Indochina Unplugged: Unveiling Asia for Teens

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

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 and a place loved by families to visit. 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Hanoi.    

Inclusions:

This exploration for families ticks all the boxes, from hands-on activities to educational experiences creating pottery to exploring the fascinating history and culture of a pottery village.  

This morning'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 for some rest and relaxation. 

Dive right in with a visit to the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800- years. 

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.  

Set off on the ride through the magical, busy narrow streets of the Old quarter.

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. Made of rice noodles, grilled pork, meatballs, and fresh herbs with a side of spring rolls. 

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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hanoi to Halong Bay (160km): 2,5hrs

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 wonderous 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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Halong Bay to Noi Bai Airport (190km): 3,5hrs / Siem Reap Airport to Siem Reap (52km): 1hr

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 14:00

The rest of the day is free at leisure in Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 mins

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. Of the five gates of the great city of Jayavarman VII, this is one of the most unrestored. Although few visitors come to this gate, it is often used by local residents and the forest-shrouded faces of the Buddha atop the entryway are beautiful in the early morning sun.

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. Once reaching the North Gate of the city, follow the road to the expansive and jungle-clad Preah Khan, a 12th century complex named after the Sacred Sword of King Jayavarman VII. 

From there, again follow the trail along the top of the Angkor Thom Wall, stopping at Prasat Chrung, which overlooks the corner of the city moat, 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, an impressive stone entryway carved with elephants and capped by four giant faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path, crossing the moat around the city, a row of 54 gods and demons stands holding a sacred naga snake of Hindu lore. 

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 - Get to know Siem Reap's artistic side to the town's best workshops and galleries including a visit to Senteurs d'Angkor, where training and job opportunities are offered to disadvantaged young people and women who specialise in preserving traditional Khmer local handcraft including Smok and Candle making.

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 providing disadvantaged youths, and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. Learn about its efforts while dining. 

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. Learn about how the program runs and its achievements while enjoying a creative cocktail, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.  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. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap – Banteay Srei (33km): 50 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. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap – Temples (6 km): 10 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. The highest zip lines are at 50 metres above the canopy and the longest 350 metres. 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. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th Century. Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolising Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign.

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. Busy most every night, this street has the feel of a night market with locals throwing down bamboo mats to enjoy a smorgasbord of freshly cooked dishes. It’s an evening picnic of barbecue heaven. The aromatic smells will certainly make the mouth water. Make a stop at a stall famous for its pickled fruit and fried insects. These are popular snacks for the Cambodian people. Taste the contrasting flavours of sour fruit dipped in a salty and spicy dip, or try a selection of crispy crickets, grasshoppers, or silkworms. 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. Mingle with the locals as they watch their evening meal being prepared over the hot coals and join them on bamboo mats for a picnic-style meal.

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. All well and delicious, but what truly qualifies this barbecued beef is its accompaniment: a sweet-sour pickle-salad of thick cucumber slices finely shredded green papaya and ginger. 

Next, explore the streets around Psar Chas (Old Market), which are lined with various stalls selling pancakes, fruit shakes, fried bananas, waffles, coconut rice cakes, and various fried rice and noodle dishes. 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. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Siem Reap - Siem Reap Angkor Airport (52 km): 1hr / Luang Prabang Airport – Luang Prabang (4 km): 15 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- 18:35 (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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

With quiet streets and a host of sights within a mile or so of each other, Luang Prabang is ideal to explore by bike.  Start the day at 08:30 and hop on two wheels and set off on this half day cycling tour of Luang Prabang! The city’s flat, quiet streets are ideal for cycling and the relatively compact city can easily be explored in just a half day. 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. Unlike modern factories, the entire process in Lao is organic. 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. The cruise will slide back a section of its roof so guests can have panoramic views of the oranges, reds, pinks, and purples of the changing sky as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 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

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. After crossing through a stretch of beautiful Lao gardens, head into the jungle-covered Huay Nok stream. 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.  Nam Kat Yorla Paa is a private protected forestry area along the Nam Kat River. Situated in Oudomxay province in North Eastern Laos, this area is truly one of the most beautiful and desired eco-tourism destinations in Laos, thanks to FACET (Forestry Area Conservation Ecological Tourism) who provides sustainable tourism services in the Nam Kat Yola Pa protected area.

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 is 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. 

- Train tickets: Ticket class and train timings on the Lao-China Railway are not guaranteed. While we aim to book First class tickets as usual, complexities in the booking system may prevent us from securing them. Additionally, train timings are subject to last-minute changes, but we'll notify in advance if this occurs.

Overnight in Nam Kat Yorla Paa.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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 spray

Overnight in Nam Kat Yorla Paa.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Namkat Yorlapa to Muang Xai Train Station (19km): 45 mins / Train journey: 1hr / Luang Prabang Train Station - Luang Prabang Airport (10 km): 20 mins / Noi Bai Airport - hotel in Hanoi (35km): 1hr

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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast