Friday, September 10, 2010
   
Text Size
image image image image
Vietnam - Cambodia connection 17 days
Highlight of Vietnam 10 days This tour starts from Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam, Catba island is your next destination, Halong bay a World Heritage of Vietnam will surprise you with its beauty...
South Vietnam - Cambodia & Thailand 15 days This amazing journey across three countries gives us a remarkable insight into one of the most vibrant and colourful regions of south-east Asia.
Halong bay - Overnight on cruise 2 & 3 days Everybody knows Halong bay is one of the world’s natural heritages but not all of them know why it is claimed a heritage. Halong is famous for its beautiful scenery...
Recommended

Treasures of Indochina 16 days / 15 nights

This trip offers it all, from the cultural diversity to the historical and narutal wonders of Indochina.

Overview :

The Treasures of Indochina encompasses the two countries that once made up French Indochine. This tour enables you to experience and understand

the diversity of the culture, people, geography and history of the three countries. Explore together, these countries create a tour rich in experience and memories.

Ltinerary :

Day 01: Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi you are met and transferred to your hotel. You meet your tour leader here who will organize a pre-trip briefing, where you meet the other members of your group, before heading out for an optional group dinner. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Vietnam has to offer. Make sure that you take a hotel business card so that you will be able to find your way back to the hotel. Please note that your Tour Leader will collect your travel insurance details at the meeting, so please bring them with you. The meeting is generally followed by an optional group meal out at one of Hanoi's fantastic eating spots.
Day 02: Hanoi
This morning we take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and paying homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. We also include lunch at the KOTO café – an amazing project aimed at providing vocational training and experience in the hospitality industry for underprivileged young people. All the staff you meet and support at this café have come from poor backgrounds. The afternoon is free for your own explorations. We recommend that you catch a taxi to visit the excellent Museum of Ethnology, situated on the outskirts of town (closed on Mondays) Tonight you have the option of attending a performance of the Hanoi water puppets. (B, L )
Day 03: Halong Bay
You can leave luggage behind at our Hanoi hotel and pack an overnight bag. It is a three-hour drive to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3000 limestone islands and rocky outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We travel to Bai Chay (Halong City West) where we board a boat for an exploration of the bay, enjoying a seafood lunch and dinner (non-seafood also available), as well as spending a night on board. We visit one cave in the area and, in the warmer months, there is a chance to enjoy a swim. Conditions may be somewhat more communal compared to staying in a hotel, however it is a wonderful experience to be spending a night on the bay - weather permitting, the views at sunset are incredible. Bedding and towels are provided. Some boats have private facilities while on others, there are common showers – sometimes the water is hot and sometimes it’s not! There may also be the chance to do some kayaking (optional and extra cost involved) on Halong Bay. Accommodation on the Halong Bay cruise is on a twin share basis, due to the small number of rooms available on the boats. If you have paid a single supplement, please note that this does not cover the cruise, however, there is the possibility that you may still get your own cabin. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Hanoi
In the morning we sail back to the port, where we disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, we have free time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s other attractions. Perhaps afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel or a stroll around the Hoan Kiem lake to mix with the locals socializing and exercising in the early evening. (B )
Day 05: Hoi An
A morning transfer to Noi Bai Airport for our flight from Hanoi to Danang. On arrival, we drive a short distance to China Beach, enjoyed as an 'R & R' spot during the Vietnam War and a popular beach destination still today. It lies against a backdrop of the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, which are actually limestone with marble outcrops, are also seen to epitomize the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The history of the mountains is a rich one. They were once used by the Chams for religious purposes, but in more recent times became a haven for the Viet Cong, with its clear view of the Danang air base - at one time the busiest airport in the world. Good footwear is essential, as the path between the rocks are sometime slippery. Late afternoon, we will transfer to Hoi An where you will have some free time to soak up the laid back ambiance of this historical town. You may like to relax by the hotel swimming pool or to browse through some of the many tailor shops that have become a more recent feature of the town. Hoi An has over 100 silk shops offering express service for tailor-made clothes at unbelievably low prices. (B )
Day 06: Hoi An
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff. A walking tour takes us to see a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. In the evening you can join an informal cooking class, where you can learn how to make some of Hoi An’s famous specialty dishes and even participate in rolling your own spring rolls. (B, D)
Day 07: Hoi An
Today there are no organized activities while we’re here in Hoi An because there’s such a broad choice of things to see and do and they are all easily discovered without difficulty. You may wish to rent a bicycle and set off to explore the surrounding countryside, take a boat trip on the river, relax on the nearby beach or enjoy the wonderful cuisine on offer at some of the town’s numerous cheap cafes. If you’d like to venture further a-field, it’s only a short trip up the road to Vietnam’s world famous ‘China Beach’ and the adjacent Marble Mountains. If you’d like to learn more about the Kingdom of Champa, the ancient ruins at My Son can be visited inside half a day. Here you can see more than 70 historic monuments spread over a large area. (B )
Day 08: Hoi An to Saigon
A morning transfer to Danang Airport for our flight to Saigon. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport on the outskirts of Saigon, we head directly to Cu Chi, the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like. This afternoon we make our way to Saigon. Your hotel is located in District 1, in the center of the city. Saigon is renowned for its nightlife, ranging from international class restaurants to surprising bars and nightclubs. (B )
Day 09: Saigon
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. This morning a short city tour takes us to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, and allows us to admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). The remainder of the day is free for some last minute shopping at some of the many and varied shops you will find throughout the city. (B )
Day 10: Saigon to Phnom Penh
This morning transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival in the Cambodian capital you can’t help but notice the change of pace. Sisowath Quay is a good place to start your explorations of the city, as it runs next to the confluence of the 3 major rivers in Cambodia, the Bassac, Tonle Sap and the Mekong. Along the riverfront, you will find many interesting cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as catching a glimpse of some of the fine Cambodian architecture including the National Museum. You may like to visit the museum in your own time if you want to learn more about the history of the country and see some of the artifacts collected from Cambodia’s rich past. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening, and a great place to observe the locals. (B )
Day 11: Phnom Penh
A full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal Palace is home to King Sihamoni and is therefore closed to the public; however, we are able to visit the Silver Pagoda which lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country and was previously spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom is the temple which gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th Century. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh; however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.) An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront. (B )
Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
This morning transfer to the airport in Phnom Penh where you will farewell your Phnom Penh tour leader before taking the short flight to Siem Reap. Please note that there is currently a US$6 departure tax which you will have to pay at the airport. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you are met by your new tour leader and transferred to our centrally located hotel. Here you may choose to enjoy a swim at the hotel pool, or to take a stroll through the quiet streets of Siem Reap town. (B)
Day 13: Siem Reap
Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world-famous temples of the ancient city of Angkor, home to the powerful Khmer Empire that held sway from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided tour. Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centerpiece of all this. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure. It is the only one of Angkor's temples with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset. Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We can end the day with a sunset view of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng. (B )
Day 14: Siem Reap
Our ticket for the Angkor ruins enables us to spend more time exploring this memorable archaeological area. It is an early morning start as we travel out to Banteay Srei, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It is not a big temple, but has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Back at the main temple complex, Preah Khan contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle. (B )
Day 15: Siem Reap to Bangkok
You have a free morning before leaving Siem Reap. If you wish to stay in town, you can relax outside one of the cafes or visit the market in town, which sells some interesting artifacts and handicrafts. Another option would be to relax by the hotel pool or enjoy a massage by one of the famous blind masseuses of Siem Reap. This afternoon we transfer to the Siem Reap airport where you farewell your Cambodian tour leader, and board your flight to Bangkok. Please note that there is currently a US$25 departure tax which you will have to pay at the airport. Your Thai Tour Leader will meet you in the arrival hall at Bangkok International Airport and transfer you to our centrally located hotel. The afternoon is free for any last minute shopping or sightseeing before heading out for a final night dinner. (B )
Day 16: Bangkok

