Tour Itinerary
"A Journey through Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam"
Experience the exquisite beauty of ancient temples set in lush jungle forests, and languid rivers leading to hidden bays.
December 27, 2011 - January 14, 2012
Itinerary
A Journey through CAMBODIA, LAOS, and VIETNAM
December 27, 2011 - January 14, 2012
Dec 27, 2011
12:05 am departure via Singapore Airlines International flight #1 to Singapore. Arrival at 11:55 am Dec. 28
Dec 28, 2011 depart Singapore at 1:55 pm on Silk Air #636. Arrival Siem Reap at 5:35 pm
Day 1: Siem Reap (Dinner at local restaurant with traditional dance) Overnight in Siem Reap.
Dec 29, 2011
Day 2: We embark on late morning visit to a Khmer Village situated among the rice fields and palm trees. Boat tour of Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Afternoon optional visit to state of the art the Siem Reap museum and introduction to Angkor Wat . Overnight in Siem Reap.
Dec 30, 2011
Day 3: Angkor Tours (Breakfast at hotel)
This morning we will visit the largest complex and impressive sand stone art at Angkor Wat. The temple constructed in the 12th century covers an area of over 500 acres. We stroll around this massive structure, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and water reflecting pools. Visit incredible Ta Prohm temple set among enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers where temple walls become one with the trees giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Dec 31, 2011
Day 4: Angkor Tours (Breakfast at hotel. Group New Year’s Eve dinner)
Today we explore the magnificent ancient ruins of the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Also visit other temples: Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap
Jan 1, 2012
Jan 2, 2012
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (Breakfast at hotel)
After breakfast, board long tail boat for 5 hour journey along the Nam-Ou & Mekong Rivers passing through the beautiful Laotian countryside. We’ll stop on the way to see the fascinating Pak Ou caves, which in fact are a cave system of two interlinked caves, crammed full of Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over generations and then we’ll observe the traditional process of rice wine distillation in Ban Sanghai, before returning to Luang Prabang early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day to stroll around and enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage town. Overnight Luang Prabang.
Jan 3, 2012
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Khuang Si Waterfall (Breakfast at hotel)
Leisurely departure for Khuang Si Waterfall, approximately 30 minutes from Luang Prabang. The spectacular waterfall is set in a natural jungle setting and there will be plenty of time to relax or swim in its turquoise cool pools. Return to Luang Prabang and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Luang Prabang.
Jan 4, 2012
Day 8: Luang Prabang – Ventianne (Breakfast at hotel)
For early risers, a fantastic opportunity to take part in the daily morning ritual of Alms giving to the saffron-clad monks who walk along in single file collecting offerings, normally food. This is a unique tradition throughout Laos and the monks are fully supported by the local residents.
Late morning transfer to airport for short flight to Ventianne and afternoon city tour. Overnight in Ventianne.
Jan 5, 2012
Day 9: Ventianne - Hanoi (Breakfast at hotel)
Morning tour of Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo and morning markets. Afternoon at leisure before evening departure for Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Jan 6, 2012
Day 10: Hanoi (Breakfast at hotel)
City tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origin dates back to the foundation of Hanoi a thousand years ago. Tour continues with a trip to the remarkable Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university. After lunch, we’ll visit the always impressive Ethnology Museum dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and continue to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous Water Puppet Theatre where we’ll enjoy a fantastic performance. Overnight in Hanoi.
Jan 7, 2012
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong. (Breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner on board)
After breakfast, transfer to the internationally famous and stunningly beautiful Halong Bay. Traditional Vietnamese junk cruises through fabulous scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands, which amazingly rise from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves, some of which we’ll visit. Overnight on board in Halong Bay
Jan 8, 2012
Day 12: Halong (Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board)
Continue tour of Halong Bay. Overnight on board in Halong Bay
Jan 9, 2012
Day 13: Halong – Hanoi - Hue (Breakfast and brunch on board)
The tour continues with morning spent cruising to Man’s Head, Tortoise Islands and then Luon Cave by small bamboo boat. After brunch, check out and continue to travel though Bai Tu Long to Bai Chay for transfer back to Hanoi for flight to Hue – Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. Overnight in Hue.
Jan 10, 2012
Day 14:: Hue (Breakfast at hotel)
Full exploration of Hue starting with a boat cruise upstream on the Perfume River and a visit to the beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. Visit tranquil gardens and lakes and stop at massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins of the Vietnam history timeline. Overnight in Hue.
Jan 11, 2012
Day 15: Hue – Danang – Hoian (Breakfast at hotel)
Drive south to Hoian, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced by traders from various cultures. The scenic road hugs the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes of Lang co Beach. Stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional buildings with Chinese and Japanese influence. Visit famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and vibrant market. Walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls, which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Overnight in Hoian.
Jan 12, 2012
Day 16: Hoian – cooking class (Breakfast at hotel, lunch at cooking class)
After breakfast, visit Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. Interact with the local sellers as we purchase the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. Board boat for a leisure cruise along the Hoi An River to the Cooking School. On arrival, explore the school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we will eat exactly what you have cooked. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.
Jan 13, 2012
Day 17: Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Minh – Departure (Breakfast at hotel)
Time for leisure exploration of the beautiful beach in Hoian before afternoon hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Afternoon at leisure or optional city tour (palace, striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office, History Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda - one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam).
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Jan 14, 2012
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – Departure (Breakfast at hotel)
Singapore Air # 173 departs at 1 PM. Arrive in Singapore at 4 pm. Depart at 5:50 pm on Singapore # 2 (with stop in Hong Kong). Arrive San Francisco at 5:50 pm.
Price $4,990
Single Supplement $1,050
Your journey includes:
• International airfare and all domestic flights
• Accommodations – 4 star hotels (double occupancy)
• All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
• All entrance fees
• All land transportation costs
Does not include:
• Cost of required visas
• Optional travel insurance (suggested)
Register for the Journey through Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam
