Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 19 days

Meet your tour guide on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel in the city center and check-in. (Hotel rooms may not be ready until 14:00 but an early check-in would be guaranteed with a surcharge.). Rest of the day is at leisure.

Optional: We introduce two one-of-a-kind traditional performances which are found nowhere else than in Vietnam. You can choose one of below options:

– Water Puppet Show where puppets are performed on water stage with folk music, presenting ancient tales, folklores and daily life in Vietnamese countryside.

– Tu Phu (Four Palaces) Show – a very unique show about ritual of spirit practiced in the Vietnamese indigenous religion with music, colors and lively dance performance. The Four Palaces Shows take place on Thursday and Saturday every week.

If you’re interested in the shows, please contact our travel consultants to book.

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• Hoan Kiem Lake

Half day Hanoi city tour (by car or by motorbike – upon client’s interest) – Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi. Depart from the hotel at 08:00 for a visit to Vietnam’s first university: the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite.

Continue with a visit to the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)

After lunch at an authentic Vietnamese Restaurant, back to hotel. Free time at leisure for rest of the day.

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• Tran Quoc Pagoda

Halong Bay is listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. You will have a night staying in this world famous bay.

After breakfast in Hanoi, depart the capital for the 3hr 30mins drive to Halong Bay. Arrive to Halong City’s jetty (around noon) and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing, on-board activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on the vessel. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Early risers can enjoy a memorable sunrise over the karst formations of Halong Bay. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter.

Enjoy breakfast (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations back towards port. Upon disembarkation, our driver will be waiting to provide transport to Hanoi for the departing flight. Take a short flight to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An, check in hotel and overnight in Hoi An.

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• Floating Fishing Village

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

Tour guide will take you on a walking of this unique town. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look much like they did over a century ago. Past low tiled buildings, you’ll take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The best way to discover Hoi An is to simply wander. Little more than a maze of a few streets, there are temples, museums and preserved houses to visit; yet with some 850 buildings heritage-protected, the best feel for the town comes from the places which are free to all.

Afternoon: Free at leisure

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• Hoi An

Enjoy a free day in the world heritage listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside?

Other optional activities include a day trip to My Son Cham (elaborate World Heritage-listed temples that reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), a cruise along the Thu Bon River and a trip to the nearby Cua Dai Beach.

Optional: We introduce some ways to explore the beauty of Hoi An. You can choose one of below options:

Option 1: Discover My Son Holly Land Half day: My Son Sanctuary – a collection of Champa ruins nestled amongst the mountains in a geological basin of the Quang Nam province.

Price from $ US50/ person

Option 2: Life as a Farmer in Cam Thanh village: Join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land. Get to know the villagers’ daily working routines, like raking the ground, sowing, watering and picking greens and many more gardening activities.

Price from $ US70/ person

Option 3: Hoi An Vespa Tour

Price from $ US80/ person

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• Cua Dai Beach Hoi An

Enjoy your free time before transferring to airport in Da Nang for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer from airport to hotel. Spend free time to relax, unwind or explore the dynamic city on your own.

Formerly known as Saigon, todays Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who traveled along the Saigon River.

Morning or afternoon departure depend on availability

Enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Sightseeing examples of French colonial architecture and exploring the Vietnam’s turbulent in past at the Museum. Our guide will show you the most interesting sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

Depart from your hotel to the Reunification Palace; this beautifully preserved palace was the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. On April 30th 1975 the American War officially came to an end here. Afterward, we visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in 1880, and the Old Post Office, which was built sometime between 1886 and 1891. It is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Our last stop would be at a local Market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs. Discover local life and culture. You’ll find some of the friendliest, liveliest, most convivial people in the city in here. Return your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time in the rest of day, perhaps take a half day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as a unique sense of what underground life was like during the American War.

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• City Hall Ho Chi Minh City

Escape the city for a tour of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll see what life is like beyond the urban centre of the south. Drive to Can Tho, experience relaxing pace of life in the Delta region. An incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta’s prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam’s total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road.

Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, still untouched by tourism. Board on a long tail boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms and exotic fruit farms. Touring the orchards, paddy fields and swamplands of the Mekong Delta, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the pages of a geography textbook.

Early wake up with a “should not be missed” floating market in Can Tho. Travel along the Mekong and the natural network of canals by motor boat and sampan under the shadows of water coconut trees. Taste seasonal fruits right from the orchard, meet friendly locals, and visit the region’s lively floating markets.

Northwest of Can Tho meanwhile, and a stone’s throw from the Cambodian border, is the ebullient town of Chau Doc, south of which Sam Mountain provides a welcome undulation in the surrounding plains. The opening of the border here has brought a steady stream of travellers going on to Phnom Penh by boat

Afternoon road transfer to Chau Doc and spend one night at this sleepy little town.

Have breakfast at hotel.Head to the boat station, take speed boat to Phnom Penh. Transfer to your hotel and have a short rest. Then visit significant landmarks of Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

07:45 Transfer to Mekong Bus station for departure to Siem Reap (7 hour drive). Your guide will be not with you on bus but he/she will meet you in Siem Reap. The bus will stop at Arunras Restaurant for restroom and where you can find your own meals or snack before continue to final destination. Upon arrival Siem Reap, meet your guide at Borei Seang Nam station and transfer to check in at hotel for refreshment.

Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage!

This afternoon, take a fun by Rermork “Tuk Tuk” ride to visit the Angkor National Museum, learn about “the Legend Revealed” and see how the Khmer Empire has been established during the golden period. Continue to Preah Ang Check – Preah Ang chom, the secret place where local people go praying for good luck or safe journey. Tonight enjoy buffet dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at Amazon or Kulen II restaurant. Relax as you prepare for your much-anticipated visit to Angkor tomorrow.

Morning, visit to jungle Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The temple of Ta Prohm was once used as a location to film the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. Begin tour to the antique capital of Angkor Thom, start from the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Afternoon, explore Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. 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. Last but not least, view a wonderful sunset from Angkor Wat or somewhere possible.

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• Tuk-tuk in Cambodia

Morning, visit to jungle Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. The temple of Ta Prohm was once used as a location to film the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider. Begin tour to the antique capital of Angkor Thom, start from the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Afternoon, explore Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. 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. Last but not least, view a wonderful sunset from Angkor Wat or somewhere possible.

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• Angkor Wat Front With Buddhist Monk 2

Free until transfer to Siem Reap International airport for flight to Bangkok. Guide and driver pick you up at the airport when arriving and transfer to hotel in Bangkok.

Start your Thailand vacation in the stunning city of Bangkok where the past sits beneath the shade of the present offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Skyscrapers tower over the cityscape creating a glistening skyline while temples rise to a lesser extent with gilded and colorful spires giving an impressive and sensitive charm to the a very different vista. Restaurants offer delectable meals with views of the expansive city, where the scent of rich chocolate fondue contains hints of coconut bringing traditional cuisine to the modern age. Vendors and tiny markets give a cultural view of the streets where the alluring aroma of crisp fried chicken and sesame oil drifts beneath the neon lights. Stepping along the streets of Bangkok gives you a stunning diversity, where modern and ancient, lavish and simple decorate the city.

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• Locals Navigate Through The Mangroves In Kampong Phluk Village

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers, is a must. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand.

Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minutes’ Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water. We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun).

Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where they have a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.

Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.

Note:

– Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Grand Palace and temple complex.

– The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays.

We will leave early morning and head westwards. Our first stop is the world-famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market. This is a place where traditional Thai lifestyles dating back many years continue to thrive today among a crowded environment filled with vendors and patrons buying, selling and trading a host of goods including fruits and vegetables. The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.

From right in the heart of Kanchanaburi, we will board the train a ride on the historic Death Railway Train (approximately 30 minutes – from Tha Ki Len to Tham Krasae), which passes through a lush forest along the original wooden viaducts. Internationally famous, thanks to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese Army and reassembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoners of war labour as part of the “Death Railway” linking Thailand with Myanmar.

We disembark at one of the local train stations along the railway.

Have lunch at restaurant near the train station.

After enjoying not a good and much-needed lunch yet also the stunning surroundings, we continue our way to the Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua (translated to ‘Tiger Temple in the Forest’) with more than 20 grown tigers and tiger cubs living within the temple grounds. Founded in 1994 as a forest monastery and sanctuary for numerous wild animals, Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, or the Tiger Temple, is a Theravada Buddhist forest temple in the Saiyoke district in Kanchanaburi (not far from the border with Myanmar, along the 323 highway). Not only does it provide a shelter and sanctuary for tigers, a variety of animals are here under the devoted care of monks. Although fees are not demanded by any Buddhist temple, the temple claims entry fee is for feeding and its general upkeep, and to fund the building of a larger tiger sanctuary which

would allow the animals to live in an almost natural environment all day long.

