Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to enchanting People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. An Authentic Asia ! A land of the lotus eaters amid the bloated development of its neighbours, Laos brings together the best of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination. Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.

Arrive in Vientiane, the lad back capital city. Constantly reimagining itself as it races towards the future, yet inextricably linked to its glorious, notorious past, Vientiane is as compelling as it is complex.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Vientiane Wattay International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs,  you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Laos' national capital mixes French-colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16^th century Pha That Luang, which is a national symbol. Along broad boulevards & tree-lined streets are many notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images & Wat Si Muang, built atop a Hindu shrine.

Despite being the largest city in Laos and the hub of commerce & administration, Vientiane is still refreshingly laid back. When in Laos, do as the Laos do & the slow the pace right down. A common joke is that acronym PDF (Peoples Democratic Republic) actually stands for ‘Please Slow Down’.  A word of warning to the punctual folks - the country is decidedly laid back & some visitors may mistake this for a lack of ambition or impolitesse but regardless, it is best not to expect things to run like clockwork.

From its sleepy tuk-tuk drivers to its cafe society & affordable spas on the right bank of the lumbering lazy Mekong, this former French trading post is languid to say the least. Indeed, despite being the capital & largest city of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, there is not a whole lot to do in Vientiane. But that is also, quite honestly, its selling point.

For the traveller happy with a couple of low-key sights & lots of contemplative river watching while sipping on Beerlao, or hopping from cafe to cafe, Vientiane excels.

Navigating Vientiane is relatively simple. Eminently walkable, the historic old quarter of Vientiane beguiles with glittering temples, lunging naga (river serpent) statues, wandering Buddhist monks, and boulevards lined with frangipani & tamarind. With most of its old French villas now stylishly reincarnated into restaurants & small hotels, Vientiane is achieving an unprecedented level of panache with a distinctly Gallic flavour.

Whether you spend your time in Vientiane lounging over a novel in an old-fashioned bakery or shopping in silk shops. Vientiane delivers a relaxing riverside break where one of the best things you can do is grab a drink & enjoy the sun’s spectacular show as it sets over the Mekong & once you leave, you will miss this place more than you expected. The countryside is never far away, with rice paddies providing a backdrop to most streets.

The city offers a great choice of accommodation, restaurants & pavement cafes, some adding a French air with their style of architecture which contrasts pleasingly with the old Buddhist temples dotted around. Plenty of things to do after dark and bars cater to all tastes from backpacker beer haunts to elegant cocktail lounges, street markets, or upscale gastronomic eateries. Culture buffs should make the Laos National Museum their first stop.  

Even though in Vientiane the days blend into one another, once you leave you will miss this place more than you expected.

Afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a 4 hour sightseeing tour of the city visiting the major temples (the Pick-up time & sightseeing components can be amended at the discretion of the Tour-guide & based on your Arrival time, today)   .

First stop will be Wat Sisaket - a Buddhist wat built between 1819 & 1824 by Chao Anou, believed to be Vientiane’s oldest surviving wat. And it is starting to show, as this beautiful temple is in need of a facelift. Along the western side of the cloister is a pile of Buddhas that were damaged during the 1828 Lao Rebellion.

In the sim (ordination hall) a slightly damaged Khmer-style Naga Buddha - which depicts the Buddha seated on a coiled cobra deity (naga), sheltered by the naga's multi-headed hood - is also on display just in front of the main seated Buddha, believed to date from the 13^th century. The sim is surrounded by a colonnaded terrace in the Bangkok style & topped by a five-tiered roof. The interior walls bear hundreds of Buddha niches similar to those in the cloister, as well as beautiful - but decaying - Jataka murals depicting stories of the Buddha's past lives. Portions of the Bangkok-style murals are unrestored 1820s originals, while others date from a 1913 restoration.

Next, visit Wat Ho Phra Keo.

Vientiane boasts several beautiful temples or wats, but one of the most impressive & interesting of them is this one, originally constructed in 1565 as the Lao royal family’s personal chapel, it was a home for the Emerald Buddha after it was snatched from northern Siam (Thailand).

This sacred jade statue was reclaimed by the Siamese in 1778 and now sits in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Even without the Emerald Buddha, however, it is well worth a visit. The only part of the old royal palace that has survived, the temple is no longer used for religious purposes and is now a museum.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as it is often known in English, is richly adorned with carved wooden features, a magnificent 16^th century lacquered door with Hindu carvings, numerous Khmer stone carvings & a variety of Buddha statues. The stone balustrade of each of the temple stairs features a dragon with its head facing the grounds, guarding the sacred building. The shady, well-kept garden is an oasis of calm that offers a welcome respite from the sun and a quiet place to meditate or simply rest.

Move on to the svelte & golden Pha That Luang considered to be the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of Buddhist religion & Lao sovereignty.

It is a gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of the city. Since its initial establishment, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area.

It was originally a Hindu temple in the 1^st century. Then, in early 3^rd century BC, Buddhist missionaries from the Mauryan Empire in India believed to have been sent by the Emperor Ashoka, brought a holy relic (believed to be the breastbone) of Lord Buddha &  erected a taht (stupa) here to enclose that breastbone.

In the mid16^th century, King Setthathirat relocated his capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and ordered the construction of Pha That Luang in 1566

In 1641, a Dutch envoy of the Dutch East India Company, Gerrit van Wuysoff, visited Vientiane & was received by King Sourigna Vongsa at the temple, where he was, reportedly, received in a magnificent ceremony. He wrote that he was particularly impressed by the "enormous pyramid & the top was covered with gold leaf weighing about a thousand pounds". However, the stupa was repeatedly plundered by the Burmese, Siamese & Chinese, which left it heavily damaged & abandoned. It was not until 1900 that the French restored to its original design based on the detailed drawings from 1867 by the French architect & explorer Louis Delaporte. However the first attempt to restore it was unsuccessful and it had to be redesigned & then reconstructed in the 1930s

Now, a high-walled cloister with tiny windows surrounds the 45 metre high stupa. The cloister measures 85 metre on each side and contains 30 small Stupas (Buddha images), including a serene statue of Jayavarman VII, the great Angkor-era king who converted the state religion of the Khmer empire to Buddhism.

