Indochina in 36 Days
Explore the treasures of Southeast Asia. Be amazed by eye-opening Bangkok, and delve into Cambodian history in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Experience historic Ho Chi Minh City, explore Hanoi and cruise on the waters of Ha Long Bay. Head to modern Kuala Lumpur and cosmopolitan Jakarta before uncovering the traditional heritage of Yogyakarta. End your adventure on the paradise island of Bali.
5 countries – Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia & Indonesia
Pricing
Group tour starting at $5,399* CAD per person, based on double occupancy in “Charm” hotel category
- 36 days total – depart/arrive Canadian airport hub
- 35 days in destination – Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
Your package includes
- 34 night accommodation: 33 nights in Charm or Superior (upgrade) category hotels and 1 night on board a Ha Long Bay Cruise
- PremiumCare travel protection package*
- International flights: Canada – Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur – Canada (departures from major Canadian airports)
- International and internal flights on trip: Ho Chi Minh – Hanoi – Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta – Yogyakarta – Denpasar – Kuala Lumpur
- 34 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with bottled mineral water
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary with an English speaking guide
- All air taxes and fuel surcharges
- Ha Long Bay Cruise
- Barong Dance Show
*PremiumCare travel protection includes:
- COVID-19 Protection Get 100% of your money back if you cannot travel due to disruptions caused by COVID-19 such as travel restrictions, testing positive and much more.
- 24/7 In-Trip Assistance 24/7 dedicated care from our Exoticca Travel Experts to assist you during your trip from anywhere in the world
- Trip Refund Guarantee In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your trip, you’ll be guaranteed a refund within 14 days. Exoticca is a member of ASTA and adheres to ASTA’s code of ethics, commitment to quality service and ethical business practices.
Not included
- Gratuities to hotel personnel, guides, drivers
- Optional sightseeing tours, excursions and services not mentioned in the inclusions above
- Beverages
- Cambodia visa (on arrival) and Vietnam E-visa (online before traveling) *
* US & CA passport holders are required to get an entry visa before departure
* US & CA passport holders are able to apply for a 30-day single-entry e-visa to visit Vietnam through the website
*You MUST select ‘Moc Bai Landport’ as the point of entry in order to be allowed to enter through the checkpoint. Alternatively, if you choose to purchase the optional flight from Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City instead of taking the bus, you MUST select ‘Saigon’ as the point of entry.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Canada
Meals
Description
Arrive at your Canadian departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Accommodation: Overnight flight
Day 2
Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in the capital of Thailand and transfer to your hotel. Bangkok is one of the most influential, modern and lively cities in Southeast Asia due to it’s economic, political and social development. Make the most of your time in the city by exploring the bustling street markets or enjoying some of the exotic street food on offer.
Accommodation: 3 nights
- Charm: Royal Bangkok
- Superior: Pullman G Bangkok
Day 3
Bangkok
Breakfast
Today, enjoy a fascinating tour of Bangkok’s temples. Head to Yaowarat Road, in Chinatown, to visit magical Wat Traimit temple, which houses the largest solid gold Buddha in the world, almost five meters high and an amazing five and a half tons in weight. Continue to Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok where the famous Reclining Buddha is kept. After admiring the sheer size of the temple, continue to the astounding Wat Benchamabophit or The Marble Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary built in white Italian marble in the 18th century, with elegant and intricate designs. Finally, enjoy a visit to the State Factory of Precious Stones, for the opportunity to buy local jewellery, crafts and silks.
Included Excursion: City Tour of Bangkok
Day 4
Bangkok
Breakfast
Spend a day exploring Bangkok at your own pace. We recommend visiting some of the emblematic temples dotted around the city and soaking up the atmosphere of the famous night markets. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
Day 5
Bangkok – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast
Depart the hotel this morning, ready for a scenic journey of 6-7 hours to Siem Reap. Bid farewell to Thailand at the Poi Pet Border Crossing, where you will clear customs on your own and walk to the meeting point to meet your Cambodian driver.
Continue through rural Cambodia until you reach vibrant Siem Reap, known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the city and perhaps shopping in its lively night market or stopping for a drink at the famous ‘Pub Street’.
Accommodation: 4 nights
- Charm: Kouprey Hotel
- Superior: Hotel Tara Angkor
Day 6
Siem Reap
Breakfast
Today, explore the most significant temples in the Angkor Complex. Visit the ancient capital, Angkor Thom and enjoy the unique decorative towers of the Bayon Temple. At Preah Khan Temple, wonder at the 12th-century splendour before you continue to Ta Prohm in the afternoon, home to the enormous iconic fig tree roots that grow through the middle of the temple. Admire Bayon architecture at Banteay Kdei temple before you finally arrive at Angkor Wat, the world heritage site and most revered of all the Cambodian temples. It features the longest bas-relief in the world and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the entire temple complex.
Included Excursion: Full-Day Exploring Angkor Temples
Day 7
Siem Reap
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the ambience of Siem Reap, or perhaps exploring the sights at your own pace.
Optional Excursion: Half-Day Phnom Kulen Mountain: Enjoy a 1-hour scenic drive to Phnom Kulen Mountain, considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Visit a modern pagoda, which offers stunning views over the Angkor area, and be amazed by the eight-meter tall statue of a reclining Buddha. Continue to the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall nearby, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Return to Siem Reap.
Day 8
Siem Reap
Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the lively city centre.
Optional Excursions:
- Morning Tonle Sap Lake: Transfer to Tonle Sap Lake, a huge freshwater body of water, known for it’s floating villages. Enjoy a boat ride through the villages, complete with floating farms, schools, gardens and temples. Return to dry land and visit the Old Market of Siem Reap.
Evening Tuk-Tuk Street Food Tour: Set off in the evening to the local night market and discover the wide array of regional cuisine and snacks. Take a tuk-tuk to a local Cambodia restaurant to enjoy a traditional dinner.
Day 9
Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Breakfast
Today, catch the Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus* headed for the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this vibrant city, filled with beautiful French colonial architecture and situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.
*The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, is 320 km long and will take approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight (at a cost) from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time).
Optional Excursion: Afternoon Phnom Penh City Tour: Explore the landmarks of Phnom Penh such as the fascinating Silver Pagoda and the moving Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, for a poignant look at the country’s tragic history. End the tour in the colourful Central Market.
Accommodation: 2 nights
- Charm: Almond Hotel Sothearos
- Superior: G Mekong
Day 10
Phnom Penh
Breakfast
Today, set off on a poignant excursion to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, for a moving insight into the bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Realize the horror and tragedy of this period in Cambodian history at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and visit the notorious Killing Fields.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Included Excursion: The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Day 11
Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Breakfast
This morning, cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong Express/Giant Ibis bus* headed for Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many of the locals. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city and its famous night market, perfect for picking up some authentic souvenirs.
* The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City is 280 km long and will take approximately 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight (at a cost) from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time).
Accommodation: 3 nights
- Charm: Liberty Saigon Hotel Parkview
- Superior: Harmony Saigon Hotel
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast
Embark on a full-day city tour to soak up the rich tapestry of history and culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Visits Dong Khoi Street, home to many of the city’s most important sites from the French colonial period, when the city became known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Appreciate the restored Opera House, based on the Petit Palace in Paris and visit the Grand Hotel de Ville, now formally re-branded as the People’s Committee Hall. Be amazed by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the impressive Central Post Office, designed by the architect Gustav Eiffel. In District 5 visit China Town and the iconic Thien Hau Temple, built in honour of the goddess of the sea. Conclude your day discovery at the bustling Ben Thanh market. Return to the hotel.
Included Excursion: Full-Day Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Tour
Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in this exciting city.
Optional Excursion: Full-Day Mekong Delta: Depart to Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu bridge. On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier, hop on a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributes of Mekong River while witnessing the lively activities of local life along the way. Stop at a brick kiln and visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Take a motorized cart or bicycle along the shady paths and pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to discover everyday life on the river. Take a rowing-boat along a beautiful water palm creek before you return to the pier.
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi
Breakfast
You will have this morning free or join the optional half-day excursion. The afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the city.
Optional Excursion: Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion: Spend the morning exploring the impressive tunnel complex of Cu Chi, dug in 1948 for guerrillas to escape the bombardment of French forces. Explore the underground villages and understand the history of the tunnels.
Accommodation: 3 nights
- Charm: Hanoi Larosa Hotel
- Superior: The Q Hotel
Day 15
Hanoi
Breakfast
Today, enjoy an action-packed city tour of Hanoi. Stop at Huu Tiep Lake, home to the famous downed US B-52 bomber and wander through the lively local market. Next, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from the outside on Monday & Friday due to closure), and the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of the city. Continue to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s first university, dating from the 11th century. Explore, on foot, Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets to see local people trading and going about their daily lives. Take a relaxing seat at a local café for a refreshing cup of coffee or green tea. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Included Excursion: Hanoi City Tour
Day 16
Hanoi
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure in Hanoi, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s busiest city.
Optional Excursion: Full-Day Ninh Binh: Set off in the morning to the region of Ninh Binh, famous for its karst mountains and misty caves. Take a rowing boat along the natural canals of the Thung Nham Valley and explore the mystical caves along the way. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Mua Cave, where a 20-minute climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the Tam Coc landscape. Admire the natural beauty of Vietnam.
Day 17
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to begin your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Lunch and dinner on board.
Please note: There is no guide on board the Ha Long Bay cruise.
Included: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Accommodation: 1 night on board ship
- Charm: Oriental Sails Cruise
- Superior: Peony Cruise
Day 18
Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Breakfast
Brunch on board as the traditional junk continues to cruise around the idyllic landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Soak up the natural beauty before returning to Ha Long port.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs or revisiting your favourite city sights.
Accommodation: 1 night
- Charm: Hanoi Larosa Hotel
- Superior: The Q Hotel
Day 19
Hanoi – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Breakfast
At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to hotel.
This federal capital and largest city in Malaysia embraces modernity with its skyscrapers whilst still retaining its most traditional customs and religions. It’s known for its high-end restaurants, exquisite cuisine, British-colonial landmarks and charming urban environment. Spend the day discovering the city at your leisure.
Accommodation: 2 nights
- Charm: Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
- Superior: Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Day 20
Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast
Today, set off on a half-day tour through the city of Kuala Lumpur. Discover the most emblematic symbols of the city such as the Petronas Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, the Royal Palace, the Lake Gardens, the National Mosque, the Independence Square and the National Museum which houses collections about the history and culture of Malaysia.*
Finally, explore a Craft Centre and the Cocoa Boutique. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. We recommend heading to one of the many high-end shopping malls for a taste of Malaysian retail therapy.
*Entrance to National Museum not included and optional. The National Museum is closed during the Hari Raya Puasa festival.
Included Excursion: Kuala Lumpur City Tour
Day 21
Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta, Indonesia
Breakfast
At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Jakarta. Arrive in the capital city of Jakarta on the island of Java and transfer to the hotel.
Take the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the area. Jakarta is known for its historic mix of cultures such as Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arabic, Indian and European which has influenced the city’s architecture, language and cuisine.
Accommodation: 2 nights
- Charm: Mercure Jakarta Batavia
- Superior: Grand Mercure Kemayoran
Day 22
Jakarta
Breakfast
Today, enjoy a tour of Jakarta. Get to know the city and explore sights such as The Old Port of Sunda Kelapa, Batavia, and make a photo stop National Museum. Explore Glodok Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Jakarta, and admire the typical old Chinese architecture, tiny alleys and charming Vihara.*
* Please note: On Sunday’s the main street in Jakarta is car-free between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Monday all museums are CLOSED.
Included Excursion: City Tour of Jakarta
Day 23
Jakarta – Yogyakarta
Breakfast
Today, transfer back to the airport to catch a flight to your next destination, enchanting Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
Yogyakarta is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage and has a very different atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta.
Accommodation: 3 nights
- Charm: Innside Yogyakarta by Melia
- Superior: Grand Mercure Yogyakarta Adi Sucipto
Day 24
Yogyakarta
Breakfast
This morning, enjoy a Yogyakarta city tour. Visit the iconic Keraton and the Sultan’s Palace, an oasis of tranquillity and beauty.*
Continue the tour with a visit to the enchanting Water Castle, home to beautiful swimming pools and pavilions. Explore the Museum Sonobudoyo, and be immersed in local culture at an impressive batik factory.
End the tour with a visit to the world-famous Borobudur. This is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, enjoy the city at your leisure or take an optional village tour.*
* Please note: the Keraton is closed on Mondays.
Included Excursion: City Tour of Yogyakarta & Borobudur Tour
Optional Excursion: Candirejo Village Tour by ‘Andong’ Horse Cart: Enjoy a 30-minute tour of the village by ‘Andong’, a traditional horse cart. Ride through this peaceful and architecturally charming village and witness the daily lives of the locals.
Day 25
Yogyakarta
Breakfast
Take a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the local markets for a spot of souvenir shopping.
Optional Excursions:
- Morning Cycling Tour: Starting from the Kali Opak Bridge, a guide will take you around Prambanan to see beautiful rice fields, plantations and to visit a village and a tobacco factory. Also explore the charming Plaosan temple, which is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, surrounded by paddy fields.
- Prambanan Temple Tour: Visit the Prambanan Temple site. The main site here is called ‘Loro Jonggrang’, considered Java’s most elegant and awe-inspiring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, the Prambanan temple site is an unmissable stop whilst visiting Yogyakarta.
- Yogyakarta by night & Ramayana show
Day 26
Yogyakarta – Ubud, Bali
Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yogyakarta airport to catch your flight to Ubud, on the paradise island of Bali. Arrive in Ubud, and transfer to the hotel.
Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, explore the artistic side of the city or simply kick back at the hotel.
Accommodation: 4 nights
- Charm: Sapulidi Resort Spa
- Superior: Sthala, A Tribute Portfolio
Day 27
Ubud
Breakfast
Today enjoy a full day excursion in and around Ubud. The first stop is in the stone carver village of Batu Bulan to see the colorful and exciting Dance of Barong & Kris. After the performance, visit this famous village to see the artists making their designs. The carvers use many varieties of wood. Visit the ‘elephant cave’ called Goa Gajah. The next stop is at Kintamani to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Batur, with its black lava ribbons descending from the sacred crater to the valley, where Lake Batur sits serene and bright with the mountains as a backdrop. On the return trip admire the beautiful rice field terraces in Tegallalang. Return to Ubud for an overnight stay.
Included Excursion: Full-Day In & Around Ubud
Day 28
Ubud
Breakfast
Today, spend the day at your leisure. Why not explore the local markets or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage.
Optional Excursion: Ayung River Rafting: Take a rafting adventure on the Ayung River! An unforgettable journey through the tropical rainforest past beautiful waterfalls. Lunch included.
Day 29
Ubud
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the tranquil rainforests or visiting the local Hindu temples and shrines.
Optional Excursion: Mountain Biking: From the mountainside, ride along quiet roads past various villages. Enjoy an impression of traditional Balinese life and the beautiful nature.
Day 30
Ubud – Benoa, Bali
Breakfast
Today, journey through the hills of Bali’s southern peninsula. This area, known as Bukit, offers a landscape unequalled by any other regions of the island. Unlike the lush rainforests of the tropical central highlands, this arid terrain was formed by millennia of coral sedimentations and is filled with captivating scenery. Home to wild beaches, Bukit is a haven for surfers. In the corner of this peninsula, perched on a sheer cliff, is a highly venerated Uluwatu Temple. Visit the temple to enjoy a performance of the Ramayana epic-based Kecak Dance with the majestic temple and sunset in the background.
Afterwards, transfer to beautiful Benoa, one of the most idyllic beach resorts on the island, and get settled at the hotel.
Accommodation: 5 nights
- Charm: Bali Relaxing Resort & Spa
- Superior: Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa
Day 31
Benoa
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure, basking in the Balinese sunshine or exploring at your own pace.
Optional Excursion: Denpasar City Tour: Explore Badung Traditional Market, for a taste of the local culture and delve into the spiritual side of the city at Jagatnatha Temple. Learn more about the island at the fascinating Bali Museum and admire the Bajra Shandi Monument, a monument dedicated to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 32
Benoa
Breakfast
Free day to explore Bali at your leisure. Why not indulge in a lazy beach day or go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Optional Excursions:
- Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling: Set off to Nusa Lembongan around 8:00 a.m. for an exciting day of snorkelling in the warm, abundant waters. Enjoy an included lunch on the boat and discover the rich marine life in the open waters. All snorkelling equipment is provided. (Min. 2 pax)
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spend a tropical evening onboard a boat whilst taking in the spectacular sunset and enjoying a refreshing cocktail and international buffet. A live cabaret show on board will keep you entertained as you cruise away the evening. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 33
Benoa
Breakfast
A day at your leisure to continue enjoying the idyllic white-sand beaches of Benoa, perfect for a walk along its extensive shoreline and a swim in its crystal clear warm waters.
Optional Excursion:
Besakih and Penglipuran Tour: On this day trip, discover the oldest temple in Bali, the Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung. Along the way, visit Kertagosa in Klungkung, dating back to pre-colonial times and the village of Penglipuran, home to an indigenous community. Also, discover the sacred bats of Goa Lawah Cave and the black beaches of Kusamba for a fantastic overview of the must-see sights in the region. Lunch included. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 34
Benoa
Breakfast
Free day to enjoy this haven of peace and tranquility located in the southern region of Bali, famous for its extraordinary beaches and its unique sunsets.
Day 35
Benoa – Denpasar – Kuala Lumpur
Breakfast
Bid farewell to the paradise shores of Bali today. At the indicated time, transfer to Denpasar airport for a flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and spend your final evening soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling night markets or simply unwinding at your leisure.
Accommodation: 1 night
- Charm: Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
- Superior: Ramada Suites by Wyndham Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Day 36
Kuala Lumpur – Canada
Breakfast
It’s time to bring your epic adventure through Southeast Asia to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight* back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Indochina in 36 days” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.