THE MYSTERIOUS WONDERS OF INDOCHINA

Transcription

1 THE MYSTERIOUS WONDERS OF INDOCHINA 21 days of Discovery Description of itinerary: VIENTIANE LUANG PRABANG SIEM REAP PHNOM PENH MEKONG DELTA / CHAU DOC CAN THO HO CHI MINH CITY CU CHI TUNNELS DANANG HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN HUE ROYAL CITY HANOI HALONG BAY Optional tour to BURMA Fully escorted, all inclusive first class tour Departs November 14, 2011 and February 28, 2012 Day 1 Canada / Hong Kong Depart Canada for Hong Kong.

2 Day 2 Hong Kong On route. Crossing international date line. Day 3 Hong Kong Arrive Hong Kong. After customs and immigration transfert to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. If time permits you may wish to take an optional tour of Hong Kong. Day 4 Hong Kong / Vientiane Arrival in Vientiane from Hong Kong. Welcome to Vientiane the Capital of Laos the only land locked country in Southeast Asia s land and one of the last places to see old Indochina. Then transfer to hotel for check - in and time of rest. Upon arrival enjoy a brief city tour around Vientiane. Visit the most sacred temples of Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by Chao Anou the very king responsible for incurring the wrath of the Siamese and causing his capital s obliteration. Then we will see Patouxai war memorial. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Patouxai is adorned with an array of rough hero Lao historical imagery and offers a splendid, panoramic view of the city from its top. Proceeding to That Luang most important national monument in Vientiane, a symbol of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty, was constructed in 1566 by King Setthathirat. Overnight in Vientiane. Day 5 Vientiane/Luang Prabang After breakfast we drive along the bank of Mekong River to visit the Buddha Park, containing a combination of hundred statues of Hindu divinities and Buddha. Today we will also visit Ban Nong Boua Thong a famous weaving village in Vientiane and Morning Market where we can find the antique items and handmade textile.

3 In the late afternoon transfer to airport for flight QV103 at to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of the Lao Kingdom, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in This small, peaceful town is veritable treasure trove of beautiful temples, and historical monuments of the kingdoms that rose and fell in the centuries that followed. Transfer to hotel for check in and time of rest. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B). Day 6 Luang Prabang Pak Ou Caves After breakfast enjoy a full day sightseeing around Luang Prabang. In the morning, take an excursion by boat, upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou caves in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. Our first stop will be at Ban Xanghai, a well known village for Lao traditional rice whisky. We are welcome to taste and take it away. Return to Luang Prabang and continue visit to the National museum at the formal Royal Palace. Proceeding to the Wat Xieng Thong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B) Day 7 Luang Prabang Siem Reap Angkor Wat After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight by VN 869 at to Siem Reap, the Cradle of Angkor Civilization, where Cambodian were born. This is also a famous Archeological City, named as one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the World. Covering 600 sq km, it contains more than 100 fabulous ancient monuments and over dozen major compound Temples, which were built between the 9 and 13 centuries and were the ancient capital of Khmer Empire. Transfer to hotel for check in.

4 Afternoon we will visit the wonderfull Angkor Wat one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12TH century. In the late afternoon, coming to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the Yacovarman I King in the first of 9TH century. Back to hotel and free at night. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B) Day 8 Siem Reap After breakfast enjoy a full day excursion to discover Angkor Temples. We will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the great city), famous Bayon Temple composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is a pyramidal representation of mystical Mont Meru. Terarce of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king s grand audience hall. After that Visit Thommanon, small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. It s Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the carved Apsaras and the shape of the tower, Chaosay Tevoda, it seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon but actually was built much later in Suryavarman II s rule than Thommanon, Banteay Kdei, Srash Srong. Then visit Kravan & especially Ta Phrom Temple, was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man's work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)

5 Day 9 Siem Reap Phnom Penh Breakfast. Morning at leisure until check out. Transfer to airport for a flight VN 9850 at to Phnom Penh. This city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial charm. French villas along tree-lined boulevards remind us that the city was once considered the gem of Southeast Asia. Transfer to hotel for check in and a moment of rest. Later in the day we will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour along the Tonle Sap riverfront to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas, the Tonle Sap riverfront is an institution among Phnom Penhois, is a bustling promenade and home to many international style bars and restaurants, many of them set in restored colonial villas dating back to the 19th century. The riverfront is also a focus for the city's major festivals... let enjoy a magnificent sunset while cruising by Motor-boat along the Mekong and Tonle Sap River for 1 hour, when the reflected rays of the setting sun cast a golden glow across the river. Rest of the day, have a look at Toul Tompong Market, called Russian Market because of the prevalence of items from Eastern Block in past times. Back to hotel and free time. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B) Day 10 Phnom Penh Killing Field After breakfast we will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of the city. We will visit Killing Field (Choeung Ek), the memorial. During the Khmer Rouge regime it became one of the killing fields of more than 17, 000 individuals. After we will visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, which used to be a high school but was converted by Khmer Rouge into prison. Afternoon visit to the National Museum which contains more than 5000 art objects. We will also visit Wat Phnom Daun Penh the name of a pagoda, was built by lady Daun Penh in 1372 on a little hill. Legend has it that after a particularly heavy flood, a wealthy Khmer woman named Daun Penh found a tree on the banks of the Mekong with four statues of Buddha hidden inside. Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many forms of leisure activity. Back to hotel and free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B)

6 Day 11 Phnom Penh Mekong Delta Chau Doc This morning, check out then take photo-stop at Independence Monument - the Independence Monument commemorates the end of Cambodia s ruled by France in 1953, which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Continue to visit the Royal Palace compound, was built by King Norodom in 1866, inside its gleaming yellow walls are most conspicuous feature and impressive colourful Khmerstyle Halls for the Royal family, then visit Silver Pagoda, located in the compound of the Royal Palace. Inside its floor is constructed of 5000 silver tiles. In the centre of the pagoda there is a magnificent 17thcentury emerald Buddha statue made of baccarat crystal and its walls enclosing are covered with frescoes depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana. After that, transfer to the harbour for BLUE CRUISE SPEED-BOAT ( PM) from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc, Vietnam. Arrival in Chau Doc, a boundary-town and confluence of Mekong Rivers and Vietnam- Cambodia frontier, right on the banks of the Bassac River at the Three River Crossing, enjoy the bustling life which is typical of the rivers which is typical Mekong Delta. Check-in and free at leisure for your own hobbies. Overnight in Chau Doc. (B) Day 12 Chau Doc Can Tho This morning, we will be drove to the mystic Sam Mountain. Explore this 230 metre high sacred hill and its hundreds of temples, pagodas and tombs, with a mix of Chinese, Cham and Khmer cultures. Today, Sam Mountain is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists coming to pray and retreat from all over Vietnam. Visit the main pagoda, the "Blessed Lady" at the bottom of the hill. In the midst of the incense s fragrance and smoke, you will see people touching the cape of the statue for blessing. Then drive directly to Can Tho the capital of Mekong Delta. Arrival in Can Tho, check in then take your time to free at leisure, enjoy yourself the romantic and pleasant views of Vietnam countryside. Overnight in Can Tho. (B) Day 13 Can Tho Ho Chi Minh City

7 This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the pier then embark on an elegant traditional Mekong wooden ship, and cruising during sunrise, visit Cai Rang floating market where thousand commercial boats on the busy river are exchanging their specialities of Mekong Delta. Explore the treasures, strange-looking views of Mekong Rivers. Back to our hotel, check-out then stop-over Ninh Kieu wharf on the bank of Lower river is a beautiful city garden where hundreds of shuttle-boats are waiting the passer-by, a good and memorable Group-picture should be take place, visit a superb ancient house once a setting for the famous French film L amant, the house is dated 1800s with baroque detail. Straight-up to Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, a young city with the age of more than 300 years, a centre of culture, education, commerce and tourism of Vietnam, the biggest city of Vietnam mix with the West and the Orient, and once known as the Pearl of Far East. Transfer to hotel for express check-in and free at leisure for the rest of day. Back to the hotel for good night. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B) Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels Morning taking an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels located at the threshold of Saigon and adjacent to the revolutionary base, played an important role in the two wars on before Cu Chi was an underground village with its labyrinth of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km of tunnels built here by the Communist guerrillas are the highlight of South Vietnam tours. We will be guided to the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground during your short visit to this extraordinary tunnel complex. You can also try shooting with real bullets here. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the loveliest aspects of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace a symbol of Saigon old Government before 1975, (also called former President Palace) to learn the sorrowful historic of Vietnam Ideology War from , then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Nearby is the

