Legend of Ancient Kingdoms 19 days

Arrive at Luang Prabang. After make visa on arrival you are welcome by our tour guide & driver and transfer you to the hotel. (Check-in time at 14h00).

Luang Prabang is the ancient, royal capital of Laos, located on a peninsula between the Mekong and Khan rivers with lush green mountains all around. The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the wonders of Southeast Asia.

Meals : No meal
Accommodation : Hotel in Luang Prabang

This day, we have an orientation walk around the neighborhood. Set in spectacular scenery, Luang Prabang is famous for the more than 30 active temples and hundreds of architectural treasures that reside here. This is a working city, not a museum, and we will mingle with monks and local people heading to market and going about their daily business. Notice the many 19th-century French colonial villas mixed in with the more traditional Lao-style homes.

Visit Royal Palace Museum : Built from 1904-1909 during the reign of King Sisavang Vong and served as his palace. Today it is a museum where you can see the royal throne and other artifacts. The building itself is a fine example of the French beaux-arts style and traditional Lao artwork. The ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms displaying gifts from other countries to the Lao kings and collections of swords and Buddha images.

Visit Temple Wat Xieng Thong : The oldest temple in the city which originally was built of wood in 1513 and reconstructed in brick and stucco following a fire in the late 19th century.

Visit Phousi Hill : Located in the center of the old town, here you’ll climb the 328 steps and at the top, overlook most of Luang Prabang. You’ll enjoy views of the Khan and Mekong rivers, and if the weather obliges, enjoy a colorful sunset. We’ll continue on to the night market.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Luang Prabang

Today we rise very early to witness and participate in an ancient Buddhist tradition—Alms-Giving to local monks. In the quiet of early morning (around 5am), we watch as hundreds of monks from the nearby Buddhist temples parade slowly and single-file through the streets of Luang Prabang, collecting food offerings from the citizens who, in turn, receive prayers for their families and friends from the monks. Dressed in traditional Lao orange robes, the monks provide a fluent sense of calm and solemnity to the inhabitants of the city each morning.

Later, we’ll take a Mekong River excursion - Pak Ou Cave that begins with a boat ride on one of the longest rivers in the world. The Mekong, or “Mother of all Rivers,” supports 90 million people who produce 54,000 square miles of rice every year. Also home to more species of giant fish than any other river, this majestic river is said to produce balls of light along its surface, which the locals attribute to the Phaya Naga, or Mekong Dragons.

After two hour cruise upstream we arrive at Pak Ou where the famous Tam Ting Cave houses thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devoted villages. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai where they make potent rice wine and Ban Chan, the pottery village where you will see the old way of making and drying the pot in the traditional kilns.  On return if time permit, visit Ban Xang Khong, Ban Xiengle, villages of Sar paper hand making and textile weaving.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Luang Prabang

Pick up at your hotel and excursion to Kuang Si waterfall about 28KM , on the way , ethnic minority villages can be visited such as : Ban Na Oun Hmong hill tribe , Ban Naxom , Ban Ou Lao Loum villages and Ban Thapene Kh’mu village , arrive at Kuang Si waterfall , you can enjoy swimming and relaxing in the transparent water. The cool & turquoise water might wash away all of your fatigues, return to LuangPrabang then transfer to local restaurant.

After the lunch, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet with your guide at airport for a private transfer to your hotel.

Note: Vietnam visa or visa-on-arrival authorization required in advance of arrival (application will be mailed with preparation packet). Unless airport transiting, entering Vietnam more than once requires a re-entry visa. Do not accompany any driver who does not have a placard with your name or Amo Travel identification. 

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Hanoi

At 09:00AM, our waiting guide and driver will welcome you at your hotel and transfer us to Temple of Literature. Following is a visit to The Presidential Palace (formerly Palace of the Governor-General of French Indochina), Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilt and nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Then followed by Van Mieu literally translated “Temple of Literature” which is wel-known in Vietnam for a combination of Confucian sanctuary and academy, the centre also housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. We have time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with our local guide. Lunch break in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit Vietnam History museum or others upon your choice. We then leisurly walk to nearby Hanoi Opera House for photos of the most beautiful French architectural buildings left in Hanoi.

Next is Old Quarter Walking tour. Stop over at a local coffee shop to observe how the local people enjoy life while sipping every drop of Vietnam bitter sweet coffee at Café Giang- the oldest brand in Hanoi, since 1946 (optional). Followed by, we travel by rickshaw cyclo (traditional bike-propelled cart) and foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1000-year-old Old Quarter, exploring the markets and taking in some of the city’s great colonial architecture.

We finish day by attending a thousand year old Water puppet Show. Overnight at hotel in Ha Noi.

OUR SPECIAL PRODUCT  : Home-Hosted dinner with local family.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation : Hotel in Hanoi

Have breakfast in hotel and drive to Halong Bay (180km about 3.5 hours) passing the countryside of the Red River Delta to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

A traditional style Vietnamese Junk Cruise is awaiting your arrival and will set sail at noon today for the 23 hours cruise on this magnificent bay. Lunch will be served on board amidst spectacular views of the bay. Afternoon will visit one of the largest caves in Halong Bay and a beach stop where you can swim in the refreshing waters of the South China Sea.

