19 Days Tour
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Hanoi
From $1849 (land) or $2499 (air & land) and up
Package Includes
• Flights Los Angeles-Bangkok, Hanoi-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available.
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• All intra-flights: Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh-Da Nang & Hue-Hanoi
• 17 nights accommodations:
- 4 nights Bangkok
- 2 nights Kanchanaburi
- 1 night Ayutthaya
- 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 included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates
• 26 meals: 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners with wine or beer
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• 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
• Visit the buzzing and vividly colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Walk the Bridge over the River Kwai & explore the War Museum
• Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
• Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive remaining monuments
• Visit the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Saigon Opera house in Ho Chi Minh City
• Discover the Old City of Hoi An, one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia in the 15th century
• Explore Hue’s Imperial City and 19th century Citadel
• Sail on Halong Bay, one of the most breathtaking places on the planet
• In Hanoi, visit the Museum of Ethnology and attend the world-famous Water Puppet Show
Itinerary
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.
DAY 1 - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2- Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3 - Bangkok City Tour
This morning enjoy a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the "City of Angels". Drive through Chinatown packed with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful "Little India" with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower 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. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest and relax before tonight’s Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha),* with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, attend the optional buffet dinner and stunning performance of the "Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam". Boasting over 150 performers, this lavish production delves into Siam's history and culture
*For Dec 3rd departure, the optional Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha is not available
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Travel to Kanchanaburi, Visit Bridge over River Kwai & War Museum
Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small Sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty and beautiful rivers. Walk over the stone bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, "Bridge on the River Kwai". The bridge, several museums and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 - Full Day in Kanchanaburi
Day is at leisure to explore Kanchanaburi independently. Or, take the optional full day Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied POWs forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools; more than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Thais perished during the construction. A boat trip on the River Kwai and a ride on the Death Railway is included in the tour. Lunch en route before returning to Kanchanaburi
Optional: Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries and towers; one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - Travel to Bangkok
Start your morning with a visit to Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. If time permits, there may be a visit to a local school before traveling to Bangkok. En route stop at a gem gallery, to watch while jewelry is made and learn more about the gems used. Time on your own in Bangkok to revisit some of the city's fabulous sites, or, indulge in a last-minute shopping spree. Enjoy a night out on the town on your own
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Today, bid farewell to your Thailand Tour Manager and some of your group as you fly to the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon). Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - 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, embark on 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, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 - Flight to Da Nang, Hoi An City 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 the most important trading port 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. Take a 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 stone sculpture making and stone cutting crafts. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries and museums. Take an 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. Enjoy a panoramic view of both the daily life and the architecture of Hue with a Trishaw (Cyclo) Tour. Later arrive at a family-run restaurant within the Citadel and savor a multi-course dinner replica of the Royal Feast
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14 - Full Day in Hue
Day 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
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15 - 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 Da Nang-Hanoi. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16 - 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 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 17 - 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 18 - 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. Take a 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 Vietnam ends with many lasting memories. Savor a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager
Optional: Thay Pagoda & So Village with lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 19 - Depart Vietnam
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast