ASIA: 19 Day Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Tour Including Flights for Two (Standard)

Cruise through stunning Halong Bay, stand awed at the glory of Angkor Wat and watch the sun go down over the lush green mountains of Laos, all on this soul-stirring 19 day trip. Return International Flights for Two Plus All Regional Flights and Transfers Daily Breakfasts Plus Lots of Lunches and Dinners Guided Tours of Southeast Asia’s Most Stunning Attractions Including Angkor Wat, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Saigon, Mt. Phosi, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and More! INCLUSIONS Return International Flights from Sydney or Melbourne with Vietnam Airlines Regional Flights in Southeast Asia with Vietnam Airlines 17 Nights of Accommodation in Your Choice of Standard, Premium or Luxury Hotels Overnight Halong Bay Cruise Daily Breakfasts and Many More Meals as Specified in the Itinerary Local Boat and Cycling Rentals as Specified in the Itinerary On-Ground Transportation via Air-Conditioned Vehicle All Sightseeing Admission Fees Fascinating Tours with Local English Speaking Guides Vietnam Visa Approval letter CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE 3 Star Standard Hotels Saigon – Asian Ruby Select Hotel Hoi An – Coco River Resort & Spa Hue – Asia Hotel Hue Hanoi – Larosa Hotel Halong Bay Cruise – Oriental Sails Ship Luang Prabang – Villa Chitdara Siem Reap – Popular Residence Phnom Penh – Cardamom Hotel A great option for those wanting to save a little more spending money for the trip, these hotels are very comfortable and reputable, just with a few less luxury extras. 4 Star Premium Hotels Saigon – Harmony Saigon Hotel Hoi An – Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel Hue – Romance Hue Hotel Hanoi – Flower Garden Hotel Halong Bay Cruise – Calypso Cruise Luang Prabang – Villa Santi Resort Siem Reap – Angkor Paradise Phnom Penh – Teav Bassac If you want to experience Southeast Asia in style, this is a great option. These 4 Star hotels get rave reviews, and give you access to spacious, well-appointed rooms and superb facilities. 5 Star Luxury Hotels Saigon – Equatorial Hotel Ho Chi Minh Hoi An – Golden Sand Resort Hue – Imperial Hotel Hue Hanoi – Melia Hanoi Hotel Halong Bay Cruise – Starlight Cruise Luang Prabang – Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel Siem Reap – Somadevi Residence Phnom Penh – The Plantation Still reasonably priced, these 5 Star hotels are among the finest that Southeast Asia has to offer. Enjoy day spas, fitness centres, and a luxury cruise with private jacuzzis and on board mini-golf. TRAVEL DATES Available for departure one one of the following dates: 2016: October: 8, 20 November*: 10, 28 2017: January*: 4, 8 March*: 8, 20 April: 4, 30 May: 4 June: 4, 16 July: 8, 22 August: 6, 20 September: 10, 24 October: 8, 22 November*: 10, 20 *Travel during these months is subject to a high season surcharge of $200pp Book early to secure your preferred dates! HOW TO BOOK Once you have selected your favourite option, click on Add to Cart and follow the payment prompts Once you complete your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation and unique booking code Please follow the instructions on your email to redeem your voucher For any other assistance or enquiries please contact support@kogantravel.com or call us on 1300 517 210. HIGHLIGHTS Vietnam Board a traditional Junk cruise ship to explore the mystical seascape that is Halong Bay – enter beautiful caves, row to nearby islands and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board. Explore the bustling sights and sounds of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), with its eclectic mixture of chic boutiques, traditional quarters and fascinating museums and galleries. Embark on an optional boat cruise on the famous Mekong Delta, an incredible waterworld where boats, houses and markets float upon its mighty waterways. Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system, the Cu Chi Tunnels. Laos Often hailed as the Shangri La of all destinations in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is the jewel of Laos. Home to 33 gilded temples and saffron-clad monks, this holy place is as beautiful as it is spiritual. Visit the Kuangsi Waterfall, a towing 200ft cascade of water nestled in the lush green jungle on North Central Laos. Take a trip up the sacred Mt. Phousi and breath in the crystal-clear air, take in the panoramic views, and watch the sun set over the hazy green mountains. Cambodia Tap into the very heart and soul of Cambodia by visiting its historical Angkor Temples, intertwining with tropical jungles and shrouded in ancient mystery. Take the optional tour of picturesque Tonle Sap Lake and start your adventure by visiting a floating village home to a family that raises crocodiles! Discover the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, an experience both chilling and inspiring, and gain an insight into the bloody Khmer Rouge regime. ITINERARY Day 1: Australia – Saigon (I/F) Today you will board your international flight from Australia. Destination: Vietnam! On arrival you travel to your new hotel in Saigon and check in. Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – City Tour (B, L) After breakfast this morning you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its peak, the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels offer visitors a unique chance to experience what life was like during during the U.S – Vietnam War. Afterwards, return to the city centre to experience some of Saigon’s most memorable landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Museum and Ben Thanh market. Day 3: Saigon Free Day (B) / Optional Mekong Delta Tour (B, L) Today is all yours to enjoy Saigon at your own pace. Now more commonly known as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is a city that breathes life. Do some souvenir shopping at some of the chic designer boutiques, or history buffs among you may want to check out the Museum of Vietnam’s History boasting some fantastic examples of art and sculpture. Optional tour: Mekong Delta Start your Mekong Delta tour by embarking on a cruise of Ben Tre River, one of tributaries of the Mekong river. Keep at eye open for lively activities along the river and locals going about their daily lives. Stop at a brickwork to learn how to make bricks in traditional style by printing and baking, then visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Head deeper into one of the river’s villages to visit a family hard at work before jumping on a motor cart or bike to explore nearby rice fields and vegetable plains where you’ll learn about tropical culture from locals. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, take a rowing-boat along water palm creek and board the boat back to Hung Vuong Pier where your transport is waiting to take you back to Saigon. Day 4: Saigon – Danang – Hoi An (B) After breakfast, this morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival, your driver and tour guide will pick you up at Danang Airport and transfer you to your new hotel in Hoi An. On the way, you will stop at Cham Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the region. Day 5: Hoi An Free Day / Optional Tours (B) Today you can take some time to explore Hoi An at your own pace. You could explore the bustling local market or the Hoi An Museum, the Old Merchant’s’ House, Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy a stroll along the peaceful Thu Bon River, once Vietnam’s most famous trading port. Optional tours: Cooking Class or My Son tour The optional activities of the day are a Hoi An Cooking Class or My Son Holyland tour. Day 6: Hoi An – Hue (B) After breakfast this morning you will leave for Hue. Nestled on the bank of Song Huong or ‘Perfume River’, Hue is most famous for its 19th Century Imperial Citadel. Upon arrival, you will visit the Citadel and the tomb of Tu Duc, then take a cruise up the placid Perfume River to visit the Tomb of Nguyen Dynasty – Emperor Minh Mang and the traditional Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, immerse yourself in the local life by visiting Dong Ba market. Check into your hotel in Hue in the late afternoon. Day 7: Hue – Hanoi (B) Today you say goodbye to Hue and depart for the airport for your connecting flight to the capital city of Hanoi. On arrival you will enjoy tours of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from the outside), the traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature before checking in to your new hotel. Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D) After breakfast, you’ll start the drive past the verdant fields of the Red Delta River en route to Halong Bay – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Embark on your Halong Bay boat cruise, enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch on board and visit the bay’s most beautiful caves. Discover towering limestone islands and hidden grottoes before a wonderful seafood dinner on board. Stay overnight on the boat. Day 9: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Optional Street Food Tour (B, D) Enjoy the aquamarine waters of the bay at its best as the junk ship continues to cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations. Disembark from the junk at noon and return to Hanoi. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please, or you could take part in the optional activity of the day. Tonight you will enjoy dinner and stay overnight at your hotel in Hanoi. Optional tour: Hanoi street food tour Sampling Hanoi’s tantalising street food is a must during your trip! Street food is cheap but seriously delicious, and provides an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll sample Northern Vietnamese bites including stuffed pancake, banh mi, stuffed sticky rice balls, or a unique egg coffee. Day 10: Hanoi – Luang Prabang (Laos) (B) After breakfast this morning you will begin the next exciting leg of your journey. Your driver will take you to the airport where you will board a regional flight to Luang Prabang in North Central Laos. On arrival, you will be met by a tour operator and transferred to your new hotel. Day 11: Luang Prabang – Khuang Si Waterfalls (B, L) Luang Prabang is a city of old worldly beauty and romance. It dwells beside the sacred meeting point of the Mekong River and the Nam Kan River. This morning you will wake early to observe the morning ritual of the local monks. Afterwards, your full day day of touring will include the Royal Palace, Vat Xieng Thong, Vat May, Vat Visoun, Vat Aham and Vat Senna. ‘Vat’ is the term in Laos for ‘temple’, and these stunning building are famed throughout Southeast Asia. Later, You will visit the Kuangsi Waterfall, a towing 200ft cascade of water nestled in the lush green jungle. On route you will stop at Ban Na Oune and Ban Tha Pane. Afterwards, enjoy some relaxation time before returning to Luang Prabang. On the way, you will be treated to a stunning sunset view atop Mt Phousi. Day 12: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B, L) Today you will discover the two famous caves in the Limestone cliff where rivers Ou and Mekong meet at Ban Pak Ou. These stunning rock formations feature a collection of buddhas and a shimmering riverine backdrop. Day 13: Luang Prabang – Siem Reap (B) Today you will have some free time to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Later on, your time in Laos comes to an end and you will be transferred to the airport to board a flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples (B, D) Today, you will have a full day to explore the mystical