Thursday, February 21, 2013

Luxury Indochina Resorts and Hotels 12 Days / 11 Nights

This perfect two week luxury Indochina holiday, consists of staying in some of the best hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia where you can experience pure relaxation and culture in style and comfort. This particular itinerary has been designed for only the most exquisite of tours so think personal butlers, premium vehicles, helicopters, VIP touches all the way and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience to last a lifetime.


 Luxury Indochina Resorts and Hotels 12 Days / 11 Nights
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Code: MTLT03
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Bangkok - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh - Hanoi - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

  • Day 1 - Bangkok: City tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive in Bangkok and transfer in luxury to the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel. After a tour of the city, enjoy dinner in a spectacular rooftop restaurant overlooking the sparkling lights of the city.

    Day 2 - Bangkok - Siem Reap

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Fly to Siem Reap and check into the luxurious Amansara Resort. Marvel at the ancient ruins on a guided tour of Angkor Wat and watch the sunset with a glass of champagne in your hand, from the top of a hill overlooking Tonle Sap lake.

    Day 3 - Siem Reap

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Experience a sunrise over magnificent Angkor Wat before taking a scenic helicopter flight over the Angkor Complex. Upon return, enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine for lunch before spending the afternoon exploring more of the ruins which will take your breath away.

    Day 4 - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Dinner
    Take an optional game of golf in the morning or simply relax in your resort, before flying to bustling HCMC. Transfer by limousine and check into the magnificent five star Park Hyatt in the heart of the city. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Saigon River with traditional music and dancing.

    Day 5 - Mekong Delta – Le Jarai Cruise

    Place Transport: Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy a relaxing a day’s Mekong cruise on the converted rice barge Le Jarai and local boat. Sail through the broad waterways and small creeks of the Mekong River, enjoy a sumptuous three course lunch and see traditional rural life including a local village, communal temple and traditional matt weaving at a local farmer’s house. This trip is the ideal way to spend the day in the delta.

    Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Today is optional with a half day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels or alternatively Saigon city sites. Afternoon is free for leisure before transferring to the airport and flying to Hanoi. Transfer by luxury vintage Citroen to the colonial classic Sofitel Metropole hotel which is located in Hanoi’s French Quarter.

    Day 7 - Hanoi: City tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Experience a city tour in style in a vintage Citroen or by traditional cyclo. Privately guided tours by museum curators can be arranged on request. In the evening, dine in one of the Hanoi’s finest restaurants and experience an authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

    Day 8 - Hanoi - Halong Bay

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    In the morning, you will enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong City, taking around 3.5 hours stopping off for a refreshment break en route. Board the ‘Princess’ junk and meet the crew at the dock. Cruise to the famous islands of Halong Bay and onto Bai Tu Long Bay where aside from the cave visit and swimming, there is a chance to explore this stunning area by sea kayak. Return back to the junk for a delicious dinner.

    Day 9 - Halong Bay – Hanoi - Vientiane

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Enjoy fresh air and gentle breeze of the bay in the morning. Cruise through Bai Tu Long, and visit the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng where you will learn about daily life here. Cruise back to the dock arriving in Halong City around noon then transfer back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel at about 4pm. Later, take the flight to Vientiane.

    Day 10 - Vientiane - Luang Prabang

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Embark on a guided walking tour of charming Vientiane and spend the afternoon at leisure before your flight to Luang Prabang. Check into the luxurious Maison Souvanaphoum.

    Day 11 - Luang Prabang

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Wander the ancient streets of laidback Luang Prabang, pass saffron robed monks, golden temples and small markets. Enjoy a private boat cruise downriver to Pak Ou caves filled with Buddhist statues before returning to your hotel for cocktails at sunset.

    Day 12 - Luang Prabang Depature

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    Depart Laos for your connecting flight to home.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 10 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.


    - Boat, cruise as indicated in the itinerary.



    - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.


    - Travel insurance 

    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand, Lao. Cambodia and Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Kompong Cham City Tour

This one-day trip gives a superb introduction to Cambodian's hidden gem, Kompong Cham city. It begins with a guided stroll around Wat Nokor, an ancient temple. Here, you'll see a glorious pagoda from the 12th century and serene Buddha statues. In the afternoon, you will explore the city's fine examples of colonial architecture and a rubber plantation established by the French tyre maker, Michelin.

Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MCPS05
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Serene Buddha Statues - French Colonial Architecture - A rubber plantation
  • Day 1 - Kompong Cham City Tour

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Lunch
    Depart from Phnom Penh by road to Kompong Cham (124 km. The drive takes around two hours). Visit Wat Nokhor with its ancient temple and modern style pagoda (12th century). A short tour of Kompong Cham includes examples of colonial architecture.
    Lunch then drive to Chhup, a rubber plantation established in the region by the French tyre maker, Michelin. Then return to Phnom Penh. 

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program 

    - Lunches (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.

    - Dinners, except as specified above. 

    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses. 

    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start? 
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - You can get Cambodia Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).


Discover The South of Laos Pakse – Tadlo – Khong Island

With its lovely fishing villages, serene monasteries and lush vegetation, Khong Island offers a unique insight into Nature and local life. The Khong Tour sets off the morning to visit Oum Moung Khmer archeological site before crossing the Mekong River by ferrying to Khong Island. After exploring the island and enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, our journey continues on to visit the surrounding islands and a hike along the ancient railway which was built by the French in 1897 to visit the spectacular Sumphamith Waterfalls on Done Khone Island. Private tour with English/French speaking guide. Date of departure is at your wish. Starting from Vientiane and end in Siem Reap or vice versa.

Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Tour Code: MLAT02
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Tadlo – Boloven Plateau – Done Khong – Khong Island - – Done Phapheng – Watphou – Pakse

  • Day 1 - Pakse Arrival – Tadlo

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Lunch - Dinner
    On arrival at the Pakse airport, you will be transferred to Tadlo past many charming villages and rolling hills. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. We make stopover at the scenic Phasoume Waterfall and a nearby Katu village. We arrive at Tadlo in the mid or late afternoon and spend time to relax at Tadlo Waterfalls or simply stroll around a nearby charming village. Stay overnight in Tadlo.

    Day 2 - Tadlo – Boloven Plateau – Done Khong – Khong Island

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    The views of stumbling water and lush vegetation around the waterfall is nothing short of spectacular. We depart Tadlo village and travel overland across the Boloven Plateau toward Khong Island. This back road gives a chance to discover the real southern Laos as we drive past many lush plantations, rolling hills and peaceful villages. We make stop enroute to observe the traditional making of coffee and possibly get a taste. On arrival in Khong Island, we embark a boat venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River from where thousands of islets hut out in dry season, giving this area a lovely name “Si Phan Done”. The long tail boat passes Done Ket and Done Som before it races across the water towards the peaceful island of Done Khone. We stroll through Ban Khone village to explore different local lifestyle close up and some relics of the French colonial period. Upon leaving this area, we cruise upstream and admire the impressive sunset over the mighty Mekong River. Stay overnight in Khong Island.

    Day 3 - Khong Island – Khone Phapheng – Watphou – Pakse

    Place Transport: Boat->Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Upon leaving Khong Island, we make our way south to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall which boasts the largest one in Southeast Asia. The scenic drive delivers us to the former royal capital of Champasak- a gateway to the pre-angkorian temple of Wat Phu. This hillside edifice was once an important sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The templr structure was partly destroyed in turbulent history; however, it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We follow the walkway from the lore to the upper section which features various forms including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The temple upper ground also affords a spectacular view from the surrounding valley to the mighty Mekong River. We visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung temple before we travel by roads to Pakse and past scenic countryside. Stay overnight in Pakse.

    Day 4 - Pakse Departure

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, free at leisure until you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 03 Nights Accommodation with breakfast.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - Boat cruises as specified in the program.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
    How to start? 
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country. 
    - You can get Laos Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).

Hoa Lu - The Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu is situated 100 km south of Hanoi, was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today. In choosing the location for his new capital, King Dinh Tien Hoang decided to base himself among the rugged mountains, fed by a system of water currents which would surround the capital forming natural barriers, vital for defense as well as agriculture. The area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay. You will enjoy being rowed along the Boi River in traditional boats, All will make an unforgettable experience for you.

Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MVDT07
Price from: US $ 68.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Ha Noi - Hoa Lu
  • Day 1 - Ha Noi - Hoa Lu

    Place Transport: Car->Boat 
    Meals: Lunch
    We leave Hanoi at 08.00 and head to the south for the two hours drive along the highway one. We spend one hour to visit the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.
    We then move on to Tam Coc for a three hours boat trip along the Boi River. This area is rightly often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on land due to the similar topography. We return back to Hanoi at 6pm.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.

    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program

    - Lunches (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start ?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).


