Asian discovery
From Indochina to the Kingdom of Bhutan
15 days / 14 nights : From 05 to 25 November 2023
15 days / 14 nights : From 06 to 26 March 2024
15 days / 14 nights : From 12 November to 02 December 2024
Authentic Indochina from 13 950€ per person (based on double room). Single room supplement €1,350
Essential Bhutan extension from 5 950€ per person (based on double room). Single room supplement €950
This magnificent journey opens the doors to Indochina. With its monuments, traditions and religions, this trip is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Asian culture.
Next departures:
- Sunday 05 November 2023 (Bhutan extension 20 November 2023)
- wednesday 06 march 2024 (Bhutan extension 21 March 2024)
- Tuesday 12 November 2024 (Bhutan extension 27 November 2024)
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Accompanied tour designed for a small group of 8 to 20 people
Next departures:
- Sunday 05 November 2023 (Bhutan extension 20 November 2023)
- wednesday 06 march 2024 (Bhutan extension 21 March 2024)
- Tuesday 12 November 2024 (Bhutan extension 27 November 2024)
Your itinerary in brief - Authentic Indochina
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
| France | Paris / Bangkok / Luang Prabang | 05 November | 06 March | 12 November |
| Laos | Luang Prabang: The pearl of the Mekong | 06 - 09 November | 07 - 10 March | 13 - 16 November |
| Vietnam | Hanoi: Between tradition and modernity | 09 - 12 november | 10 - 13 March | 16 - 19 November |
| Vietnam | Luxury cruise on Halong Bay | 12 - 14 November | 13 - 15 March | 19 - 21 November |
| Cambodia | Siem Reap: The City of Kings | 14 - 17 November | 15 - 18 March | 21 - 24 November |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh: Vibrant capital | 17 - 19 November | 18 - 20 March | 24 - 26 November |
| France | Bankgok / Paris | 19 November | 20 March | 26 November |
Highlights of the trip
- Discovering Laos' ethnic minorities
- Participation in the Baci ceremony
- Luxury cruise on Halong Bay
- Cultural and architectural fusion in Hanoi
- Discover the Angkor Temples in Siem Reap
- Visit the Royal Palace in the company of a Royal Highness
Your itinerary at a glance - The essentials of Bhutan
| 2023 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
| France | Phnom Penh - Bangkok - Paro | 19 - 20 November | 20 - 21 March | 26 - 27 November |
| Bhutan | Timphou: The city of happiness | 20 - 22 November | 21 - 23 March | 27 - 29 November |
| Bhutan | Ponakha: Spiritual capital of the kingdom | 23 November | 23 March | 29 November |
| Bhutan | Paro: Sanctuary of the monasteries | 24 - 25 November | 25 - 26 March | 01 - 02 december |
| France | Paro - Bangkok - Paris | 25 November | 26 March | 02 december |
Discover theIndochinaLaos is an enchanting destination, combining age-old traditions and exotic landscapes. Venture to the majestic temples of Angkor Wat and explore the bustling markets of Luang Prabang in Laos. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and sample the region's unique culinary delights. Let yourself be enchanted by the mysterious charms of Indochina, the pearl of Asia. Let yourself be enchanted by the mysterious charms of Indochina, the land of dragons and pagodas.
06 - 09 November
Luang Prabang: The pearl of the Mekong
Our first stop is Laos, renowned for its lush mountains, colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. We land in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital on the banks of the languorous Mekong.
On arrival, a programme of tailor-made massages will help you forget the fatigue of the journey before we set off to discover this charming city of old-world charm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Vat Xiengthong, considered to be the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang, will be our first visit before we board a traditional boat for Vat Longkhoun, famous for its 18th-century frescoes.
The cruise continues to the Pak Ou caves. You will discover traditional villages and numerous ethnic minorities, as well as the Khouang Sy waterfalls. We can't leave this idyllic destination without paying our respects at the tomb of Henri Mouhot.
MONDAY 06 NOV 2023 - BANGKOK / LUANG PRABANG
On arrival, your guide will meet you at Luang Prabang airport, transfer you to your hotel and settle you in.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
The afternoon is free to relax after the long flight.
In the late afternoon, departure for a spa selected by us to enjoy an hour of traditional Laotian massage.
Welcome dinner at L'Eléphant restaurant. Night in Luang Prabang.
