INTRIGUING INDOCHINA ITINERARY:
DAYS 1 & 2, Thursday & Friday - Depart for Bangkok, THAILAND
Depart your hometown on Thursday and arrive in Bangkok on Friday . You will be met
at the airport and taken to your deluxe hotel. The Shangri-La Hotel is set in
beautiful tropical gardens and has convenient access to the central business
and shopping districts.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest. Or, you may want to explore the
city, a delightful mixture of modern and medieval architecture with a multitude of
cultures.
In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail
and dinner party to learn about the exciting adventures aead. Shangri-La Hotel
DAY 3, Saturday - Bangkok
In the morning travel by motor launch up the Chao Phraya River. Float past the
towering Temple of Dawn and see the ornate Royal Barges.
Continue to the
Prasart Museum for an exclusive visit. Shangri-La Hotel
DAY 4, Sunday - Siem Reap, CAMBODIA
This morning fly to the market town of Siem Reap, your base for visiting the
astonishing monuments at nearby Angkor. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and
taken to your grand historic hotel.
For over 75 years, a visit to the ancient Angkor temples has been synonymous with
a stay at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Now sensitively restored, the hotel’s
renewed elegance and modernity complements the mystery and grandeur of Angkor
as never before. The resort's 60,000 square-meter
gardens provide a spectacular
frontage.
Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom, built in its present form in the 12th century
by Angkor’s greatest builder, Jayavarman VII, on the ruins of an ancient city. A
square wall encloses Angkor Thom, which may have had a million
inhabitants at
one time. The city is notable for its five monumental gates. The gates, which
are 20 meters in height, are decorated on either side of the passageway with stone
elephant heads and crowned by four gargantuan faces of the Bodhisatta
Avalokitessvara, facing the cardinal directions. In front of each gate, there stand 54
gods (to the left of the causeway) and 54 demons (to the right of the causeway).
The complex comprises a variety of important temples with the prominent Bayon
Temple at the center. The Bayon Temple is unique for its 54 towers decorated with
over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitessvara. You’ll also see the Royal Enclosure, the
Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
In the afternoon visit the most famous of all temples on the plain
of Angkor – Angkor
Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to
the
Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the
Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by
art historins to be
the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.
Angkor Wat, with its soaring towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs, is considered by
many to be one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived by
the human mind. It was built by Suryavarman II to honor Vishnu, identified as a
god-king.
Note on Angkor Complex:
A passport-sized photo must be attached to multiple day entrance passes to the
Angkor complex. We recommend to prevent delay, all visitors arriving in Siem Reap
have a passport photo ready prior to arrival. Grand Hotel D’Angkor
DAY 5, Monday - Siem Reap
Between the 9th and 13th centuries, a succession of Khmer kings who ruled from
Angkor utilized the vast wealth and huge labor force of their empire to carry out
aseries of monumental construction projects intended to glorify both
themselves and
their capital, all within the vicinity of Siem Reap.
In the afternoon tour through archeological sites, including a visit to Ta Prohm, one
of the most beautiful temples in the area. It has been left untouched, to be swallowed
by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor
appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.
Grand Hotel D’Angkor
DAY 6, Tuesday - Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh, where you will be greeted at the airport and transported to
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the premier hotel in the city. It was first established in 1929
and in its early heyday enjoyed an international clientele comprising globetrotters
and adventurers, writers and journalists, royalty and dignitaries.
In the afternoon drive past the Independence Monument, designed by Khmer
architect Van Molyvann to commemorate the end of French rule over Phnom Penh
in 1953. It is situated along the Tonle Sap River near Royal Palace. Tour the
Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town. The treasures
of the Royal Palace include a solid gold-encrusted Buddha, weighing
90 kilos
and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
See the Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace so named because its floor is
made up of 5000 silver tiles. It is one of the most exquisite structures in Cambodia
and the best place to observe the richness of Khmer art and craft cultue in
Cambodia.
End the day with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake. There
are many legends that connect the construction of this temple to a rich widow named
Grandma Penh. This is one of the earliest structures in Phnom Penh and is situated at
the highest point in the city from where you can enjoy
views over the tree-lined
avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset. Raffles Hotel Le Royal
DAY 7 Wednesday - Phnom Penh
This morning visit the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French
archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917.
The National Museum is situated near the Royal Palace and showcases the
best of
Cambodian art and architectural heritage. The museum has been recently restored
and houses more than 5000 works of art.
In the afternoon, visit Tuol Tom Pong Market, also known as the Russian Market.
Shopping in the markets of Phnom Penh will help you to feel the cultural pulse of this
age-old city. The market is a good place to purchase silk scarves, silverware, gems
and antiques.
This evening relax on a sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap River.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
DAY 8, Thursday - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), VIETNAM
Depart Phnom Penh after lunch, and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
You
will be taken to your deluxe hotel, the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel, centrally located at
Lam Son Square.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Ho Chi Minh, the heart and soul of
Vietnam. It's a bustling, vibrant and industrious center, the largest city in the
country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming
metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
Park Hyatt
DAY 9, Friday - Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse yourself in this dynamic city. In the morning, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels to
explore part of the 151-mile underground network that zigzagged from the
southern
tip of the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Cambodia to the Saigon River. Cu Chi is a must
for
anyone interested in understanding a vital aspect of guerrilla warfare fought by
the Vietnamese against both the French and the Americans. These criss-crossing
tunnels were begun in the late 1940s by local resistance fighters looking for a place
to hide their weapons from the Fench. Discover secret trapdoors, field hospitals,
command posts, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon and continue with visits to the highlights
of downtown including the former Presidetial Palace – now the Revolutionary Museum
– and its underground communications bunkers.
Wander along the former French Colonial streets, and stop for photos at Notre Dame
Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office. Visit the Thiem Hau Pagoda, honoring
the goddess of the sea and protectress of sailors and fishermen. Drive through the
Chinese district of Cholon enroute back to your hotel.
Park Hyatt
DAY 10, Saturday - Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to Mytho on the lush Mekong Delta. Mytho is the capital of Tien Giang Province.
Travel up the Mekong River by boat amid ageless scenes of rural Vietnam – farmers
cultivating crops by hand and picturesque riverside structures built on bamboo stilts.
Travel by boat to the agriculture and fishing center of Thoi Son. Visit a farmer's home
and meet the fishermen and their families. Park Hyatt
DAY 11, Sunday - Hué
Early morning, fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hué, the heart of central
Vietnam. The
landscape – with
its misty Perfume River and pagodas – has long been a source for
poetry and paintings. Always an important cultural, intellectual and historical city,
Hué remains one of Vietnam’s main attractions.
Under the last dynasty, Hué was the capital of Vietnam until 1945. It is a
relatively
small, quiet city known for its magnificent architecture of citadels, palaces, royal
tombs, pagodas and temples. These treasures were erected under the Nguyen
dynasties, all against a poetic background of greenery along the banks of the
Perfume River.
Your city tour of Hué, a former Imperial city, offers an insightful look into its
regal past
with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a 1,000-acre complex
with 66-foot-wide ramparts
and a moat. It was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, but only a few
important structures are remaining. It is currently being restored with help from
UNESCO.
Your afternoon tour includes the hills surrounding Hué, which are dotted with imperial
tombs. The Tu Duc Tomb was built in the 1860s as a pleasure garden and final resting
place for an emperor who had 104 wives and numerus courtesans, but no son
to
succeed him. Khai Dinh’s Tomb, completed in 1931, was designed with a mixture of
European and Asian architecture. La Residence Hotel
DAY 12, Monday - Da Nang
Da Nang’s colorful history is reflected in its colonial architecture. Remnants of the
French and Spanish colonists of the 17th and 18th centuries can still be seen in parts
of the city. Tree-lined avenues, tricycle (cyclo) rides and a variety of riverside cafes
and restaurants provide relaxing diversions. Da Nang is now Vietnam’s third largest
city, and is one of the
oldest centers of civilization in Vietnam. Da Nang is right at the
heart of what was once the ancient Kingdom of Champa (home of the Cham
civilization), dating from the 2nd century. Visit the Cham Museum, which boasts the
largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world.
