THE GRAND INDOCHINA ODYSSEY: THAILAND – CAMBODIA – VIETNAM

• Tour Code: ST-IC18D
• Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
• Route: Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi
• Target Market: Luxury & High-end Inbound (Europe, US, Australia & Muslim-Friendly option for Middle East)

🗺️ ITINERARY OVERVIEW

• Day 1: Bangkok Arrival – Evening Chinatown Street Food Discovery (Meals: D)
• Day 2: Bangkok Highlights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Canal Long-tail Boat (Meals: B/L)
• Day 3: Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Local Cooking Class Experience (Meals: B/D)
• Day 4: Chiang Mai – Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Encounter (Meals: B/L)
• Day 5: Fly Chiang Mai to Siem Reap (via Bangkok) – Welcome to Angkor (Meals: B/D)
• Day 6: Siem Reap – Secrets of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm (Meals: B/L)
• Day 7: Siem Reap – Roluos Group Temples & Sacred Monk Blessing (Meals: B/L)
• Day 8: Fly Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City – Vibrant Saigon at Night (Meals: B/D)
• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour: Landmarks & Live Like a Local (Meals: B/L)
• Day 10: Historic Cu Chi Tunnels – Fly to Da Nang – Transfer to Hoi An (Meals: B/L)
• Day 11: Hoi An – Ba Na Hills & Iconic Golden Bridge Excursion (Meals: B/L)
• Day 12: Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour & Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle – Fly to Hanoi (Meals: B/L)
• Day 13: Hanoi Cultural Immersion – Hidden Alleys & Famous Train Street (Meals: B/L)
• Day 14: Hanoi Heritage Day: Temple of Literature, Old Quarter & Food Tasting (Meals: B/L)
• Day 15: Hanoi to Halong Bay – Embark on 5/6-Star Luxury Cruise (Meals: B/L/D)
• Day 16: Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay: Kayaking & Emerald Waters Exploration (Meals: B/L/D)
• Day 17: Halong Bay Sunrise & Cave Excursion – Transfer back to Hanoi (Meals: B/Brunch)
• Day 18: Hanoi Free & Leisure – Airport Transfer – Departure (Meals: B)

  

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: BANGKOK ARRIVAL – EVENING CHINATOWN STREET FOOD (MEALS: D)

• Welcome to Thailand: Meet our private guide and driver at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Transfer via private luxury vehicle to your hotel in central Bangkok.
• Evening: Embark on an evening walking discovery of vibrant Chinatown (Yaowarat). Sample signature Michelin-guide street eats, explore illuminated lanes, and soak in Bangkok’s night buzz.
• Overnight: Bangkok.

DAY 2: BANGKOK – GRAND PALACE, WAT PHO & KHLONG CANALS (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Visit the dazzling Grand Palace, the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), and Wat Pho with its massive Reclining Buddha.
• Afternoon: Board a traditional long-tail boat to glide through the Thonburi Klongs (Canals), experiencing local waterfront life. Stop at the stunning riverside pagoda Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
• Overnight: Bangkok.

DAY 3: BANGKOK – FLY TO CHIANG MAI – LOCAL COOKING CLASS (MEALS: B/D)

• Morning: Private airport transfer for your flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand.
• Afternoon: Check in and relax. Later, visit a local organic farm and join a hands-on Northern Thai Cooking Class hosted by a welcoming local family. Savor your own creations for dinner.
• Overnight: Chiang Mai.

DAY 4: CHIANG MAI – ETHICAL ELEPHANT SANCTUARY (MEALS: B/L)

• Full Day: Journey into the lush highlands to visit an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary (no riding policy).
• Observe the rescued gentle giants in their natural habitat, prepare healthy treats, feed them, and join them for a mud spa and river bath.
• Overnight: Chiang Mai.

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI – FLY TO SIEM REAP (CAMBODIA) (MEALS: B/D)

• Transit: Fly from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap via Bangkok.
• Welcome to Cambodia: Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Apsara Dance Dinner Show, showcasing Khmer classical performance art and royal court cuisine.
• Overnight: Siem Reap.

DAY 6: SIEM REAP – MAJESTIC WONDERS OF ANGKOR (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on Earth. Explore its intricate bas-reliefs with our expert Egyptologist/Khmerologist guide.
• Afternoon: Explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the enigmatic smiling stone faces of Bayon Temple, and jungle-strangled Ta Prohm (famous from Tomb Raider).
• Overnight: Siem Reap.

DAY 7: SIEM REAP – ROLUOS TEMPLES & SACRED MONK BLESSING (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Visit the early Khmer capital monuments of the Roluos Group (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei), dating back to the 9th century.
• Cultural Highlight: Experience a sacred Private Water Blessing conducted by Buddhist monks at an active local pagoda, bestowing peace, health, and safe travels.
• Afternoon: Free time to explore the Old Market (Phsar Chas) and Artisan d’Angkor workshops.
• Overnight: Siem Reap.

DAY 8: SIEM REAP – FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY (VIETNAM) (MEALS: B/D)

• Transit: Transfer to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
• Welcome to Vietnam: VIP private transfer to your luxury hotel in District 1.
• Evening: Savor a welcome dinner featuring refined Southern Vietnamese gastronomy at an upscale riverside restaurant or Saigon River cruise.
• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY – LANDMARKS & HIDDEN GEMS (MEALS: B/L)

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  Morning: Visit the historic War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and French colonial icons: Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel.

• Afternoon: Venture off the tourist track into Saigon’s vintage apartment cafés, the hidden Weapon Bunker, and the bustling Cho Lon (Chinatown) with Thien Hau Pagoda.
• Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 10: CU CHI TUNNELS – FLY TO DA NANG – HOI AN (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Journey through the countryside to explore the legendary underground defense network of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Afternoon: Transfer directly to Tan Son Nhat Airport for a short 1-hour flight to Da Nang.
• Scenic Transfer: Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An. Check into your boutique resort.
• Evening: Free evening to stroll through lantern-lit pedestrian streets.
• Overnight: Hoi An (Night 1).

DAY 11: HOI AN – BA NA HILLS & GOLDEN BRIDGE (MEALS: B/L)

• Full Day Excursion: Depart for Ba Na Hills. Ascend on one of the world’s longest single-cable car systems, admiring panoramic vistas of primeval forest.
• Walk along the world-famous Golden Bridge, held aloft by two colossal stone hands protruding from the cliff.
• Explore the French Village, Le Jardin D’Amour flower gardens, and Linh Ung Pagoda.
• Late Afternoon: Return to Hoi An. Relax at the resort pool or the nearby An Bang Beach.
• Overnight: Hoi An (Night 2).

DAY 12: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN & COCONUT FOREST – FLY TO HANOI (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, riding inside iconic round basket boats (thuyen thung) while local fishermen demonstrate netting techniques.
• Explore Hoi An Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and centuries-old merchant houses.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital. Check-in and leisure.
• Overnight: Hanoi.

DAY 13: HANOI CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS & TRAIN STREET (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Visit the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (exterior), President’s Stilt House, and the unique architectural icon One Pillar Pagoda.
• Afternoon: Visit the historic Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070). Stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
• Iconic Experience: Enjoy Vietnamese Egg Coffee while watching the locomotive pass through the narrow Hanoi Train Street.
• Overnight: Hanoi.

DAY 14: HANOI DEEP DISCOVERY: MUSEUMS & OLD QUARTER CUISINE (MEALS: B/L)

• Morning: Visit the acclaimed Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (or Hoa Lo Prison Museum) with an expert local specialist.
• Afternoon: Guided cyclo or walking tour through the maze of the 36 Guild Streets of the Old Quarter, discovering local craftsmanship, silk boutiques, and hidden temples.
• Overnight: Hanoi.

