Pacing:

Base Program
You’ll visit 2 countries with 8 cities in 15 days, with a 2-night stay at each hotel, plus an overnight cruise via Halong Victory boat, and 1 night at an airport hotel. You will fly home to Vietnam connecting through Hong Kong via United Airlines. Arriving time is very late at 11:40 pm into Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Four domestic flights are included in the program via Vietnam Airlines (flight time is 1 to 2 hours). There are also 4 long bus rides between cities (longest ride is between Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for about 6 hours and the other rides are no more than 3 hours). This is a comprehensive itinerary but well-balanced between heavy walking to light activities. Early departure from hotel to airport (approx. 4:00 am) for flight home from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) connecting through Hong Kong.

Post-Extension to Laos
3 short flights lasting 1 to 2 hours each. You’ll visit 2 cities in Laos with 2-night stays in each city. This is a well-paced itinerary with no heavy walking. You may be required to get up early in the morning (before 6:00 am) in order to see alms giving.


Physical Activity:
Sightseeing is done via air-conditioned coaches with local guides. A short boat ride on Mekong River (during dry season) and visits to Angkor Wat require climbing up and down uneven stairs. You’ll go on heavy walking tours in Hoi An, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area, and Angkor Wat, but your local guide will make stops for rests in between tours. Porterage services are not available inside the airport area and passengers will need to carry their carry-on bags and sometimes even checked bags from the bus to group check-in counter (however, luggage carts are available free of charge).

Cultural Focus:
The different customs, delicious food, hard working, friendly people and rich history make this tour unique. Vietnam’s economy is developing rapidly, while Cambodia recently went through a civil war and is on its way to recovery and redevelopment, so you will see a lot of buildings and roads under construction while on your tour. Indochinese countries practice Buddhism and uphold traditions of hospitality and optimism, so you will encounter good service wherever you travel. Few people speak English on the street, so you will need a good map and your hotel card when leaving the hotel on your own.

Special Factors:
The best time to travel is January through March and October through December when there is seldom rain and temperatures are pleasant. All hotels feature modern facilities, and are air conditioned to meet the best International standards. Breakfasts are buffet with Asian and Western food choices, while lunches and dinners are either local foods from different regions or Western style.