Continue on to Patuxai - Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe, a war monument in the city centre, built between 1957 & 1968 to commemorate those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.

Officially called 'Victory Gate' the replica is a slightly incongruous sight, dominating the commercial district & was constructed with cement donated by the USA intended for the construction of a new airport. Climb to the summit for panoramic views over Vientiane. 

Last stop will be the Lao National Museum located in a French colonial building, founded as the national museum highlighting the revolution of the 1970s

Formerly known as the Lao Revolutionary Museum, much of its collection retains an unshakeable revolutionary zeal. Downstairs has a potted account of Khmer culture in the south, accompanied by tools & Buddha statuary; upstairs has ponderous displays that tell the story of the Pathet Lao, peppered with busts of Lenin & Ho Chi Minh.

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  

Early morning, Check-out & meet The Journeys Rep who will transfer you to the Airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang.

As you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Check-in at the hotel.

Luang Prabang slows your pulse & awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort & spiritual nourishment. It is the ancient capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos. Sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River & Nam Khan River, nowhere else can lay claim to this UNESCO listed gem's romance of 33 gilded wats, saffron-clad monks, faded Indochinese villas & exquisite Gallic cuisine.

Inhabited for thousands of years, it was the royal capital of the country until 1975. It is known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded 16^th century Wat Xieng Thong & Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.

Over the last 20 years Luang Prabang has seen a flood of investment, with once-leprous French villas being revived as fabulous boutique hotels & some of the best chefs in Southeast Asia moving in.

The population has swollen, and yet still the peninsula remains as sleepy and friendly as a village, as if time has stood still here. Beyond the evident history & heritage of the old French town are aquamarine waterfalls, top trekking opportunities, meandering mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips, river cruises & outstanding natural beauty, the whole ensemble encircled by hazy green mountains.

Relax for a while.

Later in the afternoon, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 02.00 pm & proceed for a half day 4 hour sightseeing tour to explore the culture & history of Luang Prabang and gain a deeper understanding of the city & its people.

Start at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang, located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong.

Built in 1560 by King Setthathirat, Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centred on a 1560 sim (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground & there is a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set & ornate carvings on its western exterior wall. Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hohng Kep Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of the Lao royalty.

Close by are several stupas & three compact little chapel halls called Hor Dąi, shaped like a tall tomb, now housing a standing Buddha. The Hor Dąi Pha Sai-nyaat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge - Red Chapel - by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Move on to Wat Aham, a Buddhist temple, built in 1818 on the site of a much older temple dating back to 1527. Between the street & the temple, are two very large & old banyan trees that harbour the Devata Luang, the guardian spirits of Luang Prabang town.

It is believed that around the 14^th century at the site where the Wat Aham currently stands, a shrine was built for Pu No and Na No, the two guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. Nearly two centuries later during the reign of King Phothisarath the shrines were destroyed. The King was a devout Buddhist who worked to end animism & spirit worshipping. He had the shrines destroyed & built a Buddhist temple on the site, the Wat Aham. When soon after the town of Luang Prabang was hit by several disasters including diseases, drought & failed harvest, local people believed the destruction of the spirit shrines to be the cause.

During the reign of the next King the shrines were rebuilt. When the spirit houses were destroyed again in the 20th century, the spirits were believed to have taken residence in the large banyan trees on the temple grounds. Even today the spirits are remembered during the Laos New Year festival celebrations.

Next would be Wat Visoun. Though touted as one of Luang Prabang's oldest operating temples, it is actually an 1898 reconstruction built following the Black Flag raids. Peruse a sizeable collection of old gilded 'Calling for Rain' buddhas with long sinuous arms held to each side. These were placed here, along with some medieval ordination stones, for their protection, having been rescued from various abandoned or ravaged temples.

From here, proceed to Mount Phou Si, a hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang

Rising 150 metres above the centre of town, Mount Phou Si cuts a distinctive figure on the Luang Prabang skyline. The hill is popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set over the Mekong River & from the summit, you can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree outlook across the city & its many temples, and out over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance.

Count on spending a couple of hours for the climb & descent, with several stops to see the temples, rest under the shady trees & admire the magical views. You can pray & make offerings at several temples along the way. Next to Wat Chomsi at the top of the hill, you can buy flowers to offer for blessings, as well as caged birds. The Laos believe that if you set a bird free you will enjoy good luck & happiness in the future.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.   B

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 06.00 am & proceed for a walk through the Morning Market.

Southeast Asia’s morning markets are much more interesting than the night markets. Sure, you can find cheap t-shirts, knock-off backpacks, colorful paintings & pretty lights. But you haven’t really come all this way for those, have you?

A colourful street market is at its liveliest in the early morning when locals stock up on leafy greens, eggs, dried shrimp & live frogs. It is at the morning markets that locals do their shopping. And that is where you get a real flavor of the local culture.

The morning market in Luang Prabang, lining a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace, starts early & is over by mid-morning. It sets up along a couple of side-streets next to one of the city’s many Wats.

A butcher & some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their wares. But most of the vendors, selling anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs & anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground. It is an elegant solution–cheap, simple & effective.

Vendors stream in before dawn by foot. Others come from across the Mekong by riverboat, hauling their wares up the steep, muddy riverbank. By mid- to late-morning, they are gone again until tomorrow.

If you are after fresh fruit & vegetables, Mekong river fish, seaweed sheets, rice & grains, or fish wrapped in banana leaf ready to throw on the steamer, this is the place. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even give barbecued bamboo rat a try.

After spending an hour here, return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Meet the Tour-guide again at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day 6 hour tour to explore some more.

Start at the former Royal Palace which has now been converted to the National Museum.

Evoking traditional Lao & French beaux-arts styles, the former Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial era & was home to King Sisavang Vong (1905–59), whose statue stands outside. Within are tasteful, decidedly sober residential quarters, with some rooms preserved much as they were when the king's son (and successor) was captured by the Pathet Lao in 1975. A separate outbuilding displays the five-piece Royal Palace Car Collection.

