15 days Hanoi to Siem Reap Discover the spectacular sights, delectable cuisine and rich history of Vietnam and Cambodia, on an unforgettable journey from Hanoi and the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, to Siem Reap and the magnificent temples of Angkor. Visiting enchanting Hoi An, imperial Hue, Saigon and the Mekong en route. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Halong Bay - UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets Hue - ancient citadel, Imperial Purple City, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery Hoi An - UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches Saigon - Pearl of the Orient!. Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - a maze of waterways, fertile farm land and floating villages - 15 days Cai Be waterways, cottage industries, mansion home and Dong Hoa Hiep Island Can Tho - lively market town in the Mekong Delta and nearby Cai Rang floating market Cu Chi Tunnels - HQ of the Viet Cong Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields Siem Reap - Angkor National Museum and the temples of Angkor including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple and Banteay Srei Angkor Wat! Tonle Sap Lake and the floating villages of Kampong Phluk The Phare NGO circus project What's Included 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinner 12 nights 4 star and special class hotels 1 night deluxe junk boat, 1 overnight sleeper train (train standard basic, 4 berth cabin. Junk boat, private cabin) Economy class flights from Danang - Saigon and Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor 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 15 All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides Visa approval letter for Vietnam (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival) What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$40-50, paid in USD Entrance Fees: USD$145-155, paid in USD International flights and visas. Vietnam visa letter included - stamping fee required upon arrival Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture ITINERARY Day 1 : Hanoi Saturday. Welcome to Hanoi! Airport to hotel arrival transfer. Free time to explore. Overnight - Hanoi -1-
Day 2 : Junk boat cruising 36 streets of the old quarter, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street from silk tailors to silversmiths. Travelling by cyclo (rickshaw), the quintessential mode of transport in Hanoi, we'll see traditional narrow-front tube houses with the chance to sample some of the local delicacies sold on street stalls from ripe fruits to steaming noodle dishes. Hanoi Halong Bay. Take a moment to picture in your mind some two thousand rugged karst islands dappled with lush vegetation seeming to float on top of pristine emerald coloured waters and you have the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. This morning a scenic drive will take us to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will enjoy a junk boat cruise. Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the Reunification Express railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B) Based on traditional designs, these wonderful vessels combine oriental style with modern luxury. Soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck as the boat gently plies its course, this afternoon we will visit the spectacular Tien Ong Cave which was recently opened to the public in 2010, with its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous 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 our arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we'll explore the maze of streets known as the - 15 days Day 4 : Imperial Hue Upon arrival to Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin. After we drive into the countryside to see the elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen kings. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River or enjoy some retail therapy at the ever lively Dong Ba Market, a minute's walk from our hotel. Overnight - Hue (B, L) Day 5 : Road of the Ocean Clouds Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other, to Hoi An. En route we stop for a walk along My Khe beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline which was nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war and famously featured in Francis Ford Coppola s movie Apocalypse Now.Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast to Hoi An. Compact Hoi An with its cobbled streets, tiny shop houses and laid back restaurants and bars is a perfect place to relax a while. On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight - Hoi An (B) Days 6-7 : Tra Que village & free time On a bicycle ride to the local village of Tra Que we discover age old farming practises and learn about traditional medicine. It s a hands on experience today where we ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. -2-
Day 7 is free for you to independently explore Hoi An. Relax by the beach or pool, or take a day trip to the Cham Kingdom site at My Son or My Lai - where the massacre of civilians took place at the hands of Charlie Company during the Vietnam War. Overnight - Hoi An (B:2, L:1) Day 8 : Cruising the Mekong Day 10 : Chu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh Saigon - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B, D) Day 11 : Royal Palace, Crimes of Pol Pot Hoi An - Saigon. Fly to Saigon and drive to the Mekong Delta. The fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we ll cruise downstream from Cai Be through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho (B, L) Day 9 : Mekong & Saigon Day 12 : Siem Reap & Angkor Wat Today we ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh starting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design housing the world s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds. We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber Phnom Penh Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - a fascinating archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14thcentury. This afternoon we explore incredible and iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and bestpreserved of all the temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Believed to be the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. Spend the evening at leisure. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre which is easily navigated on foot. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 13 : Angkor Thom & NGO circus project under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B) Can Tho - Saigon. Early this morning we visit the lively Cai Rang floating market and drive to Saigon. On a walking tour of the city we ll visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Saigon (B) - 15 days Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Later we drive out to see the well-preserved temples -3-
of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary and the a village of Preak Dak along the way. At Preak Dak we'll have the opportunity to plant mango or jack fruit saplings as part of our tree planting initiative, operated in conjunction with this community. Arriving at Banteay Srei we'll see some of the finest stone carvings in the world, dedicated to Shiva. The temples contains lavishly decorated libraries and stunning reliefs of divinities. This afternoon we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom which was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire and is home to the fascinating Bayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. The last temple we visit is Tra Prohm, swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls of the temple whilst the trees foliage dapples it in shade. This evening you're guaranteed to be entertained watching the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. The Phare NGO circus project trains street kids to become very talented circus artists and the popular show blends circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) the central market or head down to lively Pub Street. Overnight - Siem Reap (B, L) Day 15 : Free time Siem Reap Saturday. Today marks the end of our memorable journey. Spend the morning at leisure before hotel check out and your departure transfer to the airport.(b) 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. The Ann Hotel In the centre of Hanoi sits the contemporary and sophisticated The Ann hotel. Guest rooms are spacious and well appointed with delightful en suite facilities including bath and shower. The hotel boasts both a bar and restaurant. The swanky A lounge offers a wonderful selection of beverages and diners can enjoy the Onyx house for delicious local and international dishes on A la carte or buffet style. Our top tip is to head to the roof top pool for a refreshing dip and wonderful views across the city. Day 14 : Ton Le Sap Lake 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. 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 dinner! 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. Bhaya Classic Junk Boat This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt house built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap lake about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. We'll see houses built on soaring stilts which hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. After a boat trip on the lake and lunch, we return to Siem Reap where the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps pick up some last minute souvenirs at - 15 days 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 ondeck, masseur and small library. This boat departs from the port of Halong City and plies its route through the karst peaks of Halong Bay during their journey and overnight stay on the water. Iris Hotel This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant. The accommodation is just -4-
a few kilometres from the Cai Rang floating market. Muong Thanh Centre Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, treelined 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 features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. 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. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' 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' Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel Just 5 minutes from the Royal Palace, the Harmony Hotel in Phnom Penh is an elegant hotel with a great location. The spacious rooms feature plush furnishings with a smart decor of dark wood flooring and white walls with accents of colour. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi with views across the river and the city, a perfect spot to relax after a busy day sightseeing. Guests can dine on a choice of Asian and Western dishes at the hotel's restaurant and enjoy a wide selection of beverages. Angkor Paradise Hotel - 15 days 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 2018 25 Aug 01 Sep 08 Sep 15 Sep 18 Sep 22 Sep 29 Sep 06 Oct 13 Oct 27 Oct 10 Nov 24 Nov PRICES / DATES 2018 08 Dec 22 Dec 29 Dec PRICES / DATES 2019 05 Jan 19 Jan 02 Feb 09 Feb 23 Feb 09 Mar 23 Mar 06 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 Apr 11 May 18 May 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 -5-