Indochina intensiv III

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1 to 2
Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic and is dominated by colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The city boasts a convoluted yet elegant history which is characterised by its ‘chameleon of names’ – the city has changed names many times throughout history. In terms of recent history, the French withdrew their forces in 1954 and ever since foreign investment and property has developed substantially.
In Hanoi, exploring on your own is relatively easy on foot or by bike. Many travellers believe the true appeal and essence of Hanoi is discovered wandering the streets, tasting local market food, observing the local way of life, and taking in the architecture and surrounds.

Day 2 to 3
Halong Bay

In the morning we depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. The area is surrounded by spectacular beaches and is, naturally, renowned for its delicious seafood! We will arrive around midday and board our junk boat for a cruise, (lunch included). On our cruise we will visit the famous caves and then find a secluded spot for swimming, kayaking and sunbaking.
Halong Bay (Bay of Descending Dragons) is renowned for its limestone karsts. The bay consists of a dense cluster of just under 2,000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise dramatically from the ocean. Several of these islands are hollow and contain large caves, and on our cruise we will be able to explore these caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner will be followed by the option of a spot of night fishing if you’re still awake!
Local legend describing the origin of the bay claims that the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the land when locals were fighting neighbouring invaders (thus the name ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’). When the dragons came down on Halong Bay they began spitting out jewels, which turned into the various islands that are scattered around the bay, linking together and forming a barrier against invaders. Halong Bay was kept safe and free from invading warriors from then on.

Day 3 to 4
Hanoi

In the morning we will continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. In the early afternoon we will depart the majestic Halong Bay and travel back to Hanoi for some more free time. If you haven’t seen a water puppet show yet, make it your business to do so at our stop this time as it is our last visit to Hanoi! On the evening of Day 4 we will board the Reunification Express for our overnight train trip to Hue.

Day 5 to 6
Hue

Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do. Hue is renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture.
The Imperial City, often likened to the Forbidden City in Beijing (and sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City as well), is well worth a visit. Hue also offers many Buddhist pagodas and markets to explore if you just feel like soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Day 6 to 7
Hoi An

In the morning of Day 6 we depart Hue and drive south to Hoi An via Danang. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies.
We have free time in Hoi An to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! If you’re all shopped-out, you might enjoy relaxing on the serene coastal beaches with some local cuisine.

Day 8 to 10
Hoi An - Nha Trang

We take a short drive back from Hoi An back to the railway town of Danang to board the reunification express once again. We will spend the day travelling by train to Nha Trang and should arrive by the early evening.
This beachside city is a popular destination for many travellers and is brimming with restaurants, bars and nightlife. You can choose to relax and swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters, or maybe take a cruise around the islands with a seafood lunch. In the evening of Day 10 we get back on the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 to 12
Ho Chi Minh City

We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning and have the rest of the day free to explore. Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country. Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times. Getting around is relatively easy by taxi or motorbike taxi, although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City!
If you’re interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. We include an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A network of tunnels which was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. It took about 25 years to build this underground city. It has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and command centres. In its hey day the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war must have been like. Or if you’re in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don’t miss Ho Chi Minh’s largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here! There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular Night Market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay! There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.

Day 12 to 13
Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, visiting Cao Dai temple along the way. We will take a boat trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which provides an insight into a real perspective of Delta life. We will also visit a local handicraft village and you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs to support the local community. We will stay with a local family overnight. The next morning we take an early cruise on a traditional sampan to visit the famous floating markets. We will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon and spend another night here.

Day 14 to 15
Phnom Penh

On Day 14 we travel by bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This bustling city has a turbulent past which you can learn about if you choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.
Phnom Penh has many other attractions, and there is some free time to explore the Russian Market and National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).

Day 16 to 18
Siem Reap

On Day 16 we will take a bus to Siem Reap, which is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. There are over one thousand temples here, ranging from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. Angkor Wat pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. We have a full day excursion plus guide included to maximise your enjoyment and time at the famous site of Angkor Wat.
The Angkor area attracts over one million visitors annually. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 sq km. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the temples with a local guide or explore at your leisure. There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

Day 19 to 22
Bangkok

In the morning of Day 19 we travel by bus from Siem Reap and make for Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. We will arrive late in the afternoon and you will have the next few days free to enjoy this crazy, chaotic city!
Bangkok is the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers. International backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life. No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Khao San Road, the famous strip filled with markets, stalls and neon lights. From people watching to shopping, and nightlife to food and drink, this is the place to be on a night out in Bangkok. If you’re feeling adventurous you might wish to try a fried insect or two! As an alternative, the Patpong area is Bangkok’s most notorious nightlife area. Exotic bars, clubs, neon lights, and night markets abound and you may be able to see some interesting stage shows if you so desire!
Bangkok also boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‘Venice of the East’, and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today. In the evening of Day 22 we will board our overnight train to Vientiane.

Day 23 to 24
Vientiane

The capital of Laos is extremely quiet – so quiet that, before 1970, there was only one set of traffic lights in the entire city (a far cry from Bangkok!). We have time to admire this tranquil city with its many murals and markets. Many buildings you will see when you wander the streets are of religious significance. You may wish to hire a bicycle and explore the local streets and markets. The markets are excellent here.

Day 25 to 26
Vang Vieng

As we make our way north from Vientiane we travel through stunning scenery to Vang Vieng. This peaceful town is situated in a plateau with stunning surroundings of limestone caves and waterfalls, and the area is inhabited by the Hmong and Yao tribes. The limestone caves are renowned in ancient mythology and have featured in the prose of many artists throughout time.
Vang Vieng is an excellent place to try the local cuisine and there are markets to indulge in. After a big meal you might feel energised enough to hire a bike and cycle to see the limestone karst formations – one of Vang Vieng’s most popular attractions.

Day 27 to 28
Luang Prabang

Many say this is the most memorable town in all of Laos. Renowned for a fascinating history and some of the friendliest people in South East Asia, Luang Prabang refers to the holy Pra Bang, Laos’ most sacred image of the Buddha given to Fa Ngoum. We have two days to enjoy this sleepy town, which is located 300m above sea level on the upper Mekong. As you explore you will see that Luang Prabang is dominated by Phousi – the marvellous mountain that sits in the middle of the town. You’ll notice a combination of Lao, French and Lao-French colonial influence as you admire the city’s buildings and architectural highlights – all of which you can see discovering the town on foot.
There are many temples to visit in Luang Prabang – over 30 in fact, which is a large number for this small town! Along the way you may encounter some young monks eager to practice their English skills as well.

Day 29 to 34
Chiang Mai - Bangkok

Heading into the north of Thailand, we travel to Chiang Mai, which is located in the cool mountain climate. We have a couple of days here and there is no shortage of things to do and see. Known as 'The Rose of the North', Chiang Mai is renowned for its beautiful scenery and extremely friendly people. Mountains, forests, national parks and waterfalls are in abundance. There are stacks of options for you here – choose from visiting nearby national parks and riding domesticated elephants, to floating down Jungle Rivers on bamboo rafts. You can learn some authentic cooking tips and Thai recipes by taking a cooking class, or if its relaxation you’re after then there’s nothing better than a true Thai massage. In the evening of Day 32 we travel by overnight train back to Bangkok.

Arriving back to Bangkok in the early morning, we spend our final free day in this busy city. It’s a chance to indulge in even more shopping and nightlife, or perhaps take it easy and visit some of the popular Wats in the area. We will have our final group dinner and drinks tonight and then the night is free to do as you wish. Our tour concludes on Day 34.