No single treasure in Laos is more historically resonant than the Pha Bang, an 83 cm tall gold-alloy Buddha in the southeast corner of the palace gardens. Inside the museum, footwear & photography are not permitted and you must leave bags in a locker room to the left side of the main entrance.

And now, leaving the city behind, transfer to the Pier, where your boat will be waiting for you. Take a trip along the Mekong to discover the quaint villages & delve deeper into the culture.

Soak up the scenery as you set out along the Mekong River and glide past a patchwork of rice paddies, orchards & fishing villages.

After sailing for around 1.5 hours, arrive at Ban Xang Hay, a village renowned for its traditional weaving & production of ‘Lao Lao’ rice wine.

This village very quickly became one of the acknowledged suppliers of the King (at the time when the country was ruled by a King) who was said to have bought a large quantity. The village is full of history, culture & a weaving experience that you can still find in some other villages in Laos where methods, techniques & patterns remain unchanged from those ancient times.

The majority of the village’s production is done according to a technique that uses cotton & silk and the weave is done effected with thick cotton threads, often of different colours, which gives a shimmering effect, whilst the patterns are woven from silk.

Nearly all families possess 1 or more weaving looms. Some have even created small workshops. A sort of a co-operative was set up at the end of the village, which groups together a few dozen manufacturers. The prices are affordable & open to discussion.

Immerse yourself in local life as you stroll through the village, then tuck into a lunch of delicious Lao cuisine. The narrow footpath-streets behind the very attractive (if mostly new) wat are also full of weavers' looms, colourful fabric stalls & a few stills producing the wide range of liquors sold.

After lunch, jump back aboard the boat & continue to the confluence of the Mekong & Nam Ou Rivers to the famous Pak Ou Caves, carved into limestone cliffs, crammed with myriad Buddha images.

Follow the Tour-guide into the lower cave of Tham Ting, where a photogenic group of Buddhas are silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop.

Then climb the steps 50 metre into the rock face, to the upper cave of Tham Phun. Marvel at the mind-boggling number of Buddha icons on display in Tham Phun - some 3,000 statues, ranging from a few inches tall to human-height.

As you explore the cave, learn more about the Buddhas from the Guide & hear how the cave has become an important place of pilgrimage for local Buddhists.

Time to return. Get back on the boat & set off toward Luang Prabang.

But along the way, stop at another UNESCO listed site - village of Ban Xieng Mene which offers a glimpse into Lao village life. There are several temples in the village, including Vat Chomphet (visible up on the hill) which offers a spectacular view of Luang Prabang Town & the Mekong.  

Last stop will be the nearby Wat Long Khoune, a temple known for its striking murals.

Resting close to the river on the banks of the Mekong, the 18^th century Buddhist temple has long & historically significant connections to the Luang Prabang royal family.

Also known as the ‘Monastery of the Happy’ the temple once served as a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation including any new king who would retreat to the Wat for three days cleansing & meditation prior to his coronation at Wat Xieng Thong.

It is typical of local Luang Prabang architecture with two single level sections; the front part however was extended in 1937 as instructed by the then-reigning King Sisavonvang.

This section is more elaborate in style and features gilded columns & intricate wood carvings. The older part contains Jataka murals which still retain some of their original vibrancy telling the story of the 547 lives of Lord Buddha. The murals also feature local myths & legends incorporating Buddhist morals of kindness and the importance of giving. Unfortunately, revolutionary vandalism in the 1970s & damp weather resulted in some damages to the murals.

The original meditation room once used by kings is still intact along with the living quarters for monks built as a traditional wooden outhouse. Entrance to the 1937 portico is guarded by two large Chinese statues with the entire porch being supported by eight elegant black & gold columns topped with lotus petal designs. Inside, the temple features decorative deities and a variety of other statues & carvings including a red ceiling with dharma wheels, peacocks and mythical creatures intricately stencilled on.

Finally, reach the hotel by evening.

Check-out & in time, meet The Journeys Rep who will transfer you to the Airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Welcome to enchanting Vietnam. An Authentic Asia ! Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past & optimistic future to make Vietnam an enigmatic experience for the adventurous. Astonishingly exotic & utterly compelling, it is a country of breathtaking natural beauty with a unique heritage, where travel quickly becomes addictive.

Sensory Overload | History & Culture | Culinary Superpower | Thrills & Chills

Unforgettable experiences are everywhere in Vietnam. There is the sublime: gazing over a surreal seascape of limestone islands from the deck of a traditional junk in Halong Bay. The ridiculous: taking 10 minutes just to cross the street through a tsunami of motorbikes in Hanoi. The inspirational: exploring the world’s most spectacular cave systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The comical: watching a moped loaded with honking pigs weave a wobbly route along a country lane. And the contemplative: witnessing a solitary grave in a cemetery of thousands of war victims.

Arrive in Hanoi - a city of picturesque pagodas.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Check-in at the hotel.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war & a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns & all around layers of history reveal periods of French & Chinese occupation - offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

Hanoi is the most cosmopolitan city in Vietnam. Imagine a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist, a city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.

A mass of motorbikes swarms through the tangled web of streets that is the Old Quarter, a cauldron of commerce for almost 1000 years and still the best place to check the pulse of this resurgent city. Hawkers in conical hats ply their wares, locals sip coffee and bia hoi (beer) watching life (& plenty of tourists) pass them by. Witness synchronised t’ai chi at dawn on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake while goateed grandfathers tug at their wisps over the next chess move. See the bold & beautiful dine at designer restaurants and cut the latest moves on the dance floor. Hanoi has it all: the ancient history, a colonial legacy & a modern outlook. There is no better place to untangle the paradox that is modern Vietnam

The grand old dame of Asia, Hanoi lay in a deep slumber after Vietnam’s partition in 1954 until the effects of economic reforms kicked in four decades later. The city survived American bombs & Russian planners to emerge relatively unscathed in the early 1990s as an example of a French-conceived colonial city. Huge mansions line grand boulevards, and lakes & parks dot the city, providing a romantic backdrop to the nonstop soundtrack. There are still moments of Paris, as the smell of baguettes and cafe au lait permeates street corners. Known by many names down the centuries, Thanh Long (City of the Soaring Dragon) is the most evocative, and let there be no doubt that this dragon is on the up once more.

