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Description | Itinerary
| Accomodations
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Lose a day en route as you cross the International Dateline to arrive in Bangkok—one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Day 3-4 — 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, enjoy a welcome reception followed by a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. The next day, 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. (2B,1L,2D) Day 5 — Bangkok and 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 — Tonle Sap, Cambodia Travel to the heart of Cambodia for a boat trip on the Tonle Sap (Great Lake). This extraordinary lake swells to seven times its original size during the monsoon season. Its ecosystem is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. The boat trip will explore the floating fishing villages situated along the edges of the lake and pass submerged forests and fishing farms. This afternoon features a visit to a local school to learn about education in Cambodia. (B,L) Day 8 — Angkor Wat and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi, Vietnam's gracious capital city. (B,L) Day 9 — 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 10 — Danang and Hoi An Following a short flight to Danang, drive the city of Hoi An, the 16- and 17-century trading port of Vietnam. Enjoy some leisure time this afternoon. (B,L,D) Day 11 — Hoi An Enjoy a cyclo (pedal cab) tour of Hoi An, where the traditional lifestyle and Chinese architecture have remained unspoiled since the 17th century. Your visit includes historic temples, pagodas, and the city's famous covered bridge. This afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming town on your own. (B,L) Day 12 — Hoi An and Hue Today's journey takes you along the coast, traveling from Hoi to the city of Hue. Travel along the Hai Van Pass, whose name means "pass of the ocean clouds," a descriptive name that refers to the peak of the mountain reaching above cloud level while its foot lies close to the sea. Explore two mausoleums of emperors from the Nguyen dynasty before arriving in the Hue later this afternoon. (B,L,D) Day 13 — Hue and Ho Chi Minh City Today 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. Later fly to Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L) Day 14 — 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 13 — Hoi An and 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 15 — Ho Chi Minh City and 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. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner. (B,L,D) Day 16 — Ho Chi Minh City and U.S. Returning home, you will cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same day you departed from Vietnam.
Bangkok, Thailand
Radisson, 3 nights Siem Reap, Cambodia Angkor Century Hotel, 3 nights Hanoi, Vietnam Melia Hotel, 2 nights Hoi An, Vietnam Life Resort, 2 nights Hue, Vietnam Saigon Morin Hotel, 1 night Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hotel Equatorial, 3 nights On some dates alternative hotels may be used.
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