INDOCHINA CLASSIC
A cultural tour of Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos

This extraordinary 18-day tour takes in thee astounding countries and 5 World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the contrast of the ethereal and ancient beauty of Angkor one day, the quaint French colonial styles of Vietnam the next and the intricate Hindu and Buddhist architecture following that. These extreme contrasts make this tour one of extraordinary texture and variety. In these 18 days we journey back in time to many different stages of development and progress in this extraordinary part of the world.

Day 01 Wednesday: Arrive Phnom Penh (CAMBODIA)
Sohm swaakohm! (Welcome in Khmer) We arrive in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, located at the confluence of the beautiful Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. The city is considered to be the loveliest of the French-built cities of Indochina and was founded as a small monastery in 1372 by a rich Khmer woman by the name of Penh after she found four Buddha statues in a tree trunk on the bank of the Mekong. She set up the monastery at a nearby hill or “Phnom”. Check in your hotel (early check in subject to availability).
Overnight: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh (2 nights)

Day 02 Thursday: Phnom Penh
Morning, set out on a city tour to visit the National Museum, which houses Khmer art and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history and visit the Royal Palace. The palace was built in 1866 by the French for King Norodom and is also home to the Silver Pagoda. It got its name because its floor is made up of 5,329 silver tiles. The palace has been inhabited by kings at all times with the exception of the period when the radical Khmer Rouge party took control in 1975. We end the morning tour at the Central market to witness the bustling and daily life. Although the murderous reign of the Khmer Rouge ended over 20 years ago, justice for its victims remains elusive. Most of its senior officials never faced trial and even the United Nations backed genocide trial is not giving the Khmer people the comfort they need to leave this horrific chapter of their history behind. Only few people remain open to talk about their experiences during the Khmer Rouge period. Vann Nath is one of only seven survivors out of 14,000 inmates of S21 interrogation prison, nowadays known as Toul Sleng genocide museum. The S21 site is one of the most brutal excesses of the regime, where 14,000 people were viciously tortured before being executed or brought to the Killing Fields where they would found their deaths. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Vann Nath’s home/gallery and speak to him understand this tragic chapter of Cambodian history and his own experiences. Vann Nath’s artistic capabilities made him survive S21 as his jailors demanded him to paint and sculpt portraits of Pol Pot. Now 63 years of age, Vann Nath advocates justice for Khmer Rouge victims and puts his work that depicts the regime’s brutal ways on display around the world. Followed by a visit to Tuol Sleng museum and if time permits, the Killing Fields. (B)

Day 03 Friday: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap. A pleasant and sleepy backwater town, Siem Reap serves as a gateway to the ancient Khmer Empire temples of Angkor Wat. Check into the hotel (early check in subject to availability). Start exploring the stunning temples by tuk-tuk and visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument to get an overview of the Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization from a renowned Khmer scholar. Learn more about the temple that guidebooks and guides do not mention. Now working with the Angkor Temple Conservation Institution, the scholar knows a great deal about the past, present and future of the temple and can explain how the temple will be preserved in the decades to come. Take a stroll through the elaborate carved halls of Angkor Wat as the Khmer Empire is brought by to life through the scholar’s knowledge. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom. At first glance, it may seem like a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. The faces are believed to be protecting the city from potential attackers. Continue the exploration with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army. Attached is the Terrace of the Leper King which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. On the way back, stop at Les Artisans d’Angkor to see how artisans preserve age-old Khmer arts and crafts.
Overnight: Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap (2 nights) (B)

Day 04 Saturday: Siem Reap
After leisure breakfast, proceed to the picturesque Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple with overgrown trees, giving a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of a tree push itself between the temple’s huge stone blocks in an embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ feel. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to the jewel of the Khmer art; Banteay Srei temple. Its red sand-stone walls are decorated with elaborate carvings and in an amazing state of preservation. Banteay Srei is the key to understanding the Khmer Empire as it depicts many ancient traditions in its relief. Cap the day at the Landmine Museum of Mr. Aki Ra, a former child soldier who has recognized the need to clear mines and now educates the local community on the dangers of landmines. Any form of ‘practical’ donation is appreciated in order to help them continue their work. (B)

Day 05 Sunday: Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City (VIETNAM) (Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. (early check in subject to availability). The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: Duxton Hotel, Saigon (3 nights) (B)

Day 06 Monday: Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past. Depart for a walking tour to admire Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue Catinat will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists (outside visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4PM everyday otherwise just outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture. If desired, drive 6km to another district of Ho Chi Minh City with a large Chinese population and visit Thien Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. Take the opportunity to write out your wishes on a small red note, stick it on an incense coil and pray for your wishes to come true. Return to the hotel for fresh up. Late afternoon, visit Truc Mai house, a local family of musicians, learn about traditional musical instruments through conversations with the artists and listen to the performances from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance to try the instruments with the musicians- a memorable if somewhat noisy experience. (B)

Day 07 Tuesday: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta, south west of Ho Chi Minh City, is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Ben Tre, one of the closest provinces in the Delta, is a 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City and you will notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway as you leave the city behind for the peaceful Mekong Delta. The tour starts with a visit en route to Vinh Trang pagoda, which was built in 1849 and is home to a mixture of Asian and European architectural features, before being dropped off in Ben Tre. A relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails will take you through the local villages where you see glimpses of daily life. Stop to sip tea and sample fruit with a local family as they share their stories of life on the Mekong. Let them guide you on a walk through their orchard as they explain how tropical fruits are grown. The next leg of the journey involves being paddled on a sampan through a maze of small canals, which cut through dense vegetation. After a farewell good bye to your friendly boat rower you are picked up by a horse and basic cart for a rustic ride back to the pier – there are no cars in this neck of the woods. Here you will board a motorboat for a 20 minute trip to My Tho along the Mekong River and a chance for some great photo opportunities. You can taste some local delicacies over lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh City mid afternoon and the remainder of the day is free at leisure. (B, L)

Day 08 Wednesday: Ho Chi Minh City/Hue (Flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue, an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty, which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Arrive Hue, check in the hotel (early check in subject to availability). With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal charm. Start from your hotel with a 10 minutes cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others, which are being lovingly restored. From there, a 20 minute cyclo ride will take you to a pier where you will embark on a half-hour boat trip on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold. Return hotel and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mecure Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)

Day 09 Thursday: Hue
Morning, drive out 30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of Feng-Shui. An incense stick making house makes for an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Then wind your way to Ho Quyen, the Royal Arena of the Nguyen Emperors, located 4km southwest of Hue. It was in this amphitheatre that tigers were forced to fight elephants – the symbol of imperial power – in order to entertain the Emperors and their entourage. Ho Quyen is a unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia. Though it is not as huge as the arenas of the Roman Empire, it still creates a martial and imposing atmosphere. Transfer back to your hotel. This evening, enjoy home hosted dinner at Tha Om restored royal home, a descendent of a Royal family. Enjoy a meal at their beautifully-furnished dining room with elaborately carved reliefs and chat to the family to learn about their daily lives and how they bring the quintessence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home. (B, D)

Day 10 Friday: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (Drive 136 kms/85 miles)
Depart for an early 3 hours drive to Da Nang going through stunning landscape including the Hai Van Pass, offering numerous photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, drive for another 45 minutes to the ancient town of Hoi An with a stop at the Cham Museum. This museum houses the best collection of the Cham ruins dating back to the 2nd to 15th century. The objects on display represent the art of architecture and sculptures of the Hindu-influenced ancient civilization of Champa. Check in your hotel. Mid afternoon, enjoy a walking trip through the narrow streets of the ancient town with your guide to visit the old merchant’s house, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market with its stalls brimming with local specialties. Visit the home of a lantern craftsman in the old streets of Hoi An for a brief introduction. Learn more about the history, shape, and colour of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try to create your own lantern and produce a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones at home.
Overnight: Life Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)

Day 11 Saturday: Hoi An
Indulge in a cooking class to learn about the magnificent ingredients and recipes that make Vietnamese cuisine world renowned. Start the day early with a welcome drink served at the Hai Café. After a short introduction, travel ten minutes to Tra Que organic village, and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago. Pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson later today, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home. Transfer onwards to the Red Bridge Cooking School where you have a chance to freshen up before beginning your class. Work together with the Red Bridge chef who teaches you the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Use the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils to prepare four famous dishes, including the national dish “Pho”. After class, enjoy a short feedback session and take the chance to savour the dishes you have prepared. Bid farewell to the chef and board a local boat for a short cruise along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An before returning to your resort. Please be advised that today’s tour will be on a joined in group basis. (B, L)

Day 12 Sunday: Hoi An/Danang/Hanoi (Drive/Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check in (early check in subject to availability). In the afternoon, set out to visit the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoi culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. We then participate in 45min of lively presentation on Vietnamese history spanning a thousand years and the varied aspects of Vietnamese culture at Dr. Huu Ngoc’s office. Having lived through French and American time, the 90-year-old Dr. Huu Ngoc is a well-known historian and writer. This is a great opportunity to find out how he introduces the nation’s culture to the world and his life experiences. Followed by an orientation tour by cyclo to the sights, sounds, and pulse of Hanoi. We will cyclo along the tree-lined streets to the Old Quarter, one of Vietnam’s most lively and unusual places, where you can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pajamas. The maze of back streets is fascinating, and the area is known for its “tunnel” or “tube houses.” They were developed to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, so their small frontages hide very long rooms. Early evening, transfer to the Thang Long theatre for a Water Puppet performance. The art of water puppetry began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that we can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short skit in the performance relates to the daily life of the people. The group will have First Class (front or second or third row seating) for this performance.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)