Balance of the evening free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B  

Although it is the modern‐ day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery & charm of past centuries.  Narrow lanes & traditional shop-houses invite exploration by Cyclo, while it’s many beautiful public spaces ‐ lakes, parks, tree‐lined boulevards & monuments ‐ give the city an air of elegance & harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for a 7 hour journey through the highlights of this bustling metropolis that is fondly referred to as the “Paris of the East’.

Begin with the Temple of Literature, the first university in the nation, dating all the way back to 1070, which was constructed as an homage to the great thinker Confucius.

One of the best serving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture, the 5 impressive series of walled courtyards & graceful gateways with paths once reserved for the Emperor only, are now open to the public. The historic halls are lined with decorative turtle backs inscribed with the names of university graduates. Check out the statue of Confucius in one of the courtyards and marvel at the bronze storks standing atop resting turtles meant to guard the academic.

Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11^th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to the former leader’s final resting place, as well as a the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Presidential Palace & other memorials.

Here, visit the Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple two‐room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.

Head to & Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of Hanoi. Check out the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, an striking architectural masterpiece dating back to the 13^th century. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Later, visit one of Hanoiʹs famous museums, either the History Museum or the Museum of Ethnology. The History Museum is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise dʹExtreme Orient; & include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnamʹs history including prehistory, proto‐Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc‐Eo culture & the Khmer Kingdoms.

The Museum of Ethnology has been championed as the top museum in the country & this impressive hub of culture & history brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art & artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing & way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries & other distinctive ethnic buildings.

Late afternoon, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, driving through the picturesque countryside along the Red River Delta.  

Arrive in the city & Check-in at the hotel.

Majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Ha Long Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin & you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Ha Long Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.

Ha Long Bay is the stuff of myths & naturally the Vietnamese have concocted one. Halong translates as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’. Legend has it that the islands of Ha Long Bay were created by a great dragon that lived in the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys and crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea, the area filled with water, leaving only the pinnacles visible.

You can’t help but compare the magical, mystical landscape of limestone islets to Guilin in China & Krabi in in southern Thailand, but in reality Ha Long Bay is more spectacular. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches & grottoes created by wind & waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong.

Beyond the breathtaking vistas on a boat cruise through the bay, visitors to Ha Long come to explore the caves - some of which are beautifully illuminated for the benefit of visitors - & to hike in Cat Ba National Park.

The wondrous Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights.

Your day starts with a 4 hour cruise on a traditional wooden boat, sailing in this stunning area, among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay.

Return to the Pier & hop on to your vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi.  

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

Later in the afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & continue to explore from where you left off yesterday.

Enjoy a 1 hour Cyclo (cycle rickshaw) ride tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back and relax as your expert Cyclo driver pedals you through the fascinating network of narrow alleys & shop-houses, also known as “The 36 Streets” - each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. The tiny shops & quiet storefronts offer a variety of handicraft items and an endlessly interesting place to experience local culture. You will gain a deeper understanding of local life with informative commentary about its traditional craft guilds.

Return to the hotel & relax for a while.

Shortly after around 05.30 pm, you will be met by the Tour-guide and proceed to see the 2 hour Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. Admire the age-old art of Vietnamese Puppetry as you browse through the Info sheet, to enhance your experience in discovering the most famous Water Puppet Show with 14 original items selected from the repertoire of 40 items of the ancient art form performed by many eminent artists of the Water Puppet Theater.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning, you will be met by The Journeys Rep & transferred to Terminal? - Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, to board the flight to Hue.

Check-in at the hotel, freshen up & get ready for the sightseeing tour.

As you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Hue Phu Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

The capital of the Nguyen emperors, Hue is packed with temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas - or at least the remains of those that successive armies didn’t manage to completely destroy. Foodies won’t want to miss the fussy degustation-style Imperial cuisine for which this city is rightly famous. On the banks of the enigmatically named Perfume River, the peculiar light of this historic place imbues photographs with a hazy, purple tinge. After 1975 Hue’s cultural sites were left to decay - imperialist reminders of the feudal Nguyen dynasty. In time, the local People’s Committee recognised the potential of the place & declared these sites ‘national treasures’. And in 1993, UNESCO designated the complex of monuments in Hue a World Heritage site, and restoration & preservation work continues.

Meet the Tour-guide at 10.00 am & spend 6 hours touring Vietnam’s former ancient capital.

Start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City - once the Emperor's private residence. The Imperial City was created in the 19^th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Imperial Enclosure houses many palaces and temples within its walls. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam ‐ American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Walk past the striking Flag Tower where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence where the Queen mother lived. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated Halls of the Mandarins and the original Nine Dynastic Urns.

Venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, who designed & built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds.  Also visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Afternoon, continue the tour, stopping at the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda & vibrant Dong Ba riverside market.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B  

Morning enjoy a leisurely boat cruise down the romantic Perfume River, stopping first at the Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) - an elegant seven‐tiered octagonal tower which has become Hueʹs most widely recognizable monument. Move on to the ornate Minh Mang's Tomb, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions & temples in a beautiful natural setting. 

Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before departing for Hoi An.

Drive along the dramatic 500 metre Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north & south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon & the South China Sea.

Stop in the large coastal city of Da Nang where you will visit to the Cham Museum & handicraft villages at the foot of Marble Mountain. The Museum houses, probably the best collection of the art  & beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period,  to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4^th century.

Arrive in the sleepy riverside town of Hoi An, in the late afternoon.

Hoi An is a town oozing charm & history, having largely escaped the destruction of successive wars. Once a sleepy riverside village, it is now quite definitely a tourist town - with hotels, restaurants, bars, tailors & souvenir shops dominating the old centre. Despite this air of surreality, Hoi An’s charisma pervades.

Hoi An is pedestrian-friendly: the Old Town is closed to cars & the distances from the hotels to the centre are walkable. It is a great place to hire a bike. Perhaps more than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains a sense of history that envelops you as you explore it. This is especially true on ‘Hoi An Legendary Night’. Every month on the full moon, motorbikes are banned from the Old Town, which is transformed into a magical land of silk lanterns, traditional food, song & dance, and games in the streets.