TUESDAY 07 NOV 2023 - LUANG PRABANG
In the early morning, leave the hotel to attend the daily monk procession. The people of Luang Prabang rise at dawn and respectfully wait for the procession to give alms to the monks (in the form of food, rice, cakes, fruit, etc.). Visitors also take part and distribute offerings.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Visit the elephant sanctuary park and interact with the elephants while respecting a strict code of good conduct towards these debonair pachyderms.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Visoun and its Sinhalese-style stupa, That Makmo and the former Royal Palace, now a national museum. It has a collection of personal objects that belonged to the Laotian royal family. Our visit continues at Vat Mai, the former residence of the Buddhist patriarch until 1975.
In the late afternoon, a traditional private Baci ceremony is held. Baci is a collective ritual asking the spirits to bring good luck, happiness and prosperity to those present. It is performed on many occasions, from the birth of a child to an inauguration. After the younger people pay homage to the older ones, a mantra is recited to call on the spirits to join the participants.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
WEDNESDAY 08 NOV 2023 - LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVES
After breakfast, departure to discover Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with a visit to the famous Vat Xiengthong, considered to be the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. Its superimposed roofs slope down to the ground, making it one of the city's icons.
Then, departure on a traditional boat to discover Vat Longkhoune, famous for its 18th-century frescoes. The cruise continues upstream on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the two sacred caves of Pak Ou, home to thousands of Buddha statues. The caves are located in one of the cliffs overlooking the river, at the precise point where the Nam Ou flows into the Mekong.
Return to Luang Prabang with a stop at the village of Xang Hai, which specialises in distilling glutinous rice alcohol, and the village of Xang Khong, which specialises in making Saa paper.
On the way, we pay tribute to Henri MOUHOT by visiting his grave near Luang Prabang.
Henri Mouhot was born on 15 May 1826 in Franche-Comté. He was one of the great French explorers of the 19th century and the discoverer of the ruins of Angkor. Passionate about Asia and cartography, he embarked for Indochina and became a friend of the kings of Cambodia. He explored the site of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire, and imagined these exotic countries and their almost inaccessible ruins. In the summer of 1860, Henri Mouhot set off again from Bangkok towards Laos, as far as Luang Prabang. On 15 August 1860, he set up camp on the banks of the Nam Khan River, a tributary of the Mekong, near the village of Ban Phanom, where he succumbed to malaria on 10 November 1861 at the age of 35.
The day ends with a stroll through the town's night market, where you can discover many handmade items from ethnic minorities.
Dinner in a local restaurant with Mr Engelmann.
Francis ENGELMANN trained as an urban planner and has lived in the Land of a Thousand Elephants since 1911. He has been
technical adviser to the Laos National School of Management, and took part in the preparatory work for Lunag Prabang's inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
09 - 12 november
Hanoi: Between tradition and modernity
Our journey continues to Vietnam and its capital Hanoi, famous for its centuries-old architecture and cultural heritage.
These two days will provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and visit the heart of this vibrant city, where tradition and modernity meet. We'll also be paying tribute to Paul Doumer in a fireside chat given by an eminent researcher from the Ecole Française d'Extrême-Orient.
THURSDAY 09 NOV 2023 - LUANG PRABANG / HANOI
After breakfast, departure for the beautiful Khouang Sy waterfalls to admire the picturesque scenery and take a dip in one of the natural pools (weather permitting).
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Return to Luang Prabang with a stop in an ethnic village on the way.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Welcome on arrival at Hanoi airport by your local guide, then check into your hotel.
Dinner at Didier Corlou's.
In the evening (subject to availability at the time of booking), enjoy a dinner combining Vietnamese specialities and French cuisine. Didier Corlou is a renowned chef and a member of the Académie Culinaire de France; his restaurant is housed in a beautiful old colonial house.
Overnight in Hanoi.
FRIDAY 10 NOV 2023 - HANOI
After breakfast, explore Hanoi and visit the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, his former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century relic, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, considered to be the city's oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century and a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism.
The tour continues with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature and then visit Ngoc Son temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, reached by a pretty wooden bridge. On site, we offer an introduction to calligraphy.
The day concludes with a traditional private puppet show on water, with sketches depicting the daily life and beliefs of the rural world.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
SATURDAY 11 NOV 2023 - HANOI - HOA LU - THUNG NANG - HANOI
After breakfast, departure for Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Land Halong Bay" is situated in a flat valley surrounded by limestone mountains, which form a natural wall protecting the old citadel.
On arrival, visit the dynastic temples of Dinh and Le, built in the 17th century, followed by a visit to the village of Van Lam, renowned for its embroidery.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Van Lam village.
