pt-pten +351 21 845 26 89 / 90 geral@papa-leguas.com
+351 21 845 26 89 / 90 geral@papa-leguas.com

Discovering Indochina

Starting 1.900
Flights not included
Single Room
440
Disponibilidade
Início
Fim
Estado
Friday27 Oct, 2023
Monday13 Nov, 2023
privada2.095,0
Thursday30 Nov, 2023
Sunday17 Dec, 2023
esgotada1.900,0
Thursday18 Apr, 2024
Sunday05 May, 2024
esgotada1.900,0
Thursday28 Nov, 2024
Sunday15 Dec, 2024
esgotada1.900,0
Thursday17 Apr, 2025
Sunday04 May, 2025
ultimas vagas1.900,0
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Particular Conditions Condições Gerais
stone temple with tree trunks in angkor wat in cambodia on trip to indochina

Discovering Indochina


Condições Gerais

The present program/online catalog is the informative document in which the current general conditions are included. They constitute, in the absence of a separate document, the travel contract.
 
The information is binding for the agency, except for some of the present conditions: 
  • If the changes in the following conditions have been clearly communicated in writing to the client before the conclusion of the contract and they are properly provided for in the program;

  • Any changes subsequent to the conclusion of the contract are subject to prior agreement of both the agency and the client, except as provided in the "impossibility of comply" clause.

These general conditions comply with the provisions of Decree-Law 61/2011 of May 6th, as amended by Decree-Law 199/2012 of August 24th.

The general conditions, which refer to an organized trip described in this program, along with the specific conditions provided to the client in the travel documentation at the time of booking, constitute the travel contract that binds the agency and the client.


1. ORGANIZATION

The technical organization and sale of the activities included on this website are the responsibility of Papa-Léguas, a travel and tourism agency, with home office at Rua Manuel Assunção Mestre, nº22,  7780-199 Castro Verde, registered in the Commercial Registry Office of Lisbon with Taxpayer Identification Number 504163590. It has a share capital of €99,759.60 (ninety-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine euros and sixty cents). Papa-Léguas is also registered with the National Registry of Travel Agents and Tourism Operators (RNAVT) nº2275 and the National Registry of Tourist Animation Agents (RNAT) nº67/2014.

2. REGISTRATIONS

At the time of registration the client must deposit 30% of the service price, paying the remaining 70% up to 21 days before the service begins. If the registration takes place 21 days or less before the service begins, the total price of the service must be paid at the time of registration. Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. reserves the right to cancel any booking that has not been paid for under the conditions mentioned above. Reservations are subject to the obtaining of a confirmation from suppliers for all services.

The prices of tours are presented per person and based on the occupation in a room shared by two people. The organizing agency will group clients who sign up individually for the same tour in pairs, by gender, and in chronological order of registration. Clients who are singled out must pay the respective individual supplement, when required by the service provider.

INFORMATION UNDER LAW N.º 144/2015 OF SEPTEMBER 8:

According to Law No. 144/2015 of September 8th, we inform that the customer may resort to the following Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution Entities:

           i) Customer Authority of Travel and Tourism Agencies at provedorapavt.com;

          ii) Arbitration Commission of Tourism in Portugal at turismodeportugal.pt;

         iii) Or any of the entities indicated in the list provided by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt, which we recommend consulting. 

3. COMPLAINTS

Complaints will only be considered if submitted in writing to the agency within a maximum period of 30 days after the completion of the services.

In the event of a complaint regarding non-compliance with contracted services, the customer may activate the Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund provided for in DL 61/2011 of May 6, in its current wording, by submitting the respective complaint:

i) To the Customer Authority, as Papa-Léguas, Travel and Tourism Agency Ltd., is a member of the Customer Ombudsman for Travel and Tourism Agencies at www.provedorapavt.com. To benefit from this service, you must submit your written complaint within 20 business days after the end of the trip. Agencies are bound to comply promptly with any decisions issued by this entity.

ii) To Tourism of Portugal I.P. at www.turismodeportugal.pt within 30 days after: (i) the end of the trip; (ii) the cancellation of the trip attributable to the agency; (iii) the date of knowledge of the impossibility of its realization due to the agency; (iv) the closure of the establishment.

iii) To any of the entities listed on the website of the General Directorate for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt.

4. LUGGAGE

1) The agency is responsible for the luggage in the legal terms;

2) The Client has the obligation to complain to the service provider at the moment of subtraction, deterioration or destruction of luggage.

3) In international transport, if the luggage is damaged, the complaint must be made in writing to the carrier immediately after the damage is verified, and no later than 7 days after delivery. If the luggage is merely late in delivery, the claim must be made within 21 days from the date of delivery.

4) The presentation of such a claim will be an essential basis for Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. to hold responsible the entity providing the service.

5. LIMITS

The responsibility of the agency will be limited to the maximum amount that can be demanded from the service providers, in accordance with the Montreal Convention of May 28, 1999, on International Air Transport, and the Bern Convention of 1961, on Rail Transport.

Regarding maritime transport, the liability of travel agencies, concerning their clients, for the provision of transport services or accommodation, when applicable, by maritime transport companies, in the event of damages resulting from their willful misconduct or negligence, will be limited to the following amounts:

a) € 441,436, in case of death or physical injury;

b) € 7,881, in case of total or partial loss of baggage or its damage;

c) € 31,424, in case of loss of a motor vehicle, including the baggage contained therein;

d) € 10,375, in case of loss of baggage, whether accompanied or not, contained in a motor vehicle;

e) € 1,097, for damages to baggage resulting from the damage to the motor vehicle.

Where applicable, the liability of travel agencies and tourism for the deterioration, destruction, and theft of baggage or other items in tourist accommodation establishments, while the client is staying there, is limited as follows:

a) € 1,397, in total;

b) € 449 per item;

c) The value declared by the client regarding the items deposited under the custody of the tourist accommodation establishment.

The agency's liability for non-bodily damages may be contractually limited to an amount corresponding to five times the price of the service sold.

6. RESERVATION EXPENSES

For each reservation the following will be charged:

Reservation Expenses:

  • Portugal: 15€ (fifteen euros);
  • Remaining Countries: 30€ (thirty euros).

Alteration Expenses:

For each alteration (names, dates, type of apartment or room, travel, etc) : 50€ (fifty euros). Please note that the acceptance of such changes depends on the acceptance by the respective suppliers.

7. DOCUMENTATION

The client must have their personal or family documentation in good order (identity card, military documentation, authorization for minors, visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents that may be required). The agency disclaims any responsibility for visa refusal or the client's denial of entry into a foreign country. The client is solely responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such a situation.

Travel in European Union: 

  • Clients (regardless of age) traveling within the European Union must possess the respective civil identification document (passport; ID card, Citizen Card).
  • To receive medical assistance, they must carry the corresponding European Health Insurance Card.
  • Nationals of non-EU countries should consult specific information regarding the necessary documentation for travel with the embassies/consulates of their countries of origin.

Travel outside the European Union:

  • Clients (regardless of age) traveling within the European Union must possess the respective civil identification document (passport) as well as a visa, if necessary (get this information from the agency at the time of booking);
  • Nationals of non-EU countries should consult specific information regarding the necessary documentation for travel from the embassies/consulates of their countries of origin.
8. CHANGES

If the travel suppliers involved allow it, whenever a customer who is registered for a particular trip wishes to change their registration to another trip or the same trip with a different departure date, or any other changes, they must pay a fee as alteration expenses. However, if the change takes place 21 days or less before the departure date of the trip for which the customer is registered, or if the service providers do not accept the change, the customer will be subject to the expenses and charges specified under the “cancellation (termination)” section.

Once the trip has started, if a request is made to change the contracted services for reasons not related to the agency (e.g., extending the number of nights of stay, changing the flight), the prices of the touristic services may not correspond to those published on the website that prompted the contract.

9. ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION (CONTRACT POSITION)

The customer may transfer their registration by being replaced by another person who meets all the required conditions for the trip, provided that they inform the selling agency at least seven days in advance and such transfer is possible under the applicable air transport regulations. In the case of cruises and air travel, the prescribed period will be fifteen days in advance.

The transfer of the registration makes both the transferor and the transferee jointly responsible for the payment of the trip price and any additional charges incurred.

 

10. ALTERATIONS

Whenever there are external reasons that justify it, the organizing agency may change the order of the itineraries, modify the departure times, or substitute any of the planned hotels with others of similar category and location. The agency must inform the client of such changes as soon as they become aware of them.

11. CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM BY THE AGENCY

When the tour is dependent on a minimum number of participants the Agency reserves the right to cancel the organized tour if the number of participants reached is less than the minimum. In such cases, the Client will be informed in writing of the cancellation within 15 (fifteen) days.

12. PRICE CHANGES

The prices in the program are based on the costs of services and exchange rates in effect on the date of printing of the program, and are therefore subject to change resulting from variations in the cost of transportation or fuel, duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rate fluctuations up to 20 days prior to the date of departure.

13. REFUNDS

Once the tour has begun, no refund is due for services not used by the client due to unforeseeable circumstances or for reasons attributable to the client, except for refunds by the respective suppliers. Failure to provide services foreseen in the travel program for reasons attributable to the organizing agency and if it is not possible to replace them with equivalent ones, entitles the client receive a refund for the price difference between the originally anticipated services and the services actually provided.

 

 

14. IMPOSSIBILITY OF COMPLIANCE

If, prior to the start of the journey and due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency, it becomes unable to fulfill any essential service included in the travel program, the client has the right to cancel the trip and immediately receive a refund of all amounts paid, or alternatively, accept a modification and possible price variation.

If the aforementioned circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency result in the cancellation of the trip, the client may choose to participate in another organized trip of equivalent price. If the proposed replacement organized trip is of a lower price, the client will be refunded the price difference accordingly.

15. WITHDRAWAL (TERMINATION)

The client or their companions are free to cancel the trip at any time.

i) Such cancellation implies that the client is responsible for the payment of all charges arising from the beginning of the fulfillment of the contract and their withdrawal, as well as a percentage that can go up to 15% of the price of the trip.

ii) If applicable, the client will be refunded the difference between the amount paid and the aforementioned amounts.

iii) The cancellation of travel services/organized trips whose reservation has been made using the voucher issued under Decree-Law No. 17/2020 of April 23rd is subject to a cancellation fee equal to the price of the service, in order to prevent simulated or fraudulent reservations made solely with the intention of anticipating the receipt of the voucher-entitled values.

16. CANCELLATION

If for reasons not attributable to the client, the agency has to cancel the organized tour before the departure date, the client can choose to:

i) Being immediately refunded all amounts paid;

ii) Optionally, choose to participate in another organized tour and be refunded for any difference in price.

17. RESPONSABILITY

The liability of the travel agency organizing the trips included in this program and arising from the assumed obligations is covered by a civil liability insurance policy with Fidelidade Insurance Company, under policy number 9257343, for an amount of 75,000€ (Seventy-five thousand euros), in accordance with the applicable legislation.

18. VAT

The prices mentioned in this program already include the Value Added Tax at the current rate of 23%

19. VALIDITY

This program is valid from 01/01/2022 to 12/31/2022

20. NOTES
  • The remaining special conditions will be included on the page of each destination and trip - in the particular conditions - and they are part of the travel contract.
  • These general conditions may be supplemented by any other specific conditions agreed upon by the agency and the client.
  • The program prices are based on the average exchange rate of the dollar, so any significant deviation from this currency may result in a revision of the travel prices, as stated in the "price alteration" clause.
  • Due to constant fluctuations in fuel prices, there may be changes to the fuel surcharge included in the price, as stated in the "price alteration" clause.
  • The hotel categories presented in this brochure comply with the quality standards of the host country. However, they may be replaced by similar ones if, due to reasons beyond the agency's control, it is not possible to maintain or confirm the existing reservation. The agency will promptly inform the client once they become aware of such situations.
21. GENERAL INFORMATION

Arrival or departure times:

Departure and arrival times are stated in the local time of the respective country of destination and according to respective airline schedules at the time of printing this program, and may therefore be subject to change.

Hotels / Apartments:

Apartments - In case the accommodation is contracted in apartments, the client is responsible for informing the number of people that will occupy the apartment. If there are more people than booked, the apartments may refuse admittance.

Hotels - The prices shown are per person and are based on double occupancy. Not all hotels have triple rooms and usually an extra bed is placed in the room, which may not be of equal quality. In rooms equipped with two beds or a double bed, the triple may consist only of those beds.

The list of hotels and apartments in the program is indicative, as is their category, which is based on local criteria and classifications that are sometimes different from those used in Portugal.

Meals:

Unless otherwise indicated, the prices shown for the Half Board and Full Board supplements do not include drinks.

On arrivals at the hotel after 7PM the first meal service will be breakfast the next day, on the last day and except for the possibility of late check-out, the last service of the hotel will be breakfast.

Check-in and check-out times:

The check-in and check-out times on the first and last day, will be defined according to the first and last service. As a rule, without binding character, the rooms can be used from 2PM on the day of arrival and should be left free by noon (12PM) on the day of departure.

In the apartments, the entry takes place generally at 5PM on the day of arrival and must be left free by 10AM on the day of departure.

Special conditions for children:

Given the conditions applied for children (destination and provider) it is recommended to always question the special conditions that may apply to the tour in question.

Insurande:

The agency offers the sale of insurance that can be purchased depending on the tour to guarantee assistance situations and cancellation expenses.

The maximum age limit, for the insurance, is 75 years-old.

22. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY POLICY

See our full Data Protection and Privacy Policy here.

stone temple with tree trunks in angkor wat in cambodia on trip to indochina

Discovering Indochina


Condições Particulares

Documentation
The necessary documentation may vary, depending on your nationality, the country of origin and the places you will travel to. For further information, consult the relevant embassy websites or contact Papa-Léguas.

Meals
Meals will be had, whenever possible, in typical restaurants frequented by the local population, thus ensuring the closest possible contact with the gastronomic culture of the country visited. Please note that the standard of meals may not coincide with what you are used to in Portugal.

Individual Supplement
The single room supplement does not apply to nights on trains and ships.

Tour Leader
This is a trip of adventure and cultural discovery. The tour leader is a person with experience in the country to be visited, having a network of contacts and knowledge that facilitates interaction and a unique cultural experience. Their mission is to lead the group during the whole trip facilitating the interaction and integration of the group with the places to be visited.
The tour leader’s role should never be confused with that of a tour guide. No specific knowledge about monuments, museums, or other places of tourist interest is required of the tour leader.
If your trip includes places that, due to their historical, geological, biological or artistic complexity, need a guide, this will be hired in advance and there will be an explicit reference to his existence in the trip program.

Transfers
Travelers who do not purchase flights from Papa-Léguas may not be assured of arrival and departure transfers if their flights are not exactly the same as the flights booked for the group.
If the traveller chooses to book the transfers Papa-Léguas for the flights they have bought on their own, there is an additional fee, which varies according to the destination country and the program.

Líder da viagem

Nuno Cruz

Tour leader

In the groups I lead, I bridge the gap between these people who make up their spaces and travelers while immersing themselves together in local cultures and habits through these guides, friends and travelers that life has brought my way 😀

Learn more >

Estamos a preparar o seu programa de viagem.
Aguarde por favor...

Do you have a question?

Do not hesitate to call us. We have a specialized team and we will be happy to talk to you.

+351 21 845 26 89 / 90

geral@papa-leguas.com

Details of viagem
  • Conforto
  • Dificuldade
  • Duração 18 dias
  • Inscrições 5 - 12 people
  • Idade 17 - 75
  • Tipo de viagem Discovery, Tour leader
  • Destinos Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
  • Alojamento Embarcação, Hotel, Train

An adventure in Indochina means getting to know three countries in one trip: Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.

Faraway Indochina has always exerted an enormous fascination on travelers. Going to discover Indochina is looking for the peaceful life that is observed as we travel through villages flanked by peaceful streams, the ancient temples that we visit, the exotic smells framed by traditional architecture make this region of the world one of the places to visit at least once in a lifetime.

This trip through Indochina will be accompanied by an experienced traveler, who knows and will serve as a facilitator throughout the adventure through the countries we will visit, the travel leader Nuno Cruz.

Why this viagem is a must?
  • Ho Chi Min's French Quarter;
  • Bai Tu Long bay;
  • Luang Prabang night market;
  • The temples of Angkor Wat.

Included

  • Accompaniment by a portuguese Papa-Léguas tour leader;
  • Transfers airport - hotel - airport (see specific conditions);
  • All land transport in public and private vehicles;
  • 13 Nights in a hotel and 1 night on a ship in a double room and 1 night in a train cabin for 4 people;
  • Meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner;
  • Visits according to the itinerary;
  • Travel insurance and assistance.

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights;
  • Entry visas: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos;
  • Airport fees;
  • All optional visits and activities;
  • All personal expenses;
  • Any type of gratuity;
  • Any item not mentioned as included.
Mapa
Itinerary

Dia 1 Flight city of origin - Hanoi

Flight from origin city to Hanoi (Vietnam).
Layovers and overnight in flight. Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification.

Alojamento: XRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 2 Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an electrifying city that vibrates along alleys and streets filled with bicycles, motorcycles that, like ants, move incessantly everywhere forcing cars into slower and longer traffic.

Street barbers, street vendors, and small restaurants improvised on the sidewalks mingle among the cafes and stores with a thousand and one things. On every corner there is a mix of modern and old, with the buildings representing a mix between French colonialism and Vietnamese disorganization and decay mirrored in the old facades and literally falling apart. A mix of fashion and traditional in the clothing, beaked straw hats, Vietnamese flags, and majestic cages where countless birds enchant those who listen to them and mingle with the sounds of motorcycles and horns.

It is one of the tour leader's favorite cities in southwest Asia, for its frenetic energy and family coffee shops where social life happens over a Sua Da or an Egg coffee.

After traveling from the airport to the hotel, we stroll through the center of this iconic city exploring its secrets and the reasons why the tour leader fell in love with it.
After arriving and depending on the time of arrival, we leave our bags at the hotel or check in and stretch our legs walking to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying a chocolate, macha or cheese roti along the way.

From the lake we explore the merchants' quarter, with its 36 streets dedicated to each craft and which even the train line crosses right next to the buildings, taking us to the temple of Literature. In fact, this was the first and oldest university in Vietnam which, being founded and governed by the principles of Confucius, became known as a temple dedicated to him.

We can also try the coffee with egg and the Sua Da which is composed of condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee with ice, a delicious bomb.
If there is time, we can also stroll around the opera house and the surrounding neighborhood with its imposing government buildings and where we can eat a beautiful coconut and vanilla ice cream (kem).
Next comes dinner and the streets with the cheapest beer in the world.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 3 Bai Tu Long Bay

After breakfast, the transfer will pick us up at the hotel and take us to the traditional boat that will transport us in the bay.
The program includes several activities that allow us to feel and experience the bay and the evening will be spent on board with local cuisine.

Bai Tu Long Bay occupies three-quarters of the world heritage site of Halong Bay, as well as many islands in Van Don in the Cam Pha district. Traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay is off the beaten track and promises to offer many unique experiences, away from the tourist sites and with all the atmosphere of Halong.

Alojamento: EmbarcaçãoRefeições: Pequeno-almoço, Almoço, Jantar
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 4 Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi

This morning there is nothing like waking up early and enjoying the sunrise inside the bay, followed by a breakfast rich in energy and variety.
We then sail a bit along the bay after saying goodbye to the crew and, with this feeling of lightness, disembark in and catch the transfer back to Hanoi. Here a quiet dinner, a unique and traditional water puppet show and a stroll around Hoam Kiem lake with its lights and end-of-day sporting activities await us (yes the Vietnamese take advantage of every little space to dance, play badminton or other sports like peteca).

The night market is just within reach and so are the bars and nightlife for the more intrepid.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 5 Free day Hanoi - Night train to Danang

After breakfast we say goodbye to Hanoi by strolling towards the west lake where Hanoi's oldest pagoda awaits us, but first we have time to still visit the one pillar pagoda and pass by the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.
Time to rest our legs and we try another traditional vanilla ice cream (kem) and proceed to my favorite place to eat a traditional Bun Cha for lunch.

After this "like a local" lunch, there is nothing like an egg coffee in one of Hanoi's familiar coffee houses and a short drive to the hotel where the afternoon is free or you can follow the tour leader.

The day is only complete with a street dinner and the world's only and cheapest beer, bia Hói, a craft draft beer that can only be found in this town and cozies us up for the train ride we will have to Da Nang.

Alojamento: TrainRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 6 Hoi An

Located at the mouth of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a port city that prospered due to its strategic position, serving as a trading post for the sale of spices and silks. Famous since the 1st century AD, when it was considered the largest port in Southwest Asia, until the 19th century it experienced different cultures and lifestyles, due to the Asian and European people who resided there and bequeathed a unique multicultural and architectural dimension to the city.
This is where we arrive after a good night's sleep and a 45-minute transfer from Da Nang, where the train drops us off.

After arrival, we check into the hotel and take a tour of the city where we visit the municipal hall of the Fujian Chinese congregation, the Japanese bridge, and the Ky Tan house as we wander through the streets surrounded by wonderful buildings that stretch along the river and are covered with lanterns that give the city a unique atmosphere.

Lunch is at the central market where the renovated space offers some of the most popular meals in town such as cao lau and wontons.

The rest of the day is dedicated to wandering around the city and for those who want, we will explore the rice terraces that surround it, getting in touch with the life and daily routine of the Vietnamese who go about their lives as they have always lived them, dedicated to fishing, agriculture and other trades.

In the evening we visit Mot and can drink a very local (non-alcoholic) infusion that he has created and will happily serve to us accompanied by a delicious banh mi, cao lau, white rose or other local dish.

The atmosphere of the town makes magic happen on the banks of the Thu Bon river, and with it, the feeling of another night on vacation.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 7 Hoi An

Today we keep relaxing in Hoi An, with a stroll along the beach (it depends on the time of year, usually on the August tour we beach on this day) and the rice terraces around the city.

We still take advantage of some free time to wander through the streets dressed in colors and illuminated by lamps, so traditional on this side of the world.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 8 Flight Danang - Ho Chi Min, exploring the city

After this relaxed time in Hoi An, we leave for Da Nang, and fly to Ho Chi Minh where after landing, we head to the hotel to drop off our bags and continue exploring the city.

Ho Chi Minh City, old Saigon immortalized in movies like "Good Morning, Vietnam" with Robin Williams, is today an exciting Southwest Asian city where the frenzy of motorcycles, skyscrapers, and buildings of modern architecture replace the traditional houses of French colonial architecture.