Day 13 Monday: Hanoi/Halong Bay (Drive)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. The tiny limestone islands, with beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves, provide an excellent backdrop for relaxation and swimming. Embark on a 4 hours drive to Halong with a quick rest stop en route at a local house. Board your private junk to begin a 5 hours cruise through the spectacular bay, stopping along the way to explore magnificent grottoes where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling forms numerous designs and shapes. Whilst on board indulge in a delicious seafood lunch.
Overnight: Halong Plaza Hotel, Halong Bay (1 night) (B, L)

Day 14 Tuesday: Halong Bay/Hanoi (Drive)
We head back to Hanoi with a stop over at Phu Lang Village to visit the traditional way to produce ceramics. Afternoon arrival in Hanoi. The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Hanoi (1 night) (B)

Day 15 Wednesday: Hanoi/Luang Prabang (LAOS) (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Let’s say “Sabbai Dee” (Hello) as arriving in Laos, you will receive warm smile from the friendly locals. Time seems to stand still in Luang Prabang, a city with all the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful, woodsy spice of Asia. The city is small, and it seems everywhere can be reached by foot. Upon arrival at the airport, meet with your guide and transfer to town. Start visiting this sacred city of temples with a visit to the National Museum (closed on Tue), the former Royal Palace housing a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Other must-see places 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; the privately-run Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (closed on Mon) featuring clothing, household objects, religious artifacts, and tools of Laos’ ethnic groups. Late afternoon, enjoy interacting with the monks at Wat Pak Khan. Built in 1567 overlooking Nam Khan river, it is home to six monks and 20 novices. Here you can witness the evening chanting, and learn more about a Buddhist monk’s life by interacting with the head monk Mr. Onh Keo. You will also get to understand the influence of Buddhism in daily local life. Check in the hotel.
Overnight: Santi Resort & Spa Hotel, Luang Prabang (2 nights) (B)

Day 16 Thursday: Luang Prabang
Early risers will have a chance to witness a moving ritual: as long lines of barefoot monks walking silently along the streets on their morning alms rounds, watch locals offer alms. This represents a symbiosis in which rice sustains the monks’ bodies, while the monks’ prayers nourish the spirit of those giving the rice. Watch the town come to life in the morning and then return to hotel for breakfast.
Note: With the Morning Alms Giving, if you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulder, chest and legs should be covered
After breakfast, embark for a 2 hours cruise in a long-tail boat over the Mekong River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Situated along the Mekong and surrounded by lime stone cliffs, opposing the mouth of the Mekong and the Nam Ou Rivers, the caves are dramatically located. The sanctuaries of Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimetres to 2m in height. En route, typical Laotian villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Wooden canoes bobbing by the shore attached to bamboo poles can be seen everywhere while floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the banks of the Mekong River. Before leaving the caves again, visit Ban Muang Keo village to observe weavers and whisky distillers doing their daily routines. Return to Luang Prabang by the same boat or by road. (B, L)

Day 17 Friday: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)
Morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane. Hugging a bend of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a quaint and easygoing place compared to other frenetic capitals in the region. Meet with your guide upon arrival. Stroll about the city to admire French colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Spend your day visiting to the city’s major historic sites including the serene Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple that survived the Siamese war of 1828 and boasting over 8,000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue that today contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in and around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the symbol of Laos and whose original, smaller stupa contain a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; and the Patouxay (the Arc de Triomphe), built recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars of the past and offering a sweeping view of the city from the top. Return to your hotel to relax before visiting the weaving home-studio of Mrs. Carol Cassidy (interaction subject to availability), an American textiles expert who arrived in Vientiane in 1989 as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving, and who since set up the Lao Textiles Studio. The Studio today has over 40 weavers creating naturally dyed and woven silk pieces reflecting traditional Lao designs. End the day watching sunset on the bank of Mekong River. Please note that all museums in Vientiane are closed on Sat & Sun.
Overnight: Green Park Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)

Day 18 Saturday: Depart Vientiane
Check out time is by 1100 hrs and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Every Wednesday 2011 English Speaking Departures Every Wednesday
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar International airfares & departure taxes Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) Insurances / Visa Fees Regional/domestic airfares: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City/Hue, Danang/Hanoi/Luang Prabang/Vientiane Drinks/Beverages with meals All Sightseeing and Transfers Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites   Services of local English speaking guides
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 3595 US $ 895 2011 US $ 3795 US $ 895
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1600
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.