Check-in at the hotel.

The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shop-houses & temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16^th & 17^th centuries, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese & Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers paradise, best explored on foot.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & begin the 4 hour tour, wandering through the cobbled streets, past low tile‐ roofed buildings, the bustling central Market and the small Harbour where colorfully painted boats are moored.

The walking tour will include visits to a Private House, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting & to one of the Family Chapels built by prominent merchant or official families as centres for ancestor worship. Visit a typical Chinese style Pagoda or Assembly Hall.

Continue to Sa Huynh Museum which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi Anʹs history.    Finally, see the famous Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. 

After a traditional lunch, accompanied by the Tour-guide, embark on another interesting experience, not to be missed.

Proceed to the Bach Dang Pier & take a boat trip along Thu Bon River to see the traditional artisan villages of Thanh Ha for pottery & Kim Bong for carpentry.

In the 16^th & 17^th century Thanh Ha was a thriving village, famous for earthenware that was sold in many provinces throughout Central Vietnam. It was Thanh Ha villagers who made the bricks, tiles & floor slabs for the old buildings in Hoi An & the surrounding areas.

Nowadays many old buildings in Hoi An need restoring & renovations and the Thanh Ha villagers are the only contractors that can provide standardized bricks, tiles & floor slabs exactly like the ones when the old port town prospered. Consequently, the village is experiencing a boon & the Tourism authorities have showcased this as an illustration of the traditional art & culture.

Learn & explore the daily life of local people and observe all the steps of making a pottery product such as vase, pot, kettle, cooking pot.     

Get back on the boat & proceed to the adjacent village, specialising in Carpentry.

Kim Bong carpentry village, located at Cam Kim Hamlet, is very famous for its carpentry, as almost all Hoi An ancient architecture were produced by their ancestors' talented hands at a time when Hoi An flourished as a major sea port. The Kim Bong artisan techniques are perfect. Their sculptured works on the head of scissors, slanting, desks, altars, furniture, cabinets, trays & the like, are masterpieces admired by everyone.

Today, Kim Bong carpenters still follow their ancient profession, although there have been many among them who have shifted to ship building & recovering historical monument or relics. Many products are sold to tourists & exported.

Listen to the history of the village, visit the ship-building yards, enjoy the handicrafts & sculptures (available for purchase).

Back to the boat & sail for home. From Bach Dang dock, transfer back to the hotel.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

On arrival at Terminal? - Saigon Tan Sơn Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Check in at the hotel & relax for a short while before meeting the Tour-guide for an afternoon tour of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis on the move - and we are not just talking about the motorbikes that throng the streets. Saigon, as it is known to all but city officials, is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce & culture that has driven the whole country forward with its limitless energy. It is a living organism that breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

Saigon is a name so evocative that it conjures up a thousand jumbled images. Wander through timeless alleys to ancient pagodas or teeming markets, past ramshackle wooden shops selling silk, spices and baskets, before fast-forwarding into the future beneath sleek skyscrapers or at designer malls, gourmet restaurants and minimalist bars. The ghosts of the past live on in the churches, temples, former GI hotels and government buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil, but the real beauty of Saigon’s urban collage is that these two worlds blend so seamlessly into one. The Saigon experience is about so many things - memorable conversations, tantalising tastes and moments of frustration - yet it will not evoke apathy. Stick around this conundrum of a city long enough and you may just unravel its mysteries.

Commence the tour of this exciting city with a visit to the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral & the Central Post Office.

Next, dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace.

Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style monument was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.  Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam‐ American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.

Drive to the historic center to visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigonʹs most interesting.

Return to the hotel or stay back in the market to discover on your own.

Balance of the day free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B  

Today, get ready for a surreal experience which you will not easily forget.

Meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & proceed for a 6 hour excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels - one of very few remnants that remain from the Vietnam War and Tay Ninh - Cao Dai Holysee Temple.

Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it is referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground labyrinth of passageways, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter & weapon factories and were inhabited by the Vietnamese guerrillas beneath the ground here, stretching from the nearby Cambodian border to the edge of Saigon, even covering a place that once was a US airbase.  .

Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War. You can walk through the area & learn about the daily life of the VC & see the see the cleverly disguised entrances & elaborate booby‐traps & even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors.

Learn from the Tour-guide about the role these underground channels played in protecting people during the American War in Vietnam & gain a deeper understanding for the daily life that took place far below the surface of the earth as you wander inside the tunnels.

He / she will give you an overview of Cu Chi and its legendary history - about the traces, exhibits, old weapons here. Then, enjoy a short documentary film about the tunnels histories & how fierce the war was, in this area. Gradually, you will find out the reason why Cu Chi is a symbol of the ingenuity, loyalty, hard work & determination of the Vietnamese.

Crawl by yourself several dozen meters inside the tunnel to get the real feeling of what the War had been in this land. After that travelers can try delicious manioc which was the main food for guerillas in Cu Chi during the war. Visitors can also try to fire off an AK47 or MK16 or machine guns at the nearby shooting range.

After spending a couple of hours there, leave for Tay Ninh, the capital of Tay Ninh province bordered by Cambodia on three sides. The area’s dominant geographic feature is Nui Ba Den (Black Lady Mountain), which towers above the surrounding plains. Tay Ninh province’s eastern border is formed by the Saigon River.

Tay Ninh serves as the headquarters of one of Vietnam’s most interesting indigenous religions, Cao Daism founded in the 1920s and which combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity & Islam in order to promote peace.

You will visit the beautiful Cao Dai Holy See Temple & observe the noontime prayer service.

The Cao Dai Temple at the sect’s Holy See is one of the most striking structures in all of Asia. Built between 1933 & 1955, the temple is a rococo extravaganza combining the conflicting architectural idio­syncrasies of a French church, a Chinese pagoda, Hong Kong’s Tiger Balm Gardens & Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Women enter though one side while man the other & shoes are left outside.  This large & colorful compound is home to the hybrid religion: Cao Daism,

Return to Saigon by late afternoon.

