|
Experience the fascinating history, enchanting
landscapes, and friendly people of Thailand, Cambodia,
and Vietnam. Discover the remains of early empires and
energy of modern day as guest experts discuss the
history, culture, and artistic treasures of this
fascinating region. In Bangkok observe the strong
Buddhist influence during visits to colorful, ornate
Buddhist temples. Explore the mystical temples of
Angkor, including a full day at Angkor Wat, one of the
most spectacular architectural achievements in the world
with beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. In
Vietnam highlights include visits to Ho Chi Minh City
with a cruise along the Mekong Delta; the imperial city
of Hue with a cruise along the Perfume River with its
gardens, pagodas, and temples; and gracious Hanoi with
its many cultural treasures and local craftsmen.
Conclude your journey with a special visit to Hong Kong,
featuring a farewell dinner atop Victoria Peak.
|
Educational Highlights in Angkor Wat & Vietnam |
Renowned for some of
the world's finest archaeological sites, Southeast Asia
offers a splendid array of ancient treasures. Expert
local historians and an archaeologist enhance your
journey with discussions that explore the history,
culture and modern-day life in this fascinating region
of the world.
- Explore the details and significance of
the exquisite Khmer and Hindu art found within the Angkor temples, the 12th
century masterpiece of Cambodia's Khmer Empire, in the company of a local
archaeologist.
- Learn about the conservation efforts in
Angkor during a specially-arranged session with a member of the World
Monument Fund.
- Enhance your visit to Viet Nam with a
discussion on the impact of foreign influence and control on current
Vietnamese political policies and economic issues.
 Day
1 & 2: Overnight Flight - Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.
Lose a day en route as you cross the International
Dateline. You arrive in one of the most fascinating
cities in the world, Bangkok.
Day 3: 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, savor traditional
Thai cuisine during your welcome dinner, followed by a
music and dance performance. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Bangkok
Today 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. An optional excursion through the
breathtaking countryside to Kanchanaburi, to the famous
site of the Bridge over the River Kwai, is offered. (B,
L, D)
Day 5: Bangkok - 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: Angkor Wat - Ho Chi Minh City, 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 Ho Chi
Minh City, formerly Saigon, the capital of South
Vietnam. (B, D)
Day 8: 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 9: Ho Chi Minh City - 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. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
This morning fly north to the imperial city of Hue,
where you will 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. (B, D)
Day 11: Hue - Hoi An
Today's journey takes you along the coast, traveling
from Hue to the city of Hoi An, the 16th- and
17th-century trading port of Vietnam. Travel along the
Hai Van Pass, whose name means "pass of the ocean
clouds," as the peak of the mountain is above cloud
level while its foot is close to the sea. Arrive in Hoi
An this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Hoi An
Enjoy a cyclo (pedal cab) tour of the city of Hoi An, an
important trading port for all of Asia from the 16th to
19th century. Your visit includes historic temples,
pagodas and its famous covered bridge. This afternoon,
explore two mausoleums of emperors from the Nguyen
Dynasty. Later, travel to Marble Mountain to admire the
serene beauty of the natural caves. (B, L)
Day 13: Hoi An - 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 14: 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 15: Hanoi - Hong Kong, China
Today is at leisure before your flight to Hong Kong. (B)
Day 16: Hong Kong
After a morning at leisure, tour Hong Kong's business
district and the fishing village of Aberdeen, where you
may take a sampan ride. Next, you are whisked by tram to
Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of Hong Kong and
its harbor. Your farewell dinner on the Peak offers
incredible views of the city. A short but unforgettable
cruise takes you back to Kowloon where you will see the
Hong Kong light show along the waterfront. (B, D)
Day 17: Hong Kong - Tour Concludes
Returning home, you will cross the International
Dateline and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same
day you depart Hong Kong. (B)
Day 17: Arrive USA
Stay a little longer... with a 1 night pre-tour stay in
San Francisco or Bangkok or a post-tour stay in Hong Kong or San
Francisco starting at $50 per person, double.
Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| May 14 2006 |
$1899 |
$2759 from LAX |
| Sep 17 2006 |
$1899 |
$2759 from LAX |
| Nov 05 2006 |
$2099 |
$2959 from LAX |
| Jan 14 2007 |
$1899 |
$2699 from LAX |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a
specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not
include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates.
Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is
listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For
tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
17 days, 34 meals
12 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 11 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 4 - Radisson, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 5, 6 - Angkor Century Hotel, Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Day 7 - 9 - New World Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Day 10 - Saigon Morin Hotel, Hue
Day 11, 12 - Life Resort Hoi An, Hoi An
Day 13, 14 - Melia Hotel, Hanoi
Day 15, 16 - Harbour Plaza, Hong Kong
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
NOTES:
- Sample air inclusive rate is
subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number
or routing.
- The internal flights on this
program are not included in the land price.
- Taxes/fees to be paid in local
currencies upon exiting Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand are
approximately $53 USD.
- Not all vendors accept credit
cards or travelers checks; therefore, it is recommended you
bring small amounts of US dollars which are widely accepted for
personal use. ATMs are not readily available.
- Tour price does not include
fees for a passport or visa, which are required. The approximate
cost for the Vietnam visa is $75 USD and you must obtain it
prior to departure. You can obtain the visa for Cambodia at the
airport upon arrival. The cost is approximately $25 USD and you
will need 2 passport photos. Your tour manager will help you
with the Cambodian visa. Certain countries require a minimum of
6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact
the appropriate consulate for details.
Back to Itinerary Page
|
