Day 01: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive Bangkok International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, walk to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. Evening at leisure Silver& Gold: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel – Deluxe Room
Day 02: Bangkok - Luang Prabang
This morning, walk from the Novotel Airport Hotel to Bangkok International Airport for your flight (not included) to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. After settling in, join your guide to visit some of Luang Prabang’s most priceless monuments on a tour around the old city. Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang which contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong., the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From here, stroll down main street ("Wat Street") and, time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Silver: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel – Garden Wing Room (B) Gold: La Residence Phou Vao - Deluxe Mountain View Room (B)
Day 03: Luang Prabang
After breakfast visit the National Museum, which was once a king's palace. Displayed inside is a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including photos, musical instruments, and many gifts received from the dignitaries of foreign countries. Take a riverboat trip on the Mekong River with your guide to visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, are home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since the 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy place. Today many still journey to the caves to pay respect in line with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat. Continue by boat to Ban Xang Hai. This small village was once a jar producing village but nowadays the community fill the jars (which come from elsewhere) with láo-láo, the local rice whisky. Return to Luang Prabang and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Silver: Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel – Garden Wing Room (B) Gold: La Residence Phou Vao - Deluxe Mountain View Room (B)
Day 04: Luang Prabang - Hanoi, Vietnam
Morning at leisure in Luang Prabang. This afternoon board a flight (not included) to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Vietnam's capital, Hanoi is described by almost all who go there as "an old-fashioned city". It is a city of lakes, parks, trees, villas and mansions. In the Old French Quarter, crumbling houses are crammed into narrow alleyways that are still named after the goods that were traded there – Silk Street, Gold Street, even Fried Fish Street! Enjoy the evening at leisure. Silver: Sofitel Plaza Hanoi – Deluxe Room (B) Gold: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake - Deluxe Room (B)
Day 05: Hanoi - Halong Bay
This morning explore Hanoi, a microcosm of Vietnamese culture. Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways and a great example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it later became Vietnam's first university. Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda and hear the legend of its construction, born from the love of an emperor in the 11th Century. This monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands next to the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Silent sentries guard the monumental marble and granite mausoleum (Closed on Mondays & Fridays and annually in October & November). Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, the simple two-room cottage where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked from 1948 until his final days. Take to the streets for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. This densely populated corner of the city was once a center of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of vendors today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise! This afternoon travel overland by private vehicle (3 hrs) to Halong City. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Silver: Halong Plaza – Deluxe Room (B) Gold: Halong Paza - Executive Suite (B)
Day 06: Halong
Halong Bay is often called Vietnam's eighth wonder of the world and once visited, it is hard to dispute that claim. 3000 spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area of outstanding natural beauty. This afternoon, board a traditional sailing junk which will be your home for the next two days. Facilities include seven air-conditioned double cabins with en suite bathrooms, a large sun deck area, and a spacious dining room serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Upon check-in, you will be greeted with champagne and served lunch. Cruise along Halong Bay, stopping to visit Thien Cung and Dau Go caves before continuing around a variety of islands including Tuan Chau, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, “Dog Island”, “Sail Island”, and stopping at Titov beach for a swim. Dinner will be served on board as the sun sets. This evening, there’s an opportunity to fish or simply enjoy drinks. Overnight on board. Silver & Gold: Bai Tho Junk - Standard Cabin (B, L, D)
Day 07: Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Enjoy breakfast on board as you cruise through the waters of Halong Bay. This morning visit “Man’s Head Island”, “Tortoise Island”, Luon Cave, Bai Tu Long bay, “Toad Island”, and Bai Tho Mountain. Lunch on board. Return to the pier just before noon and disembark. Transfer to the Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Evening at leisure. Silver: Saigon Morin Hotel – Deluxe Room (B, L) Gold: La Residence Hotel & Spa - Superior Room (B, L)
Day 08: Hue
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Hue. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Pass by the striking flag tower and through the imposing Ngo Mon Gate; the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Just inside the gate you’ll find spacious courtyards and a serene lotus pond with a bridge once reserved for the emperor’s private use. Across the bridge is the Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall used for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. The columns supporting the roof are lacquered and inlaid with gold. Board a simple yet comfortable vessel on the meandering Perfume (Huong) River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising the countryside to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions, and temples in a beautiful natural setting. Not far from the Hue Citadel sits the Dong Ba Market, another one of Hue’s must see sites. Silver: Saigon Morin Hotel – Deluxe Room (B) Gold: La Residence Hotel & Spa - Superior Room (B)