Monday, February 18, 2013

Bigger resul expected for tourism sector

In 2013, the tourism sector expects to further gain better performance when Vietnam continues to be a friendly and attractive destination for international tourists.
Despite economic difficulties in 2012, Vietnam managed to receive nearly 7 million international arrivals.

The tourism sector targets to welcome 7.2 million international tourists, serve 35 million domestic ones, and pocket a total revenue of VND190 trillion this year.


In 2013, Vietnam expects to welcome 7.2 million of international arrivals

To fulfill the goals, the sector continues to place importance on international cooperation in order to gain better experience and support from countries and international organizations to promoting Vietnamese tourism potential.

A survey conducted during the annual meeting of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Vietnam stands second among newly-emerging destinations mostly chosen by international tourists in 2013.

At a meeting with tour operators in Ho Chi minh City in late 2012, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan revealed that the Tourism Stimulation Program 2013 aims at three specific targets, namely increasing the number of domestic tourists and those from key markets; turning Viet Nam into an attractive and high-quality destination; and raising awareness of tourism among tour services providers and people.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism intends to organize more farmtrips for foreign tour operators and journalists; provide exemplary tours and more tourism information; encourage tourism promotion in key and promising markets and at international tourism events in 2013.

Mekong Delta & Cambodia Gateway

This cruise trip in Vietnam will help you to explore a diversity of Vietnam Mekong comprehensively, including fishermen life on the Mekong Delta, Sampan tour into Xeo Quit, colorful Cai Rang floating market, and the way of life of the Cham minority with their colorful traditional woven textiles.


Duration: 7 days/6 nights
Tour Code: MCSD01
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Option 1 : Weekly departure (on every Saturday)Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Can Tho (Mekong Delta) – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh- Angkor Siem ReapOption 2 : Weekly departure (on every Thursday)Angkor Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc - Can Tho ( Mekong Delta ) - Vinh Long - Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh - Cai Be – Vinh Long – Tra On

    Place Transport: Cruise 
    Meals: Lunch - Dinner
    Pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh and depart for Mekong Delta.
    Arrival Mekong Delta, we will board our sampan for an exploration of lush vegetation of Mekong Delta and the lively Cai Be floating market. Then we walk for a visit the handicraft village of the local people. We take a look at the old house and sample various tropical fruits and then return to our boat.
    Our boat sets sail and cruise through zizag canals and river heading out to Can Tho via Cho Lach while we enjoy lunch on board.
    Arrival Cho Lach village, we will go for a pleasant walking or biking on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities,especially some orchards (orange grove) with its farmer.  We also have chance to interact with friendly people and meet with a host of smiling children. Our cruise continues going to Tra On, you can enjoy the magnificent sunset on the river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while experiencing the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise . A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches .Dinner and stayovernight on board Le Cochinchine in Tra On.

    Day 2 - Tra On - Can Tho

    Place Transport: Cruise 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    The morning bobbling commotion of Mekong river life comes to life for another lovely day. We will have breakfast and set sails to Can Tho through tributary and canals. 
    Enjoy the magnificent sunrise on Bassac river. A small boat will take you to Cai Rang floating market. It is one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats bargaining and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. And through the palm-shaded creek, local houses and green orchards comes into your view. Leisurely cruise down the Mekong River while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs, sunset cruise on board Le Cochinchine.
    Have dinner and stay overnight on board in Long Xuyen.

    Day 3 - Long Xuyen - Cho Moi - Chau Doc

    Place Transport: Cruise 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Rising up early for another nice day, we contemplate sunrise while having breakfast on board. Visit Long Xuyen floating market by small boats intermingled through the water as vendors buy and sell their fruit. Visit a crocodile farm and promenade on Ong Ho island, and see daily life of the local people who live on both sides of the Mekong (Bassac river) and small arroyos on the island. At noon, we return to Le Cochinchine boat and explore further. Lunch on board. Disembark and head to Chau Doc. Stay overnight at hotel in Chau Doc.

    Day 4 - Chau Doc - Boat to Phnom Penh

    Place Transport: Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    This morning, we will have a boat ride from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh departing at 8am. The boat takes us along the Mekong River. It continues on to the Vietnamese (Vinh Xuong) - Cambodian (Kaom Samnar) border and then to Phnom Penh which is the capital of Cambodia. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. After checking in a hotel, we'll visit Phnom Penh which is a very interesting experience indeed. It is a city with an interesting pulse and it gives you a very true taste of Asia. We will also visit the Wats Phnom, National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

    Day 5 - Phnom Penh - Boat to Siem Reap

    Place Transport: Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    This morning, there will be a transfer to Phom Penh port for the boat ride to Siem Reap. The boat winds our way on Tonle Sap river, and takes in such spectacular view of rural life on water. Arrival Siem Reap, transfer to the hotel .Visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is one of the area's most beautiful temples which has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon as well. Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

    Day 6 - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor- Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
    Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara) until sunset. Tonight, we will enjoy diner with traditional Khmer folk performance of Apsara. Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

    Day 7 - Siem Reap Depature

    Place Transport: Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    At leisure to visit the market or "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 06 Nights Accommodation with daily breakfast

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

    - Boat cruises as specified in the program.

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.

    - Dinners, except as specified above. 

    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses. 

    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - You can get Cambodia Visa and Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).

Unseen Vientiane

Join us as we set about discovering what lies beyond the gilded temples and subdued bustle of the Laotian capital on our Unseen Vientiane tour. You will begin this Laos tour with a visit to the home and workplace of designer Sandra Yuck where a demonstration using traditional methods to create local products will ensue. On the second day of this Unseen Vientiane tour, things take a decidedly spiritual twist when you attend a Buddhist seminar lead by your guide an English speaking monk. Enlighten your sense with a visit the last remaining forest temple in the city where you will partake in a private yoga session, and indulge in a traditional sauna and massage. This evening have the unique experience of being involved in the Baci ceremony. At sunrise, you will have the opportunity to participate in the practice of giving alms to Lao Buddhist monks - a crucial activity of a monk's day before returning to your hotel for breakfast. This Laos tour offers an authentic, interesting and insightful introduction to Southeast Asia's biggest village.


Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Tour Code: MLVS03
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Vientiane Arrival - Insight into Lao Craf - Buddhism Explored - Vientiane - Wat Sokapaluang
  • Day 1 - Vientiane Arrival - Insight into Lao Craft - Vientiane by Night

    Place Transport: Airplane 
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive in Vientiane. This afternoon, visit the home and workplace of designer and local expert Sandra Yuck. She will give a talk and the different artisans will demonstrate the traditional methods used making Laos products. The money raised from this talk will go directly towards Peuan Mit- a local charity and their project to help educate children about drugs and rehabilitate drug addicts in Laos. 
    In the evening, enjoy a night tour of the capital. As the sun begins to set, your guide will take you to the evening food market where the lively sights and sounds of the dinner crowd mix with fantastic smells and flavors. Then you continue going to a nearby restaurant for a delicious dinner served in authentic Lao-style while enjoying a performance of traditional song and dance. Your guide will then suggest and accompany you to either a lounge-style bar for a drink in the laid-back, chic atmosphere or to a more lively local night club to dance the night away. Stay overnight in Vientiane

    Day 2 - Vientiane - Buddhism Explored

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Enjoy a sleep-in and late breakfast at your hotel before starting the day's activities. Today, your guide will be an English speaking monk who give you an inside view into Lao culture and traditions.
    Today, you will receive answers to all the questions about Laos and its unique culture whilst exploring contemporary Laos Buddhism, its practices and traditions.
    Transfer you to a temple known for over 450 years as a center for Buddhist education. There, you will meet your tour guide - an English speaking monk who will host an educational session on Laos culture and traditions.
    In the afternoon, you will travel to one of the last remaining forest temples in Vientiane. There, you will take a private yoga lesson in the shade of the temple's trees, learn about the temple's herbal gardens, try the traditional sauna, practice meditation and indulge in a traditional Lao massage.
    In the evening, you will have the unique opportunity to experience one of Laos' oldest traditions, The Baci. The purpose of the Baci, which is a mix of Animist and Buddhist beliefs, is to call back escaped spirits to the body.
    Stay overnight in Vientiane

    Day 3 - Vientiane - Wat Sokapaluang

    Place Transport: Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Start the morning early making merit. At sunrise, you will have the opportunity to participate in the practice of giving alms to Laos Buddhist monks - a crucial activity of a monk's day before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
    Today, you will travel outside of Vientiane to a forest temple renowned for its work in engaged Buddhism, or Buddhism for development. At the forest temple, you will tour the temple's herbal gardens and learn about their grassroots recycling techniques. You will contribute to the beauty of the temple's garden by planting your own plants, or strolling through the gardens or for you practice meditation.
    Your private car and driver will meet at the temple and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.