EXPLORING VIETNAM & CAMBODIA WITH CHIANG MAI
EXTENSION 19 DAYS FROM $3,239 US
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Step back in history as you explore Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand on this amazing vacation. Discover the ancient ruins of Angkor, visit some of Vietnam’s historical treasures, behold spectacular scenery, and learn about different cultures. This is a journey like no other!
As a hub of culture, cuisine, and curiosities, Vietnam paints an exotic picture of Southeast Asian life. Vietnam has a long history and on this tour, you’ll learn more about its history and see some of the historical sights. Visit One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049, and hear about the dream that led Emperor Ly Thai Tong to build the temple. Also, visit sights from the Vietnam War, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong, and China Beach, the landing point for U.S. soldiers during the war.
A highlight of this tour is a visit to the temples at Angkor in Cambodia. These ancient temples, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, are unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. See many of the temples, including spectacular Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century and honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Words and photos simply cannot describe these amazing structures. They must be visited in person! Be prepared to be even more amazed as you watch the sunset at Angkor Wat—one of the most incredible experiences in the world!
In Thailand, visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace with the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist shrine, as well as Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep, which draws Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Also, discover great shopping and sumptuous cuisine. Perhaps sample khao soi—curry noodles—or get a Thai massage.
Sightseeing is just part of this tour. You’ll also get a chance to experience cultural performances; cruise on the Thu Bon River, Mekong River, and Ha Long Bay; shop for local goods; and savor the cuisine. So pack your camera and get ready for a trip sure to delight all your senses.
Day 1 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong Cruise Excursion
Enjoy a CRUISE on the great Mekong River. Travel south to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Board your boat and travel to an island in the middle of the delta, where you can visit a local family’s home, enjoy their hospitality, and share some tea or rice wine. This evening, join your traveling companions at a special welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi Excursion
This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that were used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a walking tour of the city’s famous and historic landmarks. The tour will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the REUNIFICATION PALACE (formerly the Presidential Palace) and the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM followed by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the city. Your Tour Director can assist with dinner recommendations for tonight; maybe you’ll choose to dine at the famous Rex Hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City–Danang–Hoi An
After a short flight to Danang, enjoy a picturesque journey by motorcoach to Hoi An. Along the way, visit CHINA BEACH, landing point for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Hoi An is Vietnam’s active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved, with architecture that reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. Hoi An is also where French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced Catholicism and Roman script to Vietnam. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 Hoi An
Today starts with a BOAT JOURNEY on the Thu Bon River. Continue with a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting an old MERCHANT HOUSE, the HOI AN MUSEUM, a CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, free time to enjoy this quaint town. (Breakfast)
Day 6 Hoi An–Danang–Hue
Stop in Danang to visit the CHAM MUSEUM, then continue north over spectacular Hai Van Pass, considered to be one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. Upon arrival, visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL and the THIEN MU PAGODA, the unofficial symbol of the city. This evening, enjoy an imperial banquet at a popular local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 Hue–Hanoi
This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the TOMBS of the NGUYEN EMPERORS: the KHAI DINH MAUSOLEUM and the ROYAL TOMB of TU DOC. Later, fly to Hanoi, the nation’s capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most engaging cities. (Breakfast)
Day 8 Hanoi
Start today with a “CYCLO” ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they have for centuries. Then, take time to look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the MAUSOLEUM and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda are the ONE PILLAR PAGODA, the HO CHI MINH MUSEUM, and the Presidential Palace. Stop at the infamous HANOI HILTON before continuing on to mystical Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will enjoy a brief guided walk. Also visit the ancient TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned WATER PUPPETS, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay
Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is dotted with over 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets that are sprinkled across the Bay. Board a CRUISE that takes you to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Ha Long Bay–Hanoi–Siem Reap, Cambodia
This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on earth! (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11 Siem Reap
This morning, start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. First, visit the best preserved and most famous of all the temples, ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Next stop is ANGKOR THOM to see the BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas reliefs. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, witness one of the world’s most amazing experiences: sunset at Angkor Wat! (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 12 Siem Reap
Today, continue your sightseeing of the Angkor temples. Unlike the other temples, TA PROHM has been left relatively untouched. Surrounded by jungle, tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls, and you will experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other temples, it is built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. This afternoon, enjoy a CRUISE on Tonle Sap (Great Lake), where you will see a floating village and get a glimpse of life on the water. This evening, enjoy a traditional APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 13 Siem Reap–Bangkok, Thailand
Today, fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, enjoy a fascinating tour of the city, including a visit to the stunning GRAND PALACE featuring WAT PHRA KEO, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Also visit the TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA. This evening, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER CRUISE on the Chao Phraya River with sweeping views of Bangkok’s modern skyline and riverfront. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 14 Bangkok
Enjoy a full day at leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 15 Bangkok–Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city. (Breakfast)
Day 16 Chiang Mai
Today’s Chiang Mai city tour includes a visit to WAT PHRA SINGH with its famous Buddha image and WAT DOI SUTHEP, a temple tucked away in the mountains at 3,464 feet above sea level. The temple is reached by climbing 290 steps. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration. (Breakfast)
Day 17 Chiang Mai
Today, visit the ELEPHANT TRAINING CAMP in the Mae-Sa Valley. Here you will learn about the methods used to train the elephants and will set out for a brief elephant trek through the jungle. On your return to Chiang Mai, stop at an ORCHID FARM to see these exotic plants up close. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 18 Chiang Mai–Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 19 Bangkok
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Ho Chi Minh City
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; Mekong Delta excursion and cruise; Cu Chi Tunnels excursion; walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; welcome dinner
Danang
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit China Beach and the Cham Museum
Hoi An
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; boat ride on the Thu Bon River; walking tour of the city; visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, and a Chinese assembly hall
Hue
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tombs of Nguyen Emperors, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and Royal Tombs of Tu Doc
Hanoi
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; water puppets performance; visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Temple of Literature; take a “cyclo” ride through the Old Quarter
Ha Long Bay
Cruise the bay
Siem Reap
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei; cruise on Tonle Sap, Apsara dance performance
Bangkok
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha; farewell dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Chiang Mai
Sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Wat Phra Singh, Wat Doi Suthep, an elephant training camp, and an orchid farm; Host service during your stay
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
American breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 8 dinners including a welcome dinner in Saigon and a farewell dinner cruise in Bangkok
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
HO CHI MINH CITY Duxton Hotel (SF), HOI AN Palm Garden Resort (SF), HUE Saigon Morin Hotel (F), HANOI Melia Hotel (F), HA LONG BAY Novotel Ha Long Bay (F), SIEM REAP Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa (F), BANGKOK Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers (MD), CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai Empress Hotel (MF), BANGKOK Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers (MD)
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Bangkok
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Rose Garden
Watch the Thais trade from their long boats and experience all facets of the Kingdom's culture.
Approximate value: USD $63 per person
River Kwai
This tour takes you to the world famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the Allied prisoners of war, including a visit to a well-kept cemetery of an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers.
Approximate value: USD $62 per person
CITY: Chiang Mai
Kantoke Dinner with Show
Enjoy a superb Kantoke Dinner while being entertained by a selection of traditional Thai culture and folk performances.
Approximate value: USD $19 per person
DEPARTURE DATES: January - March
September - December
PRICES: From approx
$3,239 US per person double occupancy
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