Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1514799
Tailor Made Family Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Set out on a comprehensive, family-friendly adventure through Southeast Asia, visiting essential and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos; visiting a local organic farm and buffalo dairy; exploring the region by bike, kayak and ATV; juggling with members of a local theater troupe; and embracing shared connections through inspiring, immersive interactions with locals and their communities.
8 nights from $8,250 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Family Indochina: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, where you are met and transferred to your colonial-style hotel.
Venture into the countryside to explore the expansive Cu Chi Tunnel network, a key Vietcong resource during the Vietnam War. You have the opportunity to squeeze into and crawl through the small tunnels once traversed by Vietcong guerrillas. Break for lunch at a local restaurant, and then discover Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic past, visiting Independence Palace (Reunification Hall), the home and workplace of South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, explore the Museum of Vietnamese History to view Khmer artifacts, Buddhas statues, relics from Angkor Wat and an impressive porcelain collection; or opt for the War Remnants Museum, to peruse exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the first Indochina War. Next, get in touch with southern Vietnam's spiritual side at a colorful Cao Dai temple. Continue to the Saigon Opera House, where you witness a contemporary dance and acrobatics show for all ages, accompanied by live Vietnamese music.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City by cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi), a leisurely peddle that takes you past by Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office — examples of the city’s colonial legacy — en route to leafy Tao Dan Park, where locals gather for morning exercise. Pause for a refreshment, and then see the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument, a memorial to the monk who set himself on fire in protest of Buddhist persecution in Vietnam. Continue on to a local street market, where you explore a secret, underground weapons bunker. End your morning exploration with a traditional breakfast of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) at one of the city’s best noodle houses. Return to your hotel for time at leisure. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you are met by an A&K representative, whisked through passport and customs formalities, and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish.
Rise early this morning to experience the incomparable serenity of mystical Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelling by remork (motorized rickshaw), explore the magnificent 12th-century temple, built during the reign of King Suryavarman II, as the sun’s first morning rays light up its façade. Delve deeper, seeing carved bas reliefs that depict the king in battle as well as Apsara dancers. Continue to a scenic spot on the banks of Srah Srang for an indulgent private Khmer-style picnic breakfast at a scenic swimming spot beloved by locals. Then, discover the jungle-entangled ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, followed by a leisurely bicycle ride to Bayon temple, its 172 large-scale faces bearing beguiling smiles and representing gods, goddesses and other beings from classical poems and mythology. Return to your hotel, stopping en route at the rarely visited Gate of the Dead. After time some time to unwind, set out on an exhilarating, hour-long ATV adventure, zigzagging your way through the captivating landscape as the sun dips behind picturesque fields and palm trees.
Experience life on the great Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of world's richest sources of fish. You are greeted at the lake by monks in orange robes who offer a spiritual blessing for health and good luck on your travels. Then, hop on a kayak to explore this ever-changing landscape where many fishing families live in stilted wooden homes directly above the water. Visit Mechrey, a floating fishing village where you can stop for lunch and learn more about the lake and local lifestyle. Continue kayaking across the gentle waters, watch fishermen go about their work and witness authentic moments of life in the community. Depending on the water level, you may also have a chance to explore native mangroves.
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, change gears and partake in an active, balance-building acrobatics session with the rising stars from Cambodia’s performing arts scene. Sit down to lunch at a local restaurant, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your hotel.
Today, begin at the Royal Palace Museum, its quaint appearance belying its stormy past. Explore exhibits tracing the story of seven turbulent centuries of the Lane Xang Kingdom, as well as the colonial era through the present. After gaining insight into local history, continue to evocative Wat Visoun, Luang Prabang’s oldest operating temple; Wat Xieng Thong, with its impressive Tree of Life mosaic and richly decorated wooden columns; and the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, devoted to Laos’ ethnic diversity. Break for lunch at a local restaurant before venturing into the remote jungle of northern Laos, where you visit an elephant sanctuary. Meet one of the sanctuary's directors and prepare herbal rice balls. Visit the elephants on the banks of the Nam Kahn to give them your treats and walk briefly with them before coming back to the property for local snacks. Return to your hotel, with time to freshen up before joining locals for a game of pétanque in town.
Rise early to participate in the daily ceremonial offering of food to local monks. As a procession of robed monks passes, place a small amount of rice into their alms bowls. Continue to a local fresh market before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Visit a working organic rice farm to learn all about the journey of rice, from seed to restaurant. This community enterprise, organized by local Lao farmers, grows vegetables, salad greens, herbs and rice in eco-friendly ways and supplies them to leading restaurants and hotels in Luang Prabang. Meet the resident herd of buffalo and observe or take part in plowing, planting seedlings and cutting rice. Also learn about the traditional tools used on the farm, to form a new appreciation for Lao farmers who continue to harvest rice without modern machinery. Continue to Laos Buffalo Dairy, which helps local farmers produce buffalo milk. After learning how families make artisanal cheese and yogurt, explore the farm, meeting friendly buffalos and helping feed the calves. Then, sample tasty cheeses and exotically flavored ice creams right from the source. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Later, embark on a sunset cruise on the scenic Mekong River. Tonight, you can also partake in an evening Baci ceremony, a Laotian ritual of welcome; dating back to the eighth century.
Set off for the cascading waters of Kuang Si Falls Park, pausing to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages en route. Upon arrival at the waterfall, cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or set out on a hike along forest trails. Next, visit the nearby Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center, which works to protect and rehabilitate rare Asiatic black bears. Return to Luang Prabang. Alternatively, enjoy your morning relaxing. Later, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Limited area: Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: Within 4 hours OR within 8 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation with Local English speaking guide · Cold towels and water on car · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation with daily breakfast · Entrance fees · All meals · All flights · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Full Day Saigon City Tour (8 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city centre for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. Appreciate the restored exteriors of the Saigon Opera House and the elegant City Hall (the former Hotel de Ville), two of Saigon’s most stunning colonial monuments. If time permits, we will visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and popular wholesale market for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and street food.
Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge Jr., who supported the overthrowing of the South Vietnamese Government. Enjoy a cold drink while watching a 10min documentary film about Saigon during that time.
After lunch on your own, we then drive to Saigon’s Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honour the Goddess of the Sea. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom. Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering insight into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life before taking the scenic route through the city back to the ship.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Outside visit only due the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until further notice
· Tour duration: 08 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: History of Architecture with History Researcher (4 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city center for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Meet with a local cultural and history researcher at your hotel lobby and take a short trip to local coffee shop for an overview of the impressive history of the city once known as “The Pearl of the Orient”. Then take a step back in time to visit several of the very best examples of “storytelling” architecture. Start at Jade pagoda established in the early 1900s to get a glimpse of ancient history when a group of Chinese fled the new regime to Saigon around the end of 17th century under the reign of Lord Nguyen.
Then wind your way to Archbishop's Palace – with a prayer house more than two hundred-years old (outside visit) as the home for the first French Catholic missionary. Gain an overview about the first approach of the French during the Cochinchina period in the early 18th century. Stroll around the University of Social Sciences & Humanities which used to be the 11th infantry regiment colonial military barracks for an insight into French campaigns against Viet Minh at the time. Your stop will be at the former residence of the US Ambassador, Henry C. Lodge in the 1960s for a drink and watch 10-min movie about Saigon back in the day.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 04 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Retracing the Past (5 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Commence with a visit of the shrine outside of the US Consulate then continue to the former CIA building (outside visit only), where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975. Head to the rooftop café of the Rex hotel, a familiar landmark for Americans during the Vietnam War. Sit down for a drink, enjoy the view and this piece of history which your guide will help to explain. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and residence of the presidents. Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge, who conducted a mission to overthrow the South Vietnamese Government. Watch a 10 minutes documentary film about Saigon during that time while enjoying a cold drink. Then drive to a secret weapon chamber which VC used as a place to hide and store weapons during Vietnam War. Then weave through tiny back alleys and meet and chat with the locals who are living in tiny houses. Head to a historic venue for a late lunch of “pho” (noodle soup). The house number 07 on Ly Chinh Thang Street (former Yen Do street) is now known as Pho Binh restaurant which used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive. Take a walk upstairs to learn more about the history through the family’s photo collection. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 05 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Culinary Experience at Former Ambassador's Residence (4 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 20 minutes to Ben Thanh market to buy all the fresh ingredients before continuing an historic Ambassador's home for a private hands-on cooking demonstration. The American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, carried a mission of overthrowing the southern government at that time. When Lodge arrived in Saigon, an old villa in District 3 was converted into the Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Lodge lived in this home between1960-1965 and the architecture is a mix of Vietnamese, French and American. Today it remains a private residence owned by Trails of Indochina and it has been fully restored to its former glory. The guide will provide an orientation tour of the house while the chef prepares the ingredients. Learn typical Southern style dishes throughout the morning. The chef will show you how to serve each dish before the meal, and you will need to master the chopsticks before you can savor your own culinary creations in the old world ambiance of the villa.
After lunch, transfer back to your ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
Meal: Lunch
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Lunch · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.