8 Neo-Roman Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the most splendid and typical of the beautiful French-built churches in Ho Chi Minh City, next Municipal Post Office - Saigon's French-style main post office to admire and take photos of its nice architecture that is one of the Ho Chi Minh City's symbolizing images. Then shopping at the Ben Thanh Market a most typical market of Vietnam, with how many things are available for your choice: jewelry, gold and silvers items, silk, lacquer-ware, woodcarving, ready-made clothes... all at extremely attractive price. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B) Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City Danang Hoi An Ancient Town After breakfast, check out and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for a domestic flight to Danang by VN 324 at From Da Nang you continue to Hoi An ancient town, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, 30 km south of Danang, has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. Occupied by early western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs. Check in the hotel and free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Hoi An. (B) Day 16 Hoi An Ancient Town Hue Royal City Morning check-out then enjoy an interesting walking tour, the best way to discover Hoian ancient town, visit The Japanese Covered Bridge where retains a harmony of architectural styles, combining Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese cultural characteristics. Ong Pagoda is one of the typical pagodas in Hoi An's old quarter, built in 1653 and is dedicated to Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Van Truong). Fukienese Assembly Hall was built in 1692 by Chinese Phuoc Kien merchants, is architecturally unique with its artistic ornaments and beautiful statues, Chinese

9 architectural style combined with Vietnamese workmanship has enriched it with Hoi An s cultural character. Tan Ky Ancient House, constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant. It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly as it did in the early 19 th century, Hand-made Silk workshop as a last destination. Then, drive back to Danang for visitting the Museum of Cham Sculpture, began in This is the only museum dedicated to preserving the unique Champa sculptural heritage in South East Asia. There are about 300 items of sculpture exhibited here. Most of them are original works carved in sandstone, some are terracotta. Items exhibited include altars statues and decorations from Cham towers and palaces. The statues include the Gods Siva Vishnu Brahma as well as the brahmanists Buddhas dancers and musicians elephants lions the holy cow Nandin and the holy bird Garuda. These date from the 7th century to the 15th century. Then stone carving villages at Marble Mountains, where we will see the skilful artisans working on the products of marble / granite and we can choose a collection of excellent stone products for souvenir. Then depart to Hue Royal City the Complex of Monuments, the heart of central Vietnam served as Vietnam s political capital 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Hue has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19 th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period. The trip passes many spectacular scenarios along the National Highway 1, via the breathing Hai Van Pass, literal meaning is Sea and Cloud, is the highest and longest pass in Vietnam with the north- south national highway zigzagging through it for almost 20 km. Reaching to a height of 496 m above sea level the pass seems to be lost in the clouds almost all of the time. In the 15 th century King Le Thanh Ton when stopping here to admire the dreamy and majestic scene of sky cloud and sea called it De Nhat Hung Quan (the First Grandiose Landscape of the country).

