Explorient Travel

"I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that Kate and I had a wonderful time on our trip through Indochina. Thank you so much for all the work you did organizing the trip. The guides were wonderful and everything went according to schedule, with was amazing considering how many cities we visited. We were extremely impressed with Explorient and would be happy to provide a recommendation to any prospective customers if you would like us to."

"We can’t thank you enough for our wonderful trip to Vietnam, it was absolutely perfect from beginning to and! All of the arrangements, tours, guide, and hotels were fantastic. Our guides in Hanoi and Saigon were just fabulous. We had a great time and will certainly tell our friends about your service."

"I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and happy New Year to you. I returned from my trip and must say that is was amazing! The guides were fabulous, everything organized so perfectly and I had the time of my life, thanks again for your wonderful services. Vietnam is such a beautiful and interesting country; I hope to return there sometime soon."

"My wife and I would like to send this letter to express our appreciation and to thank to your staff member for all the services and supports she had provided us during our stay in Vietnam. Please send our special and sincere thanks to Ms. Thu Anh"

Overall, it was a great trip. Explorient was well organized and true to their word. The guides were knowledgable and accomodating. The tour included a private min-van driving from DaNang to Hanoi (15 hours) with the giude accompaning us all the way. The guide made the long hard trip very interresting. We got to see the country first hand, but would not recommend driving unless you overnight along the way and take time to enjoy the beaches.

"I expect your ears were burning over the last two weeks, we spoke very kindly of you in each of the destinations we visited. We had a fantastic time and all of your arrangements were flawless! Every hotel was very special, every guide was gracious and well qualified, we especially enjoyed Nam in Vietnam and Chunan in Cambodia. Every one of the flights was even on time, all in all an amazing trip."

"We are still putting together a few pictures and small videos that I’d love to sent you when completed to just show our appreciation. Vietnam put its hook and us and based on the service from you and Explorient, our next trip to Asia will definitely go through you. Thank guys!"

"Just quick note to let you know that we had a wonderful trip visiting Vietnam and Cambodia! We enjoyed staying at the hotels you’ve suggested, and our guides were knowledgeable. Also, getting through Hanoi airport’s immigration was easier than anticipated."

"I especially appreciated your helping me purchase blue jeans. It was cold and wet in SAPA and I would have been very uncomfortable without my blue jeans. We had a safe trip home and Vietnam will always be a special memory for us."

"Everything worked out perfectly, not even one problem or concern. Your arrangement was perfect: the train, hotels, planes, guides, transfers, tours and hotel were the greatest and all helped us have a fantastic adventure! 14 days of pure memories."

From Brian Thome (UK)
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From David Nguyen (USA)
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From Gill and Anna (Finland)
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From Holly and Douglas Bruce (USA)
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BEST OF VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA

Tours - Indochina Tours

Trip code: VET.MT-03
Type of trip: Private
Trip Duration: 15 Days
Starting: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishing: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 15 Days
Destinations: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hoian - Hue - Saigon - Cai Be - Chau Doc - Phnompenh - Siem Reap

Description: This program combines the hidden charm of Vietnam and the mystical treasures of Angkor in Cambodia with a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and traditional lifestyle found throughout the Mekong Delta...

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BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.
Day 3: Laocai – Coc Ly/ Bac Ha/ Can Cau Market Fair – Sapa
Day 4: Sapa Trekking
Day 5: Sapa – Laocai – Night train back to Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong bay– Hanoi – Danang – Hoian
Day 8: Hoian Walking Tour
Day 9: Hoian – Danang – Hue
Day 10: Hue – Saigon
Day 11: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Chau Doc
Day 12: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh
Day 13: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Day 15: Siem Reap Departure

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.

Upon arriving at Noi Bai Airport, our tour guide & driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

Afternoon: Orientation walk near to your hotel and you may visit: Opera House, Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.

Welcome dinner in a fine restaurant.

Meal: Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.

The colonial capital city Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and Oriental pagodas and temples dating back over a thousand years.

This full day tour takes you around Hanoi's most interesting sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby, and the Old Quarter also known as the 36 Streets and Guilds, the Temple of Literature, peaceful West Lake, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple & either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum.

Evening highlight will be Water Puppet Performance – the unique form of Vietnamese art derived from wet-rice culture in Southeast Asia. Take the night train to Laocai (Superior cabin of 4 Soft berths with A/C).

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On Train.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly/ Bac Ha/ Can Cau Market Fair – Sapa

Early morning arrive at Laocai – a border town between Vietnam and China. Have breakfast on your own then drive to the Bac Ha Fair market on Sun/ Coc Ly on Tuesday or Can Cau on Saturday. You will experience the variety of cultures of a dozen hill tribe people.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa Trekking

After breakfast, we trek along the vast valley covered with terraced fields to remote villages of hill tribe people. There are some trekking options: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km or long trek (~12km). This is great opportunity to explore the local daily life, get to know their culture and meet with H’mong, Dzao, Dzay people who have preserved their unique culture and traditions. Transfer to your hotel in Sapa Town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Day 5: Sapa – Laocai – Night train back to Hanoi

The morning we spend exploring the charming town, visit the market and getting acquainted with some hill tribe people, mostly Black H’mong.

In the afternoon you are free at leisure. We recommend that you take a jeep tour over Tram Ton Pass to Heaven‘s Gate Pass – the highest Pass in Vietnam (over 2000m). Enjoy the great view from the top & Silver Waterfall nearby. Late afternoon, we drive to Laocai for the train back to Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On Train.

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay

You will be picked up from the railway station. After breakfast at Tara & Café Restaurant, drive to Halong passing the countryside of the Red River Delta.

Spend 24 hours on the traditional Junk Cruise on amazing Halong Bay. In the afternoon cruise around many islands such as Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island… visit one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay: Thien Cung,Dau Go or Sung Sot. You can swim in the blue water of South China Sea (weather permitted). Stay overnight on the Bay. (We will give you more details of the cruise to suit your choice).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: On Cruise.

Day 7: Halong bay– Hanoi – Danang – Hoian

Breakfast on the junk and enjoy the sundeck while she navigates amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay to return to Halong City. Have lunch on board before getting back to Halong pier. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival, our driver will pick you from the airport and transfer you to hotel in Hoian.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 8: Hoian Walking Tour

This town is wonderful break in the middle of your journey.

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoian was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in high grade silk which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics. Today, Hoian is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailor shops, and numerous cafes.

Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Following the tour there will be free time to shop or relax.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 9: Hoian – Danang – Hue

Leave Hoian in the morning, drive northward to Hue over the 500m high Hai Van pass with a stop at scenic beach of Lang Co for a drink before proceeding to Hue.
Afternoon sightseeing in Hue – the ancient capital city of Vietnam including:

Royal Citadel and Imperial Purple Citadel.
Thien Mu pagoda.
Mausoleum of King Tu Duc – a replica of the king’s palace build for the coronation of the king.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

Day 10: Hue – Saigon

Breakfast in the hotel, then you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Saigon.
This afternoon, you will visit Ho Chi Minh city:

The Reunification Palace.
War Remnants Museum.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office.
Ben Thanh Market.

Rest of the day you may want to spend time in downtown with plenty of gift shops.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 11: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Chau Doc

You leave your hotel early in the morning driving southward from Saigon to Cai Be. This is a special experience of the Mekong Delta -- visit a candy factory, orchard garden, listen to traditional music and have a home-hosted lunch in the Mekong countryside.

You cross the islands on Mekong river on oar boats and experience the real countryside along the Mekong.

Your driver will be waiting for you on the other side of the river to drive across the Mekong Delta all the way to Chau Doc – a small town near the border with Cambodia.

Check into your hotel and in the late afternoon take an orientation walk around the hotel area, or try the local transportation called "Xe Loi". The visit includes "Nha Lon" - the worshiping place of the clan who came to this area earlier (if time permits)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chau Doc.

Day 12: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

After breakfast board a speed boat to Phnom Penh. Visa formalities take about 45 minutes and is easily obtained here at the border. Continue by river to Phnom Penh. Meet your guide and transfer to hotel. This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history, it still retains a colonial charm.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

After breakfast, we will transfer to the boat harbor to take an express motorcraft from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, across the Tonle Sap Lake, and upstream on the Tonle Sap River. Before arriving in Siem Reap, we will pass by a floating village where the people live on their movable houses. They have everything needed to make a good living fishing including grocery shops as well as a school. Welcome and transfer to Siem Reap for check-in at your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom: Bayon Temple, Baphuan, Elephant Terrace & Terrace of Leper King.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples

Breakfast at your hotel, start to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom with its majestic doors, monumental temple of Bayon facing the tropical forest and Baphuon and Phimeanakas mountains, elephant terrace and Terrect of the Liper King, Takeo "Jewel of Crystal" is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century and Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown there for centuries. Return to town for lunch.

PM: Visit Angkor Wat: the 7th World Heritage Wonder, the founder was Suryavarman II who reigned in Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Siem Reap Departure

There are no activities planned today. Enjoy your free time until transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.

End of trip.

Pricing & Inclusion:

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel.

This rate is quoted in USD per person, based on Double/Twin occupancy at 3-star hotel standard.

Apply from 1.January - 2012 to 31.December - 2012

Group Size	2 persons	4 persons	6 persons	Single Supp*
Price / pp	1480	1108	963	349

Supplements flight:	HANOI - DANANG: US$ 100 /pax included airport tax
	HUE - SAIGON : US$ 96 /pax included airport tax
	PHNOMPENH - SIEAM REAP : US$ 98 /pax included airport tax

Price Inclusion:

• All land transportation by private air conditioned vehicles
• Tour arrival and departure airport transfers
• Hotel accommodation on a double or twin-share basic
• Double or twin-share bedroom on Halong bay
• Soft sleeper in cabin 4 berths with A/C
• Meals as mention in the program
• Local English speaking guides
• All entrance and sights
• Travel insurance
• Visa approval fee

Price Exclusions:

• International air tickets and airport tax.
• Drinks and other meals do not indicate in the program
• Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)
• Tipping/ Gratuities
• Additional expenses in case of force majeure

Notes:

• All flights and hotels are subject to availability
• Surcharge might be applied during November, December 2011 and February 2012 which will be advised at the time of booking.
• All the points of interest are open for visit based on current updating. In case of closing for construction or any reason, we will replace with similar point of interest.
• This Private Journey will depart on your desired date. It can also be taken in reserve starting inSiem Riep and finishing in Hanoi.