Religious Monuments & Islands of Southeast Asia | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Religious Monuments & Islands of Southeast Asia

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PRIVATE TOUR - 15 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 7674

Private Tour Highlights

  • Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country"
  • See some of the country’s most colorful and revered pagodas and temples in and around Hanoi
  • Feast on fresh seafood while cruising around Halong Bay
  • Take a private guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing
  • Experience the monks' morning chanting ritual at Wat Pho Temple
  • Have a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at a very old teashop
  • Take in a stunning tropical sunset while on a cruise in Chalong Bay
  • Cruise through hundreds of islands rising above the sea in Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park
  • Visit James Bond Island where "007 The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed
  • Spend a relaxing day on the beach in Phuket, or choose from the other exciting activities
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Hanoi is the capital city of the modern and independent Vietnam, yet it still maintains an air of French colonialism. This charming city is home to many sites memorializing the country’s first president, Ho Chi Minh, such as his original residence, a museum, his iconic mausoleum and much more. The Old Quarter, or 36 Streets District, offers visitors a nice community to walk through where the age old customs are still very relevant and small boutiques and shops offer some fun shopping opportunities.

This adventurous tour takes you from Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, to the magnificent limestone cliffs of Halong Bay and the lush tropical forests of Cat Ba Island. Take an overnight train to Lao Cai and trek through picturesque mountain villages populated with Northern Vietnam’s colourful ethnic minorities. Fly to cosmopolitan Bangkok to experience the contrasts between new and old in this pulsating metropolis. End your trip in beautiful Krabi, Thailand relaxing on sun-soaked beaches and enjoying outdoor adventures like rock climbing and kayaking.

The towns of Danang, Hue, and Hoi An in Central Vietnam are all situated on the coast of the South China Sea and have some interesting sites. Danang boasts a museum, which contains the largest collection of Cham Artifacts in the world for history buffs. The surrounding countryside en route to the other towns offers beautiful mountain and coastal scenery, including China Beach, which was immortalized by the popular US television show. Besides the beautifully preserved ancient seaport of Hoi An, the town of Hue has an array of impressive tombs, pagodas and mausoleums that make this a popular World Heritage Site.

En route to Phuket and the beaches of Thailand, enjoy a brief stop in Bangkok to see some of the essential highlights. Take a day to visit three of the city’s most important temples that are located in the splendorous Grand Palace. Also enjoy an afternoon cruising along the canals in a traditional longtail boat. Finally, in Phuket enjoy your first evening enjoying dinner on a sundown cruise upon a traditional Burmese sailing junk. You’ll spend the next few days exploring the limestone formations of Phang Nha Bay, with plenty of time to laze on the beach and opportunities to explore the area from elephant trekking to white water rafting!

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Domestic airfare from Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Bangkok, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified (food only), Bottled water and cool towels provided for transfers and sightseeing, Vietnam and Thailand government tax and service charges, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Phuket Excursions;
Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour
Transfer to Boat Lagoon Marina for a cruise to one of the most popular natural attractions in Thailand: the Phi Phi Islands. Start with a visit to Bamboo Island, a pristine white sand beach set along the emerald color water, and then snorkel near Yoong Island. Enjoy swimming with colorful fish all around you and then cruise to Monkey Beach, an island full of wild monkeys! Continue on to Phi Phi Don for a simple local buffet lunch and then take a dip in Viking Cave. Afterwards, discover first-hand the magical landscape of Maya Bay, where parts of the movie "The Beach" were filmed. Enjoy a swim in this famous bay or simply relax on the white sand beach before returning to your hotel in Phuket.

Half Day Phuket Island tour
Drive along the Phuket coastline via Karon Beach and Kata Beach, to the view point where you can see Phuket's three most beautiful beaches from the highlands. Continue on to Promthep Cape for a beautiful photo opportunity, and then visit Rawai Beach and see Wat Chalong, Phuket's revered monastery. Learn about the history of the temple's abbot and proceed to see a cashew nut factory and Wang Thalang Souvenir Shop, a local shop that offers a variety of handmade products. Afterwards, admire the Chino-Portuguese houses at Thalang and Debuk Road.

Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting
Discover the beautiful unspoiled nature in the rainforest reserve of Khao Lak National Park. Visit the sea turtle conservation project before going to Elephant Camp, where you will ride an elephant on a short trekking adventure in the jungle. Afterwards, enjoy a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant and then go bamboo rafting down a jungle river with some swimming opportunities along the way. After the tour, return to your hotel.

Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class
The Phuket Thai Cookery School class offers a choice of 7 different courses consisting of an introduction to Thai ingredients, a visit to a local market, and then cooking a wide selection of mouth-watering Thai dishes. Each course has been designed as a one day course, and you are able to select one or all of the courses you are particularly interested in. The lessons have a warm and easy-going atmosphere of Thai hospitality, breathtaking scenery of the mountains, and miles of sandy beach on Sirey Island.

Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 8 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 25 December. Special conditions apply between 28 – 31 December.

* The Burmese Junk dinner cruise only operates between the months of November – April.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 7674

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Hanoi

Overnight international flight to Hanoi.

Overnight international flight to Hanoi.

Day
2

Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi and airport reception, transfer to a hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Hanoi and airport reception, transfer to a hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day
3

Hanoi City Highlights

Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum - an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country." Carry on to the Governor's Residence, a fine example of Hanoi's French architecture, followed by a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda to hear the legend of its construction.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a private afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Marvel at the tree lined streets on the way to the Opera House and pass by Hoan Kiem Lake en route to one of the city's fascinating museums of choice: the Museum of History of Vietnamese Military, Vietnam History Museum, or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District, where a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops will be found.

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Museum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays from September to November annually.
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Hanoi-Ho-Chi-Minh-Mausoleum
Day
4

Pagodas of Hanoi

Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colorful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda) is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi. While a temple is a place to worship the dead, a pagoda is a place to worship the Lord Buddha. Thay Pagoda is widely known for its finely carved lacquer and gold statues of Buddha in his past and present form, as well as the colorful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.

Only 6 kilometers (4 miles) away lies Tay Phuong Pagoda, situated at the top of a small hillock. Built in 1794, the pagoda is famous for its vast display of finely carved wooden statues of former monks from the 18th Century. Afterwards, return to Hanoi to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch is included today.
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pagoda-vietnam
Day
5

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5 hour direct drive to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, get on a boat to begin the cruise. While the junk is passing many islets, rocks, caves, floating villages and beaches on Halong Bay, a lunch of fresh seafood will be served on board. Then visit the Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves, the most beautiful among the thousands in the bay. Return to land for a late afternoon hotel check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Note: If staying overnight on a boat is preferred, please contact a travel consultant. This option comes highly recommended.
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Hanoi-Sunset-on-Halong-Bay
Day
6

Halong – Hanoi

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Drop off at the hotel in Hanoi and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Depart Halong to return to Hanoi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route. Drop off at the hotel in Hanoi and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hanoi-Temple-of-Lit
Day
7

Hanoi – Danang

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Private morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, airport reception and private transfer to the city for a visit to the Cham Museum. Then continue on to visit Hoi An. Close by Danang is My Khe Beach, immortalized for many by U.S. television shows, and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Also nearby are the Marble Mountains. A climb inside through the hundreds of natural caves and grottoes is a must.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included) in Hoi An before taking a walking tour with a private guide through this small town. Wander the completely traffic-free streets and discover the historic old town center before transferring to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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vietnam-tour-hanoi
Day
8

Exploring the Imperial Citadel

Morning read more...

Morning transfer to Hue in a private vehicle. The overland journey will go through the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam while traversing the Hai Van or "Cloudy Pass." There will be plenty of photo opportunities and stops at beaches en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included).

This afternoon, take a private guided tour of the Imperial Citadel. In the early 19th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor constructed a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, but suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years.
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Hue-Citadel-Entrance
Day
9

Thein Mu & the Tomb of Minh Mang

This morning, visit the Thein Mu Pagoda with a private boat and guide. Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the "Heavenly Lady Pagoda" is one of the oldest and most attractive religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that transported the monk Thich Quag Duc to the site of his self immolation in 1963 Saigon.


Continue by boat to the less visited, yet most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built around 1840, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and the natural landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the remainder of the day at leisure.
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Hue-Thien-Mu-Pagoda
Day
10

Hue – Bangkok

Morning transfer to the Hue airport for a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning transfer to the Hue airport for a flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Bangkok-City
Day
11

Historical Bangkok Tour

After breakfast, drive to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the famous 45m Reclining Buddha. It is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride through Pak Klong Taland Flower Market to the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is the most important and spectacular royal palace in Thailand. The mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, is now housed here.

Continue with a walk to the pier for a long-tailed boat ride along the "klongs" (canals) of Thonburi and stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, cross the river again, and drive to Chinatown for a first-hand look at old Bangkok. Walk along the shops on Yaworat Road and have a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at a very old teashop. Proceed with a visit to the bustling Talad Kao Market, where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are available. Return to the hotel afterwards.

Note: Wat Arun Temple in under renovation so guests will be able to walk around the temple, but cannot climb up the stupa. Ladies should wear a short-sleeved shirt with pants or a knee-length skirt and gentlemen should wear pants and a short-sleeved shirt for religious reasons. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed. If the trip starts on a Saturday, the Vimanmek Mansion part of the tour will be replaced with a tour of Suan Pakkad Palace Museum.
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Bangkok-Grand-Palace-at-Night
Day
12

Bangkok – Phuket

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Transfer to the airport for a flight to Phuket. Reception at airport and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, transfer to Chalong Bay to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise upon a Burmese Junk. Head out into the calm waters of the bay and cruise among the flotilla of boats. Pass by Lone Island with its quiet beaches and tropical rainforest clad hills and Coral Island. This area is renowned for lovely sunsets. Enjoy a drink from the bar, a sumptuous Thai buffet dinner and take in a tropical sunset. Operates between November and April only. ...read less

Phuket-Maikao-Beach
Day
13

Journey to Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park by boat

Enjoy a journey by speedboat to Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park. Cruise through hundreds of fascinating islands rising above the sea, and when the tide is low, paddle in an inflatable canoe with an expert guide to discover underwater caves. Explore the Dark Cave, Hong Island, Mangrove Cave and Diamond Cave.

Later, return to the boat for a cruise to visit James Bond Island, the famous island where "007 The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed. Proceed to the stilt village of Panyi and enjoy a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant. Spend some time swimming at Lawa or Naka Island before returning to the hotel in Phuket.
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Phuket-Boats
Day
14

Aquatic Activities in Phuket

Enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or choose one of the following activities:

Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour

Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting Tour

Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class

Half Day Phuket Island Tour

Enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or choose one of the following activities:

Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour

Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting Tour

Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class

Half Day Phuket Island Tour

Phuket-Kayaking
Day
15

International Flight Home via Phuket

Meet the driver at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Meet the driver at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ha Long Natural heritage

Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Bangkok Thailand

Phuket Thailand

Places You'll See

  • Hanoi_City_View_Vietnam

    Hanoi

    Meaning “embraced by the river”, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Visit the many temples and parks of this beautiful city, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake Park. Visit the Army Museum and hear retellings of many battles fought throughout the country’s history. Take the little ones to the Ha Noi circus for some family fun.

  • halong-bay-vietnam284606

    Halong Bay

    Halong Bay is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. With roughly 1,600 limestone islands, each covered in thick vegetation, it has extreme aesthetic value. Home to a small fishing community of people living on floating houses. Enjoy “junk boat” tours, or a rent a kayak and explore.

  • Hoi_An_Vietnam

    Hoi An

    Once a trading port in the 15th century, this beautifully preserved city is a prime example of Southeast Asian culture. The architecture showcases a fascinating blend of local and foreign influences. Enjoy exploring the old town by motorbike, kayak, motorboat, and more. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture and learn about traditional Vietnamese dress and culture.

  • Royal_Palace_benches_Hue_Vietnam

    Hue

    Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and culture. During the Vietnam war, much of the city was destroyed, but the buildings and ruins that are left are worth visiting. Much of the Imperial Citadel still stands and houses interesting shops, museums, and galleries. See the Tombs of the Emperors along the pristine Perfume River.