10 From the highest point of the pass we get a bird s eye view of the rich lowlands encircling the city of Danang with its image reflected on the waters of Han River. To the south and at the foot of the mountain lies the Nam O seashore where there is a fine beach with gentle waves and fishing boats crowding the water front. Photo-stop somewhere in the Pass, get your perfect pictures of Lang Co beach, a spectacular landscape & peaceful fishing hamlet. Overnight in Hue. (B) Day 17 Hue Royal City Morning enjoy the exciting historical tour by a visit to the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc King, its serious sceneries, impressive architectures to remind a splendid monarchy and the circulate widely false news of the real tomb of Tu Duc remains hidden for future generations to discover. Continue to visit the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh King, is the final resting place of the Emperor of Vietnam from Afternoon transfer to the boat quay for cruising by the dragon-motor boats upstream along Perfume river, come down in the Royal Marina for visiting the Forbidden Purple City, there are The Flag Tower - a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, the nine holy cannons are housed in two buildings beside the The Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors in the Citadel of Hue, Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great court's meetings. It faces the Noontime Gate (Ngo Mon Gate) and lies right on the central axis of the Citadel, The Mieu Temple is situated southwest of the Citadel and facing south, dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, then The Royal Theatre was the oldest of Vietnamese traditional stage that remained. Turn back to the Royal Marina and continuing boat upstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of Heavenly Lady).

11 Thien Mu Pagoda located on a sloping pine hill with the front side facing the Perfume River, was firstly built in 1601 which its 21-metre-high tower of seven storeys and refined bell are always the most beautiful sceneries of the ancient pagodas in whole country, and the highest spirit of Vietnamese also, a moment enjoy the beautiful views of sunset, the sun is setting down along the Perfume river and the tinged clouds becoming dim on horizon. Let's put in your mind the sceneries surroundings...they may be a shine star of lifetime and memorable feelings. In rest time, we will have a visit at the busy market of Dong Ba, take our time to viewing, happy communicate with the jolly salesgirls who are quite well on speaking foreign languages. Here you can buy some handicrafts for souvenir, first and foremost Hue palm-leaf conical hat. Free at evening for individual exploring in dreamlike Hue. Overnight in Hue. (B) Day 18 Hue Royal City Hanoi Halong Bay After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi by VN240 at Arrival in Noi Bai airport then straight-up to Halong Bay, the highway is smoothly and cost you of hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages...there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explanation of Vietnam by our tour guide. Arrival Halong Bay, check-in then take your time to free at leisure. We highly recommend a strolling walk along the shore of Halong Bay while the sun is setting down, enjoy yourself the pure breeze, beautiful view of glow of sunset in the sky... is the perfect compensation to the busy days recently. Overnight in Halong Bay. (B) Day 19 Halong Bay - Hanoi Early get in the bus at 06h30, breakfast in boxes will be prior placed in your luxury Junk. Transfer to the Marina for a cruising tour 5 hours by a big wooden Junk on Halong Bay, this is a golden time for our voyage - a masterpiece of Nature is dawning in the bright morning sunlight. Ha Long Bay is constituted by 3000 small and big islands of all shapes. In 1994 UNESCO classified Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage and in November 2000, the World Heritage Committee reconfirmed this classification. HALONG BAY is nearly a hidden bay with thousands of limestone islands densely rising from the blue jade water in a sea area of over 1500 square kilometres. Its 1969 green islands enfeeble the strong winds blowing from the ocean to leave the transparent water of the bay often calm in cool and healthy air. From time to time, sailing Junk appearing and disappearing between the islands make the poetic sight more colourful like sparkling pearls or coral reefs found out in the bay. The beauty of the bay is not monotone, at different positions of viewing; it will astonish viewers with quite different fascinations. In the caves and grottoes of stone islands, visitors will discover and admire how many impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