Still we can enjoy the vibrant energy of the city and walk through the old colonial district with the central post office, from where you can send a postcard home giving news of your trip; the Notre Dame cathedral, totally "imported" from France; check out the splendor of the Maison de ville; the opera building dating from the beginning of the 20th century and the streets, avenues and alleys with their classically designed buildings and interiors full of stores, hotels and luxurious restaurants along with the magic tricks or singing performed by some young people under the watchful eye of Ho Chi Minh on the city's newest promenade that ends at the river.

Then, we say "goodnight" Ho Chi Minh and Tam biet Vietnam, as the next day we head to Cambodia and its capital, Phnom Penh.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 9 Bus to Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Today is a day of land travel and crossing borders. We leave Vietnam for Cambodia in a trip of about 7 hours with the time to cross the border and stop for meals.

Cambodia today is a country still recovering from the trauma of the Khmer rouges and although the population is increasing there are still many structural problems. Corruption is rampant, education is still in its infancy, and there are many social problems that are being tackled as best as possible.
Tourism in the country is centered in Siem Reap with the temples in Angkor Park, but there is more life and more things to do in other places, including the capital where we stopped.

We arrive in Phnom Penh, the capital of the country that was one of the cities that suffered the most during the brutal Khmer regime, having its population drastically reduced by 80 to 90 percent with the coming to power of the Khmer Rouge and the implementation of the brutal Pol Pot regime.

After arriving we will go to the hotel and depending on the time available we will stroll around the city walking along the river and enjoying its atmosphere and observing the differences between the Vietnamese and Cambodian people.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 10 Phnom Penh

Stretching along the Mekong River, this city began to grow and develop after the fall of the peak of the Khmer empire in the 13th century. Since then it has taken over as the capital of the country that has shrunk dramatically after the centuries it dictated the pace of life on the peninsula.

If in Europe we have concentration camps, particularly Auschwitz, here in this city we find an old high school converted into a prison and torture center by the Khmer. We recall the same feeling and memories of distant Poland, for this school houses the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where we can understand a little more about the scourge that befell Cambodia during the years of Khmer Rouge rule.

We'll still have time to unwind and wander the streets of the city, take in what the regime has done to it and thus understand its inhabitants better. Then a visit to the royal palace with its silver pagoda and emerald Buddha can help to ensure that events like these never happen again.

In the evening we will have dinner and be able to watch a traditional "Khmer kickbox" fight.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 11 Boat trip to Siem Reap

Early wake up and heading for the Mekong River where a boat will take us across Ton Sep La Lake to the town of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is the entrance to Angkor temple complex dating from the 12th century but long before that. The temple of Angkor Wat is probably the best known and most iconic of all, but there are many secrets that we will uncover.
In Siem Reap we set up a base to quietly explore the temples in Angkor Park and the heart of the city.

After disembarking we head to the hotel to check in, rest a bit and walk through the old market and the streets around the "old market" to center ourselves in the city.

Those who wish may try a massage and in the evening a well deserved dinner awaits us accompanied by some dances about daily life in Khmer villages and the Apsara, an ancient Khmer dance.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 12 Temples of Angkor Wat

We awaken in the morning and embark on a journey into the glorious Khmer past as we explore the city and the temples that are Hindu in origin, and which, over time, have been converted and adapted or built from scratch with Buddhist precepts.

We will visit and learn about the Hindu mythological and Vedic stories engraved on the walls of Angkor Wat; the giant carved faces and reliefs with their symbolism in the temple of Bayon, heart of Angkor Thom, the city of King Jayavarman VI; the terrace of the leper king or Yama the god of death; the terrace from which the king watched the military parades; some of the gates of the city of Angkor Thom where as we pass on its access bridges, we are surrounded by the statues of demons and gods holding Vasuki, the naga, who pulled in cooperation to shake Mount Meru and thus obtain the elixir of eternal life; centuries-old trees that have taken root in the walls of Ta Phrom and the calmness of the Ta Nei temple that remains secluded and thus protected from the crowds in its exile in the middle of the forest.

There is still time throughout the day for one more temple (or more), sunset, and when the day is over and the park closes, the return to the hotel to cool off in the pool before dinner.

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Dia 13 Temples of Angkor Wat

The day starts very early to see the incredible and unique sunrise at Angkor Wat and either take advantage of the crowds returning to the hotels for breakfast or stay overnight and dedicate ourselves to exploring the mausoleum temple of Suryavarman II with its stories along the magnificently detailed reliefs.