  • Bangkok_Temple

    Bangkok

    Dubbed the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure, Bangkok is home to a plethora of attractions, and activities. Enjoy a variety of shopping and dining experiences, or the city’s bustling night life. Or immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture by visiting the Grand Palace, any of the several Buddhist temples, or the Bangkok National Museum.

  • Phuket-Thailand

    Phuket

    Enjoy some sun and sand on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. Visit Old Phuket Town for its rich culture and history. Take a trip to the Phuket Butterfly Farm to view its wide collection of butterflies and other insects. Have a traditional southern Thai lunch at the Thai Village and Orchid Farm while watching their cultural shows including Thai dancing and boxing.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Hanoi : Church Boutique Hotel Hang Gai

Hanoi : La Belle Vie Hotel

Hanoi : Golden Silk Boutique Hotel

Hanoi : Skylark Hotel

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Halong Plaza Hotel

Hoi An : Essence Hotel & Spa

Hoi An : Ancient House Village Resort

Hoi An : Vinh Hung Riverside Resort

Hoi An : Phu Thinh Boutique Resort & Spa

Hue : Mondial Hotel

Bangkok : Adelphi Suites

Bangkok : Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok

Bangkok : Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

Bangkok : U Sathorn Bangkok

Phuket : Phuket Hotel: Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa

Phuket : Kantary Bay Phuket

Phuket : Sawaddi Patong Resort & Spa

4 Star Properties

Hanoi : Silk Path Hotel

Hanoi : Sunway Hotel

Hanoi : Mercure Hanoi La Gare

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong

Halong Bay : Royal Lotus Hotel Halong (Junior Suite)

Hoi An : Boutique Hoi An Resort

Hoi An : Sunrise Hoi An Beach Resort

Hoi An : Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa

Hoi An : Hoi An Chic Hotel

Hue : Saigon Morin

Hue : Eldora Hotel

Hue : Imperial Hue Hotel

Bangkok : Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

Bangkok : Ariyasomvilla

Bangkok : Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Bangkok : Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Phuket : Amari Phuket

Phuket : Centara Karon Resort Phuket

Phuket : Grand Mercure Phuket Patong

Phuket : Mandarava Resort and Spa

5 Star Properties

Hanoi : Hotel De L’Opera

Hanoi : Melia Hotel

Halong Bay : Novotel Hotel Halong (Executive Room)

Hoi An : Hotel Royal Hoi An

Hoi An : Anantara Hoi An Resort

Hoi An : Alma Courtyard Hoi An Resort

Hue : La Residence Hotel & Spa

Hue : Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

Bangkok : The Okura Prestige

Bangkok : Shangri-La Hotel

Bangkok : Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok : Sofitel So Bangkok

Phuket : Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Phuket : JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Phuket : Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort

Luxury Properties

Hanoi : Sofitel Legend Metropole

Hoi An : The Nam Hai

Hue : Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa (Aqua Bungalow)

Bangkok : Mandarin Oriental

Bangkok : The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Bangkok : The Siam Hotel

Phuket : Anantara Phuket Villas

Phuket : Point Yamu Resort by COMO

Phuket : Tha Naka Island Hotel

Phuket : The Shore at Katathani

Testimonials

Jeff N.

Traveled June, 2014

Everything met, or exceeded our expectations!

We did not know what to expect with our trip to Vietnam, but everything met, or exceeded our expectations! The guides were both excellent, and added their own local perspective to the areas we explored. All of the included meals were excellent, and exceeded our expectations!

Traveled To

Pamela

Traveled August, 2014

I will definitely think of Yampu when I plan my next vacation.

I will definitely think of Yampu when I plan my next vacation. The English speaking guides in Thailand were excellent. Our entire trip was flawless and we will always remember this vacation

Traveled To

Nick and Stephanie C.

Traveled April, 2015

The guides were amazing and truly your biggest asset

We had a great Trip 🙂 Thailand is a beautiful country and so are it’s people. We will go back in the future and wish that it was closer. The guides were amazing and truly your biggest asset

Traveled To

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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