Early morning, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & transferred to Saigon Tan Sơn Nhat International Airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh.

Welcome to incredible Kingdom of Cambodia - the charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient & modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure. There is a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient & modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.

Breathtaking Antiquity | Empire of Temples | Cambodian Spirit

Contemporary Cambodia is the successor state to the mighty Khmer empire, which, during the Angkorian period, ruled much of what is now Laos, Thailand & Vietnam. The remains of this empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor, monuments unrivalled in scale & grandeur in Southeast Asia. The traveller’s first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is sublime & is matched by only a few select spots on earth, such as Machu Picchu or Petra.

Just as Angkor is more than its wat, so too is Cambodia more than its temples & its urban areas can surprise with their sophistication. Chaotic yet charismatic capital Phnom Penh is a revitalised city earning plaudits for its sumptuous riverside setting, cultural renaissance and world-class wining & dining scene. Second city Siem Reap, with cosmopolitan cafes & a diverse nightlife, is as much a destination as the nearby iconic temples. And up & coming Battambang, reminiscent of Siem Reap before the advent of mass tourism, charms with graceful French architecture and a thriving contemporary art scene.

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, can’t help but conjure up an image of the exotic.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Phnom Penh International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Check-in at the hotel.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong & Tonle Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire & French colonialists. The glimmering spires of the Royal Palace, the fluttering saffron of the monks’ robes & the luscious location on the banks of the mighty Mekong - this is the Asia many daydream about from afar.

Phnom Penh - the name can’t help but conjure up an image of the exotic. Cambodia’s capital can be an assault on the senses. Motorbikes whiz through laneways without a thought for pedestrians; markets exude pungent scents & all the while the sounds of life - of commerce, of survival - reverberate through the streets. But this is all part of the enigma.

Once the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war & revolution. But the city has since risen from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars & a world-class food scene.

On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants & bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda & the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 10.00 am & embark on a full day 8 hour discovery tour, delving into  fascinating history of Phnom Penh & learning the dark & destructive past as you venture to somber locations made infamous by the Khmer Rouge.

Start at the National Museum of Cambodia, largest museum of cultural history & the country's leading historical & archaeological museum.

Located just north of the Royal Palace, the Museum is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built from 1917 to 1920), with an inviting courtyard garden. The museum is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture: a millennium’s worth & more of masterful Khmer design

The first significant sculpture to greet visitors is a large fragment - including the relatively intact head, shoulders & two arms - of an immense bronze reclining Vishnu statue, which was recovered from the Western Mebon temple near Angkor Wat in 1936.

Continue into the southern pavilion, where the pre - Angkorian collection begins, illustrating the journey from the human form of Indian sculpture to the more divine form of Khmer sculpture from the 5^th - 8^th centuries. .

Highlights include an imposing, eight-armed Vishnu statue from the 6^th century found at Phnom Da, and a staring Harihara, combining the attributes of Shiva & Vishnu, from Prasat Andet in Kompong Thom Province. The Angkor collection includes several striking statues of Shiva from the 9^th, 10^th, 11^th centuries; a giant pair of wrestling monkeys (Koh Ker, 10th century); a beautiful 12^th century stele (stone) from Oddar Meanchey Province inscribed with scenes from the life of Shiva; & the sublime statue of a seated Jayavarman VII (1181-1219), his head bowed slightly in a meditative pose.

You can also see displays of pottery & bronzes dating from the pre - Angkorian periods of Funan & Chenla (4^th - 9^th centuries), the Indravarman period (9^th - 10^th centuries) and the classical Angkorian period (10^th - 14^th centuries), as well as more recent works, such as a beautiful wooden royal barge.

Then, check-out the adjacent Royal Palace, a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia. With its classic Khmer roofs & ornate gilding, the Royal Palace dominates the diminutive skyline of Phnom Penh. It is a striking structure near the riverfront, bearing a remarkable likeness to its counterpart in Bangkok.

Being the official residence of King Sihanouk, parts of the massive palace compound are closed to the public (there is a very strict dress code to be followed otherwise, Entry is denied).

The adjacent Silver Pagoda is open to visitors & you can visit the Throne Hall & a clutch of buildings surrounding it.

The Throne Hall is topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor and is still used for coronations & ceremonies such as the presentation of credentials by diplomats. Many of the items once displayed here were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

South of the Throne Hall is the curious iron Napoleon III Pavilion. Given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France, it was hardly designed with the Cambodian climate in mind. Performances of classical Cambodian dance were once staged in the royal Chan Chaya Pavilion, which is sometimes lit up at night to commemorate festivals or anniversaries.

Walk down to the Independence Monument.

Designed by the Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann & modelled on the central tower of Angkor Wat, it was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953. & also serves as a memorial to Cambodia’s war dead.

During national celebrations, the Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Behind the monument is the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, constructed in 2013.

Move on to a more sombre manifestation of the weakness (not strength) of Men in power, everywhere.

Explore Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which chronicles the Cambodian genocide.

In 1975, Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces & turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became the largest centre of detention & torture in the country. S-21 has been converted into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which now serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Between 1975 & 1978 more than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the killing fields of Choeung Ek. Like the Nazis, the Khmer Rouge leaders were meticulous in keeping records of their barbarism. Each prisoner who passed through S-21 was photographed, sometimes before & after torture. The museum displays include room after room of harrowing B&W photographs; virtually all of the men, women & children pictured were later killed. You can tell which year a picture was taken by the style of number-board that appears on the prisoner’s chest. Several foreigners from Australia, New Zealand and the USA were also held at S-21 before being murdered.

The Guide will narrate the stories behind some of the people in the photographs.

As the Khmer Rouge ‘revolution’ reached ever greater heights of insanity, it began devouring its own. Generations of torturers & executioners who worked here were in turn killed by those who took their places. During early 1977, when the party purges of Eastern Zone cadres were getting under way, S-21 claimed an average of 100 victims a day.