We examine the most interesting bas-reliefs with the battles between Pandavas and Kauravas, the churning of the milk ocean, and others until we reach the chamber of the thousand buddhas from where we access the inner quincux which symbolizes the 5 peaks of the mythological mount meru.
Here we can ascend to the top and contemplate a magnificent view as far as the eye can see.

In the afternoon we have lunch on our way to Kbal Spean where, after a walk through the jungle and thus already involved by nature, we marvel at the stone reliefs of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu who await us to toast us with their blessings that flow along the 1000 languages that the river continuously erodes throughout the centuries.

We will also pass by the temple of Banteay Srei, also known as the citadel of women, due to its pink color and unique details of the sculptures, and which its small size makes it stand out, making it one of the best preserved and most characteristic temples in the park. A temple not to be missed and whose characteristics and history we will unveil together.

In the evening those who want can try a fusion of Cambodian and French cuisine in a mixture of insects prepared in some of the European ways. A unique fusion of flavors and an unforgettable experience to break the diet like a local.

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Dia 14 Flight to Siem Reap - Luang Prabang

Depending on the time of the flight to Luang Prabang there may still be time for some final shopping in Siem Reap or to visit the Siem Reap museum, where we will appreciate the collection from the temples and synthesize the history and knowledge of the past two days.

We say goodbye to Cambodia with a trip to the airport from where we fly to Luang Prabang in northern Laos.
Luang Prabang is an ancient city in the heart of the jungle where the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River meet. This small town is one of the most emblematic places in Laos because, besides being an old capital, it was an important trade crossing point on the Mekong River. Today it stands out for its center which is a UNESCO cultural heritage site, the royal palace and the numerous Buddhist temples of which Wat Xieng Thong stands out.

After landing, we head to the hotel to check in and take the opportunity to visit the Kuang Si park, where we first have lunch and then venture into the jungle to discover waterfalls, natural pools where you can swim, butterflies, see and read about the rescued and protected black bears.
The trafficking of exotic animals, plants and wood is one of the problems that most plagues Laos and this topic is well elucidated here through the texts and images available and explanatory of the fauna and flora of this country.

At dusk we return to Luang Prabang where we have dinner at the local market and if you want, you can visit the night market to see or bargain for a typical souvenir.

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Dia 15 Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we go by tuk tuk to the boat with which we go up the Mekong River. For about 3 hours, on a relaxing ride, we can observe how life flows along the river.

The destination is the two Pak Ou caves (which means the mouth of the Ou River because they are where the Mekong River and the Ou River meet) where thousands of wooden Buddhas await us.
We still have time to visit a more traditional village along the way and try the famous Lao rice wine or their typical rice brandy.

After lunch we return to Luang Prabang also by boat and we can enjoy the trip to sleep or simply let the surrounding mountains, the sound of the water and the surrounding vegetation and life invade our senses.

We arrive in the city in time to visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple, one of the oldest and most picturesque in the city, and walk through the traditional streets with French features mixed with Lao elements.
The day culminates with the conquest of Mount Phousi.

The evening is free and dinner takes place by the river and after crossing one of the traditional and ancient bamboo bridges that still connect the riverbanks throughout Laos today.

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Dia 16 Second day in Luang Prabang

Laos is synonymous with calm and friendship. It is one of the leader tour's favorite countries and today is the day that is free to enjoy and explore why it is so.

You can rest at the hotel, get massages, stop at some store that is dedicated to producing high quality textiles that when purchased help local women, go to the pool or participate in some social initiatives.

Papa-Léguas, committed to developing tourism in a sustainable and responsible way, tries to directly or indirectly support social solidarity projects in the places where it travels, and there is some time on this day to participate in activities with local people and thus see and feel first-hand how life is in Laos.

From doing a cooking class in a local village and house or creating utensils with artisans at their workplaces, to visiting schools, you can find, with the help of our local partner institution and tour leader, a family, institution or person to spend a few hours with to share and get to know an ancient and surely different culture from ours.
It is a small way to change our world and the world around us by learning and sharing in a unique symbiosis and opportunity to live the journey in a different and sustainable way.

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Dia 17 Flight Luang Prabang (Laos) - Origin City

This morning is free, so you can take advantage of the morning rest at the hotel, relax with a massage or make a final foray into one of the local markets.
According to the flight time, we will depart towards the airport to begin the trip home.

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Dia 18 Arrival in city of origin

Arrival in Origin city. Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification. Behind were adventures and surely many stories to tell.

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FAQs

Is this trip for me?

This trip is made for those who want to fall in love with Southwest Asia. From Vietnam to Laos, we will travel the roads of the ancient Khmer empire and the peoples who inhabited those lands and still have their descendants occupying those same places today. We will cross and sail the great Mekhong River, feel the vibrancy of Hanoi, and the tranquility of Laos.

Who will guide this trip?

The leader of this trip is Nuno Cruz who has several personal visits and led tours to Iran and has collaborated with Papa-Léguas since 2015 leading trips to other destinations as well: India, Indonesia, Iran, and the Baltic (Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Finland).

What kind of accommodation do I stay in during this trip?

Accommodation is in double or twin (two single beds) rooms. We will also sleep one night aboard a boat where we will visit Bai Tu Long Bay in Halong. All rooms provide towels, linen, and have private bathrooms right on the boat. We will also have an overnight trip on a comfortable train with sleeping in a cabin with four couchettes where sheets and covers are provided.

What kind of transportation do we use on this trip?

On this trip we will use private transport to do most of the moving but also the train and boat to Bai Tu/Halong bay and a fast boat in Laos and another one in Cambodia (it depends on the time of tour you are going on because at one time of the year the river doesn't have enough flow for this boat to operate). Finally we will use auto-rickshaw vehicles in the temples of Angkor Wat.

Are arrival and departure transfers included?

Yes, arrival and departure transfers are included and are arranged between the tour leader and the participants before arrival at the destination or before the return departure. On this trip there is a group flight, that is, there is a specific time for arrival and the transfers will be according to the arrival of that flight. Those who choose to buy different flights will have to be at the airport at the same time to take advantage of the transfers.

Does Papa-Léguas handle the flights?

Papa-Léguas sends you a flight proposal. Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification. After you receive the flight simulation, you can choose to buy from Papa-Léguas or another agency, or online.

Where do I meet the group?

The group can meet at the airport if the travelers are in the same origin city and have identical flights, or at the airport upon arrival in Hanoi.

If I sign up alone, do I have to pay an individual supplement?

Not necessarily. If you do not wish to stay alone in the accommodations, you can share them with another person who is signed up. Papa-Léguas may group travelers who sign up individually for the same trip in pairs, by sex and chronological order of registration, and if the number of participants is odd, the traveler who stays alone must pay the respective individual supplement.

Can I drink tap water in the countries to visit?

It is not at all recommended to drink tap water.

How much money should I bring for my personal expenses?

For this trip it is recommended to bring 93 US dollars to pay for the entry visas to Cambodia and Laos and also between 150 to 200 Eur and about 50 to 100 US dollars for meals and transport not included. Keep in mind that all the money you bring should be in 20 Euro/Dollar bills and larger because the exchange rate is better for these bills than for 5 or 10 Euro/Dollar bills. All the dollars you bring must have no visible cuts or tears and be from a date after 2013; otherwise they will not be accepted locally for exchange or payment. In Cambodia it is easier to make payments in dollars and in Laos and Vietnam you can change euros into the respective local currencies upon arrival with the leader. Credit and debit cards work as well as others such as the Revolut and N26.

Is insurance included in the land program?

Yes, it is included. The exception is for travelers not departing from national soil, whether or not they hold Portuguese nationality. The included insurance does not cover COVID-19, but you can trigger an optional insurance policy suggested by Papa-Léguas that does cover COVID-19. For more information regarding available insurance policies, see our page about travel insurance.

What documentation do I need to go on this trip?

The necessary documentation may vary, depending on your nationality, the country of origin and the places you will travel to. For further information, consult the relevant embassy websites or contact Papa-Léguas.

What equipment is essential for this trip?

For this trip it is recommended to bring an umbrella that will serve for the sun and for the rain that may eventually occur. In the month of August it is recommended to bring a swimsuit as we will be able to enjoy the beach in Hoi An more. Sunglasses, mosquito repellent with DEET greater than 5, sunscreen and a sun hat are also recommended in addition to a raincoat. We will have a light hike for which comfortable shoes are recommended. Canteen to take water with you is highly recommended.

What are the health restrictions for entering the country?

Health restrictions may vary, depending on various factors, such as your country of origin. We recommend scheduling a Travel Medicine consultation before your trip. Those who have been less than 6 months in a South American country must have proof of vaccination against yellow fever. It is recommended to have up to date vaccines for tetanus and hepatitis. In these countries there are occurrences of dengue and malaria in the interior and in the jungles. We will be walking near these jungles, so as there have been no reports to date of dengue or malaria contamination, we recommend caution and wearing light, comfortable clothing with long sleeves and long pants, especially at sunrise and sunset when the mosquitoes are most active. During the rest of the day you can walk around freely. For further information, consult the websites of relevant agencies or contact Papa-Léguas.

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