Afternoon bicycle ride through the countryside and small villages to reach the Bich Dong pagoda and then the Thung Nang pier (or by buffalo cart for those not wishing to cycle). Board a sampan for a ride through landscapes of cliffs and rice fields.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
12 - 14 November
Luxury cruise on Halong Bay
A road through the rice paddies takes us to Halong Bay, where your fully-privatised junk awaits you.
You'll be greeted with a welcome drink before a delicious lunch as you sail towards the tranquil and serene bay of Lang Ha, where our chef will introduce you to Vietnamese cuisine.
At dawn the next day, you'll enjoy an invigorating Tai Chi session for the more courageous, followed by a visit to a fishing village.
SUNDAY 12 NOV 2023 - HANOI - HALONG
After breakfast, transfer with your guide to Halong.
Arrive and board the junk, where you will be offered a welcome drink before settling in, then it's time to sail and explore Halong Bay - one of the seven natural wonders of the world.the boat heads for Da Chong islet, where you can discover a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago.
Lunch on board before continuing the journey through the unspoilt islets.
Back on board, the Chef will invite you to a cooking class featuring Vietnamese specialities.
Dinner and overnight on board the junk.
MONDAY 13 NOV 2023 - A DAY IN THE BAY
Wake up early with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the terrace before breakfast. Then transfer by boat to Viet Hai village. Cycle along the village track through tropical forests, typical landscapes and rice fields before stopping to visit the village. Visit an ancient local house made of hay, bamboo and mud. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Return by boat.
Lunch on board.
In the afternoon, continue exploring the bay.
Dinner and overnight on board the junk.
TUESDAY 14 NOV 2023 - HALONG - HANOI - SIEM REAP
After breakfast, continue your journey and explore the bay with its dozens of karst rocks emerging from the emerald-coloured water. Possibility of kayaking. Brunch will be served before disembarking at the quay.
On the way to the airport, lunch in a local restaurant.
Flight to Siem Reap, welcome at the airport by your local guide and check-in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
14 - 17 November
Siem Reap: The City of Kings
Our journey continues to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway to the temples of Angkor, seat of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries.
This vast 400km2 complex, considered to be the largest religious complex in the world, is home to more than 200 finely crafted temples, including the main temple of Angkor Wat, as well as the Bayon temple adorned with mysterious faces. An original excursion in the Cambodian countryside will take you to the temple of Bantey Srei (the citadel of women) where André Malraux took a souvenir.
WEDNESDAY 15 NOV 2023 - SIEM REAP
After breakfast, visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, a vast architectural complex with the famous Bayon at its centre. This temple-mountain once comprised 54 towers. Each of the 37 remaining towers features 4 enigmatic faces. We then explore the Baphuon, which a team of French archaeologists has spent 16 years entirely restoring.
Discover the fascinating Ta Phrom temple, undoubtedly one of the most famous monuments along with Angkor Wat and Bayon. Left to the jungle, its ruins are now overgrown with cheese tree roots that look like giant snakes.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat, the most famous of the mountain temples. It is entirely dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, and was built in the early 12th century by Suryavarman II. The temple is considered a masterpiece of Khmer art and architecture.
NoteIf the day of the visit falls on a Buddhist religious day (around 4 or 5 days a month), the visit to Angkor Wat must be postponed to another day in order to be able to visit the 3rd floor of Angkor Wat.
An aperitif aboard a private local boat in the Angkor Thom moat, from the South Gate at Prasat Chrung, this charming ride on the water offers a new perspective on the Angkor site at sunset.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
THURSDAY 16 NOV 2023 - SIEM REAP
After breakfast, departure by road for the village of San Day in the heart of the Cambodian countryside. On arrival, take a bike ride to discover the village at a different pace, greeted by the children, then visit the sugar palm plantations. Cross the rice fields to discover the rice harvest and, to round off this beautiful morning, enjoy a short ox-cart ride.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the famous temple of Banteay Srei, nicknamed the "Citadel of Women". This small pink sandstone temple dates from the end of the 10th century and is considered a jewel of classical Khmer art due to the refinement and beauty of its sculptures. It was made famous by the exploits of André Malraux.
Return to the hotel for a spa, pool session or well-deserved siesta.
In the early evening, transfer to a surprising circus show combining creativity, energy and originality, all steeped in Khmer culture.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
FRIDAY 17 NOV 2023 - SIEM REAP-SAMBOR PREI KUK - PHNOM PENH
After breakfast, departure for Phnom Penh by road.
