YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to Vietnam, Angkor Wat and Bangkok begins as you depart on your wide-body jet flight bound for Asia.
DAY 2: Arrive Bangkok (). Late evening arrival in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your upscale, conveniently located hotel. Century Park Hotel
DAY 3: Following breakfast embark on an included tour introducing you to some of Bangkok’s most outstanding Buddhist temples: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, a temple featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha” and the White Marble Temple representing the finest Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure to explore independently. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner. (B,D)
DAY 4: Bangkok/Siem Reap (). This morning, board a short flight to Cambodia. Arrive in Siem Reap, gateway to the world famous temples of Angkor Wat, among the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Built by the Khmer kings, the ancient rulers of Cambodia, the exquisitely carved temples are an architectural masterpiece. Afternoon sightseeing of the temples of Angkor, including Angkor Thom and the Southern Gate of Bayon. At sunset, visit Phnom Bakheng for spectacular view. Angkor Century Resort & Spa. (B,D)
DAY 5: A full day excursion to explore in-depth the “Angkor Conservation Complex” which include the temples of Angkor, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman who reigned in the 12th century, Ta Prohm, a temple still surrounded by thick jungle and the Bentry Srei Temple, built in the late 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. Tonight, savor a special dinner and a colorful cultural performance. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Siem Reap/Saigon (). This morning, enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake and visit the fascinating floating Village. After lunch, visit a workshop where local artists demonstrate the art of stone carving and wood ornamental sculpture. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City. Equatorial Hotel (B,L)
DAY 7: Journey outside the city to see one of the remnants of the Vietnam War, the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, which used to serve the former Communist Guerrillas. Return to Saigon and visit the major sights of this vibrant city. See the Notre Dame Cathedral, the former US Embassy, Cholon, the buzzing Chinese quarter and the lively Ben Thanh Market, where an incredible array of goods is sold. (B,L)
Day 8: Mekong Delta Excursion/Hoi An. Today’s expedition takes you to My Tho, one of the most beautiful areas of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s most fertile agricultural center. A boat trip takes you along narrow canals, passing rice fields and lush orchards, offering a unique insight into local village life. Visit local markets before returning to Saigon where you'll board a flight to Danang in central Vietnam. A short ride brings you to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most delightful and enchanting towns. Hoi An Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Hoi An. The ancient city of Hoi An retains much of its original charm and culture. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of this historic port town and show you some of the centuries old houses. You’ll also enjoy a Trishaw (Cyclo) ride and see the Japanese Bridge, gracefully curving over a tributary of the Thu Bon River. The afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. (B)
DAY 10: Danang/Hue. As you depart Hoi An this morning, visit China Beach, the renowned war-time R&R resort and see the Marble Mountains, consisting of five stone jagged crests that represent the elements of nature. In Danang explore the Cham Museum, housing an exquisite collection of sandstone carvings and sculptures. Later, journey through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery as you traverse the Hai Van Pass and enjoy pristine coastline views en route to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Pilgrimage Village Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Hue. Today, visit the Citadel in Hue's old city, the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and the Forbidden Purple City, home to the Royal Family before 1945. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River and stop to visit the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, the most famous monument in Hue. A stop is also made at the colorful Dong Ba market with its wide array of local foods and products. (B,L)
DAY 12: Hue/Hanoi/Halong. This morning fly to Hanoi and journey by road through the lush countryside to Halong, a vast mysterious bay with majestic scenery. Free time this afternoon to relax at your hotel's pool and admire the precious views of the bay. Halong Plaza Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Halong Bay Excursion/Hanoi. Halong Bay is widely considered as Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attraction. It comprises over three thousand small jagged limestone islands rising out of the South China Sea. These dramatic formations are the backdrop of your exciting 4-hour boat trip, stopping to visit several island caves. You’ll also enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Later, drive back to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and arrive at your deluxe hotel. Sofitel Plaza Hotel. (B,L)
DAY 14: Hanoi’s rich history is closely tied to French colonialism as well as the Chinese era, both evident in the city’s architecture, cuisine and culture. On today’s sightseeing tour, explore the highlights of this fascinating city. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic old quarter. You’ll also visit the infamous former prison nick-named “Hanoi Hilton”. This evening savor a thrilling performance of the unique Water Puppets! (B,L)
DAY 15: Enjoy a final day to explore Hanoi at your pace. You may stroll through the bustling local markets; shop for unique souvenirs, discover the fascinating Ethnographic Museum and sample delicious local food. This evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your late night flight. (B,D)
DAY 16: Hanoi/Seoul/USA. An overnight flight to Seoul, Korea where you’ll connect for your flight back home. Your exciting journey comes to an end as you touch down in the USA later today.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via scheduled Korean Air wide-body jet (New York departure add $100)
- Airline fuel surcharge
- All intra-Asia flights and ground transportation
- Accommodations at deluxe and first class hotels with private bath
- 29 meals: 13 full American breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L) and
7 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees
- English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED* |
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DEPART |
RETURN |
RESERVE |
RESERVE AFTER JUL 31 |
2008 |
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Oct 13 |
Oct 28 |
$ 2699 |
$ 3099 |
Oct 20 |
Nov 4 |
$ 2699 |
$ 3099 |
Nov 3 |
Nov 18 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Nov 10 |
Nov 25 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Nov 17 |
Dec 2 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Nov 24 |
Dec 9 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Dec 15 |
Dec 30 |
$ 2999 |
$ 3399 |
Dec 26 |
Jan10'09 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Dec 29 |
Jan13'09 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
2009 |
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Jan 12 |
Jan 27 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Jan 19 |
Feb 3 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Jan 26 |
Feb 10 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Feb 2 |
Feb 17 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Feb 9 |
Feb 24 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Feb 16 |
Mar 3 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Mar 2 |
Mar 17 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Mar 9 |
Mar 24 |
$ 2799 |
$ 3199 |
Apr 6 |
Apr 21 |
$ 2699 |
$ 3099 |
Mai Chau Hill Tribes Extension: Add $499 per person double occupancy/ $699 single. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement is $599. Add $100 if departing from New York (JFK) *Departure and airport taxes and fees ($185) and Vietnam & Cambodia visa fees are not included. |
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Extend your stay in Vietnam by adding a visit to Mai Chau, an exotic and picturesque region, located 4-hours drive from Hanoi and populated with unique and colorful minority tribes. Here you’ll be able to absorb the stunning landscape and observe the unique culture, traditions and way of life of the fascinating local hill tribes.
YOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY:
DAY 15: Hanoi. Free day in Hanoi followed by a festive dinner. Overnight in Hanoi. (B,D)
Day 16: Hanoi/Mai Chau. Embark on a journey by road to rural Hoa Binh province. After lunch proceed to the Mai Chau Valley, a lush green landscape dotted with villages inhabited by minority hill tribes. They live in houses built on stilts and topped with palm leaf roofs. Arrive at your comfortable lodge overlooking the breathtaking landscape and enjoy dinner followed by a colorful cultural performance by the minority tribes. Mai Chau Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 17: Today explore the area and visit the thriving local market. You’ll also be invited to a home of a local family dressed in their traditional costumes. You’ll learn about the local culture and traditions. Some time to relax at the lodge or take a walk this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 18: This morning visit nearby minority tribe villages and enjoy free time for shopping for unique souvenirs. This afternoon drive back to Hanoi where you’ll savor a farewell dinner. Following dinner transfer to the airport for your late night flight back home. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Hanoi/Seoul/USA. Your exotic journey ends upon arrival back to the USA today.
YOUR EXTENSION INCLUDES:
- One additional overnight in Hanoi
- Transportation between Hanoi and Mai Chau
- Two nights accommodations at the brand new Mai Chai Lodge with private bath
- 9 meals: 3 full buffet breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) and 3 dinners (D)
- Cultural performance
- Sightseeing tours as specified in itinerary
- Experienced English speaking local guide
Add: $499 per person
($699 single).
