ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway into the Angkor temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check in. After you get settled in, spend the afternoon on a relaxing walking tour, exploring the town and visiting the Old Market.
Meals: N/A.Accommodation: Hotel in Siem ReapDay 2: Discover AngkorEnjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a “tuk-tuk” ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm. Sunrise is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are gilded gold by the early morning rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back again on a full day temple tour. Starting with the magnificent Angkor Wat - the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture, continue to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 3: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh – City TourToday we fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s modern capital. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the city center. Start by learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields and stop at Russian Market to try out your best bargaining skills. At the market, you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Get back to hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 4: Phnom Penh – Chau DocAfter breakfast, start the day with a brief tour down Sihanouk Boulevard to visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
At 12:00am, travel by speedboat down the Mekong, through Cambodia and into Vietnam. Spending the afternoon cruising down the river and enjoying views of the fluvial landscape is an unforgettable experience. Arrive in Chau Doc around 17:00. Our guide will meet you at the dock and take you to your hotel for check in. Free evening.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Chau DocDay 5: Chau Doc – Mekong Delta Tour – SaigonTravel by car, stopping along the way to explore the serene Mekong, to the riverside town of Cai Be. On our way, visit a candy factory and orchard garden, where you will have an opportunity to listen to traditional Vietnamese music. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant then set out by rowboat to explore some of the delta’s many islands. In the afternoon, continue on our drive to Saigon. Check in at the hotel then enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodations: Hotel in Saigon
Day 6: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi TunnelsWe leave Saigon and drive through South Vietnam’s countryside to Tay Ninh province to visit the magical Cao Dai Temple, home to the Buddhist fusion religion that took root in the 1920s. Join a noontime ceremony at the colorful temple then stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch continue on our journey to visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground labyrinth constructed by the Vietnamese soldiers to survive American air raids during the Vietnam War. Those bold enough have the opportunity to crawl through sections of the tunnels to understand the living conditions of the Vietnamese soldiers during the wartime. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodations: Hotel in SaigonDay 7: Saigon City Tour – HoianSaigon, Vietnam’s largest city, is a vibrant, modern metropolis, converging East and West. After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning on a guided tour of this captivating city, visiting the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. There will be an afternoon departure to Danang. Our guide will meet you at the arrival gate and take you on the short drive to the tranquil, riverside town, Hoian.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in HoianDay 8: Hoian City TourEnjoy time for relaxation as you immerse yourself in the serenity and charm of this sleepy beach town. From the 16th to 18th century Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the ancient quarter’s narrow winding streets, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky Ancestral House and the famous Japanese Bridge. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, explore and relax.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in HoianDay 9: Hoian – HueAfter checkout, drive northward to Hue over the 500 meter high, 21 kilometer long, Hai Van pass. Stop at the scenic Lang Co Beach for a drink before continuing on to Hue - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through Vietnam’s ancient capital city, visiting the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc - a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 10: Hue – Hanoi – Halong BayToday travel to North Vietnam’s magical Halong Bay. Fly to Hanoi where our guide will meet you at the airport and take you on a drive through the countryside along the Red River Delta to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong City in the late afternoon. Enjoy the afternoon to rest and relax at the hotel.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Halong BayDay 11: Halong Bay CruiseSpend a whole day and a night on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing Halong Bay, a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, we will cruise around some of Halong’s numerous islands. Visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong area. Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on the junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meal: Breakfast.Accommodations: Aboard the Junk Cruise
Day 12: Halong - HanoiAwake early and participate in Tai Chi exercises on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch then lounge around on the sun deck of the sundeck while admiring the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as we navigate back to Halong City. Our driver waits at Halong pier, for the drive back to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk in the Old quarter of Hanoi, visiting city’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet performance - a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: Hotel in HanoiDay 13: Hanoi City Tour - YangonSpend a half-day exploring Vietnam’s charming capital, with its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Our city guide will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house); the Presidential Palace; the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; if time permits, can visit one museum. In the afternoon head the Noi Bai Airport to catch your flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Our guide will meet at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodations: Hotel in YangonDay 14: Yangon – BaganVia a short domestic flight set out for Bagan, Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland and home to over 3,000 ancient temples dotted among lush farmland. Start the day by exploring some of the region’s many redbrick temples. Start with Shwe Zi Gone Pagoda, believed to enshrine a hair and tooth of Guatama Buddha then move on to the 11th century, That byin Nyu and Manuha Pagodas. Visit a lacquer ware workshops and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the legendary Irrawaddy River. (Optional balloon ride over Bagan, weather permitting).
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Bagan
Day 15: Bagan – MandalayThe day begins with a flight to Mandalay. Spend the day on a tour of the city starting with the Mahagandaryone Monastery to watch the monks partake in their afternoon meal and rice ceremony. Next visit the adjacent U Bein Wooden Bridge, continuing on to see the Mahamuni Image - a bronze Buddha statue cast during Buddha’s lifetime, tapestry works, wood carvings & bronze casting workshops, a marble carving workshop and a silk-weaving home cottage. After lunch at a local restaurant continue on your tour and visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monstery, and Kuthodaw Pagoda - known to contain the “world’s biggest book.” Finish the day with a sunset visit to Mandalay Hill, enjoying panoramic views of the brilliant green countryside as the sun trails slowly into the west.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in MandalayDay 16: Bagan – Fly to Mandalay – Sagaing – AmarapuraHead to the airport for a flight to Mandalay.
Known as the hub of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay is a realm of stupas, monks, and monasteries. The most fascinating visit will be the time watching the monks during worship time and enjoying their daily meal.
We first drive to Sagaing Hill, learn about a monk’s schooling, visit Budda Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Mandalay. OUr next visit is Amarapura - famous for Mahagandaryone Monastery, Amarapura is the best place to see how monks live in Mandalay. Walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type and capture the beautiful sunset view over the bridge.
Accommodation: Hotel in MandalayMeals: BreakfastDay 17: Mandalay – Mandalay Palace – DepartureAfter breakfast, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery: noted for its exquisite wood carvings, gold leaf beating workshop, Kuthodaw Pagoda: known to hold the world largest book, then take the tour by visiting Mandalay Hill to watch the panoramic view of the city.
In the afternoon, Our driver will transfer you to Mandalay Interntional Airport to catch your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast.Bon Voyage!Note: Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered. All hotels are rated according to local standards.All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Please contact one of our travel consultants for more information.
: Siemreap (Cambodia)
