HIGHLIGHT OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. Please look for the welcome sign in the arrivals hall. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Hanoi.

DAY 02: HANOI

This morning we drive to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nations’ founder Ho Chi Minh. Here, large crowds gather to pay their respects to the man they call ‘Uncle Ho’ as they silently file past his glass sarcophagus. The complex also contains the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the founding of the city in the 11th century. The pagoda, supported by a single stone pillar, is said to resemble a lotus blossom. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho’s house on stilts can also be seen here. We follow this with a walking tour of Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the focal point of the city. Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honour of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword. The Old Quarter, with its bustling streets, is home to hundreds of small thriving businesses, each street denoting its trade, such as Tin Street or Fish Street. We walk around the exciting Don Xuan covered market, the largest in Hanoi. Here you can buy anything from ‘ghost money’ (usually fake $100 bills!) to imitation Rolex watches. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam’s oldest university, dating back to the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous scholars, Confucius. Inside the temple grounds huge stone stele rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles (in Vietnamese culture the turtle represents longevity). The stele recorded the names of the successful candidates who would later go on to become mandarins in the Emperor’s court. From here we visit the impressive Museum of Ethnology, the finest museum in Vietnam. This museum is dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trek. Overnight Hanoi. NB: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Museum are closed Mondays, Fridays, and from October to November. Ho Chi Minh’s house is also closed Mondays.

DAY 03: HANOI – MAI CHAU

After breakfast we depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and the town of Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes around three hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Around noontime, we will arrive in Mai Chau. Mai Chau is located in a beautiful valley with a patchwork quilt of rice, farms and stilt-houses. In the spring Mai Chau displays a riot of colors with blooming flowers and peach blossoms. Only 60km southwest of Hoa Binh is it home to the White Thai and H’mong hill-tribe people. Upon arrival, we will check in at our homestay in Poom Cong village and enjoy the lunch. In the afternoon, we will have take some leisurely walks to visit the Poom Cong village and Lac Village to understand more about their culture and daily life of the Thai Ethnic minority people. This also brings the chance to purchase Thai hand-made items. Late this afternoon, we return to our homestay for dinner and very special traditional dance performance by the local Thai hill tribes. Overnight at homestay.

DAY 04: MAI CHAU

Today is a very interesting day as we will spend several hours walking to visit the local people and discover more about their culture. We’ll drive about 24 km to where we then starting trekking along a dirt track, through local villages of Na Mon and Phay. The track undulates through beautiful scenery of rice fields, rural countryside, local houses and villages. We’ll reach Pung village at noon time where we’ll have lunch with a local family. After lunch, we take a short rest before continuing the trek past waterfalls and experience more local insights. We’ll reach the road by afternoon where our driver is waiting to pick us up and transfer us to the beautiful Mai Chau Lodge. Overnight Mai Chau

DAY 05: MAI CHAU – NINH BINH

Following breakfast we depart for Ninh Binh arriving around noon. In the afternoon we drive to visit Tam Coc. Tam Coc is known as Halong Bay on the rice fields. Upon arrival, we will take a sampan ride through a karst landscape to visit Tam Coc grottos. The sampan rower will drive the boat through shallow rice paddies and three splendid long grottos. From here we will visit a small temple, built in 13th century, called Thai Vy. Next stop is Hoa Lu, which was the capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century. The sanctuaries were built in the 17th century. We will see the stone pedestal of a royal throne, bronze bells and statues of the Emperors. Overnight Ninh Binh.

DAY 06: NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY

Our luxurious traditional ‘junk’ sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. Today we sail in total comfort and style on board the Bhaya boat as we explore the beauty of Halong Bay. We’ll visit Vung Vieng fishing village and enjoy optional on board activities of sunbathing, traditional massage, cooking demonstrations and kayaking. This evening on the deck, under the silhouette of the limestone outcrops, a sumptuous dinner is served and a drink can be enjoyed from the boats bar. Overnight on cruise

DAY 07: HA LONG – HANOI – 5* TRAIN TO HUE

This morning we have the option of an early morning start with a Tai Chi lesson out on the sundeck to soak up the morning ambiance. We’ll then visit the Cave of Surprise (Sung Sot Cave) before cruising back to the pier while enjoying a delicious buffet brunch. We then transfer back to Hanoi where we have a couple of free hours to explore the city. We will have a couple of day rooms at the hotel for our group to use, before we board the famous Reunification Express for our southbound train to Hue this evening. Overnight 5* train

DAY 08: HUE

In the morning we arrive in Hue, Vietnam’s former capital until 1945. Upon arrival, we’ll be picked up and transferred to our hotel. There are many things to see in this city, regarded by many as the cultural center of Vietnam. The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors on the outskirts of the city are easily accessible by bicycle. The Nguyen dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and several of its most prominent Emperors are buried in the surrounding countryside. One of the most impressive tombs, that of Emperor Minh Mang, is set within a beautiful landscaped garden. It is said that it took 13 years to find an appropriate burial site for the Emperor, and on arrival it’s not hard to see why they eventually chose this location. Set on the banks of the Perfume River and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills it is a tranquil and idyllic place. Also not to be missed is the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, the Emperor’s private residence. Both were badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the Communists took the city from the South and held it for 3 weeks. The battlements of the Citadel show marks from the terrible fighting that went on within its walls and are riddled with shrapnel and bullet holes. Now thanks to UNESCO funding, much of it is being faithfully restored to its former glory. The Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, has many palaces and temples inside. One of the most interesting parts of the City is the ancestral Temple; dedicated to the memory of the former Emperors. Another important site in Hue is the Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady pagoda. Situated 4 km upstream on the banks of the Perfume River, it is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, Thich Quang Duc, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Overnight Hue.

DAY 09: HUE – HOI AN

Today we continue south by road to Hoi An. The scenery en route is beautiful as we hug the coastline of the South China Sea before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van pas. Here we stop to admire the stunning views north, to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Once in Danang we will stop to visit the Cham Museum. It houses the most complete collection of Cham artefacts anywhere in the world. We continue on to China Beach, where the American GI’s used to have their R&R (Rest and Relaxation!) and the Marble Mountains, whose five peaks represent the five elements of the universe (water, wood, fire, metal and earth). The largest peak, Thuy Son contains a number of caves that have become Buddhist sanctuaries. The journey takes about 5 hours. In the afternoon we will have our first glimpse of Hoi An with a walking tour of the old quarter. Overnight Hoi An

DAY 10: HOI AN

Hoi An is a charming, small town which can be easily explored on foot. Between the 17th and 19th centuries Hoi An was a thriving international trading port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a favourite with all travellers. You can spend your time walking around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen generations. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen. The unofficial emblem of the town is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which is over 400 years old. The town is also famous for its shops in particular it’s large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here! The riverside market is always a hive of activity, especially in the early morning when the day’s catch arrives. Overnight Hoi An.

DAY 11: HOI AN LEISURE

Breakfast at hotel. Today you have the freedom to spend your time at leisure, exploring the charming town and its surroundings. One popular activity is biking around the town, which allows you to experience the local way of life and take in the beauty of the ancient architecture.

If you had a tailor-made experience at a tailor shop yesterday, now is the perfect time to visit and try on your newly made clothes. Enjoy the personalized service and the opportunity to have clothing that fits you perfectly and reflects your style.

Hoian is known for its abundance of spas and wellness centers, offering a range of treatments and massages. Treat yourself to a soothing massage or a rejuvenating spa session, and let go of any accumulated stress.

Alternatively, you can choose to spend your leisure time at the beach. Hoian is located near beautiful sandy stretches of coastline. Take a short trip to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 12: HOI AN – DA NANG – FLY TO SAIGON

This morning we transfer early to Danang airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon our arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, we transfer to our hotel. This is the largest and busiest city in Vietnam with a population of 6 million people. Much of the daily life takes place on the streets, which are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath. Don’t miss the bustling Ben Thanh Market - a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are several interesting sights in Saigon. The War Remnants Museum has a wealth of images from the wars, the most moving being a gallery entitled ‘Requiem’, dedicated to Vietnamese and foreign journalists and photographers who perished during the French and American conflicts. The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30th 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the American War to a dramatic end. Close to the Palace some of the best examples of French colonial architecture are represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and the stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. For all its French colonial history, Ho Chi Minh City is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. It has numerous shopping malls, cinemas, discotheques and a bewildering number of bars. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 13: SAIGON – CU CHI TUNNELS

This morning we have an excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960’s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war as they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon. At its height the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life in the American War must have been like. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 14: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and then transfer to My Tho City (70 km & approx. 02 hours). It‘s famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. On the way passing rice fields to discover rural activities of the local people, gardening, fish pond, rice planting.

We stop at Cao Dai Temple in the town of Ben Luc for taking picture.

We then take a private leisurely boat trip, stocked with cold, cloth towels, bottled water, fresh, seasonal fruits, and green tea, cruise around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands (04 sacred animals of Buddhism). We can see the fishing market and visit the floating fish farm.