Visit to the Angkorian temple of Sambor Prei Kuk (UNESCO).
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Continuation to Phnom Penh and arrival at the end of the day.
afternoon.
Dinner at the hotel. Night in Phnom Penh.
17 - 19 November
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Phnom Penh, the kingdom's capital, will be our last stop. Highlights will include a visit to the royal palace and sites associated with Cambodia's recent history.
We will end this wonderful trip with a magnificent evening honoured by the presence of a member of the Royal Family.
It is with a spirit rich in unforgettable memories that we leave each other, impatient to meet again soon for new adventures.
SATURDAY 18 NOV 2023 - PHNOM PENH
After breakfast, departure for a visit to the Royal Palace in the company of a Royal Highness (for security reasons, the name will be given on the morning of the visit) who will show you the Silver Pagoda, the Throne Room and other secrets of the Palace.
Lunch in town.
We continue our tour of the city, visiting the colonial quarters, the Russian market and then discovering S21 prison and the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge era.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
In the evening, a presentation of the Royal Ballet and a meeting with the artists and the Director.
SUNDAY 19 NOV 2023 - PHNOM PENH - BANGKOK - PARIS
After breakfast, you will set off on foot to discover Wat Phnom (the origin of the town's name), have lunch on the river before a good massage and depart for the airport for a short flight to Bangkok and an overnight flight back to Paris.
For participants who have opted for the extension to Bhutan, the same flight from Phnom Penh to Bangkok followed by an overnight stay at the Novotel Bangkok Airport.
With its philosophy of happiness, the Bhutan values the well-being of its people over economic growth. It is home to majestic Buddhist monasteries, breathtaking mountain scenery and a diversity of nature that makes it the medicinal plant garden of the Tibetan Lamas. Its authentic culture, sustainable environmental policy and commitment to holistic development make it a unique gem.
20 - 25 November
Extension - Bhutan
The land of Gross National Happiness, also known as Bhutan, is a unique destination. Discover the capital, Thimphou, which combines ancestral traditions with modernity. You can visit the Royal Palace, the city's landmark, and the Changangkha Temple, one of the oldest in the country. Punakha, nestling in a verdant valley, is a must-see, where you can admire the majestic monastery of Punakha Dzong fortress. In Paro, you'll discover the famous Taktsang monastery, perched at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, as well as Bhutan's emblematic national museum. Bhutan is an exceptional destination, with a rich culture and carefully preserved traditions.
MONDAY 20 NOV 2023 - BANGKOK - PARO
Welcome at the airport by your local guide.
Cross the Paro Chhu river and discover the Dzong fortress, where the district administration is located, typical of traditional Dzong architecture. This imposing structure is considered to be the finest example of Bhutanese architecture in the kingdom. With a total of 13 temples and a 6-storey central tower, this complex is an impressive example of traditional Bhutanese and Buddhist craftsmanship.
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, or "Phelchey Toenkhyim", an exhibition featuring, among other things, handicrafts used by rural households and, in particular, a traditional mill with millstones over 150 years old.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Depart for the Thimphou valley and visit the "Changangkha Lhakhang", a 15th century temple with a large prayer wheel offering an impressive view of the valley. This temple also houses a monastic school.
Nearby is the Drubthob Gompa nunnery, with almost 40 Buddhist nunneries. This sanctuary also provides shelter for orphans and elderly women.
Return to the town and visit Zorig Chusum, often referred to as the "painting school" - this institution offers a 6-year course in 13 arts based on traditional crafts.
Check-in and dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphou.
TUESDAY 21 NOV 2023 - THIMPHOU
After breakfast, visit a private Layrab Choling Goempa temple, an opportunity to take part in a meditation class and a relaxed chat with the resident monks.
After a 40-minute drive in the northern part of the Thimphou valley, we reach the Tango monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan with white walls and a curved structure.
It's a great opportunity to admire the magnificent view down the winding Thimphu valley, the small villages and the Wang Chhu river.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
On the way back to Thimphou, a short stop to see Bhutan's national animal, the forest-dwelling Takin.
Free time in Thimphu.
Option: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath - river stones are heated and once hot, they are immersed in a wooden tub, heating the water and releasing the natural minerals from the stones.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Thimphou.
WEDNESDAY 22 NOV 2023 - TIMPHU- PUNAKHA
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a visit to the National Museum, which offers a collection of interesting works of art, weapons and paintings, then departure for the Punakha valley over a pass that rises to an altitude of more than 3,000 metres.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
The Punakha valley is famous for its picturesque landscapes and historic monuments. Visit to the Dzong (a fortress built in the 17th century at the confluence of the MoChhu and PhoChhu rivers). Stroll through the countryside and discover the villages and their inhabitants.
Check-in at the hotel Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
THURSDAY 23 NOV 2023 - PUNAKHA - PARO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for Paro. On the way, visit the "Dordenma Buddha", a massive seated Buddha 51.5 metres high representing indestructibility.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Continue on to Paro, with its magnificent views of mountains, rice fields and orchards. This region is a bustling commercial centre surrounded by many small towns and villages hidden away in the forests, hills and valleys.
Arrive in Paro and check into hotel.
Free time in Paro.
Before dinner, our host will give you some interesting explanations about Gross National Happiness and Buddhism.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Paro.
FRIDAY 24 NOV 2023 PARO - TAKTSANG MONASTERY - PARO
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a yoga lesson in the house of meditation.
Depart for a walk (approx. 1h30) to the incredible 17th-century Taktsang monastery, the "nest of tigers", perched on a cliffside at 3140 metres overlooking the Paro valley, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Himalayas.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
On the way back, at the north-west end of the Paro valley, visit the ancient Kyichu monastery, a 7th-century temple with an impressive 5-metre statue of the Guru Rinpoche and a statue with 11 heads and 1,000 arms of the God of Compassion.
Return to Paro.
Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Paro.
SATURDAY 25 NOV 2023 - PARO - BANGKOK - PARIS
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit to the local market.
Lunch at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and on to Paris.
Carefully selected by the Ciels du Monde team, discover the accommodations of your trip.
Authentic Indochina
Halong Bay
Luxury private junk
Extension - The essentials of Bhutan
Next departure dates
2023
Authentic Indochina: Sunday 05 to Sunday 19 November 2023. Extension - Bhutan Essentials: Monday 20 to Saturday 25 November 2023
2024
Authentic Indochina: Wednesday 06 to Wednesday 20 March 2024. Extension - Bhutan Essentials: Thursday 21 to Tuesday 26 March 2024
2024
Authentic Indochina: Tuesday 12 to Tuesday 26 November 2024. Extension - Bhutan Essentials: Wednesday 27 to Monday 02 December 2024
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Prices and conditions
November 2023
March 2024
November 2024
General Terms and Conditions of Sale
THE PRICE INCLUDES :
- International flights in economy class *.
- Economy* domestic flights
* Flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be subject to change.
- The services of an English-speaking guide and driver at each stopover and for the entire duration of the trip
- The services of a ''Ciels du Monde'' guide for the entire duration of the trip
- Accommodation in double rooms in the hotels listed in the programme
- Full board throughout the trip (some lunches may be served on board depending on flight times)
- Table drinks included (water, wine, beer, coffee, juice, soft drinks)
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- Repatriation insurance
- Tips
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :
- Business class supplement on intercontinental flights: (Paris/Bangkok and Bangkok/Paris)
The price will be quoted on the day you register for the trip and must be booked at the time. - Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, non-meal drinks, mini bar, passport fees)
- Single room supplement
- All services not clearly mentioned
- Vaccines, tests and medicines of all kinds
- Pre-post delivery: please consult us
- Optional comprehensive and additional accident/luggage/cancellation insurance: please consult us.
FORMALITIES :
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after date of return
REGISTRATION CONDITIONS :
| On registration | 30% of the fare |
| 90 days before departure | 45% of the fare |
| 45 days before departure | 25% of the fare |
CANCELLATION CHARGES :
| 180 days or more before departure | 10% of the cost of the trip |
| 179 to 120 days before departure | 30% of the cost of the trip |
| 119 to 90 days before departure | 40% of the cost of the trip |
| 89 to 60 days before departure | 50% of the cost of the trip |
| 59 to 30 days before departure | 75% of the cost of the trip |
| Less than 30 days before departure | 100% of the cost of the trip |
Corporate Social Responsibility
As part of this trip, we'll be helping to protect elephants in Laos and supporting the preservation of Cambodia's cultural heritage.
We actively support local initiatives that have been carefully selected for their positive impact on the environment. We work with our local partners to introduce you to these destinations through tours designed to preserve nature and respect the local population. We develop partnerships with international NGOs to deliver medical and educational supplies to selected destinations.