In the morning enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, then
to the Imperial Tombs built by the Nguyen Rulers. The tombs of six rulers are in the
auspicious burial grounds and you’ll visit the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs.
After lunch, continue to Da Nang, passing through the spectacular scenery along
Highway One where the mountains seem to fall into the sea at the Hai Van Pass,
also known as the Coldes Nuages or Pass of the Ocean Clouds to Da Nang.
Two nights will be spent at this prime beach front location overlooking Da Nang’s
renowned China Beach. Your ocean-view deluxe room resembles French Colonial style
meets Asian interior design. Furama Resort
DAY 13, Tuesday - Da Nang
After breakfast drive to nearby Hoi An, an ancient port town that was designated an
UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the rare places in Vietnam to discover genuine
Vietnamese architecture.
Enjoy a cyclo riding tour through the narrow cobblestone streets. You will visit Hoian
Museum, the Phuc Kien pagoda, the 400-year old Japanese covered bridge and the
200-year old house.
Enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to witness the daily river life in the central
area. The balance of the day is at leisure. Furama Resort
DAY 14, Wednesday - Halong
This morning fly to Hanoi, and continue on by motorcoach to Halong, where the
romance of old Vietnam still lingers. In 1994, Halong was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Sail aboard a traditional Chinese-style junk through some of the 3,000 limestone
and dolomite islets, whose name translates as “Where the Dragon Descends into the
Sea.” Stop at an islet to explore the karst geology by climbing through a series of
breathtaking caves and grottos, marveling at some of the most impressive stalactite
and stalagmite formations found in the world. A wonderful seafood lunch will be
served on board. Halong Plaza Hotel
DAY 15, Thursday - Hanoi
Drive back to Hanoi this morning, with time to relax at your luxury hotel, the Sofitel
Metropole.
Located in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Sofitel boasts of a rich history and a
century-long tradition of welcoming ambassadors, writers, heads of state and
entrepreneurs.
In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet show. The Roi Nuoc, or water
puppetry, is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form especially designed for depicting
scenes from rural life and many episodes of national history. A hidden puppeteer
stands in waist deep water to skillfully maneuver dancing puppets attached to bamboo
poles, telling stories of the daily life of the people. Sofitel Metropole Hotel
DAY 16, Friday - Hanoi
Today visit beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is
closely linked to the legend of Le Loi the hero, who asked the heavens for help in
resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D.
Charming Hanoi abounds with ochre-colored colonial style buildings, tree-lined avenues
and many lakes. Visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the museum to
his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked.
See the One Pillar Pagoda or Chua Mot Cot originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar
constructed of a single large tree trunk, and the Van Mieu or Temple of Literature,
which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius.
Stop at the Fine Arts Museum with its ethnographical displays, paintings and famous
lacquer ware. Drive by the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the Hanoi
Hilton by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Return to Hanoi for the rest of the
day to relax or explore the city. Sofitel Metropole Hotel
DAY 17, Saturday - Vientiane, LAOS
We take a mid-day flight to Vientiane, Laos. From the moment you land, you’ll delight
in the legendary Lao hospitality and the country’s unspoiled beauty.
Until recently, Laos was forbidden to foreign travelers. Vientiane, capital of Laos, is
busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, but it is quiet compared
with any other capital city in Asia. Vientiane is situated on the Mekong River, which
forms the lifeline of the country.
Vientiane‘s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the
city streets. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly
painted temples and quaint French architecture.
Explore Wat Si Saket. Built in 1818, it is the city’s oldest temple and features
over
6,800 Buddha images, which are all ritually cleansed at the time of the Lao
New Year.
Hophrakeo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy, was built in 1565 and has been
used as a museum since 1970. The main structure which originally housed Prakeo,
the Emerald Buddha, now contains some of the finest Buddhist sculpture and
artifacts found in the country. Special displays included antique brass drums and
palm leaf manuscripts.
The Victory Monument (also known as Anousavary) is situated at the north end
of Lane Xang Avenue and resembles Paris Arc de Triomphe. During the day, the
monument can be climbed and makes an excellent vantage point of the city.