A visit to Tuol Sleng is a profoundly depressing experience. The sheer ordinariness of the place makes it even more horrific: the suburban setting, the plain school buildings, the grassy playing area where children kick around balls juxtaposed with rusted beds, instruments of torture & wall after wall of disturbing portraits. It demonstrates the darkest side of the human spirit that lurks within us all.

End the tour with a walk through one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market or sprawling Russian Market.

Shopping in Phnom Penh is a major attraction for tourists who love to buy back some souvenirs from this exotic Asian land. The clean Central Market (Phsar Thmei) is one of those busy bazaars that are always filled with effervescent crowd from one end to the other. Whoever loves to browse endlessly through small yet enticing shops, with the widest range of products for sale, will find the Central Market an enchanting place. The present English name makes it popular to the tourists.

The Market stocks everything right from food items to clothes & silverworks. The jewelry & some of the gold ornament that you will find in the interior of the market are really unsurpassable in design & style.

Constructed in 1937 on a site which was previously a swamp that was used to accumulate runoff rainwaters, it was initially designed by Jean Desbois & the construction was supervised by French architects Louis Chauchon & Wladimir Kandaouroff.

The dark-yellow Art deco building is shaped in the form of a cross with a nice central dome with 4 wings branching out into vast hallways with countless shops selling gold & silver jewelry, antique coins, fake name-brand watches & other such items.

The market building is a beautiful one, a spectacular instance of Cambodian architecture. Central Market also sells electronic items & there is also plenty of second hand stuff that locals can buy here at an affordable rate. The gateway to the market is lined with hawkers who sell different kinds of tidbits. Around the main buildings are stalls offering Krama (the traditional checked scarves), stationery, household items, cloth for sarongs, flowers & second hand clothes, usually from Europe & the US.

For photographers, the fresh food section affords a lot of opportunities. There are a host of good value food stalls on the structure's western side, which faces Monivong Blvd.

Return to the hotel. 

Balance of the evening free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & transferred to Phnom Penh International Airport for the short flight to Siem Reap.

Arrive in Siem Reap, the gateway to an ancient world capital city by noon..

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in, provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days & co-ordinate the timings.

Check-in at the hotel & relax for an hour.

Breathtaking Antiquity | Empire of Temples | Cambodian Spirit

Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Southeast Asia as you have always imagined it. The life-support system & gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things.

Siem Reap, a once quaint laid-back & pleasant village, located on the shores of the Tonle Sap Lake, the greatest sweet water reserve in whole Southeast Asia, in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the world famous temple ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9^th - 15^th centuries. The life - support system & gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things. The name of the city literally means Siamese defeated, referring to the victory of the Khmer Empire over the army of the Thai kingdom in the 17^th century. 

Siem Reap has reinvented itself as the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, world-class wining & dining across a range of cuisines, sumptuous spas, great shopping, options for both foodies &adventurers, and a creative cultural scene that includes Cambodia's leading contemporary circus. The proximity of the Angkorian ruins has turned Siem Reap into a boomtown in less than half a decade.

The life-support system & gateway for the temples of Angkor, Siem Reap was always destined for great things. Visitors come here to see the temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in & around the city when you are templed out.

Angkor is a place to be savoured, not rushed, and this is the base from which to plan your adventures. Still think three days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Visitors come here to see the Temples, of course, but there is plenty to do in & around the city when you are templed out. Angkor is a place to be savoured, not rushed & this is the base from which to plan your adventures. Still think three days at the temples is enough? Think again with Siem Reap on the doorstep.

Jump right in & shortly thereafter, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 12.00 pm & proceed for a 6 hour exploration of the Temples.

First stop will be the fascinating ruins of Ta Prohm shrouded amidst the undergrowth & the roots of Banyan trees.

Originally called Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), Ta Prohm is the modern name of the 12^th century temple at Angkor, built in the Bayon style. The so-called 'Tomb Raider Temple', Ta Prohm is cloaked in dappled shadow, its crumbling towers & walls locked in the slow muscular embrace of vast root systems.

Undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor, it’s appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it has been swallowed by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.

Well, that is the theory, but in fact the jungle is pegged back & only the largest trees are left in place, making it manicured rather than raw.  Still, a visit to Ta Prohm is a unique, otherworldly experience. There is a poetic cycle to this venerable ruin, with humanity first conquering nature to rapidly create & nature once again conquering humanity to slowly destroy.

If Angkor Wat is testimony to the genius of the ancient Khmers, Ta Prohm reminds us equally of the awesome fecundity & power of the jungle.

Ta Prohm was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. It is one of the few temples in the Angkor region where an inscription provides information about the temple’s dependents & inhabitants. Almost 80,000 people were required to maintain or attend at the temple, among them more than 2700 officials & 615 dancers.

Ta Prohm is a temple of towers, closed courtyards & narrow corridors. Many of the corridors are impassable, clogged with jumbled piles of delicately carved stone blocks dislodged by the roots of long-decayed trees. Bas-reliefs on bulging walls are carpeted with lichen, moss & creeping plants, and shrubs sprout from the roofs of monumental porches. Trees, hundreds of years old, tower overhead, their leaves filtering the sunlight and casting a greenish pall over the whole scene.

The most popular of the many strangulating root formations is that on the inside of the easternmost gopura (entrance pavilion) of the central enclosure, nicknamed the Crocodile Tree. One of the most famous spots in Ta Prohm is the so-called ‘Tomb Raider tree’, where Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft picked a jasmine flower before falling through the earth into….well, Pinewood Studios.

It used to be possible to climb onto the damaged galleries, but this is now prohibited, to protect both temple & visitor. Many of these precariously balanced stones weigh a tonne or more & would do some serious damage if they were to come down.

After spending a couple of hours, exploring the maze-like corridors and iconic tree roots, move on to Angkor Thom.

Angkor Thom established in the late 12^th century by King Jayavarman VII, was the last & most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. It was a fortified city enclosing residences of priest, officials of the palace & military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom.

It covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman & his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. One inscription found in the city refers to Jayavarman as the groom & the city as his bride.

The most notable earlier temples within the city are the former state temple of Baphuon & Phimeanakas, which was incorporated into the Royal Palace. The Khmers did not draw any clear distinctions between Angkor Thom & Yashodharapura: even in the 14^th century, an inscription used the earlier name.

