A memorable journey discovering the highlights of this fascinating region . . . enchanting towns, bustling cities, historic temples, ancient monuments and spectacular scenery. A fast paced yet intensely rewarding tour with the added benefit of a UK tour manager accompanying you from start to finish

DAY 1 - LONDON TO BANGKOK TO LUANG PRABANG
Fly Thai Airways from Heathrow overnight to Bangkok and Bangkok Airways to Luang Prabang. Arrive the following day and transfer to the Grand Hotel or similar. Dating back to the 1300s, this pretty town sits central between the mighty Mekong and Khan rivers. Rest upon arrival. Later, climb Phousy Hill and absorb the panoramic views as the sun sets over the Laotian landscape from atop the World Heritage Site of Mount Phousi. Enjoy a welcome dinner.

DAY 3 - LUANG PRABANG
Your day begins at the beautiful 16th Century temple of Vat Xieng Thong, still an active part of the Buddhist community. A visit to the former King's Palace, now a National Museum, precedes a cruise on a traditional boat upstream to the Pak Ou Caves, home to hundreds of Buddha statues brought by devoted villagers. En route gain a glimpse of local life at the village of Thin Hong. Following lunch return to Luang Prabang and stop by Ban Xiang Khong, a village renowned for its handmade paper artefacts and Ban Xieng Lek, a silk weaving village. Evening at leisure.

DAY 4 - LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE
Arise early to witness the morning ritual of ‘Tagbat’, when monks make a daily collection of alms through the town. Drive to the Kuangsi Falls, visiting the H’mong village of Ban Na Oune en route. Take a short walk through the forest to the multi-tiered waterfalls, with the chance to swim in crystal clear pools. Return to Luang Prabang for lunch at L‘Elephant before your Lao Airways flight to Vientiane and one night at the Don Chan Palace in a Superior room.

DAY 5 - VIENTIANE TO HANOI
Explore Laos' capital, visiting colourful market Thong Khan Kham; temples including Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple; and That Luang Stupa, the most revered shrine in Laos. Take a trip to Talat Sao Market with its rich array of produce and handicrafts and the monument of Patouxay. Depart early evening for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Vietnam's northern capital Hanoi. Spend two nights at the Mercure La Gare in a Standard room.

DAY 6 - HANOI
Arise early to witness the morning ritual of ‘Tagbat’, the daily collection by monks of alms through the town. Drive to the Kuangsi Falls, visiting the H’mong village of Ban Na Oune en route. Short walk through the forest to the multi-tiered waterfalls with option to swim in crystal clear pools. Return to Luang Prabang for lunch at L‘Elephant before your Lao Airways flight to Vientiane and one night at the Salana Boutique Hotel in a Superior room. The following day explore the Laos capital with visits to the colourful market of Thong Khan Kham and temples including Wat Sisaket, Vientiane's oldest surviving temple and That Luang Stupa, the most revered shrine in Laos. Take a trip to Talat Sao Market with its rich array of produce and handicrafts and the monument of Patouxay. Depart early evening for Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines to its northern capital Hanoi. Two nights at the Mercure La Gare hotel in a Standard room.

DAY 8 - HANOI TO HUE
Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hue, the former royal capital. Following lunch continue to the Imperial Citadel and Khai Dinh Tombs with afternoon visit to the Dong Ba Market. Traditional evening meal at the Ancient Hue restaurant and overnight at the Mercure Hotel Hue in a Standard room. Journey the following morning down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Pretty red tiled villages and fruit orchards lie en route to Danang in the afternoon. Visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountain and China Beach before continuing on to the Life Resort or similar in the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An.

DAY 10 - HOI AN
Experience Hoi An's eclectic mix of architecture and cultures, including Phuc Kien Hall, the Japanese Bridge and a traditional workshop. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this quaint town - relax on the golden-sand beach, visit a local tailor or take an optional tour to the temples of My Son, the UNESCO-listed former capital of the Champa Kingdom.

DAY 11 - HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer to Danang for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival freshen up at Duxton, Saigon in a Deluxe room, then visit the War Museum and the Reunification Hall, stopping en route at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. The following morning drive to My Tho for a boat ride along the Mekong Delta and a visit to a local village, before an afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 13 - HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH
Morning at leisure. Alternatively, optional tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground city dug out during the Vietnam War. Afternoon transfer for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Cambodia and upon arrival rest at the Sunway Hotel or similar in a Deluxe room.

DAY 14 - PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP
A tour of Cambodia’s capital includes the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom. Fly early evening with Bangkok Airways to Siem Reap's cultural centre and stay at the Tara Angkor Hotel Siem Reap in a Deluxe room. Enjoy a traditional Apsara Show with dinner.

The following morning visit the new Angkor National Museum before departing Siem Reap for your discovery of this ancient site. Over the next two days explore temples and sights including Ta Phrom; Angkor Thom's South Gate; the faces of the Bayon; the Elephant and Leper King Terraces; and the more isolated Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples. Your exploration ends at awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, where you'll marvel at an atmospheric sunset followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 17 - CAMBODIA TO BANGKOK TO LONDON
A day at leisure before departing Cambodia in the evening for Bangkok (overnight stays available) on Thai Airways, connecting with your Thai Airways flight to Heathrow arriving the following day.

Alternatively arrange to extend your stay via Bangkok on one of Thailand's many beautiful beaches, or fly direct to Phuket


This tour is escorted from Heathrow and back to the UK on the flights specified. If you choose to travel on alternative flights, you will be met on arrival in Luang Prabang and meet your tour manager at the start of the tour
Also included is
- A local guide in each destination
- All tips are included for drivers, guides and tour manager
- Porterage of 1 suitcase per person
- Transport by coach or minibus and any internal flights
- Sightseeing as indicated and all entrance fees
- Return flights by scheduled airline

NB Extensions are not escorted but assistance will be provided locally in each destination.

MEAL PLAN
Rather than offer three meals per day, every day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience. Where meals are not included, there will be a wide local choice of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Prices include breakfast throughout; lunches from Day 3 to Day 9, Day 11 and 12 and Day 14 to day 16; dinner on Day 2, Day 4 to Day 6, Day 8 to Day 9, Day 11, Day 13 to Day 14 and Day 16.

ACCOMMODATION
Four star accommodation as described.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 25 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers, ask for further details.

GRATUITIES
Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry. All tips for drivers, guides and your tour manager and porterage of 1 suitcase are included. Additional tipping is at your discretion.

NB
Vietnam celebrates New Year’s Day (Tet) on 23 January 2012. From beginning of January to the first week of February domestic travel increases dramatically and transport availability is limited. Many markets, shops and restaurants close although hotels remain open. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday and throughout October and November. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour, unless travelling on a private journey.