12 The caves have strange but very accurate names, have their own legends in their names as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace) grotto, Dau Go (Wooden Head) grotto, stop-over to visit the caves, your sailing Junk will continue to visit around the shapely islets of fighting cock, incense-burner and others. Landing in Titop Islet, there is the calm and so clean sand & transparent beaches, somewhat little rocky mountains and a beautiful tall terrace, enjoy sun-sea bathing there that always waits to give you the most wonderful sea bathing in calm, transparent water under the sunlight. Then drive back to Hanoi. Hanoi - its legendary beginnings from 1,010 to 15th century then before the World War II, after 1954 as well, is the cradle of Red River Delta civilization with green rice-fields, its Old streets and colonial Quarter, its calm lakes, the shaded boulevards, its verdant public parks and sunny smiles with truly Far-East Asian faces... Transfer to hotel for check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. (B) Day 20 Hanoi After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi, let s experience the basic concepts of political Vietnam currently by visit to the Chairman Palace area, there are Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ba Dinh National square, Stilt House; One Pillar Pagoda, a nice group picture should photo in the parade yard of Ba Dinh National square with the great back view of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Continuing to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple are located on an islet of West Lake, then the Temple of Literature, is a classic Confucianism temple from the category Confucianism, was founded as a Confucian Temple and a huge statue and alter to Confucius remain there today, the first university in Viet Nam was founded here and many rows and rows of big stone slabs that sat on the backs of stone tortoises. These slabs are actually the stele of the school s successful doctorate candidates. In the afternoon, we will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where contains more than 10,000 objects which depict all aspects of life, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Then enjoy an interesting tour by traditional Pedicabs, the best and most stylish way as far more charming to see Hanoi and to take in the sights and sounds of the Old quarter is by Cycle (a tricycle). We will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour the Old Quarter and shopping streets to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas. The small rickshaws will carry

13 us strolling around the Old Quarter and shopping streets, to relax and view to daily-life surrounding or communicating is a good way to have a full impression of the city, catch the spirit of Vietnam. Rickshaws will return back at the Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake the Return-Sword Lake, to visit Ngoc Son Heroic Temple, But Tower, where we will be fascinating with legendary stories from 600 years that a turtle stole a king s sword and took it to the bottom of this lake. A moment free in Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the lovely Hanoi landscapes in the sunset until the time of water puppet show, a unique art form of Vietnamese, at Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe, and we will also experience more about a specific culture in South-East Asia coming from the civilization of the agriculture of wet rice during the performance. Back to hotel and free time for your own activities. Overnight in Hanoi. (B) Day 21 Departure from Hanoi Today, take time to free at leisure until the time of check-out, transfer from your hotel to the Noi Bai International airport for your departure flight back home. It s timely; you have to say goodbye Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam, Good-bye Indochina. We thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Cambodia & Vietnam. (B) Meal codes: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Tour Cost: $ per person based on double occupancy. Single Occupancy Supplement: $ 1677 Taxes & Service Charges: $ per person. This comprises of hotel taxes and service charges, government imposed fees and taxes, all airport taxes, all entrance fees to monuments and sights visited. Tour Cost Includes: All local airfare All private transfers

14 entire holiday Hotel accommodation All Breakfasts Lunches & Dinners as specified in the daily itinerary All tours/excursions/sightseeing as outlined in the program. Professional English speaking local guides to assist throughout the Not Included: International Airfare Meals not specified in the itinerary Personal items such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc. Gratuities and any other items not mentioned in the program TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON THE MYSTERIOUS WONDERS OF INDOCHINA TOUR, PLEASE COMPLETE THE RESERVATION FORM AND RETURN IT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT OF $ PER PERSON. BALANCE IS DUE 8 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. *** Changes in the itinerary could take place due to enforcing situation and seasonality.*** WINGS FOR THE WORLD TRAVEL INC Mt. Pleasant Rd. Toronto, ON M4S 2N3 Tel: wow@interlog.com

15 REGISTRATION FORM Name of Tour Departure Date NAME (as appears on passport) (Dr) (Mr) (Mrs) (Ms) (Miss) (Mastr) ( ) OCCUPATION ADDRESS CITY: P.CODE TEL # (Res) (Bus) Fax # (Res) (Bus) address DATE OF BIRTH PLACE OF BIRTH NATIONALITY PASSPORT # PLACE OF ISSUE DATE OF ISSUE DATE OF EXPIRY ACCOMPANING SPOUSE / COMPANION (Name) REQUESTED ACCOMMODATION: Single ( ) Twin ( ) INSURANCE : Accepted ( ) / Declined ( ) DEPOSIT AMOUNT SMOKER / NON SMOKER MEAL REQUIRE VISA REQUIREMENT CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY : Relationship Phone # Address