Vietnam and Cambodia tours 2009

“To the visitor from the west, Southeast Asia is an assault on the senses, an immersion into a way of life utterly unlike that to which we are accustomed. Some unique elements of both Viet Nam and Cambodia are included in this trip.”

Day 1 – Arrive Hanoi -Transfer to your hotel.

Your local guide will be available for optional walking tours of the city for those that are not too fatigued by the flight. Perhaps visit a Water Puppet Show at the Municipal Water Puppet Theater located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. (B,D)

Day 2 – Hanoi – Victoria Express Train - Sightseeing in
Hanoi starts with a visit to the Old Quarter. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite exploration, while its many beautiful public spaces lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. We will see the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place. Then begin exploring the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from< fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Transfer to train station - By night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai aboard the Victoria Express Train. (B)

Day 3 – Lao Cai - Sapa - Transfer to Sapa - Excursion to
Cat Cat and Ta Phin with trek Travel down a winding road to the Black Hmong village of Cat Cat, past beautiful mountain scenery. Wander through the village, visiting the traditional houses and observing the rural way of life. Afterwards, continue to the handicraft village of Ta Phin, inhabited by the Red Dzao, known for their distinctive red headscarves. (B, D)

Day 4 – Sapa - Excursion to Lao Chai and Tavan. Travel
on mountain roads to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, then past beautiful terraced fields to Tavan, a town of the Zay ethnic group. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 5 – Sapa – Lao Cai – Train - Visit the colorful
Sunday market at Bac Ha, where ethnic minorities from around the region gather to trade water buffalo, livestock and handicrafts. The people inhabiting the area are mainly Flower Hmong, but there are also Dzao, Nung, Xa Fang, Phu La, Thai and many more ethnicities as well. By night train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. (B)

Day 6 – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Transfer to Halong Bay
for Cruise aboard a traditional junk.The first day's itinerary passes Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island, Sung Sot cave, before stopping at Titov beach for a swim. Dinner is served on the boat as the sun sets. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Halong Bay - Hanoi - Continuing to cruise
around the waters of the bays, visiting Man’s Head Island, Tortise Island, and Luon Cave. Return to Hanoi. (B)

Day 8 –Hanoi - Hue - Flight from Hanoi to Hue for
sightseeing in the Old Imperial City: Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Also visit the Dien Tho Residence and the Thai Hoa Palace, among other sites. Visit Dong Ba Market : a local market near the Imperial City. (B,D)

Day 9 –Hue -Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the
Perfume River, stopping first at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower. Then to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. During the afternoon, visit a variety of other Imperial tombs in the countryside. (B)

Day 10 –Hue – Hoi An -
Journey from Hue to Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline including the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hoi An. Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese, and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot. (B,D)

Day 11 –Hoi An – Danang - Saigon - Flight from Danang
to Saigon. Saigon teems with energy. Your tour of this exciting city begins in the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street passing classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), and the old Opera House. Visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh handicrafts Market. (B,D)

Day 12 –Saigon – Today a visit to My Tho, a town in the
rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the islands of the Mekong, stopping at an orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music. (B)

Day 13 –Saigon – Siem Reap - Flight from Saigon to
Siem Reap, Cambodia. (B,D )

Day 14 –Siem Reap - Today, visit the crown jewel of
Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. It is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia, especially the extraordinary temples of Preah Khan, Banteay Srei. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. (B)

Day 15 –Siem Reap- Visit the fortified city of Angkor
Thom. Covering an area of 10 square km. and enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Cambodia's most popular sights. Bayon Temple and the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, are included (B)

Day 16 –Siem Reap - Bangkok –Sightseeing in Siem
Reap - Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Artisans d Angkor), A vocational centre trains 650 apprentices a year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades. We’ve included a visit to the McDermott Gallery. Flight, Siem Reap to Bangkok. (B,L)
Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications. http://www.indochinaguides.com

Author - Indochina Guides

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