Indochina Unplugged: Unveiling Asia for Teens (14 days)

Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses.

Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 50-mins (35km) from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Notes:

If you’re unable to find the guide in the arrivals area, call the 24-hrs customer care number +84 917332246

The standard check-in time at hotels is 14:00.

The itinerary can be flexible based on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with small surcharge).

Overnight in Hanoi

Distances and journey time:

Noi Bai Airport - Hotel in Hanoi (35 km): 50 mins

Today’s tour begins at 08:30. After a sumptuous breakfast, drive 30 minutes outside of Hanoi to the historic village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. Start exploring the old charms of the village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys.

Step into a local house and learn the intricate steps involved in making ceramic works of art. Next, sleeves will be rolled up and hands sunk into soft clay while creating pottery using the time-tested techniques of the local artisans

Afterwards, venture deeper into the village to discover a house where locals worship their ancestors. Here, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs.

The trip concludes with a tour of the main village market where a huge range of ceramics can be seen.

Expected return to the hotel around noon.

In the afternoon, depart at 14:00 for an afternoon tour of Hanoi’s highlights.

Dive right in with a visit to the Temple of Literature.

Evening tour begins at 17:55. A personal driver will pick up at the hotel and drive to a local café in the heart of the old quarter. Enjoy a cocktail and a local snack from one of the nearby night vendors and before heading out visit one of Hanoi’s oldest churches.

Back on the Vespa and through a series of busy alleyways we reach a lively street restaurant to taste a ‘must’ dish in Hanoi… the delicious and famous Bun Cha.

Then ride out of the Old Quarter, passing by one of Hanoi’s many lakes, to a venue famous in the neighbourhood for a variety of local specialties such as the Pho Cuon and Pho noodle. Here you will learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style.

The last part of the evening ride takes us past the iconic Opera House and to a famous Jazz Club offering a truly unique blend of music, from 1930’s style Jazz to traditional Vietnamese!

Time for a last drink before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wondrous shapes covered in lush fauna is truly breathtaking.

Following breakfast, leave Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities.

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon, the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations.

Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening.

Overnight on Halong or Lan Ha Bay

Distances and journey time:

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 2,5hrs

For early risers, wake early to enjoy sunrise over the islets of the Bay.

After breakfast, the boat (or smaller day boat) will continue to cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations of Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy this more isolated part of the bay’s spectacular and unique islands.

Lunch and dinner served on board.

Overnight on Lan Ha Bay

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. Proceed to checkout as the cruise arrives towards port. Upon disembarkation, be met by the driver for the transfer back to Hanoi. Welcome to Cambodia! Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in (approx. 15 minutes). Please note standard check-in time is 14:00The rest of the day is free at leisure in Siem Reap.Overnight in Siem ReapDistances and journey time:Halong Bay to Noi Bai Airport (190 km): 3,5hrsSiem Reap Airport to Siem Reap (52km): 1hr

This morning's tour begins at 07:00, and travels to the Angkor Archaeological Park. The cycling route begins at the remote West Gate of Angkor Thom.

From here, follow a single-track trail along the top of the enclosure wall surrounding the great city of Angkor Thom and through forested areas of the park exclusively visited by locals living and working in Angkor.

From there, again follow the trail along the top of the Angkor Thom Wall, stopping at Prasat Chrung, before continuing your ride to the popular South Gate of Angkor Thom.

Exit Angkor Thom through the South Gate of the great city of King Jayavarman VII.

Note: Be extremely careful climbing up the east staircase. The west stairs, on the back side of the temple, are less steep and less worn.

Back to your hotel at 12:00, rest and lunch at leisure.

This afternoon's tour begins at 14:00.

Pick up from the hotel by remork (a Cambodian “tuktuk”) and drive to the first restaurant at 18:00, where follows a different business model, directing their profits to various organisations. You may order any drink from the menu (they make some special cocktails and fruit mix using local ingredients) and any one appetiser (try different ones and share with each other) while exploring the large selection of second-hand books donated by their supporters in the UK.

Next, enjoy Khmer classic dishes at a restaurant which is another social enterprise restaurant.

After dinner, go to a tropical garden restaurant run by an organisation that operates a hospitality training school where all the restaurant workers learned (or are currently learning) their trade. This stop will mark the end of the tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off at Pub Street or in the city centre of Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 mins

Following breakfast, leave your hotel at 07:30.

Start the day with an early morning wake up for the drive out to Banteay Srei before the crowds arrive (Note: the temple opens at 7:30). Because of its remote location, this pink sandstone temple is often passed over by visitors but is probably the best preserved monument of the entire Angkor complex.

After exploring Banteay Srei, it’s time for a Khmer culinary experience. You will be welcomed by the chef. Before starting, you will take a tour of the garden to harvest herbs and mangoes (depending on the season). Learn about the different herbs used in Cambodia. Back in the kitchen, the class begins. Enjoy your cooked-meal. Return to the hotel.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (33 km): 50 mins

This morning's tour begins at 08:00. Transfer to the zipline site before receiving a safety briefing and being outfitted. After the adventure begins: start with the easiest zip lines before proceeding to the highest and most exhilarating. From the last zip line the final adventure is to abseil down before a soft trek through the forest takes you back to the starting point.

(Note – max 9 people in a single group, latest start time is 12pm, excursion lasts 2 - 2.5 hrs, maximum weight 125kg, not suitable for children under 5 yrs old or 1m height, no sandals permitted).

By remork, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat at 14:00.

Begin the evening tour at 17:00. Bring an appetite and sense of adventure on this unique Siem Reap nightlife tour. After sunset, travel by remork to Street 60 on the outskirts of town. Make a stop at a stall famous for its pickled fruit and fried insects. As you walk down the street past various stalls selling everything from clothing to toys, stop to sample some barbeque or exotic local treats such as roast pork belly, snails, and grilled frog.

Continue the culinary adventure to Wat Damnak to the handful of smoke-filled corrugated-iron roofed shacks and fancier open-sided eateries on Wat Damnak Street, for one of Siem Reap’s most popular street food snacks, sach ko ang jakak, (beef skewers) marinated in palm sugar, soy and kroeung (a paste of lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, kaffir lime, garlic), and then barbecued over coals on a traditional clay grill. Cambodians love barbecue.

Next, explore the streets around Psar Chas (Old Market). Take your time to sit down anywhere and enjoy anything you like! Make sure to stop at one of the many fresh fruit stalls to try a range of exotic local fruit, including dragon fruit, longans, mangoes, mangosteens, snake fruit, and the smelly but very tasty durian!

Note: This food tour is not vegetarian friendly.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 mins

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be transferred to Siem Reap Angkor Airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang.

Flights from Siem Reap:

VN930 SAI - LPQ 17:05-1835 (Mon/Wed/Fri)

QV514 SAI-LPQ (via PKZ) 12:30-16:15 (Tue/Thu/Sat)

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos! With its rich cultural heritage and serene landscapes, Laos as a country is a one of a kind destination for families seeking unforgettable adventures together. Upon arrival, be greeted by a representative who will ensure a smooth transfer to the hotel.

Depending on the arrival times, the rest of the early evening will be free at leisure. Take a stroll around the night market area, where an assortment of locally made products and delicious treats can be enjoyed.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Distances and journey time:

Siem Reap - Siem Reap Angkor Airport (52 km): 1hr

Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 mins

Start the day at 08:30 and hop on two wheels and set off on this half day cycling tour of Luang Prabang! Start your tour at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, then continue to visit some of the town’s many beautiful temples. Your tour will end with a cycle along the banks of the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. The total cycling distance is approximately 5km.

This afternoon, travel to the outskirts of Luang Prabang to Ock Pop Tock, a crafts centre on the banks of the Mekong River. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Lao dishes served alongside the Mekong River.

After lunch, the half day will be spent here, immersed in the textile scene and surrounded by local artisans. Before delving into the hands-on making of Luang Prabang textiles, gain insight into their cultural significance through personal stories shared by one of the artisans. Learn how textiles have been integral to their family's life, from religious ceremonies to daily use. Then, get hands-on and start by visiting the silkworm farm to learn about the various types of silk made in Lao. Next it is time to dye the silks. Use natural ingredients, many of which are grown on site, to create handmade dyes. Soak silk swatches in the dyes and watch as the vibrant colours reveal themselves.

Late in the afternoon, enjoy a private sunset cruise along the Mekong River. Set sail at (approx.) 17:30 cruising at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to appreciate the dramatic scenery, peaceful ambience and simple rural lives of villages along the river.

Traditional Lao snacks, water, Beer Lao and house wine. Onboard music is available or you are free to play your own tunes, or just contemplate the peace and calm.

Arrive back in Luang Prabang around 19:00 – 19:30 PM and be met at the jetty for a private transfer to the hotel, or to the restaurant of choice.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Begin the Luang Prabang elephant experience with an 08:30 am pick up from the hotel. Transport will be provided out of town to the nearby village of Xieng Lom. Upon arrival, enjoy either coffee or tea while the guide explains the day’s itinerary and provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behaviour and the best means of interacting with them.