The last temple known to have been constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, which was dedicated in 1295. Thereafter the existing structures continued to be modified from time to time, but any new creations were of perishable materials & have not survived.

These structures were built of wood & have perished but the remaining stone monuments testify that Angkor Thom was indeed a "Great City" as its name implies

The Royal Palace situated within the city of Angkor Thom is of an earlier date & belonged to kings of the 10^th - 11^th centuries. Although the foundations & an enclosing wall around the palace with entry towers have been identified, little evidence remains of the layout of the buildings inside the enclosure.

Zhou Daguan the Chinese emissary, who provided the only first-hand account of the Khmer, described the splendor of Angkor Thom.

“At the center of the Kingdom rises a Golden tower Bayon flanked by more than twenty lesser towers & several hundred stone chambers. On the eastern side is a golden bridge guarded by two lions of gold, one on each side, with eight golden Buddhas spaced along the stone chambers. North of the Golden Tower of Bronze [Baphuon], higher even than the Golden tower. a truly astonishing spectacle - with more than ten chambers at its base. A quarter of a mile further north is the residence of the King & rising above his private apartments, is another tower of gold, These are the monuments which have caused merchants from overseas to speak so often of "Cambodia the rich & noble"

The Ayutthaya Kingdom, led by King Borommarachathirat II,sacked Angkor Thom, forcing the Khmers under Ponhea Yat to relocate their capital southeast.  Angkor Thom was abandoned some time prior to 1609, when an early western visitor wrote of an uninhabited city, "as fantastic as the Atlantis of Plato". It is believed to have sustained a population of 80,000 - 150,000 people.

Time to go back to civilization, the modern one.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening free to relax or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B   

Temples, temples & more temples.

The temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration & national pride to all Khmers as they struggle to rebuild their lives after the years of terror & trauma. Today, the temples are a point of pilgrimage for all Cambodians, and no traveller to the region will want to miss their extravagant beauty.

Angkor is one of the world’s foremost ancient sites, with the epic proportions of the Great Wall of China, the detail and intricacy of the Taj Mahal, and the symbolism & symmetry of the pyramids, all rolled into one.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour exploration of the peripheral Temples.

First stop - Pre Rup, a Hindu temple at built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman & dedicated in 961 or early 962.

Pre Rup, built by Rajendravarman II, consists of a pyramid-shaped temple-mountain of combined brick, laterite & sandstone construction with the uppermost of the three tiers carrying five lotus towers.

Pre Rup means ‘Turning the Body’ & refers to a traditional method of cremation in which a corpse’s outline is traced in the cinders: this suggests that the temple may have served as an early royal crematorium. The brick sanctuaries here were once decorated with a plaster coating, fragments of which remain on the southwestern tower; there are some amazingly detailed lintel carvings here. Several of the outermost eastern towers are perilously close to collapse & are propped up by an army of wooden supports.

Pre Rup is one of the most popular sunset spots around Angkor, as the view over the surrounding rice fields of the Eastern Baray is picture perfect beautiful, although some lofty trees have rather obscured it these days.

Check out the adjacent East Mebon, a 10^th century temple also built during the reign of King Rajendravarman

Standing on what used to be an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir, the lovely temple of Mebon, is a pyramid of receding terraces on which are placed many detached edifices, the most effective being the five towers which crown the top.

The temple with Pre Rup style art, was accessible only by boat & is dedicated to Shiva (Hindu god), an ancestor temple in memory of the parents of the king. Today, Baray, once a source of water for irrigation, is a plain of rice fields & the visitors are left to imagine the original majesty of this temple in the middle of a large lake.

In the same complex is situated another landmark -   the 10^th century Banteay Srei, also dedicated to the (Hindu god) Shiva.

Famous for its petite pink-coloured temple, there is more to Banteay Srei than its iconic Angkor sites, such as the 'River of a Thousand Lingas' at Kbal Spean & the 12^th century temple of Banteay Samre. The temple is in a fairly healthy state of preservation due to some extensive renovation work, although its isolation has resulted in some looting during the past few decades. The area consists of a central temple with four wings, preceded by a hall & also accompanied by two libraries, the southern one remarkably well preserved.

The whole ensemble is enclosed by two large concentric walls around what would have been the unique feature of an inner moat, now dry. Cambodia Tourism has started offering new experiences here including homestays, village walks, ox-cart rides, fruit farms and handicraft workshops, to encourage visitors to stay longer in this area & explore further.

And now come the ‘raison d’etre’ of coming to Cambodia in the first place. After enjoying a traditional lunch in the area, you will proceed to visit what is known as Seventh Wonder of the World - Angkor Wat.

Welcome to heaven on earth.

Angkor is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith & the abode of ancient gods. The temples are the perfect fusion of creative ambition & spiritual devotion. The Cambodian ‘god-kings’ of old each strove to better their ancestors in size, scale & symmetry, culminating in the world’s largest religious building, Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is the heart & soul of Cambodia: it is the national symbol, the epicentre of Khmer civilisation & a source of fierce national pride. It was never abandoned to the elements & has been in virtually continuous use since it was built.

It is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares.

The traveller's first glimpse of Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius, is matched by only a few select spots on earth. Built by Suryavarman II (1112–52) & surrounded by a vast moat, the temple is one of the most inspired monuments ever conceived by the human mind.

Simply unique, it is a stunning blend of spirituality & symmetry, an enduring example of humanity’s devotion to its gods. Relish the very first approach, as that spine-tickling moment when you emerge on the inner causeway, will rarely be felt again. It is the best preserved temple at Angkor & repeat visits are rewarded with previously unnoticed details.

It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12^th century reign of Suryavarman II in Yasodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple & eventual mausoleum.

Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation.

Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is Cambodia’s prime attraction for visitors, is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture & has become a symbol of the country, appearing on its national flag. The temple is admired for the grandeur & harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.

Return to the hotel & relax.

Finally, the mystical experience comes to an end and it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, you are allowed to use the hotel facilities and leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, for the flight back home.  B

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