17 days Hanoi to Bangkok Take in the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, travelling from Hanoi to Angkor Wat, before ending with a tour of Thailand's captivating capital. Cruise Halong Bay and the Mekong, explore the Imperial City of Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, discover the incredible Angkor Complex and more on this 17 day tour. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Hanoi - take a cyclo ride through the Ancient Quarter of the capital Halong Bay - enjoy an overnight junk boat cruise in this UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets Hue - discover the ancient walled Citadel and the Imperial Purple Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hoi An - wander around this enchanting UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches Tra Que village - take a leisurely bike ride into the country, learn how to farm the land and enjoy a fun cooking lesson Ho Chi Minh City - explore the Pearl of the Orient' on a walking tour and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - cruise the a maze of waterways on a sampan, visiting local cottage industries and Dong Hoa Hiep Island Cu Chi Tunnels - discover the incredible network of tunnels built by the Viet-Cong during the Vietnam War Phnom Penh - visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21) and the Killing Fields Siem Reap - enjoy a guided tour of the Angkor National Museum and take a stroll down the famous 'Pub Street' Angkor Temple Complex - gaze in wonder at incredible Angkor Wat, visit the iconic Ta Prohm Temple and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the famous Bayon Temple Tonle Sap Lake - take a boat trip on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk Bangkok - take a tuk tuk ride to Wat Pho, visit the Grand Palace and cruise in a longtail boat along the city s canals What's Included 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinner 14 nights 4 star and special class hotels - 17 days 1 night deluxe junk boat, 1 overnight sleeper train (train standard basic, 4 berth cabin. Junk boat, private cabin) Economy class flights from Danang - Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Bangkok Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, Bangkok Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 17 All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guide, with a Thai guide for Bangkok sightseeing What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$50-60, paid in USD or VND Entrance Fees: USD$165-175, paid in USD or VND International flights and visas Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per -1-
traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture ITINERARY Day 1 : Hanoi Saturday. Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to hotel. Spend today independently exploring Vietnam s charming capital before our welcome meeting at 5pm. For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake. Overnight - Hanoi Day 2 : Junk boat cruising Back on board, we spend our evening watching a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before tucking into a delicious seafood dinner. Overnight Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat (B, L, D) Day 3 : Floating villages and cyclo rides Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port we'll explore by kayak the Floating Village of Cua Van, which is home to generations of fishing families. Here we ll see the traditional and colourful floating wooden houses and the locals going about their daily lives. On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter on our very only cyclo (rickshaws), taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through 36 streets of the old quarter, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the Reunification Hanoi Halong Bay. Today we take a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Halong Bay. Upon arrival we board a junk boat for our overnight cruise, then soak up panoramic views of this spectacular landscape, with its jungle-clad limestone peaks and emerald green waters. Express railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available. Next we drive into the countryside to visit the ornate mausoleums of the Nguyen Kings. Either opt for a sunset cruise in a long boat along the Perfume River or browse the bustling Dong Ba Market, which is just a minute s walk from our hotel. Overnight - Hue (B, L) Day 5 : Road of the Ocean Clouds This morning we take the scenic Hai Van Pass, also known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds, to Hoi An. Along the way we enjoy magnificent views and stop for a walk along My Khe Beach. Nicknamed China Beach by the Americans during the war, this beautiful stretch of coastline famously featured in wartime movie Apocalypse Now. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim before we continue our journey south down the coast. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B) Day 4 : Imperial Hue Based on traditional designs, our junk boat combines oriental style with modern luxuries. This afternoon we disembark to explore the spectacular Tien Ong Cave, known for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Arriving into Hue we take a guided sightseeing tour visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city and - 17 days the citadel. Within the citadel we discover the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact replica of the Bejing s famous Forbidden city, with its imperial palaces, formal moats and impressive ramparts. Arriving into Hoi An, we enjoy a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town. Highlights include the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. With its cobbled streets, tiny shop houses and laid-back bars and restaurants, Hoi An is the perfect place to relax a while. During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats addon, which explores the city s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the -2-
locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited. Overnight - Hoi An (B) producing paper, popcorn and candies. We then enjoy lunch on Dong Hoa Hiep Island in a traditional wooden home. Overnight - Can Tho (B, L) Days 6-7 : Tra Que village & free time Day 9 : Mekong & Saigon red sandstone building housing the finest collection of Khmer artefacts in the world. Next we visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its floor covered in 5,000 gleaming silver tiles and Buddha statues adorned with diamonds. Later we gain a full understanding of the horrors of the Pol Pot regime, visiting the Killing Fields, where over 10,000 people were executed, and Tuol Sleng (Security Prison S21), a school that was transformed under the Khmer Rouge into Cambodia s most notorious prison. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B) Today we enjoy a bicycle ride into the local village of Tra Que, where we learn about traditional medicine and discover ageold farming practices. A fun and hands-on experience, we assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Day 7 is free for you to explore charming Hoi An independently. Unwind by the pool or beach, or take a day trip. Options include My Son, a site of extensive Cham remains, or My Lai, where the massacre of civilians took place at the hands of the Charlie Company during the Vietnam War. Overnight - Hoi An (B:2, L:1) Day 8 : Cruising the Mekong Can Tho - Saigon. It s an early start this morning to visit the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest of its kind in the Mekong Delta. We then drive to Saigon and enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Old Post Office, the Notre Dam Cathedral and sobering War Remnants Museum. This evening offers free time. Overnight - Ho Chi Minh City (B) Day 10 : Chu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh Saigon - Phnom Penh. First stop today is the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of tunnels with a length of some 250 kilometres used by the Viet Cong during the war. Next we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and journey on to Phnom Penh. Offering a bustling mix of past and present, this city is fast becoming one of Asia s trendiest capitals. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B, D) Day 11 : Royal Palace, Crimes of Pol Pot Hoi An - Saigon. Flight to Saigon and drive to the watery world of the Mekong Delta, famed for its abundant harvests of rice, flowers and tropical fruits. From Vinh Long, we cruise downstream on our sampan boat through the maze of waterways and canals, watching the hubbub of daily life on the water. We pass colourful trading boats and houseboats and stop off at some of the local cottage industries Phnom Penh Siem Reap. Transfer to airport for included flight to Siem Reap. After freshening up, we explore the Angkor National Museum, a fascinating museum offering us a useful insight into the story of Angkor and the Khmer Empire before we visit the famous temple complex. This afternoon we explore the iconic Angkor Wat, believed to be the world s largest religious building and the best preserved of all the temples within the Angkor complex. This massive structure rises 65-metres tall and is famous for its thousands of unique wall carvings. This evening offers free time, with plenty of great bars and restaurants within walking distance. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Today we enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh, with our first stop being the National Museum of Fine Arts - a magnificent - 17 days Day 12 : Siem Reap & Angkor Wat -3-
Day 13 : Angkor Thom & NGO circus project Day 14 : Ton Le Sap Lake would like to extend your stay in Thailand we can arrange this for you. Overnight - Bangkok (1) (B:2) HOTELS The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. Those keen for an early start can revisit Angkor Wat this morning and see this spectacular complex at sunrise. We then drive to the temples of Banteay Srei, stopping enroute to visit an exotic butterfly sanctuary and the village of Preak Dak. At the village, we take part in our community tree planting initiative and help plant mango and jackfruit saplings. Today we journey to Kampong Phluk, where three villages of stilt houses hover over the waters of Tonle Sap lake. When the water level drops, petrified trees of a flooded forest are also revealed close by. We enjoy a boat trip on the lake and lunch, before returning to Siem Reap for some free time. Perhaps shop for souvenirs at the bustling central market or check out the bars and restaurants on lively Pub Street. Overnight - Siem Reap (B, L) Sunway Hotel This ambient, boutique hotel combines traditional appeal with modern pleasures. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary fashion with an array of amenities for added comfort. Its restaurant provides a great variety of Vietnamese cuisine and you are welcome to enjoy cocktails and live music in the Jazz Bar or relax in the hotel's health spa. Day 15 : Flight to Bangkok Also known as the Pink City, Banteay Srei is home to some of the world s finest stone carvings which have been cut from pink sandstone. After exploring the site s temples and lavish libraries, we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Here we spend some time exploring the Baphuon Royal Enclosure, the terraces of the Elephants and Leper King, and the fascinating Bayon Temple. Our last stop is Ta Prohm, the temple famed for its appearance in the Tomb Raider movie, which appears as though it has been swallowed by the jungle. This evening we re entertained by the acts of the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus, an NGO project transforming the lives of street kids by training them to become circus artists. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Siem Reap - Bangkok (Thailand). Today we say goodbye to Cambodia and transfer to Siem Reap Airport for a flight to Bangkok. Arrival transfer to hotel in Bangkok city centre. Overnight - Bangkok (B) Days 16-17 : Bangkok On day 16 we head to Bangkok Flower Market, the city s largest flower market with hundreds of fresh roses, marigolds, orchids and more for sale. From here, we take a thrilling tuk tuk ride to Wat Pho, famed for its giant reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf and measuring 46 metres in length. Our final stop this morning is the stunning Grand Palace, the city s most famous landmark and royal heart of the country. After lunch, we explore some of the city s many canals aboard a traditional longtail boat before ending out tour at the famous Khao San Road. A great spot to eat, drink and party, this road is brimming with street stalls, bars and restaurants. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Monday. Today we say goodbye to our guide and transfer to the airport. Alternatively, if you - 17 days Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library. Mondial Hotel Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. -4-
There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge - great for cocktails before features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. dinner! neutral colours and equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV and internet access, with wonderful views of either the city or the pool area with its shady palms. The property has four restaurants, offering Kravan Hotel Vinh Hung Riverside Resort Vinh Hung Riverside Resort offers luxury and gracious hospitality in a traditional Vietnamese environment right on the banks of the Thu Bon river with top notch facilities. The Kravan Hotel offers comfortable and spacious guest rooms in a quiet location close to the heart of Phnom Penh. This stylish hotel has an outdoor rooftop pool, in addition to a rooftop bar and a restaurant which offer fantastic panoramic views across the capital. Free wifi is offered throughout the property and there is fitness centre located on the top floor where guests can indulge in various spa treatments and massages. Victoria Hotel Can Tho This attractive, colonial-style resort is tastefully decorated with well-appointed rooms and a wide range of facilities including a spa, tennis courts, open-air bar, restaurant and a gym. The hotel also offers sunrise and sunset cruises to the floating markets aboard the Lady Hau junk. Muong Thanh Centre Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, tree-lined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its world-class rooms boast sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also a range of delicious international cuisine, while tasty cocktails and light snacks are served in the lobby lounge and Princess Club. After a day of sightseeing guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel's large outdoor pool, or head to the spa and fitness centre, before listening to live music at the Princess Club. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' Angkor Paradise Hotel Not far from Angkor Wat, the Angkor Paradise Hotel offers elegant accommodation in a world famous setting. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished with traditional wooden floors and all mod cons. All rooms have either fabulous views of the city or the hotel's outdoor pool. The hotel also boasts a great onsite restaurant, fitness centre and pool terrace. The Angkor Paradise Hotel is situated a short distance from Siem Reap international airport and the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park. are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The ' supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/ Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement. PRICES / DATES 2019 Royal Princess Larn Luang - 17 days Located in the heart of Bangkok Old City, The Royal Princess Larn Luang hotel offers stylish accommodation along with a range of facilities and, most importantly, comfort. The spacious guest rooms are decorated with 02 Feb 09 Feb 23 Feb -5-
PRICES / DATES 2019 PRICES / DATES 2020 09 Mar 23 Mar 06 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 Apr 11 May 18 May 18 Jul 25 Jul 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 05 Sep 12 Sep 25 May 01 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul 27 Jul 03 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 07 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Sep 05 Oct 12 Oct 26 Oct 09 Nov 23 Nov 07 Dec 21 Dec 28 Dec 19 Sep 25 Sep 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 07 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec 19 Dec 26 Dec PRICES / DATES 2020 04 Jan 18 Jan 01 Feb 08 Feb 22 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 04 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 16 May 23 May 06 Jun 20 Jun 04 Jul - 17 days -6-