Angkor temples, including the word-famous Angkor Wat. The temples are the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion. They’re without question some of the most amazing manmade monuments in the world. Next stop will be the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery where immense tree life and branches have taken root in the stones – hence the nickname ‘Jungle Temple’. Find some splendid sculptured Devatas and an atmosphere that is truly unique. Visit Angkor Thom and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries, dedicated to Buddhism and consisting of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Later, go on to the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King Terrace to see many beautifully sculpted Apsaras. Day 15: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (B) Enjoy some free time this morning before leaving Siem Reap on a public bus to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure. Alternatively, you could join the day’s optional tour to Tonle Sap Lake before your onward journey. Optional tour: Tonle Sap Lake Start your trip by visiting Kampong Khleang, a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake. The houses on the lake stand on stilts and offer breathtaking views of floodplains, rice fields and water vistas as far as the eye can see. Walk through the village and meet with its locals and a family who raises crocodiles! Afterwards, travel by boat over the canals to a large lake where Vietnamese people live when they are displaced from their homes because of the seasons. Day 16: Phnom Penh City Tour (B) In the morning journey to Phnom Penh’s most exciting attractions including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Wat Ounalom. Afterwards, shop for unique souvenirs at Central Market and watch a Royal Dance rehearsal by the Apsara Arts Association over lunch. Later on, visit the location where journalists camped on the eve of the Khmer Rouge takeover, followed by a spine-tingling tour of a haunted building. Tour the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which served as a Khmer Rouge torture center, then journey to the Choeung Ek Killing Field, a chilling and inspiring monument to torture victims. Finally, taste some traditional Khmer snacks while learning about how the bloody history associated with the Khmer Rouge still haunts Cambodian lives. Day 17: Phnom Penh Free Day (B) Today is a free day for you to explore Phnom Penh as you choose. As the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh has no shortage of things to do. You may wish to join the optional Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise Tour. Optional tour: Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise Journey outside of the capital, passing through the renowned Japanese Friendship Bridge. Enjoy a ferry ride to Mekong Island, before paying a visit to the rice paddies and fruit gardens of local farmers. You will journey to a “floating village” where fishing boats, floating farms and schools are cruising above the water surface. Board the cruise to enjoy the romantic sunset at the junction of the the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque view. Day 18: Phnom Penh – Australia (B) Today your adventure comes to an end. You will have the benefit of a late check out this morning, and some free time to do some last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping. Later, you will be transferred to the airport to board your return flight to Australia. Day 19: Phnom Penh – Australia Today you arrive back in Australia. We hope you enjoyed your trip! FINE PRINT Buying and Booking: Buy now – limited time offer! Top Tip: Book early to secure your preferred dates! 14 day booking guarantee – if you can’t book your preferred dates within 14 days we will refund you in full. See T&Cs here Bookings are non refundable once your travel dates are confirmed Peak Season Surcharge: Travel during November, January and March incurs a peak season surcharge of $200 per person Alternate Departure Point Surcharges: Flights are available from outside of Sydney and Melbourne at an additional cost Domestic flights from Brisbane/Adelaide/Canberra incur a surcharge of $400 per person (roundtrip) Domestic flights from Perth or New Zealand incur a surcharge of $600 per person (roundtrip) Arrive Early / Stay Behind Surcharge: Early arrivals and staying behind may be permitted for an extra cost of $150 per person plus any applicable difference in airfare and/or taxes. Accommodation not included No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after your air tickets have been issued Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking Single Supplement Surcharge A single supplement surcharge applies to those wishing to travel alone: Standard package: $850 Premium package: $890 Luxury package: $1499 Contact Kogan Travel on 1300 517 210 for more information General: Flight upgrades may be available on request. Availability and pricing can be confirmed once your booking has been made Package Excludes: Visas for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos Travel insurance – strongly recommended Tour tipping (not mandatory) Costs incurred by trip delays or interruptions due to airline schedule changes Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice for your holiday please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip overseas A visa may be required for your destination or any countries you are transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain a valid visa. Please visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ to assist you with any requirements. For information about how we calculate the savings and values of our deals, click here Want to know more? Check out Asia Vacation Group for more information Click here for Kogan Travel FAQs