TREASURES OF ANGKOR WAT & VIETNAM ITINERARY:
Day 1-2 — Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Lose
a day en route as you cross the International Dateline to arrive
in Bangkok—one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Day 3-4 — Bangkok
A captivating city tour of Bangkok introduces you to this
land's religious beliefs. Visit two of Bangkok's famous
temples—the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Also tour
the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. This
evening, enjoy a welcome reception followed by a dinner cruise
on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. The next day, visit
Jim Thompson's house, a magnificent Thai-styled home containing
an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. The rest of
the day is yours to enjoy on your own. (2B,1L,2D)
Day 5 — Bangkok and Siem Reap, Cambodia
Take an early morning flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to
the mystical temple complex of Angkor. Enjoy a tour of the
remarkable fortified city of Angkor Thom and visit the
mysterious temple of Bayon with its astonishing smiling faces
and detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes of everyday life in
the 12th century. (B,D)
Day 6 — Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest of all monuments in Angkor, and
one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in the
world. Gain an understanding of the ancient Khmer Empire during
a full-day visit. See the grand complex of temples and examine
the spectacular bas-reliefs illustrating some of the most
beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. After dinner at your
hotel, relax or take a stroll down the lively streets of Siem
Reap. (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Tonle Sap, Cambodia
Travel to the heart of Cambodia for a boat trip on the Tonle
Sap (Great Lake). This extraordinary lake swells to seven times
its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem is
one of the richest and most diverse in the region. The boat trip
will explore the floating fishing villages situated along the
edges of the lake and pass submerged forests and fishing farms.
This afternoon features a visit to a local school to learn about
education in Cambodia. (B,L)
Day 8 — Angkor Wat and Hanoi, Vietnam
Spend the morning at Preah Khan, another of Angkor's
incredible sites. At its height in the 12th century, more than
100,000 farmers produced rice to feed over 15,000 monks,
teachers, and students. The rest of the day is at leisure to
relax before your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's gracious capital
city. (B,L)
Day 9 — Hanoi
Discover some of Hanoi's cultural treasures during visits to
the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Lake of Restored Sword, Temple of
Literature, and the One Pillar Pagoda. The afternoon allows time
for exploring the Old Quarter, considered the jewel of Hanoi
because of its ideal location around the pristine Hoan Kiem
Lake, and the labyrinth of narrow streets, each dedicated to
particular merchandise. Following dinner in a local restaurant,
enjoy a performance at the world-famous Water Puppet Theater. (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Danang and Hoi An
Following a short flight to Danang, drive the city of Hoi
An, the 16- and 17-century trading port of Vietnam. Enjoy some
leisure time this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Hoi An
Enjoy a cyclo (pedal cab) tour of Hoi An, where the traditional
lifestyle and Chinese architecture have remained unspoiled since
the 17th century. Your visit includes historic temples, pagodas,
and the city's famous covered bridge. This afternoon is at
leisure to explore this charming town on your own. (B,L)
Day 12 — Hoi An and Hue
Today's journey takes you along the coast, traveling from
Hoi to the city of Hue. Travel along the Hai Van Pass, whose
name means "pass of the ocean clouds," a descriptive name that
refers to the peak of the mountain reaching above cloud level
while its foot lies close to the sea. Explore two mausoleums of
emperors from the Nguyen dynasty before arriving in the Hue
later this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 13 — Hue and Ho Chi Minh City
Today take a cruise along the Perfume River. The views on
both sides of the river—with the citadel, gardens, pagodas and
temples, and their reflections in the water—give this
slow-moving waterway a poetic ambiance. You will also visit the
Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, the "Forbidden Purple
City," and the former Imperial Palace at this impressive site.
Later fly to Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)
Day 14 — Ho Chi Minh City
Experience the extraordinary energy and welcoming atmosphere
of Vietnam's commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, during a
guided tour of historic city landmarks. Visit the Palace of the
Jade Emperor and Cholon, the city's Chinatown, to see the
bustling Binh Tay market. Later, you may choose an optional
excursion to the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast 150-mile long
network of underground rooms and passageways used by the Viet
Cong. (B,L)
Day 13 — Hoi An and Hanoi
A morning flight brings you to Hanoi, Vietnam's gracious
capital city. Upon arrival, visit one of the city's colorful
villages where the local people produce a variety of crafts from
ceramics to porcelain. Learn how their skills have been handed
down for centuries and have sustained these villagers. Later,
enjoy a visit to a local school. (B,D)
Day 15 — Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta
Today's excursion begins with a cruise along the Mekong
Delta. View everyday life along the Delta with visits to local
villages along the fertile waters. Later return to the city and
visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring a diverse collection of
weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars. Join your
fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 16 — Ho Chi Minh City and U.S.
Returning home, you will cross the International Dateline
and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same day you departed
from Vietnam.
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