Enjoy a rowing boat ride in the shadows of the water-coconut palms along the tiny canals to discover “Coconuts homeland”, Ben Tre. Enjoying fresh coconut juice on the boat. We will visit the picturesque orchards and sample the freshly picked fruit at the invitation of friendly local farmers. Spend some time in the villages to learn about the daily lives of the inhabitants, enjoying some kinds of tropical fruits while listening southern traditional music. You can learn how to make coconut candy. You can try some candies, visit the honey bee farm and try the honey, banana wine, ginger jams, soy beans… made by the villagers.

Have lunch at Song Nuoc Mien Tay restaurant.

Enjoy a horse-cart around the village to have a look at the orchards and visit local people’s house. Enjoy a relaxing cup of honey tea before returning to My Tho via a natural canal, cruising under the shadows of water coconut palms.

We boat back to My Tho via a natural canal, cruising under the shadows of water coconut palms.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city. We will visit some highlight of Ho Chi Minh city, begin with a visit to the twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed, a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s.

Then head across the square to the historic Saigon Central Post Office, a grand and impressive building incorporating Gothic and Renaissance styles - you may wish to send a postcard home.

If time permit, we can visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American war through the eyes of the Vietnamese, the museum is a reminder of the horrors of the war.

Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 15: SAIGON – FLY TO SIEM REAP

This morning we take a short flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival we will transfer to Siem Reap town and check into our hotel. Our exploration of the vast Angkor Temple complex will start after lunch. The Angkor Complex is perhaps the most stunning temple complex in the world. Rediscovered by the French in 1860, this huge site has over 400 temples in total, spanning a period of 500 years. Founded in the 9th century, the complex flourished for centuries; its zenith culminating with the creation of Angkor Wat in the first half of the 12th century. The builders of these awesome creations likened themselves to Gods, or Devaraja and indeed several of the temples are dedicated to former monarchs. A succession of Khmer Kings had temples built in their honour. The oldest structures are known as the Roulous group, and it is here that we begin our exploring. Overnight Siem Reap

DAY 16: ANGKOR WONDERS

This morning we visit Banteay Kdei Temple then drive through the countryside to reach the magnificent Banteay Srei temple also known as the Citadel of Women. This Hindu temple, dating back to the 10th century, has three central towers each decorated with superbly intricate carvings and reliefs of male and female divinities. In the afternoon we visit the largest and most impressive temple - Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was built between 1112 and 1152 by King Suryavarman II and dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation; although some people believe it is actually dedicated to the king himself as the temple faces west, representing death. It is the best preserved of all the temples. Its layout and its scale are simply breathtaking: the wall surrounding the enclosure measures 1,000 by 800 meters in length and the moat, said to represent the oceans of the world is 200 meters wide. The five towers that dominate the scene are said to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the omnipotent Hindu deity Shiva. Beautiful bas beliefs and carvings adorn the inner sanctuaries depicting various Hindu mythological epics, including the longest continuous bas relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls. From here we proceed to the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng, and as the end of the day approaches, we climb the imposing remains for a truly memorable sunset. Overnight Siem Reap

DAY 17: ANGKOR WONDERS

After breakfast we visit the fortified Royal City of Angkor Thom, constructed by King Jayavarman II at the end of the 12th century, not long after the completion of Angkor Wat. It is surrounded by a massive perimeter wall and a moat with five monumental gates and covers an area of more than ten square kilometers, indeed Angkor Thom means ‘Great City’. The most important monuments are located in the center of the city, namely the Bayon, Baphoun and the Terrace of Elephants. The Bayon in particular is a fascinating piece of architecture and one of the most photographed. It is a bizarre structure, with a total of 54 towers elaborately decorated with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces. From Angkor Thom we proceed to Ta Prohm temple, whose principal attraction is that it has not been rescued from the thick jungle, as the rest of the Angkor Complex. It looks much the same as it would have done when the French explorers came here 140 years ago, shrouded in undergrowth and the huge roots of old Banyan trees. In the afternoon we drive out to the Tonle Sap Lake, Asia’s largest inland lake, which swells to ten times its normal size during the wet season. Here we have a two-hour boat trip observing how local people go about their daily lives. During the boat trip we stop to visit a bird garden and a fishing farm. Tonight we will enjoy the farewell dinner with a traditional dancing show at one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Overnight Siem Reap.

DAY 18: SIEM REAP DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel. Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up then transfer to the airport to take your departure flight. Safe flight and see you soon.