DAY 15: HANOI – HALONG BAY / LAN HA BAY (LUXURY 5/6-STAR CRUISE) (MEALS: B/L/D)

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  08:30: Pick-up via luxury limousine van, driving on the expressway to Tuan Chau / Halong Port.

• 12:15: Board our premier 5/6-star cruise vessel (e.g., Grand Piooner Cruises, Catherine, Elite of the Seas, or Mon Chéri).
• Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet buffet/set lunch while cruising among thousands of limestone karsts. Kayak through hidden lagoons, swim in emerald waters, or unwind in the onboard heated Jacuzzi pool.
• Evening: Sunset party on the sky deck, Vietnamese cooking demonstration, followed by a fine-dining dinner. Night squid fishing on the deck.
• Overnight: Onboard luxury cruise in Halong / Lan Ha Bay.

DAY 16: CRUISE DAY 2 – LAN HA BAY UNTOUCHED WONDERS (MEALS: B/L/D)

• Full Day on the Bay: Continue sailing deep into pristine, quiet corners of Lan Ha Bay / Cat Ba Island.
• Visit local floating fishing villages, hidden grottos, or bicycle through Viet Hai ancient village nestled in the national park.
• Enjoy sunset cocktails and a second exquisite dinner under the starry night sky.
• (Note: Program can be tailored to 2D1N + 1 night Hanoi or 3D2N depending on client’s preferred cruise package).
• Overnight: Onboard luxury cruise.

DAY 17: HALONG BAY – TRANSFER BACK TO HANOI (MEALS: B/BRUNCH)

• 06:00: Rejuvenate with a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
• Morning: Explore an impressive natural stalactite cave (e.g., Sung Sot or Trung Trang Cave).
• 10:00: Settle luggage and enjoy a farewell international brunch while sailing back to the harbor.
• 11:30: Disembark and transfer via limousine back to Hanoi. Free evening for last-minute souvenir shopping.
• Overnight: Hanoi.

DAY 18: HANOI DEPARTURE (MEALS: B)

• Morning: Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Free time to relax or explore nearby coffee shops.
• Departure: Private vehicle transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward flight home.
• End of unforgettable Indochina journey with Smile Travel!

✅ WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Transportation: Private AC vehicle with professional drivers throughout; Limousine expressway transfers for the Halong Bay route.
• Flights (Optional Package Inclusion): BKK-CNX, CNX-REP (via BKK), REP-SGN, SGN-DAD, DAD-HAN.
• Cruises: Full-board luxury cruise package on 5-star or 6-star vessels with private balcony cabins.
• Guides: Dedicated licensed English-speaking local guides at each destination (other languages upon request).
• Halal / Muslim Option: Fully convertible with 100% Halal-certified dining in cities and Halal-certified/Pork-free/Seafood dining on cruises. Prayer rugs and Qibla directional support arranged.
• Accommodations with daily breakfast
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

❌ WHAT IS EXCLUDED:

• Travel insurance.
• Flights
• Visa Stamp fee.
• Tipping and other personal expenses..

• Mandatory Tipping policy:
  • 1-4 pax: 5 USD/pax/day.
  • 5-10 pax: 4 USD/pax/day.
  • 10+ pax: 3 USD/pax/day.

  📌 POLICY & NOTES

  Children Policy:

  • Under 4 years old: Free of Charge (FOC) (sharing existing bed with parents).
  • From 4 to 8 years old: 85% of adult rate (sharing room/bed with parents).
  • From 9 years old and above: 100% adult rate.

  Notes:

  • Passport Requirement: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date in Vietnam.
  • Surcharges: Peak season surcharges apply for Christmas Eve (Dec 24), New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), and Vietnam National Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday).
  • VISA to Vietnam (Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity. We can help for visa on arrival if request)
  • Please note that if a certain accommodation is not available at the time of booking, then we will gladly make alternative suggestions in the same category.
  • No early check in or late checkout is included except those indicated in the program. Generally, the check in time is 14:00 and check out time is 12:00.

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