Capital : Phnom Penh
Area : 181038 sq km
Population : 13995904
Languages : khmer, French
Currency : US Dollars
Climate : Humid but rain is felt through out the year
Teperature :
Clothing : Light clothing is ideal but rain wear maybe useful all through out the year
(Fri.) Board your transpacific flight
(Sat.) Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.
(Sun.) Today’s sightseeing starts with 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. Following a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE (formerly the Presidential Palace) and the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, drive to Cholon, the Chinatown district of the city, for a visit to the huge BINH TAY MARKET and the ornate THIEN HAU PAGODA. Later, leave the city, driving 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. This evening, join your traveling companions at a special WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)
(Mon.) 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. Tonight, venture on your own to try some of the local cuisine, an interesting blend of French and Asian flavors. Your Tour Director can assist with dinner recommendations for tonight; maybe you’ll choose to dine at the famous Rex Hotel. (B,L)
(Tue.) Motor into the heart of the Anatolian Highland. After a break at Eskisehir, whose meerschaum pipes are world famous, head for GORDION. Tour the excavations of the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Phrygia, where Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot and thus opened the way to Asia. Hear about the legend of King Midas with the golden touch as you visit the ruler’s great EARTH TUMULUS. Overnight in Ankara, capital of the Turkish Republic since 1923 and the country’s second-largest city. (BB,D)
(Wed.) 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. (B)
(Thu). Drive north and visit CHINA BEACH, famous as the landing point for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. Drive 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 and welcoming city and still 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 famous local restaurant. (B,D).
(Fri). This morning’s sightseeing provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. Visit the TOMBS of the HGUYEN 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. 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. (B,D)
(Sat.) 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. (B,L)
(Sun.) Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a 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. Return to Hanoi late this evening. (B,L)
(Mon.) Today, a quick flight brings you to Siem Reap, which will act as your base during your visit to the temples at Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins found on earth! This afternoon is at your leisure. (B,D)
(Tue.) A full day of guided sightseeing at the magnificent temples of ANGKOR WAT. 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 Temples of Angkor, with their remarkable bas reliefs, towers, pools, and absolute immensity, are arguably unmatched among ancient temples anywhere in the world. (B,L)
(Wed.) Today, fly to Bangkok. This evening, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER cruise on the Chao Phraya River with sweeping views of Bangkok’s modern skyline and riverfront. (B,D)
(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)