Also visit the most famous landmark of Vientiane, the soaring stupa Pha That
Luang (Royal Stupa), which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat,
founder of the Vientiane capital. Commemorating the life of Buddha and
representing Lao sovereignty, Pha That Luang is the model for most other
stupas throughout the country.
In the Buddhist tradition, the building of Stupas is undertaken to create symbols
of peace and harmony. Stupas can be seen all over the Buddhist world, from
India to Tibet, Nepal to Indonesia. They are tower like constructions whose
architectural features have a direct correspondence to the way the universe
is construted. The
focus of prayer and pilgrimage are considered to be the
manifestation of perfect mind and, as such,
transmit positive energy to all
those who come into contact with them. Lao Plaza Hotel
DAY 18, Sunday - Vientiane & Luang Prabang
This morning we fly to Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of Laos and perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. Luang Prabang is an enchanting and
charming destination. The ancient capital of the former Kingdom Lan Xang, it is
nestled in the mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. The
town is adorned with gilded temples on nearly every street corner and saffron
robed monks strolling through the quiet citycenter, giving it a unique charm of
bygone days and rich cultural heritage.
This UNESCO World Heritage City is a sleepy town that has preserved its long-standing
reputation as a stronghold of Lao cultures, with splendid natural scenery and
sense of timelessness. Thirty-three historic temples are interspersed with 111 historic
French colonial buildings. In this dramatic mountain setting, members of the H’mong,
Mien and Thai hill tribes are often seen on their way to market.
In the afternoon, visit Wat Visoun, the site of most impressive stupa. Its rounded
dome is stylistically more Silankalese than Lao. This Wat is a replica of an older
Wat, erected in the same place in 1513, which houses numerous religious art
treasures. Even though the replica was built in 1898, it exudes the atmosphere
of a monastery of the Middle Ages. Walk to Wat Aham, which was the residence
of the Sangkhalat (Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism). In front of the temple are
two large Banyan trees, home to the town’s most important spirit shrine. Then visit
Wat Mai Suwannaphumahang, built in 1796. This temple in the center of town has a
traditional five-tiered roof the traditional Luang Prabang style. The main attraction
is the front veranda where beautifully decorated columns and a sumptuous gold relief
on the wall recount scenes from the Ramayana stories and traditional village life.
Pansea Phuovao Hotel or Maison Souvannaphoum
DAY 19, Monday - Luang Prabang
In the morning visit Wat Xieng Thong. It represents the classic Luang Prabang
temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. The rear wall features
an impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in a red background.
Inside richly decorated wooden columns support a ceiling vested with Dharma–
wheels. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha
images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the compound’s east gate
stands an impressive 12-meter-high funeral chariot and various funeral urns for
each royal family member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts
a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana .
In the afternoon, take a pleasant two-hour boat trip upstream on the Mekong River
to visit the famous cave of Pak Ou, housing thousands of statues of Buddha. On
route visit a local village where Lao liquor (rice wine) is produced.
The holy limestone caves of Pak Ou are located on a rock cliff, rising vertically from
the waters of the Mekong River. Two of the larger caves are the most famous and
are filled with Buddha images in various styles.
Return to the city and visit the markets to shop for Pakse silk and hand-tailored
shirts, and to visit the central market and a silversmith’s workshop.
Pansea Phuovao
Hotel or Maison Souvannaphoum
DAY 20, Tuesday - Luang Prabang & Bangkok
After breakfast visit the Royal Palace Museum, the former palace of exiled King
Savang Vattana, to view the famous Pha Bang, a 100-pound solid gold Buddha.
This afternoon fly from Luang Prabang to Bangkok, where your accommodations are
again at the luxurious Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel.
Tonight, enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner party with your fellow travelers and
your travel director. Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel
DAY 21, Wednesday - Depart for Home
Today bid farewell to this amazing land as you are taken to the Bangkok airport for
your flight home or onward to another destination.
NOTE: The Daily Itinerary above is subject to change dependent upon
local conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific
times and order of inclusions within each destination may also be altered
to best accommodate unscheduled closure, special events, weather, traffic,
etc. Please contact your Vacation Planner before scheduling any coinciding
appointments. You will receive an up-dated, itinerary approximately 30 days
prior to your journey’s scheduled departure date.
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