12 Days Indochina Discovery

Today you will be driven to the south gate of Angkor Thom, the entrance to the once-glorious capital of the Khmer Empire. This massive historical site encompasses a series of eminent structures, such as the Bayon Temple, famed for the multitude of serene and vivid carvings, Elephant Terrace, a giant reviewing stand for Angkor’s King to greet his victorious army, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm Temple, a famous location in the film Tomb Raider. After the lunch break, the trip continues to the world-renowned Angkor Wat Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here you will be transferred to the Pre Rup Temple, acknowledged as one of the best spots in Angkor to catch an impressive sunset, weather permitting.

Meals included: Breakfast

Notes:

Dress Code: Revealing clothes, such as shorts and skirts above the knees and showing bare shoulders are prohibited in sacred places. Respectful dress is strongly recommended in Angkor.

Smoking: Smoking inside the temple is prohibited at all times.

Public holiday closures: The Bakan Tower (Central Tower) of Angkor Wat Temple is closed on Buddhist Sabbath Days (Buddhist religious days which occur four days each month. On these days, the tower cannot be climbed.

Commence the day with exploration of Kompong Khleang Floating Village, perhaps the most authentic of Cambodia’s floating villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. During the dry season when the lake is low, the buildings in the villages seem to soar atop their 6 meter stilts exposed by the lack of water. Villagers then move out onto the lake and build temporary stilted houses, returning in the wet season when water level rises again. Proceeding to Les Chantiers Ecoles Artisans D' Angkor, you will be able to observe a workshop that teaches the unique craft of wood and stone carving in the tradition and style of classic Cambodian artistry, before stopping at Wat Preah Prum Rath, the second oldest pagoda in Siem Reap. In the late afternoon you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, you are free to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast and a one and half hour drive, you will be presented with the challenging opportunity to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel network, which was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The below-ground network providing living and restorative capability formed an essential part of their strategy for success. Some tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate visitors.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City downtown to take a visit Ben Thanh Market where you can mix with the locals going about their daily lives while you check out the variety of goods on offer and sample some of the wares. A strong French colonial influence is evident at Notre Dame Cathedral and an amazing fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture within Saigon Central Post Office. Further remnants of French colonial architecture can be found strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment. Afterwards, gain an overview of the spirit of the people and what they have overcome from the turbulent history of Vietnam on display at the War Remnants Museum, featuring artefacts and records of hostilities against French, Japanese and American incursions. Also of significance to the country’s history is the Independence Palace commemorating the declaration of independence and rejoining of the south with the north. Enjoy your free time after back to hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

You will take to the water today, with a trip to the fertile, productive region of the Mekong River Delta to see and experience the rich, vibrant culture and picturesque landscape. Beginning with a drive to Cai Be, the day’s tour will take you on a boat ride to the colorful floating market. Meandering through the busy throng in your boat, you can see the local people trading from their vessels with travelers and other locals and perhaps buy some local produce or sample some of the dishes on offer. By afternoon, a traditional rowboat journey will take you deeper into the rich countryside, through narrow canals, to rest and experience peace among the natural surroundings. The cruise concludes mid-afternoon in the village of Vinh Long where your driver will meet you at the dock to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy your leisure morning hanging around the Ho Chi Minh City before fly to Da Nang. Early afternoon, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be met by our local guide and escorted to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in, after which your time is free to relax or explore.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, on a light excursion around the tiny town of Hoi An, you will be able to explore picturesque cultural sites such as the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quan Cong Temple), and the Old House of Tan Ky, home of a former Vietnamese merchant. A boat ride on the Hoai River in the afternoon leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where making pottery is still practiced in the traditional way and you can watch the locals at work. Pay a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum and see photographic work by Rehahn, a French photographer who shares his adventures in Vietnam. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a charming vegetable village which produces fresh leaves, vegetables and fruits for the local community. You may enjoy an opportunity a cooking class learning Hoi An culinary specialties. The evening is yours to explore charming Hoi An, taking in a highly recommended visit to the Hoi An night market.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An, before fly to Hanoi. On route, you’ll have a chance to tour Da Nang, visiting Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. On route take in the spectacular view to the ocean from Hai Van Pass. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi in the evening, you are free to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, spend some leisure time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Vietnam’s Confucius center and first university, the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (called the Hanoi Hilton by American POW soldiers), followed by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups from the rich collections of objects, photos, video tapes and cassettes. Pay a visit to a local craftsman’s house to learn how the water puppets are made and enjoy a unique water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and a highlight of any Vietnam tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Please note the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. Your guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly.

The next day and a half promises the enriching experience of a Halong Bay cruise, beginning with a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site. Around 1,600 limestone karst islands dot the bay, traditional sampans and junks sail the glittering waters, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves complete a movie-magical picture. Check-in for the cruise at midday, in time to be served a buffet lunch, before embarking on a memorable ocean adventure. Along the way a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving can add to the fun of this trip.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Continue your leisurely Halong Bay cruise today until brunch is finished (around 10:00am-10:30am). Disembark from the boat around 11:00am. Your guide and driver will meet you at the pier and return you to your hotel in Hanoi by mid-afternoon. You are then free to explore Hanoi for the remainder of the day.

Meals included: Brunch

Enjoy a free morning before you are escorted to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast