17 Days Tour
Bangkok, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Hanoi
From $2299 (land only) / $2889 (air & land)
Package Includes
• Flights Los Angeles-Bangkok, Hanoi-Los Angeles (Other departure cities available).
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• All Intra-flights: Bangkok-Siem Reap, Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh-Da Nang & Hue-Hanoi
• 15 nights First Class accommodations: 3 nights Bangkok, 2 nights Siem Reap, 2 nights Ho Chi Minh, 2 nights Hoi An, 2 nights Hue, 1 night Halong Bay, 3 nights Hanoi
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• 24 meals: 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinnersSightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager (Day 5-17)
• Services of local guides in Bangkok & Siem Reap
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Highlights
• In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
• Stand in awe at the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Wat Temple Complex
• In Siem Reap enjoy and Ox Cart Ride and a visit to the National Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City Tour includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the magnificent Saigon Opera House
• Old City of Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tour of the Imperial City and the 19th century Citadel in Hue
• Sail on Halong Bay, one of the most breathtaking places on the planet
• Visit the Museum of Ethnology and attend the world-famous Water Puppet Show in Hanoi
Itinerary
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3, Friday - Bangkok City Tour
Orientation meeting this morning with your local host highlights the exciting journey that awaits you. Afterwards, continue on a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Begin the tour at Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace before returning to your hotel. Later join your host and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink and Dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Bangkok
Spend a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok on your own. Or, don't miss the optional morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom - together they form the most impressive sights in Bangkok. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, see glittering Bangkok at night on the optional Chao Phraya River Cruise, including an International buffet dinner and live music. See the vivid and colorful bright lights as you sail past the Royal Navy Fort, the Grand Palace and many other beautiful temples magnificently illuminated
Optional: Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Chao Phraya River Cruise with dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Siem Reap, Dinner & Apsara Show
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, savor a typical Cambodian dinner accompanied with an Apsara dance show. A traditional Khmer performance, Apsara performances portray a story or message through the dance
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Full Day Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat Tour
Today, you'll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". This sprawling city, built by Khmer Kings was once home to more than one million people at the height of the empire. On the visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom visit the Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, all adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, highlight of Angkor Thom, replete with beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and more than 172 giant smiling stone faces. On to the monuments of Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and Srah Srang before arriving at Ta Prohm, where the jungle was left untouched, as it appeared to European explorers. The highpoint of the day is the visit to stunning Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. World-famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu mythology. Stay to experience the unforgettable sunset - a view that cannot be compared to anything you have ever seen! Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - Tonle Sap Lake Boat Excursion, Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Depart Siem Reap, driving along the rolling verdant hills of the farm lands, stopping for a ride on an ox-cart, the vehicle still being used today by local farmers. Arrive at Tonle Sap Lake in the heart of Cambodia, with its rich and diverse ecosystem. Embark on a serene boat excursion - observe the local life unfolding and the floating fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Later, visit to the National Museum with its multi-media exhibits depicting the Golden Era of the Khmer Kingdom. Afterwards, flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam; transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Wednesday - Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Enjoy the morning at leisure or, join the optional half day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels. They were part of an underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong to control a large rural area near Saigon. The Cu Chi network includes 125 miles of tunnels with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, weapon factories, hospitals, shelters and other tunnels. In the afternoon, participate in a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City, which includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office with its French style architecture, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. From here, visit lively Ben Thanh Market - where an unbelievable assortment of wares and crafts are sold under one roof. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a major shopping thoroughfare in the center of the city. Early in the evening, join your Tour Manager and travel companions for a Welcome Meeting. Remainder of the evening is at leisure. Be sure to check out the diversified dining scene in this culinary rich city
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (AM)
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Thursday - Flight to Da Nang, Hoi An Walking Tour
Depart Ho Chi Minh on your flight to Da Nang, one of Vietnam's major ports, situated on the coast of the South China Sea. Travel south to the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An, where people still wear the "ao dais", Vietnam's traditional dress. The ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia in the 15th century. Its ancient past is superbly preserved in an enchanting collection of temples, pagodas, shop houses and magnificent private homes in the town's Old Quarter. Walking tour of this artistic jewel, with its century's old architecture includes the gorgeous Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the 400 year old bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge and the Ancient House. Afterwards, continue to dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Full Day in Hoi An
Spend a full day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hoi An independently. Walk through the Old City, stopping at one of the city's many museums, or see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of crafts. Of special interest are the colorful and elaborate paper lanterns created by lantern artisans for which Hoi An is well known. Or, join the optional boat trip on the Thu Bon River visiting the Organic Village, including lunch. The boat trip begins at a local pier in the Old Town. You'll cruise down streams and past many fishing areas before arriving in Kim Bong village, home of traditional woodworking and boat-building. Return to the mainland and drive to the Traque Organic Village for lunch. Here, you'll learn about the many vegetables and herbs organically grown to support the people of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese culinary lesson and tasting, return to Hoi An
Optional: Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Organic Village with Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday - Travel to Hue, Hue Imperial City Tour
This morning, travel to Da Nang, with stunning views of bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay. Drive by the Marble Mountains, an area well-known for its sophisticated handmade marble products. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries and museums. Afternoon tour of this former Imperial capital, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. Tonight, spend time at leisure to explore on your own or, join the optional Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel. Start your Cyclo tour at the French Quarter and continue via the market to the former Royal Palace. Arrive at a family-run restaurant within the Citadel and savor a multi course dinner
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Sunday - Full Day in Hue
Today is at leisure to explore Hue independently. Or, participate in the not to be missed optional boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, which explores the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. The river, with its shimmering blue color is dotted with a poetic landscape of boats, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples. The tour continues to the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda, on the north bank of the Perfume River, built in seven successive tiers. Then, a drive to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, final resting place of Vietnam's longest reigning emperor and to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Here, a vegetarian lunch will be prepared by Buddhist nuns of the Dong Thien Pagoda. Return to Hue
Optional: Perfume River Boat Trip and Lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda (AM)
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Monday - Flight to Hanoi, Sightseeing en route to Halong Bay
Depart Hue on the flight* to sparkling Hanoi, cultural center of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you'll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight
*On some departures, the flight Hue-Hanoi may be changed to depart from Danang-Hanoi. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Tuesday - Cruise Halong Bay, Travel to Hanoi
Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage sites and declared recently as one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World". There are over 3000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat on the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit to one of the caves. Afterwards, drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital and check in to your hotel. This city's history is tied to French colonialism - its architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 15, Wednesday - Hanoi City Tour & Evening Water Puppet Show
Today, visit the Museum of Ethnology, center for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Thursday - Full Day in Hanoi
Spend a full day at leisure discovering Hanoi on your own, or, take the optional tour to the stunning Thay Pagoda and So Village, including lunch, also known as the "Pagoda of the Master". Nestled against the hillside in Sai Go Village, it shares its compound with the smaller Ca pagoda. Here, you'll also see Thuy Dinh Stage, a water palace on Long Tri Pond, where the ancient form of water puppetry is performed. Continue to So Village, a well-preserved ancient village. Walking tour around the village with its traditional layout and small alleyways in-between the houses. Stop at one of the communal houses to meet villagers who earn their living from making noodles. Tonight, your journey to Southeast Asia ends with many lasting memories. Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager
Optional: Thay Pagoda & So Village with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 17, Friday - Depart Vietnam
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast