DAY1:
ARRIVE SIEM REAP
On arrival at Siem Reap, the gateway to
the Angkor temple complex, you will be transferred, with a guide, to
the Somadevi Angkor Hotel (deluxe room), or the Steung
Siem Reap Hotel (Superior room), for three nights or a relevant hotel.
DAY2:
SIEM REAP FULL DAY-BANTEAY SREI-ANGKOR WAT-PHNOM BAKHENG
Tour Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei, the
birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture. On the way back to the
hotel, visit the enchanting Ta Phrom Temple which is enveloped by the roots of
enormous fig trees. In the afternoon, explore magnificent Angkor Wat, The
day concludes at sunset with a dramatic view from the summit of the Phnom
Bakheng. Enjoy a welcome dinner with Khmer folk dance and singing.
DAY3:
SIEM REAP FULL DAY-ANGKOR THOM-ROLOUS GROUP
Further exploration of the Angkor Complex
includes visits to the South Gate of Angkor Thom and Banyon, Ba Phoun, the
Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terraces, and the Royal Palace area. Visit also
Takeo temple, Chau Say, Tevoda, Banteay Kdei, and Srah Srang the Royal Swimming
pool. In the afternoon visit the Rolous Group temple, including Preah Ko,
Bankog, and Lo Lei temple. Browse the Old Market before back to the hotel. (B)
DAY4:
SIEM REAP-PHNOM PENH via FLIGHT
Guided transfer to Siem Reap airport for your
flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival in Phnom Penh, take a guided
transfer to the Hotel for a stay of two nights. Balance of the
day is free, perhaps to while away a few hours under the palms at a riverfront
cafe. (B)
Accommodation:
Phnom Penh
DAY5:
PHNOM PENH FULL DAY-CITY TOUR
A day tour of the city includes visits to
the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda with a floor of over 5000
silver tiles, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom,
the Toung Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Killing
Fields. (B)
Accommodation:
Phnom Penh
DAY6:
PHNOM PENH-SAIGON via FLIGHT
Guided transfer to Phnom
Penh airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, take a
guided transfer to the HOTEL for a three-night stay. Welcome dinner
at Vietnam House restaurant.
Accommodation:
Phnom Penh
DAY7:
SAIGON CITY TOUR
A morning city tour of dynamic Saigon,
officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, takes in the former Presidential
Palace, the Old Post Office, a walk around the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral,
and a visit to Ben Thanh Market. Lunch at Pho 24 Restaurant. Early afternoon,
drive to Cu Chi to visit the incredible underground tunnel network built by the
Vietnamese guerrilla fighters.
DAY8:
MEKONG DELTA EXCURSION
Full-day trip to the watery world of Ben Tre
in the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along the narrow waterways overhung with
dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of many orchards; a fascinating
glimpse of life in this region. Lunch is elephant ear fish, a specialty
of the Delta region.
DAY9:
SAIGON-HUE
Guided transfer to Saigon airport
for your flight to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. On arrival in
Hue take a guided transfer to the Hotel (city view room) for
a two-night stay. Balance of the day at leisure. (B)
DAY10:
HUE CITY TOUR
A morning tour of Hue will include
the Imperial Citadel, the mausoleum of Emperor of Tu Duc, and Thien Mu Pagoda
viewed from the outside. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY11:
HUE-HOI AN via DANANG
In the morning, travel with your guide past
photogenic Lang Co Beach, over the Pass of Mountain Clouds, to Danang, and then
to Hoi An. Visit the Danang Market, China Beach, and Marble Mountains en route.
Spend two nights in Hoi An at the hotel.
DAY12:
HOI AN TOUR
Take a morning guided walking tour of Hoi An
and visit the former merchant’s houses, the
400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the market. Balance of
the day at leisure. (B)
DAY13:
HOI AN-DANANG-HANOI
Guided transfer to Danang airport for your
flight to Hanoi. You will be met by your guide on arrival at Hanoi airport
and transferred to the HOTEL for a night's stay. Take an
orientation tour of Hanoi by Cyclo. A water puppet show (1st class
seating) is included this evening, including private guided return transfers.
(B)
DAY14:
HANOI CITY TOUR
Full-day Hanoi city tour including One Pillar
Pagoda, Hanoi Hilton Prison, Museum of Ethnology, and the old quarter of 36
streets and 36 wares. Lunch is at Koto Restaurant, an Australian-funded
establishment aimed at helping Hanoi Street kids. Further sightseeing includes
a local market, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Temple of Literature.
DAY15:
HANOI-HALONG BAY overnight cruise
A highlight of your visit
to Vietnam is sure to be your overnight cruise
on Halong Bay. In the morning take the cruise company’s group
transfer (a journey of up to 4 hours), without a guide, to Halong, and on
arrival board your boat for a cruise among the rocky limestone islands in the
emerald waters of Halong Bay. Seafood lunch and dinner are served on board.
Stay overnight on the Huong Hai cruise boat, in a cabin with an
en-suite. (B, L, D)
DAY16:
HALONG TO HANOI
Further cruising
around Halong Bay this morning. Disembark at Halong and return
to Hanoi by the cruise company’s group transfer, without a guide. Stay
overnight in Hanoi at the HOTEL. (B)
DAY17:
DEPART HANOI
Time at leisure before transferring, with a
guide to the airport for your flight home. (B)
END TOUR
