrimage of Vietnam to pay respect to Uncle Ho. We continue to the Residential Palace - a beautifully restored colonial building constructed as the residence of the Governor General Indochina and now used for official receptions that is not open to public yet.  We then spend time at Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.  The house is built in the style of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, sitting in a well-tended garden next to carp-filled pond.  We then continue to One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi’s most famous pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow.  Our last visit before lunch is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. It is an excellent example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.

 

We break for lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. This wonderful museum is quite away from central Hanoi, but it shouldn’t be missed. On the way back to town, we’ll visit Tran Quoc Pagoda which is one of the oldest temple of Vietnam and Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four important temples, each located at North, South, East and West of Hanoi and dedicated to the Gods who are the guardians of the old capital Thang Long.

 

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: 1.5 hours from location to location by car or minivan
Walking time: 3 - 4 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

 

Day 8: Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay

You arrive in Hanoi very early in the morning, transfer to hotel to refresh and have breakfast. We then leave for Ha Long through the Red River Delta with its scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday life in the villages. Upon arrival, you will get aboard a Traditional Style Junk and enjoying a well-prepared lunch of local fresh seafood while the junk cruises among thousand of odd shaped limestone islands. You will have opportunity to visit Surprise Grotto and have a swim at the Titop beach or follow the steps all the way up to the top for a view over the Bay below. You will then have dinner on board while watching sunset.  Should you feel like taking another swim, there will plenty of time. (Additional Option: Kayaking).

 

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Junk from our list
Transit: 3-4 hours by car or minivan
Meal plan: B, L, D

 

Day 9: Ha Long - Hanoi – Hue
You enjoy breakfast in the fresh air morning and serenity of the bay and the junk will continue its way among thousands of islets. You will then cruise through several beautiful views of Teapot Island, Chopstick Island, Horse Saddle and even Charles De Gaulle Island. You may wish for a swim before your lunch is served. The Junk will disembark Halong wharf at noon, where your bus is waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi then to Noi Bai airport for a late afternoon flight to Hue. You transfer to hotel, check in and spend the night in Hue

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: 3-4 hours by car or minivan
Drink: not included
Meal plan: B, L

 

Day 10: Hue City Tour

In the morning, we take another cruise on the Perfume River to visit the extravagant mausoleums that were constructed along this water’s edge. We first visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc who had the longest reign and lived a life of ultimate imperial luxury and then the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, the most majestic of the royal tombs.  Our river journey includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, an icon of Vietnam and has become an unofficial symbol of Hue. During 1960s and 1980s, it became a flashpoint of anti-government

demonstration.

 

Afternoon, we’ll then continue on to the Imperial Citadel where the

Nguyen Dynasty ruled the country

between 1802 and 1945 and the Ruins of the Purple Forbidden City which was constructed for personal use of the emperor and was entirely destroyed during Tet Offensive 1969.  After our tour of the Citadel, we drive out to Thuan An beach for sunset over the South China Sea. Your dinner will be in a garden house of Hue.

 

Accommodation: Hotel selection from our list
Transit: Riverboat, 1 hour total by car
Mean plan: B, L, D

 

Day 11: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

 

Today we depart for Hoi An, another World Heritage Site, via Da Nang. Along the way we stop at Lang Co Beach - a crystal clear turquoise lagoon beach followed by the spectacular view from atop Hai Van Pass.  Our next stop is in Da Nang at the Museum of Cham Sculpture where you can see the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. 

 

Following lunch, we continue to Hoi An. We check into hotel and stroll around the town visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1590 by the Japanese community to link them with Chinese quarter and a few interesting stories about the bridge will be revealed. We continue to the Museum of Trading Ceramics where a collection of white and blue ceramics of the Dai Viet period and a great ceramic mosaic are worthwhile.  Our next destinations are a sampling of beautiful architecture styles including Tan Ky House - a private home that features Japanese and Chinese influence, the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation - the temples and pagodas of molded on Chinese style. We end our day by walking along Silk Street of Hoi An. You may have your silk clothing made in just a few hours!

 

Accommodation: Hotel selection from our list
Transit: 3 - 4 hours by car/bus
Mean plan: B, L, D

 

Day 12: Hoi An - My Son - Da Nang - Nha Trang

 

Following breakfast, we depart for My Son, a World Heritage site, 40 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a verdant valley; My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people. My Son is considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar and Ayutthaya in Thailand.  The towers and sanctuaries were built from the 7 to 13 centuries and have survived war and time itself with care from Vietnam.  Vietnam’s dedication to My Son is to honor the distinct heritage of the Cham People.

 

After visiting My Son, we head straight to Da Nang, have lunch and take the afternoon flight to Nha Trang. On arrival in Nha Trang, we transfer visit Cham Po Nagar Temples and then back to town for check-in. Dinner is on your own account

 

Accommodation: Hotel selection from our List
Transit: 2 hours by car/transfer airports
Walking time: 1 hour
Walking difficulty: Easy
Mean plan: B, L

 

Day 13: Nha Trang – Boat trip to the islands

 

You enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then take a morning boat trip to visit islands offshore. With 71 islands in remarkably clear water, the boat trip to these islands is one of the best reasons for visiting Nha Trang.  We’ll visit the Mun Island and Tri Nguyen Aquarium.  Lunch is served on the Tam Island.

After lunch, enjoy swimming and relaxation before returning to Nha Trang. Dinner is on your own account.

 

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 30 minutes by car/ boat cruise
Meal plan: B, L

 

Day 14: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - City Tour

 

After breakfast at the hotel, you transfer to airport for an early flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, check in and refresh. Dinner is on your own account

 

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 1 hour flight/ short transfer airport
Meal plan: B

 

Day 15: Saigon city tour - Cu Chi tunnels

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Former US Embassy, City Hall, War Museum of Remnants. Shopping at Ben Thanh market. Lunch in local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, about 65 Km (1½  hours drive) from Sai Gon. The complicated system of underground network was built by Viet Cong guerrillas. En route, you have chance to see rural people live and work. View occupations such as cashew nut farming, duck breeding, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. 17h00: Return to Saigon dinner is at your own account

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: short journeys around HCMC
Walking time: 3 - 4 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

 

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (for the Pandaw Cruise) - My Tho

Registration is at 0830 at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel in Saigon (8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1) and transfer at 0900 to the Delta Port of My Tho by coach arriving at 1100 for check in followed by port and immigration formalities.  My Tho is the hub of the Delta, but not of great cultural interest, so once on board we set sail at 1300 and have lunch. In the afternoon we moor near Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence, the An Kiet House. Surviving members of the Kiet family will welcome us with tea and we can wander in the fruit orchards around the house. Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be.

Accommodation: On board

Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 17: Cai Be

We take a morning junk trip around Cai Be to see a floating market, and go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral and colourful port area, with its colonial buildings, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. We return to the ship and cruise over to Vinh Long to visit a Bonsai Garden and fruit farm, followed by visit to a brick and pottery factory. We return to the ship and cruise past Vinh Long City and evergreen islands. The remainder of the day is spent cruising through the Mekong Delta.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 18: Chau Doc / Border Crossing to Cambodia

From the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau we travel down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village. We also visit a cat fish farm. We take a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and see its bustling market. Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world, take time. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 19: Phnom Penh

The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The old colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the renovated river "corniche" is full of life. The city has several impressive Wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center situated in the suburbs of the city.

More happily, Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorite being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 20: Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham

Early morning departure from Phnom Penh and a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. The scenery is very lovely here, and in the distance, forested hills rise. On the river above Phnom Penh there is little shipping, just real Cambodian life. In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the wat or monastery and school. Passengers are at leisure to explore this peaceful and friendly community. In the wat the splendid village racing boats are stored.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 21: Kampong Cham Area

Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern wat is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw Trust programme. Legends abound about the origins of these hills, and there are many pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 22: Tonle River

We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots, and then sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh. This river journey is a highlight of the trip. We wind our way through jungle, and as the river narrows we feel we can almost reach out and touch the houses and people who come out to cheer our ship on. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometre long, which nets a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle River.

Accommodation: On board
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 23: Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 Km in length. Here bird life is profuse, and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. There is a great stillness and tranquility as we pass floating fishing villages.

Because the water levels of the lake and river vary a great deal according to the time of year and rainfall, we will then either:

1. High water, approximately August - November. Cross the Tonle Lake at dawn and 10:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the  Kulen II Restaurant (1 Street Sivatha Svay Dangkum Commune) in Siem Reap by 11:00. For passengers staying at our partner hotel in Siem Reap the transfer to the Victoria Resort and Spa is included.

2. Low water, approximately November - August. Coach transfer  at 07:00 from Prek Dom on the Tonle River to the  Kulen II Restaurant (1 Street Sivatha Svay Dangkum Commune) in Siem Reap stopping at Kampong Thom. Packed lunch and refreshments provided. Arrive by 12:00.

Our guide will pick you up at Siem Reap harbor, then transfer to your hotel for check in. After lunch in the hotel dining room, visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Its massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehives-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. This temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor. Take in the romantic view at sun set from Bakheng Hill. Overnight at hotel and dinner is on your own account

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list

Transit: Short period transfer from between locations

Walking time: 1 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 24: Siem Reap - Angkor Thom

Breakfast at the hotel. With air conditioned car and guide visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. After lunch at the stylish Café Indochine, visit Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Promh, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang.

Accommodation: Overnight at your proposed Hotel from our list
Transit: Short period transfer from between locations

Walking time: 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 25: Siem Reap - Preah Khan - Departure

After breakfast travel by air conditioned car to visit Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Meborn. Transfer to the airport for departure.

Accommodation: None
Transit: Short period transfer from between locations/ 15 minutes transfer airport

Walking time: 1 hour
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B

 

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