Tonight enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on board your Junk.

Note: The following Halong Bay itinerary is a sample for our standard service on a 3 star junk/ cruise. Different programs are available through our luxury cruise itineraries (Please contact us for more details)  

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation : On board

Participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent bay. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to the nearby cave on a row boat. Watch for monkeys high on the cliff tops. Return back to the Junk where breakfast is served, while sailing around Bay Tu Long bay where the movie “Indochine” was filmed.

Your cruise will end at noon and you will meet your guide & driver for the trip back to Hanoi and then transfer the Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue where your driver will await you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Note: You could have a choice to go back to Hanoi for further Shopping or visit one place: But Thap Pagoda or Tho Ha Village or Phu Lang Pottery Village before the transfer to Noi Bai Airport.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Hue

In the morning, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda or Heavenly Lady pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Situated 4 km upstream on the banks of the Perfume River, it is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601.

Visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue with the Purple Forbidden City. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. It covers an area 500 ha and has a system of three circles of ramparts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the Emperor of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign and today you will visit one of the most beautiful mausoleums.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Hue

By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An. Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hoi An.

Visit Flea Market, an authentic and typical market and rarely contact with foreigner. Visit Cham Museum: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.

Lunch at local restaurant, then continue to the charming historic city of Hoi An, known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.

Sightseeing in Hoi An. Hoi An is picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries. Now this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes: Japanese covered bridge, Ceramic museum, Phung Hung ancient house, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall and Lantern Making Working Shop.

Hoi An is very well-known for Tailors so Amo Travel would recommend the Le Loi or Yaly Tailor for your suite made (please note that we do not make any commission for the suggestion, the choice is yours).

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Hoi An

Depart at your hotel at 8:30AM, you will ride by bicycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, experience a day of living and working with the local farmers in this village. A tour of the organic vegetable and herb gardens can include some time working in the field if you like, or merely observing and learning about the system and the fresh ingredients.

Upon returning to the house, we were all treated to an herbal foot massage followed by a session of cooking various local dishes als such as: Tam Huu Spring Roll, Banh Xeo or the local pancake of the people from the middle region.

Bike back to your hotel. In the afternoon, free time for your leisure.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Hoi An

Free time for your leisure. In the afternoon, ee drive from Hoi An to Danang to catch a flight from Danang to Saigon. Arrive Saigon International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hotel in Saigon

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels (70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City), an amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels. For a more “thrilling” experience, you can even test your shooting skills on original AK47s and other guns from past war times (subject to a surcharge).

Lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon, visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Post Office, both magnificent sights from the French colonial period. Continue the tour with a photo stop at the former Presidential Palace. Then visit the War Remnants Museum, Cholon (Chinatown), Thien Hau Pagoda.

Meals : Breakfats & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Saigon

Pick up at your hotel and transfer to Cai Be. Upon arrival, embarkation on boat, you are welcomed with fresh cotton towels. The tour will begin with cruising through the small floating markets around Cai Be along the “Mighty Mekong”. Your sampan will take you to some local home factories to observe the making of rice paste, rice pop corn, coconut candy and dried longans.

A delicious lunch will be served at Le Longanier or Ba Kiet Ancient House, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river.

After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Dong Hoa Phu canal, passing several islands famous for their fruit orchards. Stops on the way can be made at An Binh Ancient Church or at Tam Ho Bonsai Garden. After crossing the Co Chien River, the excursion will end at Vinh Long pier around 16:00 hrs, where your private vehicle will await you for your transfer to Can Tho.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Can Tho

Take a 3-hour boat trip to discover the beautiful Cai Rang Floating Market and its surroundings. Visit a vermicelli making shop, a rice husking mill, fruit gardens. Enjoy tropical fruit (free). See the peaceful life the rural area. Have lunch before going to Chau Doc. In the rest of the day, if time is permitted we will take the orientation walk around hotel area and boat trip to visit Cat Fish floating village and Cham village as well as Chua Xu Pagoda and Temple of Thoai Ngoc Hau.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Chau Doc

Transfer to a speed boat to Phnom Penh (about 5 hours). Arrival from pier Sisowath. Sightseeing in Phnom Penh . Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start your tour with an insight into Cambodia’s culture heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art. Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building (Central market is currently under construction but can be visited as usual), OR the sprawling RUSSIAN MARKET, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs And DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more.

Meals : Breakfats & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Phnom Penh

Transfer by bus to Siem Reap. On arrival, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. The Bakheng’s hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset, offering a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and West Baray.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Siem Reap

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 monument 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 you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.

Visit Angkor Wat . The crowning 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 temple, 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. As you enter the main building, 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, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into 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 is especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Siem Reap

Sightseeing in Angkor. 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, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors.

Visit Ta Prohm: 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.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel in Siem Reap

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight. Your Lao & Vietnam & Cambodia Tour comes to an end.

Meals : Breakfats

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