Tour Highlights

Itinerary 

Sunday 27 July                      Auckland – Singapore

We depart Auckland mid-morning and fly to Singapore. Arrive late evening and overnight near the airport.

Monday 28 July                      Singapore – Bangkok             

This morning, we continue through to Bangkok, arriving mid-afternoon. We are met and transferred to our hotel.

Tuesday 29 July                      Bangkok                                                                      (B.L)

After breakfast at our hotel, we visit the Railway Track Market in Samut Songkram. This is a unique experience as we will see the vendors quickly pack up their stores as the train approaches the tracks.  Then, we drive through Bangkok’s rural outskirts to visit Damnoensaduka Floating Market, stepping back in time to experience the traditional way farmers would trade their produce. The canals are lined with boats that are paddled by local women and piled high with vegetables, fruit and souvenirs. This is the only place to see the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand. This afternoon, we visit the Royal Grand Palace, which is the most important shrine in the Kingdom. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known as Wat Phra Kaew, with its solid jade Buddha Image, is one of the country’s most adored relics and a must-see for any visitor. Visit the Throne Hall, State Reception Hall, and the Coronation Hall. Then move on to Wat Po, which was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago and houses the gigantic Reclining Buddha and is the spiritual home of traditional therapeutic Thai Massage.

Wednesday 30 July                 Bangkok – Chiang Rai                                               (B.D)

Mid-morning, we depart our hotel and make our way to the airport to check in for our flight to Chiang Rai – a small, delightful city, and the logical base for our excursions to the more remote corners of the province. We are met on arrival and visit Bandaam Museum, created by national artist Thawan Duchanee. The museum includes nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan’s collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world.  We then make our way to our hotel to check in and there is time to relax until our evening activity.Tonight, we enjoy an evening food tour at Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. A must-visit for food lovers as it offers a wide range of ready-to-eat meals, local snacks and all kinds of fresh produce. A large section of the market features inexpensive goods, hill-tribe crafts, such as knitted scarves, embroidered bags, silver jewellery, fashion accessories, and a range of sculptural art and handicrafts. In typical Thai style, you can choose to be adventurous and try some deep-fried bugs, or play it safe and enjoy some traditional pad Thai.

Thursday 31 July                    Chiang Rai                                                                 (B.L)

This morning, we visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), a unique temple which is filled with delicate details and predominantly white in colour. It was established by a well-known Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who had accumulated funding over 20 years from selling his paintings. The temple is materialized based on the artist’s imaginaries and vision – his vision being “I intend to create the replica of the magnificent and resplendent heaven.” Our next stop is ‘Rai Mae Fah Luang’ – originally developed as a centre of education and youth development for disadvantaged students from impoverished communities in remote areas of the country. The last class of the Foundation’s Remote Area Student Program is due to celebrate their graduation in 2024 and with its original founding mission successfully accomplished, Rai Mae Fah Luang enters the next phase, completing the transition from education and youth development to its new role as a cultural centre and a centre of Lanna studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Friday 01 August                    Chiang Rai – Huay Xai – cruise to Pakbeng              (B.L.D)

This morning we will drive approximately 1.5hrs to the Chiang Khong border. We cross into Chiang Kong and after customs & immigration formalities, we will be transferred by tuk-tuk to the pier, where we will emabark on our private Nagas Mekong boat for our downstream river cruise to Pakbeng. En route we stop to observe the rural life of the river tribes along the Mekong. We arrive in Pakbeng before sunset and check-in our lodge for our overnight stay.

Saturday 02 August                Pakbeng – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang               (B.L)

After breakfast at the lodge, we again board our boat for the second leg of the cruise. A short stop is made to visit a hill tribe village where you can watch the traditional process of Lao whiskey production before a picnic lunch on the sandbank. We continue to Pak Ou village at the mouth of the Nam Ou River, where we will visit the Tam Ting “Caves of a Thousand Buddha’s”. The caves feature thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes, nestled within the imposing limestone caves.Continuing our cruise, we arrive in Luang Prabang before sunset. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel. meet and transfer to hotel for check-in or dropping off your luggage. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Sunday 03 August                   Luang Prabang                                                           (B.L)

After breakfast, we start our tour with a visit to the National Museum, the former Royal Palace. Built in 1904 by the French, in a fusion of European and Lao design, it houses a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other stops today include Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple that served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple said to be the most beautiful temple in town, epitomizing all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. We see Vat Phou and Vat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa.If time permits. We will also visit the UXO Laos visitor centre, a museum explaining the devastation Laos suffered in the Second Indochina War and how nearly 40 years later death or injury from unexploded ordnance remains an everyday reality in several provinces.The afternoon and evening are at leisure – perhaps check out the buzzing night market!

Monday 04 August                 Luang Prabang                                                           (B.L.D)

This morning, you have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight for many travellers. Ater breakfast, we drive to Kuangsi Waterfalls, which, although not very high, is spectacular with its green surroundings. We stop en-route to visit a fresh produce market named Talad Phosy, where most of food you will be eating comes from, and we visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of a hill-tribe group “H’mong” – probably the best-known minority group in Laos. Just before we arrive at the waterfalls, we visit another village of the K’mu minority group, Ban Tha Pane. On arrival at the waterfalls, we will have lunch at local restaurant. We have time to rest this afternoon, before we meet up again to attend a private Baci ceremony at a very traditional Laos house. Baci ceremonies are an integral part of Lao culture. Held to celebrate a special event, marriage, a homecoming, or a departure, they are based on an ancient belief that the human being is a union of 32 organs with the ‘kwan’ (or soul) watching over each of them. The Baci ceremony re-aligns the kwan and the body. A village elder will wrap a white cotton thread around your wrist while chanting an invocation to strengthen the power of the blessing. After dinner at a local restaurant, we return to our hotel.

Tuesday 05 August                 Luang Prabang – Hanoi                                             (B.L)

This morning, we visit Ock Pop Tok Craft Centre (meaning “East Meets West” in Lao). Founded on the principles of fair trade and sustainable business practices, the workshop was a pioneering social business and ethical fashion before these terms were even a part of our cultural lexicon. Their products are made using the finest, locally sourced natural and organic raw materials. We will have a short tour and learn about silk weaving, Hmong batik, natural dyeing, bamboo weaving and Hmong embroidery. This afternoon, we will be transferred to the airport in time for our early evening flight to Hanoi. On arrival, we make our way to our hotel.

Wednesday 06 August            Hanoi                                                                          (B.L)

We start the day with a visit to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This is a huge architectural work, built by the kings in many historical periods and became the most important monument in the system of Vietnamese monuments. Following our visit, we pass by the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation’s independence in 1945. We see the ancient Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century and the first university established in Vietnam. We’ll enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – a non-profit restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. In the afternoon we enjoy a cyclo tour (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) through the Old Quarter. Also known as the “36 Streets District”, it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds.  This is still reflected in the names of certain streets:  like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street.  We will also visit Hoa Lo Prison, later known to American prisoners of war as the “Hanoi Hilton”. The prison was used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. This evening, we see a water puppet show. Water puppetry is a traditional and unique Vietnamese Art. This highly entertaining form of theatre uses the water surface as stage. Standing waist-deep in the water, the master puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen. The technical virtuosity of the puppeteers is startling and the music enticing. The entire atmosphere is truly enchanting.

Thursday 07 August               Hanoi – Ha Long – join cruise                                    (B.L.D)

This morning we drive to Ha Long, arriving around midday, where we will board our deluxe junk. Enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding while being acquainted with the facilities on board during the welcome briefing. We enjoy lunch on board in dining room offering panoramic views of the passing scenery. We start our unique journey of exploring one of the new wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is a tranquil part of the famous Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. After lunch, cruise to Gia Luan Lagoon where limestone karst formations rise out of the sea. This quiet bay is untouched and remote, as not many cruise ships visit. Approach the Ba Trai Dao beaches in Lan Ha Bay, a natural frontier between two provinces, Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago. This is a secret hideaway with pristine beaches, caves and coves, and the natural beauty of about 400 limestone islands. Options include kayaking or swimming in the private emerald water on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck.  After dinner, socialize with new friends and crew members, and join some nighttime squid fishing.

Friday 08 August                    Lan Ha Bay                                                                 (B.L.D)

We enjoy another fabulous day cruising to some of Lan Ha bay’s more secluded and untouched locations. Start the morning with a relaxing Vovinam session on the Sundeck, followed by hot drinks and pastries, then a full breakfast in dining room. Following breakfast, we will be transferred to a speedboat to visit Viet Hai Village. Here, you can take a bicycle ride or electric car through a rainforest tunnel that leads to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house in a village deep in a national park where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch. Back to the speedboat to visit Lan Ha Bay where you can go bamboo boating or kayaking at Ba Ham Lake, (if the weather permits). Back on board, the chef provides a Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration before we enjoy a fine-dining experience in the main restaurant.