The journey continues to Kanchanaburi, a place with a unique and important history relating to World War II. Sites guests will visit include the Allied War Cemetery and JEATH War Museum, which is a replica of prisoner of war camp and contains many photographs, artefacts and other memorabilia. Apart from the fascinating natural geography, this region has many major attractions affiliated with World War II: The Bridge over the River Kwai, still in use today, was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war end. The JEATH Museum, an enclave constructed largely as an Allied prisoners of war camp, contains a collection of photographs. The War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6000 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway,” (also

known as Hell Fire Pass). Visitors to Kanchanaburi will be moved as they reflect on how these memorials have come to signify the harsh realties of war.

After breakfast, we check out of our resort and drive to the Hellfire Pass, a part of the Death Railway and were cut through the stone mountain during World War II. A part of the Death Railway, constructed during the Second World War and now abandoned, is located in

the thick forest near km. 66 of Sai Yok – Thong Pha Phum Road. A long passage made through the stone mountain by the Allied prisoners of war indicated the extreme difficulty in constructing the Death Railway. The enclosed impressive museum will fill in the parts and/or give a much more extensive explanation, which is not shown inside the JEATH Museum. Continue to Ayuthaya via Suphan Buri. The scenery near the Burmese border is dominated by fertile farmland and jungle-style mountain range. Travelling around the Suphan Buri province is like drifting through historical novels: Suphan Buri is an ancient town (more than 4000 years old), rich in natural and historical heritage. The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Located just 100 kilometres away from Bangkok, the town can easily be visited in one day from out of Bangkok.

Lunch included at local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, arrive in the former capital of the ancient city of Siam, Ayutthaya. The mixing of cultures in Ayuthaya began in the mid-16th century when ships from Ayuthaya plied the Asian seas, trading with neighbouring countries. When the Dutch began showing up in the 17th century, Ayuthaya became a port city and trade routes were extended to China, Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, Holland and France and up to the Scandinavian countries later. Although the ancient villages of foreign traders lining the Chao Phraya riverbanks were abandoned when the city was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, some remnants survive to showcase the cities past glory.

This morning visit to famous temples in Ayuthaya i.e. Wat Srisanpetch, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and another

of Ayuthaya most beautiful temples at Wat Chai Watthanaram. Spending a few days visiting Ayuthaya without any knowledge of its history is like going to the beach without ever taking a dip. Ayutthaya’s Historical Studies Centre is a good start with clear pictures of what Ayuthaya looked like at its peak. On almost any day of the week, students on school tours visiting the centre can be seen admiring the ruins and learning more about Thailand’s rich history. More than simply marvelling at the remarkable prosperity evident in the ruins of Ayuthaya, getting a chance to observe the lives of local people perhaps gives a clearer picture of what it was like to live in the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam at its peak. Proceed to Bang Pa In, the former summer residence of the kings of Ayuthaya built in the 18th century. This beautiful palace is some 30 kilometres south of Ayuthaya. It was built in the reign of King Rama V. The palace consists of many Royal Buildings built in contrasting architectural styles. Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian styles predominate. The most well known building is a Thai pavilion in the centre of a small lake. Many as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture regard it. The only building in the palace open to visitors is the Chinese style Wehat Chamrun Palace. Please dress respectfully by not wearing T – shirts, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Bang Pa In Summer Palace.

After this exiting visit, we head down to the riverbanks and board our booked river cruises, sailing during the afternoon downstream back to Bangkok.

An extensive lunch buffet will be served on board, where you will not only find the most famed international, yet also some traditional Thai dishes from around the country. Of course, fruit and deserts complement an excellent meal with even a better view, while sailing.

The river cruise gently sails down to Bangkok. The Pearl of Siam, a five-star pleasure yacht equipped with state of the large sea ship including damage art accessories. The hull structure is designed with top technology of the large sea ship including damage control system and life accessories. With expert captains and security men system will allow all passengers ensured of the top smooth and pleasure on board along the waterways. Touch an enchantment of our Thai and international lunch buffet. Cool down yourself by sipping variety of our cocktails from great bartender and try our exclusive wine from World’s selected vineyards. Come and touch a dreaming moment with our

superb catering along the cruise line. Where the pleasure is secured and indulged by our professional state of the art function systems.

While you are sipping your drinks enjoy the beautiful night scenery on both sides of the Chao Praya River in our open-air deck, before you know it, you’re in Bangkok. The captain will be leading the boat gently under the Pinklao Bridge and then, you will have an unique opportunity to get some great pictures of the Wat Arun – also known as the temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace & Wat Pra Kaew -The Temple of Emerald Buddha. After take pictures of The Temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace for your memory.

At around 17:00 hrs, arrival at the River City Boat pier and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. End of services