The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available. (B )

 

Cost :

Tour cost is upon your request !
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note :

* Tour code: MULAD-12
* Included:
• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
• One night on deluxe junk on Ha Long bay
• Domestic flights and airport taxes
• Private transfers and transportation with A/C on tour
• Sightseeing and Entrance fees
• English speaking guides
• All meals list in the itinerary
• Mineral water per pax per day
* Excluded:
• All visas
• Travel insurance
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• All international flights and airport taxes
• Excess or overweight baggage
• Other personal expenses
• Tipping/gratuities for local guides
• Single room supplement

• All optional programs

Detination info :

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.

The people of Vietnam regained independence and broke away from China in AD 938 after their victory at the Battle of B?ch Ð?ng River (938). Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a Communist victory in 1975.
Emerging from this prolonged military engagement, the war-ravaged nation was politically isolated. The government’s centrally planned economic decisions hindered post-war reconstruction and its treatment of the losing side engendered more resentment than reconciliation. In 1986, it instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth had been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These efforts culminated in Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization in 2007 and its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in South East Asia with a population of over 13 million people. The kingdom's capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries.
A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as "Cambodian" or "Khmer," though the latter strictly refers to ethnic Khmers. Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country also has a substantial number of predominantly Muslim Cham, as well as ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and small animist hill tribes.
The country borders Thailand to its west and northwest, Laos to its northeast, and Vietnam to its east and southeast. In the south it faces the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong river (colloquial Khmer: Tonle Thom or "the great river") and the Tonlé Sap ("the fresh water lake"), an important source of fish.
Cambodia's main industries are garments, tourism, and construction. In 2007, foreign visitors to Angkor Wat numbered more than 4 million. In 2005, oil and natural gas deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial waters, and once commercial extraction begins in 2011, the oil revenues could profoundly affect Cambodia's economy.

Map & Photos :

 

 

 

 

 

Move
-

Featured Vietnam Travel Destinations

Top Headline
Vietnam - Cambodia connection 17 days


Read More...
Highlight of Vietnam 10 days

This tour starts from Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam, Catba island is your next destination, Halong bay a World Heritage of Vietnam will surprise you with its beauty...

Read More...
 South Vietnam - Cambodia & Thailand 15 days

This amazing journey across three countries gives us a remarkable insight into one of the most vibrant and colourful regions of south-east Asia.

Read More...
 Halong bay - Overnight on cruise 2 & 3 days

Everybody knows Halong bay is one of the world’s natural heritages but not all of them know why it is claimed a heritage. Halong is famous for its beautiful scenery...

Read More...