Saturday 09 August                Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue                                              (B)

Enjoy an early start with Vovinam session on the sundeck, otherwise sleep in until later this morning when we head off in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Following a hearty Back on board a hearty breakfast is served in the dining room before we disembark the junk late this morning and travel back to Hanoi airport, where we join our late afternoon flight to Hue. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Sunday 10 August                   Hue                                                                             (B.D)

After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a stroll around the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war, but the imposing city walls surrounded by a large moat afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is, at the moment, in the process of being restored to its former magnificence. We then take a short walk through the beautiful garden home complex of Phu Mong (Kim Long) and stop by a local home for a tea-break and interaction with local family before we visit one of the Royal Mausoleums in Hue, the final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors, which are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. We end the day with stop by Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in 1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship, and its huge bell is said to be audible from the city. This evening, we enjoy a hosted dinner at Ben Xuan residence in Hue where we can learn from the family members how they bring the essence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home. Ben Xuan is built in royal architectural style, located on the most beautiful site of the Perfume River. Ben Xuan’s owners, Camille Huen (Artist) and Truong Dinh Ngo (retired Swiss UBS Banker), both natives of Hue, will welcome us personally. The highlight of the evening is the concert program – interpreting Ca Hue Royal Chamber Songs, World lullabies, Vietnamese Art Songs & Folksongs and Western Classical Songs.

Monday 11 August                 Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An                                           (B.D)

This morning, we drive south to Hoi An, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). There are some spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son Mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The pass has been a strategic military focal point during Vietnam’s turbulent history and from the top there are views of the curve of Danang Bay.  On arrival in Da Nang, we visit Cham Museum, the best collection of the Cham ruins dating from 2nd to 15th century.  Established in 1915, the collection of intricate sculpture from the Champa Kingdom, is considered the finest in the world. The Chams traded with India and adopted Hinduism as their religion and this can be seen through their art. We continue to Hoi An where we check in and relax prior to our afternoon walking tour. This evening, we attend the “Hoi An Memories Show” – an incredible show, spread over 25,000 square metres, with 500 performers on the outdoor stage, wearing traditional ao dai costumes. After dinner at the local restaurant, we return to our hotel.

Tuesday 12 August                 Hoi An                                                                        (B.L)

Today we journey to the countryside to explore one of Hoi An’s most beautiful villages. Next, we will past rice fields and vegetable farms along small canals and waterways towards a boat building site. We will then head to Tra Que vegetable village, which is named after a sweet-scented herb they grow and use to spice up Hoi An specialties. Upon arrival, learn about the history and custom of this charming village. Learn the traditional gardening methods and how they cultivate the vegetables. Arriving at Kumquat Cooking class restaurant, we have a chance to freshen up before joining our cooking class. Working together with your chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils. After the class we sit down and savour the dishes we have prepared. Recipes from the class will be made available to you so you can recreate them at home. After lunch, take a short drive back to Hoi An. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Wednesday 13 August             Hoi An                                                                        (B)

Today is yours to do as you wish! Visit the beach, see the ruins at My Son, discover the artists of Hoi An or see a tailor to get some clothes made.

Thursday 14 August               Hoi An – My Tho – Can Tho                                      (B.L.D)

This morning we are transferred to Da Nang airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival, our guide and driver will transfer us to My Tho, located southwest of Saigon. On arrival in My Tho, we will enjoy lunch at local restaurant offering Mekong Delta specialties. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ – a fertile region of flat farmland interlaced with thousands of waterways and tributaries of the Mekong, known locally as Cuu Long, the river of Nine Dragons. The delta’s waters are interspersed with rice fields, colourful floating markets and isolated villages accessible only by boat. After lunch, we take a motorized sampan ride across the Mekong River to one of the islands where we have opportunity to interact with local farmers. Our sampan takes us through Vam Xep canal to visit orchard garden. Then, we enjoy auto rickshaw ride on the village road. Afterwards, a hand-rowing sampan will take us through narrow canals under a green canopy of water-coconut trees to catch a glimpse of the daily activities of the local people.  After our visit, we reboard motorized sampan and travel back to the pier in My Tho for disembarkation. We then drive to Can Tho, a journey of around 1.5 hours.

