Grand Tour of Indochina
Grand Tour of Indochina
Grand Tour of Indochina
19 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnel, Mekong River Delta, Phnom Penh, Krong Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Laos, Luang Prabang, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VNL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 50
Physical rating:
Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
9-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5414 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
Visit the major sights of Vietnam and Cambodia, the very essence of Indochina, experiencing their captivating blend of French colonial history, unique local culture and beautiful rural scenery. Overwhelming image retained by visitors to Vietnam is that of a country blessed with an extraordinary beauty. It's a mosaic of mist-shrouded mountains, vibrant green forests, a patch-work of rice paddies and pristine white beaches, whilst its villages and cities are custodians of the culture and monuments of a unique 2,000 year old civilisation.
A journey through some of the delightful countryside is like stepping back in time: farmers bent double underneath their traditional conical hats work in fields stretching into the distance, whilst docile water buffalo methodically plough the rice paddies. On the roads there are bicycles being ridden to market, over-loaded with everything from huge sacks of rice to an imponderable number of ducks! Lining the riverbanks are wooden houses, balancing precariously on stilts and thatched with palm leaves.
Vietnam has a long and chequered past: for 2,000 years it was ruled by the Chinese, the Khmers, Mongols, Portuguese and the Japanese. They all left their legacies in the temples and Pagodas, together with palaces, fortresses and innumerable other buildings in every style imaginable. It was then colonised by the French, whose contribution was cathedrals, fine mansions, neo-classical public buildings, not forgetting excellent baguettes and pastries - an eclectic mix! Many visitors also inevitably recall the US-Vietnam war - who could forget those dramatic images of the frantic helicopter flights from the roof of the US embassy?
In the past few years Vietnam has opened its doors to the world and much has changed. Today, in one of the world's last communist countries, the motorcycles and western dress of the industrious youth happily co-exist with orange-clad Buddhist monks and political posters from a different era. Visitors are invariably impressed by the development of excellent hotels and services in all the major centres and the much-improved road network. Hanoi and Saigon still retain a French flavour in their pavement cafes, architecture and wide tree-lined boulevards. In Hue, the former imperial capital, we see the amazing Citadel and its imperial Forbidden City, modelled on Beijing. Contorted by years of erosion, we'll also explore the staggeringly beautiful rock formations of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
But Vietnam is more than just history and scenery. It also boasts a world-class gastronomic heritage: a delicious fusion of Malay, Chinese and Thai cuisines. With plenty of French-run restaurants thrown in for good measure, all at excellent prices, you really are in for a treat! The Vietnamese themselves are a wonderfully friendly people, always smiling, courteous and proud to show off their beautiful country to all.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Departure
Location: Heathrow Airport, Hanoi
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: No Meals
You should arrive at Heathrow airport to take your overnight direct flight to Hanoi on Vietnam Airlines.
Day 2 : Arrival In Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight Flight
Accommodation Name: Melia Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals, No Meals
After our morning arrival, we check in to our hotel before we have a wonderful introduction to Hanoi on our trip into the city’s old town by cycle rickshaws with time for some lunch before returning to our hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Melia Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore Hanoi, past and present. The French created this gorgeous colonial city of tree lined avenues, belle epoque villas, grand public buildings and an Opera house, all built around more than a dozen enchanting lakes. This graceful scene blends beautifully with its old quarter, a tangle of narrow streets, the commercial heart of the city for hundreds of years and now full of tiny shops, pagodas and the ever-present populace astride their bicycles and mopeds.
During our guided tour we also see the beautiful Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university, and the imposing marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh himself, embalmed and eerily on display. This afternoon is free for you to explore this beautiful city as you wish. You could even visit a traditional water puppet show (book and pay local)- a real spectacle where, as the name suggests, with the aid of fireworks and music, folk stories are played out by skilful puppeteers.
Day 4 : Halong Bay Cruise
Location: Hạ Long Bay, Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Melia Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Leaving Hanoi, we enter a timeless landscape of rice paddies, following the Red River delta to the emerald seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. Just offshore, some 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops rise almost vertically from the sea, forming one of the most extraordinary and spectacular bays in the world.