After the morning’s introduction, continue with a short ride across the Nam Khan River where the elephants await. The guide and mahouts will provide an introduction to the gentle giants, followed by a chance to feed them some healthy snacks. Continue the experience with the trekking portion of the trip. Walking alongside the elephants, crisscross through the cool waters developing a profound sense of understanding, respect and care for these amazing animals. After the trek completes, start the walk back and bid farewell to the elephants. Before heading to the train station to go to Oudomxay, enjoy a freshly prepared local Lao meal, made from organically grown local produce.

After lunch, continue with a short drive to the Luang Prabang Railway Station. Take the high-speed train (#C82 15:10 -15:54, ticket class TBC) to Oudomxay. From here, a transfer will be arranged all the way to the hotel in Nam Kat Yorla Paa.

Check in the hotel and the rest of the evening is free at leisure.

BBQ dinner at the hotel.

Note:

- Therapeutic Elephant Trek: This is a join-in activity. Please advice if a private tour is required, applicable to surcharge. Comfortable clothing advised. Special footwear (boots) is provided as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, ponchos and umbrella if needed. Trek is 2.5 km in total (1.5 hours) flat and is mostly shaded.

Overnight in Nam Kat Yorla Paa

Distances and journey time:

Luang Prabang to Mandalao (20 km): 40 mins

Mandalao to Luang Prabang train station (4 km): 10 mins

Train journey: 1hr

Oudomxai - Nam Kat Yorla Paa (19 km): 45 mins

At Nam Kat Yorla Paa, adventure awaits at every turn, beckoning to explore the beauty of Northern Laos. Nestled amidst rugged landscapes, this haven offers plenty of exhilarating outdoor activities for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. From ziplining adventures through lush forests to serene trekking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, there's no shortage of excitement to be found.After breakfast, today’s adventures start at 09:00 am at the Tourist Information Center located within the resort. This is the starting point for all of today’s ‘A la Carte’ adventures. Choose 1 from the following activities: OPTION 1: Cycling, Trekking, Sky Bridges and Waterfalls (4 hours) Cycle towards Nakat Waterfall (5km). Reach the park entrance, trek past jungles and walk over sky bridges (1km). Reach the waterfall and trek back to the park entrance. Hop back on the bicycles to the starting point. OPTION 2: Resort Car, Trekking, Sky Bridges and Waterfalls and Ziplining (3.30 hours) Hop on the resort’s open air vehicle towards the Nam Kat Waterfall (5km). Trek through the jungles amongst the trees walking over 13 sky bridges. After enjoying the view here, start ziplining all the way back to the starting point. (11 ziplines) OPTION 3: Trekking, Rock Climbing, Zip lining, Tree house, Abseiling (4 hours) From the top, experience the thrill of abseiling down using a unique U-shaped ladder, towering at 87 meters. Then, enjoy a zipline journey to the treehouse before descending with another abseil and trekking back to the starting point.The afternoon is free at leisure for everyone to relax and enjoy the surroundings of Nam Kat Yorla Paa. Lunch and dinner at the hotel. Note: - Nam Kat Yorla Paa Activities - Wear comfortable clothing and covered shoes for trekking. What to bring? Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, hat/cap, mosquito sprayOvernight in Nam Kat Yorla Paa

Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Afterwards, the whole morning is open for free leisure or choose a final trek to a scenic view point.

Optional Activity: Trek to Phu Toh Hin Viewpoint (1.45 hours)

Take the resort car to the park’s entrance point. Trek the jungle through canopy walks reaching the panoramic view from Phu to Hin peak. Trek back to the park’s entrance where the resort car will be waiting for transfer back to the resort

After enjoying lunch at the hotel, commence the journey back to Luang Prabang by transferring to the Oudomxay (Muang Xai) train station. Board the train (D87 14:00-14:45) and reach Luang Prabang train station, where a driver will be waiting to assist with the transfer to Luang Prabang airport.

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, proceed with the next part of the journey to Hanoi.

Flight from Hanoi:

QV313 LPQ-HAN - 17:25 - 18:35 (Daily)

VN930 LPQ-HAN - 19:15 - 20:20 (Mon/Wed/Fri)

Overnight in Hanoi

Distances and journey time:

Namkat Yorlapa to Muang Xai Train Station (19 km): 45 mins

Train journey: 1hr

Luang Prabang Train Station - Luang Prabang Airport (10 km): 20 mins

Noi Bai Airport - hotel in Hanoi (35 km): 1hr

Check out at 12:00 noon. At leisure for shopping until transferring to Noi Bai Airport for onward flight.

Distances and journey time:

Hotel in Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport (35 km): 1hr