Day 09: Hue - Hoi An
Today journey overland via Cloudy Pass to Danang, and onwards to Hoi An. One of the most ancient cities in Vietnam, Danang was the center of the Cham Dynasty from the 2nd century. Danang's rich cultural history, its atmospheric riverfront promenade and its world-famous Cham Museum all continue to draw visitors. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts anywhere in the world, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. Near Danang, pay a quick visit to China Beach, immortalised for many by the US television show and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Continue to the Marble Mountains for a photo stop en-route to Hoi An. These five rocky outcrops are said to represent the five natural elements, and are the source of many intriguing legends. Just a short drive from Danang, Hoi An is an extraordinary jewel of a town. In a country so ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the completely traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Chinese, Japanese and European architecture bears witness to a cosmopolitan past and allows today's visitors a glimpse of Vietnam that no longer exists elsewhere. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Silver & Gold: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa – Superior Room (B)
Day 10: Hoi An
Learn the art of Vietnamese cooking today with a class at the Red Bridge Restaurant. Start your day with coffee at the Hai Scout Café and head over to the Hoi An market to purchase the necessary ingredients. Chat with the local vendors and experience the sights and smells of this colourful market. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride up the Perfume River to reach the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School, where together you will prepare five traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch. This afternoon enjoy sightseeing in Hoi An. This exquisitely preserved merchant town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful cobbled stone streets are best explored on foot. Wander past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colorfully painted boats are moored. Visit a private home, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries. See one of the family chapels built as a center for ancestral worship. Continue on to a typical Chinese-style communal hall on to the Japanese covered bridge. Silver & Gold: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa - Superior Room (B, L)
Day 11: Hoi An - Danang - Saigon
This morning, transfer from Hoi An to Danang airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Saigon is surely one of the most evocative place names in Asia and definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. The most Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use its official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy – all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerising chaos that is Saigon. This afternoon, tour the essential highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your tour of this exciting city in the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the old Opera House and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. This 60’s style building was famously stoned by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. Continue to the harrowing War Remmants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste Silver: Caravelle Hotel – Deluxe Room (B) Gold: Park Hyatt Saigon - Park Room (B)
Day 12: Saigon
This morning, journey out of Saigon to the Cu Chi tunnels, where you will visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the American war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering - some are easily accessed by stairs. We recommend good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise you may get a little dirty! Return to Saigon where the balance of the day is free to explore the city on your own. Silver: Caravelle Hotel –Deluxe Room (B) Gold: Park Hyatt Saigon - Park Room (B)
Day 13: Saigon - Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This morning, transfer to Saigon International airport for your flight (not included) to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Start your tour with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi. Next visit the incredible Silver Pagoda. Nearby is the National Museum, displaying the most precious statues from temples throughout Cambodia. From here explore the modern-day city visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building and the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everthing from CD’s and DVD’s to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. Silver: Inter Continental Hotel – Deluxe Room (B) Gold: Raffles Hotel Le Royal - State Room (B)
Day 14: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient city of Angkor. Upon arrival in Siem Reap you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon, begin your tour of the ancient city of Angkor. First, visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious and stunning Bayon Temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlight is the “faces”, more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Silver: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa – Superior Room (B) Gold: Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor - State Room (B)
Day 15: Siem Reap
This morning visit the “crowning jewel” of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat. The largest temple in the world, this temple is the national symbol of Cambodia. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras (celestial dancers) sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrate stories from Hindu mythology. Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. Historians have noted its mystical charm. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Visit the Chantiers Ecoles (Aritsans d Angkor) vocational center which trains 650 apprentices each year including 160 in fine arts and crafts trades united in the “Artisan d Angkor” production network. You’ll have a chance to watch the artisans work as you take a guided tour through the different workshops such as stone sculpture, woodcarving, and polychromie. Silver: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa – Superior Room (B) Gold: Raffles Grand Hotel d Angkor - State Room (B)
Day 16: Siem Reap - Bangkok - Depart
The morning is at leisure. Transfer to Siem Reap airport for the flight (not included) to Bangkok. (B)