As we board our converted Chinese junk and glide along the jade-green waters it’s not hard to imagine how the myths of their creation began: a dragon is said to have plunged into the sea and its thrashing tail sculpted the craggy islands. We visit some of the vast and beautifully illuminated caves and grottoes before having lunch on board. We return to Hanoi late afternoon.
Day 5 : Hue
Location: Da Nang, Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Senna Hue Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we fly south to Danang and then drive over the stunning scenery of the Hai Van Pass before descending to Hue, Vietnam’s last royal capital and its traditional centre of religion, culture and education. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful small towns, bisected by the serene Perfume River and dominated by its immense Citadel. This houses the ancient capital, encircled by an amazing 6 miles of high, 65 foot-thick walls and a moat. Tonight we stay for two nights on bed and breakfast basis at the excellent five-star Imperial Hotel Hue.
Day 6 : Hue Imperial City
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Senna Hue Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we start with a leisurely river cruise to the magnificent seven-storied Thien Mu pagoda, a working Buddhist shrine, affording beautiful views towards the mountains on the border with Laos. We then visit the incredible complex of the Citadel and within it, the Imperial City. We see the Palace of Supreme Harmony, which contained the emperor’s throne and was the site of the most important official ceremonies and functions. Everything is painted in the royal colours of red and gold and the whole building is a stunning example of the magnificent lifestyle enjoyed by the Vietnamese royal family.
In the afternoon we visit Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum. More interested in poetry than running the country, Tu Duc’s lifestyle suggests he had plenty of free time - he had 104 wives, 50-course meals and tea made from the dewdrops of lotus blossoms! It took 3,000 workers three years to build his amazing mausoleum, which includes a large lake, pavilions and a theatre. Lunch is included today and the evening is at leisure.
Day 7 : Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Equatorial Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the locals still insist on calling it. Brash and boisterous, it has real zest for life. Built virtually from scratch by the French, on a bend of the wide Saigon River, we stay three nights on bed and breakfast at the excellent, five-star Equatorial Hotel. Saigon is Vietnam’s culinary capital offering a very wide variety of excellent dining experiences, from top class restaurants in swish luxury hotels to French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Indian options, plus everything in between.
Day 8 : Cu Chi Tunnels
Location: Cu Chi Tunnel, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Equatorial Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This will be a day to remember! We visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a complex underground network stretching for 200 kilometres, which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. Begun during the last years of French rule and vastly expanded during the 1960’s, the tunnels provided a base for the Vietcong from which to attack US forces within just 30 miles of Saigon. Our visit here is a fascinating insight into these times: we see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. Despite being carpet-bombed, the tunnels were never really penetrated and should you wish, you may even try out real period weapons on a firing range.
We continue through rural farming communities back to Saigon. In the afternoon our city tour covers all the major sights including the colonial-style central post office, the cathedral and the Reunification Palace where famously in 1975, a tank burst through its gates in the final defining moment of the Vietnam War. We also see the War Remnants Museum and the lively Ben Thanh market a fascinating insight into Saigon daily life, you can find anything here, all at extremely good prices!
Day 9 : Mekong River Delta
Location: Mekong River Delta, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Equatorial Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we drive out of Saigon towards the great Mekong River delta. The first stop is at one of the many islands where we walk through a typical village and try out several different types of tropical fruit that are grown in the area. Travelling in small boats we continue our exploration through the narrow canals by visiting the aptly named Coconut Island, where locals specialise in producing rice paper, coconut cakes and other local delicacies. Dappled sunlight filters through the wide leaves of the mangroves as we arrive at a typical local restaurant for lunch of local Mekong specialities, including the famous and delicious deep-fried elephant ear fish! We return to Saigon in the afternoon.
Day 10 : Fly To Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palace Gate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our last morning in Vietnam and we have just enough time for a morning walk round Saigon centre, a coffee and a delicious pastry in one of the many cafés before taking the short flight to Phnom Penh and our hotel, the centrally-located four-star Palace Gate Hotel for two nights on bed and breakfast.
Day 11 : Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palace Gate Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace with its silver pagoda and the fascinating National Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum – originally a school, turned into the country’s most notorious prison by the Khmer Rouge, it now charts the terrible suffering during their occupation of the city. Finally there’s time for a stop at one of the local markets before we return to our hotel for the evening.Â
Day 12 : Phnom Penh To Siem Reap
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we journey through the heart of rural Cambodia stopping at Kompong Thom for an included lunch en route to Siem Reap.
Day 13 : Angkor
Location: Angkor Wat
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit one of the largest religious structures in the world, Angkor Wat. We see the haunting soft morning light rise over the eerie temples of Angkor. At its height in the thirteenth century, Angkor had a staggering one million inhabitants. The incredible state of preservation, the beauty of its design and sculptures has, for many, made Angkor one of the great wonders of the world.
We visit the fortified 13th century city of Angkor Thom, with its five monumental gates, and 300-foot-wide moat - its centre containing the temple of Bayon. We’ll also visit the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left unrestored, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots clinging like tentacles.
Day 14 : Siem Reap Free Day
Location: Krong Siem Reap
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we have left free for you to return to the many monuments of Angkor, explore Siem Reap or relax around the attractive pool at the hotel. Alternatively, you could take an interesting tour to the nearby lake of Tonle Sap to visit a floating village (subject to season and water levels - book and pay local) or try your culinary skills by taking an optional half day cooking class (book and pay local)
Day 15 : Flight To Laos
Location: Laos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast
An afternoon transfer to the airport for the short 1h.30 flight to Luang Prabang. Our hotel is the three-star superior Luang Prabang View Hotel with breakfast, located on a low hillside with wonderful views overlooking the town and verdant mountains beyond. There’s a stunning pool, restaurant, bar, a spa and a regular shuttle into town. Our Superior rooms have twin or double beds, bath with separate shower, hairdryer, safe, TV, tea/coffee facilities and free wi-fi.
Day 16 : Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast
The whole of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-protected area, containing a wonderful fusion of beautiful French colonial buildings and traditional Lao houses. After breakfast our walking tour explores this amazing small town, with its quaint Royal Palace. The Mekong flows through the town and we board a private boat for a journey upriver, through beautiful scenery, to the Pak Ou caves, set in a limestone cliff and filled with hundreds of Buddha statues. We stop at a couple of riverside villages en-route to see some traditional rice-wine making and weaving. Lunch will be served on the boat. Next, it’s the magnificent Royal temple of Wat Xiengthong, with its sweeping roofline in the classic Laos style. As dusk falls, the main street is closed to vehicles and the fascinating night market takes over, full of great street food stalls and wonderful handicrafts.
Day 17 : Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning you can witness and even partake if you wish, in the early morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’, or offering alms to the monks, a tradition providing some wonderful photo opportunities. You’ll also visit the market to see the locals shop for superb fresh produce. Not far from town is the picturesque Kuang Si waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the many turquoise pools and walk along the woodland trails. Just adjacent is the Bear Rescue Centre whose worthy mission is protecting the rare Asiatic black bear. We arrive back in Luang Prabang by lunchtime and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 18 : Luang Prabang
Location: Hanoi, Heathrow Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning before breakfast you can witness and even partake if you wish, in the early morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’, or offering alms to the monks, a tradition providing some wonderful photo opportunities. You’ll also visit the market to see the locals shop for superb fresh produce. Not far from town is the picturesque Kuang Si waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the many turquoise pools and walk along the woodland trails. Just adjacent is the Bear Rescue Centre whose worthy mission is protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic black bear.
We arrive back in Luang Prabang by lunchtime, with the rest of the day is at leisure. An included afternoon tea is available for you to enjoy at your hotel.
Day 19 : Return Home
Location: United Kingdom
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast
We fly back to the UK via Hanoi, arriving at Heathrow the next day.
Day 20
We arrive back in the UK early morning after a truly unforgettable tour.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 to 5-star accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Local Taxes
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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International Travel
Return flights & Checked luggage
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Meals
Daily breakfast and five lunches
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Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
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Airport/flight taxes
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All local accommodation taxes
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All flights as mentioned
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Return flights & transfers
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 19, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 14, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 18, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 300 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.