Trip
Features
DETAILS OF THE TRIP
Day
1: Saigon Arrival
Our
tour guide will meet and greet you upon arrival at
Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon,
the city located on the right bank of the Saigon
River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi
Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port,
and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam.
It has an airport and is the focus of the country's
highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On
the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide
will overview of the city and the sightseeing
programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest
of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel
in Saigon City.
Day
2: Saigon City Tours - Cu Chi Tunnels (Meals: B)
In
the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the
hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites
and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre
Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French
built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed
to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the
Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro
government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the
building and then we will visit the War Remnants
Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating
to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time
for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi
district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The
tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of
connecting underground tunnels are part of a much
larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the
country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of
several military campaigns during the Vietnam War,
and were the National Front for the Liberation of
South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet
Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you
will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at
leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby.
Day
3: Saigon - Mekong Delta - Cai Be Market (Meals:
B/L)
Leave
your hotel at 7.30 for a 3-hour drive to Cai Be with
stop en route at Trung Luong Bonsai garden for a tea
break. Upon arrival, board a motorized boat to visit
the popcorn cake, rice paper making family before
visiting the lively floating market of Cai Be. Then
continue by boat towards Vinh Long province to see
the diverse fish traps in order to learn a kind of
lazy fishing. After cruising along small shady
canals, we step ashore and take a chance to watch a
typical and interesting music show of the Mekong
cultural life. Lunch is at the home/ bonsai garden.
Afternoon, take a walk for about half an hour to
enjoy the rural peaceful atmosphere of the
countryside life, on the way we can also stop en
route to learn more about fruit trees. Drive back to
Saigon. Overnight in Saigon City.
Day 4:
Saigon - Danang - Hoi An
At
Leisure and then you will be taken to the airport to
take 1 hour flight to Danang City, famous for China
Beach and the former R&R for US servicemen. Pick
up upon arrival and transfer to Hoi An. Visit the
fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the
Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Hoi An
Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved
example of a South-East Asian trading port dating
from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and
its street plan reflect the influences, both
indigenous and foreign, that have combined to
produce this unique heritage site. At leisure for
the rest of day and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5:
Hoi An Sightseeing
Known
as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of
South East Asia's major international ports and
today it still retains that special old-world feel.
Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see
the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge,
ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we
take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery
along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi
An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha,
carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary.
Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor
shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made
up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An
Day 6:
Hoi An
Free
at leisure for whole day to make your own
exploration to visiting the charming town of Hoi An
or relax at the resort. Overnight at hotel in Hoi
An.
Day 7:
Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi
At
Leisure until we transfer you back to the airport to
take 1 hour flight to Hanoi - the capital city
of Vietnam, is an elegant city located on the banks
of the Red River with tranquil Restored Sword Lake
at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling
streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after
the trade that used to take place there. Much of the
city was transformed by the French when it became a
French protectorate in the 1880s and there are wide
boulevards and large colonial buildings which are
now home to government departments and foreign
embassies. You will be transferred to your
hotel in the city center to refresh. Overnight at
hotel in Hanoi City.
Day 8:
Hanoi - Halong Bay
We
depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic
countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of
Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading
out of the town we embark on a boat for an
exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This
exciting five hour cruise will provide us a
fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending
with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising
amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The
limestone karsts formations are littered with
beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way
we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded
cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many
hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay
overnight on the Junk Cruise
Day 9:
Halong Bay - Hanoi
Waking
up and having breakfast served onboard. Continue
cruising around the bay. Take sampan to visit Luon
Cave and come back to the boat. Having brunch before
disembarking and van will pick you up at the pier
and transfer back to Hanoi. Visit Dong Trieu ceramic
and pottery village on the way. Arrive in Hanoi at
04:00 pm. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 10:
Hanoi - Siem Reap
Upon
arrival at Siem Reap airport, meets and transfers to
hotel. Free at your own leisure for the rest of day.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap city.
Day 11:
Siem Reap - Angkor Tours
Visit
the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century).
See the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting
the churning of the ocean of milk), Bayon Temple
(the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant
Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the
afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples
on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex
covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the
Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five
towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the
12th century masterpiece is considered by art
historians to be the prime example of classical
Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five tower
symbolize Meru's five peaks, the enclosed wall
represents the mountains at the edge of the world
and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond
Sunset from Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills
dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will
have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and
Angkor Wat. Stay overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 12:
Siem Reap - Angkor Tours
In
the morning, you will continue your temple visits.
Included are Prasat Kravan (with its unique brick
sculptures), Srah Srang ("The Royal Boths"
was once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei
(surrounded by four concentric walls), Eastern Mebon
(guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed
elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable
state of preservation) and the "Mountain
Temple" of Pre Rup. In the afternoon, transfer
to the archaeological site and continue to the
temple tour. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most
beautiful temples in the area. Ta Prohm has been
left relatively untouched since it was discovered
and retains much of its mystery, then, visit Takeo,
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda temples. Stay
overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 13:
Siem Reap - Luang Prabang
On
arrival at the airport, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang was the
royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, with
its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and
stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique
charm rarely found in all Asia. Here is plenty to
see, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun,
the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with five tiered
roofs. We include these sights in a half day guided
tour, which ends with a climb to Phousi Hill to
enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its
glowing reflection on the Mekong River. There are
329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various
temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at
the summit. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 14:
Luang Prabang Tours
Today
we continue our tour of Luang Prabang with the
temple of Wat Xieng Thong, a magnificent piece of
architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the
Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures
are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes
as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous
'tree life' mosaic pattern on an outer wall. We embark
on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River,
stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the
production of and to sample the local rice wine.
Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning
mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves.
These two linked caves are crammed with
thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of
various shapes and sizes, all brought there by
devout villagers. After the river trip we drive towards Ban
Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Day 15:
Luang Prabang - Bangkok
An
optional early start gives you the fantastic
opportunity to participate in the daily morning
rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings
of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the
faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in
Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still
preserving the ritual. From there you will visit the
morning Phousi Market, where you will see such
diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea
and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and
hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its
traditional crafts, and today you will visit local
villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay,
a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban
Thapene, all Khmu villages.
This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi
Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing
swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon,
we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known
for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute)
Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening
to admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight
in Luang Prabang
Day 16:
Bangkok Half Day Temple Tours
This
half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok will allow you
the opportunity to explore the Grand Palace complex,
which houses a number of attractions including Wat
Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and then we
will proceed to see Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat
Benchamabophit. A Wat is a Buddhist building where
both men and women can be ordained as monks or nuns.
Wat Traimit is also known as the temple of the
Golden Buddha. The 3 meter tall statue is made from
solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons and is a fine example
of Sukhothai style art. You will then pass through
Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the
reclining Buddha. At 46 meters in length and 15
meters high the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and
illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana.
Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabophit, or the
marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built
out of white Italian marble from Carrara in the late
19th century. Transfer back to hotel and stay
overnight at hotel in Bangkok.
Day 17:
Bangkok Sightseeing Tours & Dinner Cruise
Those
that love architecture and buildings or are
interested in local culture will be fascinated by
the Jim Thompson house and the Vimanmek Palace, two
of the finest Thai residences to be found in
Thailand today. The Jim Thompson House is the former
home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American
entrepreneur who returned to live in Bangkok after
the Second World War. Continue to amazing Vimanmek
Palace, the largest teakwood building in the world.
The former home of King Rama V, the palace fell into
disuse until it was restored in the 1980s and today
it is a fascinating museum reflecting the Thai
heritage from the dramatic reign of King Rama V. A
fantastic way to end your day in Bangkok, this
relaxing dinner cruise aboard one of Bangkok’s
luxurious restaurant boats will take you through the
heart the city along the Chao Phraya River past
wonderful night time views of illuminated temples
and sparkling skyscrapers. As you relax in modern
comfort and dine on a variety of local, regional and
international dishes you will pass landmarks like
the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
and the Grand Palace. Transfer back to hotel and
stay overnight at hotel in Bangkok.
Day 18:
Bangkok - Yangon
Fly
out to Burma (Myanmar) and you will be met by our
local tour guide upon arrival at Yangon International Airport
welcome by our local guide and transfer to the
Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing starts with
Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda (a huge reclining Buddha),
Karaweik Hall, a Royal floating barge on the
Royal Lake for a photo stop and late in the
afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda
described by Somerset Maugham: "The
Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its
gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of
the soul of which the mystics write,
glistening against the fog and smoke of the
thriving city." This massive bell-shaped
stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its
hill-top surroundings. Wander through this
magnificent structure and its courtyards,
stupas, bells, Temples, and Buddha images, and
see religious and secular visitors from all
parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the
symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the sunset over the
Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 19:
Yangon - Bagan
Early
morning flight to Bagan. Full day sightseeing tour
of Bagan with a diverse selection of the most
important pagodas and temples, such as Shwezigon
Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th
century as a religious shrine; the Gu Byauk Gyi
Temple, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka
scenes; the Ananda Temple, with four huge standing
Buddha images and numerous seated figures in niches
around the galleried interior and the Shwe Gu Gyi
Temple, noted for its fine stucco carvings and
panoramic views of the area’s many monuments. In
the afternoon visit Myinkaba, two km south of Bagan.
This village is well known for its lacquerware
workshops and has also a number of interesting
temples, as Nanphaya Temple, said to have once been
the residence of King Manuha and Gu Byauk Gyi
Temple, which has very nice frescoes inside.
Overnight in Bagan.
Day 20:
Bagan - Mandalay - Amarapura - Sagaing
Morning flight to Mandalay, the city of the last
Myanmar Kings. Upon arrival drive to Amarapura the
“City of Immortals” and visit the 150 year old
Mahagandayon monastery, and famous Buddhist learning
center. It is home to a thousand monks, who will
form a procession as they go to take their noon and
final meal of the day. Apart from Pagodas that have
survived, the ancient art of silk and cotton
weaving, using handlooms, is very much alive and
visit U Bein wooden bridge, over 150 years old,
which is still in use. After lunch drive over Ava
bridge to Sagaing, 21 km southwest of Mandalay and
visit the Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist
devotees with numerous Pagodas, monasteries and
nunneries. Visit the village of Sagaing, at the foot
of Sagaing Hill with markets, shops and restaurants;
one of the monasteries on the hillside; the
Tilawkaguru cave temple, with mural paintings; Umin
Thounzeh caves, containing 45 Buddha images and Soon
U Ponya Shin Pagoda built in 1312. The view of
Sagaing from here is outstanding. Late afternoon
come back to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 21: Mandalay - Mingun - Mandalay (Meals: B)
After breakfast drive to Kywezon jetty to watch the
busy riverside activity and take a local riverboat
to the ancient capital of Mingun (appr. 1 hour per
way). Visit the Settawya Pagoda, with a footprint of
the Buddha, walk to the huge Mingun Bell, see the
nearby unfinished Mingun Pagoda, built to be the
world’s biggest pagoda and visit the Hsinbyume
Pagoda, a reproduction of the mythological Mt. Meru.
Then come back to Mandalay. In the afternoon visit
the Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite
wood carvings, Atumashi Monastery, the
"Incomparable Monastery", the Kuthodaw
Pagoda, known as the world's Biggest Book for its
stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures and sunset on
Mandalay Hill, a vantage-point for panoramic view of
the city. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 22:
Heho - Nyaung Shwe - Inle Lake (Meals: B)
Morning flight to Heho in Shan State. Upon arrival
drive to Kaung Dine at the north-western shore of
Inle Lake. From here take a boat for the excursion
on Inle Lake (25 km) famous for its unique one-leg
rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of
fishing and village life and the Phaung Daw Oo
Pagoda housing five sacred and almost shapeless
Buddha images, contorted because of the quantity of
applied gold leaf, gifts from the believers. The
Buddha images are purported to have come here in the
12th Century. In the afternoon, proceed to the silk
weaving village of In Phaw Khon and visit Nga Phe
Chaung (the biggest and oldest monastery around Inle
Lake). Overnight at Inle Lake.
Day 23: Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon (Meals: B)
Morning excursion to Indein (appr. 1 hour drive) to
see the ancient Bagan + Shan style pagodas, built
during Bagan Period, passing the beautiful scenery
with tall grasses and little water steps. The ruin
pagodas, hide in the bushes will give you an
impression of you were in the 12th - 13th Centuries
ago. In the afternoon transfer to Heho airport for
the flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival transfer to
your hotel for check-in and overnight.
Day 24: Yangon Departure
Free
at leisure until we transfer you to the airport to
catch flight to Bangkok. End of service.
Download
The Trip Dossier attached by PDF
Download
Acrobat Reader
|
VIETNAM TOURS
Add to Favorites
Make Home Page
Accommodation (double/twin sharing)