Friday 15 August                    Can Tho                                                                      (B.D)

Early this morning, we travel to a nearby dock, and board a sampan boat to explore Cai Rang, the largest floating market on the Mekong. The seemingly chaotic gathering is mostly large boats wholesaling vegetables and fruit, but there are also local traders selling groceries to the larger boats. We return to the hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, we journey through the enchanting Mekong Delta and discover historic sites religious landmarks and uncover the juxtaposition of French colonial and Chinese inspired architecture. We start at Binh Thuy Communal Temple to discover the idyllic architecture that inspires the temples in the South of Vietnam. Continue to Binh Thuy Ancient House – built in 1870, covering nearly 6,000 square meters of land, the house is managed by the family’s sixth-generation descendants. Known for its grandeur and beauty, the house was also chosen by director Jean Jacques Annaud to be the filming location of the famous movie, The Lover. Continuing to Con Son Islet, we visit lush green orchards and enjoy sweet and fragrant fruits. The islet is home to a diverse ecosystem that is unique to the Southern countryside, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity. We will cruise down the Hau River to the famous Uncle Bay Bon’s Fish Farm. We will learn about many rare and typical fish on the Mekong River. Experience the beautiful Koi raft where you can drop your feet into the water for Koi fish to massage them. Our next stop is visiting a local family on Con Son Island, where we will be given a performance of “Flying Snakehead fish”. Finally, before heading back our hotel, we make a last pit stop at the Chinese spiritual structure in the middle of Ninh Kieu quay. Since 1894, the intricate wooden structure has been a worshipping and gathering landmark of the local Chinese community. For good luck, take the time to pray for your loved ones and write your wishes which will be associated to a giant conical incense which will burn near the heavens for several weeks. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

Saturday 16 August                Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)                              (B)

This morning we have time to relax until check out. We then make our way to Ho Chi Minh, a journey of around 2.5 hours. After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Optional Evening Tour:Explore Saigon nightlife by vintage Vespa motorbike – including food and drinks.This evening, you will be picked up at your hotel to enjoy a fun tour with a local guide on the back of a vintage Vespa motorbike. The evening kicks off with drinks at a rooftop bar, while enjoying views over the Saigon skyline! Then your expert driver will take you through the city, weaving through the buzzing thoroughfares of Saigon as well as narrow back alleys. Sitting on the back of the Vespas, you’ll be able to soak it all in – the glittering illuminated sites, the smells of streetside food stalls, the sounds of the city and more. The tour includes stops at a mix of venues, giving you the opportunity to experience a truly local night out. You will stop at two popular restaurants where you’ll sample several beloved Saigon dishes, all washed down with a cold drink. After dinner, you’ll also kick back at a Vietnamese-style cafe, enjoying live music while sipping a beer or cocktail. You then have the option of returning back to your hotel to relax, or continuing the night wraps up at a lively music bar where you can groove to the tunes alongside the hip young Vietnamese crowd, before returning to the hotel later in the evening.  All food and drinks are included – all you need to bring is your appetite and sense of adventure.Additional Cost: NZD$195.00 per person

Sunday 17 August                   Ho Chi Minh                                                              (B.L.D)

Early this morning, we visit the Flower Market in the Chinatown District. Wander the markets, shops and pagodas. See various herb stores and get an insight into traditional medicine. Then, visit the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda and the Khmer Market. Afterward, our guide take us to try some of Saigon’s famous iced coffee before we enjoy a walking tour of the former colonial quarter, which boasts Notre Dame Basilica and Gustave Effeil’s Central Post Office. Meander along Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets to get a great view of famous city hall. We then visit the former Presidential Palace, and War Remnants Museum. We end our morning tour by enjoying a bowl of “Pho” at a local stall. This afternoon, we will be transferred to Tan Cang jetty and then board our boat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centres to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at The Deck restaurant, situated on the banks of the Saigon River.

Monday 18 August                 Ho Chi Minh – Singapore – Auckland                       (B)

A leisurely day until our lunchtime transfer to the airport where we join the flight to Singapore connecting with the overnight flight home.

Tuesday 19 August                 Arrive Auckland       

Arrive home mid-morning.